BJP claims YouTuber Maridhas arrested for criticising TVK, seeks release

The detention of YouTuber Maridhas by Chennai Cyber Crime Police has triggered a political confrontation in Tamil Nadu. The BJP says the move targets dissent, while police have not yet detailed the allegations.

In Short

• YouTuber Maridhas detained by Chennai Cyber Crime Police
• BJP's Nainar Nagendran demands his immediate release
• Nagendran alleges crackdown on critics by TVK government

The detention of YouTuber Maridhas by Chennai Cyber Crime Police has sparked a political storm in Tamil Nadu, with BJP state president Nainar Nagendran accusing the TVK government of cracking down on critics and demanding the immediate release of the social media commentator.

Maridhas, who has been vocal in his criticism of the TVK government, was detained after Cyber Crime Police, accompanied by Madurai Police personnel, reached his residence following an investigation.

BJP DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reacting strongly to the detention, Nainar Nagendran alleged that Maridhas had been targeted for exposing what he described as the government's "Reels Model".

In a sharply worded statement, the BJP leader said, "Chief Minister Mr Joseph Vijay has arbitrarily arrested social media spokesperson Mr Maridhas solely for the reason of explaining to the people the true face of the government's 'Reels Model'. This anarchic act is worthy of severe condemnation."

He questioned whether suppressing criticism was the "alternative politics" that TVK had promised voters.

POLITICAL WAR OF WORDS

Nagendran accused the ruling party of abandoning its promise of political change after coming to power.

"After captivating people's minds by calling itself an alternative force to DMK, coming to power, and now stifling the democratic voice of the common people at a demonic speed faster than DMK itself - this is utterly shameful," he said.

Demanding Maridhas's release, he added, "Therefore, the government must immediately release the arrested Mr Maridhas."

FREE SPEECH DEBATE

The BJP leader also accused the government of misusing the police force to curb freedom of expression.

"Just like DMK, by using the police force as their henchmen and attempting to plunder the freedom of expression of the common people, the TVK government will never be allowed to do so by BJP Tamil Nadu," he said.

WHY MARIDHAS WAS DETAINED

Authorities have not yet publicly detailed the allegations linked to the investigation that led to Maridhas's detention.

Police teams from Chennai Cyber Crime and Madurai conducted the operation and subsequently detained the YouTuber for questioning.

The development has quickly turned into a political flashpoint, with opposition leaders portraying the move as an attack on dissent, while further details about the case and the investigation are awaited.

- Ends