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“Next, Next”, Says Kollywood Actor Arya When Asked To Comment On Ajithkumar Custodial Death Case

By
The Commune
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actor arya kollywood ajithkumar custodial death case sivaganga

Kollywood actors turn activists when the DMK is not in power but become angels of silence when the DMK is in power. For all the noise they made in 2020 during custodial death case of father and son Jayaraj and Bennix, there has not been even a whimper in the recent custodial death of temple guard Ajithkumar in Sivaganga.

What Happened?

Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old youth from Thirubhuvanam in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district, died after allegedly being subjected to custodial violence by a special police team. The incident has triggered widespread outrage across the state, drawing comparisons to the 2020 custodial deaths of Jayaraj and Bennix in Sathankulam.

According to reports, Ajith Kumar worked as a security guard at the Bhadrakalyamman temple in Madapuram. On 27 June 2025, a woman named Sivagami, accompanied by her daughter Nikitha, visited the temple. Sivagami, who has mobility issues, arrived in a car and handed over the vehicle keys to Ajith Kumar. As he did not know how to drive, he arranged for someone else to park the car and later returned the keys.

Subsequently, Nikitha alleged that 9.5 sovereigns of gold jewelry and ₹2,500 in cash had gone missing from the vehicle. A complaint was filed with the Thirubhuvanam police. Without registering a formal FIR, police officers reportedly detained Ajith Kumar and held him in the temple’s cowshed, where he was subjected to a violent assault by a special police unit. He died as a result of the injuries sustained during the interrogation.

Following public outcry, five police personnel involved in the incident have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. The Tamil Nadu government has announced that the investigation will be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and a judicial inquiry is also underway.

Actor Arya’s Evasion Of Questions On Custodial Death Case

In this context, actor Arya (Jamshad Cethirakath) was questioned by journalists in Chennai for his views on the incident. When asked why the film industry had remained silent this time, Arya declined to respond, saying only, “Next Anna.. Next..” before moving on. The video of the exchange has since gone viral on social media, drawing both criticism and support.

While some users accused the actor of ignoring police brutality under the current DMK government, others questioned whether film personalities should be expected to comment on every issue.

(With inputs from One India Tamil)

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Status Quo Ordered In Madras Race Club Land Dispute: High Court Restrains Tamil Nadu Govt From Proceeding With Horticulture Tender

By
The Commune
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In a significant development in the ongoing land dispute between the Madras Race Club (MRC) and the Tamil Nadu government, the Madras High Court has directed both parties to maintain the status quo as of July 4, 2025, over the contentious Guindy property. The court also restrained the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency from proceeding further with any third-party involvement, even though it allowed the agency to receive tender documents related to the land.

Justice K. Kumaresh Babu issued the interim order while hearing Original Applications (OA Nos. 401 & 402 of 2025) and related ancillary petitions in Civil Suit No. 81 of 2025. The matter was taken up urgently due to an impending tender scheduled for July 7, 2025.

The MRC, represented by its Secretary S. Nirmal Prasad, argued that it was still in possession of the land in Guindy. However, the state government — represented by its Principal Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management Department) — contested this claim, stating that possession had been taken over as early as September 9, 2024. The government further asserted that the land had already been developed, including the digging of ponds to prevent waterlogging during the 2024 North East Monsoon.

Given the conflicting claims, the court observed that it would determine the issue of possession during the subsequent hearing but, in the interim, directed that both sides maintain status quo. It also directed the Horticulture Department not to create any third-party interests until the matter is resolved.

Senior counsel and DMK MP P. Wilson represented the state while Mr. Guru Krishnakumar senior counsel for advocates Vaibhav Venkatesh and Nithyaesh Natraj appeared for the respondents. The court scheduled the next hearing for July 16, 2025, and directed the plaintiff to file a counter in the meantime.

The dispute is being closely watched due to the prime location and public interest surrounding the usage of the land, historically associated with the Madras Race Club for over a century.

