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Hindu Munnani Slams HR&CE Dept Over Poor Facilities At Tiruchendur Subramania Swamy Temple

By
The Commune
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tiruchendur hindu munnani

The Hindu Munnani has strongly criticized the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, accusing it of failing to provide even basic amenities for the large number of devotees visiting the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur. In a sharply worded statement, the organization called out the department’s negligence, describing the situation as a violation of basic human rights.

Devotees who began queuing as early as 6 AM have reportedly remained in line until well into the afternoon, with little to no access to drinking water or sanitation facilities. The resulting hardships especially for elderly visitors and young children have caused widespread distress, leading to complaints of exhaustion, dehydration, and even fainting.

The HR&CE department, which is responsible for the management of Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu, has come under fire for allegedly neglecting its duties despite the massive crowds following the recently held consecration ceremony. A viral video circulating online has further inflamed public sentiment, capturing the voices of distressed devotees.

In the video, one devotee can be heard saying, “We’ve been standing here since 6 in the morning. What’s the time now? It’s almost 3 or 4. People have been standing in line for so long. Children are struggling to go to the bathroom. They’re fainting and falling. There’s no water facility, nothing. There’s no food, no proper arrangements at all. When we come and ask the security here, they are keeping their mouth shut. We’ve been struggling for so long, and still nothing. What kind of security is this? They should respond to the people. When we ask, they just say, ‘That’s how we’ll do it, see what you can do.’ How long can people stand there?”

Another individual added, “There’s no drinking water facility upstairs. How many children are fainting and falling? They should answer, shouldn’t they? No one is answering. No one at the temple is answering.”

Criticism has also been directed toward Minister of HR&CE, Shekhar Babu, who has frequently spoken about large-scale renovations and financial investments in temple infrastructure. Hindu Munnani questioned the practical impact of such claims when basic needs of pilgrims remain unmet.

With temple administration remaining under government control, the group has raised broader concerns about the well-being and treatment of Hindu devotees in Tamil Nadu, calling for accountability and urgent action.

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Temple Activist TR Ramesh Questions The Authority Of HR&CE Dept To Take Decisions & Announce Plans For Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple

By
The Commune
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tr ramesh sekar babu hr&ce tiruvannamalai arunachaleswarar temple

The Tamil Nadu government’s Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department’s announcement of a ₹200 crore, 20-year development plan for the Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple has come under fire from temple activists and legal observers, who have raised serious questions about the legality of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department’s continued administrative role at the temple.

At a recent review meeting chaired by Ministers P.K. Sekarbabu (HR&CE) and E.V. Velu (Public Works), the state outlined several changes, including a hike in special darshan fees (from ₹50 to ₹100) and abhishekam charges (from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000), as well as infrastructural improvements such as LED screens, crowd management systems, a PRO appointment, and a proposed ban on mobile phones inside the temple premises. Work on the ₹200 crore master plan is expected to begin by the end of this year.

However, temple activists have pushed back strongly, challenging the very authority under which the HR&CE Department and state ministers are taking such decisions. They allege that the department’s control over the temple is based on a series of illegal administrative extensions and has been repeatedly struck down by constitutional courts.

Temple activist TR Ramesh challenged the authority of the HR&CE department and asked, “Under which provision of the HR&CE Act, 1959 these ministers are inspecting Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple and taking decisions for which they have no powers under the Act? Under HR&CE Dept’s administration, Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple lost Rs. 7000 Crores worth Properties in Chennai and other places to chronic encroachment. Temple Lands in Holy Arunachala Hill are under encroachment. These are the achievements of the HR&CE Department’s 70+ years of fraudulent control of the temple.”

He further stated, “The @tnhrcedept is controlling Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple administration by multiple Frauds.

Fraud No. 1. The notification of the temple came to an end on 13.12.1951 by an order of the Hon’ble Division Bench of Madras High Court. If the Dept had any sense of shame or propriety they should have gone out of the temple in 1951 itself.

