Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has launched a scathing attack on the DMK-led state government following a shocking incident involving a TASMAC bar owner who attempted suicide, allegedly due to continuous harassment and extortion by TASMAC officials.
Taking to social media, Annamalai accused the DMK government of exploiting the state’s liquor distribution system for profit, while pushing the common man to the brink of despair. “How many more lives will your government destroy before you stop looting the poor?” he asked. “TASMAC’s sole aim is to ensure that common people remain inebriated, and the DMK profits at their expense.”
Annamalai’s full statement read, “TASMAC is a Tamil Nadu state-run corporation whose sole aim is to ensure that common people remain inebriated, and the DMK profits at their expense. Sales through illegal bars, unaccounted billing running to lakhs from every shop, and several thousand crores end up in the coffers of DMK Ministers every month. And here’s a TASMAC bar owner, unable to handle the pressure of being bullied by every officer in the system, wanting to take his life. TN CM Thir @mkstalin, how many more lives will your government destroy before you stop looting the poor and start acting like the Chief Minister of the State?”
TASMAC is a Tamil Nadu state-run corporation whose sole aim is to ensure that common people remain inebriated, and the DMK profits at their expense. Sales through illegal bars, unaccounted billing running to lakhs from every shop, and several thousand crores end up in the coffers… pic.twitter.com/9Lv5CVFtlO
The controversy erupted after Balakrishnan, a 50-year-old runs a TASMAC outlet near the Thennur Uzhavar Market in Trichy, attempted to take his own life by taking poison. His family managed to rescue him in time and admitted him to a private hospital, where he remains under intensive care. In the aftermath, a video surfaced online showing Balakrishnan revealing the reasons behind his drastic step, and the footage has since gone viral.
In the video, a visibly distressed Balakrishnan names several TASMAC officials whom he holds responsible for his mental anguish and suicide attempt. He accuses the Trichy District Manager, Accounts Assistant Manager Arjun, PWD Inspector Balakrishnan, and PWD writer Aravind of repeatedly demanding ₹50,000 in bribes every month, under the threat of registering false cases against him and his employees. He alleges that they even threatened to invoke the Goondas Act to force his staff into quitting if they continued working with him.
Balakrishnan claims he regularly paid bribes to AM Arjun, including ₹1.25 lakh for a liquor shop tender. Despite his compliance, he says his six shops were deliberately targeted, with officials threatening to shut them down. He alleges that this harassment took place publicly, in front of his office, humiliating him and tarnishing his reputation. According to him, while he was being squeezed for money, several unauthorized bars operated freely with the knowledge—and blessings—of the same officials.
He went on to describe the extent of unaccounted profits made from the liquor trade. The shop he worked at reportedly sold around 12,000 bottles daily, including quarter and half bottles, generating an excess revenue of ₹22,000 to ₹23,000 each day. He accused the TASMAC DM of pocketing this illegal income, collecting between ₹15 to ₹20 lakh per month from various shops, with the AM also taking a share. A man named JP was allegedly in charge of collecting these bribes and distributing them, not just in Trichy but across other districts like Tanjore, Pudukkottai, Villupuram, Perambalur, and Nagapattinam.
Balakrishnan also recounted an earlier incident where 150 liquor cases reportedly went missing from a TASMAC warehouse. According to him, the DM paid ₹3 lakh to cover part of the loss, while other TASMAC officials contributed the remaining ₹12 lakh. He questioned the fairness of this arrangement and suggested it pointed to deep-rooted corruption. He further claimed he paid a monthly bribe of ₹1.18 lakh to a police officer named Balakrishnan and said he had video proof of recent payoffs—including one taken that very morning near Velan Hospital, which he planned to send to his wife as evidence.
He described how his shops were raided for three consecutive days, with five cases threatened and two already filed. Three cases of liquor were seized, though he alleged only a few bottles were officially documented. His frustration was evident as he stated that those who work hard and follow rules are forced into suffering, while corrupt officials enjoy a life of luxury, shielded by their powerful connections. He concluded by lamenting that the real loss to TASMAC comes not from honest shopkeepers, but from the very officials who exploit the system.
This disturbing revelation has intensified scrutiny over TASMAC’s operations and reignited the opposition’s criticism of the DMK’s handling of the state-run liquor monopoly. Annamalai’s remarks have drawn sharp attention, with many demanding a full-scale investigation into the allegations raised in the video.
In the video the Balakrishnan said, “The persons responsible for my death are Trichy TASMAC’s DM, Accounts AM Arjun, PWD inspector Balakrishnan and PWD writer Aravind. They are the reason for my death. I was doing my business well without issues. They continuously demand ₹50,000 every month or else file case against me and intimidate me on continuing my business and cases as well intimidating my employees too warned the of Goondas act if they work for me. They keep intimidating me continuously. TASMAC accounts AM Arjun has been getting money from me always, I had been giving money always. I have been giving money every month. Besides this, he got ₹1.25 lakhs from me for a (TASMAC) tender. I gave him that money too. I did not demand money from anyone else. He deliberately keeps picking on my 6 shops and warned me of dire consequences saying he will issue closing order. He intimidating me in front of my office bringing me to streets. Both TASMAC DM and AM said this. I said take action against me, I would not oppose but there are many illegal bars operating and they get money from many illegal bars. The TASMAC shop I work in sees business of 15,000 bottles a day. Sorry, not 15,000 but 12,000 bottles per day. 2,000 number of quarters bottles, it does excess business of ₹17,000 per day adding beer and half bottles it does an excess of ₹22,000 to ₹23,000. The TASMAC DM owns all these excess income. He gets about ₹15 to ₹20 lakh per month this way from all the shops. The TASMAC AM also has a share in this, there is a person called JP allocated to collect the money as well. Apart from this, to the SRM, from all districts Trichy, Tanjore, Pudukkottai, Villupuram, Perambalur from all these districts including Nagapattinam they are collecting money like brokerage. The person JP is collecting all the money. Who is creating loss for TASMAC? is it them or us? Last time, Senthil Balaji (ex minister) took the (TASMAC) tender. He was the one who took tender all over we operated TASMAC shops on rental basis. I have paid tender amount even for bars that were closed. I have incurred huge loss, so much has been done before this too. Few days ago 150 cases of liquor was missing from TASMAC godown. The DM paid ₹3 lakh for the lost liquor. Other TASMAC officers paid the remaining ₹12 lakh was it correct and fair? If they claim what they do is correct then I earned through hard work, I give them bribe. To the police balakrishnan sir I gave ₹1.18 lakh every month as a bribe. They sucked the blood out of my hard work and lead a life seems to be dignified but I got money for interest and going through depression. They raided my shops for 3 days said they will file 5 cases against me and filed 2 cases already. They have confiscated 3 cases of liquor too for name sake they handed 4 or 5 bottles to us. I have video proof of him getting money from me. The PC got money from me this morning underneath Velan hospital and I have the video on my phone. I’ll send it to my wife take it as a proof. Apart from this there are many irregularities in TASMAC like DM, AM, JP, SRM. SRM gets money from all the districts the inspector also gets money. We who toil hard should die and these guys should live a luxurious life. You don’t know their net worth, we are working hard to bribe them but they doing such atrocities.”
