A DMK supporter has been arrested for allegedly threatening P.K. Sekar Babu, the DMK minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE). The controversy erupted after an audio recording, purportedly of a DMK supporter making threatening remarks, went viral on social media.
In the audio, the speaker—identified as Kolathur Dhanaraj—allegedly threatens to expose DMK Minister Sekar Babu’s reported involvement in a disturbing incident where a group of goons, posing as sanitation workers, vandalized the home of YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar. The attackers allegedly dumped human waste throughout the house, smeared filth across the rooms and dining area, and intimidated Shankar’s mother. The incident is believed to have occurred after Shankar publicly revealed an alleged scam involving Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Selvaperunthagai. The threats have caused a major stir in political circles.
Sekar Babu, a powerful figure in North Chennai and considered one of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s close aides, appears to be the target of internal friction. Dhanaraj is known to be a close associate of former DMK Youth Wing executive Mahesh Kumar, who is the husband of Saritha, the DMK’s Zone 6 Chairman and 6th Ward Councillor of the Chennai Corporation. Mahesh Kumar reportedly runs a used car business in the Kolathur area and has been accused of involvement in kattapanchayat (extrajudicial settlements) and intimidation tactics.
In the leaked call, Dhanaraj insists on speaking directly with Sekar Babu, to which the minister responds that he should come in person. When the minister refuses to continue the conversation over the phone, Dhanaraj becomes aggressive, threatening to release details related to “Savukku Shankar” to the media. Despite the minister urging him to end the call, Dhanaraj maintains a hostile tone.
In the alleged audio recording, Dhanaraj is heard calling DMK HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu and introducing himself by saying, “Brother, this is Dhanaraj from Kolathur.” The minister responds, “Who is this?” to which Dhanaraj repeats, “It’s Dhanaraj from Kolathur.” The minister then asks, “What is it?” Dhanaraj replies, “I’m also in your party, the DMK.”
The minister immediately responds, “Alright, come in person.” Surprised, Dhanaraj asks, “You want me to come in person?” The minister replies, “Yes, then what else?” Dhanaraj then says, “I’m with Mahesh.” The minister responds, “Okay, so what? You could be with anyone. Just because you call, should I talk to you?” Dhanaraj questions, “Why shouldn’t I speak over the phone?” The minister repeats, “Come in person.” Dhanaraj insists again, “Why shouldn’t I speak on a phone call?” The minister warns, “I’ll use this number to file a complaint against you.”
Unfazed, Dhanaraj replies, “Go ahead, brother. File the complaint.” He then adds, “You do (complain), and I’ll reveal everything to the media. Just wait and watch.” The minister calmly responds, “Go ahead and do it.” Dhanaraj threatens the Minister saying, “I’ll even expose the Savukku Shankar matter too, watch me.” The minister said, “Go ahead, I’m filing (complaint) right now.” In response, Dhanaraj challenged him, saying, “Go ahead. Watch me—I’ll say that I was the person behind the Savukku Shankar issue.” Angered, the DMK minister snapped, “Hang up the phone respectfully.” The conversation quickly escalated, with both sides exchanging heated words.
Following the release of the audio, police reportedly acted on a formal complaint from the minister. Dhanaraj was apprehended, and his phone was seized for investigation.
(With inputs from Asianet News)
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