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Married Woman Cannot Allege She Was Coerced Into Sex On False Promise Of Marriage, Rules Kerala High Court

By
The Commune
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The Kerala High Court has held that a married woman cannot allege that she was coerced into sex under the false promise of marriage.

The court’s ruling came while hearing the prosecution’s statement against the petitioner (accused) that he sexually assaulted the woman after falsely promising to marry her. He was also accused of having threatened to publish her photos and videos after borrowing Rs 2.5 lakh from her.

“It is observed that while considering the cases alleging rape on the basis of the promise of marriage, it is difficult for this court at this juncture to enter into a conclusion regarding whether the relationship was consensual or not. The entire circumstances will have to be taken into consideration, especially when a married lady enters into a physical relationship with another person. If both of the parties are aware of a subsistent marriage, it cannot be alleged that the sexual intercourse between them was with a promise to marry,” the court held as it granted bail to the man.

The man, who was charged with enticing or taking away with criminal intent a married woman and sexual intercourse by deceitful means, had moved a bail application. He was arrested on June 13 and has been cooling his heels inside the jail since then. In the court, the petitioner’s counsel refuted all allegations and claimed that this arose from a financial claim.

He argued that the allegation of rape under the promise of marriage was taken up only to ensure that the petitioner yields to the woman’s financial demands. The court, before granting bail, pointed out that as per the precedents set by the High Court on Section 376 of the now-repealed Indian Penal Code (IPC), there cannot be a promise of marriage when one of the parties is in a subsisting marriage.

–IANS

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“I’ve Lost My Child, Please Report Accurate Information”: Rithanya’s Father Breaks Down As Dravidianist Media Puthiya Thalaimurai Misquotes Him, Deletes Post Later

By
The Commune
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puthiya thalaimurai rithanya

The Dravidianist media outlet Puthiya Thalaimurai has come under intense criticism for its selective and misleading portrayal of the victim’s father in the Tiruppur Rithanya dowry death case. The channel, in its rush for a sensational byte, aired a heavily edited version of an emotional interview, painting the grieving father as regressive and conservative at a time when the family was already shattered by their daughter’s tragic death and allegedly facing political influence, as the groom’s family is reportedly linked to the Congress party. The case itself has seen little progress, raising serious concerns about justice being delayed or denied.

Against this backdrop, Puthiya Thalaimurai published a news card and aired a video segment in which Rithanya’s father, while mourning his daughter, said she lived by the principle of “one man, one woman” and that he was proud of her for that. But what the channel deliberately omitted was the rest of his message where he clearly advised others not to take such a path, emphasizing that life has options, and suicide is never the solution.

Instead, the media outlet chose to highlight only this line with title, “Cruel words,” and in the news card it added, “Whether or not to take up an alternate life depends on each person’s mindset, but my daughter has died living ‘one man, one woman’. Even though I lost my daughter, I’m proud of that. – Controversial speech by Rithanya’s father, who committed suicide due to dowry harassment”

This manipulated edit quickly went viral. Dravidianist and Periyarist handles on social media latched onto it, vilifying the grieving father, painting him casteist and regressive, and subjecting him to a torrent of online abuse.

Only after massive backlash from netizens who exposed the full context did Puthiya Thalaimurai quietly delete the post and the video. But by then, the damage was already done, his words had been twisted, and his character publicly tarnished while he mourned his daughter and sought justice.

For the record, here’s what Rithanya’s father actually said in full, “Whether or not to take up an alternate life depends on each person’s mindset, but my daughter has died living ‘one man, one woman’ (meaning she believed in one true love/partner). Even though I lost my daughter, I’m proud of that. I don’t think all daughters should be like that. But there is a way to live. One can live. Deciding that one must die by taking their life and leaving this world, is a wrong decision.”

Below are some of the posts of online abuse that were directed at the victim’s father as a result of the misleading news coverage.

