Former Tamil Nadu minister and senior DMK leader Anitha R Radhakrishnan was taken into police custody on Friday after the Madras High Court refused to grant him anticipatory bail in a defamation case linked to his alleged remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The arrest quickly sparked political protests, with the DMK accusing the state government of using law enforcement to target opposition leaders.
High Court Clears Way For Arrest
The Madras High Court dismissed Radhakrishnan’s anticipatory bail petition, allowing the police to proceed with legal action. While rejecting the plea, the court reportedly observed that Tamil Nadu has witnessed several leaders from the film industry entering politics since 1967 and questioned the nature of the speech allegedly delivered by the former minister.
The case stems from a public meeting held in Athoor in Thoothukudi district on June 20, where Radhakrishnan allegedly made defamatory remarks against Chief Minister Joseph Vijay. Police subsequently registered a case accusing him of defamation and promoting hostility through his speech.
Arrest During Inspection Visit
According to officials, Radhakrishnan had visited Athoor Town Panchayat to inspect ongoing development projects in the Tiruchendur Assembly constituency. After reviewing civic works and visiting the newly constructed panchayat office, police intercepted him as he was leaving the premises.
He was escorted from his vehicle and taken to the Superintendent of Police’s office for further questioning in connection with the investigation.
DMK Workers Stage Protest
The arrest triggered immediate protests by DMK supporters, who gathered near the spot and raised slogans against the police action. Demonstrators briefly blocked traffic, alleging that the government was attempting to silence the opposition through politically motivated cases. Additional police personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control.
Kanimozhi Calls Arrest ‘Oppressive’
Reacting strongly to the development, DMK MP Kanimozhi condemned the arrest and accused the government of misusing state machinery against opposition leaders.
“The arrest of Thiru. @ARROffice, former Minister and DMK Secretary of Thoothukudi South District, by the police of the tyrannical government is strongly condemnable. The opposition MLA, while engaged in inspection work in his constituency, has been arrested in an utterly anarchic manner by this tyrannical government. The DMK will never bow down to such oppressive tactics,” she said.
Political And Legal Battle Continues
The arrest has intensified the political confrontation between the ruling establishment and the DMK. With legal proceedings now underway and the opposition alleging political vendetta, the case is expected to remain under close scrutiny in the coming days as the investigation progresses.
