EX-DMK Minister Anitha R. Radhakrishnan arrested over alleged defamatory remarks against CM Vijay

Mangalore Today News Network

Tuticorin, July 3, 2026: Former DMK Minister and Tiruchendur MLA Anitha R. Radhakrishnan was arrested on Friday after the Madras High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in connection with an alleged defamatory speech against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

According to police, Radhakrishnan was taken into custody while visiting Authoor, about 23 km from Tuticorin. He was escorted by police personnel to a waiting police vehicle as his supporters gathered at the spot and raised slogans condemning the arrest.

The case stems from remarks allegedly made by Radhakrishnan against the Chief Minister during a public event on June 20. Following a complaint lodged by the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), police registered cases against him under Sections 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 353(2) (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

While dismissing Radhakrishnan’s anticipatory bail plea, Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan orally observed that, as a member of the Legislative Assembly, he should not have made such statements.

Reacting strongly to the arrest, DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin questioned the urgency of the police action, alleging that the government had failed to act on other serious complaints, including one involving an alleged gang rape case linked to an MLA.

In a post on X, Stalin accused the government of targeting opposition leaders instead of addressing law and order issues. He also argued that if arrests were made for defamatory speeches, several ministers would face similar action.

DMK MP Kanimozhi also condemned the arrest, calling it an "oppressive tactic" and asserting that the party would not be intimidated by such actions.