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“Your Husband’s Sperm Has Poison, Sleep With Me”: Kanyakumari Pastor Arrested For Allegedly Attempting Sexual Assault Under Guise Of Faith Healing

By
The Commune
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The Kanyakumari police have arrested a Pentecostal church pastor who allegedly attempted to sexually assault a young married woman under the pretense of healing her illness. The pastor reportedly told her, “Your health issues stem from your relationship with your husband. If you sleep with a prophetic like me you will be cured.”

The incident involved a young woman from the Thuckalay region who had been unwell for some time. Hoping for a cure, she visited the Full Gospel Pentecostal Church in the Mekkamandapam area. There, Pastor Regimon claimed that he could heal her through private prayer. During the session, he embraced her and tried to assault her. The woman managed to escape and immediately lodged a complaint at the Thuckalay police station. Acting on the complaint, the police arrested Pastor Regimon on 26 June 2025, and placed him in judicial custody.

According to the victim’s family, the woman had been married for two years but was staying at her parents’ home due to health problems and other personal issues. Relatives had taken her to Pastor Regimon’s church in Mekkamandapam, Pandivilai, hoping for spiritual healing. During the visit, Regimon reportedly told her that if she offered a tithe 10% of her income to the church, her physical ailments would be cured.

(With Inputs From Vikatan)

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DMK Youth Wing Shares Post Claiming Chanakya’s Arthashastra Calls Atheists Traitors – Here’s The Truth

By
Abhinav Rajaputra
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dmk youth wing chanakya arthashastra atheism

On 30 June 2025, during a casual exploration on social media, as I came across this interesting post – the DMK Youth Wing had posted a picture of Chanakya with the caption “#DidYouKnow? The ‘Arthashastra’ written by Chanakya states that those who criticize religious superstitions should be labeled as ‘atheists’ and ‘traitors’ and kept away from the public.”

The image said, “The ‘Arthashastra’ written by Chanakya states that ‘Kings should always keep the public stupid. For that, they should spread religious superstitions. Those who criticize this should be accused of being ‘atheists’ and ‘traitors’ and kept away from the public.”

I was prompted to see if Acharya Chanakya really had said such a thing.

As I had not come across such strong statements against atheism in any traditional text in Sanskrit, I dug into the Arthashastra again.

What Is Arthashastra?

Arthashastra is a comprehensive traditional text authored by Chanakya. It deals with the subject of the monarch, their assembly, the subjects, wealth, and governance of the kingdom. Chanakya clearly cites earlier authors or schools of thought making the Arthashastra an important example of the legacy of intellectual heritage of ancient India. The Arthashastra and its contents were referred to by later texts and developed in their own way. 

What Does The Text Actually Say?

Chanakya starts the text first describing the subjects that a monarch must be well acquainted with as part of the eternal discipline a Monarch must have – Anvikshiki (logical philosophy, metaphysics), Trayi (the three Vedas), Varta (agriculture, cattle breeding and trade), and Dandaniti (science of government). He mentions the differences in opinions too. Check out this table to understand it better.

Tabel 1: The accepted subjects for the monarch’s attention according to different schools of thought

Anvikshiki, according to Chanakya, comprises the subjects of Sankhya, Yoga, and Lokayata. The Sankhya philosophical tradition forms the philosophical basis of which the Yoga philosophical tradition is the practical implementation. However, Lokayata is the Nastika or the Charvaka philosophical tradition. This Lokayata tradition looked at only those which could be perceived by the sense organs as real and anything else as unreal. Direct perception is given importance. It also does not consider imperceptible concepts like God or Devas and processes such as accumulation and fructification of Punyakarmaphala (result of meritorious action) and Papa (result of unmeritorious action) as valid. Oftentimes, this tradition is called Atheism in English.

The Monarch learns Dharma (righteousness) and Adharma (non-righteousness) from Trayi, Artha (wealth) and Anartha (non-wealth) from Varta, and Naya (good governance) and Apanaya (bad governance) from Dandaniti (science of government). Thus, Chanakya’s stance is that only after learning all these four can a Monarch learn both Dharma and Artha properly so as to properly govern the kingdom.

