AIADMK MLA Karunas arrest may continue even after bail, new cases filed

New Delhi : Actor-turned-politician, Karunas may have to face long-term court trial as two fresh cases have been lodged in connection to him. After the Chennai court dismissed a petition made by the local police asking custody of AIADMK MLA, the Triplicane police filed two fresh cases against him. The cases are in connection with the protest and assault of fans during an IPL match at MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 10.

Karunas has been imprisoned in the Central Jail of Vellore, since his arrest on September 23. He was booked for making derogatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and his deputy, O Panneerselvam. Sources confirmed that Karunas’ bail plea is expected to be heard later on Thursday. If granted bail, he could be arrested again by the police in connection with the two fresh cases filed on September 26, 2018.

The Chennai Police has filed two cases against MLA Karunas on September 30 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Madras City Police Act for criminal intimidation and attempt to murder, for a public speech he delivered at Valluvar Kottam to members of his outfit Mukkulathor Puli Padai. A 47-minute video of him tells the complete story. In the video, Karunas can be heard urging his supporters to "commit murder". The footage has gone viral on social media.

Meanwhile, Karunas had apologised a day later and expressed regrets for his remarks. “I didn’t speak against any community… I express my deep regret if whatever I spoke in anger over what has happened has hurt anyone. I will make sure it doesn’t happen again. As far as I am concerned, I only spoke about the demands of my community. It is not my intention to demean and speak ill of others,” he was quoted as saying by Puthiya Thalaimurai.

About Karunas

Karunas is a Tamil comedian who has performed supporting roles in more than hundred films.  He played the lead in Dindigul Sarathy and Ambasamudram Ambani. He is also a producer, musician and singer. Karunas is married to playback singer Grace, and the couple has two children.

Karunas founded the Mukkulathor Puli Padai. In 2016, he contested Assembly election for the AIADMK and won by a margin of more than 10,000 votes from Thiruvadanai.