Prominent Hindu Munnani leader Mahesh, from Arani in Tamil Nadu, has been arrested by local police amid allegations of making derogatory remarks against DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. The arrest follows a complaint lodged by DMK District Head AC Mani, who accused Mahesh of delivering offensive statements during the Vinayaka Chathurthi celebrations held on September 22.
Mahesh was taken into custody at his residence by officers from the Arani police and is currently undergoing questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Mahesh defended his comments, stating that he had merely sought an apology from Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for what he perceived as derogatory remarks against Sanatana Dharma.
“During my speech on the stage, I emphasized the need for Udhayanidhi to apologize for his remarks against Sanatana Dharma. I also called for legal action against him under Section 302, as Udhayanidhi used the term ‘eradication’ in his statements,” Mahesh explained.
Mahesh is facing charges related to promoting enmity, hurting religious sentiments, and delivering a provocative speech. AC Mani, the DMK city secretary in Arani, initiated the legal proceedings by filing a formal complaint with the police.
Arani police also arrested Hindu Front state general secretary Manali Manohar over the same issue. The members of the Hindu Munnani protested in Vellore, condemning the DMK-run government and the police.
This incident is not isolated, as outrage surrounding the issue of Udhayanidhi Stalin’s “eradicate Sanathana Dharma” remarks has increased. Earlier, members of the Hindu Front were arrested by police for attempting to burn an effigy of Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin in Tiruvannamalai. They claimed that Udhayanidhi had insulted Hinduism through his comments against Sanatana Dharma.
The arrest of Mahesh and the subsequent legal actions highlight the growing suppression of freedom of speech in Tamil Nadu. Several members of Hindu organisations have been arrested on frivolous charges and sent to jail. Recently, RBVS Manian, former vice-president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Tamil Nadu unit, was arrested by the Chennai City Police for allegedly making derogatory comments about B.R. Ambedkar and Thiruvalluvar, the Tamil saint-poet and philosopher.
