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Ajithkumar Custodial Death Case: Complainant Nikitha’s Ex-Husband SIFB Founder Thirumaran Alleges Serial Marriage Fraud

thirumaran nikitha ajithkumar custodial death case marriage fraud

Thirumaran, founder of the South Indian Forward Bloc party and former husband of Nikitha, the woman whose complaint led to the controversial police custody and subsequent death of youth Ajithkumar, has accused her and her family of orchestrating a long history of marriage fraud, dowry harassment, and legal extortion.

Thirumaran came forward in a video interview to level several serious allegations against Nikitha and her family, linking their alleged history of fraud and misuse of police and political influence on the events that led to Ajith Kumar’s custodial death in Thirubhuvanam, Sivaganga district.

According to Thirumaran, he married Nikitha on 29 August 2004, in what he described as a lavish wedding with many VIP attendees, but only 15 people attended from her side. He alleged that on the night of the wedding itself, Nikitha left his family, and the next day, she filed a false dowry case.

“She married me in 2004, left the same night, and later filed a false dowry case. We were forced to pay Rs. 10–20 lakhs to settle the matter. This has happened not only to me but to several other men,” Thirumaran alleged.

He claimed this was part of a pattern where the family would enter into marriages, leave within days, and then file legal cases to extort large sums of money, including ₹10–20 lakhs from each victim.

“They have made a business out of marriage. They conduct the wedding quickly with minimal attendance, and within days file legal cases and extract money. They are using the law as a weapon,” he said. He said this had happened to at least four or five men over the past 20 years.

Thirumaran alleged that in his own case, his family was forced to pay ₹10 lakhs after Nikitha filed a dowry case. He claimed Nikitha had also threatened other grooms with similar cases, blackmailed families using false claims, and extorted money under the pretext of job offers. He referred to Nikitha’s family as a “sitting family”, accusing them of conducting hasty marriages within 15 days and then targeting the groom’s side for financial gain.

He also questioned the legitimacy of Nikitha’s allegations of theft and harassment against Ajith Kumar, calling them false and fabricated. According to Thirumaran, Ajith had no criminal history, and police should have verified this before taking drastic action. He alleged that the custodial torture and death of Ajith Kumar began with a baseless complaint, which he claimed was filed as part of the same pattern of false accusations and misuse of legal protections.

“They didn’t even check if Ajith had a previous case. They took him, beat him, and now he’s dead. All because of a false complaint by a family that has been doing this for years,” he said.

Thirumaran further claimed that Nikita’s mother, Sivagami, was a former DSP, and her father was allegedly a Sub-Collector. He alleged that the family’s bureaucratic connections had protected them over the years and enabled them to manipulate law enforcement, silence victims, and avoid investigation. He named several police officials whom he accused of having shielded the family in previous cases, including Rajarajan, then DSP of Thirumangalam, SPs of Madurai, Pudukkottai, and Coimbatore districts.

He stated that these officials had extended unusual support to Nikitha’s family over many years, enabling them to escape scrutiny despite repeated accusations of fraud. Thirumaran questioned why so many in the police system had supported a family that had “no background” and were not known to mingle with their own community.

He also said that the family pressured and manipulated the police, often portraying themselves as victims while misusing laws meant to protect women. He added that false allegations of stolen jewellery had been used in his own case and claimed that Ajith Kumar too had been falsely accused, with no actual theft involved.

According to him, the incident was rooted in an ego clash, and that Ajith’s death was the result of power being misused, not a crime committed by him.

Thirumaran described the family’s behavior as highly hypocritical, claiming that Nikitha and her mother had a history of misusing authority to suppress dissent. He also alleged that despite being an advocate, even he and his brother had struggled to withstand the political pressure brought against them by Nikitha’s family.

He also alleged that Nikitha had misused her educational credentials, reportedly holding a Ph.D., to gain influence and present herself as respectable, while allegedly manipulating legal systems for personal gain. He said her family used this perception to garner police protection while engaging in fraud. “They don’t mingle with anyone in the village. They misuse their bureaucratic links and threaten people with fake job promises and false cases,” he added.

