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US-Funded OCCRP – A Front For Govt Propaganda Masquerading As Journalism? Mediapart Expose Reveals Shocking Truths

By
The Commune
-
US-Funded OCCRP - A Front For Govt Propaganda Masquerading As Journalism? Mediapart Expose Reveals Shocking Truths

A damning investigation by French media outlet Mediapart has revealed that the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) is far from the independent journalistic entity it claims to be. Instead, it is heavily funded and influenced by the US government, with nearly half of its budget sourced from agencies like the US Department of State and USAID. Since its founding in 2007, OCCRP has received approximately $47 million from US government sources, which exert substantial control over its operations, including veto power over key personnel appointments.

A Propaganda Machine Under The Guise Of Journalism

Mike Henning, a senior USAID adviser, has openly described OCCRP as “one of the best achievements” of the agency, further affirming its alignment with US geopolitical objectives. OCCRP’s reporting patterns reinforce this view, focusing almost exclusively on nations adversarial to US interests, such as Russia, Venezuela, and Malta, while carefully avoiding criticism of the US itself. For example, OCCRP received a $173,324 grant to investigate corruption in Venezuela, a known adversary of Washington. This selective targeting raises serious questions about the organization’s impartiality.

Role In India

In India, OCCRP has faced backlash for its contentious reports, including those accusing the government of misusing Pegasus spyware to surveil journalists and for its repeated hit pieces against the Adani Group in 2023 and 2024. Critics, including the Adani Group and Mauritius-based fund 360 One, dismissed these reports as baseless and aimed at destabilizing markets. The Supreme Court of India also ruled that such third-party reports lacked credibility and could not influence ongoing investigations.

Rahul Gandhi, a key leader of the Congress party, has been accused of amplifying OCCRP’s narratives for political gain. Gandhi frequently used OCCRP reports to disrupt parliamentary sessions and influence public discourse. His ties to individuals like Shalil Shetty, a former vice president at a Soros-funded NGO, further deepen his connection to OCCRP’s network. Critics argue that Gandhi’s actions align with broader foreign-driven agendas to undermine India’s sovereignty.

Links To Controversial Donors

Apart from its government funding, OCCRP is supported by politically charged donors, including George Soros‘ Open Society Foundations, the Rockefeller Brothers Foundation, and the Ford Foundation. These affiliations, combined with OCCRP’s track record, paint a picture of an organization more aligned with its benefactors’ interests than with unbiased journalism.

USAID’s History Of Interference

The revelations about OCCRP must be viewed in the broader context of USAID’s controversial history of political interference. The agency has been implicated in supporting opposition movements and orchestrating regime changes in countries like Nicaragua and Venezuela, blurring the line between humanitarian aid and political manipulation. OCCRP’s investigative priorities closely mirror US foreign policy objectives, further raising concerns about its role as a tool for the so-called “Deep State.”

Role In Trump Impeachment

The OCCRP played a notable role in the first impeachment of then-President Donald Trump through its investigative reporting on Rudy Giuliani’s business dealings in Ukraine. These reports were referenced four times in the whistleblower complaint that triggered Trump’s impeachment proceedings.

OCCRP, which collaborates with over 50 major media outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, received scrutiny for being predominantly funded by U.S. government entities, such as the State Department and USAID. Between 2013 and 2024, 52% of OCCRP’s expenditures were taxpayer-funded, totaling at least $47 million since its inception in 2008.

OCCRP co-founder Drew Sullivan has maintained that an editorial firewall exists between OCCRP and its funders. However, an investigation by Drop Site News revealed conditions tied to this funding, including the U.S. government’s ability to veto senior editorial appointments. When confronted with evidence questioning OCCRP’s credibility, Sullivan resorted to dismissing critics as foreign agents, such as labeling a journalist a “Russian asset.” This response has further raised questions on OCCRP’s credibility and highlighted its defensive approach to criticism.

Critics, including Lowell Bergman, who resigned from OCCRP’s board over concerns about U.S. government involvement, argue that such funding compromises journalistic independence.

Amplifying Propaganda in India

In addition to Rahul Gandhi, alleged journalists like Ravi Nair and certain opposition members have been seen sharing content from OCCRP, frequently amplifying its narratives against Indian institutions and corporate entities.

