Savukku Shankar alleges police involvement after Chennai house ransacked, leaving family in fear

A group of about 20 people dressed as sanitary workers stormed controversial Tamil YouTuber Savukku Shankar's house in Chennai's Kilpauk on Monday. His mother, Kamala, 68, who was alone at home, filed a police complaint alleging that the intruders dumped “sewage and human faeces” at their residence. Before leaving, they allegedly told her, "Now we have stopped with this. Next time, we will set fire to you inside the house.”

Savukku Shankar accused the Greater Chennai Police and the Commissioner of Police of being complicit in the attack.

According to India Today, sources claimed that the intruders were offended by Shankar’s alleged derogatory remarks about sanitary workers in one of his YouTube videos.

Savukku Shankar posted CCTV footage of the incident on his X account.

'TN government stoops to such a level’

Savukku Shankar alleged he had been getting threats, warning him to stop his media-related work.

"I see this as the final warning since I have been talking against this (DMK regime) government and the police. This government will stoop to such a level and this is what I have been saying for the past four years," he told the media, adding that his landlord has asked him to vacate the house.

Who is Savukku Shankar?

Savukku Shankar, a YouTuber and outspoken critic of ruling DMK, has faced numerous legal challenges over the years for his controversial statements.

In one instance, he was arrested for allegedly making derogatory comments against top police officials and female police personnel during a YouTube interview, sparking widespread outrage and legal action against him.

In August 2024, he was detained under the Goondas Act after police allegedly discovered 500 grams of ganja discovered in his car during a search in Theni. In September 2024, the Supreme Court ordered his release after Tamil Nadu revoked his detention order related to the drug case.

What did DGP office say on the incident?

"Based on the complaint, G-3 Kilpauk P.S. registered C.S.R. No. 118/2025 and initiated an inquiry,” a statement from the DGP office said as per news agency ANI.

The statement added that the Commissioner of Police requested the probe be transferred to another agency. Following the request, the case was handed over to the CB-CID for further investigation.

“Meanwhile, Tr. Shankar @ Savukku Shankar, YouTuber and s/o petitioner Tmt. Kamala, in an interview, levelled certain allegations against the Greater Chennai Police and the Commissioner of Police. Hence, the Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai Police requested for transferring the aforementioned C.S.R to any other agency for enquiry. Based on the request, the petition in G-3 Kilpauk Police Station C.S.R. No.118/2025 has been transferred to CBCID for further enquiry”, it added.

What was Savukku Shankar's YouTube exposé about?

In December 2024, Savukku Shankar released a YouTube video alleging that 230 vehicles provided under a government scheme for sewage clearance were misused for personal gain. He accused a senior Tamil Nadu Congress leader of playing a crucial role in paving the way for misuse and receiving kickbacks.

Savukku Shankar clarified that his exposé was about “corruption” in acquiring vehicles, not an attack on sanitary workers.

The attack has drawn sharp political reactions.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said, "No one who believes in democracy will tolerate this. This incident showcases the height of cruelty, and anyone with a conscience should hang their head in shame, as it has happened under the DMK regime, which boasts of ruling as per law.”

MDMK chief Vaiko, actor-politician Vijay-led Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam general secretary N Anand, BJP Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol Thirumavalavan, all strongly criticised the incident and demanded strict action against those involved in the incident.