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Another Suspicious Death Even Before Dust Settles On Ajithkumar Custodial Death Case, EPS Questions MK Stalin

By
The Commune
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AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, has strongly criticized Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the DMK government following yet another suspected custodial death in Chennai, the case of Naveen Bollineni, a manager at Thirumala Milk Products Pvt. Ltd., who allegedly died by suicide after having interrogated by police without registering a case.

Palaniswami questioned how a Chief Minister, who struggles to effectively manage the police force, could justify such an incident especially when it occurred within the jurisdiction of his own constituency.

He demanded an impartial and transparent probe into Naveen’s death, which has raised numerous concerns. Naveen was reportedly interrogated by police without any formal case being filed, based solely on an internal company complaint accusing him of embezzling ₹45 crore. Following this, he was found hanging under suspicious circumstances.

Significantly, reports indicate that there was no chair in the hut where Naveen was discovered, and that his hands were tied behind his back raising serious doubts about the possibility of suicide.

Palaniswami asked a fundamental question, On what grounds did the police initiate an investigation without registering a case? He also noted that the inquiry was allegedly led by the Deputy Commissioner of Kolathur, adding to the gravity of the situation. Referencing the recent and still-unsettled case of Ajith Kumar’s death, Palaniswami warned that public confidence in the state’s law enforcement is rapidly deteriorating. He questioned how many more suspicious deaths would occur before the DMK government is held accountable.

Edappadi Palaniswami via his official X account stated, “News reports indicate that Naveen Polineni, who was working as a manager at Thirumala Milk in Chennai, was found dead by hanging under mysterious circumstances and this occurred after he was reportedly investigated based on a complaint for allegedly embezzling 45 crore rupees from the company without a First Information Report (FIR) being filed. News reports are coming in regarding Naveen’s death that there was no chair found in the hut where he was hanging, and his hands were reportedly tied behind his back. How someone with bound hands could hang without a chair? A fundamental question arising from this case is – On what legal basis did the police conduct an investigation without registering an FIR? Furthermore, it’s reported that the Kolathur Deputy Commissioner directly investigated this case. The death of Ajith Kumar has not even begun to fade, and yet another death has raises suspicions. What answer @mkstalin has for police investigations becoming increasingly suspicious?

Did Stalin, or his DMK government, demonstrate even once the same dedication to answering questions regarding law and order as they did to fabricating and diverting a question I posed about financial management? What explanation will the puppet Chief Minister, who doesn’t know how to administer the police force, give for this incident that has occurred in the police circle encompassing his own constituency? I urge the Stalin Model DMK government to conduct a fair investigation into Naveen’s mysterious death without any interference; particularly, a thorough inquiry must be conducted into the police investigating without filing an FIR, and appropriate legal action must be taken.”

This criticism surfaces in the wake of the death of 38-year-old Naveen Bollineni, a chartered accountant from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Employed as a treasury manager at LACTALIS India, which owns Thirumala Milk, Naveen was found dead on 9 July in a hut on a vacant property he owned in Puzhal, Chennai. He had been accused of siphoning off ₹40 crore from the company’s funds.

According to police, Naveen had emailed a note to his sister and company officials before his death, where he reportedly admitted to the financial fraud but also claimed that two senior company officials threatened to jail him even if he repaid the money. This message, police say, made no mention of any police misconduct.

The Greater Chennai Police issued a statement confirming that Naveen died by suicide and noted that he had not been formally interrogated or summoned by the police. Although a complaint was filed by the company on 24 and 25 June with the Central Crime Branch and the Kolathur DCP respectively, an FIR had not been registered. Police said Naveen had already repaid ₹5 crore and had requested that the company not escalate the issue legally.

Amid rising public scrutiny and social media allegations linking DCP Pandiarajan to Naveen’s death, West Zone Joint Commissioner Disha Mittal has been tasked with investigating the case and submitting a detailed report.

