Home Blog Page 317

Ukraine Targets Russia’s Only Helium Plant In New Wave of Drone Strikes

russia ukraine helium plant drone attack

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said Tuesday that it foiled a terror attack targetting a high-ranking defence ministry official in the Moscow region. The agency said it detained a dual Russian-Ukrainian citizen attempting to use a homemade explosive device disguised in a car for the attack.

The vehicle, filled with more than 60 kg of explosives, was to be detonated when the high-ranking officer passes by, the FSB said. Over the past year, Russian authorities have reported multiple foiled plots involving car bombs and other explosive devices, often accusing Ukrainian special services of orchestrating them, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a high-profile incident, Russian Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik, Deputy Chief of the General Staff’s main operations directorate, was killed in a car explosion in the Moscow region on April 25. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s new round of drone attacks hit a helium production plant in Russia’s Orenburg area, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported Tuesday.

The plant, struck in the drone attacks launched by the Main Intelligence Directorate under the Ukrainian Defence Ministry on Monday, is Russia’s sole producer of helium used in rocket manufacturing, space and aviation industries, the report said.

Local residents reportedly witnessed drones flying near the plant, and a series of explosions were reported in the targetted area. Russian air defence forces intercepted and destroyed 32 Ukrainian drones overnight and a further seven in the morning, the Russian Defense Ministry had said on Monday.

According to the ministry, seven of the drones were downed over the Belgorod Region, five each over the Bryansk and Kaluga Regions, four over Crimea, two each over the Oryol, Kursk, Voronezh, Ryazan and Moscow Regions, and one over the Tula Region.

On Monday morning, the Defence Ministry reported that air defences shot down another seven Ukrainian drones. As a result of the drone attack on the Nizhny Novgorod Region, one person was killed and two were injured, the regional governor, Gleb Nikitin, wrote on his Telegram channel.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said that seven drones heading toward the Russian capital were downed on Monday morning. “Response teams are working at the site where debris fell,” he wrote on Telegram.

-IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Hindu Munnani Condemns Complaint Against Actor Ravichandran, Calls For Action Against Anti-Hindu Remarks By Kamal Haasan, Vairamuthu, And Members Of Dravidar Kazhagam

hindu munnani actor ravichandran

The Hindu Munnani has issued a strong condemnation over the recent police complaint filed against film and television actor Ravichandran, questioning why swift action is taken against those defending Hinduism, while individuals who have repeatedly insulted Hindu beliefs and deities such as actor Kamal Haasan, poet Vairamuthu, and members of the Dravidar Kazhagam face no legal consequences.

In an official press release, Kadeswara C. Subramaniam, State President of the organization, criticized Kamal Haasan for his speech at the 15th-anniversary celebration of the Agaram Foundation, held last week. Haasan, a Rajya Sabha MP, remarked that education is the best means to dismantle the “shackles of Sanatana Dharma.” Hindu Munnani declared this as a direct attack on Hindu philosophy, especially given the context of the event, which focused on education and social service.

Subramaniam argued that such remarks are not only provocative but legally inappropriate coming from a sitting parliamentarian. He emphasized that the judiciary has made it clear that police should take proactive steps against those inciting religious discord. The organization questioned whether Haasan is being shielded due to his political ties and support from the ruling party, adding that such bias undermines the country’s democratic and constitutional values.

Meanwhile, a complaint has been lodged against Ravichandran at the Chennai City Police Commissioner’s office, accusing him of using inflammatory language in response to Kamal Haasan’s comments. Hindu Munnani, defended Ravichandran as a spiritual and patriotic figure respected for standing up against anti-Hindu narratives. The organization asserted the complaint is baseless and politically motivated.

The press release also pointed to a pattern of selective enforcement. For instance, poet Vairamuthu allegedly insulted Lord Rama at the golden jubilee of the Kamban Kazhagam, referring to him as mentally unstable. The group also recalled a social media post by a Dravidar Kazhagam member that mocked Lord Krishna, which led to legal action only after a private complaint.

Furthermore, the organization noted recent remarks by DMK spokesperson Karu Palaniappan, who belittled the Varalakshmi Vratam a significant ritual among Hindu women. The group questioned whether authorities would take action in this case or continue to ignore such offenses.

