Udhayanidhi Stalin held over alleged remarks on Trisha, walks free on bail within hours
Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was taken into police custody on Tuesday in connection with a case over his alleged remarks linked to actress Trisha Krishnan. He was, however, released on bail within hours following directions from the Madras High Court.
The controversy stems from a farmers’ protest meeting organised by the DMK in Thanjavur over the Cauvery water-sharing issue. During the event, some members of the audience were heard shouting actress Trisha Krishnan’s name. A video of Udhayanidhi responding with a smile, saying, “I said it was about Cauvery water,” went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism and political backlash.
The Vijay-led Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) strongly condemned the alleged remarks and lodged complaints with the Thanjavur police and the National Commission for Women. Party leaders accused Udhayanidhi of making comments that allegedly undermined the dignity of women and demanded action against him.
Following the complaint, Thanjavur police took Udhayanidhi into custody. Before his arrest, he told reporters that he had not mentioned anyone’s name other than the Chief Minister’s and maintained that the allegations against him were unfounded.
Police have registered a case against Udhayanidhi under multiple sections, including those related to the use of obscene language, insulting the modesty of a woman, promoting enmity, provoking public disorder and criminal intimidation. Reports also said provisions of the Tamil Nadu law relating to offences against women have been invoked.
Hearing the matter, the Madras High Court directed the police to release Udhayanidhi, following which he was granted bail within a few hours of his arrest.a
