Chennai : A folk singer belonging to an extreme left outfit, People’s Art and Literary Association (PALA), was arrested by the Chennai police from his home in Tiruchy district early on Friday, for singing a couple of songs criticising the State Government for selling liquor through the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation. The singer, Kovan (54), was booked under Section 124 A (sedition), Section 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot and Section 505 for publishing and circulating rumours with intent to cause fear or alarm among the public and induce them to commit offence against the State or a class or community. While the Chennai Central Crime Branch officers remained tight lipped on the reasons for the arrest, a source said that Kovan was picked up as in his song he made scathing references to Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
“Apart from holding her accountable for selling liquor, the video of the song has a scene which shows a woman dressed in a cape, similar to the one worn by Jayalalithaa, and pouring liquor in a glass to be served to people. Thus he has been critical of the State,” the source said. Another lyric said “while Tamil Nadu is under the influence of alcohol, ”Poes” is rejoicing.” Poes Garden is where the Chief Minister resides in Chennai. His songs were titled ”Moodu TASMAC” (close TASMAC liquor outlet) and ”Ooruku oru saraya kadai” (A liquor shop for every village). Criticising his arrest, DMK president M Karunanidhi said it showed that the State was intolerant and wondered if it was an attempt at stifling democracy. Kovan’s video songs had gone viral a month ago and were widely shared in social media websites and WhatsApp groups. “My father’s arrest is a threat to the people of Tamil Nadu and not just the organisation he worked for,” said Kovan’s son Charuvahan.
