Tamil Nadu: Folk singer arrested for criticizing PM in song
What's the story
Tamil folk singer Kovan was arrested on Friday in Tiruchirappalli for singing a song which criticized BJP, PM Modi, and VHP Rath yatra.
Kovan was picked up from his home, after resistance from his family and friends. He sang the viral song at the protest for non-formation of Cauvery Management Board.
On April 11, BJP youth leader Gowtham had registered a complaint against Kovan.
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What's in the song which offended BJP?
The song slammed PM Modi, VHP, and AIADMK with, "Where are you holding your rath yatra? This will be the last yatra for Rama rajya. Rama ruled with a pair of slippers in the Ramayana, Modi's slippers are ruling Tamil Nadu."
Details
Kovan's friend says he was taken away like a terrorist
Kovan has been booked under Sections 153a (Promoting enmity between different groups), Section 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and, 505(1b) (Making, publishing or circulates any statement whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State) of the IPC.
His friend said he was taken away like a terrorist, and police gave no reason whatsoever.
Details
Not the first time Kovan has been arrested
Kovan was given bail by a Trichy court, and his friends maintain he didn't commit any crime by singing the viral song.
VHP's Rath yatra which started from Ayodhya on February 13, and reached Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli on March 23, received local opposition.
In 2015, Kovan was slammed with sedition charges for singing songs on liquor shops that had references to AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa.