Udhayanidhi Stalin arrested, questioned, released: What happened in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Assembly Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was released after being questioned for around 90 minutes at the Sengipatti Police Station in Thanjavur district.

He was taken into custody from his Chennai residence earlier on Tuesday and brought to Thanjavur in connection with an FIR registered over his remarks at a public meeting.

The Madras High Court had directed police to release him after completing the inquiry and asked him to cooperate with the investigation whenever required.

Case linked to alleged remarks about actor

The case relates to remarks allegedly made by Udhayanidhi during a Cauvery protest meeting in Thanjavur.

During the speech, sections of the crowd reportedly raised actor Trisha’s name, after which Udhayanidhi allegedly made a double-meaning comment. A women’s wing of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) filed a complaint, alleging that the remarks were offensive towards the actor and women.

Police registered a case under multiple sections, including provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act and the Information Technology Act.

The charges include allegations of using obscene words, insulting the modesty of a woman, promoting enmity, provoking riots and criminal intimidation.

Udhayanidhi denies allegations

Before being taken for questioning, Udhayanidhi denied targeting any individual and said the matter would be decided through legal proceedings.

He later alleged that edited clips of his speech were circulated to create a misleading narrative.

The DMK maintained that his comments were misrepresented and claimed they were related to government policies rather than any individual.

DMK workers gather outside police station

As Udhayanidhi arrived at the Sengipatti Police Station, a large number of DMK workers gathered outside and raised slogans in his support.

Senior DMK leaders, including former ministers K N Nehru, E V Velu and M R K Panneerselvam, reached the police station during the inquiry.

After his release, Udhayanidhi waved to supporters before leaving the premises.

Stalin attacks government over arrest

DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin criticised the arrest, accusing the TVK government of using police action for political reasons.

He alleged that the arrest was aimed at preventing Udhayanidhi from attending the Assembly budget session.

The DMK also demanded the release of party workers detained during protests following the arrest.

Opposition questions remarks and arrest timing

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised Udhayanidhi’s alleged remarks, calling them unacceptable.

However, he also questioned the timing of the arrest, suggesting that political motives could be involved because it came ahead of the Assembly session. Congress MP Jothimani also criticised the remarks, saying women should not be brought into political disputes.

The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) criticised Udhayanidhi over the alleged comments.

TVK leaders accused him of insulting women and filed complaints seeking action and an apology. The party has maintained that the remarks were inappropriate and require legal scrutiny.

The controversy has intensified political tensions between the DMK and TVK, with the issue becoming a major point of debate ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly session.

While the DMK has called the action politically motivated, opponents have demanded accountability over the alleged remarks. The police investigation and legal proceedings will determine the next steps in the case.