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“Let Not Ministers And MLAs Think God Will Be Waiting For Them”: Madras High Court Questions VIP Darshan

By
The Commune
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interim maintenance madras high court

The Madras High Court on Friday (29 May 2026) orally questioned the practice of VIP darshan in temples and observed that all devotees are equal before God, while hearing a petition seeking the abolition of VIP and special darshan facilities in temples across Tamil Nadu.

A division bench comprising Justices GR Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan was hearing a plea that sought to abolish VIP darshan and special darshan schemes in temples, while permitting certain exceptions for senior citizens, differently abled persons, artists engaged in temple art, newly married couples, heads of State and constitutional authorities, pregnant women and other specified categories.

During the hearing, the court also took note of a report filed by the State regarding allegations that the closing time of the Thirupparankundram Subramaniaswamy Temple had been delayed on 15 May 2026 to facilitate darshan for a Minister.

Additional Advocate General P.V. Balasubramaniam informed the court that the temple’s closing time had not been delayed and submitted a report in this regard. He also sought time to file a detailed counter affidavit on behalf of the authorities.

Accepting the request, the bench granted six weeks’ time and adjourned the matter.

While doing so, the court made strong oral observations against preferential access for elected representatives and other VIPs in temples.

“Let not Ministers and MLAs think that they can walk into a temple at any time and God will be waiting for them. Why do we need VIP darshan? Everyone is equal before God,” the court orally remarked.

The petition has been filed by P. Chockalingam, president of the North Tamil Nadu unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). In his plea, Chockalingam stated that he is an interested person in the temple and falls within the definition provided under Section 6(15)(b) of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Act.

According to the petition, Sanatana Dharma does not permit discrimination based on caste, social status or material wealth and teaches that all devotees are equal before God.

The petitioner argued that neither the HR&CE Act nor Hindu religious scriptures provide for special darshan upon payment of an additional fee. He alleged that the HR&CE Department was collecting exorbitant charges for special darshan and exploiting devotees in the process.

“Not one letter can one find in any of the religious scriptures of our great Sanatana Dharma and this is nothing but a new innovation created by the Respondent Department to garner revenue and indulge in exploitation of devotees and fleece them for this purpose in the name of Special Darshan,” the plea states.

The petition further contended that the practice of special darshan was introduced only after Dravidian parties came to power in Tamil Nadu and was contrary to Articles 14, 19, 21 and 25 of the Constitution.

Chockalingam argued that although the department claims that special darshan fees are collected for better temple administration and management, the practice itself violates the principles of Sanatana Dharma. He alleged that the HR&CE Department, through temples under its control, was engaging in discrimination among devotees, contrary to constitutional guarantees.

The petitioner has sought directions abolishing VIP and paid special darshan facilities in temples under the control of the HR&CE Department. He has also sought directions to ensure that every temple under the department’s administration is equipped with a wheelchair facility for senior citizens, along with other appropriate reliefs.

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Use Of Children In Election Campaigns Is “Bad”, Says Madras High Court While Hearing Plea Over Influence On Votes For Vijay

By
The Commune
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vijay madras high court tvk rally public pregnant

The Madras High Court on Friday, 29 May 2026, orally observed that the use of children in election campaigns was “bad” while hearing a public interest litigation alleging corrupt electoral practices by political parties, including the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), during the recently concluded 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, as reported in LiveLaw.

The PIL alleges corrupt practices by the TVK, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) during the Assembly polls. Following the election, the TVK formed the government, with actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay being sworn in as Chief Minister.

A division bench comprising Justices GR Swaminathan and V Lakshminarayanan was hearing the matter. The court had issued notice last week to the TVK, DMK and AIADMK. On Friday, a similar plea seeking comparable relief was also placed before the bench.

The hearing was adjourned after Senior Advocate S. Muralidhar, appearing for the TVK, and Advocate Niranjan Rajagopal, standing counsel for the Election Commission of India (ECI), sought time to file their counters.

During the proceedings, the bench orally remarked that involving children in election campaigns was inappropriate. Justice Swaminathan recounted a personal experience from polling day.

“This is bad right. Use of children…I’ll tell you something. When I was going to vote, my grandchild was saying, ‘ Thaatha, you have to vote for Vijay only’,” the court orally said.

Arguing for the TVK, Muralidhar contended that the petition had been filed entirely on the basis of media reports. He submitted that the case raised questions regarding the powers of the Election Commission to intervene after the conclusion of elections for alleged violations that occurred when the Model Code of Conduct was in force.

