DMK youth wing leader and Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, was arrested by police on Tuesday following a complaint alleging that he made misogynistic and objectionable remarks during a public meeting in Thanjavur. Based on the complaint filed by a ruling TVK functionary, the Thanjavur East Police registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to promoting enmity, provoking a breach of peace, insulting the modesty of a woman, criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation, and obscene remarks. Additional charges were also filed under the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Harassment of Women Act and the Information Technology Act.

Police arrived at Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Chennai residence on Tuesday morning to execute the arrest, leading to tense scenes outside his home. Senior DMK leaders, including Duraimurugan, K.N. Nehru, P.K. Sekarbabu, and other party members, gathered in support of the leader. His family members and party representatives argued that the Madras High Court had agreed to urgently hear his anticipatory bail plea and had reportedly advised against coercive action until the matter was heard. However, police officials stated that they had not received any formal court order preventing the arrest and proceeded with their action.

As Udhayanidhi Stalin was escorted to a police vehicle, hundreds of DMK supporters attempted to block the convoy by staging a road protest outside his residence. Police used mild force to disperse the protesters before transporting him to Thanjavur for further legal proceedings. The arrest has triggered a fresh political confrontation in Tamil Nadu, with the DMK accusing the ruling government of targeting opposition leaders, while the investigation into the controversial speech and the charges against Udhayanidhi Stalin continues.