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RTI Reveals ₹7.96 Crore Paid To Private Firm As “Design And Consultation Fee” For Developing Blueprint Of Tiruchendur Temple Complex

By
The Commune
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A shocking revelation through an RTI request has exposed that a private company was paid a staggering ₹8 crore solely for drafting the blueprint of the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple complex.

The renowned Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy Temple is currently undergoing a large-scale renovation project, estimated at ₹300 crore. Initiated on 28 September 2022, the construction is now reportedly 90% complete. The grand Maha Kumbabhishekam is scheduled to take place on 7 July 2025, once the work reaches full completion.

The matter came to light after an advocate Ramanatha Adhithan had filed an RTI regarding the temple expenditure.

Recently, Prithviraj (50), a BJP member and resident of Kamaraj Salai in Tiruchendur, shared a video alleging corruption in the ₹200 crore infrastructure project funded by Shiv Nadar at the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple. He claimed that toilets built for devotees were in poor condition and that essential pipes and other fittings had been damaged or stolen. The video quickly went viral, drawing significant public attention.

In response, on 23 March at around 4:00 AM, police from the Tiruchendur temple station arrived at Prithviraj’s residence, stating that he was being taken in for questioning regarding a case against him. However, his family alleged that the officers trespassed into their home and attempted to detain him without presenting any legal documents related to the case.

Amid these developments, the RTI disclosure has sparked controversy, raising concerns over the exorbitant payment for the temple map alone. This revelation has further fueled outrage among devotees and activists, who are now demanding accountability and a thorough investigation into the temple’s financial dealings.

(With Inputs From Tamil Janam)

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125 Years Old Valmiki Ramayana Palm Leaf Manuscripts Discovered In Kalatheeswarar Temple Near Tirupattur

By
The Commune
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A rare collection of palm leaf manuscripts containing a Valmiki Ramayana scroll has been discovered at the Kalatheeswarar Temple in Koratti, Tirupattur district.

During the temple’s renovation in Kandili union, Tirupattur circle inspector Narasimhamoorthy discovered five bundles of ancient manuscripts hidden in the Rajagopuram. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) was promptly notified, and Haripriya, the joint commissioner overseeing the scroll project, dispatched a team for examination.

Scroll project coordinator Thamarai Pandian revealed that the five bundles contained 2,075 palm leaf manuscripts. Based on handwriting analysis and stylistic elements, the texts are believed to follow the ‘Vazhi Suvadi’ tradition and were transcribed approximately 125 years ago. However, the original source material is estimated to date back nearly 300 years. The manuscripts, titled Sri Ramayana Katha, present a highly detailed retelling of Valmiki Ramayana in a dialogue format, making them more accessible to readers without extensive Sanskrit influence.

The discovered texts include Bala Kanda, Ayodhya Kanda, Aranya Kanda, Kishkinda Kanda, and Sundara Kanda, but Yuddha Kanda is missing. Many pages have deteriorated over time, with fungal growth due to prolonged storage. Restoration efforts, including chemical preservation and cleaning, are underway. Researchers believe that if permission is granted by the HR&CE Department, these texts could be copied and published for public access.

The discovery reinforces the historical significance of Valmiki Ramayana in Tamil Nadu alongside the widely revered Kamba Ramayana. It also highlights the tradition of reciting Valmiki’s version in Tamil households. The timing of this revelation, just a week before Sri Rama Navami, adds to its significance.

Tamil Nadu is home to 43,762 temples under the Hindu Religious Endowments Department, many of which hold ancient records in the form of palm leaf manuscripts, copper plates, and inscriptions. So far, only 1,771 temples have been examined, leading to the discovery of 178,000 scrolls, 390 literary manuscripts, and 95 copper plates. Of these, 50,028 manuscripts have been cataloged and preserved. Five books have already been published from these findings, reflecting ongoing efforts to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s rich historical and religious heritage.

(With Inputs From Dinamalar)

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Kerala’s ‘Secular’ Leftists Display Religious Intolerance Over Mohanlal’s Prayer To Sabarimala Ayyappan For Mammootty’s Health

By
The Commune
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In Kerala, so-called secularists seem unable to tolerate genuine camaraderie between Hindus and Muslims. The moment such bonds are displayed, they rush to criticize, spread negativity, and retreat to their usual divisive stance—one that sustains their ideology and relevance by maintaining strict religious boundaries.

