Well-known YouTuber Maridhas was arrested on Monday by a special team of the Chennai City Police for allegedly posting a series of critical videos targeting the TVK government, chief minister C Joseph Vijay and several state ministers, officials said.

Maridhas was picked up from his residence at Surya Nagar here. He is currently being brought to Chennai, they said.

"Complete details regarding the specific sections under which he has been booked will be made available following further investigation," the police official added.

According to police sources, following continuous allegations and critical commentary online against the functioning of the state government, the Cyber Crime department of Chennai Police registered a case on its own against the YouTuber.

A special team of the Cyber Crime wing from Chennai arrived in Madurai on Monday. Maridhas was taken into their custody from his residence in Surya Nagar with assistance from the Madurai City Police.

Maridhas, who commands a significant social media following, has frequently courted controversy in the past for his political commentary and has faced multiple police cases.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders in Tamil Nadu condemned the police action, accusing the TVK-led government of authoritarianism and political intolerance.

Senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan, speaking to reporters in Tiruchirappalli, pointed out the ruling dispensation's shift in stance on freedom of expression.

"Before coming to power, CM Vijay spoke passionately about freedom of expression and condemned the arrest of those who voiced against the government. However, this current governance exhibits intolerance," she said, adding that Maridhas had pointed out administrative deficiencies backed by data without launching personal attacks.

She also alleged institutional bias, citing the lack of police action against another YouTuber, Mukthar, who had reportedly spoken disparagingly about former Chief Minister K Kamaraj.

However, the former Telangana governor said, although she condemned the arrest of Maridhas, she was against remarks made on women.

In a social media statement, NTK chief coordinator Seeman termed the arrest a "blatant act of political vendetta" and demanded Maridhas's immediate release.

"The swift arrest of individuals who criticise the government, while severe criminals involved in daylight murders, sexual assaults, and drug trafficking evade similar heavy-handed action, is deeply concerning," he said.

He argued that if the administration found Maridhas’s comments to be defamatory, they should have pursued legal recourse rather than executing an immediate arrest without a proper investigation.

AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran termed the arrest an "authoritarian approach" by the TVK government for criticising administrative shortcomings and ministerial functioning.

He urged CM Vijay to immediately halt activities that suppress the freedom of speech guaranteed to citizens by democracy. He further demanded that the ruling administration should face criticism constructively and focus on progressive initiatives instead of retaliatory measures.