Overview

• At a July 9 MDMK gathering in Sathur, cadres allegedly assaulted journalists and damaged cameras after leader Vaiko ordered them to seize equipment filming empty chairs.
• Tamil Nadu journalist unions and the Chennai Press Club have denounced the violence and formally demanded FIRs against Vaiko for instigating the attack.
• Durai Vaiko, the leader’s son, issued an apology and the party described the episode as unprecedented in its history.
• Tamil Nadu police say they are waiting for formal complaints before initiating any legal action or registering a case.
• The incident has intensified concerns over press freedom and may impact public perceptions as the MDMK and its ally DMK gear up for the 2026 assembly elections.