Even recently, Rithanya’s father, while speaking to the press outside the court, broke down in tears with folded hands, pleading with the media to act responsibly. He said, “I stand here having lost my child. Please, I earnestly and humbly request you to provide accurate information. Whatever justice you would expect if it were a child from your own home, please publish news in line with that. That is all I humbly and earnestly ask of you. I have lost my child; now, I want justice for the remaining children. Please report the news with that in mind.”

Case Background 

Rithanya, a 27-year-old woman from Avinashi, was found dead inside her car near Cheyur in late June 2025, just over two months after her wedding. She had married E. Kavin Kumar, 28, of Palankarai near Avinashi, on 11 April 2025. Kavin is the son of Easwaramoorthy and Sithradevi, and the grandson of R. Krishnan, who currently serves as the Tiruppur Urban District President of the Congress party.

Preliminary police investigations suggested that Rithanya died by consuming poison. Prior to her death, she sent a series of voice messages to her father, Annadurai, in which she accused her husband and his parents of subjecting her to both physical and emotional abuse. These recordings were widely shared on social media following her death, sparking public outrage and demands for justice.

Following the incident, the Avinashi police registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 85 (cruelty by husband or his relatives) and 108 (abetment of suicide). Kavin and his father, Easwaramoorthy, were arrested. Although Rithanya had also named her mother-in-law, Sithradevi, in the voice messages, she was released on health grounds. Rithanya’s family, however, has alleged that political pressure influenced the decision not to arrest her.

The victim’s parents have accused the groom’s family of dowry harassment, claiming they had already provided 100 sovereigns of gold and a luxury car valued at ₹62 lakh at the time of the wedding. They allege that demands for an additional 200 sovereigns followed, along with further abuse. Rithanya’s father, Annadurai, has also made serious allegations of sexual misconduct against his daughter’s husband.

Raising concerns over the direction of the investigation, Rithanya’s parents met with Leader of the Opposition and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami in Salem. They requested his support in ensuring a fair and transparent probe, alleging attempts to tamper with evidence and malign their daughter’s character.

Meanwhile, R. Krishnan, the groom’s grandfather, dismissed the allegations, labeling them as false. He described the matter as a personal family issue and denied any political involvement, stating that the family would respond through legal means.

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Dravidian Model CM Stalin Highlights HR&CE ‘Achievements’; Here’s A Point-By-Point Rebuttal

By
The Commune
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dravidian model stalin dmk hrce achievements

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday, 2 July 2025, presided over a mass wedding ceremony at the Kapaleeswarar Karpagambal Wedding Hall in Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai, where he listed what he described as the Dravidian Model government’s major achievements through the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. However, several of these claims have since drawn sharp rebuttals from activists and legal experts, who accuse the department of bypassing due process, flouting judicial directions, and engaging in unconstitutional practices.

The event, conducted under the aegis of the HR&CE Department, saw 32 couples wed under a government-sponsored scheme. Speaking at the event, Stalin praised the department’s efforts and credited Minister P.K. Sekar Babu for spearheading various spiritual and welfare initiatives. He claimed the government had transformed temple administration, spiritual infrastructure, and religious inclusivity under the Dravidian model.

However, these statements have been challenged point-by-point by critics who argue that the Chief Minister’s speech glosses over serious procedural violations, legal issues, and opacity in administration.

Claim 1: 2,376 Temple-Sponsored Free Marriages Conducted

CM’s Statement: The government has conducted 2,376 free weddings through temple funds, with the CM himself officiating over 150 of them.

Rebuttal: Critics point out that such events are financed by temple surplus funds, which are legally bound by the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Act, 1959, particularly Section 36-A and the Utilization of Surplus Funds Rules. Allegedly, these procedures were not followed in organizing the mass weddings. The use of temple funds without adhering to mandatory procedures is said to amount to financial impropriety.

Claim 2: 3,177 Temple Consecrations Conducted

CM’s Statement: No government has consecrated as many temples; this is a record.

Rebuttal: Opponents argue that temple consecration (kumbhabhishekam) is a purely religious function in which a secular state should not interfere. The HR&CE Act, 1959 offers no provision empowering government officials to direct or participate in temple rituals. The involvement of officials in such ceremonies may therefore be unconstitutional and in violation of Supreme Court rulings. Moreover, many of these consecrations were reportedly funded by private devotees. Critics demand publication of detailed financial records and approvals for each consecration carried out.