Thirumaran concluded by urging the authorities to treat Nikitha and her family as primary accused in the Ajith Kumar custodial death case. “This is not just a case of police brutality. It began with lies and manipulation by this family. They should be charged and investigated as the root cause of the incident,” he said. He alleged that the real cause of Ajith’s death was not just police brutality, but the false complaint and manipulation by Nikitha’s family. He called for them to be included in the ongoing CBI investigation.

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Ajithkumar Custodial Death Case: Postmortem Report Reveals Brutal Torture; Cigarette Burns, Swollen Eyes, Brain Hemorrhage And Other Heart Wrenching Details

The postmortem report in the custodial death case of Ajithkumar, a young man from Thirubhuvanam in Sivaganga district, has confirmed that he was subjected to extreme physical torture, leading to his death. The report, which details over 50 injuries on his body, has sparked widespread public outrage and prompted the Tamil Nadu government to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Ajithkumar, who worked as a guard at the Madapuram temple, died while in police custody after he was taken away for investigation by Thirubhuvanam police. His family alleged he was tortured by the police, and massive protests followed across Tamil Nadu demanding justice. Political parties and civil society organisations condemned the incident, and mounting pressure led to the arrest of five police personnel and swift disciplinary action against senior officers.

Gruesome Findings in Postmortem Report

According to the postmortem report Ajithkumar had a total of 50 external injuries, including 12 abrasions and 44 wounds spread from head to toe.

The wounds ranged in length from 9 cm to 23 cm and were deep enough to reach muscle and bone, indicating repeated blows with heavy objects.

The injuries were in multiple directions and layered, suggesting sustained and repeated assault on the same body parts.

Cigarette burn marks were found in three places on his left hand.

He had hemorrhaging in the brain at two sites, and injuries were present on both sides of the skull, the middle of the skull, and all over the head, consistent with being beaten with a stick.

There were signs of convulsions, tongue biting, swollen red eyes, and bleeding from the ears, pointing to a severe head injury.

Six large wounds were identified among the more than 50 injuries.

45 out of the 50 injuries were classified as deep wounds.

Internally, there were hemorrhages in the heart at two locations, as well as bleeding in the liver.

The posterior wall of the left ventricle showed petechial hemorrhages.

There was a 3 x 1.5 cm affected area at the apex of the heart, along with narrowed coronary ostia and damage to the aortic root, all of which contributed to his death.

His stomach contained 220 ml of brown liquid and 100 grams of partially digested rice, but the large intestine was empty, suggesting he had not eaten for an extended period.

The pattern of wounds indicated prolonged torture, with repeated beatings likely lasting for hours.

Eyewitnesses had earlier stated that Ajithkumar was beaten with iron rods and pipes, which aligns with the severity and distribution of the injuries.

Official Response and Action

Amid growing public pressure and criticism of the handling of the case, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court raised concerns about whether a fair investigation could be conducted by the state police. In response, the Tamil Nadu government informed the court that it had no objection to transferring the case to the CBI.

The court subsequently directed the state government to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the transfer. The investigation is now officially being handed over to the CBI, which is expected to pursue dual lines of inquiry, including the custodial death and the alleged cover-up by police personnel.

In a series of administrative actions, five policemen have been booked for attempted murder and arrested. Sivaganga Superintendent of Police Ashish Rawat has been transferred and placed on the mandatory waiting list. Manamadurai DSP Shanmugasundaram has been suspended. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has officially ordered the CBI probe, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

The release of the postmortem report has triggered a new wave of outrage, with many questioning whether justice will truly be served. The CBI investigation is expected to begin shortly following the completion of legal formalities.