 

Critics argue this demonstrates a coordinated effort to leverage foreign-funded propaganda for domestic political gains.

Mediapart’s investigation exposes OCCRP as a propaganda tool disguised as independent journalism. Its dependence on US government funding, selective reporting, controversial donor affiliations, and inability to defend its credibility point to a broader agenda of advancing Western geopolitical interests.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

Aritapatti Tungsten Mine: Opposition Leaders Slam DMK’s Hypocrisy

By
The Commune
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Aritapatti Tungsten Mine: Opposition Leaders Slam DMK’s Hypocrisy

Opposition leaders in Tamil Nadu slammed Chief Minister MK Stalin over his letter to PM Modi opposing the Nayakkarpatti tungsten mining project, accusing the DMK of hypocrisy for supporting the project initially but now shifting blame to the Centre after public backlash.

On 29 November 2024, Chief Minister MK Stalin sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for the revocation of mining rights granted to Hindustan Zinc Limited for the Nayakkarpatti Tungsten block. The move was widely seen as a political manoeuvre to shift blame onto the central government. In response, opposition parties in Tamil Nadu united to criticize the DMK’s hypocrisy, pointing out the party’s initial support for the tungsten mining project. They emphasized that the central government had granted permission based on the DMK’s own interest in the matter, condemning the party’s inconsistent stance.

K Annamalai – BJP

Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai, via his X official account, slammed the DMK government’s hypocrisy, stating, “On 18 October 2023, according to a report published in The New Indian Express, a senior official of the Tamil Nadu Mineral Resources Department said that tungsten metal has been discovered in Madurai and that the Tamil Nadu government has sought permission from the Central Government to set up a mine for it.”

“According to a statement released by the Central Government’s Department of Mines yesterday, the specifications given by the Tamil Nadu government before announcing the contract for setting up a mine in the area where tungsten was discovered in Madurai in February 2024 were implemented and that the Tamil Nadu government did not contact the Central Government regarding this contract or to object to setting up a mine for ten months from the date of the contract announcement to 7 November 2024, when the contract was awarded,” he explained.

“It was the DMK government that requested the Central Government to set up a tungsten mine in Madurai. It was the DMK government that gave the specifications for announcing the mining contract. The DMK government, which had been hiding this from the public for the last ten months, is now acting as if they do not know anything about it and is now protesting it,” he blamed.

“In the same Madurai Arittapati area, the Tamil Nadu government’s TAMIN company has obtained a lease for 30 years from 2008 to construct a granite mine on 47.37 hectares of land, and now TAMIN company has returned its lease license, and the DMK government has informed the central government that out of a total land area of ​​20.16 square kilometers in the Arittapati and Meenakshipuram villages of Madurai, 1.93 square kilometers has been declared as a biodiversity heritage site. Chief Minister Stalin is now trying to re-enact the same drama he staged about ten years ago, claiming that he had unknowingly signed a contract to extract methane from the Delta region. The DMK’s drama will no longer be tolerated by the public,” he finally said.

Anbumani Ramadoss – PMK

PMK Chief Anbumani Ramadoss criticized the Tamil Nadu government, questioning, “Why is the Tamil Nadu government playing a double game regarding the Aritapatti tungsten mine issue? People will not be fooled by the drama of pinching the child while rocking the cradle!”

He accused the state government of hypocrisy, pointing out that, “The Central Government has exposed the double game of the Tamil Nadu government in the issue of granting permission to set up a tungsten mine in areas covering an area of 2015 acres, including Aritapatti in Melur taluk of Madurai district. The people of Tamil Nadu will not believe the drama of the Dravidian model government, which is giving all its support to the construction of a tungsten mine on one hand and opposing it on the other, by pinching the child and rocking the cradle.”

“The Central Mines Department has released some details about the project, after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote to the Prime Minister, stating that the construction of a tungsten mine in the Aritapatti area can never be allowed and that the project should be canceled. The Central Government has said, “Some inputs were received from the Tamil Nadu government before the auction of the Aritapatti tungsten mine. The Tamil Nadu government’s TAMIN company has handed over the lease for the granite mine covering an area of 47.37 hectares in the area to facilitate the auction of the tungsten mine. From the start of the auction process last February until the announcement of the results on 07.11.2024, there was no objection to the tungsten mine. There was no request from the Tamil Nadu government to cancel the auction of the tungsten mine,” he said.