He further submitted that the case would require examination of the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct as well as the definition of “undue influence” under the Representation of the People Act. Muralidhar argued that there was presently no provision for disqualifying a political party, but only for deregistering one, and that the court would have to consider whether deregistration could arise in the circumstances of the case.

Senior Advocate NR Elango, appearing for the DMK, argued that if the petitioners were alleging corrupt electoral practices, they ought to have impleaded the concerned returned candidates as parties to the proceedings.

The PIL was filed by advocate L. Vasuki, who alleged that various illegal activities took place during the Assembly elections, including electoral bribery, cash-for-votes schemes, undue influence on voters, and the use of minor children for electoral propaganda and indirect voter influence.

According to the petition, Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, who is also the president of the TVK, had during the campaign called upon children to emotionally influence or pressure their parents to vote for the party. The petitioner argued that such conduct raised serious concerns regarding undue influence under Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act.

The plea also referred to allegations of money distribution and cash-for-votes practices in multiple constituencies. It alleged that despite complaints being widely circulated, the Election Commission had failed to take action.

The petitioner contended that the alleged inaction of the Election Commission undermined the conduct of free and fair elections, thereby violating Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and impacting the basic structure doctrine.

Vasuki has sought a court-monitored, time-bound and independent inquiry into the allegations of corrupt electoral practices allegedly committed by the three major political parties during the election campaign.

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Did CM Vijay’s Personal Hairstylist Jagadish Awasthi Accompany Him On His Official Delhi Visit At Taxpayer Expense?

By
The Commune
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Questions have emerged over whether Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s personal hairstylist, Jagadish Awasthi, accompanied him on his first official visit to New Delhi at taxpayer expense. The issue gained attention after videos and photographs from Vijay’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed Awasthi travelling as part of the Chief Minister’s entourage despite holding no publicly known government position.

While previous Chief Ministers typically travelled with cabinet colleagues and senior bureaucrats during such visits, Vijay’s entourage reportedly included a small group consisting of advisers, aides, security personnel and longtime personal associates. The absence of ministers from the delegation has become a subject of political discussion, particularly after videos and photographs from the visit revealed the presence of several non-government figures closely associated with the Chief Minister.

Netizens started sharing the list of names of people who accompanied Vijay on the private flight to Delhi. These included his Route PR chief Jagadish, Vishnu Reddy (recently appointed Advisor), Vijay’s bodyguards/security personnel and a Jagadish Awasthi.

Among the most prominent individuals accompanying Vijay was Vishnu Reddy, who currently serves as Advisor for Public Events and General Matters in the Chief Minister’s Office. According to reports, Vishnu oversees public engagements, grievance meetings, event management and logistical coordination connected to the Chief Minister’s activities. He was also seen during Vijay’s visits to the Governor’s residence during the time he was attempting to stake claim to form the government. Reddy is said to be an Andhra-origin granite businessman and a longtime associate who played a significant role in crowd mobilisation and campaign logistics during Vijay’s political rise.

Vishnu Reddy’s growing influence has attracted attention because of his business interests and corporate links. Corporate records show that he is associated with Chennai-based Indo Rocks LLP, a company engaged in the mining and minerals sector. The same records list Y.S. Anil Reddy as a partner in the firm.

Anil Reddy’s name has surfaced in media reports concerning investigations into the alleged Andhra Pradesh liquor procurement scam. Reports cited by critics claim investigators examined alleged financial links involving entities associated with him, although no court finding establishing guilt has been produced. His recent appearance alongside Vijay in Chennai and his reported proximity to individuals within the Chief Minister’s circle have further fuelled public debate.

However, the individual whose presence generated the greatest public curiosity was Jagadish Awasthi.

Screenshot of Jagadish Awasthi’s Instagram profile

He is seen frequently posting about Vijay. Some of the latest posts include those of Vijay meeting PM, Vijay taking oath etc.

Unlike Vishnu Reddy, Awasthi does not hold any publicly announced position within the government. He is widely known in the film industry as Vijay’s longtime personal hairstylist. Awasthi first worked with Vijay during the production of Bigil and subsequently became part of the actor’s core professional team, working on films including Master, Beast, Varisu, Leo, The GOAT and Jana Nayagan. He has also worked with actors such as Allu Arjun, Vijay Sethupathi and Vijay Deverakonda.

Sources familiar with Vijay’s team say Awasthi continued to handle the Chief Minister’s grooming and appearance-related requirements even after his transition from cinema to politics. His inclusion in an official delegation meeting the Prime Minister has nevertheless prompted questions about the role played by personal staff during government visits.

