The case stems from a DMK-organized demonstration in Thanjavur over the ongoing Cauvery water-sharing dispute and the proposed Mekedatu dam project. Addressing party workers, Udhayanidhi criticized the state administration over water allocation from Karnataka.

“Forty-five TMC water should have come, but not a single drop has come,” Udhayanidhi told the crowd. “The Chief Minister we have is not even opening his mouth. His only concern is about how to impose false cases on DMK leaders”.

During his speech, sections of the audience began shouting chants involving popular actor Trisha Krishnan, a close friend and former co-star of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Pausing his speech and smiling, Udhayanidhi made a double-meaning remark. This comment was widely interpreted as sexually suggestive. Moreover, video clips of the interaction quickly went viral on social media platforms. This sparked immediate outrage from political opponents.

Severe Criminal Charges Invoked in FIR

Following the incident, S. Bairavi, the Central District Women’s Wing Organiser for the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Thanjavur, lodged an official complaint at the Thanjavur East Police Station.

An FIR was subsequently registered against Udhayanidhi Stalin invoking multiple stringent criminal provisions:

  • Criminal Conspiracy: Section 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
  • Promoting Enmity & Provoking Riots: Sections 196 and 192 of the BNS.
  • Outraging Modesty & Obscene Utterances: Section 79, Section 296(b), and Section 352 of the BNS.
  • Criminal Intimidation: Section 351(2) of the BNS.
  • Harassment of Women & IT Act: Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act for transmitting obscene material.

In addition to local police action, the TVK submitted formal complaints to the National Commission for Women (NCW) in New Delhi. The party alleged public objectification and verbal harassment of women.

Udhayanidhi Denies Allegations, Slams TVK Government

Speaking to reporters while being escorted from his home by police, Udhayanidhi strongly rejected the allegations. He maintained that he was being targeted for political reasons.

“I am being arrested for things I never said,” Udhayanidhi stated. “This case is a desperate attempt to divert public attention away from real governance failures. Everyone in this government—from the Chief Minister to his ministers—is living in reels.”

Describing the police intervention as a “comedy,” the Leader of the Opposition declared that he would fight the charges through legal channels. His legal counsel has simultaneously approached the Madras High Court. They are seeking urgent anticipatory bail in connection with the Thanjavur FIR.

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