“The Central Government has already informed the Tamil Nadu government about the details of the tungsten mine being put up for auction. The Tamil Nadu government did not raise any objection at that time. Furthermore, the Tamil Nadu government had sought the Central Government’s permission last year to set up a tungsten mine in collaboration with private companies. Thus, the Dravidian Model Government, which supported the setting up of a tungsten mine in Aritapatti in every way, is now acting as if it is opposing it after facing strong opposition from the people,” he added.

“Whenever DMK comes to power, it will prioritize its own interests over the interests of the people. There are many examples of the betrayals committed by the Dravidian model government, such as allowing methane gas exploration in Cauvery irrigation districts and approving the expansion of the Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi. The DMK government is now committing the same betrayal in the Aritapatti tungsten mine issue. The Central Government should respect the sentiments of the people of Aritapatti and abandon the plan to set up a tungsten mine there. @PMOIndia @CMOTamilnadu,” he finally said.

Edappadi K Palaniswami – AIADMK

Previously, on 29 November 2024, speaking to reporters in Salem, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami claimed, “Now, after facing opposition from the public, the DMK is objecting to the project. Chief Minister MK Stalin is simply playing a political game by sending a letter to the Union Government opposing it.”

He also shared on his official X account, stating, “Newspaper and website reports indicate that the Vidya DMK government had sought permission to set up a tungsten mine in Madurai district in October 2023. Why did the “pen warrior” @mkstalin, who wrote a letter requesting cancellation of the permission, hide the fact that it was his government that had sought permission? The DMK, which has brought the NEET exam and is pretending to oppose it, using the same formula to deceive the people of Melur. The DMK government has made a hidden effort behind the screens to exploit the people by constructing tunnels and taking away their livelihoods. The people will teach them a suitable lesson in due time for this letter-play and drama-based deception that is currently being carried out.”

What Actually Happened?

According to the old report, the DMK government had sought approval from the Centre to move forward with the tungsten mining project, only to face significant local opposition. In response, CM Stalin appears to be playing politics with the issue, rather than pushing ahead with the mining plans.

After identifying significant deposits in the region, the state’s Department of Natural Resources requested permission from the Union Government to mine two key minerals, tungsten and molybdenum. These minerals are crucial for various industrial applications. A senior government official acknowledged the local community’s concerns and assured that the State had sought the Central Government’s approval in light of these socio-economic issues.

The DMK-led Tamil Nadu Government is considering joint ventures to develop these mineral resources. Molybdenum is seen as vital for establishing Tamil Nadu as a hub for hydrogen production, while tungsten has potential uses in energy storage. According to official sources, India’s total molybdenum ore reserves stand at approximately 19.29 million tonnes, with Tamil Nadu holding the largest share—around 9.97 million tonnes. This mineral is highly prized for its use in missile and aircraft components, as well as in the nuclear industry.

Molybdenum is also an essential alloying agent in steel, cast iron, and superalloys, improving strength, corrosion resistance, and wear durability. It is increasingly in demand for use in the automotive industry to produce lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Additionally, the metal is being explored as a potential raw material in the production of hydrogen electrolysers.

Tungsten, a rare and valuable mineral, is found in Madurai district. The Union Government has recognized its strategic importance due to its uses in high-capacity energy storage, particularly in lithium-tungsten oxide batteries. These batteries offer greater stability and energy storage potential, positioning tungsten as a critical resource for future technological advancements.

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Madras High Court Rejects TFAPA Petition To Ban Film Reviews During Initial Release Days

By
The Commune
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Madras High Court Rejects TFAPA Petition To Ban Film Reviews During Initial Release Days

The Madras High Court has turned down a petition filed by the Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA), which sought to prohibit movie reviews for the first three days following a film’s release. The association argued that negative reviews shortly after release often harm a film’s commercial performance.

