Tamil Nadu police arrest 5, including ex-cop, over remarks against Justice Senthilkumar

The Tamil Nadu police have arrested five people, including a retired police officer, for allegedly posting defamatory remarks on social media against Madras High Court judge Justice N Senthilkumar. The controversy began after the judge criticised the leadership of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in connection with the tragic Karur stampede case.

According to reports by The Hindu and Times of India, those arrested include Kannan (25) from Pudukottai, M David (25) from Bargur, Sasikumar (48) from Chennai, and Antony Sagaya Mikael (37) from Thoothukudi — all reportedly supporters of TVK. Police stated that Kannan, David, and Sasikumar were arrested on Sunday, while Antony was held the following day.

As per a report by The Federal, both David and Kannan have issued public apologies for their comments against the judge. In addition, DTNext reported that R Varadharajan (70), a retired police officer and leader of a political outfit, was also arrested for making derogatory remarks online about Justice Senthilkumar.

The issue traces back to October 3, when Justice Senthilkumar criticised TVK’s founder Vijay and the party’s other members for allegedly leaving the site of the Karur stampede without assisting in rescue efforts. The incident, which took place on September 27, claimed the lives of 41 people.

In his order, Justice Senthilkumar had also directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident, stating that the existing state investigation seemed inadequate.

Following the October 3 order, the judge became the target of online trolling. However, he appeared unbothered by the criticism. During a separate hearing on October 7 related to defamatory remarks, the judge commented,
“Who is not trolled? Even judges are not spared; their past is pulled in, and family members are also brought in.”