Fraud No. 2. On 16.04.1954 – 7 Judges of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India upheld the order of the Madras High Court – Even then in 1954 the @tnhrcedept did NOT get out of Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple

Fraud No. 3. The TN Govt fraudulently “extended” the non-existing notifications of 45 temples including Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple in Aug and Sept 1956. On 10.02.1965 Supreme Court quashed the G.O. that “extended” the notifications.

Fraud No. 4. TN Govt fraudulently introduced Section 75-A in the HR&CE Act “extending” the notification of temples for one more year. Hon’ble Division Bench of MHC on 22.12.1993 declared that Section 75-A fails Judicial scrutiny. Still the Dept did not go out of 45 temples.

Fraud No. 5. Hon’ble Supreme Court on 27.02.2002 dismissed the SLP filed by @tnhrcedept Commissioner – Again the fraudsters did not go out of the temple. My PIL filed in 2020 before Madras High Court is still pending final adjudication. I shall move the Hon’ble Court for early hearing to remove the fraudsters from the Temple – Lock, stock and Barrel”

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Part-Time Politician Vijay Erupted For EVR Controversy, Deafeningly Silent Over DMK’s Derogatory Comments On Kamarajar

By
The Commune
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Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder and actor-politician Vijay has come under criticism for maintaining silence over controversial remarks made by DMK MP and Deputy General Secretary Tiruchi N. Siva against former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, despite Kamarajar being declared as one of TVK’s ideological icons.

During a DMK meeting in Perambur, Tiruchi Siva claimed that Kamaraj required air conditioning to sleep, and further alleged that the former Chief Minister, on his deathbed, held M. Karunanidhi’s hand and told him to “save the country and democracy.” These claims were widely criticised across the political spectrum, with many accusing Siva of distorting history to elevate Karunanidhi’s legacy while undermining Kamaraj’s austere public image.

Despite the backlash, Vijay and TVK have issued no statement condemning the remarks. Critics have noted the stark contrast between Vijay’s earlier outrage when leaders made remarks about Periyar (EVR), another ideological icon claimed by TVK, and his current silence regarding Kamaraj.

Condemned UPSC For Mentioning EV Ramasamy Naicker’s Original Name In Prelims Question Paper

At an event hosted by his political party in May 2025, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), actor-turned-part-time politician Vijay criticized the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for including a question in a civil services exam that referred to E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (EVR) by his full name, including the caste-indicative suffix “Naicker.” Vijay described the inclusion as offensive and deeply condemnable.

He said, “Even in recent times, attempts are being made to associate casteist labels with Periyar. In the latest UPSC exam, a question was asked that framed him along caste lines. We strongly condemn this.”

Political observers have pointed out the inconsistency, accusing Vijay of ideological opportunism. They argue that Vijay’s selective responses reveal a political calculation rather than a principled stance, especially when both EVR and Kamaraj are prominently featured in the party’s stated value framework.

Several social media users and opposition leaders have called out the actor-politician’s silence as a betrayal of the very values TVK claims to uphold. Some users noted that when Periyar was criticised, Vijay reacted publicly and swiftly, but when Kamaraj was insulted by a senior DMK leader, his silence has been deafening.

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DMK’s Unofficial IT Wing Goes On A Rampage To Ridicule And Derogate Kamarajar

By
The Commune
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dmk kamarajar

For the past three days, DMK’s unofficial IT wing has been working overtime to defend Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva while simultaneously launching a smear campaign against the late Chief Minister K. Kamaraj on social media.

DMK Deputy General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva came under heavy fire from netizens and political circles alike after making disparaging remarks about former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj during a party meeting in Perambur. Siva claimed that Kamaraj couldn’t sleep without air conditioning and credited the late DMK leader Karunanidhi for installing one for him, an attempt to glorify Karunanidhi while undermining Kamaraj’s legacy.

The comments sparked outrage, as they struck a nerve with many who revere Kamaraj as one of Tamil Nadu’s most selfless leaders. The backlash online was swift and unforgiving, with many demanding an unconditional apology from Siva and calling on the DMK to hold him accountable.

