Rush Hour: HC orders Udhyanidhi Stalin’s release, 14 hurt in Air India flight turbulence & more

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, was released on station bail after being questioned for about an hour at Sengipatti Police Station near Thanjavur. The release occurred shortly after his arrest on Tuesday, following allegations of making an alleged "double-meaning" remark during a protest related to the Cauvery water dispute. The Tamil Nadu government had previously assured the Madras High Court that he would be questioned and released on bail, which came to fruition as he walked free to a rousing welcome from hundreds of DMK workers. The day started with Udhayanidhi being arrested from his residence in Chennai around 11 am. Initially, police intended to transport him to Thanjavur South Police Station for questioning, as outlined during a hearing before the High Court. However, as the convoy approached the town, the situation took an unexpected turn. The area surrounding the Thanjavur South Police Station was densely populated with DMK workers waving party flags and chanting slogans against the ruling TVK government. Faced with a growing crowd that posed a challenge to law enforcement, the police decided to reroute the convoy to Sengipatti Police Station, approximately 21 kilometers away. This decision led to confusion among the party workers, many of whom rushed to Sengipatti upon learning of the route change. According to sources, Udhayanidhi initially resisted stepping out of the police vehicle, arguing that the shift to Sengipatti contradicted the location specified during the High Court proceedings. After a brief standoff, he eventually exited the van and greeted his supporters, who had gathered outside the station. Senior police officials, including the Inspector General of Police, Central Zone, arrived at Sengipatti to oversee security arrangements, ensuring that the situation remained under control despite the relocation. Following the shift, extensive security measures continued to be enforced in Thanjavur town and around the Thanjavur South Police Station, where the initial questioning was planned. Udhayanidhi was questioned for roughly an hour before being granted station bail. Visual accounts from Sengipatti depicted a lively scene as DMK cadres raised slogans and cheered as he emerged from the police station. He acknowledged the support by greeting supporters from an open vehicle before departing for Chennai, expected to arrive home by around 10.30 pm. The arrest stemmed from an alleged remark made during a protest rally in Thanjavur on Monday, where he was accused of making an objectionable comment linked to the Cauvery issue. The remark, which was described as having a "double meaning," allegedly targeted both Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and actor Trisha Krishnan. Udhayanidhi was charged under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including offenses such as using obscene language, insulting the modesty of a woman, promoting enmity, inciting riots, and criminal intimidation. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act was invoked in the case. The arrest triggered widespread protests by the DMK, with workers organizing road blockades and demonstrations across Tamil Nadu. MK Stalin, the party president, accused the TVK government of misusing police resources to prevent Udhayanidhi from participating in the Assembly session starting on Wednesday. He claimed that non-bailable charges were used politically to hinder the opposition leader’s activities, warning that arrogance could lead to downfall. The accusations suggest a deepening political tension, with the ruling government facing criticism for its handling of the situation.