Police targeting DMK men over rumour mongering, says Stalin

DMK Treasurer M K Stalin today condemned 'harassment' of his party cadres under the pretext of taking action against those spreading rumours about Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's health on social media and asked police to immediately stop such 'oppressive' measures.
In a statement here, he alleged that acting on 'false' complaints by AIADMK IT wing personnel and other party functionaries, the cyber crime police was summoning the DMK members, harassing them and threatening to block their social media accounts.
"We will never tolerate police targeting DMK men under the guise that they were spreading rumours on social media. I strongly condemn the police action," Stalin, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, said.

Police should immediately stop taking action targeting DMK men on social media based on the complaints by AIADMK, he said, noting that seven persons had been arrested and 50 cases filed on complaints of alleged spreading of rumours about Jayalalithaa's health on social media.
Stalin, who recently visited the Apollo Hospital to inquire about the health status of the Chief Minister, said, "Like every person's wish for the betterment of Jayalalithaa, it is also our desire for her speedy recovery."
"It is not fair that the police are taking action targeting the DMK men despite the party's legal wing filing a complaint with Greater Chennai Police Commissioner and to the DGP of Tamil Nadu on the issue," he said.

"A doubt arises whether the police was supporting the AIADMK's attempt to create an image that rumours were spread only by the DMK men," he said.
24-year-old Antony Jesuraj from Tuticorin district was the latest to be arrested for allegedly spreading rumours on the health condition of Jayalalithaa, who is under treatment at Apollo Hospital here since September 22.