The petition was reportedly inspired by recent criticism faced by the Tamil film Kanguva, starring actor Suriya, which premiered on 14 November 2024. According to TFAPA, the negative reviews allegedly impacted the movie’s box office revenue. The move to file a petition follows escalating concerns within the Tamil film industry regarding the impact of immediate and harsh online reviews on box office performance. According to the Tamil Nadu Producers Council (TNPC), films like Indian 2, Vettaiyan, and Suriya’s Kanguva have suffered significant losses due to negative reviews and personal attacks shared on YouTube and other platforms shortly after release. Kanguva, in particular, failed to make an impact at the box office, which industry insiders attribute partly to unfavorable online reviews.

However, the court ruled against the TFAPA petition for ban, emphasizing that criticism, including film reviews, falls under the constitutional right to freedom of expression. The bench added that individuals or organizations have the option to approach law enforcement if they believe defamatory content is being disseminated.

The TFAPA and TNPC claimed that such reviews often include personal malice and incitement of hatred disguised as criticism, severely affecting the reputation of actors, directors, and producers. The TNPC also issued a four-page statement condemning this practice and requesting theatre owners to ban YouTube channels from recording public opinions and reviews inside theatre premises. In response, some theatres have already restricted access to YouTubers during screenings.

The TNPC emphasized that critics have the right to express their opinions but called for responsible reviewing that avoids personal attacks or sowing hatred against films. The association urged all stakeholders in the film industry to take unified action to discourage such practices.

The Tamil film industry has been grappling with back-to-back underperforming big-budget films, including those featuring major stars like Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Suriya. Producers claim that immediate online reviews, particularly first-day-first-show (FDFS) reactions, discourage audiences from watching movies, leading to financial losses.

(With inputs from DTNext)

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Rare Ancient Inscriptions Uncovered Near Tiruchendur Murugan Temple As Sea Recedes

By
The Commune
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Rare Ancient Inscriptions Uncovered Near Tiruchendur Murugan Temple As Sea Recedes

Rare ancient inscriptions have been uncovered near the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple, as seawater along the beach receded by over 100 feet, sparking the interest of archaeology enthusiasts. This phenomenon, which typically occurs during full moon days, sees the water return to normal levels by the end of the day.

Since, 27 November, as Cyclone Fengal intensified over the southwest Bay of Bengal, the seawater along Tiruchendur beach receded, revealing large inscriptions alongside algae-covered rocks. Devotees quickly moved the inscription to a rock for better visibility.

Upon hearing about the discovery, Sudhakar, Head of the Department of Archaeology at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli and Professor Mathivanan visited the site for an inspection. Sudhakar explained that after applying flour to the inscription to enhance the readability of the letters, they discovered the inscription mentioned “Mata Theertham.” Written in colloquial language, it indicated that participation in this Theertham would bring all auspicious blessings. The inscription consisted of 15 lines.

Sudhakar suggested that these inscriptions likely date back 50 to 100 years. They also examined another inscription near the Ayya Vaikundar temple, where no visible writing was found at first. However, with public assistance, they were able to reveal 17 lines starting with the words “Pitha Theertham.” Sudhakar noted that further examination of other Theertham wells, particularly in the southern region near Nazhikinaru, could provide valuable insights into additional sacred water sources, which are important for devotees.

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Gandhigram Rural Institute Faculty Targeted By DMK & Dravidianist Media For Implementing NEP, Advocating Multilingualism, And Criticizing TASMAC After He Exposed Institutional Irregularities

By
The Commune
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Gandhigram Rural Institute Faculty Targeted By DMK & Dravidianist Media For Implementing NEP, Advocating Multilingualism, And Criticizing TASMAC After He Exposed Institutional Irregularities

Dr. Renganathan, a Health Officer in the Department of Rural Health and Sanitation at Gandhigram Rural Institute (GRI), Dindigul, has become the target of intense political and media attacks. These attacks, reportedly orchestrated by local DMK politicians and Dravidianist media, come in response to his efforts to expose institutional irregularities and push for reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The Alleged Irregularities Flagged By Dr. Renganathan

Dr. Renganathan raised concerns about financial mismanagement in executing a sanitation contract at Gandhigram Rural Institute. According to his observations, Mr. Joseph Christopher, a temporary Health Inspector in the Department of Rural Health and Sanitation, was responsible for supervising contract sanitation workers, procuring materials, calculating overtime, and managing recruitment. However, Dr Renganathan alleged that lapses in oversight led to resource wastage and misappropriation of funds, with kickbacks allegedly funnelled to ruling party politicians.

