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Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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Cash For Posts: Executives Of Part-Time Politician Vijay’s TVK Party Accuse Leadership Of Demanding Money For City & District Positions

By
The Commune
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Part-time politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party is once again embroiled in controversy following allegations from party executives. They claim that the high command is soliciting monetary payments from individuals seeking various positions within the party, with State General Secretary Anand reportedly turning a blind eye to the complaints.

Speaking to reporters in Villupuram, Seeman Kumaresan, a TVK executive claimed that Kushi Mohan, the South Villupuram District Secretary, is demanding sums ranging from ₹3 to ₹15 lakh for city and district positions. The executives further accused the party of offering positions to individuals with no prior affiliation to TVK or fan club. They also alleged that the amount solicited with the full awareness of Anand, and accused him of preventing leader Vijay from being informed about the issue.

TVK executive Kumaresan stated, “Villupuram District Secretary Mohan is demanding money for all positions. He asked me ₹4 lakh for the post of district executive member. Here’s the proof. I first met Thalapathy in 1995 during the filming of Vishnu. I’m a ardent fan of Thalapathy and have been involved since the days of Vijay Makkal Iyakkam. Similar to me, he has asked everyone for money in exchange for posts. When I questioned him about why he’s demanding money like this, he said ‘The leadership demands it.’ When I asked, ‘Who is the leadership, Vijay?’ he replied, ‘No’.” 

Kumaresan then showed evidence of a demand draft cheque from a person named Ilayaraja, explaining that he was interviewed and selected for the post of city secretary. However, Kushi Mohan, the South Villupuram District Secretary, denied him the position and gave it to another person named Mubarq, who had come from the DMK. Kumaresan also mentioned another individual who had requested the post of East District Secretary and, despite donating a sewing machine for welfare assistance on the 19th, was also asked for an additional ₹50,000 by Kushi Mohan.

During the press conference, Kumaresan raised a question about who exactly is demanding the money. When he was told it was the party leadership, he asked if Vijay was the one requesting the money, to which the answer was no. He then questioned, “If not Vijay, then who exactly is this leadership?”

In a dramatic gesture during the press conference, the executives tore up the cheque that had been used to pay for a TVK position, underscoring their frustration with the situation.

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Loyola College Scandal: Complaint Filed With TN Governor Seeking Action Against Madras University Registrar For Not Preventing Academic Fraud In Unauthorized Catholic Priest Training College

By
The Commune
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A major controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu’s academic circles following a formal complaint filed by the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF) against the Registrar of the University of Madras, Prof. S Elumalai, for allegedly endorsing large-scale academic fraud involving Loyola (Autonomous) College, Chennai. The complaint, submitted to the Governor of Tamil Nadu, seeks immediate disciplinary action against the registrar and calls for the cancellation of all M.A. Philosophy degree certificates issued fraudulently under the name of the University of Madras.

The complaint alleges that Loyola College has been unlawfully conducting its M.A. Philosophy program at an unapproved off-campus facility named Satya Nilayam, a Jesuit missionary training center. Despite this, students completing their studies at Satya Nilayam allegedly received degree certificates bearing the name and official logo of the University of Madras—a violation of university affiliation rules.

Key Allegations In The Complaint

  1. Unauthorized Off-Campus Operations: The M.A. Philosophy program, officially affiliated with Loyola College, is allegedly being conducted at Satya Nilayam, which is not an approved campus under the University of Madras.

  2. Manipulation of Online Records: Following the previous complaint filed on February 27, 2025, Satya Nilayam allegedly removed all references to Loyola College from its official website—an attempt to erase evidence of wrongdoing. However, digital archives like the Wayback Machine retain historical records, confirming the prior affiliation.

  3. Fraudulent Issuance of Degrees: The complaint includes a copy of an M.A. Philosophy degree certificate issued in 2005 under the name of the University of Madras to a student enrolled at Satya Nilayam instead of Loyola College.

  4. Failure of University Oversight: The University of Madras allegedly failed to conduct mandatory inspections of Loyola College’s campus, leading to unchecked violations. Additionally, an RTI response from 2023 shockingly revealed that the university had “lost” the original affiliation order for Loyola College.

  5. Potential National Security Violations: The forum claims that Loyola College has been inviting foreign nationals under the pretense of academic studies but instead providing missionary training at Satya Nilayam—a possible breach of Indian visa regulations and a national security concern.