Police maintained that the ongoing investigation by the firm’s auditors had uncovered irregularities amounting to ₹40 crore, and that Naveen had acknowledged the fraud and sought anticipatory bail, the hearing for which had been postponed twice.

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In 9 Days, 1.63 Lakh Perform Ongoing Amarnath Yatra

By
The Commune
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During the 9 days since it started on July 3, so far 1.63 lakh Yatris have performed the Amarnath Yatra, even as another batch of 6,639 pilgrims left for Kashmir from Jammu on Saturday. Officials said that since the Yatra started on July 3, so far 1.63 lakh pilgrims had ‘darshan’ inside the holy cave shrine.

“Another batch of 6,639 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley today. “First escorted convoy of 116 vehicles carrying 2,337 Yatris left at 2.50 A.M. for Baltal base camp, while the second escorted convoy of 161 vehicles carrying 4,302 Yatris left at 3.55 A.M. for Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp,” officials said. Bhumi Pujan of ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) was performed at Pahalgam on Thursday.

The Chhari Mubarak was taken to Pahalgam by a group of sadhus led by the sole custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, from its seat at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar to Pahalgam.

In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar temple, where the Bhumi Pujan was held. The Chhari Mubarak will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, when the Yatra will officially conclude. Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them on the basis of faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

An additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police. Meanwhile, the Army has rolled out ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, deploying more than 8,500 troops alongside advanced surveillance and combat technology.

The Army said that a large-scale operation, launched in coordination with the civil administration and CAPFs is designed to provide a multi-layered security grid along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The Army said that as part of the extensive deployment, a dedicated counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) grid featuring over 50 C-UAS and EW (Electronic Warfare) systems has been positioned to counter drone-based threats.

“Live surveillance via UAVs (drones) and PTZ camera feeds is actively monitoring yatra convoys and the holy cave. Engineer task forces have been mobilised for infrastructure tasks like bridge laying, track widening, and landslide mitigation.

“The operation also includes over 150 doctors and paramedics, two Advanced Dressing Stations, nine Medical Aid Posts, a 100-bed hospital, and 26 oxygen booths backed by 2 lakh litres of oxygen adding that Signal companies, EME technical detachments, and Bomb Detection & Disposal Squads have also been deployed”.

All the transit camps en route to the two base camps and the entire route from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by the security forces. This year, the Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to reach the cave shrine.

And, those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after performing the Yatra. No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year due to security reasons.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

The Amarnath Yatra is one of the holiest religious pilgrimages for Hindu devotees, as legend says Lord Shiva narrated the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati inside this cave.

–IANS

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Chennai To Install Inclusive Play Equipment For Children With Special Needs In Five Parks

By
The Commune
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In a move to promote inclusivity in public spaces, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced the installation of inclusive play equipment for children with special needs in five major city parks during the first phase of a larger initiative.

A sum of Rs 15 lakh has been earmarked for this phase, with tenders floated to engage private consultants for the project. The selected parks include Bougainvillea Park in Anna Nagar East, Natesan Park in T. Nagar, Murasoli Maran Park in Perambur, Vasugi Park in Tondiarpet, and the iconic Anna Nagar Tower Park.

A senior official from the Parks and Playfields wing of the GCC said, “The successful bidder will be responsible for installing play equipment like see-saws, swings, and merry-go-rounds that are designed specifically to cater to children with special needs.”

The official added that the contractor will also ensure the parks are universally accessible by constructing wheelchair ramps and making necessary changes to the park layout.

The initiative, which is part of Mayor R. Priya’s broader vision to improve park infrastructure, aims to create inclusive recreational spaces that are safe, durable, and sensory-friendly. The parks will encourage social interaction and shared play experiences among children of all abilities.

“The idea is to transform these five parks into model spaces that can serve as benchmarks for inclusive design across the city,” the official noted. The role of the private consultant will be critical in assessing each park’s existing infrastructure, evaluating site-specific conditions like safety, accessibility, and space availability, and recommending optimal areas for installation.

