Under the pretext of public disruption and inciting religious animosity, the DMK government has initiated legal action against Ashvathaman, the Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary. This case stems from Ashvathaman’s participation in a memorial event for Thangammal, the wife of Hindu activist T. Muthukrishnan, who was killed in a parcel bomb blast on 3 July 1995 in the then Nagai Qaid-e-Milleth district.
A 1995 report from India Today and Rajya Sabha debate highlighted Tamil Nadu’s declining reputation due to a series of violent incidents. The latest tragedy involved a parcel bomb that killed Thangammal, who was opening a Ramayana book when the bomb exploded. The attack, aimed at her husband, T. Muthukrishnan, a leader of the Hindu Munnani organization, resulted in her death and injuries to her daughters. The blast was part of a disturbing trend of violence in the region, including previous attacks involving RSS and Munnani offices and other bombings.
Every year, a memorial event is held to honour Thangammal’s death, but recently, the DMK government has obstructed these gatherings. Last year, the authorities arrested several attendees and barred them from participating. This year, despite initially denying permission, the BJP secured approval through legal channels. However, as anticipated, the DMK police filed an urgent FIR at 8:00 PM on 23 July 2024 against those who spoke at the event held on 7 July 2024.
The FIR noted: “I (Deva Kumar) am working as the Village Administrative Officer in Nagapattinam District, including Nagore, I report that on July 7, 2024, a public meeting was held to commemorate the 29th anniversary of Thangammal, the wife of Tanga Muthu Krishnan, on Nagore Main Road, near Kamakshi Amman Templeon that day from 17.10 pm to 20.44 pm on the said public meeting platform. 1. Thanga Muthukrishna – Activist from Nagore, 2. Bala – State General Secretary, Hindu Makkal Katchi Anuman Sena 3. Vijay Krishna – State Spokesperson, Shiv Sena, 4. Kannadasan – Lawyer, 5.Subramaniyan M. R. – Member, Cauvery Farmers Association, 6. Prabhu R. D. – State President, Hindu Munanni 7. Rajaguru – State President, Hindu Athiradipadai, 8. Ashvathaman – State Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 9. Selvam V. K – Organization Secretary, Hindu Makkal Katchi. During the meeting, these individuals reportedly referred to Muslims as terrorists, labeled the Muslim religion as divisive, and made statements that disturbed public peace, offended religious sentiments, and incited hatred between Hindus and Muslims. Their remarks also included criticism of alleged dereliction of duty. Therefore, I request that appropriate legal action be taken against those who spoke in a manner that fosters religious animosity.”
The plaintiff’s complaint was registered under sections 196, 299, 353(1), 353(2), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 on 23 July 2024, following receipt of the petition.
This action against Ashvathaman appears to be a deliberate attempt by the DMK to suppress criticism of terrorism and silence those who speak out against it, despite there being no apparent criminal activity in the speeches given.
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