A major controversy has erupted following a young couple’s complaint against DMK figures, including Chennai Mayor Priya’s father, Rajan, alleging harassment and threats to their lives. The couple sought protection at the Chennai Police Commissioner’s office, claiming they feared for their safety.
Aparna (21) and Daniel Joseph (26), both from the Mangalapuram area near Otteri in Chennai, have been in a relationship for the past three years. Facing strong opposition from Aparna’s family, the couple eloped on the 23rd and got married at a temple in Medavakkam. Aparna’s father, Vijesh—a former DMK councillor of Otteri’s 74th ward—allegedly began threatening Daniel and his family following their marriage.
Fearing for their safety, the couple approached the Chennai Police Commissioner’s office and filed a formal complaint seeking protection. Speaking to the media afterward, Aparna accused her father of trying to sabotage their relationship, saying he was using his political influence to intimidate her husband and in-laws. Daniel added that their relationship began during their school years and grew stronger during college. Despite repeated efforts by Vijesh to separate them, they got married out of love and commitment.
Daniel further alleged that after their marriage, Aparna’s father enlisted the support of Mayor Priya’s father, Rajan, who reportedly detained and threatened Daniel’s father over the course of two days. According to Daniel, the threats and harassment were rooted in religious differences—he being a Christian and Aparna a Hindu—which Vijesh used as a justification to oppose the marriage.
Speaking to the media, Daniel Joseph said, “In the second week of April, her father saw her speaking to me over the phone and questioned her about it. He warned aggressively, saying, ‘Don’t talk to that boy. If you do, I’ll cut off your head and roll it along Adiseshan Nagar Road. If not, I’ll kill his father. I’ll kill you too. I’ll hang you. If anyone asks, I’ll just say the family didn’t accept the relationship. I’ll pay money and get out—that’s all my problem is. I won’t let you go with that boy. I’ll kill all the men in his family.’ Like this there were serious threats. My father was taken into custody and held for two days. Later, Mayor Priya’s father, called my family home and spoke with them. As they went to the police station, and started to threaten my father, mother, and sister which escalated the situation further. Despite all this, we both agreed to be together and left home by mutual consent.”
Speaking to the media, Daniel Joseph’s father said, “Priya’s father Rajan came and put so much pressure. He used abusive language and questioned which I could bare. Really, he was not a police officer. He did not understand they were a major and stepped into love marriage. I myself married for love, but he came aggressively to kick with his boots. That SI even brought a large pipe and hurled abusive words against my daughter and wife. An action must be taken against the SI.”
இளம் ஜோடிக்கு மிரட்டல்.. மேயர் பிரியாவின் அப்பாவுக்கு 'லிங்க்' – உயிர் பயத்தில் பேட்டி#Chennai #Mayorpriya #Lovers #Father #TamilNews #NewsTamil #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/n2R3Qr35AL
— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) April 27, 2025
The couple has officially filed a complaint naming both Aparna’s father, Vijesh, and Chennai Mayor Priya’s father, Rajan, and is requesting protection from further harassment and intimidation.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.