The design and construction must also adhere to both national and international accessibility standards, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and universal design principles. This is just the beginning of a larger plan, with GCC already identifying five more parks, MMDA Park, KK Nagar Garden Park, Tiruvalluvar Nagar Park, Jeyachandran Nagar Park, and Sri Sai Nagar Park, for future phases of inclusive redevelopment.

Officials expect the first phase to be completed within three months of awarding the contract, marking a significant step towards making Chennai a more inclusive and accessible city for all its residents.

–IANS

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India Releases Preliminary Report On Ahmedabad Plane Crash, Western Media Peddles Fake News Blaming Indian Pilots But It’s Not The Case

By
The Commune
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The Western media wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to shape the narrative when it comes to India quickly pointing fingers at the Indian pilots, conveniently shielding Western interests tied to Boeing. As expected, the usual suspects in Western media echoed the same line in unison, “The pilot cut off fuel to the engines nothing wrong with the aircraft.”

For instance, on 12 June 2025, the BBC, through its YouTube channel, published content with the caption, “Air India crash: Pilot cut off fuel to engines – no fault with plane.”

Reuters followed suit with a headline reading, “Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over engine switch movement.”

The New York Post ran the story under, “Air India pilots may have made fatal error before crash that killed more than 270 people, probe reveals.”

The Telegraph’s coverage was titled, “Air India pilot asked why fuel had been cut off moments before fatal crash.”

But what does the actual preliminary investigation report say?

According to findings released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau on 11 July 2025, both engines of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 lost thrust due to a change in the fuel control switches just three seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad on 12 June. The crash resulted in the deaths of at least 260 people.

The report specifies that the fuel control switches for both engines moved from the “RUN” to the “CUTOFF” position within a second of each other at exactly 1:38:42 p.m., three seconds after the aircraft became airborne.

Crucially, the report does not clarify whether the switch transition was accidental or intentional. However, it does cite cockpit voice recordings indicating that one pilot questioned the other about the cutoff, the report stated, “In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so.” The report does not specify which of the two, Captain or First Officer, made the remark, and a full transcript of the cockpit audio was not included.

Aviation safety expert and founder of the NGO Safety Matters, Amit Singh, emphasized that questions remain unanswered. “Until the investigation explains how a supposedly secured fuel switch could move to ‘CUTOFF’ and provides a clear sequence of error messages and aircraft behavior, the complete picture is still unclear,” he said.

According to the report, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with 8,200 flight hours, was overseeing the flight, while First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours of experience, was at the controls.

Roughly thirty seconds after takeoff, a distress call “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” was transmitted. Although air traffic control responded by asking for the aircraft’s call sign, no reply was received. Seconds later, at 1:39 p.m., the aircraft crashed just outside the airport perimeter.

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Ahmedabad Boeing Plane Crash: Key findings From AAIB Preliminary Report Reveals Simultaneous Engine Shutdown

By
The Commune
-

While the final report will take about an year, the preliminary findings by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the fatal crash of Air India flight AI 171 — a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12 — has revealed simultaneous engine shutdown, cockpit voice recordings between the two pilots and further safety advisories.

According to the AAIB report, the aircraft was scheduled to operate flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London-Gatwick. “On June 12, 2025, Air India’s B787-8 aircraft bearing registration VT-ANB arrived at Ahmedabad airport operating flight AI423 from Delhi. The crew of the previous flight (AI423) had made Pilot Defect Report (PDR) entry for status message “STAB POS XDCR” in the Tech Log. The troubleshooting was carried out as per FIM by Air India’s on duty AME, and the aircraft was released for flight at 0640 UTC,” the report mentioned.

The flight was to be operated by the flight crew comprising an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) holder pilot, a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holder Co-pilot along with 10 cabin crew. “Both pilots were based at Mumbai and had arrived at Ahmedabad on the previous day. They had adequate rest period prior to operating the said flight. The co-pilot was Pilot Flying (PF), and the PIC was Pilot Monitoring (PM) for the flight,” according to the report.

