Chennai: Popular YouTuber and political commentator Savukku Shankar was released from Puzhal Central Prison after the Tamil Nadu government revoked the preventive detention order imposed against him under the Goondas Act.
His release followed the recommendation of an advisory committee constituted to review cases registered under the law after the change in government in the State.
Shankar had earlier been arrested in connection with alleged defamatory remarks made against the previous DMK government and certain DMK ministers.
Although he was subsequently granted conditional bail in those cases, he was later arrested again by a special police team from Andhra Pradesh for failing to appear before a court.
After being brought back and lodged in Puzhal prison, the Chennai Police, acting under directions from the city police commissioner, invoked the Goondas Act against him.
Following a review of detention cases by the advisory committee, the Tamil Nadu government decided to withdraw the preventive detention order against Shankar, leading to his release.
Speaking to reporters after coming out of prison on Saturday, Shankar made several political observations and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
He said the people of Tamil Nadu had delivered an “extraordinary verdict” in the recent Assembly elections and claimed that the new government appeared to understand the message delivered by voters. “I have read that Chief Minister Vijay is governing after understanding the people’s verdict. My request to him is to complete the full five-year term of the coalition government and continue implementing welfare measures for the people,” Shankar said.
He also claimed that his release was expedited because of the Chief Minister’s direct intervention in ensuring the withdrawal order was issued quickly.
At the same time, Shankar launched a sharp attack on the previous DMK regime, accusing it of suppressing press freedom and targeting journalists. “There cannot be a more cruel party than the DMK. There has never been another government that imprisoned journalists in the way the DMK did,” he alleged.
Shankar further stated that coalition governments strengthen democratic processes as alliance partners themselves would point out mistakes and ensure greater accountability and media freedom in governance.
(IANS)
