Tamil Nadu: In Chennai, police took action even before the DMK student wing’s proposed protest could begin on Monday, denying permission for the protest. A heated argument ensued between student wing officials and police who arrived at the protest site. Police detained several activists who had come to join the protest and removed them from the scene in police vehicles.
The protest was organized in response to a controversial video involving the state’s Human Resource Management Minister, T. Sarathkumar. A video recently surfaced on social media, claiming the minister was using drugs. The video went viral, causing a stir in political circles. However, Minister Sarathkumar categorically denied these allegations, clarifying that the video was being misinterpreted. He said he was giving his child a crushed pill in powder form and urged people to refrain from spreading rumors and misinformation.
Despite the minister’s clarification, the DMK student wing refused to accept it. The organization had announced protests in all district headquarters across the state on Monday, demanding the minister’s immediate removal from the cabinet. Preparations for a protest had also begun in the Egmore area of Chennai.
On Monday morning, DMK student wing activists were preparing a stage in Egmore when police arrived and stopped the construction. Police officials stated that permission from the Metropolitan Police Commissioner is mandatory for holding any kind of protest in a public place at least five days in advance. According to officials, the organizers had not obtained permission as per the prescribed procedure, and therefore, permission for the protest could not be granted.
Police clarified that constructing a stage and holding a protest in a public place without prior permission is against the rules. Following this, DMK student wing leaders protested the police action, and a lengthy debate ensued between the two sides. In response, police deployed additional forces to the protest site.
When some activists attempted to protest despite police instructions, they were detained and removed in police vehicles. During this time, tension prevailed in the area for some time, although the police maintained control of the situation.
The DMK student wing alleged that their right to protest democratically was being curtailed. Police stated that the action was taken to maintain law and order and ensure compliance with established regulations. Officials reiterated that prior permission is mandatory for public protests, and no event can be permitted without permission.
The controversy surrounding Minister T. Sarathkumar’s video has now taken a political turn. Opposition parties are demanding answers from the government, while the minister has already denied the allegations against him. The DMK student wing had announced a statewide protest on the same issue, but the protest was halted before it could begin due to police denial of permission in Chennai. Political rhetoric continues, and the future course of events remains closely watched.
