DMK MLA G.V. Markandayan Remanded to Judicial Custody Over CM Remarks

DMK MLA Remanded to Judicial Custody

Following his arrest, the MLA was transported to the office of the Superintendent of Police in Tuticorin for approximately 11 hours of interrogation. After undergoing a medical examination at the Tuticorin Government Medical College Hospital, he was presented before Judicial Magistrate Sumathi at the Tuticorin JM Court 1.

Nature of the Alleged Threats

The controversy stems from a DMK public meeting held on the night of July 18 at the Krishnan Kovil Grounds in Kovilpatti. During the event, which was chaired by MLA I. Karunanidhi, Markandayan addressed party members and criticized the Chief Minister regarding his recent comments about a search for father, which were interpreted as indirect criticism of DMK president M.K. Stalin.

According to ndtv.com, Markandayan allegedly stated, “In the Assembly, the Chief Minister says he is searching for the father. Shameless Chief Minister. We will take care of you in the Assembly. He says he will lock the doors of the Assembly. If he locks them, his bones will be crushed. Let him lock the Assembly and see.” Reports from thestatesman.com indicate that the MLA further claimed that DMK legislators would break your bones and send you back.

Legal Proceedings and Government Response

The Tuticorin District Crime Branch-I registered a case against Markandayan under sections 351(3), 352, and 353(2) of the BNS. The investigation was initiated following complaints filed with the Tuticorin District Crime Branch police by the TVK North District Secretary, Balasubramanian, and a lawyer named Viji at the SP office and Pudur police station.

During the court proceedings, government advocate Kannan represented the state, while advocates Alexander and Babu Selvan represented the MLA.

Tamil Nadu Law Minister R. Nirmalkumar justified the arrest, stating that issuing death threats to a Chief Minister constitutes a law and order issue. Addressing journalists in Chennai, the Minister remarked, If an MLA goes to the extent of issuing a death threat to the Chief Minister, it is definitely a law and order issue. He further alleged that the police acted in accordance with regulations, noting that if such remarks were left unaddressed, they could lead to public scuffles, as reported by thehindu.com.

Public and Political Reaction

The arrest prompted visible unrest in the region. Supporters of the DMK gathered outside the legislator’s residence to protest the police action, raising slogans and attempting to obstruct the police vehicle transporting the MLA. Officers eventually dispersed the crowd to clear the area.

This incident follows an earlier arrest this month involving Tiruchendur DMK MLA Anitha Radhakrishnan, who was also taken into custody in connection with remarks made against the Chief Minister before being released on bail the same day.