Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Oct 4: In a decisive step to clamp down on provocative online content, Tamil Nadu Police arrested popular YouTuber Mari Das from his Neelankarai residence on Saturday. The arrest follows allegations that he posted inflammatory remarks criticizing the state government’s handling of the Karur stampede tragedy, which claimed 41 lives during actor-turned-politician Vijay’s campaign rally.
Police cybercrime teams have maintained heightened vigilance since the September 27 incident, actively monitoring social media platforms to curb misinformation and content that could disturb public order. Mari Das, known for his sharp political commentary and originally from Madurai, had posted a video on Friday night questioning the government’s crowd control and safety arrangements at the rally.
A raid at his Madurai residence on Saturday morning found him absent, but intelligence led officers to locate and detain him in Chennai. Authorities confiscated his phones, laptops, and electronic devices to probe the nature of the content shared.
A senior police official stated, “While freedom of expression is respected, deliberate attempts to incite fear and mistrust among the public will face strict legal action. We are committed to acting against those spreading rumors and false narratives about the Karur incident that may create unrest.”
Mari Das faces charges under laws related to promoting enmity and disrupting public tranquility. Police are also investigating whether his posts were part of a coordinated attempt to influence public sentiment after the tragedy.
This arrest follows another high-profile social media crackdown when, on September 30, the Greater Chennai Police’s Cyber Crime Wing detained Felix Gerald, the YouTuber behind the RedPix channel, for allegedly spreading misinformation related to the stampede.
Authorities have filed cases against at least 25 other social media users for posting unverified claims and videos blaming the state and police forces.
The Karur stampede, which took place during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally addressed by Vijay, has sparked intense political debate around safety protocols and crowd management at large events. The state government has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe to determine accountability.
Police continue to urge citizens to avoid sharing unverified information and warned that any actions threatening public peace will be met with strict prosecution. Investigations into Mari Das’s online activities remain ongoing.