(With inputs from One India Tamil)

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Who Will Be BJP’s Next National President? Here Are The Names Doing The Rounds

As the BJP gears up for a fresh phase of organizational reshuffle after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, all eyes are on who will succeed J.P. Nadda as the party’s next national president. With a strong mandate and a clear roadmap ahead, the BJP is likely to choose someone who blends ideological commitment, organizational experience, and political acceptability. Here are the names doing the rounds:

1. BHUPENDER YADAV – THE BJP’S LUCKY CHARM

Often called the “Chanakya of the BJP’s backroom strategy,” Bhupender Yadav has earned a reputation for being the party’s go-to man for tough elections and delicate negotiations. Whether it was the Bihar alliance, the Maharashtra drama, or Rajya Sabha floor management, Yadav has delivered results.

A former RSS swayamsevak and a seasoned organizational man, he currently serves as Union Minister for Labour and Environment. His legal acumen, low-profile but high-impact style, and ability to work across factions make him a strong contender. Within the BJP, he’s regarded as the “lucky man”—victories have followed wherever he has led from the shadows.

2. MANOHAR LAL KHATTAR – THE SAINTLY ORGANIZER

The former Haryana Chief Minister is respected for his clean image, RSS background, and no-nonsense approach. Khattar recently made a graceful exit from the CM post, which many see as part of a larger central plan.

A low-key but effective administrator, Khattar is seen as someone who will bring discipline, balance, and quiet authority to the post. His elevation would also underline the BJP’s preference for ideological loyalty and quiet efficiency over headline-chasing charisma.

3. VISHNU DUTT SHARMA – THE RISING STAR FROM MADHYA PRADESH

Currently the state BJP president in Madhya Pradesh, Vishnu Dutt Sharma, popularly known as V.D. Sharma, has risen through the ranks from the ABVP. Under his leadership, the BJP performed impressively in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections.

Sharma represents the younger, more assertive organizational class of the BJP. A potential long-term investment, his name is being floated if the party wants to signal generational change while keeping the RSS-BJP core intact.

4. RAJNATH SINGH – THE ELDER STATESMAN

A two-time party president, former Uttar Pradesh CM, and current Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh carries unmatched stature and experience. He’s one of the few leaders with cross-faction appeal in the BJP and has always maintained strong lines with both the RSS and the Modi-Shah duo.

While his return to the post may seem like a throwback, in times of political recalibration, the BJP may opt for a stable, trusted hand who can oversee both internal consolidation and external messaging.

5. DHARMENDRA PRADHAN – THE ODISHA STRATEGIST

With his deep roots in Odisha and his national presence as Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan is seen as a bridge between regions and a prominent OBC face. He played a key role in the BJP’s outreach in Eastern India and has been involved in multiple campaign strategies.

If the BJP wants to expand further into Odisha and Eastern India—and showcase a younger, forward-looking face—Pradhan becomes a natural choice. His proximity to the Modi-Shah leadership also helps his prospects.

6. SHIVRAJ SINGH CHOUHAN – THE MASS LEADER WITH A CONNECT
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, fondly called “Mama” in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the BJP’s most affable and popular mass leaders. A four-time Chief Minister and a lifelong swayamsevak, he brings a combination of emotional connect, administrative experience, and mass outreach that few others match.

Though he was replaced ahead of the new government formation in MP, his stature within the party remains strong. If BJP wants to blend mass appeal with ideological commitment, Shivraj is a compelling choice. His soft-spoken style and image of being “close to the common man” could help the party project a more accessible face at the top.

WHO HAS THE EDGE?

While all five have strong credentials, the choice will depend on the message the BJP wants to send. A generational shift? VD Sharma or Pradhan. A stable hand in turbulent times? Rajnath Singh. A proven strategist with deep RSS credentials? Bhupender Yadav or Khattar. For mass connect – Shivraj Singh Chouhan

The final decision will factor in not just experience or loyalty, but the party’s strategic roadmap for 2026 and 2029. For now, all eyes are on 11 Ashoka Road.

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Aamir Khan Plays Dahaa In Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’

The makers of director Lokesh Kanakaraj’s eagerly awaited action thriller ‘Coolie’, featuring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead, on Thursday revealed the name and look of Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s character in the film.

