The judicial custody of DMK Pallavaram MLA I Karunanidhi’s son and daughter-in-law has been extended by a Sessions Court in Chennai in connection with a case involving the alleged physical abuse of an 18-year-old housemaid.The accused couple, Anto Madhivanan and Marlena Ann, appeared before the third additional judge DV Anand via video conference from Puzhal prison. Following their appearance, the judge extended their judicial custody until March 7.
The case gained widespread attention after a video testimony by a girl named Rekha from Ulundurpet, Kallakurichi, belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC), went viral on social media. In her testimony, Rekha alleged that she was tormented and subjected to physical abuse by the MLA’s daughter-in-law.Prompted by the video testimony, the police reached out to Rekha for her statement and subsequently booked a case against Anto Madhivanan and Marlena Ann under various sections, including the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989.A special team arrested the accused couple on January 25 in Andhra Pradesh. They later filed a bail petition before the Madras High Court, which was transferred to the principal sessions judge in Chennai. After considering the arguments presented by the couple, the Sessions Court dismissed their bail plea, thereby subjecting them to judicial custody.