Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition and DMK youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin was on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) arrested by police following a complaint registered by a ruling TVK functionary accusing him of making misogynist remarks at a public meeting in Thanjavur a day earlier.

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.

Tension prevailed outside Mr. Udhayanidhi’s residence in Neelangarai in Chennai after a police team from East Thanjavur, assisted by the Greater Chennai Police, arrived there on Tuesday (August 4) morning to execute the arrest.

A large number of DMK cadres gathered at the residence and engaged in heated arguments with the police. Senior DMK leader Ma. Subramanian and Mr. Udhayanidhi’s wife, Krithika Udhayanidhi, were also seen arguing with police personnel.

Meanwhile, a petition challenging the arrest and seeking legal relief on Mr. Udhayanidhi’s behalf has been filed before the Madras High Court. The matter is scheduled to be heard later in the afternoon. He is likely to be taken to Thanjavur.

Published - August 04, 2026 11:18 am IST