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The so-called “left-liberal” news portal The Wire, has consistently sought to downplay or outright reject the notion of ‘Love Jihad’ in India, now finds itself embroiled in a disturbing controversy involving one of its own contributors. A woman has come forward with harrowing allegations of sexual violence, psychological torment, and repeated physical abuse at the hands of Omar Rashid, a journalist associated with the platform.
In a now widely circulated Instagram post, the unnamed woman details her traumatic experiences, alleging that Rashid—significantly older and well-connected in Delhi’s liberal media ecosystem—groomed her under the guise of progressive ideals. She claims he initiated contact by discussing politics and sharing curated walks in Delhi’s Lodhi Gardens, a tactic she believes he has used with multiple women. Portraying himself as a sensitive, progressive Muslim man—an animal lover, foodie, and a grieving son—Rashid allegedly used this facade to manipulate and trap victims.
She alleged, “This is a public call-out of Omar Rashid, who is a violent serial assaulter and rapist masquerading as a progressive journalist. Having worked for reputed news outlets like The Hindu and the Outlook, and currently at The Wire, he has a pattern of using his position to get into relationships with women and indulge in intimate-partner violence and extreme forms of misogynistic and anti-women sexual behavior. I am attempting to ensure that no crucial details of the incidents are missed out, so that other women reading this are aware of the pattern of abuse employed by this person and stay safe in the future. I am crying as I write this and my hands are trembling, as I relive every detail of those horrifying days and nights with Omar. But after internalizing immense guilt and shame, and understanding that another woman has lived and might be living through this as I am writing this, I want to put out the most shameful and crass details of the hell that he put me through. I have learnt that he baits women through a very specific pattern, the same pattern which he employed to bat me. He uses his social media to portray a very progressive, emotionally considerate image of him. On his social media he has build an image of him as a charming, progressive, pet lover, foodie guy who has lost his mother. He starts his game by inviting women to walks to the Lodhi Garden, something which I have got to hear from several women. I am ashamed to confess that I too am a victim of these manipulative tactics, which i came to realize at a much later stage. When I first got to know him through Instagram, it was days of chatting about progressive politics and how nice of a guy Omar is. It was followed by conversations about love, emotional intimacy, and the mega concept of romance found in literature. As a woman new to the city, and much younger than him, I relied on him to navigate through the progressive spaces and Delhi. He used to take me to Press Club events, as his “trophy friend” (not trophy wife, since he refused to publically acknowledge our relationship), and a token progressive feminist acquaintance.”
Describing him as a habitual abuser and serial rapist, the woman recounts being repeatedly beaten, slapped, kicked, and subjected to violent sexual assaults. Throughout the course of their so-called relationship, she says she endured unrelenting sexual humiliation, brutal beatings, and rape that often left her bloodied and bruised. The victim further alleges that Rashid consistently refused to use protection during intercourse, leading to multiple gynecological issues, including repeated visits to doctors for abortions and treatment for STIs—consequences she links to Rashid’s sexual involvement with numerous other individuals.
She further added, “Very soon, this escalated out of hand and turned out into my worst nightmares, which were to continue to define my life for the coming months. It continues to haunt me to this very moment as I type this, but here it is. Throughout this relationship, as a feminist admitting what was done to me throughout the relationship, I was physically pushed around, kicked, slapped, almost choked to death, and abused in unimaginable ways both physically and sexually. I was always forced into surrendering into having unprotected and violent sex to a point where I found myself hiding in the washroom, crying uncontrollably with blood dripping down my thighs. I still remain in disbelief that Omar raped me. I cannot forget this reflection of mine which is imprinted in my head, and that I am still in disbelief and finding it difficult to navigate with the fact that this happened to me, and the Omar raped me- not once, not twice, but throoughout the period that I was with him. I still remember refusing to have sex, telling him an explicit NO, again and again, begging him because I was so fearful of his rage all this time. I imagined and kept living in the anxiety that I might get beaten up by Omar again, at any given point- which kept happening anyway, all the time.”
Despite her repeated pleas and explicit refusals, including during times of illness, Rashid allegedly continued to rape her, at times forcing her to hide in the bathroom to escape. One particularly disturbing allegation involves him coercing her into eating beef, despite her aversion and physical reaction to it—actions she says were part of his insistence on asserting his Kashmiri Muslim identity and her status as a “non-Muslim.”
