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NCW Takes Suo Motu Action On Sexual Abuse And Grooming Allegations Against DMK Youth Wing Functionary Deivaseyal; Seeks Action Taken Report Within 3 Days

By
The Commune
-

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of a disturbing case involving a 21-year-old college student from Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, who has accused DMK youth wing functionary Deivaseyal of sexual harassment and attempted grooming for politicians. The survivor recently shared an emotional video online, expressing her anguish and alleging that the police were treating her like a criminal while the accused remained at large and unaccountable.

In response, the NCW on 21 May 2025, issued a formal communication to the Director General of Police (DGP), Tamil Nadu, urging a swift, fair, and transparent investigation. The Commission stressed the importance of safeguarding the survivor, forming an independent investigative team, ensuring no political interference, and taking appropriate action under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The NCW also requested a detailed Action Taken Report and a copy of the FIR within three days.

On its official account on platform X, the NCW stated, “NCW has taken Suo-motu cognisance of a disturbing media report titled “DMK leader’s wife alleges he forced girls to ‘sleep with politicians’”, involving serious allegations of sexual harassment and coercion by a DMK youth wing office bearer. In light of the grave nature of the accusations and the political affiliations of the accused, the Hon’ble Chairperson has written to the DGP of Tamil Nadu urging immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation. The letter emphasizes the need to ensure the survivor’s safety, constitute an independent investigation team, prevent any political interference, and take prompt action under relevant provisions of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The Commission has also sought a detailed Action Taken Report along with a copy of the FIR within three days.”

College Student’s Heart-Wrenching Plea Prompts NCW Action

The National Commission for Women’s decision to take suo motu cognizance of the sexual harassment allegations against DMK youth wing functionary Deivaseyal comes in the wake of a deeply emotional video shared by the 21-year-old survivor on social media. In her video, the student expressed severe distress over the authorities’ handling of her case, alleging that instead of supporting her, the police have been treating her like an offender, while the accused remains untouched.

She further accused the DMK IT Wing of breaching her privacy by publicly sharing her personal photos and copies of her statements on social media. Despite lodging a complaint at the Tamil Nadu DGP’s office three days prior, she stated that no FIR had been filed, and no action had been taken. Instead, she claimed, police officials were pressuring her to provide the names of 20 other alleged victims, rather than focusing on arresting the accused.

In the video, the student emotionally recounts her situation saying, “When I come out and say, ‘He is doing wrong; he took me out and tried to do this,’ but now I find myself unable to go out. My father is not well, and I can’t take him to the hospital. I’m facing many indirect problems. The police come to my house and take photos, but they are not taking any action. They are treating me like a criminal. Is there no one to deliver justice for women?”

She goes on to describe her frustration with the police, who had allegedly assured her that an FIR would be registered based on her complaint. However, she claims she was made to sign a statement restricting her from disclosing case details, even though she disagreed with how the police handled her narrative.  She said, “Given everything that’s happened, I no longer have the confidence to speak to the media. I fear about committing suicide. I initially reached out to the media because I felt that if I were to lose my life, at least my story would be heard. However, they have left Devaseyal like he is a good man, and still, no FIR has been filed. What did CID Officer Srinath say at the DGP office? He told me to ‘go home confidently; an FIR will be filed with your petition.’ However, I no longer have the confidence I once had. After providing my statement, I found that I did not agree with how they approached my case. They did not ask about the important details, yet they have taken a statement in writing that I should not disclose what I said. I do not agree with that. I don’t have the same confidence as I did before I spoke with the media; I don’t have that mindset now.  It’s been three days since my complaint was filed on Saturday, and there has been no action taken so far. He married me under false pretenses. Why is my situation being questioned? I boldly came forward to say that he cheated me and manipulated me into this situation. Instead of addressing my concerns, they are asking me for the names and locations of 20 other women. Am I expected to go and find them for you? Is there truly no justice for women? The public should bring me justice. They have left him free while doing nothing. I am unsure if any processes are ongoing.”

