BJP Coimbatore president Balaji Uthamaramasamy was arrested on Wednesday on charges of making derogatory remarks against social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and DMK Nilgiris MP A. Raja.
Mr. Uthamaramasamy was accused of making the remarks during a protest by the Hindu Munnani at Peelamedu on Sunday which was organised to condemn the Nilgiris MP for his alleged disrespectful comments on Hinduism citing the Manusmriti.
On Tuesday, the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam had lodged a complaint at the Peelamedu police station, seeking action against Mr. Uthamaramasamy.
Mr. Uthamaramasamy was brought to the police station on Wednesday for questioning. BJP supporters thronged the station premises and Avinashi Road. The police detained and removed cadre who attempted a road blockade.
A senior officer from Coimbatore City Police said Mr. Uthamaramasamy was arrested for offences under Sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 505(1)(b) (with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquility) of the Indian Penal Code.
Mr. Uthamaramasamy was taken to the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital for examination after which the police produced him before a magistrate. He was remanded in judicial custody for 15 days.
Before being escorted to the prison, Mr. Uthamaramasamy told journalists he stood firm on his remarks and would face the police action legally.