He had also demanded the introduction of biometric attendance systems to promote transparency, the establishment of a permanent surveillance system to monitor the execution of contracts, the appointment of independent auditors to review sanitation and other critical services at the college and the conducting of an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities. 

Escalation And Political Targeting

The situation intensified after Dr Renganathan reported these concerns to higher authorities. In retaliation, Mr Joseph Christopher allegedly orchestrated a gherao on 12 November 2024 at the department premises. Shortly after, on November 18, Christopher reportedly organized a larger demonstration on campus involving students from the Sanitary Inspector program and external political groups, including DMK and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).

This effort coincided with a media campaign accusing Dr Renganathan of promoting the NEP, Sanskrit, yoga, multilingualism, and “Hindu nationalist” ideologies in a bid to deflect from the original issue of alleged irregularities in the Gandhigram Rural Institute.

The Role Of Dravidianist Media

Prominent Dravidianist media outlets such as Sun News, Kalaignar News, and Nakkheeran launched a smear campaign against Dr. Renganathan. Their reports alleged he was promoting casteism, discriminatory practices, and the NEP—charges he vehemently denies.

For instance, he had tasked students with analyzing socio-political issues like alcohol prohibition, caste politics, the two-language policy, and the role of TASMAC in Tamil Nadu’s alcohol economy. His criticism of TASMAC’s ₹50,000 crore revenue target and his use of speeches by public figures, including Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, became a plank for them to politically target him.

In a particularly egregious example, Nakkheeran accused Dr. Renganathan of making inappropriate remarks during classes on human reproductive biology—allegations he categorically refuted as baseless. According to Dr. Renganathan, these accusations stemmed from a deliberate misrepresentation of his academic discussions on  family planning and human reproductive biology, to malign his reputation.

Political Intrusions And Threats

In what seems like an attempt to put pressure on the institution and the faculty, local DMK politicians, staged protests and demanded Dr. Renganathan’s suspension. On one occasion, a DMK delegation, accompanied by party-affiliated student wing members, visited the campus to pressure administrators. The DMK delegation was granted access to the campus, where they met with senior administration officials, including the Registrar. They complained that he was speaking in favour of Sanatana Dharma (Hindu thoughts) and acting favourable to BJP-RSS while dissing Dravidian Model among students.

Adding to the pressure, the delegation held a press conference on campus, presenting a one-sided narrative accusing him of discriminatory behavior. This external interference deepened the institutional crisis, with the administration caught between political pressure and mounting media scrutiny.

Dr. Renganathan reported threats to his life, allegedly from individuals linked to the political network behind the smear campaign. He has since filed multiple complaints with GRI authorities, requesting increased security and a thorough investigation.

While several faculty members rallied behind Dr. Renganathan, advocating for transparency and academic freedom, others expressed fear of political retaliation. The intimidation tactics, including labeling him a “Sanghi” (a term used in Tamil Nadu to derogatorily imply BJP alignment), underscored the political undertones of the campaign against him.

Dr. Renganathan does command respect and shares a good rapport among his students. A Muslim girl student had shared how Dr. Renganathan’s classes and life lessons on home budgeting, time management, Tamil literature, election manifesto analysis, had broadened her understanding. In fact, she had shared that Dr. Renganathan encouraged Tamil medium students to express their thoughts and write in Tamil.

Growing Political Pressure

As noted above, the DMK had already mobilized and turned up at the institute to put political pressure to take action against Dr. Renganathan. Interestingly, even the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) seemed to express disdain over Dr Renganathan’s actions. The Dindigul district party authorities published a poster where they called him a “Sanghi”.

Renganathan’s Alleged Crime

Dr Renganathan has rigorously implemented the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 core principles at GRI.  He encouraged students to critically analyze sensitive societal issues, including caste dynamics, alcohol policies, and multilingualism. These intellectual explorations, designed to foster analytical thinking, were mischaracterized as political propaganda aligned with BJP ideology.

By framing his actions as politically motivated, his detractors aimed to stifle academic freedom, suppress critical thinking, and control institutional narratives. The coordinated efforts to discredit him reflect a broader trend of suppressing academic dissenting voices.