The crew of flight AI171 arrived at the airport and underwent preflight Breath Analyzer test and were found fit to operate the flight. There were 230 passengers on board, out of which 15 passengers were in business class and 215 passengers were in economy class including two infants. “The take-off weight was within allowable limits for the given conditions. There was no ‘Dangerous Goods’ on the aircraft,” the AAIB report said.

After the takeoff, “the aircraft achieved the maximum recorded airspeed of 180 Knots IAS at about 08:08:42 UTC and immediately thereafter, the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of 01 sec,” the report highlighted. “The Engine N1 and N2 began to decrease from their take-off values as the fuel supply to the engines was cut off,” it added.

The report further stated that in the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. “The other pilot responded that he did not do so,” it added.

The CCTV footage obtained from the airport showed Ram Air Turbine (RAT) getting deployed during the initial climb immediately after lift-off (fig. 15). No significant bird activity is observed in the vicinity of the flight path. The aircraft started to lose altitude before crossing the airport perimeter wall. The aircraft achieved take-off speed at 13:38 IST and lifted off. Just four seconds later, both engines began shutting down. An emergency “Mayday” was transmitted at 13:39 IST.

Engine 1 showed signs of restarting, but Engine 2 failed to regain core speed despite multiple fuel injections. The aircraft continued to descend rapidly. The report ruled out bird strikes or hazardous materials as contributing factors.

There was no visual evidence of birds on the flight path. The aircraft was deemed airworthy, with its Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) valid until May 2026. Both engines had been recently installed in March and May 2025.

According to the report, a 2018 FAA advisory had warned about the potential disengagement of the fuel control switch lock. As per the AAIB report, Air India did not act on it, as it was non-mandatory.

Air India has acknowledged the AAIB’s preliminary report into the AI171 crash and reaffirmed its support for affected families. “Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time. We acknowledge receipt of the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) today, 12 July 2025. Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses. Given the active nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment on specific details and refer all such enquiries to the AAIB,” the airline said on X.

Boeing also put out a statement following the AAIB preliminary report. “Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected on the ground in Ahmedabad. We continue to support the investigation and our customer. We will defer to the AAIB to provide information about AI171, in adherence with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization protocol known as Annex 13,” it said.

The AAIB has said that at this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to B787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers. “Investigation is continuing and the investigation team will review and examine additional evidence, records and information that is being sought from the stakeholders,” it said, adding that the wreckage and engine components have been moved to a secure facility for further investigation.

–IANS

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Deracinated Delusional Defender: Instances When Kapil Sibal Batted For Islamists And Those Working Against Indian Interests

By
The Commune
-

Once again, controversial advocate Kapil Sibal who was earlier with Congress and is currently a Rajya Sabha MP with Samajwadi support has secured a stay on the release of Udaipur Files, a film based on the gruesome 2022 murder of Kanhaiya Lal, the Udaipur tailor killed for supporting Nupur Sharma. On the eleventh hour, just a day before its scheduled release, the Delhi High Court halted the film’s screening after Sibal urged a judicial review, describing it as “vicious” and “cinematic vandalism” with potential to inflame communal passions.

Ironically, while the film faces a ban within days, justice for Kanhaiya Lal’s family remains elusive even three years after the killing. His son voiced frustration, pointing out that those responsible for the murder still haven’t faced consequences.

This is hardly the first instance of Sibal being accused of siding with Islamist causes under the pretext of legal advocacy. Time and again, Sibal has stood for clients and causes that  undermine Hindu interests or block reforms that benefit the larger society.

