Anirudh Ravichander has finally appeared before the Coimbatore police in connection with the beep song controversy. He reportedly met the police commissioner on Tuesday, 12 January, and gave his statement over the row.
The musician revealed the news on Twitter and posted: "Hello all! As required of me, I have reported to the Police in Coimbatore in person and given my statement. Thanks to the fans and to everyone for your love and support, as always :) Love, Anirudh. (sic)"
The "Kolaver di" hitmaker was in Toronto when the beep song controversy broke, and subsequently cases were filed against Simbu and Anirudh. He had written a letter to the Coimbatore police saying he was out of the country and would appear before them once he returned to Chennai. He had also denied his involvement in the song.
It is alleged that Simbu and Anirudh Ravichander had written, composed and sung the song, which denigrates women. The lyrics in the song used lots of cuss words against women, and this drew sharp criticism from the public.
Several women's rights organisations protested against the song and its creators. Multiple cases were filed against them under various sections of the IPC. Simbu tried to control the damage by saying the original song was different from the one that went viral, and some miscreants had modified the song, thereby putting them in trouble.
Simbu also said Anirudh had no link to the song. He also approached the Madras High Court for anticipatory bail, but his plea was rejected and the court directed him to appear before the Central Crime Branch, Cyber Crime, Egmore, Chennai and the Race Course Police Station in Coimbatore on or before 29 January.