The survivor also named a DMK IT Wing member, identified as “Rahul”, accusing him of leaking her images and statements online, further endangering her safety and dignity, “The media blurs my face (in their reports, but individuals like) ‘Rahul DMK IT wing’ on Facebook continue to strip away my dignity. When I approached Jafar Siddique sir, he said he would look into it and asked if I had his number. Is it my responsibility to collect his number? If I tell him, he’ll ask me if I have the number, so I can see to it.” 

The Case Background

A 21-year-old second-year college student from Arakkonam in Ranipet district has come forward with serious allegations against a DMK functionary, accusing him of deceit and abuse under the pretense of marriage. Seeking justice, she reached out to multiple authorities but claimed her pleas were ignored.

On 10 May, during a birthday celebration for AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami held in Arakkonam, local AIADMK MLA Ravi was present at the event. The student approached him in public and, visibly distressed, submitted a petition detailing her ordeal and urged him to take action.

In her detailed petition, a 21-year-old student from Arakkonam has accused Deivaseyal, the deputy organizer of the DMK Union Youth Wing and a resident of Kavanur, of luring her into a relationship under false pretenses. Despite being married, Seyal allegedly manipulated her into a second marriage, which was reportedly performed at the Karikkal Temple in Sholingar on 31 January. What began as a seemingly consensual relationship took a darker turn by March, when the student claims he began groom her into sexual activities involving powerful DMK politicians.

When she resisted, Seyal allegedly turned physically abusive, beating her regularly and subjecting her to relentless harassment. She accused him of torture and sexual violence, claiming he openly stated that “his job is to force 20-year-old girls to sleep with politicians.” Describing the abuse, she said, “He would bite me like a mad dog,” and threatened to burn her family alive if she ever approached the police.

Unable to cope with the continued abuse, she attempted suicide by consuming poison on 5 April. Her family intervened in time, and she was rushed to Arakkonam Government Hospital before being transferred to Thiruvallur Government Hospital for further treatment. She later alleged that the police failed to investigate this suicide attempt, further compounding her distress.

Even after she left Seyal’s residence and returned to her mother’s home to resume her studies, the harassment reportedly continued. She claimed that Seyal assaulted her on her way to college, caused physical injuries, and destroyed her mobile phone. “He told me, ‘Complain if you want—nothing will happen. The police are on my side.’ Because of him, I tried to take poison,” she said.

The survivor went on to allege that Seyal introduced her to several other men, implying that she was being prepared for sexual exploitation. “He tortured me inside the car and pointed to men, telling me to sleep with them. I can’t even leave my house now. I couldn’t take my exams,” she recounted. She also said he would publicly humiliate and abuse her, even in front of others.

Her efforts to seek justice were repeatedly thwarted by bureaucratic hurdles. When she approached the Arakkonam City Police Station, she was turned away on the grounds of jurisdiction. At the All Women Police Station, she was told the inspector was unavailable and was advised to go to the Taluka Police Station. Frustrated by the inaction, she took her complaint to the Superintendent of Police in Ranipet, only to be redirected once again to the Deputy Superintendent’s office in Arakkonam, where she alleges her complaint was still not seriously pursued.

With no other recourse, she made a direct appeal to local AIADMK MLA Ravi at a public event, pleading for help and highlighting the police’s reluctance to act due to the accused’s connections within the ruling DMK. The MLA reportedly assured her that he would stand by her and push for justice.

Following growing public outrage and media attention, the Arakkonam All Women Police Station finally registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Deivaseyal based on the student’s formal complaint. However, the survivor says she still fears for her safety and questions whether real justice will follow.

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CPI(M) MP John Brittas Calls Congress Scion Rahul Gandhi ‘Disruptive’ In Parliament, Says Allies Also Disapprove

By
The Commune
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In a noteworthy revelation, Kerala’s CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP, John Brittas, has openly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that Gandhi has been more disruptive than constructive in his role as an opposition leader in Parliament. This remark came during a recent interview on a YouTube channel.

According to Brittas, during one of the INDI Alliance’s parliamentary floor meetings, he had urged Rahul Gandhi to refrain from daily disruptions in the House, as the CPI(M) wanted to highlight pressing issues concerning Kerala. However, Brittas indirectly said that Rahul disregarded the request and continued with his approach. Even his own allies, Brittas implied, view Rahul as an obstacle to healthy democratic proceedings.

