Chennai, Sept 4: Reacting to the arrest of student Louis Sophia who raised slogans against the BJP-led central government in public, DMK chief MK Stalin dared the Tamil Nadu police to put him behind the bars, adding that he, along with his party cadres, would be reiterating the fascism charge against the Centre.

"Sophia should be immediately released. You will have to arrest lakhs of people who raise slogans like this. I will also raise the slogan. BJP fascist government down down," Stalin said.

Sophia was arrested yesterday from the Tuticorin airport, where she shouted "Fascist BJP Government Down, Down" following a verbal duel with BJP state unit chief Tamilisai Soundararajan.

The police has charged her of causing public nuisance, under Indian Penal Code section 290, and causing a breach of public peace under section 75(1)(C) of the Tamil Nadu City Police Act 1888, based on the complaint of Soundarajan.

Tamil Nadu Congress leader Jothimani also condemned the arrest of Sophia, calling it an attempt by the BJP, along with the AIADMK government in the state, to muzzle dissent.

Sophia, 25, claims to be a researcher in Canada. On Monday, she was headed to Tuticorin in the same flight in which Soundarajan was travelling. After an argument onboard, the duo were involved in a heated verbal duel at the airport.

According to reports, Sophia's bail application has been moved by her father earlier today. She is likely to be released in the next few hours.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2018 11:12 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).