Taking to its X timeline, Sun Pictures, the production house that is producing the film, released Aamir’s name in the film and wrote, “#AamirKhan as Dahaa, from the world of #Coolie. #Coolie is all set to dominate IMAX screens worldwide from August 14th.” Aamir Khan’s look in the film too looked sassy, with the actor seen smoking a pipe.

For the unaware, Aamir Khan plays a cameo in the film. It may be recalled that only a week ago, the production house had changed the title of the Hindi version of the film from being ‘Majdoor’ to ‘Coolie The Powerhouse’.

‘Coolie’, which is expected to be an action thriller, will, apart from Rajinikanth and Aamir Khan, feature a number of top stars including Telugu star Nagarjuna, Kannada star Upendra, Malayalam star Soubin Shahir and Tamil star Sathyaraj.

The film will also feature actors Shruti Haasan, Rebe Monica John, and Junior MGR in pivotal roles. Music for the film is by Anirudh Ravichander and cinematography is by Girish Gangadharan. The film is being edited by Philomin Raj and produced by Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Pictures. The film is keenly awaited as it will feature actors Sathyaraj and Rajinikanth together after almost 38 years.

The two were last seen together in the superhit Tamil film ‘Mr Bharath’, which was released in 1986 and in which Sathyaraj played Rajinikanth’s father. Interestingly, Sathyaraj had turned down offers to act in some of Rajinikanth’s earlier films like ‘Enthiran’ and ‘Sivaji’. ‘Coolie’, which is Rajinikanth’s 171st film, will revolve around gold smuggling. Interestingly, director Lokesh Kanakaraj has disclosed that ‘Coolie’ will be a stand alone film and not a part of his Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).

–IANS

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Geneva Exhibition Depicts Gross Human Rights Violations In Bangladesh

An exhibition depicting the ongoing “gross human rights violations” in Bangladesh, including the arrest of prominent Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, under the current Muhammad Yunus regime concluded at the United Nations in Geneva during the regular session of the 59th Human Rights Commission.

Geneva-based human rights organisation International Forum for Secular Bangladesh, Bangladesh Minority Alliance (Switzerland Chapter) and Tumuku Development and Cultural Union jointly organised the three-day poster exhibition during the UNHRC session. It highlighted the “current crimes against humanity and gross human rights violations in Bangladesh”, the organisers detailed.

“A total of 30 posters depicting the gross human rights violations of the current Muhammad Yunus regime in the past 10 months were displayed in the exhibition,” Sajeeb Wazed, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son, posted on X.

“A large number of foreign diplomats, thousands of foreign NGO workers and hundreds of human rights activists who came to the human rights session expressed their heartfelt feelings after seeing the horrific, heartbreaking pictures of the poster,” Wazed added.

According to the organiser of the exhibition, Geneva-based human rights activist Rahman Khalilur Mamun, the pictures were divided in five categories to raise global public opinion on the current human rights situation in Bangladesh.

The categories included, Bangladesh communal violence and minority oppression; Freedom of the press; Suppression of voices and journalistic oppression; Demand for the unconditional release of Chinmoy Das Prabhu; Mob terrorism and sexual abuse of women and children; and, Sheikh Hasina, world conscience – mother of humanity.

“Yunus has tarnished the Nobel Peace Prize by sponsoring such a demonic flow of events. It is important to form a world opinion on such a terrible human rights violation,” Pashtun community leader and human rights activist Fazlur Rahman Afridi said during the event.

The forum stated that the General Secretary of the Swiss Socialist Party in Geneva, Sylvain Thevot also expressed sympathy with all victims of mob violence and raised concerns regarding Bangladesh under Yunus. Thevot said that he will discuss his concern in his party forum meeting regarding the situation in Bangladesh. Claudia Wadlich, a leader of a German-based human rights organisation, also expressed grief about the current situation in Bangladesh.