Demands For Action

The Legal Rights Protection Forum has urged the Tamil Nadu Governor to:

  • Initiate disciplinary proceedings against the Registrar of the University of Madras for failing to prevent or investigate the alleged fraud.

  • Cancel all M.A. Philosophy degrees issued by Loyola College since 1998 under the University of Madras’ name.

  • Direct law enforcement agencies to investigate and register an FIR against Loyola College management for academic fraud and misuse of university credentials.

Registrar of Madras University

University & Loyola College Yet to Respond

Despite the severity of the allegations, neither Loyola College nor the University of Madras has issued an official statement in response to the complaint. Academic circles and student communities are now demanding greater transparency and accountability in the university’s affiliation policies.

As the controversy unfolds, the Tamil Nadu government and higher education authorities are expected to take cognizance of the issue, with many calling for an independent inquiry into the matter.

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‘Prachand Prahaar’, Army’s Tri-Service Multi-Domain Warfare Exercise In Arunachal Pradesh

By
The Commune
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In a powerful demonstration of joint operational capability, the Indian Army on Thursday conducted a highly effective and important ‘Integrated Multi-Domain Exercise’.

This Tri-Service Integrated Multi-Domain Warfare Exercise was held in the Eastern Theatre, deep in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh. According to the officials, the exercise, named ‘Exercise Prachand Prahaar’, was held from March 25 to 27. The exercise brought together the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and other elements of the Indian Armed Forces in a synergised combat drill designed to simulate future warfare.

The exercise was carried out under the aegis of the Eastern Command, showcasing the seamless integration of advanced surveillance, strike capabilities, and multi-domain operational planning. Cutting-edge platforms such as long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, armed helicopters, UAVs, loitering munitions, and space-based assets were employed to achieve total situational awareness and rapid target engagement, the officials said.

Once simulated targets were identified, they were swiftly neutralised through coordinated strikes using fighter aircraft, long-range rocket systems, medium artillery, swarm drones, kamikaze drones, and armed helicopters — all executed in an electronically contested environment that simulated modern battlefield conditions, officials added.

Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, and Air Marshal Surat Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, reviewed the exercise and commended the troops for their operational excellence and high degree of professionalism.

This integrated tri-service drill builds on the momentum of ‘Exercise Poorvi Prahar’ held in November 2024, which focused primarily on the integrated application of aviation assets. Exercise Prachand Prahaar has now taken that concept further by validating a fully integrated approach to surveillance, command and control, and precision firepower across the three services, said the officials.

The exercise stands as a testament to the Indian Armed Forces’ growing emphasis on jointness, technological superiority, and readiness to tackle multi-domain threats. It reinforces India’s resolve to deter and, if necessary, decisively respond to any emerging security challenge along its strategic frontiers.

–IANS

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Kerala Mar Thoma Church Priest Passes Away Days After Hasty ‘Demise’ Message Leaves Clergy Red-Faced

By
The Commune
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Reverend Father James George, the Vicar of the Kumbanad Shalom Mar Thoma Church near Thiruvalla passed away on Thursday. The Sabha Secretary of the Thiruvalla-headquartered Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Kerala, Reverend Abey T. Mammen officially communicated the news in a statement.

“The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church expresses deepest condolences to the bereaved family members on the sad demise of Rev. James George, who passed away on Thursday, 27 March 2025, at 12.15 AM. The mortal remains will be brought to Kumbanad Fellowship hospital mortuary today at 2 AM,” read the official declaration.

Earlier, an error attributed to a communication gap left the Mar Thoma Syrian Church embarrassed as Mammen on Tuesday evening issued a condolence message announcing the death of senior priest George.

He was admitted to a private hospital near here after he fell sick on Monday. On Tuesday, soon after the condolence message announcing the passing away of Reverend George came, things went into fast gear with the social media group of the Church and its laity also passing on the message as part of its normal practice.

However, close to midnight came another message from Mammen expressing regret over the wrong message regarding Reverend George.

In a statement issued by Mammen, it said, “We acknowledge the deep concern and emotional response from our faithful community regarding the condition of our beloved clergy, Rev James George. Earlier, based on the available information communicated to us and the critical nature of the situation following the withdrawal of ventilator support, an announcement regarding the passing of Rev. James George was made. “We have since been informed by the attending medical team that while James George remains in a critical state and continues to be under close final observation, he has not yet been officially declared deceased.”

