Udhayanidhi Stalin released on station bail after questioning in Thanjavur

Udhayanidhi Stalin, Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and youth wing leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), was released on station bail late on Tuesday night, August 4, 2026, after being questioned at the Sengipatti Police Station in Thanjavur district.

Mr. Stalin was arrested in Chennai earlier in the day and brought to Thanjavur by road. The case against him stems from a speech he delivered during a DMK demonstration in Thanjavur on Monday, August 3, 2026. A complaint filed by a functionary of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) alleged that Mr. Stalin made misogynistic and double-entendre remarks seemingly directed at a film actor. The complaint did not specify the actor's name or the exact words used.

The demonstration was organised by the DMK to press its demand on the Cauvery water-sharing issue. The Cauvery river water sharing has been a long-standing dispute between Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. Political parties in Tamil Nadu, including the DMK, have periodically held protests to highlight their demands. The issue has been a significant point of mobilisation for parties in the state.

The police initially planned to question Mr. Stalin at the Thanjavur East or Thanjavur South police station. However, a large number of DMK supporters had gathered near the Thanjavur South station, raising slogans against the state government. This created a tense situation, prompting the police to change the venue. Mr. Stalin was instead taken to the Sengipatti police station, located about 25 km from Thanjavur on the Tiruchi-Thanjavur national highway.

At Sengipatti, DMK supporters arrived in large numbers after learning of the change. A strong posse of police personnel kept them outside the station premises. Mr. Stalin remained in the police van for some time before getting down. He waved to the crowd with a smile and entered the station at around 6:45 p.m.

Senior police officers, including V. Balakrishnan, Inspector General of Police, Central Zone, visited the station before the questioning started. Mr. Stalin was questioned for more than an hour in connection with the case. The officers remained at the station during the questioning.

At about 8:15 p.m., Mr. Stalin walked out of the station. He stood through the sunroof of his car and waved to the gathered supporters, who responded with cheers. After acknowledging the crowd, his car left the station. Police officers later confirmed that he was released on station bail. Station bail is a legal procedure where a person is released on a bond at the police station and is required to appear before the court as directed.

The complaint against Mr. Stalin was registered by the Thanjavur East Police under several provisions of law. These include Sections 196, 192, 352, 79, 296(b), 61 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. The BNS sections cover offences such as public nuisance, criminal force, and obscene acts. Section 67 of the IT Act deals with publishing or transmitting obscene content online. The Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act provides for punishment for acts that harass women.

The legal proceedings are expected to continue, and Mr. Stalin will be required to appear before the court as per the conditions of his station bail. The case stems from a complaint filed by a TVK functionary.