The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)’s MLA, GV Markandayan, was arrested on Monday after a complaint alleged that he made defamatory and threatening remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay during a recent public meeting.
Markandayan, a three-time MLA, was taken into custody by police from his residence in Thoothukudi district, triggering protests by his supporters, who raised slogans against the police action. He was later formally arrested.
The case stems from a complaint filed by a functionary of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), who alleged that the legislator made derogatory and threatening comments against the Chief Minister while addressing a public gathering in Kovilpatti on July 18.
Police registered an FIR against Markandayan under Sections 351(3) (aggravated criminal intimidation), 352 (intentional insult intended to provoke a breach of peace), and 353(2) (statements or false information promoting enmity, hatred or ill will among groups) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A video of the arrest, which has circulated widely on social media, shows Markandayan telling police that he could not be arrested without the permission of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker because he is a sitting MLA. Police officers were seen persuading him to accompany them to the police station as supporters gathered outside his residence in protest.
The DMK MP Kanimozhi strongly criticised the arrest, alleging that the ruling TVK government was misusing the police to target opposition leaders.
In a post on X, she said, “The act of the TVK government, which has arrested Mr. @mlavilathikulam, the MLA of Vilathikulam, in a barbaric manner, is strongly condemnable. Unable to face criticisms, the TVK government, which continues to sic the police on DMK members to suppress them, will be taught a fitting lesson through democratic means. Markandeyan must be released immediately”.
Markandeyan is the second DMK legislator to be arrested in recent weeks over remarks targeting Chief Minister Vijay. On July 3, former Tamil Nadu minister and Tiruchendur MLA Anita R Radhakrishnan was also arrested in connection with an alleged defamatory speech against the Chief Minister.
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