DMK Legislator Arrested Over Alleged Threats Against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
G.V. Markandeyan, a legislator from the DMK party, was arrested for allegedly making threatening comments about Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister during a public event. His arrest has led to protests from supporters, who claim the ruling party is misusing police power against opposition leaders. This incident follows a pattern of recent arrests of DMK members for similar allegations. The political climate in Tamil Nadu is tense as the opposition calls for Markandeyan's immediate release, accusing the government of suppressing dissent. Read on for more details about this unfolding political drama.
Jul 20, 2026, 13:04 IST
Arrest of DMK Legislator G.V. Markandeyan
On Monday, G.V. Markandeyan, a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), was taken into custody. He faces allegations of making derogatory and threatening remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a recent public gathering. The police apprehended Markandeyan at his residence in Thoothukudi district. Following his arrest, supporters staged protests and chanted slogans against the police action. He was later formally arrested. This incident stems from a complaint filed by an official of the ruling party, Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). The complainant claims that during a speech on July 18 in Kovilpatti, Markandeyan made inappropriate and threatening comments about the Chief Minister.
Related News: DMK's Major Stance on the Delimitation Bill
The police have registered an FIR against Markandeyan under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 351(3) (serious criminal threats), 352 (deliberate insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace), and 353(2) (statements promoting enmity, hatred, or ill-will between groups). A video of the arrest has gone viral on social media, showing Markandeyan telling the police that he cannot be arrested without the approval of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker, as he is an incumbent legislator. The police officers are seen persuading him to accompany them to the station, while supporters gathered outside his home to protest.
DMK MP Kanimozhi strongly criticized the arrest, accusing the ruling TVK government of misusing the police to target opposition leaders. In a post on X, she condemned the brutal manner in which the MLA from Vilathikulam was arrested, asserting that the TVK government, unable to face criticism, is continuously using police force against DMK members. She called for Markandeyan's immediate release.
Recent Arrests of DMK Legislators
Markandeyan is the second DMK legislator to be arrested in recent weeks due to comments made about Chief Minister Vijay. On July 3, former Tamil Nadu minister and MLA Anita R. Radhakrishnan was also arrested for allegedly making derogatory remarks against the Chief Minister.