Videos of the people accompanying Vijay have also been circulating. In the below video, he is seen in the entourage with Vijay at the airport.

Netizens sought clarification on whether Awasthi travelled in an official, personal or party capacity and whether any public funds were used for his participation. No official clarification has yet been issued.

Vijay appears increasingly reliant on a network of close friends and associates as advisors, business associates and personal confidants rather than elected ministers and career administrators.

With Vijay declining to interact with the media during the Delhi visit, questions surrounding the composition of the delegation have remained unanswered.

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‘Busy After 6 PM’: Congress Leader Praveen Chakravarty Explains Why Rahul Gandhi Did Not Meet TN CM Vijay In Delhi

By
The Commune
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'Busy After 6 PM': Congress Leader Praveen Chakravarty Explains Why Rahul Gandhi Did Not Meet TN CM Vijay In Delhi

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay returned to Chennai without meeting Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi during his visit to New Delhi, prompting speculation over why the interaction did not take place despite the Congress being a key ally of the ruling coalition in Tamil Nadu.

Earlier reports had suggested that no appointment had been scheduled between Vijay and the Congress leadership during his visit to the national capital. Sources had indicated that a meeting between Vijay and Rahul Gandhi could potentially be arranged at a later date.

However, Congress leader Praveen Chakravarty offered an explanation for why the meeting did not materialise.

According to Praveen Chakravarty, Chief Minister Vijay had sought an appointment to meet Rahul Gandhi after 6 PM on 28 May 2026. However, Rahul Gandhi was reportedly occupied after that time and was therefore unable to allocate a slot for the meeting.

Vijay had travelled to New Delhi on 27 May 2026 for his first official visit to the national capital after assuming office as Chief Minister. During the visit, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and raised several issues concerning Tamil Nadu, including the Mekedatu dam project, the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities, and the controversy surrounding the Tamil invocation song.

The Chief Minister returned to Chennai without holding any meeting with the Congress high command, despite the Congress being among the parties supporting the TVK-led government in Tamil Nadu.

While reports had initially suggested that scheduling constraints and Vijay’s travel plans were among the reasons the meeting could not be arranged, Chakravarty’s statement indicated that Rahul Gandhi’s engagements after 6 PM on 28 May 2026 were the immediate reason why the requested meeting did not take place.

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‘Under The Guise Of Surveys, Large-Scale Corruption Took Place’: Congress MP Jothimani Alleges ‘Massive Irregularities’ In 2026 TN Poll Candidate Selection

By
The Commune
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jothimani congress

Congress MP Jothimani has levelled serious allegations against the Congress party’s constituency allocation and candidate selection process for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, claiming that large-scale irregularities and corruption took place during the exercise.

In a detailed statement posted on X, the Karur MP alleged that constituencies were not identified first and then allotted to suitable candidates. Instead, she claimed that candidates were selected in advance and constituencies were subsequently negotiated and secured to accommodate them.

Jothimani alleged that “under the guise of surveys,” large-scale corruption had taken place during the candidate selection process. She further claimed that senior party workers who had served the Congress for decades, including individuals with strong chances of winning, were sidelined, while newcomers and candidates with little or no electoral prospects were given opportunities after constituencies were specifically sought for them.

She also questioned the basis on which several candidates were chosen, pointing out that some of those who were given tickets either left the party or became inactive within days of the election.

In her statement, Jothimani said, “In the constituency allocation and candidate selection process for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, massive irregularities have taken place within the Congress party. Constituencies were sought and allocated to suit candidates who had already been selected. Under the guise of ‘surveys,’ large scale corruption has reportedly occurred. Senior party workers who have served the party for decades and individuals with genuine winning prospects were completely sidelined, while many newcomers and candidates with little or no electoral prospects were given opportunities after constituencies were specifically negotiated for them. Some of those who were given the opportunity to contest elections either left the party or became inactive within days after the election. Who gave these individuals opportunities? On what basis were they selected? What action has been taken against those responsible for these mistakes? Without conducting an inquiry into constituency allocation and candidate selection, forming a committee only to investigate alleged anti-party activities during the election is merely an arrangement to protect those who are actually responsible for the wrongdoing. The committee involved in constituency allocation and candidate selection was headed by Tamil Nadu in-charge Mr. Girish Chodankar. According to Congress party rules, allegations against that committee can only be investigated by the All India Congress Committee. Office bearers of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee do not have the authority to conduct such an inquiry. If the Congress party genuinely wants to reform itself, it must conduct a proper investigation into the Tamil Nadu Assembly election process. Strict action must be taken against those responsible for the irregularities. Only then can the confidence of party workers be restored. In several state elections, allegations regarding constituency allocation and candidate selection continue to arise. At times, these very issues become one of the reasons for electoral defeat. Yet instead of conducting inquiries, those responsible are often protected. Watching the Tamil Nadu candidate selection process from close quarters was deeply shocking. Such open and blatant irregularities will become a major setback to the future of the party. The Congress party carries the historic responsibility of protecting this country from the BJP and Narendra Modi. Our Leader Rahul Gandhi ji has been fighting uncompromisingly for this cause. However, such internal irregularities are steadily eroding the confidence of Congress party workers. If we are to stand firmly as a strong opposition force and succeed politically, the voices of grassroots workers and district and block presidents within the party must be respected. The party must function with honesty and transparency. Let the electoral reforms that the Congress party urgently needs begin from Tamil Nadu.”