Claim 3: 7,655.75 Acres of Temple Land Recovered Worth ₹7,701 Crore

CM’s Statement: Lands belonging to 997 temples have been reclaimed from encroachment, with an estimated value of ₹7,701 crore.

Rebuttal: Activists question the valuation, noting that the government’s figure implies each acre is worth ₹1 crore. They also highlight a lack of transparency regarding rent arrears, land use, and pending litigation. It is estimated that more than 1.5 lakh acres of temple lands across Tamil Nadu are still under encroachment or unauthorized occupation. The HR&CE Department has allegedly not published lists detailing current encroachments, lessee details, rent dues, survey numbers, or temple-wise land ownership, despite court directives mandating such transparency.

Claim 4: 2,03,444 Acres of Temple Land Measured and ‘Protected’

CM’s Statement: Over 2 lakh acres of temple land have been measured and protected.

Rebuttal: The department’s own policy note (2022–23) shows that only 3.43 lakh acres out of a total 5.25 lakh have been properly matched with revenue records. Critics ask why these lands are marked with “HR&CE” signage, as they legally belong to the temples, not the department. There is also no public information about who currently occupies the “protected” lands and whether legal leases exist. Concerns remain that many of these lands may be under unofficial occupation despite being categorized as protected.

Claim 5: 26,000 Temples Undergoing Civil Works Worth ₹6,000 Crore

CM’s Statement: Renovation works are being carried out at 26,000 temples at an estimated cost of ₹6,000 crore.

Rebuttal: Questions have been raised about the number of these temples that qualify as ancient (over 100 years old), and whether mandatory inspections by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have been conducted, as ordered by the Madras High Court in 2021. Furthermore, critics ask why the government is proceeding without finalizing the “Scientific Conservation Manual” that was supposed to be ready by September 2021. They also question what portion of the ₹6,000 crore is donor-funded and call for greater financial accountability.

Claim 6: Expert Committee Cleared 12,876 Civil Works

CM’s Statement: A State Level Expert Committee has approved renovation work in 12,876 temples.

Rebuttal: Legal experts argue that under the Tamil Nadu State Heritage Commission Act, 2012, such approvals must come from the Heritage Commission, not the State Level Expert Committee. Therefore, the functioning of this committee in sanctioning civil works in heritage temples may be legally invalid and in direct violation of state law.

(With inputs from Hindu Tamil)

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Karnataka Congress Govt Says Mekedatu Dam Construction On Cauvery River Has Begun, Tamil YouTubers Who Jumped Into Protest During ADMK Period For Cauvery Board Missing In Action

By
The Commune
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Remember April 2018? Back then, during the AIADMK regime, YouTubers and so-called influencers were out in full force, protesting loudly over the Cauvery water issue and the Sterlite plant. It became a major talking point, even the IPL was dragged into it, with demands to cancel matches in Chennai. But now, the same voices that once shouted in outrage have gone conspicuously silent under the DMK government.

Not a word from them, even after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar recently announced that the Mekedatu balancing reservoir survey is complete and land acquisition has begun pushing forward with alleged dam construction on the Cauvery.

Back in 2017, these so-called YouTube influencers proudly formed the Tamil Nadu Digital Media Association (TDMA), claiming that their mission wasn’t just about their own welfare but also about standing up for public causes.

Then in 2018, when the Cauvery water dispute erupted alongside the Sterlite protests, the very same TDMA sprang into action.

Notably, TamilTalkies fame Maran released a video on behalf of the association, calling for public protest. He said, “Today we held a consultation meeting on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Digital Media Association. I’m not sure how many of you know that we started the Tamil Nadu Digital Media Association. When this association was founded, we stated that this association would not only fight for the welfare of its members but also for the problems of the general public. The Cauvery issue came up, and we also forgot the Sterlite plant issue. It can almost be said that even the media suppressed it. In this situation, the Tamil Nadu Digital Media Association has sought permission to hold a protest demanding the complete closure of the Sterlite plant and the formation of the Cauvery Management Board. Permission has been granted for the protest at Valluvar Kottam on the 10th, from 10 AM to 1 PM. It would be great if you could come to this event in person. Those who cannot come can watch it online.”

