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Chennai: The media in Tamil Nadu is in a frenzy after the arrest and detention of a newspaper editor who published the names and pictures of several other actresses believed to be moonlighting as high-class callgirls. According to the report Bhuvaneswari had purportedly admitted to running a prostitution racket from her home and also listed the others involved and stated the prices that they quoted for their services.The newspaper, however, published an unconditional apology the following day when police denied Bhuvaneswari’s claims.
Related: Who is Bhuvaneshwari? (with photos)
Tamil actress Bhuvaneswari arrested for prostitution

B. Lenin, news editor of the Dinamalar Tamil daily, was arrested Wednesday evening at his office for harassment and allowing the publication of news that hurt the sentiments of certain female actors.

He was expected to be remanded in custody till Oct 21 but was released on unconditional bail on Friday.

Lenin’s detention has resulted in a full-fledged war between the journalists in the state and the South Indian movie industry which is referred to as Kollywood, to differentiate it from to Mumbai’s Bollywood.

In retaliation, members of the Chennai Press Club (CPC) and the Madras Union of Journalists submitted a memorandum to the city’s police commissioner demanding the arrest of several leading actors for “defaming them and their family members”.

CPC joint secretary Bharathi Tamizhan said: “The normal course for a person affected by a news report is to file a defamation case or lodge a complaint with the Press Council of India.”

Another journalist said police and the Tamil Nadu state government had set a wrong precedent by arresting an editor.

Meanwhile, a group of Muslim women activists of the Indian Tauheed Jamaat group marched to the police headquarters to protest Bhuvaneswari’s wearing of the purdah (head cover) while she was being brought to court on Wednesday.

In a petition to Tamil Nadu police commissioner, T. Rajendran, the activists said the purdah was considered as a “sacred and dignified garment by the Muslim women worldwide”.

They said Bhuvaneswari’s appearance in the traditional Muslim women’s garb while being taken to the police station had hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community.

“Is has become customary for those involved in the flesh trade and other crimes to hide behind the ‘purdah,’the group claimed.

Meanwhile, Bhuvaneswari, who is still in detention as the probe into her vice activities continues, hit the headlines again when she announced her plans to write a “tell all” autobiography.

She said it would “reveal many interesting things about the flesh business prevailing in the film Industry”.

The book may be yet unwritten but has already created another quake in Kollywood.

PTI