In the wake of widespread prohibition movement in Tamil Nadu, Kovan wrote, composed and performed songs criticizing government-run alcohol shops and the governments in power. Those songs came to the attention of officials sympathetic to the AIADMK led state government. In late October, Kovan was arrested by TN Cyber Crime Police "under Sections 124-A (Sedition), 153 (Provoking riots), 505 (1) (b and c) (intent to cause fear and alarm to public against state and incitement). His crime – to have written, performed and released on the internet, songs criticising the state government of Tamil Nadu and its Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on the burning issue of Prohibition". His arrest prompted wide condemnation from human rights organizations, activist groups, political parties and student bodies with notable exceptions of AIADMK and TN Bharatiya Janata Party. The songs went viral through social media and chat apps.
