Former DMK minister Anitha Radhakrishnan was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay. The arrest was carried out by the Cyber Crime Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police based on a complaint filed by the ruling party's IT wing secretary.
Details of the Arrest
Radhakrishnan, who served as a minister in the previous DMK government, was taken into custody from her residence in Chennai. She was booked under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 500 (defamation) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), as well as provisions of the Information Technology Act.
The complaint alleged that Radhakrishnan made derogatory comments about the chief minister during a television interview last week. The remarks were deemed to have tarnished the reputation of CM Vijay, who took office in 2021.
Political Reactions
The arrest has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties. The AIADMK condemned the move, calling it a misuse of state machinery to silence dissent. DMK spokesperson T.S. Sridhar said the party respects the legal process and that the law will take its course.
Radhakrishnan's family members claimed she was innocent and that the arrest was politically motivated. Her lawyer stated that they would seek bail at the earliest opportunity.
Background of the Case
This is not the first time Radhakrishnan has faced legal action. In 2023, she was involved in a controversy over alleged remarks against a senior party leader. The current case stems from her criticism of the government's handling of the recent floods in Tamil Nadu.
The Cyber Crime Wing has seized her mobile phone and other digital devices for forensic analysis. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are not ruled out.
