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Annamalai, other BJP leaders detained in Tamil Nadu ahead of protest over Rs 1,000 crore TASMAC ‘scam’

Annamalai had planned to stage a demonstration outside the TASMAC headquarters in Chennai’s Egmore but was detained near his residence in Akkarai as he attempted to leave for the venue.

BJP Leaders Held

Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai was arrested by Chennai police on Monday morning, just hours before he was set to lead a protest against alleged financial irregularities in the state-run liquor retailer, Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC).

Annamalai had planned to stage a demonstration outside the TASMAC headquarters in Chennai’s Egmore but was detained near his residence in Akkarai as he attempted to leave for the venue. Several senior BJP leaders, including former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, Mahila Morcha chief and Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, and BJP MLA Saraswathi, were also arrested at different locations across the city.

The protest came in response to an ongoing probe by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), which claims to have uncovered a massive corruption network within TASMAC. The investigation has allegedly linked state officials, liquor distilleries, and bottling companies to a financial fraud worth Rs 1,000 crore.

On Monday morning, as BJP workers assembled across Chennai, police forces were deployed in large numbers to prevent the demonstration. Soundararajan, a former BJP state chief, was intercepted at her residence in Saligramam, where authorities had cordoned off the area. Meanwhile, party members attempting to march from Rajarathinam Stadium to the TASMAC headquarters were detained in large numbers.

Following his arrest, Annamalai criticised the police action, accusing the ruling government of stifling democratic dissent. “You act boldly when we announce our protest in advance, but what if we launch an unannounced protest? What will you do then?” he challenged.

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