A video clip of John Brittas discussing Rahul Gandhi has gone viral, with the following excerpts drawing particular attention:

Samdish asks, “Have you said this to Rahul Gandhi? Have you met him?”

John Brittas responds hesitantly, “I met him. I meet him but I don’t think…”

Samdish follows up, “He looks like a sharp person to you?”

To which Brittas candidly admits, “I don’t know, he is not that warm to me.”

Samdish asks, “Why?” And Brittas responds, “I don’t know. I was little critical of his stand in one of the meetings. And I don’t know is that the reason.”

Samdish probes further, “In the alliance meeting? Have you been to the I.N.D.I alliance meetings?”

John Brittas clarifies, “I.N.D.I alliance meetings means it was the meeting of Parliamentary floor leaders meeting.”

Samdish continues, “Okay, What did you say?”

Brittas recalls, “I said it is not good to disrupt Parliament daily. You have to devise some ways. Innovative protest. I said in that meeting, These issues are coming from Kerala! We have to raise them. They were scrapping question hours, discussion debates, also scrap the discussion debate. It make it easier for them. It facilitates them. To make them accountable, we need to run this parliament.”

When asked by Samdish, “What did the opposition say? What did they say?”, Brittas replies, “Many people are supporting me.”

Samdish presses, “They didn’t agree to RG?” Brittas answers, “RJD is also convinced.” Finally, when Samdish reiterates, “No, RG.” Brittas asks, “RG means?”  Samdish says, “Rahul Gandhi,”Brittas concludes, “He had some difficulty in… I don’t know.”

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Congress-Supporting Dravidianist Journo Arvind Gunasekar Parrots Pakistan Minister’s Busted Lie On Indian Rafale Jets

By
The Commune
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More damaging than foreign adversaries or the biased Western media are the so-called “journalists” within India, left-leaning propagandists masquerading as neutral reporters who seem more eager to tarnish India’s global image than defend its interests. These internal detractors, often aligning themselves with global anti-India narratives, waste no opportunity to amplify misinformation when it suits their agenda.

Recently, a fake news campaign—originating from China’s propaganda outlet Global Times—attempted to claim that Pakistan had shot down an Indian Rafale jet. This lie was then carelessly echoed by Reuters, citing Pakistan’s defense minister, triggering a chain of misinformation that quickly spread before being exposed as baseless. No credible reports confirmed such an incident, and the DGMO swiftly refuted it with a pointed statement in a recent press conference that, “All pilots are safe.” This was a cryptic but clear message—none of our jets were downed, and there were no operational leaks. The ongoing Operation Sindoor had merely been suspended, not concluded.

Yet, back home, Congress scion and leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi shamefully chose to amplify this fake narrative, parroting the Western media’s lies and questioning the capabilities of the Indian military essentially giving voice to India’s detractors. His loyal backers and sympathizers, predictably, fell in line.

One such figure is Arvind Gunasekar—a known Congress and Dravidian sympathizer—who, during a recent debate on a private television channel, made a desperate attempt to defend Congress. His eagerness to extract information on whether Indian jets were shot down came across more like simping for the opposition than journalistic inquiry. BJP’s SG Suryah shut him down effectively with a well-articulated and firm rebuttal.

During the debate, the anchor G. Karthikeyan, asked Gunasekar about Rahul Gandhi’s controversial insinuation that India might have informed Pakistan in advance of its strike, leading to alleged IAF losses. Gunasekar, clearly trying to justify Rahul’s narrative, claimed that communication between Indian and Pakistani military officials might have occurred at the DGMO level before the attack. He portrayed Rahul Gandhi’s query as a “reasonable question” and then repeatedly emphasized the lack of clear answers from the Indian Armed Forces about potential IAF casualties or aircraft damage.

Gunasekar lamented that journalists weren’t allowed to raise these questions in the initial press briefing and argued that the Air Force’s response lacked transparency. According to him, vague statements about “achieving objectives” weren’t enough, and the government had an obligation to disclose if any jets were lost, since public funds were involved.