Yet, while public anger mounted, Dravidianist social media handles sprang into action spinning narratives to justify Siva’s comments and doubling down by attempting to mock and discredit Kamaraj further.

One such voice, a Dravidianist goes by the name ‘Kabilan,’ posted an unverified old photograph of a bedroom with an air conditioner, claiming it was Kamaraj’s. In a sarcastic tone, he wrote, “In the lineage of Kakkan – Jeeva – Bharathiyar, they’ve finally broken Kamaraj’s furniture,” implying that some hidden truth had been revealed. He added mockingly, “There was an air conditioner in the house where he lived.”

Another self-proclaimed Pro-Dravidianist simp named ‘Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal’ publicly ridiculed former Chief Minister Kamarajar by sharing a morphed image like caricature. This action was reportedly aimed to mock Kamarajar and silence the protests of Congress Karur MP Jothimani, who had criticized DMK MP Tiruchi Siva’s recent comments about Kamarajar.

Yet another pro-Dravidianist simp, ‘U2Brutus’, buttressed DMK MP Siva’s speech and delivered a moralistic sermon to Congress, stating, “This is what brother Trichy Siva Anna spoke. I don’t see anything wrong in it, nor do I feel there is even an iota of intention to demean our revered leader. I don’t understand why Sister Jyothimani and brother Selvaperunthagai are reacting like this. What was the Congress’s counter-reaction to Seeman, who spoke degradingly about Sister Jyothimani?”

A Dravidianist who goes by the name ‘Alien’, shared an alleged video of Tamilaruvi Maniyan, in which he states, “Even Kamarajar couldn’t live without air conditioning in his final days.” Alongside the video, ‘Alien’ remarked, “Listen to Thamizharuvi Manian, who runs a party in Kamarajar’s name. This is all well-known fact to the older generation. What’s the big deal about AC? It is a well-known and very common facts back then that Kamarajar smoked and Anna used snuff. After Kamarajar’s time, the media continuously spun stories like “when he traveled by car,” and a generation from a landlord-like party grew up reading only that. They know neither Kamarajar nor Kalaignar. They’re just using this opportunity to assert their presence and put on a show of loyalty to party predecessors, that’s all.”

Another Dravidianist going by the name ‘Dravidian Vision’ opined, “What MP Trichy Siva said is true. It was Leader Kalaignar who instructed that air conditioning be arranged in the government hostels where Perundhalaivar Kamaraj stayed. Kalaignar himself confirmed this on Facebook.”

Another Dravidianist sympathizer, in reference to DMK MP Siva’s speech, stated, “Nowhere, did he mention anything wrong about Kamarajar? It just shows the bond between the two leaders. It highlights the respect and regard Kalaignar had for Kamarajar, and the affection Kamarajar had for Kalaignar. Is this why these blind, Congress landlords and new backward-thinkers are jumping around?”

Another Dravidianist sympathizer mocked saying, “Why are they so shy about saying a former Chief Minister had AC? Is it because they can no longer spin tales about him being a simple man? Congress has always meant landlords, right from the old days. Now, fairy tale stories won’t work. Understand the reality and do some fieldwork, folks.”

Another Dravidianist sympathizer mocked saying, “When someone says Kamarajar slept with AC… they start wailing that he’s been disgraced. When someone who takes a private flight to attend an actress’s wedding is called “Young Kamarajar,” they shut up. Who the hell are you guys?”

Another Dravidianist sympathizer virtue signaled asking, “Why can’t they accept the simple truth that a person who was Chief Minister twice and one of the country’s foremost leaders was in such a physical state in his final days that he couldn’t sleep without AC?What kind of disgrace has befallen Kamarajar’s reputation because of this? Furthermore, @tiruchisiva clearly stated that it wasn’t for luxury, but due to his health, that he had that need. This information was even shared with the intention of explaining how much leader Kalaignar cared for Kamarajar’s health. It’s disgusting to see some people in the Congress party engaging in cheap politics by taking a statement made with a pure heart.”

