Rangarajan Narasimhan, a temple activist known for his outspoken criticism of temple management practices, was arrested by the Chennai Cyber Crime Police on charges of making derogatory remarks against Sriperumbudur Embar Jeeyar and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. He is now under judicial custody for 14 days.

The arrest followed a complaint filed by Embar Jeeyar, alleging that Rangarajan uploaded a phone conversation between them on YouTube without permission, distorting its meaning. Rangarajan, who runs the YouTube channel “Our Temples – Rangarajan Narasimhan”, is noted for his criticism of the DMK government and its leaders.

In a video uploaded on December 6, Rangarajan made controversial claims against Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. He alleged that Udhayanidhi performed rituals involving three Brahmin priests to remedy a supposed “Brahmana dosham” (a curse tied to Brahmins) as advised by an astrologer. “Udhayanidhi Stalin, who called Sanatana Dharma dengue and malaria, has followed its principles. He was told that addressing Brahmana dosham would help him win the 2026 elections,” Rangarajan claimed.

Rangarajan further alleged that Udhayanidhi summoned Srivilliputhur Jeeyar, Alwarthirunagari Jeeyar, and Sriperumbudur Embar Jeeyar to his residence, where he performed “paadha puja” (feet washing ritual), offered food, and sought their blessings.

The controversy deepened when Rangarajan released an audio clip of a phone conversation with Embar Jeeyar, in which the Jeeyar purportedly confirmed his visit to Udhayanidhi’s residence. However, Embar Jeeyar asserted that the recording was made without his consent, edited to misrepresent the conversation, and uploaded without permission.

A case was registered under Sections 192 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 352, 352(1)(A), 353(1)(B) (Intentional insult that provokes a breach of peace) of the
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act, and Section 67 of the IT Act.

The Cyber Crime Police arrested Rangarajan on Monday. Further investigations are underway to determine the extent of the allegations and any additional violations.