In the same video, popular YouTube personalities like Black Sheep Tamil’s VJ Vignesh, Parithabangal’s Gopi, and others joined the call. They even campaigned to boycott IPL matches to draw national attention to the protest.

VJ Vignesh, in particular, emphasized, “The match is the only instrument we have in our hands today to express our opposition. If you don’t go and watch it directly, the question will arise as to why you didn’t watch it. Only after everyone said we are boycotting the match, have the national media started taking it up as a debate yesterday. If that’s the case, then understand. If we boycott, it will fully reach its intended audience.”

On 10 April 2018, as announced, the protest took place. YouTubers and influencers actively pushed emotional narratives, stood in solidarity, and vocally condemned the issues.

But now, in stark contrast, they are conspicuously silent.

This silence is being called out across social media, especially after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project is moving forward completing surveys and starting land acquisition on the Cauvery river. People are now asking, Where are all those voices now? Why the silence during the DMK regime?

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After Hindu Munnani’s Murugan Devotees Conference At Amma Thidal, Madurai, TN Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam To Hold Massive Conference At Same Venue

By
The Commune
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tmmk mmk manithaneya makkal katchi jawahirullah amma thidal conference madurai hindu munnani murugan devotees conference

Madurai’s Amma Thidal is set to host yet another major political gathering as the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK) whose political wing Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) is a DMK alliance party, prepares for its state-level conference following the recently concluded Hindu Munnani’s Murugan Devotees Conference. The back-to-back events have turned the spotlight on the city, sparking debates on political symbolism and communal representation.

While the Hindu Munnani faced multiple restrictions from the police before staging its event, it secured legal relief and eventually held the conference successfully. Now, attention has shifted to the MMK’s state conference, scheduled to take place at the same venue on 6 July 2025.

The decision to hold the MMK event at Amma Thidal has drawn mixed reactions. Some political observers view it as a counter to the Hindu Munnani’s show of strength, while others suggest that the conference is aimed at consolidating Muslim support and pressing for greater representation in the DMK-led alliance ahead of the 2026 state elections.

Speaking about the event, MMK state president M.H. Jawahirullah clarified that the decision to hold the conference was made as early as 31 May 2025. He stated that the conference was postponed first due to the DMK’s General Committee meeting and later due to the Muruga Devotees Conference.

Jawahirullah emphasized that the purpose of the event is not to compete with other gatherings, but to demand proportional representation for Muslims in legislative bodies. He highlighted that despite making up around 7% of Tamil Nadu’s population, Muslims have only 7 MLAs in the state assembly, half of what MMK believes is proportionate.

Nationally, he noted that only 24 out of 543 Lok Sabha MPs are Muslims, while there are just 13 Muslim members in the Rajya Sabha, against an expected 35. Of the 4,123 MLAs across India, only 296 are Muslim, reflecting a broad under-representation according to the party.

The MMK also raised concerns about the implications of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and voter verification processes, particularly in states like Bihar, warning that marginalized communities, including minorities, tribals, and Dalits, could be disenfranchised due to bureaucratic hurdles.

Jawahirullah confirmed that the party would indeed press for a fair share of assembly seats in the coming elections. The conference is expected to draw nearly two lakh participants, underlining MMK’s efforts to assert its presence ahead of the electoral season.

(With inputs from Hindu Tamil)

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Congress Shares Distorted Map Of India Yet Again, Depicts PoK As Part Of Pakistan And Aksai Chin As China; Deletes Post & Posts Correct Version After Backlash

By
The Commune
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distorted map of india congress

Once again, the Congress has landed itself in controversy – this time it is their Kerala unit for sharing a distorted map of India. The Kerala Congress, through its official X account, posted a world map that wrongly showed Indian territory, including parts of Jammu and Kashmir, as ceded to China and Pakistan.