Sibal’s Track Record A Pattern Of Prioritising Islamist Causes

One of the most well-known instances of Sibal’s alleged legal partisanship was his representation of the Sunni Waqf Board in the Ram Janmabhoomi case. Not only did he oppose the construction of the Ram Temple, but he also urged the Supreme Court to delay its judgment until after the 2019 general elections arguably to prevent the BJP from gaining political mileage. Despite his efforts, the 2019 SC ruling upheld the construction of the temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

In 2024, during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, Sibal trivialized the event, calling it a “show-off,” and claimed that “Lord Ram lives in his heart” comments that attracted widespread criticism.

Defending The Waqf Monopoly Against Reforms

Even after the Waqf Amendment Act (UMEED Act) passed through both Houses and received presidential assent, Sibal jumped into action again this time representing Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind in challenging the legislation. The Chief Justice of India rebuked him and fellow senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi for bypassing procedure.

Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, known for defending Muslims accused in terror cases, has facilitated the legal defense of hundreds of accused individuals, resulting in numerous acquittals—often due to lack of evidence rather than proof of innocence. The organisation also represented accused in the anti-Hindu Nuh violence case and has repeatedly demanded exclusive laws to protect Muslim sentiments.

Taking The Islamists Side To Deny Rights For Muslim Women

Kapil Sibal’s opposition to reforms continued in the Shayara Bano v. Union of India case, where he represented the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). In court, he argued in favor of preserving instant Triple Talaq, suggesting religious customs outweigh constitutional safeguards like gender equality.

Among his arguments, “Triple talaq has existed for 1400 years, so it cannot be unconstitutional,” and “If Hindus believe in Lord Ram’s birth in Ayodhya, Muslims should be allowed to believe in Triple Talaq.” These arguments placed religious orthodoxy above legal progress. Thankfully, the Supreme Court struck down the practice in 2017, and the Modi government criminalized it in 2019.

Hadiya Case And PFI Links

Sibal also represented Shafin Jahan in the controversial Hadiya case, which many saw as a case of “Love Jihad.” Akhila, a Hindu woman, converted to Islam and adopted the name Hadiya before marrying a Muslim man named Shafin Jahan. Her father, a retired soldier from the Indian Army, claimed the marriage was a case of love jihad. However, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of Jahan, affirming Hadiya’s autonomy as an adult to decide her faith and life partner.

Reports later revealed that the now-banned Islamist outfit PFI funded the case, paying nearly ₹94 lakh to senior lawyers including Sibal. In 2020, the ED named Sibal in its probe into PFI’s finances, stating he received ₹77 lakh as legal fees.

Defending PFI And Riots-Linked Accused

Sibal has also advocated for Siddique Kappan, arrested in connection with alleged PFI-led efforts to stoke unrest following the Hathras incident. Later, he represented Umar Khalid, an accused mastermind in the Delhi riots, but his repeated adjournment tactics and forum shopping attempts were called out in court, with former CJI Chandrachud himself reportedly intervening.

Downplaying Islamist Hate Speech

In 2022, Sibal claimed in court that BJP MP Parvesh Verma called for a Muslim boycott despite there being no direct mention of any community. At the same time, he denied knowledge of Muslim hate speech, ignoring speeches by AIMIM leaders and other clerics inciting violence against Hindus.

Defending Pro-Pakistan Figures And Opposing Article 370 Abrogation

Sibal’s legal clients have also included Mohammad Akbar Lone, the National Conference MP who raised “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans in the J&K Assembly. When the Supreme Court heard challenges to the abrogation of Article 370, Sibal sought a “Brexit-style referendum” in Kashmir a demand dismissed outright by the bench.

Apathy In RG Kar Medical College Rape Case

In another instance, during hearings into the brutal rape and murder of a woman in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, Sibal tried to halt live-streaming of proceedings. He argued that the reputations of lawyers were at risk drawing backlash for seemingly prioritising optics over justice. He even blamed the victim’s parents for FIR delays and was accused of laughing during hearings allegations he denied.