In fact, Chanakya is all in praise of Anvikshiki because it keeps the mind steady and firm and bestows excellence of foresight, speech, and action. This is why the chapter right after introducing the contents of the Arthashastra is partly called “Anvikshikisthapana” (establishment of Anvikshiki) and the first word of this chapter is Anvikshiki.

Amongst the dozen or so existing commentaries to the Arthashastra, let us take just two.

In the Vaidikasiddhantasamrakshini, one of the commentaries to the Arthashastra, Anvikshiki, also called Hetuvidya (the science of causation, i.e. logic), helps to understand reality as it is, includes the proper analysis of means of valid knowledge, and comprises Nyaya, Vaisheshika, and Lokayata philosophical traditions.

The Jayamangalakrodapatra, another commentary to the Arthashastra, says that Anvikshiki helps in understanding oneself and also the wisdom associated with cause and effect. 

Now there is a question that arises about this subject of study that has been praised as a fundamental academic eligibility for a Monarch according to a key text on governance in Sanathana Dharma – Why is the association of Nastika/Charvaka/Atheism considered against Dharma or the society?

Perhaps it is our own ignorance about the Arthashastra and associated literature that has pushed us to this state of consuming secondary information to sow doubts and malice within our minds about our heritage! Perhaps Chanakya’s own name can be used to dissuade the ignorant people of his country from studying his work!

Abhinav Rajaputra is an Indology researcher, educator, and a traditional student practitioner of Yoga.

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Thiruvallur BJP District Secretary Raajini Files Police Complaint Over Being Misrepresented By Dravidianists As Custodial Death Case Complainant, Nikitha

By
The Commune
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raajini nikitha

Raajini, the BJP District Secretary from Thiruvallur, has lodged a formal complaint at the Ponneri police station, seeking legal action against individuals who circulated defamatory and misleading social media posts falsely identifying her as Nikitha, a woman allegedly linked to the Sivaganga custodial death case.

The controversy began after a photo of BJP leader K. Annamalai with a woman started circulating online. Several Dravidianist social media users and DMK-affiliated media outlets, including Sun News, claimed that the woman in the image was Nikitha. The image went viral, creating confusion and public misinformation.

However, it was later clarified that the woman in the photo was not Nikitha, but Raajini herself. To address the rumors, Raajini took to her social media accounts and clarified the situation, putting an end to the speculation.

Following the incident, Raajini visited the Ponneri police station, accompanied by BJP leaders, and filed a complaint urging authorities to take strict action against those responsible for spreading false and defamatory information by misrepresenting her identity.

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IMK Leader Arjun Sampath Labels Vijay As ‘DMK’s A-Team’, Predicts No Impact From TVK In Upcoming TN Assembly

By
The Commune
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arjun sampath imk vijay tvk dmk

Indu Makkal Katchi (IMK) leader Arjun Sampath has sharply criticized part-time-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay, calling him the “A-Team of the DMK.” Drawing comparisons to actor Kamal Haasan, Sampath accused Vijay of following a similar political path. He pointed out that Haasan once positioned himself as a vocal critic of the DMK but later joined hands with the same party to secure a Rajya Sabha seat.

While addressing reporters in Theni, Sampath claimed that various ideological and religious groups including the Dravidar Kazhagam, communist factions, and Christian missionary circles are aligning with the aim of installing a Christian as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu under the guise of promoting Tamil interests.

He further asserted that Vijay lacks the credibility to comment on the BJP and predicted that the people of Tamil Nadu would dismiss TVK’s political efforts. Sampath alleged that Vijay is acting under the influence of Christian institutions and is being used strategically by the DMK to further their political goals, a tactic similar to what was previously done with Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam.

According to Sampath, TVK’s impact in the upcoming elections will be negligible and might secure 2 to 3 percent of the votes. He concluded by stating that, just like Kamal Haasan eventually aligned with the DMK, Vijay too would follow suit.

