Tamil Nadu police detained BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan in Chennai on Monday, hours before a planned protest by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against an alleged scam involving the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC).

The demonstration, spearheaded by BJP state chief K. Annamalai, aimed to spotlight purported irregularities in the state-run liquor distribution agency.

Heavy police deployment was reported outside Soundararajan’s residence as a preventive measure, with authorities also arresting BJP state secretary Vinoj P. Selvam to thwart the protest.

The detentions have sparked outrage among BJP supporters, escalating political tensions in Tamil Nadu. The ruling DMK government has yet to respond to the allegations, which the opposition claims involve significant financial mismanagement.

Further developments are awaited as the situation unfolds in the state capital.