Chennai: DMK MP Kanimozhi was detained by police in Chennai late on Monday evening after she led a candle light protest towards the Raj Bhavan against the alleged gang-rape and murder of a 19-year-old Dalit woman in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras.
Speaking to reporters, she said, ‘They aren’t allowing us reach the Raj Bhavan. We are doing a democratic protest in a peaceful way and we have been blocked by police like how Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi were stopped by UP police.’
DMK president M K Stalin and other leaders have condemned her arrest. Earlier, Stalin lit the customary candle to inaugurate the march towards Raj Bhavan.
“Justice has been denied to the dalit victim and her family. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who sought to visit Hathras to show solidarity with the affected dalit family, was manhandled by the UP police,” Stalin said.
If Uttar Pradesh stood first in crimes against women and dalit, Tamil Nadu stood next under the present AIADMK government, he added.
“I could see a large crowd of our cadre, especially women’s wing members. I see social distancing is not being maintained. This is corona time. It is mandatory to wear masks for our own good. I could see all of you are wearing masks. But maintaining social distance is also must,” he said.