Indu Makkal Katchi (IMK) leader Arjun Sampath said, “The Dravidar Kazhagam, Communists, and Christian missionaries in Tamil Nadu have all come together with one goal to prevent a Tamilian from becoming Chief Minister and to install a Christian Chief Minister instead. This is why the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party was brought into existence by these Christian missionaries. He (Vijay) has no right to speak about the BJP, understand? The TVK party will be rejected by the people of Tamil Nadu. He is acting as a puppet for Christian organizations. This is not DMK’s B-team; he is DMK’s A-team. Just as the DMK spreads slander about the central government and Narendra Modi, he is doing the DMK’s work on another platform. In the last election, Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam was prepared, right? For this election, they’ve prepared Joseph Vijay. Therefore, TVK will be rejected by the people. It won’t have any impact whatsoever. It won’t create any advantages or disadvantages for anyone. He will definitely get about 2 to 3 percent of the votes in this election, and then, just like Makkal Needhi Maiam merged with DMK for a Rajya Sabha MP seat, is it not Kamal Haasan a manasthan? Like how manasthan Kamal Haasan merged with DMK, similarly, Joseph Vijay will merge with the DMK. So, there will be no harm.”

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Hindu Munnani Rallies To Save Encroached Sri Veda Vinayagar Temple In Mint Street, Chennai

By
The Commune
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Hindu Munnani has pledged its support in the efforts to protect and restore the historic Sri Veda Vinayagar Temple, located on Mint Street in Chennai, which is reportedly facing severe encroachment and potential demolition. Surrounding buildings have been constructed tightly around the temple, leaving it in a state of neglect and ruin. Adding to the concern, a private individual has laid claim to the temple land, sparking widespread alarm among devotees and the public.

The temple, situated near the Chinna Kadangammal Temple, was established by V.N. Devayani Ammal through a trust and has been a site of public worship since 1955. Following her passing, a man named Indrakumar was allegedly appointed to oversee the temple and its properties. However, reports claim that he failed to maintain the premises and allowed unchecked encroachments, leading to unauthorized constructions around the temple.

The situation escalated as individuals claiming ownership of the property began demolition activities, threatening the survival of the 100 years old temple structure. In response, Hindu Munnani has condemned these developments and raised critical question, “Who is the unknown individual asserting ownership of land held by the temple trust? Who authorized the demolition of Sri Veda Vinayagar Temple and its premises?”

The group has demanded accountability and called for immediate action to halt the destruction, urging authorities to safeguard the heritage site and restore it for continued public worship.

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Dravidian Model: Staff Shortage Forces Closure Of 501 Anganwadi Centres Across Tamil Nadu In 2025

By
The Commune
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A severe shortage of staff in Anganwadi centres across Tamil Nadu has led to the closure of 501 centres this year, including 147 in Chennai alone, raising concerns about the safety and welfare of young children, especially those from economically weaker sections.

Tamil Nadu has a total of 54,483 Anganwadi centres, which serve as crucial facilities for early childhood education, nutritional support for children under six, and maternal care. Each centre is typically staffed by one teacher and one cook. However, over 28,000 positions remain vacant, including approximately 9,000 teaching posts, primarily due to retirements and a lack of new appointments since 2018.

Image Source: Dinamalar

With only 75,468 staff currently working, out of the required 1.04 lakh, the existing workforce is stretched thin. In many cases, one teacher is forced to handle multiple centres, leading to significant gaps in both supervision and services. For example, at the Anganwadi on Kannadasan Road in Mogappair, Chennai, a single teacher is responsible for feeding and caring for over 15 children daily, along with attending to pregnant women. The strain has led to concerns over child safety and service quality.

The staff shortage has had a visible impact on enrolment, as parents are increasingly reluctant to send their children to understaffed Anganwadi centres. Many opt for privately run play schools, despite high fees. “Those who can afford it send their children to private play schools, while the poor have no choice but to rely on Anganwadis, which are now unsafe and understaffed,” said a parent in Chennai to Dinamalar.

