Published Jul 16, 2026 | 9:42 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 16, 2026 | 9:42 PM
The Press Club urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to direct the police to return the seized mobile phone immediately.
Synopsis: The Chennai Press Club has condemned the Tamil Nadu police’s action against Puthiya Thalaimurai news anchor Vijayan in connection with a probe into an alleged attempt to bribe a TVK MLA. The Club alleged that Vijayan was questioned late into the night and that his mobile phone was seized without due legal procedure. It urged Chief Minister Vijay to end the “harassment of journalists” in the name of the investigation.
The Chennai Press Club has condemned the Tamil Nadu police for summoning journalist Vijayan for questioning and allegedly seizing his mobile phone, saying the action amounted to an assault on freedom of expression and press freedom, and was an attempt to intimidate journalists.
Vijayan, a news anchor with Puthiya Thalaimurai television, was summoned as part of a probe into a complaint lodged by TVK Uthangarai MLA Ilaiyaraja, who alleged that attempts were made to bribe him to vote in favour of a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
Based on the complaint, the police arrested eight persons, including Thirunavukkarasu.
The Chennai Press Club alleged that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) served a summons on Vijayan at his office, directing him to appear for questioning on Tuesday, 15 July.
Immediately after serving the summons, the police allegedly insisted that he report to the Triplicane Police Station the same night. Vijayan appeared at the police station at about 10 pm and was questioned for more than two hours, until 12.30 am on Thursday.
The Press Club alleged that after Vijayan left for home, the police called him back to the station. When he returned at around 2 am, officers allegedly seized his mobile phone without following due legal procedure.
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In a statement, the Chennai Press Club said that while the police have the authority to summon individuals for questioning and record witness statements, such powers must be exercised strictly within the framework of the law.
It said the seizure of a journalist’s mobile phone during questioning was unacceptable.
The Club further alleged that the police again summoned Vijayan for questioning on 16 July and that, although he appeared for the inquiry, he was not allowed to return home and continued to be kept at the police station.
The Press Club urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to direct the police to return the seized mobile phone immediately, end the “harassment of journalists” in the name of the investigation, and ensure Vijayan’s immediate release.