She said, “Numerous times that I was forced into sex, I was chronically unwell and unwilling. At those times, Omar would then force me to beg him for forgiveness, while he laughed and ate in front of me like nothing had happened. This happened while he kept chatting with other women on his phone. On all the occasions, he refused to use a condom to assert his power over me. I had to deal with being forcefully impregnated at all occasions, and I kept visiting the gynec secretly- because he would not allow me to seek treatment. Apart from pregnancy scares, because he was constantly cheating on me (sleeping with other women since we were not in a relationship), I always lived in a fear of getting STDs. I had rashes and yeast infections, and hormonal imbalances caused by regularly taking i-pills. As stated before, I had to seek medical help secretively, since I was made to believe by Omar that I was hysterical in all my pregnancy and STD scares.”
She claimed, “The most evil thing that happened every time that I got brutally beaten up, was Omar taking out his phone and recording me in that moment, my clothes and hair disheveled- to portray me as a hysterical woman. All this while he constantly surveilled me, where I went, whom I talked to, censored my social media, moral policing my daily life, my dietary choices- while constantly telling me how ugly I looked. He used to degrade me by dictating every aspect of my life, in the ways as that Omar pleased. He had a problem with my diet, with what I eat and what I don’t. He used to regularly force me to consume beef- as some weird test of secularism. I used to puke every time I was forced into it, and he derived a sadistic pleasure out of that- the same way in which he derived pleasure from seeing me beg on his feet, so that he does not describe the imagery of he having sex with my mother. He also used to make me imagine having sex with my male friends and colleagues- especially the older ones. It was more traumatizing because those men were the age of my grandfather.”
She also claims he deliberately destroyed her possessions, including irreplaceable family heirlooms, knowing she was financially vulnerable. The post describes scenes of abject degradation—being made to grovel, subjected to degrading comments involving her family, and physically attacked.
She alleged, “He broke my most expensive possessions, some of which were a gift from my father and closest friends, all this while knowing that I lived hand-to-mouth, and as a power move to torture me. I kept begging for him to stop smashing my things on the floor and the wall, but he would proceed to do smash them harder to make me cry and beg even more (also followed by recording me cry and beg on the camera). I am ashamed that I kept grabbing his feet, begging Omar not to do this, and asking what he was getting out of breaking.”
While the survivor explicitly states she does not wish to communalize her ordeal, she emphasizes that her story reflects a broader, systemic problem—of powerful men, especially in media and professional spaces, preying on younger, vulnerable women.
She said, “Omar always kept reminding me of my identity as a “non-muslim” in the hindu rashtra, and how this relation needed to be kept secret for the greater good of the muslim men, and the idea of this being seen as love jihad. This was what made me keep quiet for the longest time, since I knew the hindutva brigade’s possible reaction to it. However, I recently got to know that there are more women than me-that it makes it a #WeToo, not really a #MeToo. I want to make this clear that this is not to be seen as a communal or ethnic issue- what Omar kept repeating throughout by proclaiming his kashmiri muslim identity, but rather an account of one person who chose to weaponise all of this to get sadistic pleasure out of this by tormenting young progessive women, while guilt-tripping them into silence because they would play into the hindutva hands by calling him out. He always used to say that he will destroy me, my family, anything little that I have earned- but he has made sure that now, I have nothing left to lose. To all the young women reading this, it is not #MeToo, this has always been #WeToo.”
🚨SHOCKING – Kashmiri Muslim journo Omar Rashid @omar7rashid who works for @thewire_in trapped a Hindu girl
Please Stop Turning Our Pain Into Fuel for Your Hate-Filled Politics
In a recent heartfelt message, the survivor expressed deep anguish over how her words are being distorted to inflame Islamophobia and direct hostility toward The Wire, a media outlet she still regards as committed to ethical journalism in India. She made it unequivocally clear: her ordeal is not about religion. It’s not about being Kashmiri. It’s not about being Muslim. It’s not even about gender alone. It’s about patriarchy — a deeply ingrained culture of male entitlement that permeates every layer of society.
She chose to speak out because all other avenues for justice seemed blocked. Since coming forward, she has faced vicious slut-shaming — something she anticipated, but which still stings because of how normalized such cruelty has become. Those now exploiting her trauma to push a communal narrative, she said, were never truly concerned about women. They conveniently use the image of a “Hindu sister” only when it serves their agenda of hate.
She reflected bitterly on the toxic reactions, saying: “It’s not Hinduism that’s under threat — it’s being threatened by Hindus.” She clarified that she has no issue with beef consumption, pointing out that many Hindus eat beef. Her dietary choices are dictated by health conditions, not belief. What she suffered was not rooted in religious or culinary identity — it was about control, coercion, and dominance.
She reaffirmed her belief in the Indian Constitution — in liberty, the freedom she was denied; in equality, the dignity taken from her; in fraternity, the solidarity that online trolls are tearing apart. The man who abused her could have been from any faith. His religion did not cause his violence — his predatory mindset did. He was an abuser, plain and simple.
Her decision to go public was driven by a fear for the safety of other women. This, she emphasized, is about a repeat offender, a man who exploited and harmed — and about the daily violence that countless women endure. She urged people not to hijack her story for Hindutva propaganda or erase her experience to make space for political narratives.
Addressing Hindu men directly, she condemned the obsession with Muslim identity that has come at the cost of silencing Hindu women. There is no such thing as “Love Jihad,” she argued — only a deeply patriarchal society that uses invented threats to control women, even within so-called progressive spaces.
This issue is not religious — it’s systemic. It’s male violence, and it exists across communities. Reducing it to a communal battle distorts the truth and perpetuates the very brutality women are trying to escape. Using survivors’ trauma as a political weapon only adds to the bloodshed.
Kashmir, she added, is already suffering. And while she mourns what she personally went through, she also grieves the broader damage — to the cause of Kashmir, to the struggle for dignity of Muslims in India, who face daily threats, discrimination, and violence.
Her message is a plea to conscience: stand with survivors, not with hatred. And to those who have shown solidarity — she offers heartfelt thanks.