When asked why Rahul Gandhi was placing such pressure on the Air Force, Gunasekar tried to pivot the conversation back to the old Rafale controversy. He pointed out that Western media claimed a Rafale jet had crashed, and brought up Rahul’s long-standing allegation that the Rafale deal was corrupt—an overpriced transaction benefitting businessman Anil Ambani. Gunasekar suggested that the lack of official acknowledgment about any loss could be political damage control related to this ongoing scandal.

He insisted that if a jet was indeed lost, the government must admit it—because, according to him, operational secrecy is unnecessary when taxpayers’ money is at stake. He viewed this as a legitimate concern, not one driven by politics.

The anchor pushed back, highlighting that Operation Sindoor was still active, with only a temporary ceasefire agreed upon by India and Pakistan. Any disclosure at this halfway point could jeopardize strategic outcomes. Why, then, is there such insistence on a public announcement?

Shamelessly, Arvind Gunasekar attempted to bolster his flawed argument by claiming, “We are saying that how many of our soldiers have been killed by the Pakistan cease (border) fire, right? We have said so many times that soldiers deployed on security duty in these places have been shot dead due to Pakistani cross-border firing, right? Now won’t that be coming under operation secrecy?”

In response, Tamil Nadu BJP Secretary SG Suryah jumped in with a sharp 30-second rebuttal. He stated, “When could Pakistan have come and shot down our jets? The only chance to shoot them down was during that 25-minute Operation Sindhur. If Pakistan had really shot down many jets, would the Pakistani government not have released a list or not showing like how we attacked and what damage we caused? Till today, if they haven’t said anything means… Is it not pride if they’ve shot down? If they have not said anything yet. What is the reason? Nothing has happened. I do not understand what kind of mentality it is to questioned by our own, something even Pakistan hasn’t made that claim.”

What this two-bit Dravidianist masquerading as a journalist said next was even more shocking. He strongly asserted that, “Pakistan’s Minister has said,” as if it were gospel truth. But the statement made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif was a blatant lie one that Western media blindly picked up and amplified. When questioned about the source of his claim, Asif himself admitted it was based on “social media.” That’s right—social media. And yet, Arvind Gunasekar, in all his wisdom, seems to place more faith in Pakistan’s Defence Minister and foreign propaganda more than the Indian military’s capabilities and official statements.

Then SG Suryah went on to expose Arvind Gunasekar’s flawed stance by sharply questioning, “If Pakistan had shot it down, would Pakistan have released the evidence or not? Would it have been a source of pride for them or not? Would it have been positive for them at the international level or not? Would the people of the country have gained immense confidence in that government and the army or not? In that case, if they did not release anything, then nothing happened, that is what it means.” His pointed remarks underscored the lack of credibility in Pakistan’s claim, emphasizing that the absence of any concrete evidence itself disproves the propaganda.

Despite this clear rebuttal, Arvind Gunasekar doubled down on his claims, insisting that Pakistan’s minister had indeed stated that Indian jets were taken down. He continued to argue in circles, confusing the issue, and suggesting that SG Suryah misunderstood or misrepresented him. Gunasekar seemed to imply that if another Pakistani minister had confirmed it, he would be willing to believe it. He attempted to twist the narrative by suggesting the BJP should be questioned about nationalism and whether they would release proof themselves. Suryah, however, challenged the absurdity of giving weight to Pakistan’s baseless statements, repeatedly asking whether Pakistan had provided any evidence at all. Gunasekar sat in silence, unable to offer any further justification for his pro-Pakistan stance, having run out of arguments to defend his position.

 

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₹12 Crore Heroin Haul, Foreign Pistols Seized In Major Smuggling Crackdown In Rajasthan

By
The Commune
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[Image Credit: ETV Bharat]

Rajasthan Police on 20 May 2025, busted an international drug and arms smuggling network in Sri Ganganagar. In two separate operations conducted by Kotwali and Jawaharnagar police stations, five accused were arrested.

Police recovered 2.183 kg of heroin, estimated to be worth ₹12 crore in the international market, along with a Turkish Zigana pistol, six Austrian Glock pistols, 13 magazines, and 32 live cartridges — all banned for civilian use in India. According to DIG Gaurav Yadav, initial findings suggest the involvement of operatives possibly linked to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Investigations are also underway to uncover the source of these foreign weapons and narcotics, believed to have been smuggled in from Amritsar and Malout in Punjab.

