G.V. Markandayan
| Photo Credit: N. Rajesh
The Thoothukudi District Crime Branch police on Monday (July 20, 2026) arrested Vilathikulam DMK MLA G.V. Markandayan on charges of making remarks considered “derogatory” against Chief Minister Joseph Vijay at a public meeting organised by the party in Kovilpatti.
The meeting was held on Saturday (July 18) to thank the voters there following the Assembly elections. Several DMK leaders, including DMK organisation secretary R.S. Bharathi and former Minister P. Geetha Jeevan, were also present.
During his speech, Mr. Markandayan allegedly made certain remarks against Mr. Vijay.
Vilathikulam Dmk MLA, G.V. Markandayan being arrested by the police in Thoothukudi district on Monday
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Following this, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) north district secretary Balasubramanian lodged a complaint with the Thoothukudi District Crime Branch police on Sunday (July 19).
Subsequently, on Monday morning, the police arrived at the residence of Mr. Markandayan in Vilathikulam and arrested him. He was later taken to the office of the Superintendent of Police in Thoothukudi for further inquiry.
The police have booked him under three sections: 351(3) (criminal intimidation), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 353(2) (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Kanimozhi condemns arrest
In a post on X, the DMK’s deputy general secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi strongly condemned the TVK government’s action on the MLA and termed it “high-handed”. She alleged that the ruling party, unable to face criticism, continued to unleash the police on members of the DMK in an attempt to suppress them. She added that the TVK would be taught an appropriate lesson through democratic means.
Published – July 20, 2026 11:21 am IST
