Udhayanidhi freed after arrest in Trisha remarks case, alleges 'terrorist-like' treatment by police

CHENNAI: DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested by the Tamil Nadu Police on Tuesday in connection with a case over alleged derogatory remarks about actor Trisha. He was taken from his residence in Chennai to Sengipatti Police Station in Thanjavur district, around 341 kilometres away, and later released on station bail.

Police arrested Udhayanidhi at around 10.45 a.m. and transported him by road to Sengipatti Police Station, where he arrived around 7 p.m. After about an hour of questioning, he was released on station bail. By the time he reached the police station, DMK workers had gathered in large numbers on roads leading to the station. After his release, Udhayanidhi greeted supporters from an open vehicle.

The case stems from remarks Udhayanidhi allegedly made while addressing a DMK protest meeting in Thanjavur on Monday against the Tamil Nadu government's handling of the Cauvery river water issue. A complaint accused him of making defamatory and derogatory remarks linking actor Trisha with Chief Minister Vijay. Based on the complaint, the Thanjavur East Police registered a case.

Udhayanidhi had returned to his Neelankarai residence on Monday night after the Thanjavur event. Anticipating arrest, he reportedly moved for anticipatory bail on Tuesday morning. However, police reached his residence before the plea could provide relief.

DMK workers present at the residence surrounded the police vehicle, and officers had difficulty escorting Udhayanidhi into the van. Supporters also attempted to block the police vehicle at several points during the journey to Thanjavur. More than 100 people were detained during the protests.

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court, through Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, directed around noon that Udhayanidhi be released on station bail. The Tamil Nadu government informed the court that he would be released after his arrest was formally recorded. Advocate General P.S. Vijay Narayan also told the court that there was no need to remand Udhayanidhi to judicial custody.

'Police Treated Me Like a Terrorist': Udhayanidhi

Speaking to reporters after his release, Udhayanidhi alleged that the Tamil Nadu government and police had treated him "like a terrorist."

He said that although the government's counsel had informed the court that there was no intention to arrest him, around 3,000 police personnel were deployed and he was transported by road from Chennai to Thanjavur under the pretext of questioning.

"Instead of taking me directly to Thanjavur, they first brought me to Sengipatti Police Station, questioned me for hours and then released me on station bail," he said.

Describing the police action as "a comedy," Udhayanidhi maintained that his speech had been only about the Cauvery river issue and alleged that he had been arrested over statements he never made. He also accused the ruling TVK government of "living in reels" and said he would pursue legal action against the arrest.

Calling the case politically motivated, Udhayanidhi denied the allegations against him. He said he had not insulted women or spoken with any improper intent.

"I have a wife, a daughter and a sister. All women in Tamil Nadu are like my mothers and sisters. I will not be intimidated by this false case," he said.

He also expressed disappointment with criticism from some political leaders, saying they had condemned his remarks without listening to his full speech.

After his release from Sengipatti Police Station, Udhayanidhi was received by a large gathering of DMK supporters who welcomed him with loud cheers.