Chennai, June 29:
Members of the DMK student wing were detained by police in Chennai on Sunday after attempting to stage a protest demanding the resignation of Tamil Nadu Minister Sarathkumar.
The protest was organised in response to a viral video on social media that allegedly showed the Human Resources Management Minister using narcotic substances in a public place. The controversy triggered sharp reactions, with the DMK calling for his removal from the cabinet.
However, Sarathkumar had earlier dismissed the allegations, stating that the video was misinterpreted and that he was crushing a tablet to administer it to his child. He urged the public not to spread misinformation.
Despite the clarification, the DMK student wing had announced statewide demonstrations across district headquarters. In Chennai’s Egmore, party members began setting up a stage for the protest when police intervened.
Officials stated that no prior permission had been obtained to conduct the demonstration and denied approval for setting up the stage. They reiterated that protests in public places require prior clearance from the city police commissioner.
Tensions escalated as DMK cadres opposed the removal of loudspeakers and other equipment by the police, leading to a brief argument between the two sides.
As protesters attempted to continue their agitation, police detained several participants and moved them in police vehicles, effectively preventing the demonstration from proceeding.