DMK MLA from Vilathikulam, Markandeyan, was arrested on Monday morning on the complaint filed by the ruling TVK, citing that the MLA made threatening remarks against Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. He was taken to the Thoothukudi SP office.
Local reports hint that the police arrived at Markandeyan's house early morning. Though his supporters had gathered around his house to protest the arrest, the police managed to arrest him.
He has been charged under three sections, including intimidation, breach of peace, and inciting hatred.
The incident leading to his arrest happened last week. During a meeting at Kovilpatty held on the occasion of former Chief Minister and DMK leader Karunanidhi’s birthday, Markandeyan said: “Not only Tamil Nadu, but the entire India is also yet to see a vile Chief Minister like Vijay. He criticised the former Chief Minister when he made the “Where is your father” jab at Udayanidhi. I have never heard such a speech anywhere. Does Vijay think we are clowns? We are watching. If we are locked inside, we will break his bones."
Following this, TVK Thoothukudi North District Secretary Balasubramanian filed a complaint with the Thoothukudi District Crime Branch Police. A case was registered against Markandeyan under three sections of the IPC: BNS 351(3) (aggravated criminal intimidation), BNS 352 (intentional insult with intent to cause breach of peace), and BNS 353(2) (spreading false information likely to promote enmity between communities).
He is the second MLA to be arrested, after Anitha Radhakrishnan, for passing disparaging comments against Chief DMK MP Kanimozhi had condemned the arrest of DMK MLA Markandeyan.
DMK MP Kanimozhi had said that the actions of the TVK government are strongly condemnable and that it will be taught a lesson through democratic means.
Meanwhile, an argument arose at the SP office following Markandeyan’s arrest after he alleged that his lawyer was not allowed to meet him. A four-tier security is in place in front of the SP office after DMK workers gathered there.