“The accused were preparing to distribute large consignments of heroin and foreign-made weapons in Sri Ganganagar. This operation prevented what could have been a major crime,” DIG Yadav said. Traditionally, heroin is smuggled into local areas in this region directly through the Pakistan border. However, police believe that following Operation Sindoor and increased border vigilance, smugglers have now shifted their routes.

This marks possibly the first major attempt to transport such a large consignment via road from Punjab to Sri Ganganagar, indicating an evolution in smuggling tactics. Police also seized a Swift car and a motorcycle used by the gang. During interrogation, the accused reportedly revealed several crucial leads, suggesting a wider international smuggling network. DIG Gaurav Yadav confirmed the arrests took place during targeted raids in Jawaharnagar and Kotwali police station areas.

Kotwali Police recovered five foreign pistols (Glocks), 330 grams of heroin, 29 live cartridges and one Swift car. Accused arrested include Devendra Bhambhu (29), Subhash alias Omprakash (21) and Gurmeet Singh – all residents of Sri Ganganagar. Jawaharnagar Police recovered two Glock pistols, three live cartridges, 1.850 kg of heroin and a motorcycle. DIG Yadav emphasised that foreign-made automatic weapons recovered from the accused indicate their intention to carry out a major criminal act.

All suspects are currently being interrogated to uncover the full scope of the network, including any possible Pakistan links. Constable Ashwini of the District Special Team was instrumental in tracking the gang, whose vigilance helped intercept the smugglers before they could execute their plan. Police have intensified patrols in sensitive areas and vowed strict action against anyone involved in cross-border trafficking of drugs or weapons. The case has also been referred to the Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC) for deeper investigation, said officials.

-IANS

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UN Security Council Talks Maritime Security, Pakistan Talks Rivers

By
The Commune
-

While the Security Council was debating maritime security and expressing concern over terrorism on the seas, Pakistan tried to bring up a river issue, the Indus water. That was in keeping with Islamabad’s total obsession with matters relating to India, regardless of the topic of discussion, which often makes for a theatre of the absurd.

Without directly naming India but referring to it as “one major country”, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said it “displayed a concerning propensity to usurp and weaponise shared natural resources — including transboundary rivers — in flagrant breach of treaty obligations and the principles of good neighbourliness”.

After the terrorist group, The Resistance Front, based in and backed by Pakistan, massacred 26 people in Pahalgam last month, India put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance. Smarting under the action, Ahmad said India was “leveraging geography” to “the detriment of the lower riparian state that is Pakistan”. By avoiding mentioning by name, and using innuendos, he tried to avoid India using the right of reply to expose the assertions.

India’s Permanent Representative P. Harish, who spoke in the session, contemptuously ignored it. Ahmad pouted over Pakistan’s exclusion from the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), a 23-member group of nations that, besides cooperating on a range of maritime issues, also take a strong stand against terrorism. The “coercive diplomacy” of “the one major country” has led to “the systematic exclusion of neighbouring states from regional maritime security frameworks, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association”, he griped.

India took the initiative to found the IORA and objects to Pakistan’s membership because of its terrorism links. As Pakistan is unable to afford an aircraft carrier and is dependent on the arms alms of China and Turkey, Ahmad also complained about what he called the “aggressive naval expansion” by the “one major country”. 

-IANS

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Arakkonam Student Sexual Assault Case: Survivor Slams Police Inaction Against Accused DMK Man, Asks How DMK IT Wing Got Her Info

By
The Commune
-

The college student from Arakkonam in Ranipet district who came forward with serious allegations against a DMK youth wing functionary, Deivaseyal, accusing him of sexual harassment and an attempt to groom her for politicians has released an emotional video online, expressing deep distress over the authorities’ handling of the case, stating that the police are treating her like a criminal while allowing the accused to remain free.

The student also accused the DMK IT wing of violating her privacy by circulating her photos and copies of her statements on social media. Furthermore, she claimed that despite filing a complaint at the Director General of Police’s office three days ago, no action has been taken against the accused. She added that the police are instead pressuring her to reveal the names of 20 other alleged victims, rather than focusing on arresting the perpetrator.