Hindu Munnani criticized the ongoing trend of targeting those who speak out in defense of Hinduism, while letting those who insult the faith go unpunished. They argued that in a democracy, freedom of expression should apply equally. If Kamal Haasan has the right to voice criticism of Hinduism, then Ravichandran must also have the right to express disagreement.

The statement further cited previous incidents, including inaction against singer Isai Vani for a controversial song titled “I’m Sorry Ayyappa,” and the minimal response to offensive comments made by Minister Ponmudy about Shaivite and Vaishnavite symbols during a Dravidar Kazhagam event.

The Hindu Munnani concluded by stating that the government and police appear to be adopting an anti-Hindu stance, cracking down on those who respond to religious insults while ignoring the original offenders. The organization called on law enforcement and the Tamil Nadu government to adopt a more balanced and fair approach. It also urged the police to refrain from acting on a false complaint against Ravichandran and assured its full support for the actor.

Full press statement read, ” During the 15th-anniversary celebration of actor Suriya’s Agaram Foundation last week, actor and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan gave a hateful speech, claiming that education is the best way to break the shackles of Sanatana Dharma. The Hindu Munnani believes that Kamal Haasan’s speech was a deliberate attempt to denigrate Sanatana Hindu Dharma, even though there were many topics related to education and service that could have been discussed at the Agaram Foundation event. By making such continuous anti-Hindu remarks, Kamal Haasan is fostering religious hatred.

It is a legal offense for him to have made such a statement after being sworn in as a Rajya Sabha MP. The courts have stated that the police should proactively file cases against those who make such hateful speeches. The Hindu Munnani questions why the police have not filed a case against Kamal Haasan for hurting the sentiments of millions of Hindus. Is it because he became a Rajya Sabha member with the support of the ruling party? The organization considers this action to be against the sovereignty of our nation.

Reports indicate that a police complaint has been filed against actor Ravichandran for threatening people after he expressed his disapproval of Kamal Haasan’s speech. Ravichandran is a great spiritualist and patriot who has earned the respect of Hindus by responding appropriately to those who insult Hinduism and sow anti-national sentiments. The complaint filed against him at the Chennai City Police Commissioner’s office alleges that he used violent language. The Hindu Munnani believes that this is a false complaint and that the police should not take any action against Ravichandran. The organization clarifies that a case should be filed against Kamal Haasan for speaking about breaking the “shackles of Sanatana Dharma,” which is the world’s highest principle, and not against Ravichandran.

Over the past four years, many people have insulted Hindu Dharma and Hindu deities at various events. The Hindu Munnani has filed complaints against them. Last week, at the golden jubilee of the Kamban Kazhagam, poet Vairamuthu insulted Lord Rama, a divine figure worshipped by millions, by calling him a person of unsound mind. Many Hindus are asking whether a case will be filed against him. The organization recalls that when a Dravidar Kazhagam member published derogatory content about Lord Krishna on social media, a private individual filed a lawsuit, and the court issued a severe warning to the Dravidar Kazhagam.

Two days ago, Director Karu Palaniappan, a speaker for the DMK, spoke disparagingly about the Varalakshmi Vratam, a traditional ritual observed by Hindu women. The Hindu Munnani asks if a case will be filed against him. The organization condemns the act of filing complaints and threatening those who react against such insults to Hinduism, instead of taking action against those who make the insults. Everyone has the right to express their opinions in a democratic manner. The Hindu Munnani asserts that if Kamal Haasan has the right to speak about breaking the “shackles of Hinduism,” then Ravichandran also has the right to express his disapproval of Kamal Haasan’s remarks.

The organization also notes that the police did not take any action against singer Isai Vani, even after many people filed complaints about a song she sang last Karthigai month, “I’m Sorry Ayyappa,” which was highly derogatory towards Lord Ayyappan. Three months ago, Minister Ponmudy spoke obscenely about Shaivite and Vaishnavite religious symbols at a Dravidar Kazhagam meeting. Although several complaints were filed against him at various police stations in Tamil Nadu, the police only registered a very minor case without conducting a full investigation. The Hindu Munnani states that the government has not taken any action against those who speak abusively, indecorously, and with hatred against Hinduism. Instead, it seems that the government is using an iron fist to suppress those who stand up against such insults. The organization urges the police and the Tamil Nadu government to change this anti-Hindu mindset.