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Newsweek Falls For Parody Tweet, Misquotes Fake “Father” Of Kash Patel

By
The Commune
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Newsweek Falls For Parody Tweet, Misquotes Fake “Father” Of Kash Patel

In an embarrassing turn of events, Newsweek has published an article citing a parody account as a credible source. The article quoted a satirical tweet from the well-known parody account Parik Patel, mistakenly identifying the account holder as the father of Kash Patel, a former Trump official and rumored FBI Director nominee.

The satirical tweet in question claimed that President Joe Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden was motivated by fear of Kash Patel becoming FBI Director. Newsweek ran with the claim, headlining the fabricated statement as coming from “Dr. Parik Patel, father of FBI Director nominee Kash Patel.” The parody tweet humorously declared, “Biden made the decision to pardon Hunter because he was so worried about MY SON Kashu becoming director of the FBI that he decided to pardon his son… of all crimes.”

Their article text read, “A surprising voice to weigh in on the pardon is Dr Parik Patel, father of FBI director nominee Kash Patel. The elder Patel wrote on X that Biden made the decision to pardon Hunter because he was “so worried about MY SON Kashu becoming director of the FBI that he decided to pardon his son… of all crimes.”

This misstep by Newsweek is the latest in a string of credibility blunders. The outlet previously faced backlash for publishing an article labeling Tulsi Gabbard a “Hindu nationalist” for taking her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita—an article that was widely criticized as both inaccurate and inflammatory.

The parody account, Parik Patel, is a fixture on social media for its humorous takes on finance and politics, often exaggerating for comedic effect. It has no connection to Kash Patel. This should have been evident to Newsweek with even a cursory verification of the source, yet the outlet ran the claim uncritically. Social media users were quick to highlight the absurdity of the mistake.

Quoting parody accounts as credible sources is a glaring oversight, especially in an era where misinformation is rampant. For a respected news outlet, this lapse undermines its credibility and invites widespread ridicule.

Perhaps it’s time for Newsweek to reconsider its editorial processes—before it quotes another parody account as gospel truth.

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Isha Foundation Moves Delhi High Court With ₹3 Crore Defamation Suit Against Nakkheeran

By
The Commune
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How Nakkheeran Gopal Is Peddling Fake News Against Isha Foundation

On 2 December 2024, the Isha Foundation filed a defamation lawsuit in the Delhi High Court against Tamil media outlet Nakkheeran and its editor, Gopal. The foundation is seeking the removal of allegedly defamatory videos and reports and has claimed damages amounting to ₹3 crore.

The lawsuit also names Google LLC as a defendant, citing that the content appears on Google search results and YouTube, a company-owned platform. According to the Isha Foundation, the videos published by Nakkheeran contain accusations of misconduct, including exploitation, coercion, and illegal activities.

The contested reports also allege that individuals at the foundation were being held against their will or forced into specific actions. The foundation has denied these allegations, pointing out that the claims persist despite a recent Supreme Court ruling dismissing a related habeas corpus petition.

In October 2023, the Supreme Court rejected a petition filed by a father alleging that his two daughters had been brainwashed and detained at the Isha Yoga Center. The court, after directly speaking to the women, ruled that they were adults who had willingly chosen to reside at the center. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stated, “Both of them said they are living there of their own free will,” closing the habeas corpus case while clarifying that the decision would not hinder any legitimate police investigations.

Isha Foundation argues that, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Nakkheeran continued to publish critical reports, which the foundation claims are defamatory and intended to harm its reputation. The organisation maintains that the allegations are baseless and malicious.
The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Subramonium Prasad, has issued notices to Nakkheeran, its editor, and Google, setting the next hearing for April 2025. At this stage, Isha Foundation has opted not to request an interim injunction against the content.

(With inputs from Swarajya)

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Tamil Film Producers Association Approaches Madras HC To Ban Movie Reviews For First Three Days Post Film Release After Kanguva, Vettaiyan, Indian 2 Disasters

By
The Commune
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Tamil Film Producers Association Approaches Madras HC To Ban Movie Reviews For First Three Days Post Film Release After Kanguva, Vettaiyan, Indian 2 Disasters

The Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA) has filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court seeking a three-day ban on movie reviews across social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X, starting from a film’s release. Filed through counsel Vijayan Subramanian, the petition also seeks directions from the Central and State governments to frame guidelines for online film critics. The case is scheduled to be heard by Justice S. Sounthar.

