Tamil film director Seeman, once again found himself in trouble, when he indulged in inflammatory talk and was arrested on Friday. This time, Seeman justified the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, besides eulogizing the LTTE at a December 14 meeting in Erode.

Periyar Dravida Kazhagam president Kolathur Mani and Tamil Desiya Pothu Udamai Katchi general secretary Maniarasan, were also arrested from a shooting site in Genguvarpatti village near Theni along with Seeman, since both men shared the stage with the director, on a day that saw high drama unfolding at different places.

In Chennai, unidentified miscreants damaged Seeman’s car, parked outside his house and the Youth Congress activists burnt his effigy at Gokulam point on Arcot Road. Many top Congress leaders met the police and other officials, demanding his arrest.

There was a major clash between activists of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Youth Congress workers.

It should be noted that the arrests came only after Congress leaders put pressure on the government. The Chief Minister was urged by TNCC president to order Seeman’s arrest and Youth Congress leader Mayura Jayakumar gave a petition to the West Zone IGP at Coimbatore. Seeman and Kolathur Mani were presented by Erode Police before the judicial magistrate in Erode and the magistrate ordered their remand till December 31. The charges put to them included section 13 (1) b, Prevention of Unlawful Activities Act 1967 and IPC 505 (creating rumours against the state and army).

When Seeman later talked to the newspersons, he explained that he did not speak in support of the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination and asserted that speaking in support of Tamil Eelam should not create any problem in the country.

Earlier, the man was taken under custody along with film director Ameer for his speeches at Rameswaram.