CHENNAI: Former Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was released by police on Tuesday after being questioned at the Sengipatti police station near Thanjavur in connection with his alleged double-meaning remark involving actor Trisha.The police inquiry reportedly went on for approximately 90 minutes.Udhayanidhi, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly, walked out of the police station following the questioning and was accorded a warm welcome by DMK cadres, news agency PTI reported.He was arrested earlier in the day by Thanjavur police over the alleged remark made during a protest meeting in Thanjavur on Monday over the Cauvery water dispute.Police had booked Udhayanidhi under multiple sections, including provisions relating to obscene words, insulting the modesty of a woman, promoting enmity and criminal intimidation. Provisions of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act were also invoked.The controversy erupted after members of the gathering allegedly chanted actor Trisha’s name while Udhayanidhi was addressing the protest.He subsequently made a remark that was criticised as double-meaning and insulting to the actor.A complaint was filed by TVK’s Central District Women’s Wing organiser S Bairavi at Thanjavur East police station, alleging that Udhayanidhi’s remarks were intended to degrade women.The arrest triggered a political confrontation, with DMK workers staging protests outside Udhayanidhi’s residence and across the state.DMK president MK Stalin criticised the police action, alleging that his son was arrested ahead of the Assembly session to prevent him from attending it.Udhayanidhi, before being taken away from his residence, said, “Did I mention anyone’s name except the CM’s? Then why do you think this is happening? Let the court decide.”The Madras high court was also approached by the DMK seeking relief for Udhayanidhi amid the police action.