Growing mob violence, human rights violations, persecution of minorities, torture of innocent political prisoners, ban on political parties and suspension of freedom of the press and expression in Bangladesh was prominently highlighted during the exhibition. According to the forum, numerous human rights activists and diplomats commented on the ongoing minority persecution and crimes against human rights in Bangladesh, emphasising that, after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, the current Yunus-led interim government is heading towards a “dysfunctional failed state and civil war due to the increasing terrorist policies”.

–IANS

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Married Woman Cannot Allege She Was Coerced Into Sex On False Promise Of Marriage, Rules Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court has held that a married woman cannot allege that she was coerced into sex under the false promise of marriage.

The court’s ruling came while hearing the prosecution’s statement against the petitioner (accused) that he sexually assaulted the woman after falsely promising to marry her. He was also accused of having threatened to publish her photos and videos after borrowing Rs 2.5 lakh from her.

“It is observed that while considering the cases alleging rape on the basis of the promise of marriage, it is difficult for this court at this juncture to enter into a conclusion regarding whether the relationship was consensual or not. The entire circumstances will have to be taken into consideration, especially when a married lady enters into a physical relationship with another person. If both of the parties are aware of a subsistent marriage, it cannot be alleged that the sexual intercourse between them was with a promise to marry,” the court held as it granted bail to the man.

The man, who was charged with enticing or taking away with criminal intent a married woman and sexual intercourse by deceitful means, had moved a bail application. He was arrested on June 13 and has been cooling his heels inside the jail since then. In the court, the petitioner’s counsel refuted all allegations and claimed that this arose from a financial claim.

He argued that the allegation of rape under the promise of marriage was taken up only to ensure that the petitioner yields to the woman’s financial demands. The court, before granting bail, pointed out that as per the precedents set by the High Court on Section 376 of the now-repealed Indian Penal Code (IPC), there cannot be a promise of marriage when one of the parties is in a subsisting marriage.

–IANS

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“I’ve Lost My Child, Please Report Accurate Information”: Rithanya’s Father Breaks Down As Dravidianist Media Puthiya Thalaimurai Misquotes Him, Deletes Post Later

puthiya thalaimurai rithanya

The Dravidianist media outlet Puthiya Thalaimurai has come under intense criticism for its selective and misleading portrayal of the victim’s father in the Tiruppur Rithanya dowry death case. The channel, in its rush for a sensational byte, aired a heavily edited version of an emotional interview, painting the grieving father as regressive and conservative at a time when the family was already shattered by their daughter’s tragic death and allegedly facing political influence, as the groom’s family is reportedly linked to the Congress party. The case itself has seen little progress, raising serious concerns about justice being delayed or denied.

Against this backdrop, Puthiya Thalaimurai published a news card and aired a video segment in which Rithanya’s father, while mourning his daughter, said she lived by the principle of “one man, one woman” and that he was proud of her for that. But what the channel deliberately omitted was the rest of his message where he clearly advised others not to take such a path, emphasizing that life has options, and suicide is never the solution.

Instead, the media outlet chose to highlight only this line with title, “Cruel words,” and in the news card it added, “Whether or not to take up an alternate life depends on each person’s mindset, but my daughter has died living ‘one man, one woman’. Even though I lost my daughter, I’m proud of that. – Controversial speech by Rithanya’s father, who committed suicide due to dowry harassment”

This manipulated edit quickly went viral. Dravidianist and Periyarist handles on social media latched onto it, vilifying the grieving father, painting him casteist and regressive, and subjecting him to a torrent of online abuse.

Only after massive backlash from netizens who exposed the full context did Puthiya Thalaimurai quietly delete the post and the video. But by then, the damage was already done, his words had been twisted, and his character publicly tarnished while he mourned his daughter and sought justice.

For the record, here’s what Rithanya’s father actually said in full, “Whether or not to take up an alternate life depends on each person’s mindset, but my daughter has died living ‘one man, one woman’ (meaning she believed in one true love/partner). Even though I lost my daughter, I’m proud of that. I don’t think all daughters should be like that. But there is a way to live. One can live. Deciding that one must die by taking their life and leaving this world, is a wrong decision.”