In the video the victim student said, “When I come out and say, ‘He is doing wrong; he took me out and tried to do this,’ but now I find myself unable to go out. My father is not well, and I can’t take him to the hospital. I’m facing many indirect problems. The police come to my house and take photos, but they are not taking any action. They are treating me like a criminal. Is there no one to deliver justice for women? Given everything that’s happened, I no longer have the confidence to speak to the media. I fear about committing suicide. I initially reached out to the media because I felt that if I were to lose my life, at least my story would be heard. However, they have left Devaseyal like he is a good man, and still, no FIR has been filed. What did CID Officer Srinath say at the DGP office? He told me to ‘go home confidently; an FIR will be filed with your petition.’ However, I no longer have the confidence I once had. After providing my statement, I found that I did not agree with how they approached my case. They did not ask about the important details, yet they have taken a statement in writing that I should not disclose what I said. I do not agree with that. I don’t have the same confidence as I did before I spoke with the media; I don’t have that mindset now.  It’s been three days since my complaint was filed on Saturday, and there has been no action taken so far. He married me under false pretenses. Why is my situation being questioned? I boldly came forward to say that he cheated me and manipulated me into this situation. Instead of addressing my concerns, they are asking me for the names and locations of 20 other women. Am I expected to go and find them for you? Is there truly no justice for women? The public should bring me justice. They have left him free while doing nothing. I am unsure if any processes are ongoing.”

She added that DMK IT Wing members, specifically one identified as “Rahul”, have leaked her photos and statements on social media, violating her dignity and safety, “The media blurs my face (in their reports, but individuals like) ‘Rahul DMK IT wing’ on Facebook continue to strip away my dignity. When I approached Jafar Siddique sir, he said he would look into it and asked if I had his number. Is it my responsibility to collect his number? If I tell him, he’ll ask me if I have the number, so I can see to it.” 

The Case Background

A 21-year-old second-year college student from Arakkonam in Ranipet district has come forward with serious allegations against a DMK functionary, accusing him of deceit and abuse under the pretense of marriage. Seeking justice, she reached out to multiple authorities but claimed her pleas were ignored.

On 10 May, during a birthday celebration for AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami held in Arakkonam, local AIADMK MLA Ravi was present at the event. The student approached him in public and, visibly distressed, submitted a petition detailing her ordeal and urged him to take action.

In her detailed petition, a 21-year-old student from Arakkonam has accused Deivaseyal, the deputy organizer of the DMK Union Youth Wing and a resident of Kavanur, of luring her into a relationship under false pretenses. Despite being married, Seyal allegedly manipulated her into a second marriage, which was reportedly performed at the Karikkal Temple in Sholingar on 31 January. What began as a seemingly consensual relationship took a darker turn by March, when the student claims he began groom her into sexual activities involving powerful DMK politicians.

When she resisted, Seyal allegedly turned physically abusive, beating her regularly and subjecting her to relentless harassment. She accused him of torture and sexual violence, claiming he openly stated that “his job is to force 20-year-old girls to sleep with politicians.” Describing the abuse, she said, “He would bite me like a mad dog,” and threatened to burn her family alive if she ever approached the police.

Unable to cope with the continued abuse, she attempted suicide by consuming poison on 5 April. Her family intervened in time, and she was rushed to Arakkonam Government Hospital before being transferred to Thiruvallur Government Hospital for further treatment. She later alleged that the police failed to investigate this suicide attempt, further compounding her distress.

Even after she left Seyal’s residence and returned to her mother’s home to resume her studies, the harassment reportedly continued. She claimed that Seyal assaulted her on her way to college, caused physical injuries, and destroyed her mobile phone. “He told me, ‘Complain if you want—nothing will happen. The police are on my side.’ Because of him, I tried to take poison,” she said.

The survivor went on to allege that Seyal introduced her to several other men, implying that she was being prepared for sexual exploitation. “He tortured me inside the car and pointed to men, telling me to sleep with them. I can’t even leave my house now. I couldn’t take my exams,” she recounted. She also said he would publicly humiliate and abuse her, even in front of others.