A recent example of this was Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, a staunch Sanatani, visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappan temple, where he conducted a special “Usha Pooja” and prayed for the well-being of his close friend and fellow actor Mammootty, who has been dealing with health issues.

This heartfelt gesture between two of Malayalam cinema’s biggest icons became widely discussed. Though such religious offerings are usually private, a receipt for the puja, featuring Mammootty’s real name, Muhammad Kutty, and his star sign Vishakham, surfaced on social media. The image quickly went viral, with most people appreciating the bond between the two actors.

However, some radical leftists reacted with hostility, displaying religious intolerance and accusing Mohanlal of wrongdoing. Shockingly, they portrayed his prayer as blasphemy, forcing him to explain a simple act of goodwill. This raises a troubling question—where is Kerala headed?

One of the most vocal critics was journalist and Islamic scholar O. Abdulla, a former editor of the Malayalam daily Madhyamam, which is known for its radical views and opposition to the BJP and RSS. In a social media post, Abdulla condemned Mohanlal and Mammootty, stating, “If Mohanlal did this with Mammootty’s knowledge, then Mammootty must repent (Tauba). He must apologize to the Islamic community.”

This statement left many people baffled—what exactly was the crime here? Abdulla later released a voice message reinforcing his stance, said, “Mammootty has committed a grave offense. If Mohanlal performed the puja purely based on his faith, then Mammootty is not at fault. However, if Mammootty had requested the offering, that would be unacceptable, as prayers should only be made to Allah. Seeking blessings elsewhere is forbidden in Islam and has been since the time of the Prophet.”

He further insisted that Mammootty must clarify his stance to the Islamic community, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, urging religious scholars to intervene.

This raises a serious question—does Abdulla believe Kerala is governed by Sharia law? Are we living in Afghanistan or Pakistan? His comments sparked backlash, with many questioning how someone could promote such a divisive mindset. While some defended his statement on theological grounds, others called for legal action against him for disrupting Kerala’s communal harmony.

Mohanlal’s Response

Addressing the controversy, Mohanlal stated in a recent interview,: “Prayers are personal. Mammootty is my dear friend, and I prayed for him. The chit I gave at the temple was leaked, which is how people found out about it.” He reassured everyone that Mammootty’s health condition was minor and nothing to worry about.

Is Free Speech For Leftists Just A Tool To Push Their Narrative & Sustain Religious Intolerance?

Critics and social activists raise concerns about the limits of religious freedom in India’s Constitution. While it guarantees the right to practice one’s faith, does it permit individuals like Abdulla to impose their beliefs on others? With a significant social media following, he promotes a divisive ideology that many support. If such narratives go unchecked, what kind of society are we fostering?

Perhaps realizing the growing backlash, Abdulla quietly removed his post. But should individuals like him be allowed to sow discord without consequences? The spread of inflammatory and reckless rhetoric on social media must be addressed. It is crucial to hold such figures accountable before they further threaten India’s secular and pluralistic foundations.

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“Grabbing A Minor’s Breasts Isn’t Attempt To Rape?” – Supreme Court Slams Allahabad HC, Halts Ruling

By
The Commune
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Supreme Court Constitutes SIT To Probe Chennai Minor Sexual Assault Case. statehood ncpcr muslim girl marriage free speech

On 26 March 2025, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of a contentious ruling by the Allahabad High Court, which stated that forcibly grabbing a minor girl’s breasts, untying her pyjama drawstring, and attempting to drag her under a culvert did not amount to an attempt to rape.

A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Augustine George Masih will review the High Court’s decision and has already expressed strong disapproval. The Supreme Court remarked, “Some observations in the impugned judgment, particularly in paragraphs 21, 24, and 26, reflect a complete lack of sensitivity on the part of the author.”

What Did Allahabad High Court Ruled? 

In a shocking ruling, the Allahabad High Court recently on 17  March by Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra, modified charges against two accused in a sexual assault case involving an 11-year-old girl. The accused were initially charged with attempted rape under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. However, the court ruled that their actions—grabbing the victim’s breasts, breaking her pyjama string, and attempting to drag her beneath a culvert—did not constitute an attempt to rape.

