The Thoothukudi District Crime Branch (DCB) arrested Vilathikulam MLA G.V. Markandeyan of the DMK early on Monday, 20 July 2026, in connection with a case alleging that he threatened Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a thanksgiving meeting held in Kovilpatti on Saturday, 18 July 2026, as reported in The New Indian Express.
According to police, Markandeyan allegedly made remarks during the meeting stating that the Chief Minister’s bones would be broken inside the Legislative Assembly. The speech also reportedly contained other controversial statements.
DMK MLA G.V. Markandeyan from Vilathikulam arrested by the police for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Chief Minister Joseph Vijay. pic.twitter.com/cecm0wfiZq
— Vignesh Theni (@Vignesh_twitz) July 20, 2026
The case was registered based on a complaint lodged by P. Kasiraman, North East District Joint Secretary of the Thamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). In his complaint to Thoothukudi Superintendent of Police Abhishek Gupta, Kasiraman sought legal action against the MLA, alleging that his speech amounted to criminal intimidation and contained objectionable remarks directed at the Chief Minister.
Following the complaint, the District Crime Branch registered an FIR against Markandeyan under Sections 351(3), 352 and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A police team reached the MLA’s residence early on Monday morning to execute the arrest. DMK cadres gathered at the spot and opposed the police action, staging a protest as officers attempted to take him into custody.
Despite the resistance, the police team, led by DCB Inspector P. Janaki, arrested Markandeyan and escorted him to the office of the Superintendent of Police for questioning.
Police said the inquiry into the case is currently underway.
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