Kapil Sibal Lead Impeachment Against Allahabad HC Judge For Calling Islamic Extremist ‘Kathmulla’

Kapil Sibal, along with several other Rajya Sabha members, initiated an impeachment motion against Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court over remarks he made describing Islamic extremists as “Kathmulla.” The motion, filed in December 2024 with the Rajya Sabha Secretary-General, cited Justice Yadav’s controversial comments made at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad gathering. The delegation behind the motion was led by Sibal and included fellow parliamentarians Vivek Tankha, Digvijaya Singh, P. Wilson, John Brittas, KTS Tulsi, Manoj Kumar Jha, and Saket Gokhale.

During his speech, Justice Yadav had remarked, “These kathmullahs… perhaps not the best term… but I won’t shy away from using it. They are dangerous for the nation, work against national interests, and provoke unrest. They are the ones obstructing progress, and we must remain alert to their actions.”

The impeachment motion accused the judge of violating the secular values enshrined in the Constitution and breaching his judicial oath. Following the controversy, his case assignments were altered by the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, effective 16 December. Additionally, the Supreme Court Collegium summoned him for an explanation after taking suo motu cognizance of the matter on 10 December. Ultimately, in January 2025, the Allahabad High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought his removal from office.

‘Assam Originally Was A Part Of Myanmar’ Comment 

In 2023, Sibal stirred controversy by telling the Supreme Court that Assam was historically part of Myanmar while defending Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind in a case challenging Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. His claim triggered outrage for historical inaccuracy and insensitivity.

During the Supreme Court hearing on 5 December concerning the constitutional challenge to Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, Kapil Sibal made a contentious historical claim regarding Assam’s past. Arguing against the feasibility of tracing migration patterns, Sibal stated that tracking who migrated into Assam and when was nearly impossible.

He remarked, “No migration can ever be mapped. And if you look at the history of Assam, you will realise that it is impossible to figure out who came when. Assam originally was a part of Myanmar. And it was way back in 1824 after the British conquered part of the territory that a treaty was entered into by which Assam was handed over to the British. One can imagine the kind of movements of people that must have taken place in the context of the then British Empire. And if you jump to 1905, you have the partition of Bengal.”

Ganesh Chaturthi On Waqf Land? Sibal Says No

When the Karnataka Waqf Board sought to block Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Bengaluru’s Idgah Maidan, Sibal again represented them in court. He warned that Hindu festivities on Waqf land could “provoke” Muslims and hurt communal harmony. His argument was that letting Hindus perform rituals there would “alter the character of the land” a stance many viewed as openly favouring Muslim hegemony over disputed spaces.

A Dereacinated Delusional Defender Of Islamists

Kapil Sibal’s long career as a lawyer and politician reveals a troubling pattern one where legal representation seems to blur into ideological activism. From defending practices like Triple Talaq and obstructing Hindu religious claims, to siding with those accused of instigating riots or receiving terror-linked funding, Sibal’s advocacy often appears aligned with elite Islamist interests.

While judicial activism has its place in a healthy democracy, but Sibal’s consistent siding with controversial Islamist figures and his opposition to legislative or judicial actions promoting Hindu rights raises serious concerns. His recent opposition to the Waqf Act amendments once again underlines a deeper allegiance—one that critics argue is less about law and more about preserving a privileged, unaccountable structure that works against national unity.

Kapil Sibal may claim to be a champion of secularism and democracy. But his legal choices paint the portrait of a man who repeatedly shields those exploiting religious privilege—often at the expense of justice, reform, and Hindu interests.

(With Inputs From OpIndia)

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Kanyakumari Catholic Priest Assaulted And Robbed By Homosexual Gang In Tirunelveli

By
The Commune
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In a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage, a Catholic priest from Kottaram in Kanyakumari district was reportedly assaulted and extorted by a group suspected to be involved in homosexual exploitation.

The victim, 50-year-old Father Arul Seelan, was allegedly attacked during the night near the banks of the Thamirabarani River in Tirunelveli.

Reports state that he was beaten and robbed by the group, who made away with ₹1 lakh in cash, his mobile phone, ATM cards, and other belongings.