Below are some of the posts of online abuse that were directed at the victim’s father as a result of the misleading news coverage.

Even recently, Rithanya’s father, while speaking to the press outside the court, broke down in tears with folded hands, pleading with the media to act responsibly. He said, “I stand here having lost my child. Please, I earnestly and humbly request you to provide accurate information. Whatever justice you would expect if it were a child from your own home, please publish news in line with that. That is all I humbly and earnestly ask of you. I have lost my child; now, I want justice for the remaining children. Please report the news with that in mind.”

Case Background 

Rithanya, a 27-year-old woman from Avinashi, was found dead inside her car near Cheyur in late June 2025, just over two months after her wedding. She had married E. Kavin Kumar, 28, of Palankarai near Avinashi, on 11 April 2025. Kavin is the son of Easwaramoorthy and Sithradevi, and the grandson of R. Krishnan, who currently serves as the Tiruppur Urban District President of the Congress party.

Preliminary police investigations suggested that Rithanya died by consuming poison. Prior to her death, she sent a series of voice messages to her father, Annadurai, in which she accused her husband and his parents of subjecting her to both physical and emotional abuse. These recordings were widely shared on social media following her death, sparking public outrage and demands for justice.

Following the incident, the Avinashi police registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 85 (cruelty by husband or his relatives) and 108 (abetment of suicide). Kavin and his father, Easwaramoorthy, were arrested. Although Rithanya had also named her mother-in-law, Sithradevi, in the voice messages, she was released on health grounds. Rithanya’s family, however, has alleged that political pressure influenced the decision not to arrest her.

The victim’s parents have accused the groom’s family of dowry harassment, claiming they had already provided 100 sovereigns of gold and a luxury car valued at ₹62 lakh at the time of the wedding. They allege that demands for an additional 200 sovereigns followed, along with further abuse. Rithanya’s father, Annadurai, has also made serious allegations of sexual misconduct against his daughter’s husband.

Raising concerns over the direction of the investigation, Rithanya’s parents met with Leader of the Opposition and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami in Salem. They requested his support in ensuring a fair and transparent probe, alleging attempts to tamper with evidence and malign their daughter’s character.

Meanwhile, R. Krishnan, the groom’s grandfather, dismissed the allegations, labeling them as false. He described the matter as a personal family issue and denied any political involvement, stating that the family would respond through legal means.

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Dravidian Model CM Stalin Highlights HR&CE ‘Achievements’; Here’s A Point-By-Point Rebuttal

dravidian model stalin dmk hrce achievements

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday, 2 July 2025, presided over a mass wedding ceremony at the Kapaleeswarar Karpagambal Wedding Hall in Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai, where he listed what he described as the Dravidian Model government’s major achievements through the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. However, several of these claims have since drawn sharp rebuttals from activists and legal experts, who accuse the department of bypassing due process, flouting judicial directions, and engaging in unconstitutional practices.

The event, conducted under the aegis of the HR&CE Department, saw 32 couples wed under a government-sponsored scheme. Speaking at the event, Stalin praised the department’s efforts and credited Minister P.K. Sekar Babu for spearheading various spiritual and welfare initiatives. He claimed the government had transformed temple administration, spiritual infrastructure, and religious inclusivity under the Dravidian model.

However, these statements have been challenged point-by-point by critics who argue that the Chief Minister’s speech glosses over serious procedural violations, legal issues, and opacity in administration.

Claim 1: 2,376 Temple-Sponsored Free Marriages Conducted

CM’s Statement: The government has conducted 2,376 free weddings through temple funds, with the CM himself officiating over 150 of them.

Rebuttal: Critics point out that such events are financed by temple surplus funds, which are legally bound by the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Act, 1959, particularly Section 36-A and the Utilization of Surplus Funds Rules. Allegedly, these procedures were not followed in organizing the mass weddings. The use of temple funds without adhering to mandatory procedures is said to amount to financial impropriety.

