Dindigul (Tamil Nadu), Mar. 2 : Kolathur Mani, the leader of Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, was arrested on Monday for defending the LTTE for assassinating former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Mani was arrested in Salem for his speech at a public meeting here on February 26 for allegedly saying that "the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi was a right action".

The pro-LTTE group leader was detained for a second time for speaking in favor of LTTE in last three months.

In December, Mani, along with film director Seeman, was arrested for supporting the LTTE at a meeting in Erode district. Later, he was released on bail.

Recently, the Tamil Nadu Government had warned that it would not tolerate criticism of national leaders during protests over the Sri Lankan Tamil issue.

The Congress Party, too had demanded strict action against pro-LTTE outfits, who were burning portraits of national leaders over the issue. (ANI)