Chennai: DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested on Tuesday over alleged offensive remarks targeting actor Trisha, as the controversy escalated with protests and legal action by the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court agreed to hear an anticipatory bail plea filed by the Leader of Opposition later in the day after police registered a case in connection with the remarks.

The TVK intensified its protest against Udhayanidhi Stalin by filing complaints with both the local police and the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Tuesday.

A complaint was lodged at the Thanjavur East Police Station by S Bairavi, the TVK Central District Women's Wing Organiser for Thanjavur. Following the complaint, speculation grew that the Leader of Opposition could face arrest.

Tamil Nadu Police also deployed a large number of personnel outside the residence where Udhayanidhi was staying in Thanjavur.

The controversy stems from remarks allegedly made by Udhayanidhi during a DMK protest near the Panagal Building in Thanjavur on Monday. The demonstration was organised over the Cauvery water issue and demands for stronger action to protect Tamil Nadu's rights.

According to the complaint, when members of the crowd raised slogans of "Trisha, Trisha" during Udhayanidhi's speech, he allegedly responded with an obscene and double-meaning remark.

The complainant alleged that Udhayanidhi and DMK IT wing members intentionally degraded women, causing mental distress to the actor and women in general. The complaint also accused them of circulating a 2:39-minute video of the incident on social media platform X with the intention of creating public unrest.

Separately, TVK national spokesperson Pazha Selvakumar filed a complaint with the NCW in New Delhi. The party has urged the commission to issue a notice seeking an explanation from Udhayanidhi and demand an unconditional public apology.

Following the alleged remarks, TVK leaders, including ministers N Anand and Aadhav Arjuna, along with party MLAs, criticised the DMK on X.

Calling the incident "absolutely disgusting", they alleged that it reflected the "mindset, political culture, and declining standards of the Arivalayam clan".

The DMK had initially organised the Thanjavur protest to demand firm action on issues related to Tamil Nadu's rights over Cauvery water.