Claim 2: 3,177 Temple Consecrations Conducted

CM’s Statement: No government has consecrated as many temples; this is a record.

Rebuttal: Opponents argue that temple consecration (kumbhabhishekam) is a purely religious function in which a secular state should not interfere. The HR&CE Act, 1959 offers no provision empowering government officials to direct or participate in temple rituals. The involvement of officials in such ceremonies may therefore be unconstitutional and in violation of Supreme Court rulings. Moreover, many of these consecrations were reportedly funded by private devotees. Critics demand publication of detailed financial records and approvals for each consecration carried out.

Claim 3: 7,655.75 Acres of Temple Land Recovered Worth ₹7,701 Crore

CM’s Statement: Lands belonging to 997 temples have been reclaimed from encroachment, with an estimated value of ₹7,701 crore.

Rebuttal: Activists question the valuation, noting that the government’s figure implies each acre is worth ₹1 crore. They also highlight a lack of transparency regarding rent arrears, land use, and pending litigation. It is estimated that more than 1.5 lakh acres of temple lands across Tamil Nadu are still under encroachment or unauthorized occupation. The HR&CE Department has allegedly not published lists detailing current encroachments, lessee details, rent dues, survey numbers, or temple-wise land ownership, despite court directives mandating such transparency.

Claim 4: 2,03,444 Acres of Temple Land Measured and ‘Protected’

CM’s Statement: Over 2 lakh acres of temple land have been measured and protected.

Rebuttal: The department’s own policy note (2022–23) shows that only 3.43 lakh acres out of a total 5.25 lakh have been properly matched with revenue records. Critics ask why these lands are marked with “HR&CE” signage, as they legally belong to the temples, not the department. There is also no public information about who currently occupies the “protected” lands and whether legal leases exist. Concerns remain that many of these lands may be under unofficial occupation despite being categorized as protected.

Claim 5: 26,000 Temples Undergoing Civil Works Worth ₹6,000 Crore

CM’s Statement: Renovation works are being carried out at 26,000 temples at an estimated cost of ₹6,000 crore.

Rebuttal: Questions have been raised about the number of these temples that qualify as ancient (over 100 years old), and whether mandatory inspections by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have been conducted, as ordered by the Madras High Court in 2021. Furthermore, critics ask why the government is proceeding without finalizing the “Scientific Conservation Manual” that was supposed to be ready by September 2021. They also question what portion of the ₹6,000 crore is donor-funded and call for greater financial accountability.

Claim 6: Expert Committee Cleared 12,876 Civil Works

CM’s Statement: A State Level Expert Committee has approved renovation work in 12,876 temples.

Rebuttal: Legal experts argue that under the Tamil Nadu State Heritage Commission Act, 2012, such approvals must come from the Heritage Commission, not the State Level Expert Committee. Therefore, the functioning of this committee in sanctioning civil works in heritage temples may be legally invalid and in direct violation of state law.

(With inputs from Hindu Tamil)

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Karnataka Congress Govt Says Mekedatu Dam Construction On Cauvery River Has Begun, Tamil YouTubers Who Jumped Into Protest During ADMK Period For Cauvery Board Missing In Action

Remember April 2018? Back then, during the AIADMK regime, YouTubers and so-called influencers were out in full force, protesting loudly over the Cauvery water issue and the Sterlite plant. It became a major talking point, even the IPL was dragged into it, with demands to cancel matches in Chennai. But now, the same voices that once shouted in outrage have gone conspicuously silent under the DMK government.

Not a word from them, even after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar recently announced that the Mekedatu balancing reservoir survey is complete and land acquisition has begun pushing forward with alleged dam construction on the Cauvery.

Back in 2017, these so-called YouTube influencers proudly formed the Tamil Nadu Digital Media Association (TDMA), claiming that their mission wasn’t just about their own welfare but also about standing up for public causes.

Then in 2018, when the Cauvery water dispute erupted alongside the Sterlite protests, the very same TDMA sprang into action.

