Leader of Opposition and DMK youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, who was arrested and brought to Thanjavur on a complaint alleging he made misogynistic remarks seemingly directed at a film actor, was released on Station Bail on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) night after being subjected to questioning at the Sengipatti Police Station.

Earlier, amidst high drama and tension, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin was brought to Thanjavur by road, after being arrested in Chennai. He was questioned for over an hour at the Sengipatti Police Station in connection with the case booked against him on charges of making offensive remarks against a actor during the DMK’s demonstration on the Cauvery issue in Thanjavur on Monday (August 3, 2026).

Udhayanidhi Stalin arrest: Follow LIVE updates on August 4, 2026

Originally Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin was expected to be brought to Thanjavur town for being questioned at the Thanjavur East Police Station or Thanjavur South Police Station. However, he was taken to the Sengipatti Police Station, situated about 25 km ahead of Thanjavur on the Tiruchi and Thanjavur national highway. The change in plan was apparently due to the tense situation prevailing near Thanjavur South Police station where a large number of vociferous DMK cadre had assembled raising slogans condemning the TVK government for arresting their leader.

As soon as news spread of the change of plan of the police, DMK cadre gathered in strength in front of the Sengipatti Police Station too. They were kept at bay outside the station by a strong posse of police personnel. Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin, who remained in the van for some time got down and waved with smile to the restive cadre before going inside the police station at around 6.45 p.m.

Senior police officers including V. Balakrishnan, Inspector General of Police, Central Zone, soon arrived at the station before Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin went in for questioning.

Mr. Udhayanidhi walked out of the station at around 8.15 p.m. to a boisterous welcome from the assembled cadres. He waved to the crowd standing through the car’s sunroof and accepted their greetings.

The Thanjavur East Police had booked a case against Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin based on a complaint registered by a ruling TVK functionary accusing him of making misogynist remarks at the protest demonstration. The complaints against him include allegations that he made indecent, double entendre remarks seemingly directed at an actor during his speech. Based on the complaint, the Thanjavur East Police had filed a case against the DMK leader under Sections 196, 192, 352, 79, 296(b), 61 & 351(2) BNS, 4 of the TNPHW Act and 67 of the IT Act.

Published - August 04, 2026 08:54 pm IST