A Dravidianist sympathizer followed suit by sharing old social media post by former Chief Minister Karunanidhi and old AC room picture to justify DMK MP Tiruchi Siva’s recent statements.

This coordinated attempt to rewrite the legacy of a respected leader has not gone unnoticed and it’s only adding fuel to the fire.

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Coimbatore HR&CE Assistant Commissioner Caught Red-Handed Accepting ₹1.5 Lakh Bribe

By
The Commune
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hr&ce bribe assistant commissioner coimbatore

A senior official of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has been arrested by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹1.5 lakh to process the takeover of a private temple in Coimbatore district.

According to officials, Assistant Commissioner Indira was caught red-handed by DVAC personnel while receiving the bribe amount on Bharathiyar Road, near the HR&CE office. The operation was based on a complaint filed by Suresh Kumar; an administrator of a privately managed temple located in Pappampatti village near Sulur.

The temple, which reportedly earns an annual revenue of ₹40 lakh, had been the subject of complaints over alleged financial mismanagement. Suresh Kumar had petitioned the HR&CE Department to bring the temple under government control, citing lack of accountability in its administration. Following this, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had ordered the department to take appropriate action within 12 weeks.

During the preliminary departmental follow-up, Assistant Commissioner Indira allegedly demanded ₹3 lakh from the petitioner to initiate the process of transferring the temple’s management under HR&CE control. When the petitioner expressed his inability to pay the full amount, she reportedly agreed to settle for ₹1.5 lakh.

Acting on the complaint, DVAC officials set up a trap and apprehended Indira while she was accepting the bribe. The entire incident was also reportedly captured on CCTV footage.

The accused officer is currently being interrogated at the DVAC office, and a case has been registered against her. The arrest of a high-ranking HR&CE official in such circumstances has sparked widespread concern among department staff and the public alike.

(With inputs from One India Tamil)

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“Has Affairs, Became MP Through Backdoor”: Tamil Netizens Slam DMK MP Tiruchi Siva For Insulting Kamaraj To Glorify Karunanidhi

By
The Commune
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tiruchi siva kamarajar

DMK Deputy General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva came under heavy fire from netizens and political circles alike after making disparaging remarks about former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj during a party meeting in Perambur. Siva claimed that Kamaraj couldn’t sleep without air conditioning and credited the late DMK leader Karunanidhi for installing one for him, an attempt to glorify Karunanidhi while undermining Kamaraj’s legacy.

The comments sparked outrage, as they struck a nerve with many who revere Kamaraj as one of Tamil Nadu’s most selfless leaders. In just nine years, Kamaraj achieved what most political parties couldn’t do in any decades. He led a life of simplicity and integrity, prioritizing public welfare over personal comfort a legacy no one in power today has dared to match.

Since Tiruchi Siva’s remarks, social media has been abuzz with backlash, with users mocking him both personally and politically. Many demanded a formal apology and called on the DMK leadership to take strict action against him.

Even Congress MLA Rajesh Kumar subtly criticized Tiruchi Siva, remarking, “Tiruchi Siva said Kamaraj won’t sleep without AC. But everyone knows who can’t sleep without whom.” While refraining from a direct attack, he added, “Considering coalition ethics, I have to register my condemnation courteously.”

However, he didn’t hold back entirely, warning, “I want to state that individuals like Trichy Siva, who lack personal integrity and are enjoying power through the back door without meeting the people or making way for younger generations, will face severe consequences if they continue to speak about Karmaveerar Kamarajar.”

Meanwhile, netizens took the gloves off, resurfacing a viral 2016 incident in which former AIADMK MP Sasikala Pushpa slapped Tiruchi Siva. Pictures of the two available online shows them being in some form of close relationship. With biting sarcasm, many said, “If Kamaraj couldn’t sleep without AC, then Siva can’t sleep without S**ikala P*sh*a.”