The Wire’s Response
In response to the allegations, The Wire issued a public statement acknowledging the seriousness of the accusations against Omar Rashid. The statement clarified that Rashid had been contributing to the outlet as a freelance journalist and confirmed that an internal investigation, in line with applicable legal procedures, is currently underway.
The Wire stated, “The Wire has taken serious note of the social media posts that have made grave allegations against Mr. Omar Rashid, who has been contributing to The Wire for the past couple of years as an independent journalist. We will be conducting an inquiry as per relevant laws and procedures applicable in the matter, and decide on how to best move forward to address the allegations raised in the posts.”
For years, The Wire and similar ideologically aligned outlets have vehemently denied the existence of what is commonly referred to as “Love Jihad“—a term used to describe the alleged targeting of Hindu and Christian women by Muslim men under false pretenses, often resulting in forced conversions, abuse, and long-term trauma. Critics argue this pattern is rooted in extremist interpretations that regard non-Muslim women as subhuman, fit only for subjugation and exploitation.
This disturbing case has reignited debates around such issues, especially given the backdrop of historical and ongoing incidents—ranging from the UK’s grooming gang scandals and the Yazidi women enslaved by ISIS, to the infamous Ajmer abuse case and the Islamist conversion rackets operating in Kerala. Observers claim that far from being relics of the past, these patterns persist in today’s world—often enabled or ignored by the very same liberal institutions that claim to champion justice and equality.
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Open-source intelligence (OSINT) findings have brought to light the substantial strategic and operational damage suffered by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during Operation Sindoor, an Indian retaliatory mission carried out between April and May 2025. The Indian Air Force (IAF) responded with precision, professionalism, and restraint—demonstrating strength without the need for provocation or propaganda.
The retaliation was characterized by targeted, high-impact aerial and ground strikes, leading to the confirmed loss of eight F-16 fighter jets and four JF-17s, among other critical assets. India’s actions were both swift and surgical, reflecting a highly disciplined use of airpower rooted in intelligence-led strategy.
Comprehensive Assessment: Pakistan Air Force Losses (April–May 2025)
An extensive assessment based on open-source intelligence (OSINT), supported by real-time ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) data, satellite imagery, and independent expert analysis, has outlined the significant losses sustained by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during India’s Operation Sindoor. The total estimated financial impact of the damage inflicted between April and May 2025 is approximately $3.36 billion USD.
Aerial Combat Losses
The aerial combat, which covers direct asset losses, resulted in the confirmed downing of multiple key assets. These include four F-16 Block 52D fighter jets valued at $87.38 million each (totaling $349.52 million), one Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C at $93 million, and an IL-78 aerial refueling aircraft worth $35 million. Additionally, Pakistan lost two CM-400AKG missiles and two Shaheen-class missiles valued at $3.2 million and $8 million respectively. Six Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) were also eliminated, amounting to $36 million. In total, these aerial losses alone amounted to approximately $524.72 million.
Ground Combat Losses
Further losses were recorded on the ground as a result of targeted Indian strikes. Four more F-16 Block 52Ds were destroyed while parked at airbases, accounting for another $349.52 million in damage. A C-130H Hercules transport aircraft was also taken out, worth $40 million, along with a highly sophisticated HQ-9 surface-to-air missile (SAM) battery valued at $200 million. Two mobile command centers were neutralized as well, with a combined cost of $10 million. These ground-based losses totaled $599.52 million, bringing the overall asset destruction—air and ground combined—to roughly $1.124 billion USD.
Operational Readiness-related Expenditures During the Conflict
The sustained deployment of combat air patrols, strike sorties, and drone missions over 29 days led to an estimated cost of $725 million. Concurrent drone and missile operations involving systems such as Ra’ad, Bayraktar, and Hatf munitions added another $450 million. In addition, round-the-clock border mobilization, electronic warfare logistics, and radar activations cost an estimated $435 million. Combined, these operational activities incurred $1.61 billion USD in additional expenditure.
Damage to Key Military Infrastructure and Airbases
The damage to military infrastructure and airbases further compounded Pakistan’s losses. At PAF Base Nur Khan, critical AEW&C shelters and control centers were struck, requiring an estimated $125 million in repairs. At PAF Base Mushaf in Sargodha, damage to radar systems and F-16 command bays necessitates $100 million in reconstruction costs. Altogether, infrastructure damage is projected at $225 million USD.
Operational Highlights
India’s precision strikes resulted in the downing of four combat-ready F-16 jets and the destruction of a high-value Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft mid-air. Additionally, two hypersonic cruise missiles and two surface-to-surface missiles were intercepted during the operation, along with multiple UCAVs and loitering munitions. On the ground, India’s strikes obliterated four more F-16s and neutralized an AEW&C system stationed at an airbase.
In conclusion, Operation Sindoor has decisively weakened Pakistan’s aerial warfare capabilities through the elimination of high-value assets, degradation of critical infrastructure, and the imposition of massive operational costs. This response showcased India’s capability to execute calibrated, intelligence-driven air operations—striking hard without provocation and demonstrating strength without resorting to sensationalism. The operation stands as a model of modern precision warfare—power without propaganda, precision without provocation.
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A. Ashvathaman, the State Secretary of the Tamil Nadu BJP and Founder of the TamilAl Project, has cordially extended an open invitation to the grand launch of “TamilAl”, a groundbreaking artificial intelligence model developed entirely in Tamil, and deeply inspired by the language’s literary legacy, cultural richness, and the philosophical principle of Aram (moral virtue).
Developed by Deffo Tech Private Limited, TamilAl represents India’s first fully indigenous AI language model built exclusively in an Indian language. Drawing from both classical and contemporary Tamil literature, this initiative aims to preserve and promote Tamil linguistic heritage while harnessing the transformative potential of AI.