After facing severe backlash, the Kerala Congress quietly deleted the post without offering any apology and later reuploaded it with the corrected map.

This isn’t the first time Congress has stirred controversy by misrepresenting India’s map. On 27 June 2025, the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee Research Department faced severe backlash for using distorted maps in its brochures and pamphlets depicting parts of Jammu and Kashmir as ceded to China and Pakistan. The map was later corrected following public outrage.

The cover of a booklet titled “Jumla Government’s False Facts and Realities”, published by the TNCC Research Department, depicted Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of Pakistan and Aksai Chin as part of China.

Just days before that, on 18 June 2025, the Congress had shared yet another controversial post featuring a map that showed Pakistan, including PoK territory lawfully claimed by India. The post, aimed at criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, was captioned, “Narendra Modi has ruined the foreign policy,” alongside a video containing the erroneous map.

The repeated use of such maps drew fierce condemnation. Critics accused the Congress of echoing anti-national narratives and aligning with Pakistani territorial claims. Following strong reactions from the public and political rivals, the posts were quietly taken down again, without any formal explanation or apology from the party.

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17-Yr-Old Student Dies Of Electrocution In Thiruvottriyur, Public Protest Erupts Against TN Electricity Board

By
The Commune
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electrocuted to death student thiruvottriyur tneb electricity board

A class 12 student died of electrocution in Thiruvottriyur, sparking public outrage and a two-hour road blockade against the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB).

The victim, identified as Nafil, was returning home after attending tuition classes on Tuesday evening when he stepped into a pool of rainwater that had come into contact with a leaking underground power cable. He died on the spot.

Local residents blamed the incident on negligence by the Electricity Board, citing improper cable installation as the cause of the leak. Protesters gathered at the scene and blocked the road for nearly two hours, demanding accountability and swift action from authorities.

This is not the first such incident in the area. According to locals, two individuals had previously sustained injuries due to similar electrical hazards. The latest fatality has intensified anger and concern in the community, particularly as the victim was a school student.

Police and electricity officials arrived at the scene and assured the public that the matter would be investigated.

(With inputs from Maalai Malar)

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Karnataka Congress Dy CM Says Work On Mekedatu Dam Has Begun, BJP TN Asks If ‘Deltakaaran’ Stalin Is Eating Mixture

By
The Commune
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mekedatu dam stalin

Amid Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s recent declaration that the survey for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir is complete and land acquisition is underway, the Tamil Nadu BJP has lashed out at the ruling DMK for its silence. The criticism centers on the DMK’s alliance with the Congress, which leads the government in Karnataka.

Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary S.G. Suryah strongly criticized Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accusing him of failing to speak up on an issue that threatens Tamil Nadu’s water security.

Posting on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Suryah mocked Stalin’s silence, saying, “Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister @DKShivakumar says they have started the dam construction work at Mekedatu! But Chief Minister @mkstalin, who boasts of being a ‘Delta man,’ has sacrificed the lifeline of the Delta, the Cauvery, for the sake of the @INCIndia alliance and is now observing a false silence eating mixture. Enough of eating mixture, Chief Minister! Our Central @narendramodi government has repeatedly assured that the Mekedatu dam cannot be built without Tamil Nadu’s consent.” 

Suryah added that the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly maintained that no dam at Mekedatu can be constructed without Tamil Nadu’s consent. He then questioned the intentions behind the DMK’s silence, “So, for whom is this silence of the anti-Tamil Nadu Congress-DMK alliance? Will Tamil Nadu Congress President Mr. @spk_tncc answer this?”

The Mekedatu project has long been a contentious issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with the latter opposing it over concerns that it could disrupt the flow of the Cauvery River to its delta regions

The BJP’s sharp criticism of the DMK and its ally, the Congress, comes in the wake of remarks made on 30 June 2025, by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who reiterated their strong support for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. The leaders argued that water being released from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu has consistently exceeded the stipulated 177.25 TMC (thousand million cubic feet), thereby justifying the need for a storage facility within their state.