“We recognise the gravity and sensitivity of this situation and deeply regret any confusion or distress caused. We request the continued prayers of all faithful members during this deeply trying time and will keep everyone updated as we receive further medical updates. “Even now he is in a sinking stage and oxygen support is provided. Let us remain united in prayer and hope, trusting in God’s presence and peace through this difficult journey,” wrote Mammen.

A section of the Church was up in arms on the miscommunication by Mammen and wanted action, but now all eyes are on the Church and it is likely to come out with a protocol over demise announcements in the future.

–IANS

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Gautam Adani Hails Wheelchair-Bound Employee’s Courage For Attempting Bungee Jumping

By
The Commune
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Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Thursday hailed the courage of a wheelchair-bound employee who attempted adventure sport bungee jumping in Rishikesh.

Bungee jumping is an adventure sport where a person jumps from a great height while tied to a large rope. The Adani Group Chairman lauded Kay Mehta’s willpower for indulging in the sport while in a wheelchair.

He called Mehta an inspiration for millions of people with and without disability. “Most people do it for the thrill. Kay Mehta, our own Adanian, did it to make a statement,” Gautam Adani, shared in a post on social media platform X. “From the heights of Rishikesh, strapped in his wheelchair, Kay took a leap that told the world: no odds, no fear, can stop willpower. Kay, you don’t just inspire us – you redefine what it means to be an Adanian. Hum Karke Dikhate Hain #HKKDH,” the Adani Group Chairman said.

Notably, ‘Hum Karke Dikhate Hain’ is a media campaign launched by the Adani Group in May 2023. Developed by Ogilvy India, the campaign is called ‘Hum mushkilo ki nahi sunte, karke dikhate hai’ (Undeterred by challenges, we deliver on our commitments). It highlights the Adani Group’s “resilience, tenacity, and relentless pursuit of overcoming obstacles to build world-class infrastructure, both in India and abroad”, as per the company.

The latest in the campaign series is the narrative-driven film ‘Journey of Dreams’, which was released early in March. Highlighting the transformative power of Adani Ports and SEZ Limited, the film pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of ‘Hum Karke Dikhate Hain’ of today’s India and Indians, showcasing unwavering determination.

The film emphasises how Adani Ports enables businesses, both large and small, to thrive by providing seamless connectivity and world-class facilities, according to the company. In December last year, the company’s advertisement on wind turbines and renewable energy took the internet by storm. The 1.30-minute video, with the tagline ‘Pehle Pankha Aayega, Phir Bijli Aayegi’, takes the viewers by surprise and also goes on to illustrate how clean energy can light up lives, without polluting the environment.

–IANS

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Manipur Police Arrest Six Militants, Three Smugglers, Seize Drugs Worth ₹3.15 Crore

By
The Commune
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The Manipur Police have arrested six militants of different outfits and seized a cache of arms and ammunition, officials said here on Thursday.

The police also seized drugs worth Rs 3.15 crore and arrested three smugglers, the officials said. A police official said that two cadres of the proscribed outfit People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were arrested from Imphal West district on Wednesday night.

Two more militants of People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) (Pro) outfit and an active member of Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) were arrested from Imphal East district.

The police also arrested a militant of the Koireng-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF-K) from Tengnoupal district. The arrested militants were involved in abduction, forcible collection of money from traders, officials, contractors, and issuing threat notices to people.

Several two-wheelers, mobile sets, sharp-edged weapons, incriminating documents and various other materials were recovered from the militants.

Manipur Police arrested three drug peddlers from Imphal East district and recovered 10.5 kg of heroin valued at Rs 3.15 crore from their possession. The drugs, suspected to be smuggled from Myanmar, were contained in 880 soap cases. A car in which the smugglers were travelling was also seized. Manipur has around 400 km of unfenced border with Myanmar.

The police also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including AK series rifles and Self-Loading Rifles, from Imphal East and Kakching districts. On Wednesday, five militants were arrested and a cache of arms and ammunition was seized in Manipur.

The militants of the banned United National Liberation Front (Koireng faction) were identified as Thongam Ronaldo Singh (26) and Khuraijam Micheal Singh (28). Manipur Police arrested three drug peddlers who were involved in the transportation of drugs along National Highway-02 (Imphal to Senapati district) in Imphal West district on Tuesday night.

Police recovered 5.5 kg of heroin valued at Rs two crore from their possession.

