Chennai, June 4:
Surya, the son of DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, was arrested on Thursday by the cybercrime wing of the Tamil Nadu Police following a defamation complaint filed by BJP functionary Alisha Abdullah.
Alisha Abdullah, who serves as the State Secretary of the BJP’s Sports and Skill Development Wing and is also known as India’s first female motor racing champion, had met the Chennai Police Commissioner on Wednesday to lodge her complaint. She alleged that defamatory remarks targeting her and her children were made in a recently circulated video.
Addressing the media, Abdullah stated that both YouTuber Mukthar and Surya had posted content containing derogatory and defamatory comments against her. She further noted that the Police Commissioner had assured prompt action on the matter.
Acting on the complaint, cybercrime officials arrested Surya in Tiruchirappalli on Thursday morning. Notably, Surya had earlier served as the BJP OBC Wing State General Secretary but had faced disciplinary action in the past over allegations of inappropriate conduct, including derogatory remarks made during a phone conversation with a woman functionary. He was later reinstated before being expelled again from the party in 2024 over similar allegations of defamatory statements against party members.
The incident once again highlights the growing concerns over misuse of social media platforms for spreading defamatory content. While freedom of expression is a fundamental right, legal experts emphasize that it must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law, especially when it involves personal attacks and targeting of individuals and their families.
Authorities have reiterated that strict action will be taken against those found guilty of online harassment and defamation, sending a strong message about accountability in the digital space.