The move follows escalating concerns within the Tamil film industry regarding the impact of immediate and harsh online reviews on box office performance. According to the Tamil Nadu Producers Council (TNPC), films like Indian 2, Vettaiyan, and Suriya’s Kanguva have suffered significant losses due to negative reviews and personal attacks shared on YouTube and other platforms shortly after release. Kanguva, in particular, failed to impact the box office, which industry insiders attribute partly to unfavorable online reviews.

The TFAPA and TNPC claim that such reviews often include personal malice and incitement of hatred disguised as criticism, severely affecting the reputation of actors, directors, and producers. The TNPC also issued a four-page statement condemning this practice and requesting theatre owners to ban YouTube channels from recording public opinions and reviews inside theatre premises. In response, some theatres have already restricted access to YouTubers during screenings.

The TNPC emphasized that critics have the right to express their opinions but called for responsible reviewing that avoids personal attacks or sowing hatred against films. The association urged all stakeholders in the film industry to take unified action to discourage such practices.

The current petition follows a similar precedent in Kerala, where a seven-day ban on YouTube reviews was implemented in 2023. The decision came after Mubeen Rauf, the director of Aromalinte Adyathe Pranayam, alleged that negative public opinion videos adversely affected his film’s business.

The Tamil film industry has been grappling with back-to-back underperforming big-budget films, including those featuring major stars like Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Suriya. Producers claim that immediate online reviews, particularly first-day-first-show (FDFS) reactions, discourage audiences from watching movies, leading to financial losses.

(With inputs from Hindustan Times)

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Wikipedia Claims Jai Shri Ram Chants Led To Sambhal Violence, Video Evidence Proves It False

By
The Commune
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Wikipedia Claims Jai Shri Ram Chants Led To Sambhal Violence, Video Evidence Proves It False

Wikipedia page on the Sambhal violence has once again highlighted the platform’s susceptibility to biased narratives. The page attempts to frame the incident as being triggered by “Jai Shri Ram” chants, citing sources that rely heavily on allegations without verifying the ground realities.

One such reference cited on the Wikipedia page comes from a Telegraph article that claims people accompanying the court-appointed survey commission chanted “Jai Shri Ram” at the disputed structure site, provoking communal violence. The article reads, “Some people accompanying the court-appointed survey commission to the Jama Masjid in Sambhal on Sunday had set up a triumphal chant of “Jai Shri Ram” to irritate Muslims, in the presence of senior police and district officials, multiple Opposition MPs in Uttar Pradesh have alleged.”

Without providing independent evidence, the Wikipedia article attributes this information on Sambhal violence to allegations by opposition MPs, such as Sambhal MP Ziaur Rahman Barq. This narrative suggests that the chants incited local protests, leading to police action and subsequent violence.

However, video evidence and reports from the ground tell a different story. Footage of advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, and administrative officials conducting the court-ordered survey shows no signs of communal sloganeering or inflammatory behavior.

Wikipedia’s page fails to provide a balanced perspective. Ziaur Rahman Barq, who alleged police provocation, is himself among those charged with inciting violence. His political affiliations and potential vested interests are conspicuously ignored.

Following the violence, 25 individuals were taken into custody, and seven FIRs were registered against 2,500 people. The inclusion of stringent charges under the National Security Act (NSA) indicates that authorities view this as premeditated violence, not spontaneous provocation.

While opposition leaders blame the police, no evidence substantiates claims of excessive force without cause. Instead, reports suggest law enforcement acted to maintain order during a volatile situation.

Wikipedia Edits

The page erroneously refers to Hari Shankar Jain as the advocate involved when it is his son Vishnu Shankar Jain who is representing the Hindu side.

The page also calls Hari Shankar Jain, a pro-Hindutva lawyer. Attempts to edit these out are met with failure. Here are a few screenshots from the edit history that prove these statements were challenged, only to be ignored/rejected and reverted to the narrative-peddling version on the latest update.

