Felix Gerald, a Tamil YouTuber who runs the RedPix channel, was arrested by the Cyber Crime Division for allegedly circulating false information related to the Karur stampede, which occurred during a political campaign by actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay. The tragic incident led to the deaths of 41 people.
Police officials stated that Gerald uploaded misleading content concerning the stampede, prompting legal action.
According to The New Indian Express, When produced before the XI Metropolitan Magistrate Court for judicial remand, Gerald was instead granted conditional bail that same night. Advocates Pulianthope Mohan and D. Johnson, representing him, told TNIE that the court was unconvinced by the police’s justification for keeping him in custody.
The bail conditions included restrictions on publicly expressing opinions regarding the incident linked to his alleged offence.
Gerald was taken into custody from his Nungambakkam residence in the early hours. Later, his wife, Jane Felix, spoke to reporters, expressing distress over the arrest and insisting that her husband was simply “bringing out the truth.” She questioned whether freedom of expression still exists in the country and appealed for justice.
It is worth noting that Gerald had previously been arrested last year alongside YouTuber Savukku Shankar for comments made against women police officers, and he was subsequently granted bail.
Separately, Tamil Nadu police arrested three others on Monday for allegedly spreading rumours about the Karur stampede online. The Greater Chennai Police stated that cases have been filed against 26 social media accounts for circulating misinformation regarding the tragedy and the state government’s response.
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