The Hindu Munnani believes that the complaint filed against actor Ravichandran is an attempt by some to register a false case against him. Therefore, the organization requests that the police not file a case against him and pledges its full support to the actor.”

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Bitter Power Struggle Erupts At Coimbatore CSI Church: Dalit Priests Blocked By Bouncers, Bishop Accused Of Swindling Provident Fund Money

Bouncers Stop Assistant Bishop from Entering CSI Church, Allegations Target CSI Coimbatore Zone Bishop Timothy Ravinder

A confrontation broke out on Sunday at the CSI Thirumandala Church Office on Race Course Road, Coimbatore, amid a long-standing dispute within the church’s administration.

According to reports, the church oversees 125 CSI congregations in Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, and the Nilgiris, employing a large number of bishops and staff. Since 2014, two factions within the administrative committee have been at odds. One faction has accused CSI Coimbatore Zone Bishop Timothy Ravinder and others of misappropriating provident fund money meant for bishops and employees. The matter is currently before the court.

Assistant Bishop Rajesh, a member of the Pastoral Committee, has filed a case against Bishop Ravinder. On 10 August 2025, Rajesh and his supporters arrived to take part in the Sunday service but were allegedly blocked at the gate by members of the bishop’s faction.

Rajesh’s supporters claimed that hostility toward the Dalit community’s participation in church administration since 2014 has fueled continued acts of retaliation. They alleged that church zone had been divided to their disadvantage, and despite a High Court order to maintain the status quo, the current leadership had not complied.

They further alleged that when they attempted to enter the church in priestly attire, bouncers and hired men, allegedly at the bishop’s behest, prevented their entry.

The group has lodged a complaint with Race Course Police Station over the incident. Video footage of the altercation has circulated, causing a stir within the Coimbatore church community.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally. 

‘What Is Shameful Is Your Deceit’, Israeli Envoy Shuts Down Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra’s “Genocide In Palestine”” Remark

israeli envoy priyanka gandhi congress genocide palestine

Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar on Tuesday hit back at Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi for accusing Israel of committing “genocide” in Palestine and advised her not to buy claims by Hamas. This comes after Priyanka strongly criticised the Central government for remaining silent on Israel’s “genocide” in Palestine, asserting that such inaction amounts to complicity.

Reacting to this, the Israeli envoy posted on X, “What is shameful is your deceit. Israel killed 25,000 Hamas terrorists. The terrible cost in human lives derives from Hamas’s heinous tactics of hiding behind civilians, their shooting of people trying to evacuate or receive assistance and their rocket fire.”

Highlighting Hamas’s action in Palestine, Azar said, “Israel facilitated 2 million tonnes of food into Gaza while Hamas tries to sequestrate them, thereby creating hunger. Gaza population has grown 450 per cent in the last 50 years, no genocide there. Don’t buy Hamas numbers.”

Priyanka had criticised the Indian government in a post on X, where she wrote, “The Israeli state is committing genocide. It has murdered over 60,000 people, 18,430 of whom were children. It has starved hundreds to death, including many children, and is threatening to starve millions.” “Enabling these crimes by silence and inaction is a crime in itself. It is shameful that the Indian Government stands silent as Israel unleashes this devastation on the people of Palestine,” she said, slamming the Centre.

Israel has been fighting a war against Hamas in Gaza after the October 7 attack, during which over 3000 militants infiltrated Israel and killed approximately 1200 civilians and took 240 people, including women and children, hostage. Since then, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas and its affiliated groups, which have carried out multiple attacks against Israel.

-IANS

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

India Expands Ban On Bangladesh Imports, Narrows Entry To Seaports Only

india bangladesh import ban sea port

India bans imports of more goods from Bangladesh New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) India has expanded the list of imports from Bangladesh that are banned from entry through any land port on the border by including more jute products amid deteriorating relations with the neighbouring country.