Inauguration Details
Venue: D-7 Auditorium, IIT Research Park, Taramani, Chennai Date: 6th June 2025 Time: 4:00 PM
Program Highlights
Welcome Address & Introduction: Shri A. Ashvathaman, Founder, TamilAl Project
Chief Guest: Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & IT, Government of India
Guest of Honour: YB Saraswathy Kandasamy, Deputy Minister of National Unity, Government of Malaysia
Special Address: Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras
Distinguished Overseas Guest: Cllr. Pappa Vetri, Councillor, Chelmsford City Council, United Kingdom
About TamilAl
TamilAl is envisioned as more than a language model—it is a dynamic AI that reflects the soul of Tamil civilization. Rooted in the ethos of Aram and trained on a vast corpus of Tamil literature—from Sangam poetry to modern works—it stands as a digital embodiment of Tamil culture, intellect, and identity.
The initiative is proudly supported by the Integral Humanism Foundation.Be a part of this milestone moment in Tamil and Indian technological history.
Message from A. Ashvathaman via X platform, “My long-time dream is coming true! We are creating a fully developed Artificial Intelligence model exclusively for our Tamil language. This Language Learning Model (LLM), being developed entirely in India, will include everything from Sangam literature to lakhs of books. The launch event will be held on June 6 at IIT Madras, Chennai. Honourable Union Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw will be the chief guest, Hon’ble Deputy Minister of National Unity, Malaysia, Smt.Saraswathi Kandasamy will be the special international guest, The Director of IIT Madras, Prof. Kamakoti, will deliver a special address, and Respected London Councillor @vetripappauk will participate as the distinguished overseas guest. I wholeheartedly invite all of you to this historic and momentous occasion.”
நீண்ட நாளைய என்னுடைய கனவு நிறைவேறுகிறது!
நம்முடைய தமிழ் மொழிக்கென்று தனியாக முழுமையான செயற்கை நுண்ணறிவு Artificial Intelligence உருவாக்குகிறோம்.
சங்க இலக்கியங்கள் தொடங்கி லட்சக்கணக்கான புத்தகங்களை உள்ளடக்கி முழுமையாக இந்தியாவில் தயாரிக்கப்பட்ட ஒரு LLM (Language Learning… pic.twitter.com/z4eBtakjCS
— Ashvathaman Allimuthu (@asuvathaman) May 21, 2025
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On 21 May 2025, the Madras High Court firmly rejected the contention that its scrutiny of recent legislative amendments—removing the Tamil Nadu Governor’s role in appointing Vice-Chancellors to state universities—would amount to interfering with a Supreme Court ruling on gubernatorial powers.
A Vacation Bench comprising Justices G.R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan had, a day earlier, granted a temporary stay on the enforcement of these amendments, which had reassigned the Governor’s authority in Vice-Chancellor appointments to the State Government.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate P. Wilson, appearing for the State’s Higher Education Department, argued that the laws in question had received ‘deemed assent’ from the Supreme Court under Article 142 of the Constitution. This was based on a previous Supreme Court ruling that came in response to a petition filed by the State Government over Governor R.N. Ravi’s delay in granting assent to various State Bills. That ruling had outlined constitutional boundaries on the Governor’s powers.
However, the High Court took strong exception to Wilson’s suggestion that the Court should not entertain the plea due to the pending transfer petition in the apex court. The judges found this assertion not only misplaced but offensive.
“Mr. Wilson’s claim that we are effectively reviewing a Supreme Court judgment is outrageous,” the Court remarked.
The court further added “We say with utmost sadness and regret that the approach of Shri. P. Wilson was one of obstruction and not assistance.”
“We are fully aware of our jurisdiction and deeply respect the authority of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. We do not require lectures on this matter.”, the court said.
The Bench clarified that the Supreme Court had not examined the constitutional validity of the amendments themselves and, therefore, the High Court was within its rights to assess their legality. Judicial discipline, the judges stated, demanded adherence to precedent—but not blind submission where constitutional questions remain unresolved.
They noted that when the Advocate General claimed that the issues raised had already been addressed in the apex court’s verdict, the judges asked for specific references. The Advocate General, after a failed attempt, withdrew the claim.
Addressing the argument that a transfer plea was pending before the Supreme Court, the High Court clarified that there had been no stay issued preventing it from proceeding with the matter. “Had the Supreme Court instructed us, even orally, to halt proceedings, we would have respected that immediately. But no such instruction exists,” the Bench observed.
The judges also emphasized that the matter warranted immediate attention, as the challenged amendments appeared to contradict existing University Grants Commission (UGC) norms.
Rejecting the claim that there was no urgency for a vacation bench to grant relief, the Court asserted that justice must remain accessible regardless of whether the Court is officially on break. “While judges may be on vacation, courts cannot afford to be. We act on serious constitutional concerns whenever they arise,” the Bench said, referencing remarks by the Chief Justice of India encouraging courts to treat vacation periods as partial working days.
The Court also dismissed requests for more time to respond to the petition, observing that a full week had already been provided—sufficient for addressing purely legal issues. Criticizing P. Wilson’s approach as obstructionist, the judges contrasted it with the Advocate General’s constructive participation in the legal debate, despite disagreeing on the adjournment.
Concluding that the legislative amendments were “manifestly unconstitutional,” the Court granted interim relief, stating “The degree of constitutional and legal conflict posed by the amendments is so apparent that ignoring it would be unjustifiable. Allowing this process to continue would risk causing irreversible harm and undermine public interest.”
Former AIADMK minister D. Jayakumar has raised pointed questions about the involvement of film producer Akash Bhaskaran in the ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe linked to a ₹1,000 crore scam in Tamil Nadu’s TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation). His remarks come in the wake of ED raids on multiple premises, including liquor factories and the TASMAC head office.
The investigation intensified last March when ED officials raided TASMAC’s headquarters and several liquor production units, alleging large-scale financial irregularities amounting to ₹1,000 crore. In follow-up raids across Chennai, officials searched over 10 locations, including the home of TASMAC Managing Director Vishagan in Manapakkam, the SNJ distillery in Choolaimedu, and the residences of film producer Akash Bhaskaran in Teynampet and industrialist Devakumar in Triplicane.