The remarks are significant as they come after the Assembly elections and the formation of the new government, and also because Jothimani had raised concerns about candidate selection even before the elections were held. The present allegations have renewed scrutiny of the Congress party’s candidate selection process in Tamil Nadu.

During the seat-sharing negotiations with its alliance partner, the Congress secured 28 Assembly constituencies and one Rajya Sabha seat. Of the 28 constituencies, candidates for 27 seats were announced relatively early. The only exception was Madurai Melur, where the candidate was announced just one day before polling.

The eventual candidate, former Kanchipuram MP Viswanathan, had no apparent connection to the constituency, leading to criticism at the time. However, he went on to win the election and currently serves as the state’s Higher Education Minister.

Questions were also raised regarding the candidature of Tamil Kumaran in Pennagaram. Tamil Kumaran, the son of PMK honorary president G.K. Mani, joined the Congress shortly before being selected as the party’s candidate. His rapid elevation triggered criticism within political circles. Allegations subsequently emerged that money had influenced candidate selection decisions, with suspicion being directed at sections of the state leadership.

Jothimani’s latest statement echoes concerns voiced by several Congress workers during the election period, when allegations surfaced that long-serving party functionaries had been denied opportunities despite having stronger electoral prospects than some of the candidates eventually selected.

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“Sanatana Dharma Teaches Us To Care For Our Parents; If It Should Not Exist, Drive Out Your Parents First”, Says Action King Arjun

By
The Commune
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“If Sanatana Dharma Should Not Exist, Drive Out Your Parents First”, Says Action King Arjun udhayanidhi stalin

Actor Arjun, popularly known as “Action King” Arjun, has described Sanatana Dharma as a way of life rather than a religion while speaking at a promotional event for his newly released film Blast.

Blast, starring Arjun and Preethi Mukundan, hit theatres on Thursday, 28 May 2026. The action thriller has been directed by debutant filmmaker Subash K. Raj.

During one of the film’s promotional interactions, Arjun shared his views on Sanatana Dharma and its role in society.

Arjun said, “Sanatanam, that is a way of life – how we conduct ourselves, how we should be in life. Not doing wrong, not stealing, not desiring another person’s property – that too is one of the things in Sanatana Dharma. When we were children, how beautifully our mother and father took care of us. So, in their old age, we must look after them in the same way, we must see them like God – that too is something Sanatana Dharma says. So, if people say this Sanatanam, this Sanatana Dharma, should not exist, then they should drive out their own father and mother from their homes. Can they do that? It is not ‘Sanatana Dharma’ (in the sense they criticise), it is not a religion. It is a way of life. So if everyone understands that… I am saying this only to the extent I know it. If everyone understands it that way, it will be good.”

It is noteworthy that just a few weeks ago, DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin repeated his hateful words about eradicating Sanatana Dharma.

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‘Apologise And Resign’: Catholic Body Demands Loyola College Principal’s Resignation Over Remarks Against Activists

By
The Commune
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'Apologise And Resign': Catholic Minority Welfare Society Demands Loyola College Principal's Resignation Over Remarks Against RTI Activists

The Catholic Minority Welfare Society (CMWS), Chennai, has issued a strongly worded statement condemning Loyola College Principal Rev. Dr. A. Louis Arocklaraj SJ over remarks made against RTI activist and Legal Rights Protection Forum General Secretary A.S. Santhosh, Loyola alumnus Joseph D. Kennedy, and former Loyola College employee Mary Rajasekaran.