Police have launched a search to identify and apprehend the culprits behind the assault and theft.

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DMK District Deputy Secretary Caught On Camera Threatening Police Officer In Coimbatore; Viral Video Triggers Outrage

By
The Commune
-

A DMK functionary in Coimbatore has triggered controversy after a video surfaced showing him angrily confronting and threatening a uniformed sub-inspector in broad daylight. In the clip, the DMK district deputy secretary Kottai Abbas can be heard saying, “Are DMK members lunatic? Are you a rowdy? I’ll finish/destroy (tholachiduven) you off!! I will take off your shirt. Speak mindfully,” sparking outrage online as the video quickly went viral.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of political tension in Coimbatore, where the AIADMK had launched its campaign ahead of upcoming elections. To mark AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s visit to the Town Hall area, party executives had erected welcome banners throughout the district.

However, the situation escalated when AIADMK cadres alleged that DMK members had concealed one of their banners with a DMK banner. The dispute intensified when DMK supporters reportedly removed AIADMK’s banner, leading to a heated exchange between the two groups.

Police intervened to mediate and calm both sides, but tensions remained high. Upon hearing about the conflict, DMK district deputy secretary Kottai Abbas arrived at the scene and lashed out at the officers present. In a heated tone, he rebuked the sub-inspector, saying, “Are DMK members lunatic? Are you a rowdy? I’ll finish/destroy (tholachiduven) you off!! I will take off your shirt. Speak mindfully.”

The situation further escalated as DMK cadres accused Ukkadam Sub-Inspector Ajay Sharma of acting on behalf of former AIADMK minister S.P. Velumani, shouting slogans to that effect. The video of the confrontation continues to circulate widely on social media, sparking criticism and political debate.

(With Inputs From Vikatan)

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Kanhaiya Lal’s Son Slams Delhi HC Stay On Udaipur Files Film

By
The Commune
-

Responding to the Delhi High Court’s decision to halt the release of ‘Udaipur Files,’ a film portraying the gruesome murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal, his son, Yash Sahu, voiced strong criticism. He condemned the judiciary’s rapid move to block the film, especially when contrasted with the sluggish progress in delivering justice for his father’s killers. The film, slated for release on 11 July 2025, was abruptly stayed just a day prior by a court order issued on 10 July.

The movie portrays the horrific June 2022 incident in which Kanhaiya Lal was stabbed 26 times by two Muslim men after he publicly expressed support for BJP leader Nupur Sharma’s remarks about the Prophet Mohammed. The killers had even recorded the gruesome act and circulated the video online, openly claiming responsibility.

Speaking to ANI, Yash Sahu criticized the legal system’s swift action in halting the film’s release while noting the painfully slow progress in prosecuting his father’s killers. “There were more than 150 witnesses, yet only 15 to 16 hearings have taken place. There’s no fast-track court, no day-to-day trial even with direct video evidence. The case hasn’t moved forward in nearly three years,” he said.

Despite the National Investigation Agency (NIA) handling the case and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) joining later, Sahu said no convictions have been made. In contrast, objections from groups like Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind led to the quick judicial intervention against the film, he noted.

“Why does the legal system act so fast to block a film, but not to punish those who brutally murdered my father?” Sahu questioned. He emphasized that Udaipur Files attempts to portray how his father was allegedly murdered by individuals associated with terror groups with ideological roots in Pakistan. Describing the court’s decision as disheartening, he expressed hope that the filmmakers would challenge the stay order in the Supreme Court. “My father was murdered in cold blood. Justice has been elusive, and now even a film that speaks the truth is being silenced,” he added.

On 10 July, the Delhi High Court stayed the film’s release until the Union Government resolves a revision plea filed under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act. Petitioners included Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and journalist Prashant Tandon. The court directed the Centre to decide on the application within a week and maintained that the stay would remain in place until then.