These additional goods, which have been banned with immediate effect, include bleached and unbleached woven fabrics made of jute or other textile bast fibres; twine, cordage, and rope made of jute; twine, cordage, rope, and cables; as well as sacks and bags made of jute.

These items will not be allowed through any Land Customs Stations or Integrated Check Posts in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, as well as LCS Changrabandha and Fulbari in West Bengal. According to the notification issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade, the import of these goods is allowed only via Navi Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva Seaport.

The notification further said these restrictions wouldn’t apply to Bangladesh exports to Nepal or Bhutan, while noting, “Re-export of the aforesaid Bangladesh goods to India from Nepal or Bhutan shall not be allowed.” Earlier, in a notification dated June 27, the department listed several goods from Bangladesh that would be subject to regulation.

These include flax tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock); jute and other textile bast fibres, raw or retted; jute (excluding flax, true hemp, and ramie); single flax yarn; single yarn of jute or other textile bast fibres; multiple folded yarn; woven fabrics of flax; and unbleached woven fabrics of jute or other textile bast fibres. Besides, on May 17, India banned the import of goods, like readymade garments and processed food items, from Bangladesh to India through cross-border trade points with the neighbouring country.

This decision is expected to hit goods worth $770 million (Rs 6,600 crore) that flow in from Bangladesh. Readymade garments, valued at $618 million (Rs 5,290 crore), now face strict routing through only two Indian seaports. This severely limits Bangladesh’s most valuable export channel to India. The other goods that have been barred from entry into India through the land customs stations on the border include fruit-flavoured carbonated drinks, processed foods, cotton and cotton yarn waste, plastic and PVC finished goods, and wooden furniture. The total value of these items is pegged at around $153 million (Rs 1,310 crore).

According to the directive, “Import of all kinds of Ready-Made Garments from Bangladesh shall not be allowed from any land port; however, it is allowed only through Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports.” The Indian move came after the Bangladesh government in April banned the import of yarns from India to the country via land ports through a notification from the National Board of Revenue.

Earlier, India terminated the trans-shipment facility for Bangladesh, which allowed the latter to export its products to other countries through Indian seaports and airports. India is Bangladesh’s second-largest trading partner after China. In the fiscal 2022-23, Bangladesh-India trade amounted to around $16 billion. Bangladesh imported goods worth about $14 billion, while its exports to India stood at $2 billion, as per industry data.

-IANS

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Church vs CPI(M): Kerala Catholic Congress Slams Govindan Over Attack on Archbishop

The Kerala Catholic Congress has launched a scathing attack on CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan, condemning his recent remarks against Thalassery Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany as “thoughtless” and unworthy of a senior political leader.

Govindan was miffed at the Archbishop for praising Union Home Minister Amit Shah after he secured the release of two Christian nuns who had been arrested in Chhattisgarh on false charges. Speaking on behalf of the Kerala Catholic Congress, Fr. Philip Kaviyil reminded Govindan that he occupies a post once held by party stalwart Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

“It’s up to Govindan to decide whether to retract his statement. But he should also reflect on whether the third Pinarayi Vijayan government should come to power,” Fr. Kaviyil said, adding that even the Chief Minister had earlier reprimanded the party secretary, urging him “not to speak like Govindan Chami.”

The controversy erupted after Govindan branded Pamplany “opportunistic,” claiming the Archbishop had criticised the BJP during the arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh but later praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah once bail was granted. The Kerala Catholic Congress swiftly countered, accusing Govindan of using rhetoric akin to “fascist forces.”

The Thalassery Archdiocese had already issued a sharp response, questioning whether Bishops were expected to act only under directives from the CPI(M) headquarters at the AKG Centre in the state capital city. In its statement, the Archdiocese reiterated gratitude to the central government for intervening in the Chhattisgarh incident, while slamming the DYFI — the CPI(M)’s youth wing — for issuing “cheap statements.”

It further claimed that Govindan was more deserving of the “opportunistic” label he had used against the Archbishop, cautioning him against using personal shortcomings as a benchmark to judge others. The Archdiocese also warned that Govindan’s remarks were not only tarnishing his personal image but also putting his party and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a politically-awkward position.