–IANS

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Dravidian Model School: Students At Ponnagaram Government High School Struggle Without Classrooms And Study Under Temporary Tin Sheds And Trees For 6 Years

By
The Commune
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(Image Credit: Nakkheeran)

For the past six years, students at Ponnagaram Government High School, located near Aranthangi in Pudukkottai district, have been forced to study outdoors under the shade of trees due to the lack of proper classrooms. Only temporary tin shed structures have been provided. The students, who come from disadvantaged fishing communities, have urged the government to construct a proper building for their school.

Ponnagaram Government High School, situated in the Manamelkudi union on the east coast, was upgraded to a high school in 2017. Despite the school’s consistent success in maintaining a 100% pass rate in the 10th-grade public examinations until last year, it has yet to receive any dedicated classrooms. The school currently serves 272 students, with 60 10th-grade students set to sit for their public exams. While the school has one toilet unit for the students, no classroom buildings have been constructed in the eight years since it was upgraded to a high school.

When the school transitioned from a middle school to a high school, the existing three-classroom building for the middle school was taken over. One of these classrooms has been converted into a computer lab with 11 computers, while the other two are shared by the 10th and 11th-grade students. Despite repeated petitions by the Parents’ Teachers Association (PTA), parents, and villagers to various officials, including the District Collector, Education Department, ministers, and MPs, the situation has not improved.

Seeing the hardships their children endured in the heat and rain, villagers took it upon themselves to build a two-classroom structure, though there was still no place for students in 6th and 7th grades. The teachers, out of their generosity, built a large tin shed, but during extreme weather, many students are forced to sit in the shade of trees, much like they did in earlier years. The PTA and School Management Committee (SMC) have once again started a campaign to demand a proper classroom building for the students who have been suffering in these conditions.

Since the school was upgraded to a high school in 2017, it has achieved remarkable success, with teachers dedicated to providing quality education. However, due to the lack of proper infrastructure, the school cannot accommodate students from nearby villages who seek admission. The existing two classrooms, originally meant for middle school, have 55-60 students each, making it impossible to divide the classes effectively. As a result, the classes have remained as single units. In addition, the school has only one toilet unit meant for 168 students, which is inadequate and causes further hardship. Despite repeated requests to build more classrooms, no action has been taken.

Speaking to the media, a student said, “We are studying under a shed built by the people of our town. When there is a power outage, extremely sweats, and we can’t sit. During such times, we have to move out and study under the trees. That’s why we need a proper building.”

One of the villagers, expressing frustration to the media, said, “They keep saying to provide 10 and 15 classrooms over and over… everything is on paper but nothing is being done. The government should at least construct two classrooms this academic year to resolve this issue, so that students can study well and happily.”

The villagers and teachers have expressed their frustration, with the students deciding to boycott the 10th-grade public exams unless their demands for a proper building are met. The teachers, however, stress the importance of the exams and hope that a boycott will draw the attention of officials to address their concerns. It is a painful reality for these students, as they are deprived of the basic infrastructure needed for their education.

In response to these concerns, the District Education Officer stated that inspections have been conducted at schools with shortages, and a request for new buildings has been sent. Schools in Ponnagaram, Kottayapattinam, and Thirunalur South are on the list for new construction, and steps will be taken soon.

The children of poor fishing families, who have long been denied proper educational facilities, deserve better opportunities. The future of the 60 students in Ponnagaram Government High School who are set to take their 10th-grade exams now lies in the hands of the authorities.

(With Inputs From Nakkheeran)

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Trustee Of Mariamman Temple Near Nannilam Erects Banner Wishing For Ramzan, Removed After Intervention From Devotees And Hindu Munnani

By
The Commune
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The Hindu Munnani, with assistance from authorities, has removed the ‘Ramzan wishes’ banner put up by N. Muruganandam, a trustee of the Arulmigu Sanduveli Mariamman Temple which falls under HR&CE Department. This action followed concerns raised by devotees who highlighted that the trustee placed banners on a public road, which featured Ramadan wishes along with the temple’s name and his own.

The temple trustee’s involvement in promoting other religious practices led to a formal complaint being lodged with the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. As a result, departmental action has been initiated against him.