In a media statement issued on 27 May 2026, CMWS demanded that the Principal and Loyola College issue an unconditional public apology to the three individuals for what it described as defamatory and personally intrusive remarks. The organisation also called upon the University of Madras to declare the Principal’s appointment null and void and remove him from office, alleging that his appointment itself was carried out in violation of prescribed university norms.

The controversy stems from a response reportedly submitted by Loyola College to the University of Madras regarding complaints over the college’s academic programmes and regulatory compliance. CMWS alleged that instead of addressing the substance of the complaints, the Principal personally targeted the complainants, describing A.S. Santhosh as a “busybody”, branding Joseph D. Kennedy a “disgruntled” RTI applicant, and making remarks about Mary Rajasekaran despite her having no connection to the complaint under consideration.

According to CMWS, the response was submitted while Loyola College was defending its Diploma in Film Making programme conducted in association with Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA), France, which the organisation claims was run without obtaining permission from the University of Madras. CMWS alleged that the Principal sidestepped questions relating to regulatory compliance and instead focused on attacking those who had raised concerns.

The organisation further alleged that the college had taken contradictory positions regarding foreign collaborations. It stated that while Loyola College had previously declared before the National Human Rights Commission that it had no foreign collaboration, the Principal’s own correspondence suggested otherwise.

CMWS also accused the college administration of attempting to secure political protection from scrutiny by copying correspondence to a DMK minister and senior Tamil Nadu bureaucrats. The organisation stated that the political circumstances under which such protection was allegedly sought had changed following the change of government in the State.

Citing findings from an inspection report prepared by the University of Madras and submitted to the NHRC, CMWS alleged that Loyola College’s M.A. Philosophy programme suffered from several serious regulatory deficiencies. These allegedly included the absence of separate classrooms, faculty rooms, libraries and departmental signages, non-compliance with UGC faculty qualification norms, the sharing of faculty with Sathya Nilayam Research Institute, and violations of reservation norms in student admissions, including the failure to submit category-wise data to the State government.

CMWS further claimed that the inspection report found that the appointment of Rev. Dr. A. Louis Arocklaraj SJ as Principal had not followed mandated university selection panel procedures, rendering the appointment procedurally defective.

The organisation noted that the Ministry of Education, Government of India, had directed both the University Grants Commission and the Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department to take appropriate action in the matter. It also announced plans to write to the Superior General of the Society of Jesus in Rome, seeking disciplinary action against the Principal for alleged conduct unbecoming of a Jesuit priest and educator.

Among its demands, CMWS called for a public apology from Loyola College and its Principal to A.S. Santhosh, Joseph D. Kennedy and Mary Rajasekaran; a declaration by the University of Madras that the Principal’s appointment is null and void; immediate action by the Tamil Nadu government on the Ministry of Education’s directive; and the completion of disciplinary proceedings by the UGC and the University of Madras Syndicate.

The organisation also expressed solidarity with A.S. Santhosh, Joseph D. Kennedy and Mary Rajasekaran, stating that they had pursued the matter in the public interest and should not be subjected to personal attacks for raising regulatory concerns.

CMWS concluded by stating that no educational institution, regardless of its reputation, is above the law, and argued that a principal whose own appointment is under challenge should not seek to dismiss critics as being motivated.

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TVK Model Safety Of Minors: Chennai Cop Arrested For Sexually Abusing 16-Year-Old Boy, Forced Him To Drink Liquor

By
The Commune
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TVK Model Safety of Minors: Chennai Cop Arrested For Sexually Abusing 16-Year-Old Boy, Forced Him To Drink Liquor

A policeman, who forced a minor boy to drink liquor and then tried to sexually abuse him, has been arrested by the city police under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, as reported in Times of India.

The Ashok Nagar police identified the 35-year-old policeman as Velappan, 35, attached to the Vadapalani police station.

Police said that a 16-year-old Class XI student from Kanyakumari district had come to his uncle’s apartment in Kodambakkam with his parents two days ago for the school holidays. After the parents left for their hometown, the boy continued to stay at the relative’s house.

The policeman, Velappan, visited the residence of the boy’s uncle in Kodambakkam on Wednesday night. Velappan and the boy’s uncle consumed alcohol together late on Wednesday night. After a while, the boy’s uncle fell asleep.

In the middle of the night, Velappan entered the bedroom where the boy was watching television. Velappan sexually abused the boy and forced alcohol into his mouth. The boy managed to overpower the policeman.

The boy screamed and hit Velappan with a TV remote. The boy escaped, latched the house door from outside and rushed to the Ashok Nagar police station.