At an event held at Brindavan Gardens to offer the traditional ‘bagina’ to the Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that Karnataka fully respects the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and Supreme Court directives and has no issue releasing the mandated quantum of 177.25 TMC to Tamil Nadu. However, he pointed out that Karnataka had, in fact, released over 305 TMC to the neighbouring state last year.

He noted that even in June alone, 42 TMC had been discharged far exceeding the monthly quota of 9.1 TMC. Highlighting Karnataka’s consistent compliance, Siddaramaiah added that only in 2023–24, due to deficient rainfall, did the state struggle to meet its water obligations. In times of drought, he stressed, both states should share the burden equitably.

This context, he argued, underscores the necessity of constructing the Mekedatu balancing reservoir. He also criticized Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for reportedly claiming that he could secure central approval for the project “in five minutes,” only to later retract the statement.

Deputy CM Shivakumar, meanwhile, said that while the state was still waiting for the Centre’s clearance, it had already begun groundwork for the Mekedatu project. An implementation office has been set up in Kanakapura, and steps to acquire land are underway. He expressed optimism that a favorable court decision would follow soon.

In response to questions about Tamil Nadu reportedly expanding its irrigated areas, Shivakumar remarked that the Cauvery basin in Karnataka has also seen a 6% increase in irrigated land.

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Ajithkumar Custodial Death Case Complainant’s Video Raises New Questions

By
The Commune
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ajithkumar custodial death case nikitha video statement

A recently released video of Nikitha, the complainant in the alleged jewellery theft case that led to the custodial death of temple security guard Ajithkumar, offers a detailed narration of the events at the temple on the day of the incident. However, her account, while attempting to justify her complaint, has raised further questions, especially about why only Ajith Kumar was accused and fatally assaulted, despite multiple individuals handling the car key that day.

Key Details From Nikitha’s Video 

In her video, Nikitha begins by stating that she did not initially know Ajithkumar by name. She recalls seeing a young man standing near the temple entrance and asking him if a wheelchair was available, as her elderly mother was unable to walk in the crowd. The young man, later identified as Ajith, offered to assist and said he would first park the car. He returned shortly with a wheelchair, and her mother was seated.

Nikitha struggled to push the wheelchair up a ramp, and Ajith stepped in to help, assisting her mother into the temple area near a small Vinayagar shrine. Nikitha then told her mother to remain seated while she went to park the car and purchase temple offerings.

As she prepared to park the car herself, Ajith, who Nikitha said was wearing a uniform and appeared to be part of the temple staff, offered again to handle the parking. Hesitant at first, Nikitha eventually handed him the car key, trusting his apparent affiliation with the temple.

Nikitha noted that her handbag—with cash for offerings—was in the front seat, while her mother’s handbag was in the back seat inside a cloth bag under her clothes. The family was scheduled to visit a hospital later that day for a scan related to her mother’s recurring dizziness. As a precaution, Nikitha had asked her mother to remove her jewellery – one chain, two bangles, and two rings and keep them hidden inside the bag.

The plan shifted when they decided to visit the temple before the hospital. Nikitha, dressed casually for a medical appointment, went to purchase coconuts and lemons. She stated that this also took about half an hour. Upon returning, she asked her mother whether the car key had been returned. Her mother replied that it had been given back “just now.” Nikitha then placed the key on a plate with the offerings.

Another temple staff member offered to help with the wheelchair, who she said looked like a “permanent” staff, and while Nikitha declined assistance initially, the person later escorted her to the archanai counter and helped guide her mother inside.

After performing the rituals, Nikitha returned to find her mother seated near the sanctum. She stated that they remained at the temple from around 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and were later urged by temple staff to leave due to increasing crowding since 12PM was the time for uchipoojai.

At this point, Nikitha realized the car key was missing. She remembered placing it with the offering tray and asked the priest, who promptly retrieved it, indicating that the key had remained at the temple for some time. Nikitha reiterated in the video that she had originally handed the car key for parking to a “tall, thin, dark-complexioned boy in uniform” referring to Ajith Kumar and expressed concern over the delay in retrieving the car, saying her mother was a low-sugar patient and had been waiting without food.

