Ex-DMK minister Anitha Radhakrishnan arrested over 'defamatory' remarks against CM Joseph Vijay; Stalin terms move 'oppressive'

TUTICORIN: Former DMK minister 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 chief minister C Joseph Vijay, news agency PTI reported.As per the PTI report, Radhakrishnan was arrested while visiting Authoor, about 23km from Tuticorin. He was escorted by police personnel to a waiting police vehicle.His supporters gathered at the spot and raised slogans condemning the police action.Reacting to the arrest, DMK president M K Stalin questioned the urgency behind the move, alleging that Radhakrishnan was only conducting an inspection in his constituency.

He also claimed that the ruling TVK had not acted on a complaint filed by a woman over an alleged gang rape involving an MLA."Why the urgency. Is this the change this government which is unable to prevent the murders, robberies and sexual crimes against women, and engrossed in admitting members from other parties, want to ensure," the former chief minister asked on 'X'.Stalin further said that if arrests were made in defamation cases, many ministers would also have to face action for their speeches.

"The chief minister thinks he can retain his seat through horse-trading and without doing any good to the people who voted for him and pass the time by arresting the opposition party members who criticise him. Arrogance is the path to destruction," Stalin said.DMK MP Kanimozhi also condemned the arrest, saying on 'X' that the party would not yield to such "oppressive tactics."Radhakrishnan, the MLA representing the Tiruchendur assembly constituency, had allegedly made derogatory remarks against the chief minister on June 20, following which the TVK lodged a complaint with the police.Police registered cases against the legislator under Section 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and Section 353(2) (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Dismissing his anticipatory bail plea, Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan orally remarked that, as a member of the Legislative Assembly, Radhakrishnan should not have made such statements.(With PTI inputs)