Notably, TamilTalkies fame Maran released a video on behalf of the association, calling for public protest. He said, “Today we held a consultation meeting on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Digital Media Association. I’m not sure how many of you know that we started the Tamil Nadu Digital Media Association. When this association was founded, we stated that this association would not only fight for the welfare of its members but also for the problems of the general public. The Cauvery issue came up, and we also forgot the Sterlite plant issue. It can almost be said that even the media suppressed it. In this situation, the Tamil Nadu Digital Media Association has sought permission to hold a protest demanding the complete closure of the Sterlite plant and the formation of the Cauvery Management Board. Permission has been granted for the protest at Valluvar Kottam on the 10th, from 10 AM to 1 PM. It would be great if you could come to this event in person. Those who cannot come can watch it online.”

In the same video, popular YouTube personalities like Black Sheep Tamil’s VJ Vignesh, Parithabangal’s Gopi, and others joined the call. They even campaigned to boycott IPL matches to draw national attention to the protest.

VJ Vignesh, in particular, emphasized, “The match is the only instrument we have in our hands today to express our opposition. If you don’t go and watch it directly, the question will arise as to why you didn’t watch it. Only after everyone said we are boycotting the match, have the national media started taking it up as a debate yesterday. If that’s the case, then understand. If we boycott, it will fully reach its intended audience.”

On 10 April 2018, as announced, the protest took place. YouTubers and influencers actively pushed emotional narratives, stood in solidarity, and vocally condemned the issues.

But now, in stark contrast, they are conspicuously silent.

This silence is being called out across social media, especially after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project is moving forward completing surveys and starting land acquisition on the Cauvery river. People are now asking, Where are all those voices now? Why the silence during the DMK regime?

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After Hindu Munnani’s Murugan Devotees Conference At Amma Thidal, Madurai, TN Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam To Hold Massive Conference At Same Venue

tmmk mmk manithaneya makkal katchi jawahirullah amma thidal conference madurai hindu munnani murugan devotees conference

Madurai’s Amma Thidal is set to host yet another major political gathering as the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK) whose political wing Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) is a DMK alliance party, prepares for its state-level conference following the recently concluded Hindu Munnani’s Murugan Devotees Conference. The back-to-back events have turned the spotlight on the city, sparking debates on political symbolism and communal representation.

While the Hindu Munnani faced multiple restrictions from the police before staging its event, it secured legal relief and eventually held the conference successfully. Now, attention has shifted to the MMK’s state conference, scheduled to take place at the same venue on 6 July 2025.

The decision to hold the MMK event at Amma Thidal has drawn mixed reactions. Some political observers view it as a counter to the Hindu Munnani’s show of strength, while others suggest that the conference is aimed at consolidating Muslim support and pressing for greater representation in the DMK-led alliance ahead of the 2026 state elections.

Speaking about the event, MMK state president M.H. Jawahirullah clarified that the decision to hold the conference was made as early as 31 May 2025. He stated that the conference was postponed first due to the DMK’s General Committee meeting and later due to the Muruga Devotees Conference.

Jawahirullah emphasized that the purpose of the event is not to compete with other gatherings, but to demand proportional representation for Muslims in legislative bodies. He highlighted that despite making up around 7% of Tamil Nadu’s population, Muslims have only 7 MLAs in the state assembly, half of what MMK believes is proportionate.

Nationally, he noted that only 24 out of 543 Lok Sabha MPs are Muslims, while there are just 13 Muslim members in the Rajya Sabha, against an expected 35. Of the 4,123 MLAs across India, only 296 are Muslim, reflecting a broad under-representation according to the party.

The MMK also raised concerns about the implications of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and voter verification processes, particularly in states like Bihar, warning that marginalized communities, including minorities, tribals, and Dalits, could be disenfranchised due to bureaucratic hurdles.

Jawahirullah confirmed that the party would indeed press for a fair share of assembly seats in the coming elections. The conference is expected to draw nearly two lakh participants, underlining MMK’s efforts to assert its presence ahead of the electoral season.

(With inputs from Hindu Tamil)

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