Her efforts to seek justice were repeatedly thwarted by bureaucratic hurdles. When she approached the Arakkonam City Police Station, she was turned away on the grounds of jurisdiction. At the All Women Police Station, she was told the inspector was unavailable and was advised to go to the Taluka Police Station. Frustrated by the inaction, she took her complaint to the Superintendent of Police in Ranipet, only to be redirected once again to the Deputy Superintendent’s office in Arakkonam, where she alleges her complaint was still not seriously pursued.

With no other recourse, she made a direct appeal to local AIADMK MLA Ravi at a public event, pleading for help and highlighting the police’s reluctance to act due to the accused’s connections within the ruling DMK. The MLA reportedly assured her that he would stand by her and push for justice.

Following growing public outrage and media attention, the Arakkonam All Women Police Station finally registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Deivaseyal based on the student’s formal complaint. However, the survivor says she still fears for her safety and questions whether real justice will follow.

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Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad Sent To 14-Day Judicial Custody Over Remarks On Operation Sindoor

By
The Commune
-

Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad on 20 May 2025, was sent to 14-day judicial custody by a Haryana court in connection with FIRs registered against him for his allegedly objectionable remarks on Operation Sindoor.

“The police had sought an extension of his remand by seven days, but on our objection, the court refused the plea and sent him to judicial custody for 14 days,” said a lawyer representing Mahmudabad. On 19 May, the Supreme Court agreed to hear Mahmudabad’s petition challenging his arrest in the coming days.

The two FIRs against the Ashoka professor were lodged at the Rai Police Station in Sonipat in Haryana – one based on a complaint from the chairperson of Haryana State Commission for Women, Renu Bhatia, and the other on the complaint of a village sarpanch. Mahmudabad (42) was arrested on a complaint filed by Yogesh Jatheri, the General Secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha in Haryana. Ali has been arrested under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertaining to inciting armed rebellion or subversive activities and insulting religious beliefs. Also, sedition-like charges have been filed against him.

In a post on social media, Mahmudabad wrote, “I am very happy to see so many right-wing commentators applauding Colonel Sophi(y)a Qureishi, but perhaps they could also equally loudly demand that the victims of mob lynchings, arbitrary bulldozing and others who are victims of the BJP’s hate mongering be protected as Indian citizens. The optics of two women soldiers presenting their findings is important, but optics must translate to reality on the ground, otherwise it’s just hypocrisy.”

Earlier, Haryana State Commission for Women Chairperson Renu Bhatia took suo motu cognisance of Mahmudabad’s remarks, which were alleged to be disparaging toward women in the Indian Armed Forces and promoting communal disharmony. The women’s rights body had summoned the professor, but he failed to appear. Later, he said the commission had “misread” his comment.

“[I] am surprised that the Women’s Commission, while overreaching its jurisdiction, has misread and misunderstood my posts to such an extent that they have inverted their meaning,” Mahmudabad had said on X.

Regarding the arrest of a teaching staff, Ashoka University said that it was in the process of ascertaining details of the case, and the varsity will cooperate with the police and local authorities in the investigation fully.

-IANS

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Fresh Bangladesh Link Deepens Espionage Probe Against YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra

By
The Commune
-

As the investigation into YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra’s alleged espionage for Pakistan proceeds, her fresh links with Bangladesh seem to have emerged, thereby bringing her under greater suspicion and scrutiny of the agencies.

The YouTuber has been accused of spying for Pakistan and also charged with sharing secret and strategic information with the enemy nation. She is said to be in touch with multiple Pakistani agents, including some of the operatives of ISI, Pakistan’s intelligence agency. While Haryana Police probes the alleged collusion of the YouTuber with the agents in pushing a Pakistani narrative and using her social media presence to influence gullible locals here, the officials stumbled upon a crucial piece of information, which shows that the YouTuber was planning a visit to Bangladesh soon.

It has access to Jyoti’s visa form application, which shows that the next destination on her itinerary was Bangladesh. An undated Bangladesh visa application form shows her name inscribed on the form, in which she filled up her ‘temporary address’ as the one in Uttara, Dhaka. The visa application form is, though undated, the probe team believes that her visit was intended to align and position with Bangladeshi operatives in the garb of the video shoot.