The Hindu Munnani, through its official X account, stated, “Complaint filed in the morning, banner removed by the evening..!! In Mappillai Kuppam village, located in Nannilam taluka of Tiruvarur district, N. Muruganandam, a trustee of the Arulmigu Sanduveli Mariamman Temple under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, had placed a banner on a public road featuring Ramadan wishes with both the temple’s name and his own on it. Additionally, he participated in prayers and consumed the fasting porridge. The banner was swiftly removed following a complaint filed by the devotees and the Hindu Munnani condemning the use of the temple’s name for religious events and involvement in promoting other religious practices. A departmental action has been taken against him.”

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RTI Reveals ₹7.96 Crore Paid To Private Firm As “Design And Consultation Fee” For Developing Blueprint Of Tiruchendur Temple Complex

By
The Commune
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A shocking revelation through an RTI request has exposed that a private company was paid a staggering ₹8 crore solely for drafting the blueprint of the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple complex.

The renowned Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy Temple is currently undergoing a large-scale renovation project, estimated at ₹300 crore. Initiated on 28 September 2022, the construction is now reportedly 90% complete. The grand Maha Kumbabhishekam is scheduled to take place on 7 July 2025, once the work reaches full completion.

The matter came to light after an advocate Ramanatha Adhithan had filed an RTI regarding the temple expenditure.

Recently, Prithviraj (50), a BJP member and resident of Kamaraj Salai in Tiruchendur, shared a video alleging corruption in the ₹200 crore infrastructure project funded by Shiv Nadar at the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple. He claimed that toilets built for devotees were in poor condition and that essential pipes and other fittings had been damaged or stolen. The video quickly went viral, drawing significant public attention.

In response, on 23 March at around 4:00 AM, police from the Tiruchendur temple station arrived at Prithviraj’s residence, stating that he was being taken in for questioning regarding a case against him. However, his family alleged that the officers trespassed into their home and attempted to detain him without presenting any legal documents related to the case.

Amid these developments, the RTI disclosure has sparked controversy, raising concerns over the exorbitant payment for the temple map alone. This revelation has further fueled outrage among devotees and activists, who are now demanding accountability and a thorough investigation into the temple’s financial dealings.

(With Inputs From Tamil Janam)

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125 Years Old Valmiki Ramayana Palm Leaf Manuscripts Discovered In Kalatheeswarar Temple Near Tirupattur

By
The Commune
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A rare collection of palm leaf manuscripts containing a Valmiki Ramayana scroll has been discovered at the Kalatheeswarar Temple in Koratti, Tirupattur district.

During the temple’s renovation in Kandili union, Tirupattur circle inspector Narasimhamoorthy discovered five bundles of ancient manuscripts hidden in the Rajagopuram. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) was promptly notified, and Haripriya, the joint commissioner overseeing the scroll project, dispatched a team for examination.

Scroll project coordinator Thamarai Pandian revealed that the five bundles contained 2,075 palm leaf manuscripts. Based on handwriting analysis and stylistic elements, the texts are believed to follow the ‘Vazhi Suvadi’ tradition and were transcribed approximately 125 years ago. However, the original source material is estimated to date back nearly 300 years. The manuscripts, titled Sri Ramayana Katha, present a highly detailed retelling of Valmiki Ramayana in a dialogue format, making them more accessible to readers without extensive Sanskrit influence.

The discovered texts include Bala Kanda, Ayodhya Kanda, Aranya Kanda, Kishkinda Kanda, and Sundara Kanda, but Yuddha Kanda is missing. Many pages have deteriorated over time, with fungal growth due to prolonged storage. Restoration efforts, including chemical preservation and cleaning, are underway. Researchers believe that if permission is granted by the HR&CE Department, these texts could be copied and published for public access.

The discovery reinforces the historical significance of Valmiki Ramayana in Tamil Nadu alongside the widely revered Kamba Ramayana. It also highlights the tradition of reciting Valmiki’s version in Tamil households. The timing of this revelation, just a week before Sri Rama Navami, adds to its significance.

Tamil Nadu is home to 43,762 temples under the Hindu Religious Endowments Department, many of which hold ancient records in the form of palm leaf manuscripts, copper plates, and inscriptions. So far, only 1,771 temples have been examined, leading to the discovery of 178,000 scrolls, 390 literary manuscripts, and 95 copper plates. Of these, 50,028 manuscripts have been cataloged and preserved. Five books have already been published from these findings, reflecting ongoing efforts to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s rich historical and religious heritage.

(With Inputs From Dinamalar)

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