A day earlier, on 9 July, the court had instructed producer Amit Jani to arrange a private screening of the film and its trailer for all legal representatives involved, after the CBFC disclosed that it had suggested 40–50 cuts before certification. The court also clarified that media reports claiming the Supreme Court had directed the film’s release were inaccurate.

The petitioners argued that the movie violated Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act and the 1991 certification guidelines, which prohibit content likely to incite communal violence. Referring to the trailer released on 26 June, they alleged that it contained inflammatory and provocative material capable of disturbing social harmony.

(With Inputs From Law Beat)

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Congress Opposed Linking Aadhaar With Voter ID Then, Wants EC To Consider It As Citizenship Proof For Bihar Voter List Revision

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The Commune
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congress aadhar voter id linking bihar elections

The Congress party is facing renewed scrutiny over its changing stance on the use of Aadhaar for voter identification, following the Supreme Court’s recent observations during a hearing on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls.

During the proceedings on 10 July 2025, the Supreme Court suggested that documents such as Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards should be accepted during the verification process, prompting Congress to declare it an “initial victory.” Senior leader Pramod Tiwari stated that this was precisely what the party had been demanding. “They said that Aadhaar card, ration card, and others must also be considered during the process — and this is what we wanted,” he said.

However, this position has triggered criticism and raised questions, given that Congress had strongly opposed the use of Aadhaar in the electoral process just four years ago. In 2021, when the central government proposed the voluntary linking of Aadhaar with Voter ID to clean up electoral rolls, Congress had protested both inside and outside Parliament, insisting that Aadhaar was not a valid proof of citizenship and warning that such linkage could lead to non-citizens gaining voting rights.

During the Parliamentary session in 2021, when the Modi government proposed to link Voter ID and Aadhar on a voluntary basis, Congress MP Manish Tiwari is seen saying, “Mr Chairperson sir, the Aadhar Act does not allow for the linking of the Aadhar number to the electoral roll. The Aadhar Act is very explicit. It is an Act which is for the targeted delivery of financial benefits and other subsidies, benefits, and services. Voting is a legal right, and the Aadhar Act is beyond the legislative competence. So we are against the introduction of this Bill, and this must be rolled back.”

At the time, party representatives had argued that Aadhaar was meant only for welfare delivery and could not be used for electoral verification. Placards and statements from that period decried the move, with concerns centered on the risk of disenfranchisement and data misuse.

Now, as the Election Commission undertakes a fast-tracked revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of Assembly elections, Congress is actively advocating for Aadhaar’s inclusion as a valid identity document. This apparent reversal has drawn attention to what observers see as a political shift driven by electoral strategy rather than policy consistency.

The Supreme Court, while permitting the ECI to proceed with the ongoing revision process, acknowledged the challenges posed by a limited timeline. It directed the poll panel to file a detailed affidavit within a week and scheduled the next hearing for 28 July 2025.

The Court also questioned the exclusion of commonly held documents such as Aadhaar and ration cards from the ECI’s list of acceptable proofs, noting that even documents like birth certificates or passports are not definitive evidence of citizenship.

Aadhaar cannot be used as proof of Indian citizenship because it was never designed or legally defined for that purpose. Under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, the identification number is issued to any “resident” of India—defined as anyone who has lived in the country for at least 182 days in the previous year—regardless of nationality. At no stage during Aadhaar enrollment is an applicant required to furnish documents proving citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport. The Supreme Court, in its 2018 judgment, explicitly stated that Aadhaar is meant for identifying residents, not for establishing citizenship. Even the UIDAI, which administers Aadhaar, has repeatedly clarified that it is not a document of nationality. Accepting Aadhaar as proof of citizenship poses legal and security risks, as it could allow non-citizens, including illegal immigrants, to falsely claim rights reserved for Indian citizens, such as voting or applying for government positions.

Congress’s present demand to include these documents, including Aadhaar, stands in contrast with its earlier position that Aadhaar could not be relied upon to confirm eligibility to vote.

(With inputs from Times of India)

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