Akash Bhaskaran, known for producing films like Idli Kadai featuring Dhanush and Parasakthi starring Sivakarthikeyan, was reportedly summoned by the ED for questioning but has yet to appear. His absence has fueled speculation, especially as several TASMAC officials have already responded to the agency’s inquiries.
In this backdrop, Former AIADMK minister Jayakumar took to social media platform X, posting a video and sharply criticizing the DMK government questioned the presence of Akash Bhaskaran during Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s visit to Senthil Balaji at the hospital. Balaji had been admitted after reportedly experiencing chest pain following his arrest by the ED.
In the post, Jayakumar mocked the hospital visit saying, “Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi went to witness the chest pain drama staged by ‘martyr’ Senthil Balaji during the Enforcement Directorate raid. Why did he take Akash Bhaskaran inside with him? What is the connection between “Ten Rupees Balaji” and the producer of Parasakthi? Why did Udhayanidhi personally seek out Akash Bhaskaran and take him into the hospital? It is now glaringly evident that DAWN PICTURES was operating using TASMAC revenue!”
தியாகி செந்தில் பாலாஜி அமலாக்கத்துறை சோதனையின் போது மருத்துவமனையில் நடத்திய நெஞ்சு வலி நாடகத்தை காண்பதற்கு சென்றார் துணை முதலமைச்சர் உதயநிதி.
கையோடு ஆகாஷ் பாஸ்கரனை உள்ளே அழைத்துச் சென்றது ஏன்?
பத்து ரூபாய் பாலாஜிக்கும் பராசக்தி தயாரிப்பாளருக்கும் என்ன தொடர்பு? உதயநிதி ஆகாஷ்… pic.twitter.com/ikpb97uYEz
Further scrutiny has also fallen on Akash Bhaskaran’s personal connections. He is married to Dharani, the daughter of Thenmozhi (Karunanidhi’s granddaughter) and C.K. Ranganathan, the chairman of CavinKare. This family link, combined with Akash’s rising profile in the Tamil film industry, has intensified public and political curiosity about his role in the unfolding scandal.
As the ED probe continues and the opposition ramps up its criticism, pressure mounts on the DMK government to clarify the nature of these alleged connections and address the accusations of misuse of public funds.
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In Murshidabad, West Bengal, violence targeting Hindus erupted during protests linked to the Waqf Amendment Bill. A fact-finding committee set up by the Calcutta High Court has released a damning report, implicating local leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), including municipal councilors and a sitting MLA. The report describes an orchestrated campaign of violence in which Hindu homes were set ablaze, water supplies were deliberately cut to prevent firefighting, and widespread looting and destruction occurred.
The unrest began around 2:30 PM on 11 April 2025, and continued into 12 April, affecting several areas including Betbona village, Dhuliyan, Palpara (Ward 16), Samserganj, Hijaltala, Shiulitala, Digri, and Ghoshpara. Betbona was the worst hit, with 113 homes rendered uninhabitable.
Water Supply Sabotaged to Prevent Firefighting Efforts
According to the report, attackers deliberately disabled access to water, ensuring that fires could not be extinguished once homes were set ablaze. Water pipelines were severed, tanks were smashed, and submersible pumps were destroyed, leaving residents defenseless as their homes went up in flames. Kerosene was used to ignite the fires, turning possessions into ashes. In many cases, even the clothing inside homes was burned, leaving women without anything to wear.
The investigation committee documented numerous victim testimonies that painted a disturbing picture of the targeted brutality. All of those affected were from the Hindu community and recounted how their homes were torched, valuables looted, and their families assaulted with lethal weapons.
Pratima Mandal (Betbona): Pratima reported finding a live bomb near her residence. She said that gold jewelry and furniture were stolen from her home. Other victims in the same attack included Manoj Roy, Akash Mandal, Bikash Mandal, Nikhil Mandal, Chitta Roy, Babul Mandal, Nibarun Mandal, Shampa Mandal, Bhabananda Ghosh, Basudeb Mandal, Ram Mandal, Arjun Mandal, and Latika Mandal.
Prasanta and Saraswati Mandal: The couple shared that their vehicles—including a Toto van, a motorcycle, a bicycle, and a tractor—were looted and then set ablaze.
Phoolchand and Palash Mandal: This family of three, including a small child, said their house was completely destroyed, rendering it unlivable. Phoolchand recounted how those trying to help his wife and child were attacked with knives. He sustained critical injuries to his neck and abdomen.
Parul Das: Parul described how assailants broke into his home, shattered windows, and hurled bottles and stones. His wife and son were abducted. The attackers had their faces covered to avoid being identified.
Hargovinda Das and Chandan Das: In what was one of the most gruesome incidents, 74-year-old Hargovinda and his 40-year-old son Chandan were killed with an axe by Muslim neighbors. Witnesses claimed that one of the attackers stood guard until both were dead. The murders, which took place on April 12, caused such fear that few people even attended the funerals.
Krishna Chanda Pal: Krishna stated that attackers looted ₹17 lakh worth of gold and furniture from his home. They broke in through the rear entrance and assaulted his family members.
Jai Ram Pal: He reported that both his pottery shop and cyber café were completely destroyed by fire.
Apurba K.R. Pal and Kripa Sindhu Pal: These victims said they lost a bicycle, a 32-inch television, and about ₹2 lakh during the violence.
Nabin Chanda Pal and Sankar Pal: Nabin said that ₹80,000 saved for his son’s wedding and two pieces of gold jewelry were stolen. His entire household was reduced to rubble.
When houses of people were set ablaze in Murshidabad, ‘miscreants’ cut off water supply, destroyed the water tank and submersible pump so the desperate victims couldn’t even extinguish the fire.
