DMK MLA Anitha R. Radhakrishnan was arrested after the Madras High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea
July 3, 2026: Tamil Nadu Police on Friday arrested DMK MLA Anitha R. Radhakrishnan after the Madras High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail plea in a case related to his remarks against Chief Minister and TVK president C. Joseph Vijay. The case stems from a speech delivered on June 20 during a function marking the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in Athur near Tiruchendur. The arrest has intensified the political confrontation between the ruling TVK and the opposition DMK.
According to police, the case was registered over comments made by Radhakrishnan during his speech, in which he criticised Chief Minister Vijay’s conduct in the Assembly while referring to an exchange involving DMK MLA S. Austin. Following the High Court’s refusal to grant anticipatory bail, police arrested the seven-time legislator while he was inspecting the Athur Town Panchayat office. Reports said Radhakrishnan had planned to appear before police voluntarily before being taken into custody.
The arrest drew sharp criticism from the DMK. Party president M.K. Stalin questioned the government’s priorities, alleging selective action against opposition leaders, while DMK MP Kanimozhi condemned the arrest as “strongly condemnable.” She claimed the legislator was detained while inspecting development works in his constituency and accused the state government of adopting oppressive measures against political opponents.