Instead, the court described the act as “aggravated sexual assault” and directed that the accused be tried under Section 354-B of the IPC (assault with intent to disrobe) and Sections 9/10 of the POCSO Act. The court emphasized that for an attempt to rape charge, the prosecution must prove that the accused had gone “beyond the stage of preparation.”

This novel interpretation ignores the sheer brutality of the act and instead creates an artificial distinction between intent and execution. The accused will now face less severe charges, sending a troubling message about the legal threshold for attempted rape.

Earlier, on 24 March, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Bela Trivedi and Prasanna B. Varale declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Allahabad High Court’s ruling.

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Congress Worker And Selvaperunthagai Supporter Vanishree Behind ‘Savukku’ Shankar Home Attack

By
The Commune
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Social media has erupted in heated discussions after a group of unidentified individuals, disguised as sanitation workers, unlawfully entered the residence of YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar on 24 March 2025. The intruders reportedly ransacked the house, terrorized his mother, and smeared filth across the rooms and dining table.

According to police sources, the attack was allegedly motivated by remarks Shankar made in one of his YouTube videos, which the assailants deemed offensive to sanitation workers. Shankar later took to social media to share details of the incident, including screenshots of a video call made by one of the trespassers using his mother’s phone. In response, authorities deployed police officers to prevent further escalation.

Shankar accused Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President Selvaperunthagai of orchestrating the attack, claiming that his loyal supporter, V. Vanishree Vijayakumar, led the assault. Following these allegations, netizens launched an online campaign demanding her arrest for allegedly threatening a journalist and attempting an attack on his home.

Social media posts by V. Vanishree Vijayakumar suggested that the incident was premeditated, as she appeared to have planned the act in advance. Evidence from her now-deleted Facebook posts indicated that she was live-streaming the event, further reinforcing suspicions about her intent.

Even Vanishree was confronted by a police officer, who questioned her actions, stating that she had only been granted permission for a protest, yet she and her group had unlawfully entered and attacked the house. The officer confronted her, saying, “We have warned you multiple times to send them away and come with two others. Now, what is the point after ransacking the house there, and coming here to shout?” In response, another woman defended their actions, saying, “No one damaged the house.” The officer immediately countered, “Then? he destroyed it himself?” She casually replied, “Yes, sir.” The officer pressed further, “Is it? That elderly woman?”

Vanishree’s social media post showcased her close ties with the Congress party and firm support for TNCC Chief Selvaperunthagai. Following this revelation, netizens voiced their outrage and demanded her arrest.

 

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Father And Son Brutally Attacked By Drug Peddling Gang In Tiruppur After They Alert Authorities About Break-In Attempt At Rice Shop

By
The Commune
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A shocking incident in Tiruppur has left residents in disbelief after drug peddling youth brutally attacked a father and son following a police complaint. The attack was reportedly triggered when the victims alerted authorities about an attempted break-in at a rice shop.

On 23 March 2025, the Tiruppur city police arrested five individuals—Balaji, Akash, Aadhi, Stephen Raj, and Lalith Kumar—all residents of Anna Nagar in Veerapandi. The gang had allegedly targeted M. Aravindan and his father, Murugesan, after the duo intervened in their criminal activities.

According to police reports, around 1 a.m. on 23 March, Balaji, Akash, and their associates attempted to break the lock of a local rice shop. Aravindan and Murugesan, who witnessed the act, confronted them, leading to a heated argument. Later, Aravindan reported the incident to the Veerapandi police, allegedly mentioning the gang’s involvement in drug-related activities in the area.

Enraged by the complaint, the gang retaliated in the evening, attacking the father and son. During the assault, Akash reportedly stabbed both victims with a knife. They were rushed to Tiruppur Government Medical College Hospital for treatment. Following the incident, Veerapandi police swiftly arrested all five suspects later that night. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of their criminal activities.

(With Inputs From TNIE)

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Kerala High Court Blocks Communists Backed Iftar Event At Mridanga Shaileshwari Temple

By
The Commune
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The Sri Mridanga Shaileshwari Temple committee has withdrawn its plan to host an Iftar Sangam, at the temple premises. This temple is home to Sree Porkali, the ancestral deity of Kerala king Varma Pazhassi Raja.