By selectively citing allegations while ignoring contradictory evidence, Wikipedia perpetuates a misleading narrative. Its reliance on politically charged sources like The Telegraph to frame an incident as religiously motivated demonstrates a clear bias.

Wikipedia’s role as a supposedly neutral platform demands greater accountability. Misinformation disguised as “facts” not only misguides readers but also risks further polarization.

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PMK Pres Anbumani Ramadoss Slams DMK Govt Over Sathanur Dam Water Release And Poor Flood Response

By
The Commune
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PMK Pres Anbumani Ramadoss Slams DMK Govt Over Sathanur Dam Water Release And Poor Flood Response

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss accused the DMK government of releasing water from the Sathanur Dam into the Thenpennai River without proper warning to residents along its banks, which he claims contributed to the widespread devastation.

Ramadoss also strongly criticized the ruling DMK government, urging them to focus on providing disaster relief and ensuring timely release of funds, rather than engaging in political theatrics during such a critical time.

PMK chief Ramadoss made these remarks after visiting the flood-hit areas of Marakkanam on 2 December 2024. He stated that the sudden release of 1.70 lakh cusecs of water left people unprepared and affected nearly 90% of Cuddalore district. He also pointed out that this action contradicted a previous promise by Chief Minister MK Stalin, who had criticized the AIADMK government in 2015 for releasing water from the Chembarambakkam Lake without notice, pledging that the DMK would not repeat such mistakes.

Anbumani Ramadoss criticized Chief Minister MK Stalin’s government, accusing him of boasting about his own efforts while blaming the previous ADMK regime. He remarked,“Yesterday, the Chief Minister tweeted, what of tweet was it? he tweeted about how many people died during the previous ADMK regime because the Chembarambakkam lake was opened at night while people were sleeping. But he tweeted that our regime is not like that. However, today, at around 2 a.m., 1.70 lakh cusecs of water per second from  Sathanur Lake, no one knows this news. As a result, 90% of the houses along the banks of Cuddalore district, especially in the city, are submerged. People have lost their belongings, and the extent of the loss of life is still unknown. The Thenpennai River bed and its banks are flooded, causing significant damage because the public was unaware of this, but he blames the ADMK. Both are to blame. The public needs to be informed about this. I don’t want to do politics in this. This is not the time to boast that we are doing this much. This is the time to help the people.”

Further, Anbumani criticized the government’s flood mitigation efforts, arguing that they have been primarily focused on Chennai, while other regions remain neglected. He emphasized that the government should not rely solely on central funds for disaster relief, advocating for a dedicated budget allocation for such emergencies, given that floods are an annual occurrence. He also stressed the need for more accurate weather forecasts, highlighting that the unexpected heavy rainfall in Villupuram, which recorded 50 cm, caught authorities off guard.

Anbumani highlighted the exceptional rainfall in Uthangarai, Krishnagiri district, where 50 cm fell within 24 hours, marking the highest recorded in 300 years. He explained that this extreme weather has severely affected hundreds of villages and inundated thousands of homes, causing immense distress to the people.

While acknowledging the historical nature of the rainfall, Anbumani attributed the severity of the floods to the government’s failure to properly desilt water bodies and waterways. He questioned the whereabouts of funds allocated for desilting, noting that the government has yet to announce any relief for the affected populations. He also cited the tragic landslide in Tiruvannamalai, where seven people were trapped, and rescue teams could not reach them even after 18 hours, as an example of the challenges faced in the current crisis.

The PMK leader called for an immediate increase in rescue and relief efforts, urging the government to mobilize more personnel to assist in the response. He cited rainfall data from various regions, such as 33 cm in Harur, Dharmapuri district, and 32 cm in Tirupalapanthal, Kallakurichi, underscoring the urgent need for swift intervention to prevent further loss of life.

Anbumani also drew attention to the destruction in Krishnagiri, where vehicles were swept away by the floods, and road access was completely cut off along the Tirupattur-Tiruvannamalai stretch. He further pointed to severe flooding along the Sarabanga River in Salem and the Thenpennai River, which runs from Krishnagiri to Cuddalore, and demanded that the government take immediate steps to restore normalcy in these affected areas.

(With inputs from DTNext)

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