-They burnt all the clothes in the house so *women didn’t have anything to cover… pic.twitter.com/8R5p0cEtfA
The report states the violence was incited by local TMC councilor Mehboob Alam, who was present at the scene with masked attackers. Later, TMC MLA Amirul Islam arrived, pointed out untouched houses, and the mob torched them too. He made no attempt to stop the violence and left quietly.
Despite repeated calls for help, the local police remained inactive—this even though the affected area was only 300 meters from a police station. The inquiry committee labeled the police response a case of severe dereliction of duty.
Temples Attacked, Shops Looted
In Ghoshpara, 29 shops were damaged or looted. A commercial market was ransacked and shut down. Grocery stores, hardware shops, electronics retailers, and clothing outlets were destroyed, along with essential documents. Temples were desecrated—reports allege acts of urination in front of temples and that Hindus were forced to recite Islamic declarations under duress.
Post-Violence Conditions and Call for Justice
Following the attacks, Betbona village remains in ruins, with displaced women seeking refuge with relatives. Victims continue to live in fear, with little assistance from authorities. The inquiry committee—comprising members of the National Human Rights Commission, State Legal Services Authority, and the judiciary—submitted its findings to the Calcutta High Court’s division bench on 20 May 2025.
The report clearly concludes that the violence was a targeted, organized assault on the Hindu community, facilitated by local TMC leaders and tolerated by an inactive police force. The events unfolded under the guise of opposition to legislative reform, but the scale and nature of the attacks point to something far more sinister.
Despite the seriousness of the findings, there has been little national outrage or media coverage. Those who frequently raise concerns over “democratic backsliding” have remained silent, raising serious questions about selective activism and whether justice will ever be served for the victims of this violence.
In a candid discussion with senior advocate and Congress veteran Kapil Sibal, former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha criticized the Modi-led government, accusing it of using India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack as a political strategy ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. Sinha, who formerly served as India’s External Affairs Minister and was once a senior BJP leader, suggested that Pakistan-backed terrorist incidents appear to align suspiciously with Indian election timelines.
He pointed out that the Pulwama attack occurred just before the 2019 general elections and claimed a similar pattern is evident with the recent Pahalgam incident, happening ahead of Bihar polls. Sinha alleged that the ruling party exploits matters of national security to gather votes and claimed that Prime Minister Modi previously used the Pulwama and Uri attacks as rallying points during campaigns.
When Kapil Sibal described the military operation as a retaliatory act following the terror attack, Yashwant Sinha responded by drawing a connection between such actions and electoral timing. He remarked, “Bihar elections were coming. When Pulwama happened, elections were coming. Uri was attacked and after that surgical strike took place and in the election Modiji gave speech in which he said for the first time I would like to appeal against voters that they should vote us on behalf of martyrs of Pulwama. Now tell me. The issue of national security was politicised by the martyrs from Pulwama and that’s why whatever happened now I believe it is being done with full focus on Bihar elections.”
TMC’s Yashwant Sinha has given a clean chit to Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack, says it was staged for the Bihar elections.
Further, he criticized the government for lacking transparency and accountability, particularly for not sharing detailed information about either the Pulwama or Pahalgam attacks. According to him, the public was kept in the dark in both cases.
Sinha also questioned the Prime Minister’s media conduct, stating that Modi avoids press conferences and cannot speak without a teleprompter.
Critique of the $5 Trillion Economy Goal
Turning his attention to economic policy, Sinha dismissed the government’s $5 trillion economy target, calling it an illusion. He mockingly noted that people in his former constituency don’t even comprehend the term “trillion.” Sibal concurred, saying that the goal is meaningless without a rise in per capita income—something the current government has failed to achieve. Sinha accused the Modi administration of peddling unrealistic dreams to the public.
Foreign Policy Under Fire
Sinha was equally scathing about India’s foreign policy. He argued that PM Modi has overly centralized control, diminishing the role of the External Affairs Minister. Sinha went so far as to call current Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar merely “a glorified foreign secretary,” claiming that Modi has turned foreign policy into a personal project.
He also questioned the utility of Modi’s frequent international visits, sarcastically saying the Prime Minister has probably traveled everywhere except Timbuktu. Sinha claimed these trips have cost taxpayers heavily with little diplomatic return, highlighting India’s isolation during a recent IMF vote concerning Pakistan, where no country stood with India.
Mocking the government further, both Sinha and Sibal joked that only Taiwan, the Taliban, and Israel currently support India on the world stage.
Restoring Kashmir’s Statehood
Addressing the situation in Kashmir, Sinha condemned the Modi government for deepening the alienation of Kashmiris. He advocated for the reinstatement of Article 370 and the restoration of full statehood. It is important to note that the Supreme Court of India had upheld the constitutional removal of Article 370 in a recent ruling.
Sinha Reflects on BJP’s Transformation
Concluding his remarks, Sinha contrasted the BJP of the past with its present-day avatar. According to him, the earlier BJP was inclusive and secular, whereas the current leadership governs by creating social and political divisions. Sibal credited Sinha for his instrumental role in strengthening India-U.S. relations, particularly during the lifting of nuclear sanctions during his tenure.
On 21 May 2025, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar gave ammo to Pakistan by questioning the Modi government regarding potential casualties or damage sustained by Indian forces following the border escalation that ensued after the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Addressing a press conference, Wadettiwar noted that “doubts are emerging” over whether Indian troops suffered any losses during the exchange. He referenced unconfirmed reports claiming that Pakistan deployed thousands of inexpensive, Chinese-manufactured drones, prompting India to retaliate with highly expensive missile systems.
“There are discussions that they (Pakistan) launched 5,000 China-made drones and the value of each drone was ₹15,000. To destroy each drone worth ₹15,000, we launched missiles worth ₹15 lakhs. This was a part of China’s tactic…There are also discussions that our 3-4 Rafale jets were shot down…The government should give a clarification,” he remarked.
