CHENNAI: Tension brewed across Tamil Nadu on October 2 as police in several districts, including Chennai, Ambur and Erode, reportedly detained Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) cadres who had gathered to conduct a Special Shakha programme marking the centenary year of the organisation. The day coincided with Vijayadashami, one of the most significant festivals for the RSS, symbolising the founding day of the Sangh.
In Chennai, at least 47 RSS volunteers were detained near Porur after they conducted Guru Puja and a Shakha session at the Ayyappanthangal Government Higher Secondary School without prior permission. Police alleged that the gathering amounted to “unlawful assembly” on government property. An FIR was registered under CR No. 496/25 u/s 189(3), 329(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to police sources, the participants, including several Bala Swayamsevaks (younger volunteers), were rounded up and kept at a nearby marriage mandapam until their release later in the evening. “Around 45 members led by A.N.E. Datchinamurthy gathered at 6.30 a.m. to conduct the Shakha. Since it was held without permission in a government school, they were taken into preventive custody,” a senior police officer confirmed. All 47 were released by 4.20 p.m. the same day.
The RSS legal team immediately reached the spot and began discussions with local authorities. “This was a peaceful prayer event. We have been holding daily Shakhas at this ground for years. Suddenly, on Vijayadashami, police decided to stop us and file FIRs. It’s clearly an attempt to intimidate swayamsevaks,” a senior RSS functionary in Chennai told Organiser.
Police Action in Multiple Districts
Similar incidents were reported from other parts of Tamil Nadu. In Ambur in Tirupattur district, 35 RSS members were detained by Ambur Town Police while conducting a Vijayadashami Utsav near Kasba Mandhakarai Eswaran Temple. The event began around 9 a.m. under the leadership of district president Murali. Police cited “lack of permission” as the reason for the detention and shifted the participants to a community hall in Sandrorkuppam. They were released by 6 p.m. the same evening. No formal FIR was filed in this case.
In Erode, though no arrests were made, a case was registered under Cr. No. 296/2025 u/s 189(2), 126(2), 292 of BNS-2023 against 36 individuals who participated in RSS events held at two locations under Erode South and Erode Taluk Police limits.
Reports from ground-level functionaries suggest that programmes planned in Maangadu and other nearby areas were either disrupted or cancelled under police pressure. “In several districts, the police pre-emptively denied permission or detained participants without provocation. It appears to be a coordinated attempt to curb the centenary celebrations,” said an RSS coordinator from western Tamil Nadu.
The police actions have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and Hindu organisations, who allege that the DMK government is systematically targeting the RSS and BJP. Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Nainar Nagendran, former Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, and Hindu Munnani leader Kadeswara Subramaniam condemned the crackdown, calling it an “unconstitutional attack on freedom of association”.
Kadeswara Subramaniam termed the arrests “highly condemnable”.
“The DMK government can’t digest the sight of RSS conducting peaceful programmes. Arresting swayamsevaks on Vijayadashami — the most sacred day for the Sangh — shows sheer political intolerance,” he said.
Sources within the Sangh alleged that the DMK regime has made it a routine to obstruct RSS activities, whether it is the annual route march (Path Sanchalan), Vinayagar Chaturthi processions, or special utsavs. In many instances, RSS and allied groups have been compelled to approach the Madras High Court and even the Supreme Court to secure permission for their events. Courts have repeatedly questioned the state government’s reluctance to grant approvals, observing that denial of permission “without valid reasons” violates the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
A senior BJP functionary remarked, “This is not about law and order. It’s about political appeasement. The DMK fears the growing social acceptance of RSS in Tamil Nadu and wants to suppress it using police power.”
With 2025 marking the 100th anniversary of the RSS, the organisation has been holding special outreach programmes, social service events, and public interactions instead of large route marches. However, the latest police actions appear to have hindered these efforts.
Political analysts note that the arrests and FIRs may only bolster the RSS’s claim of being unfairly targeted. “Such actions often backfire. They strengthen the RSS narrative of being victims of political intolerance,” a Chennai-based political observer commented.
Despite the confrontations, the RSS leadership has maintained a restrained tone, appealing to cadres to remain calm and abide by the law. Senior functionaries are reportedly engaging with the police to ensure that future events are not disrupted.
“RSS will continue its service and character-building work peacefully. No amount of administrative harassment will stop us from reaching the people,” an RSS spokesperson said.
