Kovan dares Jaya, says will continue 'singing'

Chennai: Tamil Nadu folk singer S. Kovan who was arrested on charges of sedition, on Wednesday said that he would not stop singing against the state-run liquor shops.

"People might call this derogatory. But if you ask who has been affected by this evil, they will express much more than what I've expressed. I will continue to fight, will continue to sing," Kovan told reporters here.

Asserting that state-run TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor shops were destroying families, the singer said he will continue to fight for its prohibition and will not stop singing.

There have been rising protests across the state demanding Kovan's release with violent clashes between the agitators and police.

International human rights organisations, Amnesty International and the Human Rights Watch have strongly criticised the Tamil Nadu Government's decision to arrest Kovan.

Kovan was arrested from his house by the cyber crime department on October 31 after his video went viral on social media. He was booked under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 124 (A), sedition.

Kovan in his controversial song attacked the Jayalalithaa-led Government, saying the Chief Minister was enjoying while the state was reeling from the influence of alcohol.

The song 'Oorkku oorkku sarayam' mocks liquor shops run by the state government in Tamil Nadu.

Further attacking Jayalalithaa, the singer commented on her luxurious lifestyle while pointing out that the common man was left to struggle.