Located in Muzhukkunnu Grama Panchayat, the Mridanga Shaileshwari Temple is a revered Bhagavathi temple where Goddess Durga is the presiding deity. The temple also houses deities such as Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kali (Porkali), Ganapati, Dakshinamurthy, Shasta, and Naga gods. Historical records suggest that Guruthi Puja was conducted here before the Pazhassi Raja war. This temple is one of the 108 Durga temples believed to have been established by Parashurama and is said to be over 2,000 years old. A full-length statue of King Pazhassi stands near the temple as a tribute to its rich history.

The Sri Mridanga Shaileshwari Temple Porkali Kalasha Committee had initially organized the event for the residents of Muzhukkunnu Mahal, scheduling it for 6 PM on 26 March at the temple auditorium. However, the Hindu Seva Kendra challenged this initiative by filing a petition in the High Court. The petition was set to be reviewed on 26 March, but before that, the Malabar Devaswom Board stepped in and informed the court that the event would not take place. Advocate Krishnaraj represented the Hindu Seva Kendra in the case.

The temple, which operates under the Malabar Devaswom Board, is managed by a committee affiliated with the Marxist Communist Party of India (CPIM). The local CPIM leadership oversees temple festivals and other rituals, with both contractual and permanent job positions within the temple being assigned to CPIM members.

The Hindu Seva Kendra proudly announced the successful prevention of the proposed Iftar gathering at the Sri Mridanga Shaileshwari Temple, stating, “Running with your Iftar plate… The High Court has arrived.” It is with great joy that we inform all believers that the Iftar gathering, which comrades had planned to hold at the Mridangashaileshwari Temple, has been completely scrapped. The plan was to organize an Iftar feast in the temple auditorium under the name of the Kalasha Committee, which had been packed with comrades. Yesterday, the court sent a notice via a special messenger to the temple executive officer and the Kalasha Committee, ordering them to appear at 2 PM today. The complete surrender ceremony that took place in court was so overwhelming that it brought tears to the eyes of those witnessing it. What Iftar… Whose Iftar… Who is conducting the Iftar… What even is Iftar… Not only has it been declared that no Iftar will be held in the temple or the temple auditorium, but it has also been made clear that no one is permitted to conduct such an event. The Kalasha Committee has no authority to organize an Iftar gathering. And so, the comrades’ “Mridangashaileshwari Iftar Feast” has come to a permanent end… No, it was brought to an end by Us !!”

(With Inputs From Marunadanmalayalee)

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Several Injured In Stone Pelting During Clash Between Two Groups At Jama Masjid Road In Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh During Mangala Procession

By
The Commune
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Several people were injured in stone pelting after two groups clashed during a ‘Mangala procession’ in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, late on Tuesday night. The incident occurred between Jhanda Chowk and Jama Masjid Road in the city, leading to tension in the area.

The clash reportedly began over a dispute regarding a song played during the procession. According to eyewitnesses, an argument between members of the two groups quickly escalated, resulting in stone pelting from both sides. Several people sustained injuries in the chaos. Police fired four to five rounds in the air and used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Senior police officials, including SP Arvind Kumar Singh, arrived at the spot and brought the situation under control.

“There was a clash between two groups during the Mangala procession. The situation is now under control,” said SP Singh, urging people not to believe in rumours. He said the police are in the process of registering FIR against those involved in the violence. Following the incident, police and security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, including the city’s main road and Jama Masjid Road, to prevent further clashes.

The Ram Navami festival is celebrated on a large scale in Hazaribagh, attracting thousands of participants from the city and nearby areas. As part of the tradition, Mangala processions are taken out from various Akharas with drums, Mahaveeri flags, and other religious symbols every Tuesday evening during the Chaitra month. Members of the Ram Navami Mahasamiti and community leaders also intervened to restore peace. Authorities have also appealed to the public to maintain harmony and avoid spreading misinformation.

Security has been heightened across the city, with additional personnel stationed in key areas to prevent further incidents. Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for instigating the violence.