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Darshan Fee Hiked At HR&CE-Administered Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple

By
The Commune
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tiruvannamalai arunachaleswarar temple

The Tamil Nadu government has announced a series of major changes at the Annamalaiyar (Arunachaleswarar) Temple in Tiruvannamalai, including a hike in darshan and abhishekam fees, improved facilities for pilgrims, and a long-term ₹200 crore development plan to be rolled out over the next two decades.

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, speaking to reporters after a high-level consultative meeting held at the Tiruvannamalai Collector’s Office, confirmed that the fee for special darshan tickets will be increased from ₹50 to ₹100. The abhishekam fee is also set to be doubled from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000.

Sekarbabu stated that the number of devotees visiting the temple has been steadily rising, particularly on full moon days, necessitating infrastructural upgrades and better crowd management. He said new works and projects will be initiated with administrative approval to improve the devotee experience.

Break Darshan, Loudspeaker Alerts, and LED Screens

Among the upcoming measures are the introduction of a “Break Darshan” system to regulate and extend darshan timings based on crowd density. To aid foreign devotees and pilgrims from other states, real-time announcements during abhishekam and peak hours will be made via sound and light systems.

Additionally, LED display screens will be installed around the Mada Streets and key temple areas to broadcast live visuals of ongoing temple rituals. Plans are also underway to construct a new pilgrims’ guesthouse to alleviate high lodging costs faced by devotees.

₹200 Crore Vision Plan and New Appointments

A comprehensive ₹200 crore masterplan for temple development is being prepared with a 20-year vision, officials said. Minister Sekarbabu stated that work will begin by the end of this year. A board of trustees for the temple will be appointed as per High Court guidelines. However, he clarified that the ongoing absence of a board will not delay project execution.

To improve coordination for out-of-state and foreign pilgrims, a Public Relations Officer (PRO) will soon be appointed for the Annamalaiyar Temple. The minister also stressed the need for equal treatment of local and foreign devotees during darshan and said arrangements would be made to ensure a smooth experience for all.

Possible Mobile Phone Ban Under Consideration

The state government is also actively considering a ban on mobile phones within temple premises, Sekarbabu said, adding that a final decision on this will be taken soon after further consultation.

The review meeting was chaired by Public Works Minister E.V. Velu and attended by Additional Chief Secretary Manivasan, Endowments Commissioner Sridhar, Collector Dharbagaraj, and several senior officials.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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‘Engagement Farming & Pedestrian Pettiness’, Senior Advocate Sai Deepak Slams Legal Portal Bar & Bench For Selective Courtroom Coverage

By
The Commune
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bar & bench j sai deepak supreme court hearing twitter engagement farming

Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak has publicly called out legal news portal Bar & Bench for what he termed “engagement farming” and biased reporting, after the platform posted a clipped courtroom exchange between him and Justice J.B. Pardiwala during a Supreme Court hearing.

The viral post by Bar & Bench, part of its #CourtroomExchange series, focused on a moment where the term “plaintiff” was mistakenly used instead of “complainant” in a translated First Information Report (FIR). The error, which occurred in a bail matter stemming from a murder case in Uttarakhand, led to a brief reprimand by the bench.

Bar & Bench’s post did not mention that J. Sai Deepak was representing the brother of the deceased and had moved the Supreme Court to challenge the bail granted to one of the accused by the Uttarakhand High Court. Nor did the post mention that the Supreme Court had, after hearing the matter, issued notice to the Investigating Officer and ordered his presence at the next hearing — signaling that the case had, in fact, progressed meaningfully despite the minor translation glitch.

“I did what any Senior Advocate would do”

In a public clarification, Sai Deepak explained that the translation error had not been made by him but by junior briefing counsel – a routine delegation in senior advocacy practice. Nevertheless, he took full responsibility and offered an apology in court, as is expected of any Senior Advocate.

As a Senior Advocate, even if the briefing counsel or translator makes an error, it is my duty to tender an apology on their behalf without pointing fingers in Court. After all, a Senior Advocate doesn’t file or translate documents,” he wrote on his X handle.