With both the Kerala Catholic Congress and the Thalassery Archdiocese openly challenging the CPI(M) state secretary, the row has escalated into a full-blown confrontation between the Church and the ruling Left in Kerala — adding fresh tension to an already charged political atmosphere.

-IANS

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Dharmasthala Mass Grave Probe: SIT To Scan 13th Burial Site With Drone Radar, NHRC Joins Investigation

dharmasthala mass burial grave nhrc sit mass burial masked man soujanya murder case

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged Dharmasthala murders has begun preparations to start excavation work on Tuesday at the 13th burial site in the temple town in Mangaluru, using drone-mounted Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology.

The development has gained significance as an unidentified complainant has claimed that he buried over a dozen bodies of women and girls who were allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered. SIT personnel arrived at the site and inspected the location before flying a drone equipped with GPR over the area.

Sources said the full-fledged operation will begin soon. In view of an earlier clash in Dharmasthala, heavy police security has been deployed at the site. The 13th burial site, located very close to the Kindi Dam and the Netravathi River, has been cleared of bushes and plants to facilitate the GPR search.

Sources added that tonnes of sand had been dumped at the location over the years for various reasons. Meanwhile, members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), who arrived in Dharmasthala on Monday, continued their probe into the case on Tuesday as well.

The NHRC team has collected documents from the SIT and the Dharmasthala police station. They also visited the Dharmasthala Gram Panchayat office to gather information and inspected burial sites in the temple town. Sources confirmed that the NHRC team will remain in Dharmasthala for four days and carry out investigations at various locations in Belthangady taluk of Mangaluru district.

SIT Chief, DGP Pronab Mohanty, is expected to monitor today’s excavation operations. The completion of digging at the 13th burial site will mark the end of the first phase of the probe. In a major development on July 11, an unidentified complainant — who claimed he had been forced to bury the bodies of women and girls who were raped and murdered in Dharmasthala — appeared before a court in Mangaluru district and recorded his statement. He requested that the bodies be exhumed in his presence and alleged that the victims bore clear signs of sexual assault.

According to him, the bodies were found without clothing or undergarments and had injuries consistent with violent sexual abuse. These revelations have sent shockwaves across Karnataka. Following the claims, a retired Supreme Court judge and several activists have demanded a Supreme Court or High Court-monitored SIT probe into the alleged Dharmasthala murders, which may involve the deaths of multiple women, girls, and destitute men.

Earlier, SIT Chief Mohanty had stated that no significant material had been recovered from the previously excavated sites. However, later reports indicated that a torn red blouse and a PAN card belonging to a woman named Lakshmi were recovered from the first burial site.

In addition, the whistleblower reportedly submitted a skull — allegedly recovered from one of the burial sites —to the SIT. On August 7, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara had confirmed that the SIT probing the alleged mass grave case has recovered a male skeleton and other bones during the excavation and they have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

-IANS

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Punjab Police Foil I-Day Terror Plot; Five Pak-Backed Terror Module, Babbar Khalsa International’s Operatives Nabbed

babbar khalsa international punjab police i-day foiled

In a major breakthrough against Pakistan’s ISI-backed terror network, Punjab Police’s Counter Intelligence of Jalandhar, in a joint operation with SBS Nagar Police, have busted a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror network with the arrest of five operatives, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Tuesday.

He said it was operated by foreign-based handlers Mannu Agwan, Gopi Nawashehria and Zeeshan Akhtar on the directions of Pakistan-based BKI operative Harwinder Rinda. Five operatives were apprehended from Tonk and Jaipur districts of Rajasthan and averted further planned attacks, he said. The module had planned an attack inside a liquor store in Punjab’s SBS Nagar recently and was further tasked to attempt such attacks on Independence Day.

The arrested accused were receiving direct instructions from foreign-based Zeeshan Akhtar and BKI mastermind Mannu Agwan, who is working in close coordination with Pakistan-based BKI operative Rinda. The DGP said in a statement on X that one person was injured in an exchange of fire while being taken for recovery.