The boy informed the police personnel about the assault. Police rushed to the boy’s uncle’s house and arrested Velappan. Police registered a case against Velappan under the Pocso Act. Velappan was produced before a magistrate court and remanded in judicial custody.

Ashok Nagar assistant commissioner of police Altrin has recommended the senior police officer to initiate departmental action against the errant policeman for his misbehaviour.

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Joseph Vijay’s Women’s Safety ‘Promise’ Exposed: Mohammed Muttab & Mohammed Atheel From Bihar Gangrape 61-Year-Old Mentally Challenged Homeless Woman In Velachery

By
The Commune
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Joseph Vijay's "Safety for Women" Exposed: Mohammed Muttab & Mohammed Atheel From Bihar Gangrape 61-Year-Old Mentally Challenged Homeless Woman In Velachery

TVK chief Joseph Vijay came to power promising safety for women in Tamil Nadu. But as the days pass, it doesn’t seem any different from the previous regime.

A 61-year-old mentally challenged homeless woman was gangraped in Velachery during the early hours of Thursday (28 May 2026). Police have arrested two guest workers from Bihar in connection with the incident. A 15-year-old boy, who was also detained for inquiry, was let off later, as reported in Times of India.

Police said the victim was a homeless person living near the Velachery bus stand for the past two months. On Thursday at around 4 am, she was seen walking near the HP petrol bunk on Velachery 100-Feet Road when passers-by noticed bloodstains on her leg and alerted the police control room and the 108-ambulance service.

A patrol team from Velachery police station rushed to the spot and shifted the woman to Saidapet Government Hospital for treatment. She was later referred to the Government Kasturba Gandhi Hospital for Women and Children in Egmore for further medical care.

During the inquiry, police found that the woman was taken on a Rapido two-wheeler to a secluded area near a Corporation park, where she was sexually assaulted. As the victim was unable to provide coherent details due to her mental condition, police relied on CCTV footage collected from the locality and technical evidence to trace the suspects.

The investigation led to the arrest of Mohammed Muttab, 26, and Mohammed Atheel, 23, both guest workers employed at eateries in Velachery. Police said the accused confessed during interrogation that they targeted the woman after noticing her walking alone in the locality.

The arrested men were produced before a magistrate court and remanded in judicial custody. Police said further investigation is under way to determine whether others were involved in the crime.

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TVK = DMK? Puthiya Thalaimurai Channel Reportedly Demoted In Arasu Cable Hours After Urging CM Vijay To Face Reporters

By
The Commune
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Back in October 2025 in the Dravidian Model regime, Puthiya Thalaimurai channel was allegedly taken off air by the Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation Limited (TACTV) leading to strong reactions from journalists and viewers. The move, reportedly made without prior notice, revived debates over political control of state-run media distribution and freedom of expression.

Now with the Joseph Vijay government in power, we are seeing a similar pattern.

On 28 May 2026, Puthiya Thalaimurai put out a news card requesting the Chief Minister for a press meet. It said, “Chief Minister Vijay ignores reporters. It is a tradition for Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers to give interviews when they visit Delhi; Jayalalithaa, Edappadi Palaniswami, Stalin… all met with reporters. A trip to Delhi is an opportunity to speak to the whole of India. It is important that Tamil Nadu’s voice comes out in the national media; Chief Minister Vijay, who has not met reporters in Chennai since taking office, also left for Tamil Nadu, shunning reporters in Delhi. The Delhi interview of the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and West Bengal attracted attention. When is the press conference, Chief Minister?”

This came after CM Vijay did not meet the press following his meeting with the Prime Minister.

Within a short while, news came in that Puthiya Thalaimurai channel was ‘demoted’ in Arasu Cable from channel. As per reports, the channel was pushed down from number 44 to number 61.

This is the third time that Puthiya Thalaimurai has faced such a situation. In 2017, the channel was temporarily removed from the Arasu Cable network after airing a survey related to the RK Nagar by-election, which was reportedly viewed as unfavourable to politician V.K. Sasikala.

The latest incident has also drawn attention from within Tamil media circles. Commentators have pointed out that when Puthiya Thalaimurai was taken off air during the previous AIADMK government, the channel had publicly raised the issue through its own broadcasts and social media handles. However, this time, despite reports of its removal circulating widely, the channel itself has not made any official statement or post about the issue on its platforms.

In 2025, it was removed from Arasu Cable under the DMK government and now in 2026, they have been pushed down the channel list.

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