Anganwadi workers have called on the government to act swiftly. “Vacant posts must be filled immediately to prevent further closures. Parents are losing confidence in the system, and we are seeing a direct impact on attendance and functioning,” said one worker to Dinamalar.

In response to the crisis, the state government has announced plans to fill 7,842 posts, including 3,886 teaching roles, but workers and activists say this is insufficient given the scale of the vacancies.

With closures mounting and staff stretched beyond capacity, experts warn that without urgent intervention, more centres may shut down, undermining key public welfare objectives related to child nutrition and early education in Tamil Nadu.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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Hindu Munnani Criticizes DMK Over Alleged Religious Bias In Cemetery Land Allocation

By
The Commune
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Hindu Munnani Criticizes DMK Over Alleged Religious Bias In Cemetery Land Allocation

Hindu Munnani has criticized the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to allocate land for cemeteries in 16 districts, claiming it reflects a biased approach that neglects the needs of Hindu communities. The group pointed out that many Hindus in rural areas of the state continue to face difficulties due to encroached cremation grounds and limited access to proper burial or cremation facilities.

In a social media statement, Hindu Munnani condemned, “After the DMK came to power, for Hindus it means temple demolitions. For Christians, it means the establishment of cemeteries in 16 districts! This itself is proof of the anti-Hindu DMK’s Dravidian Model of governance!! The All India Christian Council (AICCC) has announced that the ruling DMK government has silently allocated land for graveyards in 16 districts. This has caused widespread dissatisfaction among the public. While Hindus in many Tamil Nadu villages are struggling with encroached cremation grounds and lack of access to burial sites, the government’s allocation of land to Christian organizations which already own the second-largest amount of land after the government in India for the sake of minority votes is highly condemnable.”

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Kerala High Court Questions How ‘Bharat Mata’ Can Be Considered A Religious Symbol In Registrar Suspension Case

By
The Commune
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kerala high court bharat mata religious figure law and order

The Kerala High Court on Friday posed pointed questions to Kerala University Registrar K S Anil Kumar, who has challenged his recent suspension, asking how the image of ‘Bharat Mata’ could be considered a religious symbol or how its display could result in a law-and-order problem.

Justice N Nagaresh, hearing Kumar’s plea, declined to grant interim relief against the suspension order and sought clarifications on the reasons behind the cancellation of a private event attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, held at the University Senate Hall on 25 June 2025.

Kumar was suspended on 2 July 2025 by Kerala University Vice Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal for allegedly cancelling permission for the programme mid-way, citing the display of a portrait of Bharat Mata carrying a saffron flag. The portrait, displayed at the venue, allegedly triggered tensions between the SFI (the student wing of the CPI(M)) and the ABVP (student wing of the BJP).

During the hearing, the court questioned whether the image of Bharat Mata could truly be classified as a religious symbol and sought clarity on what “provocative” element in the portrait could have led to a law and order issue. Justice Nagaresh further asked what problem could arise in Kerala from displaying such an image.

The Registrar told the court that the university’s security officer had flagged the image as a religious symbol and, given the escalating tension between student groups, he decided to revoke the hall’s sanction. He claimed the cancellation was issued before the Governor arrived on stage and said he had proof to that effect.

The Vice Chancellor, however, alleged in the suspension order that the Registrar cancelled the programme’s sanction after it had already started and while the Governor — who also serves as the University’s Chancellor — was on stage, thereby embarrassing the institution.

The court noted that the Vice Chancellor is authorised to issue orders in the absence of the university syndicate and that the senate would have to ratify the suspension later. It also questioned whether the situation should have been handled differently, given the presence of the Governor at the event.

Justice Nagaresh remarked that the exact nature of the law and order issue remains unclear, and directed the police to file a report clarifying whether there was indeed a serious disturbance. A detailed reply affidavit has also been sought from the Registrar.

The matter is now listed for further hearing on Monday, 7 July 2025.

(With inputs from NDTV)

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TheCommune
The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
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