Contradictions and Unanswered Questions

Nikitha’s video acknowledges that the car key passed through multiple hands – Ajith, her mother, the priest, and others involved in temple activities. Yet, the police complaint she filed led to the immediate targeting and brutal custodial assault of only Ajith Kumar.

Her video appears to downplay an earlier reported argument in which Ajith allegedly asked Nikitha for ₹500, which some eyewitnesses claim was the actual trigger for the complaint. This detail is omitted from her statement.

While her account attempts to clarify the sequence of events, it simultaneously exposes inconsistencies, particularly regarding the movement and custody of the car key and the location of the alleged stolen jewelry.

With the jewellery still untraceable and no clear evidence pointing solely to Ajith Kumar, Nikitha’s statement is now being viewed with skepticism. Observers and victims of her past alleged scams have questioned the selective blame placed on Ajith and are demanding that she be brought under formal investigation.

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Key Witness In Ajithkumar Custodial Death Case Seeks Police Protection After Death Threats

By
The Commune
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key witness custodial death

Arun (name changed), a crucial eyewitness in the Sivaganga custodial death case, has appealed to Tamil Nadu’s Director General of Police, requesting immediate protection due to alleged threats to his life. His appeal comes after he secretly filmed and exposed a video showing police officers assaulting Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old man who later died in custody.

The disturbing footage played a central role in the investigation and directly led to the arrest of five police personnel involved in the incident. Arun has since testified in court as a prosecution witness.

In a detailed two-page letter to DGP Shankar Jiwal, Arun expressed concerns for his safety, stating that the accused officers have significant influence and maintain strong links with criminal elements. He specifically mentioned S. Raja, one of the accused, as a police officer with a criminal past and connections to local thugs, who allegedly issued direct threats to him on 28 June.

Arun, who has worked for over two years at the Madapuram Adiakalam Katha Ayyanar and Bhadrakali Temple, also informed the DGP that he had appeared before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on 1 July and gave a formal statement under case number WP No: 17975 of 2025. The court reportedly directed the state to provide adequate protection to him.

In his letter, Arun emphasized that his life as well as the safety of other witnesses and their families is in danger due to his role in exposing the brutality. He urged authorities to assign police protection from a district other than Thirubhuvanam, citing potential bias or risk.

Arun’s letter read, “I have been working as an employee for 2.5 years at the Madapuram Adiakalam Katha Ayyanar and Bhadrakali Temple. I am a direct eyewitness in the Madapuram Ajithkumar murder case. On 1 July 2025, I directly appeared before the Honorable Judges of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court in WP No: 17975 of 2025 and gave my testimony. The court has ordered that ‘the state shall provide necessary protection to the eyewitness to the case. In the aforementioned case (CR No: 303/25), A1, S. Raja, a special squad police officer, is a history-sheeter with a criminal background who has close ties with many rowdies and uses them under his control. When I met him on the morning of Saturday, 28 June 2025, he severely threatened me. Since I am the one who provided the ‘torture footage video’ of Ajithkumar to the court, my life and the lives and property of those associated with me are under severe threat. Therefore, it is essential that I, as an eyewitness in this case, and other witnesses, be provided with armed police protection as per the Honorable Court’s order. Hence, I urgently request, in the interest of justice, that armed police protection be provided to the witnesses, as per the court’s order, from a district other than Thirubhuvanam.”

Background

Ajith Kumar was taken into custody on 28 June 2025 by Sivaganga police in connection with a jewellery theft investigation. He reportedly lost consciousness while in custody and later died. A preliminary autopsy revealed 44 injury marks on his body, along with traces of chilli powder in his genitals, ears, and mouth. The Madurai Bench strongly criticized the state government, remarking that even a hardened criminal would not subject someone to such inhumane treatment, asserting that the state had effectively “killed its own citizen.”

In response to growing public and judicial scrutiny, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and assured full cooperation through a social media statement. Meanwhile, Judicial Magistrate John Sundarlal has been independently investigating the case and is expected to submit a detailed report to the High Court by 8 July, following its directive.

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