Tensions escalated in Tamil Nadu on Sunday ahead of the October 6 Dharapuram assembly bypoll, with a sit-in protest, a police case against the Leader of the Opposition and a chief ministerial roadshow all unfolding on the same day.

AIADMK cadres staged a sit-in outside the Dharapuram police station after the detention of their rural district secretary Selvakumar. Party workers alleged the police were acting in favour of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The detained leaders were released after nearly five hours, and the gathering dispersed.

Separately, Tiruppur district police registered a case against DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin for allegedly involving a minor in campaign activity near the Periyar statue in Dharapuram town. Police said the boy was made to speak from a campaign van and made remarks against Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. Election Commission guidelines strictly prohibit involving children in election-related activity.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijay travelled from Coimbatore to Dharapuram for a roadshow, with around 2,000 police personnel deployed along the route. The bypoll, with counting on October 9, was necessitated after AIADMK MLA P Sathyabama resigned in May, joined the TVK and is now contesting as its candidate.

The DMK has fielded S Suganya and the AIADMK K Bhanumathi, with CPI and NTK candidates also in the fray. The AIADMK has additionally petitioned the Election Commission over alleged cash distribution to voters in the constituency.