–IANS

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Annamalai Slams DMK Government Over Neglect Of Mahakavi Bharathiyar’s Birthplace In Ettayapuram Following Roof Collapse

By
The Commune
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Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai has criticized the ruling DMK government for its failure to properly maintain Mahakavi Bharathiyar’s house in Ettayapuram. On 25 March 2025, the roof over the verandah of the first floor of the house collapsed. Annamalai questioned why the DMK government is spending hundreds of crores in vain to erect statues of individuals with no connection to Tamil Nadu, yet shows no interest in preserving the birthplace of Mahakavi Bharathiyar, one of the greatest icons of the Tamil language.

This comes at the backdrop of the roof of the verandah in the two-story, 200-year-old building, which follows the traditional Kattakuthu (Madras terrace) roofing style, collapsed on 25 March evening. At the time, the house’s caretaker and watchman were outside, so fortunately, no casualties were reported.

The building, which was taken over by the Tamil Nadu government and declared a memorial house in 1973, houses a photo gallery featuring Bharathiyar’s photographs and works. The memorial is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Public and Information Department.

Annamalai expressed his concerns on the incident via his official X account stating, “The house where Mahakavi Bharathiyar was born, in Ettayapuram, Thoothukudi district, has collapsed without proper maintenance. On 12 August 2023, during my ‘En Mann En Makkal’ yatra, I had the privilege of visiting this historic house where Mahakavi was born. I could still feel the revolutionary spirit of Mahakavi within its walls. I strongly condemn the DMK government for not maintaining such a significant site and deteriorated it to the point of collapse today. While they waste hundreds of crores on in vain to install statues of individuals with no connection to Tamil Nadu, does the DMK government have no intention of preserving the birthplace of Mahakavi Bharathiyar, one of the greatest symbols of the Tamil language?”

 

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India’s First Kirtan Reality Show Launched In Presence Of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

By
The Commune
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In a move to celebrate Maharashtra’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, Sony Marathi unveiled “Kon Honar Maharashtracha Ladka Kirtankar,” India’s first-ever reality show dedicated to the art of Kirtan.

The show was officially launched in a grand ceremony by the Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, who also unveiled the iconic Veena-shaped trophy, symbolizing the deep-rooted tradition of devotional music.

The show, set to premiere on April 1, 2025, offers a landmark platform to revive and honor the age-old practice of Kirtan, providing a fresh and engaging stage for spiritual music enthusiasts across the nation.

Speaking at the occasion, Devendra Fadnavis, stated, “Maharashtra’s rich spiritual heritage has always been its strength—and Kirtan is at the heart of that legacy. It has educated, uplifted, and united generations through devotion and storytelling. I commend Sony Marathi for creating a platform that honours this tradition while bringing it to a new generation. Kon Honar Maharashtracha Ladka Kirtankar is not just a show but a cultural movement that will keep our sacred legacy alive and thriving.”

With 108 contestants representing all 36 districts of Maharashtra, the show serves as a heartfelt tribute to the timeless tradition of spiritual storytelling—an art form that has echoed through generations. Among others who attended the unveiling event in Mumbai were Gaurav Banerjee, MD & CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India, along with prominent figures from the Kirtan community. The launch event, held as a devotional evening, featured a captivating Kirtan performance by Avadhoot Sudhir Gandhi.

The judges—H.B.P. Radhatai Sanap and H.B.P. Jagannath Maharaj Patil—were honored for their significant contributions to the Kirtan tradition. H.B.P. Radhatai Sanap has elevated the Mahasangvi Sansthan by using her kirtans to raise awareness on crucial societal issues, particularly in the areas of education and social welfare.

Similarly, H.B.P. Jagannath Maharaj Patil, known for his authentic delivery in a local dialect, used his Kirtans to address important themes. The Chief Minister also honored descendants of Maharashtra’s most revered saints for preserving this rich tradition.

Attendees included, H.B.P. Madhav Maharaj Namdas (descendant of Sant Namdev Maharaj), Ravikant Maharaj Vasekar (descendant of Sant Savata Maharaj), Jabbar Maharaj Sheikh (descendant of Sant Sheikh Muhammad), Bapusaheb Maharaj Dehukar (descendant of Sant Tukaram), H.B.P. Janardan Maharaj Jagnade (descendant of Santaji Jagnade) and Gopalbuwa Makashir (descendant of Sant Nilobaray) The ‘Kon Honar Maharashtracha Ladka Kirtankar’ will have its grand premiere on April 1 on Sony Marathi.

–IANS

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