“He opened fire on the police and sustained injuries in retaliatory action, and is admitted to the Civil Hospital of SBS Nagar,” the DGP said. A first information report (FIR) has been registered at the police station of Nawanshahr in SBS Nagar district under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Explosive Substances Act.

One 86P hand grenade, one .30 bore pistol, along with two cartridges and two empty shells of .30 bore were recovered. To ensure peaceful celebrations of Independence Day, DGP Yadav on Monday briefed the police force regarding the current security scenario and reviewed counter-terror strategies, besides issuing operational directives on inter-district coordination, high-visibility check-points, and round-the-clock surveillance to prevent any law and order breach in the border state.

The DGP was on a tour to chair law and order review meetings and outreach sessions with officers of Commissionerates — Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana, and Police Ranges — Border, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Ropar. He also reviewed the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ and action against gangsters and organised crime.

An official statement quoting the DGP said he asked officers to conduct financial investigations against hawala operators to dismantle the entire ecosystem of drug trafficking.

-IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Supreme Court Stray Dog Ruling Brings Spotlight Back On Sardar Patel’s 1920s Municipal Drive Against Stray Dogs

sardar patel stray dog supreme court

Following the Supreme Court’s recent order to remove stray dogs from residential areas in Delhi-NCR, historical parallels have emerged from the tenure of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as municipal president of the Ahmedabad municipality in the 1920s.

According to “Patel: A Life” by Rajmohan Gandhi, Patel oversaw a civic campaign targeting rats, stray dogs, and decrepit cattle during his term. The measures drew objections from certain Jain groups, who opposed the capture of stray dogs, and from sections of the Hindu community, who wanted him to prevent Muslims from slaughtering old cattle.

Patel reportedly told the Jains that they could “show the dogs pity by keeping them in their homes” if they opposed municipal action. To Hindus objecting to cattle slaughter, his retort was that it was Hindus themselves who sold old cattle to Muslim butchers.

The Supreme Court, in its 11 August 2025 ruling, ordered the relocation of stray dogs away from residential localities in Delhi-NCR, warning that any obstruction to the exercise would invite strict action. The order followed a spate of dog bite incidents in the capital region.

Dog lovers have been going on an overdrive comparing dogs to rapists and voicing their views against the Supreme Court order.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

“Goat, Cock Sacrifices At Thiruparankundram Hill Part Of Tradition; Record Exists For Hill Being Called Sikandar Malai”, Says DMK Govt In Madras High Court

The DMK government of Tamil Nadu asserted in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court that the practice of sacrificing animals has long been followed at Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai.

The case originated from a Public Interest Litigation filed by Solai Kannan, the Madurai district president of the Hindu Makkal Katchi. He claimed that the ancient Subramaniya Swamy (Murugan) Temple holds ownership over Thiruparankundram hill. Referencing a ruling from the British era, he argued that key locations on the hill including the Sikandar Badusha Dargah, the flagpole in front of it, an eel tree grove, the steps leading to the Dargah, and a newly constructed mandapam are all under the temple’s jurisdiction.

Kannan further urged the court to prohibit individuals from performing animal sacrifices involving goats, cows, and chickens on the hill, and from attempting to rename or represent the hill as “Sikandar Hill.” Several other related petitions seeking various forms of relief were also submitted.

A division bench comprising Justices J. Nisha Banu and S. Srimathy considered the matter. On 24 June, Justice Nishabanu rejected all petitions, while Justice Srimati issued a separate judgment. As a result of the split verdict, the matter was escalated to a third judge, R. Vijayakumar, who took up the case on 11 August 2025.

During the hearing, the judge questioned whether there was historical or documented proof referring to the site as Sikandar Hill and if animal sacrifices were indeed a longstanding tradition there.

In response, Additional Chief Government Advocates Veera Kathiravan and Ravindran emphasized that religious practices should not be discriminated against based on caste, religion, or dietary customs. They presented records indicating that the location has been known as Sikandar Hill and that the practice of sacrificing goats and chickens has been ongoing. They also pointed to similar rituals carried out at the 18th Karupanaswamy Temple in Alagarkoil.

They concluded by stating that religious freedoms must be respected, and no one should obstruct another’s right to practice their faith. Following these arguments, the judge postponed the hearing.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.