Nellai Kannan sent to judicial custody for anti-Modi speech till Jan 13

Amidst tight security around noon, he was taken to the court hall. While counsel on behalf of Kannan cited his deteriorating health and sought time for availing of medical treatment in hospital, State government counsel argued that Kannan made remarks with intent to incite hatred among community in the name of religions and he should be imprisoned.

After hearing the prosecution, Magistrate Babu remanded ‘Nellai’ Kannan in judicial custody till January 13. After the video of his speech went viral on social media, cadre of the BJP staged protests demanding his immediate arrest. During the prosecution, the video content was produced before the Magistrate. Kannan was initially taken to Palayamkottai Central Prison and later to a prison in Salem, sources said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tirunelveli City (Law and Order), who led the police force deployed on the premises of the court, said in the wake of the public rally during when Kannan made such incendiary remarks, Melapalayam police on December 30 booked case against him under Sections 504, 505 (1) (b), 505 (2), 153 A and 506 (ii) of IPC, Saravanan said.

Condemning the detention, lawyers and cadre of political parties took to Palayamkottai road opposite court and resorted to block vehicular traffic. Later, the crowd dispersed, the sources said.