Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was released on station bail on Tuesday night after being questioned by police in connection with a case over his alleged "double-meaning" remark made during a recent political event.

The DMK leader spent about an hour at the Sengipatti Police Station near Thanjavur before being allowed to leave. Hundreds of party workers gathered outside the station welcomed him with slogans and cheers as he walked out, bringing an eventful day of political developments to a close.

Udhayanidhi had been taken into custody from his residence in Chennai earlier in the day. His release came after the Tamil Nadu government informed the Madras High Court that he would be questioned and subsequently released on station bail.

Police Change Destination Midway

Initially, police had planned to take Udhayanidhi to the Thanjavur South Police Station for questioning. However, as his convoy neared the city, authorities found the area around the station crowded with a large number of DMK supporters protesting against the ruling TVK government.

To avoid possible law-and-order issues, the convoy was diverted to the Sengipatti Police Station, located around 21 kilometres away. The sudden change left many party workers scrambling to reach the new location after learning about the revised route.

According to sources, Udhayanidhi initially objected to entering the Sengipatti police station, saying it was different from the location that had been mentioned before the Madras High Court during the hearing. After a brief exchange, he stepped out of the vehicle and acknowledged supporters gathered outside.

Senior police officials, including the Inspector General of Police (Central Zone), supervised security arrangements as large crowds remained outside the station.

Case Linked to Controversial Speech

The case stems from a speech delivered by Udhayanidhi during a DMK protest over the Cauvery water dispute in Thanjavur. During the address, members of the audience reportedly shouted actor Trisha's name, after which the DMK leader allegedly made a remark that critics described as a sexual innuendo.

Following complaints by TVK leaders, police registered a case against him under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including offences related to obscene remarks, insulting the modesty of a woman, promoting enmity, provoking riots and criminal intimidation. Relevant provisions of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act have also been invoked.

Political Reactions Intensify

The arrest triggered protests across Tamil Nadu, with DMK workers staging demonstrations and road blockades in several districts.

DMK president M.K. Stalin accused the ruling TVK government of using the police for political purposes, alleging that the arrest was intended to stop Udhayanidhi from attending the Assembly session beginning on Wednesday.

The TVK, however, defended the police action, maintaining that law enforcement had acted in accordance with legal procedure and asserting that the complaint related to remarks considered offensive towards a woman.