Chennai Mayor R Priya has lodged a police complaint over an allegedly obscene social media post targeting her, accusing online users of subjecting her to sexual humiliation and questioning the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s response to abuse directed at women in public life.
Priya approached the Greater Chennai Police and the Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing on Tuesday over a post allegedly carrying her image along with derogatory captions and sexually coloured remarks.
She also questioned Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay over what she described as inaction against alleged online abusers associated with TVK supporters.
Complaint Against X Account Over Allegedly Obscene Post
According to The New Indian Express, Priya’s complaint specifically refers to an X account identified as ‘Yaazh Mynthan’, alleging that it misused her photograph and published false and obscene content about her character.
Priya said she had repeatedly faced digital harassment because of her public position and sought an investigation into whether the account was acting independently or as part of a coordinated campaign by political opponents.
The allegations are contained in Priya’s complaint and have not yet resulted in any judicial finding against the people behind the account.
‘Do Only TVK Women Have Dignity?’
Priya publicly questioned whether the ruling party considered abusive attacks acceptable when directed at women belonging to rival political parties.
“Is it the policy of the TVK to engage in obscene and derogatory remarks about me, solely because I am in public life?” she asked.
She also questioned whether people she described as “virtual abusers” were being allowed to operate under the label of “TVK virtual warriors”.
Priya asked whether dignity was reserved only for women associated with TVK or whether women from other political backgrounds were also entitled to the same respect.
Mayor Says Earlier Complaints Brought No Action
Priya has also alleged that earlier complaints about edited videos and social media posts targeting her had not led to adequate police action.
She claimed that whenever she criticised the TVK government over administrative issues, manipulated or misleading videos portraying her negatively began circulating on platforms such as Facebook and X.
Priya said such attacks affected her personal life and could discourage women from entering politics.
Row Comes Months After Udhayanidhi-Trisha Controversy
The complaint has revived debate over abusive political discourse in Tamil Nadu.
Earlier this year, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin faced controversy over a remark involving actor Trisha Krishnan that was widely criticised as obscene and derogatory.
TVK strongly condemned the remark, while the BJP demanded action against him.
Udhayanidhi was subsequently arrested in August and later released on bail. He denied that he had insulted women and described the case against him as politically motivated.
Vijay Had Earlier Condemned Abuse Against Women
Following that controversy, Chief Minister Vijay publicly spoke against abusive and defamatory language targeting women.
Without naming individuals, he said political disagreements should not lead to personal attacks, double-meaning remarks or derogatory statements about women.
Priya has now cited that broader position while questioning why, according to her, similar standards were not being applied to online abuse directed at her.
Separate Row Over DMK Councillor’s Remarks Against Vijay
Priya’s complaint also comes days after Chennai Police registered a case against DMK councillor Sudha Dheena Dayalan for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Chief Minister Vijay at a party women’s wing event on October 7.
DMK functionary Muralidharan, who organised the event, was also booked.
The remarks were made at an event attended by DMK MP Kanimozhi, former minister Sekar Babu and Mayor Priya. Videos from the programme showed Priya laughing during portions of the speech, prompting criticism from TVK leaders.
TVK Accuses DMK of Encouraging Personal Attacks
TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna accused the DMK of allowing political platforms to be used for personal attacks against opponents.
He also questioned Priya’s reaction during the event and criticised senior DMK leaders who were present.
The DMK later circulated a video claiming that Kanimozhi and Sekar Babu had privately reprimanded Deenadayalan after the event.
Kanimozhi subsequently said political leaders should not allow their own conduct to be dictated by the behaviour of their opponents.
Online Abuse Becomes Latest Flashpoint in TVK-DMK Battle
The latest complaint has added another layer to the increasingly sharp political confrontation between Tamil Nadu’s ruling TVK and the opposition DMK.
Priya has asked police to identify those responsible for the allegedly obscene content and take action under applicable law.
Police are expected to examine the social media account, the origin of the posts and any available digital evidence before deciding on further action.
For now, Priya’s allegations against TVK supporters remain claims made in her police complaint, and no official finding has established that the party itself directed or authorised the posts.