He further praised his young team for having “done a fabulous job of putting the case together”, emphasizing that minor typos should not distract from the gravity of the case, a murder investigation, or the effective legal challenge mounted before the apex court.

Sai Deepak also accused Bar & Bench of long-standing hostility due to his ideological stance.

“Bar & Bench has had a problem with me for a while now, because I am from the non-Left,” he wrote. “Another Left leaning portal too has a similar issue. Unfortunately for them, the Bar and the Bench know what I bring to the Court-value & impact. So these portals resort to pedestrian pettiness.”

He alleged that instead of covering the legal substance of the matter or the Supreme Court’s directions, Bar & Bench chose to sensationalize a routine courtroom exchange to “further a narrative” and drive social media engagement at his expense.

Sai Deepak wrote, “If @barandbench wanted to present the complete picture, it should have reported that this was a murder case in which bail had been granted to one of the accused by the Uttarakhand High Court. I appeared for the brother of the dead boy in the SC challenging the grant of bail. Importantly, despite the initial minor hiccup with respect to a few typos in the translated documents, the Supreme Court issued notice in the Petition to the Investigating Officer and has directed his presence on the next date of hearing. In other words, the hearing went well.”

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No Nama Sankeerthanam In Residential Areas Without Collector’s Approval, Says Madras High Court

By
The Commune
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nama sankeerthanam madras high court residential areas collector

The Madras High Court barred the use of a residential property in Chromepet for Nama Sankeerthanam (devotional chanting of Hindu God’s names), unless explicit permission is obtained from the Chengalpattu Collector to use the premises as a prayer hall.

Justice N. Anand Venkatesh issued the order while hearing a writ petition filed by Prakash Ramachandran, a resident of Krishnamachari Street at Radha Nagar in Chromepet, Chengalpattu district. The petitioner alleged that his neighbour, T.S. Subramanian, had allowed the Global Organisation for Divinity (GOD) to conduct regular Nama Sankeerthanam sessions at a residential property, causing disturbance to other residents.

Responding to the petition, the private respondents argued that the chanting brought peace of mind and spiritual solace, and that they had obtained consent from other neighbours. They also invoked their rights under Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of religion.

However, the court observed that the right to pray does not extend to causing public nuisance. Justice Venkatesh stated that religious practices should not disturb others and must be conducted in a manner that respects the peace of residential areas.

“The same will apply here too. Except the change in the name of God, all other things are the same. How can you have Nama Sankeerthanam without Collector’s nod?” the judge said, referencing a previous order in which he had restrained Christian congregational prayers in residential premises in Kanniyakumari district without prior Collector approval.

“Peace is the best prayer and silence is the greatest prayer. The day people realise this truth, they will not disturb others by indulging in loud and noisy ways of praying to God,” the judge said.

Though the respondents informed the court that they had already submitted a representation to the Chengalpattu Collector seeking permission, the judge ruled that no chanting sessions should be held at the residential premises until official approval is granted.

The court also directed the Inspector of Chitlapakkam police station to ensure strict enforcement of the order.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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From POCSO Arrests To Harassment: 14 Shocking Cases Of Abuse Linked To Christian Evangelism In Assam

By
The Commune
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assam christian evangelism pocso conversion assault harassment

On June 22, 2025, Assam police arrested Pastor Isaac Hapat from Margherita under POCSO Act for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl repeatedly over two weeks. In this report, we take a look at cases of child sexual abuse, forced religious conversions, visa violations by foreign Christian evangelists, abuse in Christian schools, and harassment of Hindu priests.

#1 Pastor Arrested for Repeatedly Raping Minor In Assam

On 22 June 2025, Assam police arrested Pastor Isaac Hapat from Panigaon, Margherita, for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl multiple times between June 10-22. The accused reportedly brought the minor to his home under the pretext of religious activities and household help during his wife’s absence. The victim stated Hapat tied her hands, threatened her, and sexually assaulted her repeatedly. She escaped on 22 June 2025, revealing the abuse to her family. An FIR was filed under POCSO Act Section 6. Locals expressed shock, stating Hapat exploited their trust. Investigations continue as the pastor remains in custody.

