Savukku Shankar, a controversial Tamil Nadu YouTuber, has sought bail in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court concerning an attempt to murder case filed against him. The case stems from a dispute with a flower vendor, B. Murugan, at the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai on February 2nd.
Shankar claims he was peacefully filming a video exposing alleged corruption within the temple administration when Murugan and others physically assaulted him. He alleges the assault was pre-planned and intended to prevent him from revealing the corruption. He maintains his actions were in self-defense and that the attempt to murder charges are fabricated.
The police version contradicts Shankar’s account. They allege Shankar verbally abused Murugan, physically assaulted him, and attempted to run him over with his car. The First Information Report (FIR) details charges under sections including attempted murder, wrongful restraint, and intentional insult to provoke breach of peace.
Shankar’s counsel argued before the court that the charges are disproportionate to the alleged offense and that the evidence primarily relies on the testimony of the complainant and witnesses aligned with him. They emphasized Shankar’s reputation as a social activist exposing corruption and argued his arrest is a deliberate attempt to silence him.
The prosecution opposed the bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the potential for Shankar to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. They highlighted the alleged threat posed by Shankar to public order.
Justice G.R. Swaminathan reserved judgment on the bail petition after hearing arguments from both sides. The court directed the prosecution to file a counter-affidavit within two weeks. Shankar remains in judicial custody. The case has garnered significant attention due to Shankar’s large online following and his history of making controversial claims and accusations against public figures. The outcome of the bail petition will be closely watched.