The ‘spy’ video blogger was also grilled by National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials on Tuesday over alleged links with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIO). Officials with knowledge of the investigation disclosed that her recent foreign trips to Pakistan, China and other nations are being closely examined. Many reports said that the Haryana YouTuber remained remorseless during the interrogation and insisted that she was being targeted for her free speech.

She has been accused of sharing sensitive military information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, raising concerns about security breaches, particularly in the backdrop of ghastly Pahalgam attacks. Her proposed visit to Bangladesh, after the regime change there, raises fresh security concerns.

-IANS

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Madurai Bench Disqualifies Panchayat Chairperson, Rules SC Status Not Applicable To Christians

By
The Commune
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dalit christians caste discrimination

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently ruled that granting Scheduled Caste (SC) status to a Christian amounts to a constitutional violation. As a result, the court disqualified AIADMK member V. Amutha Rani from her position as chairperson of the Theroor town panchayat in Kanniyakumari district. The post was reserved for candidates from the SC community.

Justice L. Victoria Gowri delivered the judgment in response to a petition filed by DMK ward member V. Iyyappan, who had contested the same post. According to the court, although Amutha Rani was born into the Hindu Pallar community—recognized as an SC group—she married a Christian man from the Backward Class category in 2005 under the Indian Christian Marriage Act. This law permits marriage solely between individuals who identify as Christians.

The judge rejected Rani’s argument that she had neither been baptized nor formally converted to Christianity. The court held that by choosing to marry under the Indian Christian Marriage Act, Rani had effectively adopted Christianity, thereby renouncing her original religion.

As per the Tamil Nadu Government Servants (Conditions of Service) Act, 2016, individuals practicing religions other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism are not eligible for Scheduled Caste status. Given that the panchayat chairperson is a public office, this legal restriction applies to Rani as well. Consequently, the court ruled that she could not claim to be a Hindu or avail the benefits reserved for Scheduled Castes in public appointments.

(With Inputs From TNIE)

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Awami League Banned From 2026 Elections, Bangladesh EC Says Party Cannot Participate Under Current Restrictions

By
The Commune
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Bangladesh’s Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman Masud on Monday stated that the Awami League will not be able to participate the General Elections. The Muhammad Yunus-led administration had issued an official notification on 12 May, banning the Awami League party and its affiliated bodies from conducting activities online and elsewhere.

According to the Election Commissioner, the acceptability of conducting election without the participation of Awami League cannot be stated. Masud made the comment while addressing a workshop titled ‘Review of Voters Lists for the upcoming General Elections’ at the Regional Public Administration Training Centre (RPATC) in Rajshahi. The Election Commission, it was detailed, is working to conduct elections in June 2026.

Akhter Ahmad, Secretary in the Election Commission and officials from Rajshahi Election Commission, Law Enforcement officials were also present at the workshop. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Saturday had expressed concerns that their December election deadline may quietly pass away as the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is showing no indication of launching preparations for the polls. Some senior BNP leaders stated that nine months after the Yunus-led interim government came to power, there is still no talk about holding elections in the country.

Additionally, many controversial moves, such as allowing human corridors to Rakhine and outsourcing port operations, have raised serious doubts about the government’s true intentions. The leaders further mentioned that the party rank and file is exerting pressure to take to the streets in order to put pressure on the interim government to announce a clear election roadmap and hold elections this year. Local media reported that a BNP leader, wishing to remain anonymous, said the party fears that the ban on activities of the Awami League, increasing contradictions among the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami are leading to unnecessary street protests, which might further complicate the political scenario in the coming days.

Further, the BNP suspects that the recent ban on the activities of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, Awami League, and the subsequent suspension of the party’s registration by the Election Commission are part of a larger conspiracy by local and international actors to prolong the power of the interim government.

“Every now and then, new issues are brought forward, reforms are dragged out, and the overall situation is kept in a state of flux. It appears to be part of a larger conspiracy to defer elections indefinitely,” a member of the BNP Standing Committee told UNB on condition of anonymity. “Our youth rally will be held on 28 May with a massive showdown in Dhaka. From that rally, the BNP will send out a strong message to the government not to unnecessarily delay the election,” said another BNP leader

-IANS

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