DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin was detained on 4 August following his remarks about actress Trisha Krishnan. The comments occurred during a rally on the Cauvery dispute on 3 August. A video from his home has circulated widely, showing his wife Kiruthiga, a Tamil film writer and director, speaking with police officers who had been waiting outside. Officers stated they were carrying out their duties after a long wait. Kiruthiga said her husband was still preparing and asked for additional time, noting he was in the bathroom. Tamil Nadu minister Ma Subramaniam also requested a short delay, warning that an immediate arrest could draw crowds and cause issues. He suggested the timing would not matter much. The officer replied that repeated requests for more time could not continue indefinitely. Critics online mocked the situation, claiming Stalin had hidden out of fear. The officer stressed that police would follow legal procedures while performing their duties. Subramaniam pressed for ten more minutes until advocate Saravanan arrived, citing Stalin’s long journey the previous day. After detention, Stalin said he was prepared for any outcome and denied making inappropriate statements. He questioned whether courts would value speech over women’s dignity. The remarks came after crowd chants of the actress’s name during his speech. Police acted on a complaint from a women’s wing organiser of a rival party and registered cases under several sections. The comments drew criticism from BJP and Congress leaders.