Wadettiwar went on to allege that India’s decision to halt military action was influenced by pressure from the United States. He also questioned whether there were any significant losses on the Indian side, such as damage to Rafale fighter jets.
“Why is it wrong to ask these questions in a democracy?” he said. “Was there any loss? Were any of our Rafale jets hit? How many soldiers were injured? If the Pakistani soldier in our custody was returned and we stopped the operation based on U.S. instructions, the public has a right to know.”
#WATCH | Nagpur | Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar says, "…There are discussions that they (Pakistan) launched 5,000 China-made drones and the value of each drone was Rs 15,000. To destroy each drone worth Rs 15,000, we launched missiles worth Rs 15 lakhs. This was a part of… pic.twitter.com/M9l4NEqW1p
The Congress leader demanded that the Centre be forthcoming about the outcome of Operation Sindoor, launched on 7 May in response to the Pahalgam terror strike which killed 26. The operation targeted terrorist facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), reportedly eliminating nearly 100 militants and severely damaging key terror infrastructure.
Despite India’s success in neutralising threats, Wadettiwar insisted that any possible setbacks should also be shared openly with the public. “There are rumors that three or four Rafale jets were brought down. The government should issue a clear statement denying these claims and confirming the benefits of Operation Sindoor.”
He further criticised the BJP-led Centre for what he called a performative celebration. “This is the first time I’ve seen a victory rally right after a war. The public is left with many questions. There’s growing skepticism about this government’s narrative,” he concluded.
Though hostilities ceased on 10 May after a mutual agreement between Indian and Pakistani military officials, the Opposition continues to press the government for greater accountability and transparency.
In a shocking display of support for a banned extremist group, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has publicly denounced the recent anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh that resulted in the death of Nambala Keshava Rao, alias Basavaraju—the General Secretary and top commander of the CPI (Maoist), an organisation officially designated as a terrorist group by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) since 22 June 2009.
On 21 May, security forces carried out a high-stakes mission, codenamed Operation Kagar, in the dense Abujhmad forests of Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district. The operation culminated in the elimination of Basavaraju, who had a bounty of ₹1.5 crore on his head and was considered the mastermind behind some of the most brutal Maoist attacks in the country. His death is being viewed by security agencies as a critical success in the fight against the decades-long insurgency.
However, instead of supporting the action, the CPI condemned the encounter, describing it as a “cold-blooded killing” and an example of unlawful state conduct.
CPI General Secretary D. Raja released a statement on 21 May, asserting, “CPI strongly condemns the cold-blooded killing of a senior Maoist leader along with several Adivasis in Chhattisgarh. It is yet another instance of extrajudicial action carried out under the guise of counterinsurgency operations. The repeated use of lethal force instead of lawful arrest raises serious concerns about the State’s commitment to democratic norms and the rule of law. If the authorities had credible intelligence about the whereabouts of the leader, why was a legal arrest not pursued? Why was due process—guaranteed by the Constitution—so blatantly ignored. These killings not only point to a dangerous pattern of State violence but also expose the ongoing marginalisation of Adivasi communities in the region. Time and again, these communities are caught in the crossfire of a conflict they did not initiate, and are treated as collateral in operations marked by impunity. CPI demands an independent judicial inquiry into this episode and the entire Operation Kagar. The people of Chhattisgarh—and India at large—deserve to know the truth. A democratic society cannot allow the State to become the judge, jury, and executioner. Justice must be served, and the dignity and rights of Adivasi lives must be upheld. CPI calls upon all democratic and progressive forces to raise their voices against this injustice and stand in solidarity with the people of Chhattisgarh.”
CPI strongly condemns the cold-blooded killing of a senior Maoist leader along with several Adivasis in Chhattisgarh. It is yet another instance of extrajudicial action carried out under the guise of counterinsurgency operations.
Who Was Basavaraju, Also Known as “The Red Commander”?
Born in 1955 in the village of Jiyannapet in Andhra Pradesh, Nambala Keshava Rao, popularly known as Basavaraju, was an engineering graduate from NIT Warangal. Despite his academic background, he joined the People’s War Group in the early 1980s, immersing himself in the armed Maoist movement.
In 1987, he is believed to have undergone guerrilla warfare training with the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam), a skillset he would later use to orchestrate deadly IED attacks across Maoist-affected regions in India.
Basavaraju was reportedly the mastermind behind several major attacks, including:
The 2010 Dantewada massacre, where 76 CRPF personnel were killed in one of the deadliest Maoist attacks in India.
The 2013 Jeeram Ghati ambush, which resulted in 27 deaths, including senior Congress leaders.
The 2003 Alipiri bomb attack, an unsuccessful attempt on the life of then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
In 2018, he rose to the position of General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist) after the retirement of Ganapathy (Muppala Lakshmana Rao), assuming the role of both ideological leader and tactical strategist. For years, he remained underground, managing operations and evading law enforcement.
Operation Kagar
‘Operation Kagar’ was the codename for a coordinated assault aimed at top Maoist commanders operating in the forested belt connecting Narayanpur, Bijapur, and Dantewada in Chhattisgarh. Following sustained intelligence tracking, the operation was launched on May 19 by joint units of the District Reserve Guard (DRG), the Special Task Force (STF), and the CRPF.
Over the course of a 50-hour gunbattle, more than 30 Maoists were killed, including Basavaraju. Security personnel seized a large stockpile of weapons, ammunition, and strategic Maoist documents, signaling a critical blow to the insurgents’ infrastructure and leadership.
Among those neutralized were high-ranking figures from the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) and the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA). Authorities are continuing to search the area for survivors and additional rebel hideouts.
The encounter, while successful, came at a cost. One DRG personnel lost his life in the operation. His body was later recovered and brought back to the district headquarters.
Despite harsh terrain and well-armed resistance, state and central forces remained determined to dislodge Maoist presence from Abujhmad, considered one of the group’s last strongholds in central India.
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