Published Feb 04, 2026 | 8:00 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 04, 2026 | 8:02 PM
Srirangam DMK MLA M Palaniyandi.
Synopsis: A video purportedly showing Srirangam DMK MLA M Palaniyandi assaulting two video journalists during coverage of alleged illegal quarrying in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district has sparked widespread outrage. While police have denied that the journalists were abducted and said they filmed a quarry using a drone without permission, the video released by the channel appears to show Palaniyandi at the site attacking the pair. Amid demands for swift action from Opposition leaders and DMK allies alike, the party has yet to act.
A video purportedly showing Srirangam MLA M Palaniyandi assaulting a reporter surfaced on Wednesday, 4 February, leaving the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu red-faced.
Kathiravan, a reporter with News Tamil 24/7, and cameraman Sebastian had reportedly arrived in Karur on 30 January to report on alleged illegal mining activities at quarries operating in the Krishnarayapuram area when the attack took place, according to News Tamil 24/7.
One of the quarries the pair reportedly visited was in the Sivayam area and is said to be owned by Palaniyandi.
After learning of their presence, Palaniyandi and his supporters reportedly arrived at the site, assaulted Kathiravan and Sebastian, and abducted them. The two were later allegedly rescued and admitted to hospital.
A separate audio clip has also surfaced in which Kathiravan is purportedly heard begging the attackers to spare them.
The incident has sparked outrage, with Opposition leaders and leaders of DMK alliance partners urging Chief Minister MK Stalin to take immediate action against Palaniyandi. The party, however, has yet to act.
The video published by News Tamil 24/7 contradicts the Karur police version of events.
In a statement issued on the day of the attack, police said Kathiravan was not abducted and that he and his team filmed a quarry using a drone without permission.
They, however, confirmed that the quarry was operated by Palaniyandi’s son, Vimalatithan, and that Kathiravan and cameraman Sebastian were accompanied by three others.
“Our inquiry revealed that this was not an abduction,” the statement said. “At around 1.30 pm, Kathiravan, Sebastian, Sudalai Kannu, Thirumalai Raja, advocate, and Rajamanickam went to the quarry run by Navamani Mines Private Limited, which is operated by Vimalatithan, son of MLA Palaniyandi. They filmed the quarry using a drone without permission.”
Police said a clash broke out when quarry workers questioned Kathiravan and his team. Police further said Vimalatithan had lodged a complaint accusing Kathiravan of attempting to extort money by threatening to publish false news about the quarry.
At the same time, Kathiravan filed a complaint alleging assault and damage to their equipment. Based on these complaints, cases have been registered against both sides.
Notably, the police statement omitted any mention of MLA Palaniyandi’s presence at the site during the alleged assault.
Yet the video clip released by News Tamil 24/7 on Wednesday shows Palaniyandi getting out of a car, walking directly towards the camera, and attacking the person holding it. The video also shows him throwing the camera away.
The incident drew condemnation from across the political spectrum. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay called the ruling DMK’s inaction, even after the video’s release, “shameful”.
“The attack carried out by Srirangam constituency DMK MLA Thiru Palaniyandi on media persons, who function as the fourth pillar of democracy, deserves strong condemnation,” he said in a statement.
“Even after video evidence has come out, the Chief Minister is merely watching without registering a case or taking arrest action against Palaniyandi. This is shameful.”
Former BJP state president Annamalai demanded Palaniyandi’s immediate arrest. “Is the post of MLA a licence to smuggle minerals? Palaniyandi and all those involved must be arrested immediately,” he said.
Similarly, MDMK leader Vaiko demanded that Palaniyandi be “arrested immediately and given severe punishment”.
Tamil Nadu Congress president K Selvaperunthagai, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, CPI state secretary Veerappandian, and CPM state secretary P Shanmugam have also condemned the attack.
Meanwhile, DMK leader and Legislative Assembly Speaker M Appavu said strict action would be taken and that no one would be given protection.
“This is wrong. Whoever has attacked journalists, this government will take strict action. No one will be given protection,” he said. “Action will be taken, but I do not have any information at present. The Tiruchi district leaders will take action.”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
