Udhayanidhi Stalin, Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu and a DMK MLA, is set to be released on station bail after police questioning in a case stemming from alleged remarks about actor Trisha. All reports say he was arrested earlier and taken from his Chennai residence for questioning by Thanjavur police. The arrests followed an FIR registered over his alleged double-meaning and derogatory comments, after a speech at a protest meeting related to the Cauvery water dispute.
During proceedings at the Madras High Court, the Tamil Nadu government, through the Advocate General, tells the court it does not intend to seek judicial remand or keep him in custody. The court records this assurance and orders police to release him on station bail after completing the inquiry, while also directing him to cooperate with the investigation when required.
Several outlets describe the political backlash around the arrest, including protests and sharp exchanges between parties. Police questioning is reported to last around 90 minutes at a police station. Udhayanidhi Stalin denies making derogatory remarks and says his statements were distorted.
