Chennai, Aug. 4:
Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was released on station bail on Tuesday after nearly eight hours in police custody, following questioning in connection with a case registered over his remarks at a recent public meeting in Thanjavur.
His release came after the Madras High Court directed the police to complete the inquiry on Tuesday itself and release him without seeking judicial remand. During the hearing, the State government informed the court that it had no intention of arresting or remanding the DMK leader and would grant him station bail after questioning.
Udhayanidhi was interrogated for around one-and-a-half hours at the Sengipatti Police Station in Thanjavur district in the presence of Superintendent of Police Sundaravathanam. Police had originally planned to question him at the Thanjavur South Police Station but shifted the venue to Sengipatti after large numbers of DMK cadres assembled outside the former station.
The DMK leader initially objected to the change of venue and reportedly refused to alight from the police vehicle, insisting that the inquiry be conducted at the police station mentioned in the case. Following discussions with senior officers, he entered the station and cooperated with the investigation.
After his release, Udhayanidhi was greeted by cheering DMK supporters gathered outside the station. Standing atop an open vehicle, he waved to party workers before leaving the premises.
The day’s developments followed dramatic scenes earlier when police took Udhayanidhi into custody from his Chennai residence and transported him to Thanjavur for questioning.
Reacting sharply, DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government of misusing the police to target the Opposition. He alleged the action was intended to divert attention from the government’s alleged failures and prevent the Leader of the Opposition from participating in the State Assembly’s Budget session, which begins on Wednesday.
The arrest sparked protests across Tamil Nadu, with DMK cadres staging demonstrations and gathering outside police stations in support of Udhayanidhi.
