DMK MLA alleges gunpoint threat after arrest over CM Vijay remarks
A fresh political confrontation has erupted in Tamil Nadu after DMK MLA G V Markandeyan was arrested over his alleged threatening remarks against Chief Minister
A fresh political confrontation has erupted in Tamil Nadu after DMK MLA G V Markandeyan was arrested over his alleged threatening remarks against Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, with the legislator claiming that police threatened him at gunpoint and attempted to assault him while in custody. Markandeyan, who represents the Vilathikulam Assembly constituency, was arrested on Monday following a complaint by a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) functionary over a speech delivered at a public meeting in Kovilpatti on July 18. Read Full Story A video of the speech had gone viral on social media. In the speech, Markandeyan allegedly warned the Chief Minister that if the Assembly was locked as suggested by Vijay, "you will not have bones, you will be allowed to go only after your bones are broken." After nearly 10 hours of questioning, the MLA was produced before a local court, which remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody.
The political controversy intensified when Markandeyan, while being escorted to the Tuticorin Government Medical College Hospital for a medical examination, alleged that police had tried to attack him and threatened him at gunpoint. "My life is in danger. The police is attempting to beat me and threatening me at gunpoint," he shouted to reporters before police escorted him away. According to reports, police avoided the hospital's main entrance to prevent media interaction, but the legislator managed to briefly address journalists before being taken inside. The arrest has triggered a sharp reaction from the DMK leadership. Party president and former Chief Minister M K Stalin condemned the police action, describing it as political vendetta against the opposition.
Stalin questioned whether the state was functioning under the rule of law and alleged that Markandeyan was denied access to his lawyer and even basic legal rights while in custody. He accused the government of targeting DMK leaders for criticising the ruling administration and warned the police against acting under political pressure. DMK MP Kanimozhi also criticised the government, alleging that the ruling dispensation was unable to tolerate criticism and demanding the immediate release of the legislator. Police said Markandeyan was arrested based on a complaint filed by TVK functionary P Kasiram. An FIR was registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the alleged threat made against the Chief Minister.
The BriefWire