Published Jun 30, 2026 | 3:42 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 30, 2026 | 3:42 PM
The defamation case was filed by Baalu against Annamalai at the XVII Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Saidapet in Chennai (Creative Commons)
Synopsis: Senior DMK leader and Sriperumbudur MP TR Baalu has withdrawn the criminal defamation case he filed in 2023 against K Annamalai over allegations made in the “DMK Files”. The case had recently reached a key stage, with Baalu recording his testimony and facing cross-examination by Annamalai’s legal team.
Senior DMK leader and Sriperumbudur MP TR Baalu has withdrawn the criminal defamation case he filed against We The Leaders founder K Annamalai, bringing the case to an end after proceedings had recently reached a crucial stage before a Chennai court.
The case stemmed from the release of the “DMK Files” in 2023, when Annamalai, then the Tamil Nadu BJP president, alleged that several senior DMK leaders, including Baalu, possessed disproportionate assets and were involved in financial irregularities.
Maintaining that the allegations were false and had harmed his reputation, Baalu filed a criminal defamation complaint before the Saidapet court in Chennai.
The matter had been under trial for several months and had recently entered a key stage.
Baalu appeared before the court to record his testimony before being cross-examined by Annamalai’s legal team. During the proceedings, Annamalai and his lawyers reportedly questioned the DMK leader extensively.
However, before the trial could proceed further, Baalu withdrew the complaint, following which the court closed the case.
The decision has attracted attention because it came after cross-examination had begun, prompting speculation in Tamil Nadu’s political circles and on social media.
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