YouTuber Maridhas was arrested from his residence in Madurai in the early hours of Monday (8 June 2026) morning by a special team of the Chennai City Cyber Crime Police, triggering widespread political condemnation and raising fresh concerns about freedom of expression in Tamil Nadu. It doesn’t seem any different from what the state was experiencing under the DMK.
According to police sources, the arrest was carried out in connection with a case registered by the Central Crime Branch’s Cyber Crime Cell in Chennai. Investigators have alleged that Maridhas published content on social media and digital platforms containing accusations against the Tamil Nadu government and its functionaries.
A special police team travelled from Chennai to Madurai and, with the assistance of Madurai City Police, conducted the operation at Maridhas’ residence. Security was tightened around the premises before officers took him into custody. He was subsequently transported to Chennai for further questioning.
The case has reportedly been registered under Section 79 and Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 66D of the Information Technology Act. Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the precise content forming the basis of the allegations.
YOUTUBER MARIDHAS ARRESTED IN MADURAI
YouTuber Maridhas arrested by the cybercrime wing police in Madurai for making derogatory remarks on Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay and some state ministers in an interview to a YouTube on Monday. pic.twitter.com/nEAPn2xuqF
— A Selvaraj (@Crime_Selvaraj) June 8, 2026
Several political leaders cutting across party lines have condemned the arrest. These include the AIADMK, BJP and surprisingly, even the DMK.
Strongly condemn the arrest of @MaridhasAnswers
If you find his statements objectionable , then have a debate and put forward your side of your arguments
or still file a #defamatory complaint
If you’re going to talk about what we did
C’mon -You are the Change makers#Change pic.twitter.com/oxPahp5xoh
— Dr.Senthilkumar.S (@DrSenthil_MDRD) June 8, 2026
The arrest of You tuber @MaridhasAnswers today by the current TVK government, which is undoubtedly the DMK’s 2.0 regime, is highly condemnable. A government led by Joseph Vijay that murders democracy and crushes freedom of expression deserves severe condemnation for carrying out…
— Narayanan Thirupathy (@narayanantbjp) June 8, 2026
யூட்யூபர் திரு. @MaridhasAnswers அவர்களை கைது செய்ய காவல்துறையினர் அவரது வீட்டின் முன் குவிந்திருப்பதாக செய்திகள் வருகின்றன.
ஜனநாயகத்தில் கருத்து சுதந்திரத்தின் கழுத்தை நெறிக்கும் பாசிச திமுக அரசின்….
Wait a minute…
ஆட்சி மாறி விட்டதோ?
ஆனால், காட்சிகள் மாறாதது ஏன்?பாசிசம்,…
— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) June 8, 2026
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