Controversial YouTuber and political commentator, A Shankar, popularly known as ‘Savukku’ Shankar, has found himself embroiled in legal trouble once again, as fresh charges of harassment have been filed against him. Following his arrest by the Coimbatore city police cybercrime wing on May 4, 2024, for alleged derogatory remarks about female constables and possession of Ganja, Shankar now faces additional accusations of harassing a woman journalist and woman politician.
The Coimbatore police confirmed that Shankar was apprehended under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) including 294(b), 509, and 353, in conjunction with Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Woman Act, and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. However, on his way to Coimbatore, the police vehicle transporting Shankar was involved in an accident, resulting in minor injuries to the occupants.
When will you arrest @Udhaystalin for his abusive talks of woman.. Do you have guts?
— Vignesh vicky -SayYesToWomenSafety&AIA (@vick_vignesh) May 4, 2024
Meanwhile, allegations of mistreatment and physical assault have surfaced, with Shankar’s lawyer, Gopalakrishnan, claiming that his client was subjected to violence while in custody at Coimbatore Central Prison. Gopalakrishnan asserted that Shankar suffered a fractured right hand during an assault on the night of May 4, following his placement in judicial custody. Furthermore, he accused prison staff of using makeshift weapons such as pipes to attack Shankar, who was allegedly blindfolded during the ordeal. The lawyer also contended that Shankar was administered painkillers without his consent, raising concerns about his medical treatment.
Expressing apprehension for Shankar’s safety, Gopalakrishnan highlighted the alleged involvement of Senthil Kumar, who was previously the superintendent of a prison in Cuddalore during Shankar’s prior incarceration and is now serving as the superintendent of Coimbatore Central Prison. The lawyer suggested that Shankar’s transfer to Coimbatore and subsequent mistreatment may be motivated by revenge, accusing law enforcement officials of subjecting Shankar to torture.
Savukku Shankar has been arrested today by Coimbatore city police cyber crime wing for the offences committed under the following sections. 294(b), 509 and 353 IPC r/w section 4 of Tamilnadu prohibition of harassment of Woman Act and section 67 of Iinformation Technology Act,2000
— கோவை மாநகரக் காவல் Coimbatore City Police (@policecbecity) May 4, 2024
The Cyber Crime wing of the Chennai City Police has taken decisive action against YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar following complaints from journalist Sandhya Ravishankar and Tamizhaga Munnetra Padai founder Veeralakshmi. In response to these complaints, legal proceedings have been initiated, with Felix Gerald, the administrator of the YouTube channel Redpix, also named as a defendant in one of the cases.
According to an official statement released by the Greater Chennai Police on their social media handle, cases have been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act (TNPHW Act). The complaint filed by Sandhya Ravishankar, a freelance journalist from Chennai, led to the registration of a case against Shankar under sections 294(b), 354D, 506 (i), 509 IPC, and section 4 of the TNPHW Act. Additionally, another case has been registered based on a complaint lodged by Veeralakshmi against Shankar and Felix.
After 6 years, @chennaipolice_ registered an FIR on the basis of my complaint against 'Savukku' Shankar. CCB/Cyber Crime have regd a case u/s 294(b), 354D, 506(i), 509 IPC and section 4 of TN Prevention of Harassment of Women Act on 07.05.2024. Thanks to CoP, Chennai & team.
— Sandhya Ravishankar (@sandhyaravishan) May 7, 2024
Sandhya Ravishankar, who had been awaiting legal action for six years, expressed her appreciation for the prompt response from the Chennai Police. In a post on her official social media account, she thanked the Commissioner of Police, Chennai, and his team for registering an FIR based on her complaint.
In her formal complaint to the National Commission for Women (NCW), Sandhya Ravishankar accused Shankar of harassment, stalking, and defamation. She alleged that Shankar had damaged her reputation by publishing baseless accusations against her in an article on his blog ‘Savukku’ in August 2018. Sandhya clarified that she had no prior association with Shankar and only became aware of the defamatory content after being alerted by a friend. Furthermore, she claimed that Shankar continued to defame her on his Facebook pages, falsely alleging that she accepted bribes to target a mining company affiliated with a major Tamil Nadu news channel.
Despite filing complaints with the Chennai Police Commissioner and the Prime Minister’s Office in 2018 and 2019 respectively, Sandhya expressed disappointment with the stalled investigation.
‘Savukku’ Shankar, a former vigilance department employee, has a controversial past, including a six-month jail term for contempt of court by the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court and imprisonment by the DMK government in 2008 for leaking sensitive information. Despite being suspended, he continued to receive a full salary as sustenance allowance until recently.
Known for making sensational allegations against prominent figures, including Chief Minister Stalin and other DMK leaders, Shankar has faced criticism for his questionable reputation and alleged extortion tactics. Despite this, his information has aided authorities in conducting raids against DMK leaders.
Critics have accused Shankar of amassing wealth through blackmail and questionable means. Despite his controversial background, he allegedly met with CM Stalin before joining the AIADMK’s IT wing.