#2 Pastor Arrested for Raping 10-Year-Old In Assam

On 5 November 2018, Assam police arrested 60-year-old pastor Chandra Kumar Pradhan from Karbi Anglong district for raping a 10-year-old girl on October 29. Pradhan lured the victim to a garden near his residence, assaulted her, and fled. A 35-year-old accomplice was arrested for recording and uploading the crime. The victim disclosed the assault to her parents on October 31, prompting an FIR. Pradhan, who evaded arrest by hiding in Nagaland, was finally apprehended in Kohima. He faced charges under IPC and POCSO Act for rape and aggravated sexual assault.

#3 School Principal Arrested For Molestation In Assam

On 20 August 2018, Father Philips, principal of St. Mary’s School in Nalbari, Assam, was arrested for allegedly attempting to rape a female cook on school premises. The victim reported that Philips entered her room in the morning and tried to assault her before she escaped. Local villagers surrounded the campus demanding action after being informed. Belsor Police Station registered FIR No. 188/18 under IPC Sections 354-A and 354-C (sexual harassment/voyeurism). Officer Dipul Boro confirmed the arrest. The incident occurred at Panigaon village, with police intervening to control the agitated crowd.

#4 Man Attempts Suicide Over Conversion Pressure in Assam

On 20 April 2025, Manoj Rabha from Palashbari, Assam, attempted suicide after alleging coercion to convert to Christianity. Rabha, a former BJP Yuva Morcha member, claimed his family had already converted under pressure from missionary groups led by Ratan Bora. In a Facebook Live, he accused Bora of employing 15-20 pastors with monthly salaries to propagate Christianity, allegedly funded from abroad. Rabha stated he sought help from CM Himanta Biswa Sarma but received no response. Police rescued him after his suicide attempt.

#5 Canadian Evangelist Deported from Assam for Visa Violations

On 7 February 2025, Assam Police deported Canadian citizen Brandon Joel DeWalt from Jorhat for conducting religious conversion activities on an expired tourist visa. DeWalt, in Assam since 2021, had his visa expire on 17 January 2025. Police discovered he ran evangelical meetings at Grace Church and operated a conversion-focused YouTube channel, violating visa terms. Jorhat SP Shwetank Mishra stated an adverse report was sent to FRRO Kolkata, which issued a ‘Leave India Notice’. DeWalt was handed to FRRO Kolkata and deported from New Delhi. His visa renewal application was rejected due to the violations.

#6 US Nationals Fined for Visa Violation at Assam Religious Event

On 31 January 2025, Assam police fined two US citizens – John Matthew Boone and Michael James Flinchum – $500 each for attending a Baptist Christian Association office inauguration in Tezpur on tourist visas. Sonitpur ASP Madhurima Das confirmed their participation violated visa norms prohibiting religious activities. The Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Kolkata was notified and may issue “Leave India” notices. The incomplete building’s inauguration was deemed a religious gathering. This follows Assam’s 2022 directive to monitor foreign nationals’ participation in conversion activities, which previously led to 27 deportations of foreign preachers in one month.

#7 5 Arrested for Alleged Forced Conversion in Assam Village

On 10 December 2024, Palasbari police detained five individuals – Jayanta Das, Nayan Das, Hiten Das, Dhiraj Das and Ashim Rabha – following clashes in Velera village, Kamrup district. Villagers reported the group had been attempting to convert Hindu residents to Christianity through inducements and threats, with Christian symbols recently appearing in the area. Tensions escalated when locals resisted the conversion efforts, leading to confrontations. Police registered an FIR and launched an investigation.

#8 Clash Erupts Over Alleged Conversion Attempt in Assam Village

On 4 December 2024, tensions flared in Valera village, Kamrup, when 22 Christians from Kamrup-Goalpara Christian Forum attended a “Na Khawa” dinner at Nitumani Das’s house. Villagers accused them of attempting conversions, citing four families had already converted. The Christian group denied proselytizing or bringing beef. Clashes occurred, with allegations of assault and lost jewelry. Palashbari police rescued the visitors and registered an FIR. Five villagers including Ashim Rabha were arrested by December 11 for alleged forced conversions.

