Chennai, August 4, 2026 — DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested by Chennai Police on Tuesday morning following an FIR over his alleged derogatory and sexually suggestive remarks referencing actor Trisha Krishnan during a Cauvery rights protest in Thanjavur on Monday.
The controversy erupted after a video from the protest went viral, in which Udhayanidhi was heard making a double-meaning comment linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay (actor Vijay) and Trisha. The remark was allegedly made while criticising the CM’s stance on the Cauvery issue, and TVK workers immediately lodged complaints, accusing him of making an obscene and insulting statement against the actor.
Police registered a case against Udhayanidhi under multiple sections, including promoting enmity between groups, provoking riot, insulting a woman, harassment, and committing obscene acts. Ahead of the arrest, heavy security was deployed outside his residence in Chennai.
As he was taken into custody, Udhayanidhi told media personnel, “I didn’t say anything wrong,” and defended his comment. He was later produced before a court, which is expected to decide on remand.
The arrest has intensified the political clash between the opposition DMK and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), with DMK workers gathering outside his house and condemning the action as politically motivated.
