Tamil Nadu arrests of Udhayanidhi Stalin and prisoner Anwarthin spark protests and raise concerns

Former DMK mayor S. Ramnathan and other party members protested after Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested in connection with the Kaveri water dispute protests in Thanjavur. The party claimed the police action was politically motivated, leading to demonstrations, the burning of a chief minister’s effigy, and clashes with rival groups.

In a separate case, Anwarthin, a detainee in the Palani land‑fraud investigation, died in custody at Madurai Central Prison due to reported health complications. Police had previously filed cases against eleven individuals in the fraud, and a fast‑track judge is conducting an in‑court autopsy. The death has prompted calls for a higher‑level inquiry into prison medical care.

Both incidents highlight heightened tensions over law‑enforcement actions in Tamil Nadu and raise questions about due process and inmate health safeguards.