#9 Church Leader Arrested For “Magical Healing” Under Assam’s Anti-Conversion Law

On 26 November 2024, Assam police arrested Pranjal Bhuyan, a leader from Golaghat Baptist Church, under the new Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Act. The 38-year-old was accused of attempting Hindu conversions through “magical healing” in Dergaon town. Charged under BNS Sections 316(2), 318(2), 354, 299 and Section 6(a) of the healing act, Bhuyan faces up to 3 years imprisonment. The Assam Christian Forum condemned the arrest, calling it unconstitutional. This marked Assam’s first Christian arrest under the February 2024 law banning “evil healing practices”.

#10 Mizo Gospel Singer Couple Booked for Alleged Forced Conversions in Assam

On 26 September 2024, Assam police registered an FIR against Mizo gospel singer Bethsy Lalrinsangi and her evangelist husband C. Lalhriatpuia for alleged forced religious conversions during prayer meetings at Mount Olive School, Debitola. The complaint was filed by an RSS-affiliated Hindu organization alleging child conversions. The Kokrajhar District Court denied the couple’s interim bail plea. Church officials stated they hadn’t received case documents and couldn’t identify the complainants. The couple, recognized by the Baptist Church of Mizoram, faces charges for allegedly converting children during their gospel gatherings.

#11 Hindu Man Found Hanging in Assam Amid Conversion Dispute

On 12 September 2024, 20-year-old Biki Bishal was found hanging in a Lakhimpur tea garden after visiting his Christian girlfriend’s home. His family alleged he was murdered for refusing religious conversion, citing blood traces on his face. Five arrests included two church officials and the girlfriend’s relatives. Police were investigating whether it was suicide or murder. The incident followed Bishal’s alleged September 3 elopement with the minor girl, whom her family later reclaimed. The girlfriend’s family remained silent.

#12 Amazon-Funded Missionaries Accused of Illegal Conversions in Assam

On 25 October 2022, Swedish missionaries Hannah Mikaela, Marcus Arne Henrik Bloom, and Susanna Elisabeth Hakanason were arrested in Naharkatia, Assam, for participating in Christian prayer meetings and attempting conversions while on tourist visas. Similar actions by seven German missionaries in Kaziranga followed. Two Indian preachers facilitated these events. Assam Police charged them under the Foreigners Act and deported them. Reports link Amazon’s US office, via Amazon Smile, to funding the American Baptist Mission’s front – All India Mission – which claims to have converted 25,000 people in Northeast India, mainly targeting tea tribes and vulnerable communities.

#13 Hindu Student Tortured in School for Chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’, Assam

A 10-year-old Hindu student was allegedly abused and physically tortured at Calvary English School, a Christian missionary institution in Khelmati, Assam, for chanting “Jai Shri Ram” in class on February 5. The teacher and headmaster reportedly assaulted the child. After the student informed his parents, angry locals confronted the school. Police and the district education officer intervened, warning the school not to repeat such incidents. Hindu group Kutumba Suraksha Parishad condemned the act, citing violations of child rights under Article 51(A) and demanded action against the school and changes in teachers’ religious attire.

#14 Hindu Priest Harassed in Majuli for Opposing Missionary Conversions

In Majuli, Assam, a key centre of Vaishnavism, Janardan Deva Goswami, head priest of the historic Dakshinpat Ashromi, faced harassment and legal action for opposing aggressive Christian missionary conversions. On August 1, 2019, a convert named Prasanta Payeng filed a case accusing Goswami of blocking religious freedom. The dispute involved a church structure built on Debottar (temple-owned) land. Although police confirmed the encroachment, Goswami was still summoned to court and granted bail. Hindu groups say this reflects a growing pattern of targeting those defending native culture, warning that unchecked evangelism threatens Majuli’s centuries-old Vaishnavite heritage.

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