The Leader of the Opposition and AIADMK General Secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, has criticized the ruling DMK government for allegedly showing favoritism towards controversial Tamil YouTuber and influencer Mohammed Irfan. Irfan recently posted a video of himself cutting the umbilical cord of his newborn baby in an operating theater on his YouTube channel. This act, which is a clear violation of the law, has gone unpunished, with the only response from the authorities being a show-cause notice. Palaniswami has called this lack of action a serious lapse in governance.
In a condemnation letter issued on 20 November 2024, highlighting several instances of negligence in medical procedures that have led to the deaths of poor citizens, Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed strong disapproval. He stated, “I condemn the inaction of the Health and Family Welfare Department under the DMK Government, which continues to be embroiled in various controversies.”
In his statement, Edappadi K. Palaniswami highlighted several disturbing incidents of medical negligence under the current DMK government. He detailed cases such as that of a football player who came in for knee surgery at Periyar Nagar Hospital, only to lose her leg and life due to incorrect treatment. He also spoke of a 7-year-old girl, the daughter of a head constable from Otteri police station, who received improper treatment at Egmore Children’s Hospital, leaving her right leg crippled. Additionally, he mentioned a girl at Cuddalore Government Hospital who, after seeking treatment for a cold, was mistakenly given a dog bite injection.
Palaniswami also brought attention to the shocking case of a child’s body being kept in a sack after death at a government hospital just a few days ago. Another incident involved a patient’s assistant assaulting a doctor at Guindy Hospital last week, sparking a protest demanding better protection for doctors and healthcare staff. Furthermore, he noted the tragic death of a patient named Vignesh, who passed away due to a lack of proper treatment.
As Leader of the Opposition, Palaniswami emphasized that since the DMK took office in 2021, he has repeatedly raised these concerning issues with the government. However, instead of addressing these problems, Health Minister M. Subramanian has only offered contradictory responses, failing to take effective action.
Then taking a jibe at the DMK Health minister Ma. Subramanian stated, “Minister of Health and family welfare who initially moved heaven and earth stating that, “I will take appropriate action against the YouTuber who acted illegally and cut the baby’s umbilical cord,” has sneaked in questioning the journalists if this was a crime of murder, as soon as the footage of the person sitting and eating with the Scion minister Udhayanidhi appeared on social media, has caused great dissatisfaction among the public. It is an incomprehensible mystery that this government has not taken any action even after this YouTuber Irfan revealed the gender of the child.”
Background
Tamil YouTuber Mohamed Irfan, known for frequently flouting state laws, seems to have once again escaped accountability, raising concerns about the DMK government’s leniency towards him. This troubling display sets a dangerous precedent.
The incident in question occurred when Irfan posted a video on his YouTube channel, “Irfan’s View”, filmed at a private hospital in Chennai. The video depicted Irfan cutting his newborn’s umbilical cord on camera as he and his wife, Aaliya, celebrated the birth of their first child.
Despite DMK Health Minister Ma. Subramanian’s statement over two weeks ago, vowing severe action against Irfan once he returned from abroad, no significant steps have been taken against him. Instead, the hospital involved has been penalized, but Irfan himself has faced no consequences for his actions, leading to criticism of the government’s inaction and perceived special treatment.
So far, YouTuber Irfan, sent a letter to the Health Department, expressing his respect for Tamil Nadu’s health authorities and clarifying that he never intended to cause harm. Irfan, claiming he was currently abroad, apologized for any misunderstandings and stressed that he had no intention of violating medical ethics.
However, the Health Department took immediate action against the hospital. The hospital where the procedure took place was fined ₹50,000 and its operations were suspended for ten days. Additionally, the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services (DMS) revoked the Clinical Establishment Act registration of Rainbow Children’s Hospital in Sholinganallur, suspending all patient care activities for ten days, starting October 24.
An exception was made for pregnant women receiving continuous treatment at the hospital. Rajamoorthy, the Director of Medical and Rural Health Services, explained that the registration was withdrawn under Section 5 (2) of the Tamil Nadu Private Clinical Establishments (Regulation) Act. The State Rural Health Department has also filed a police complaint against Niveditha, the gynaecologist at the Chennai private hospital and Irfan. Reports emerged on 5 November 2024 that she’s also been served notice by the Tamil Nadu Medical Council .
Health Minister Ma. Subramanian’s recent statement, dismissing the act as “not a murderous crime,” stands in stark contrast to his earlier comments on 22 October 2024, when he had vowed that severe actions would be taken. This shift in stance suggests that, once again, the DMK government may not pursue serious consequences. As a result, Youtuber Irfan is likely to continue posting vlogs and videos—perhaps even with Dravidian Stocks—on his channel without facing any significant repercussions for his violation of the law.
It is noteworthy that Irfan had previously faced controversy after disclosing the sex of his unborn child, following a prenatal test conducted abroad. Revealing the sex of a fetus is a violation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act.
The ruling DMK, known for strictly enforcing laws against its critics, has recently faced backlash over its approach to handling YouTuber and food vlogger Mohamed Irfan. Although the party has previously arrested citizens for legal infractions, it seems to be treating Irfan differently by issuing him a show cause notice, requesting an explanation for a controversial video he posted.
Observers and political analysts suggest that influencers like Mohamed Irfan have previously helped promote DMK’s ideology within the state, particularly during election run-up.
It is noteworthy that Irfan shares a close relationship with the DMK scion. He did a public relations video with DMK scion and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin in November 2022. In the video Irfan asks Udhayanidhi Stalin “You’ve become my friend now right? You’re my friend right? Give your hand bro. (shakes hand). From now on, we’re friends. Like in the film OKOK (Oru Kal Oru Kannadi starring Udhayanidhi Stalin), if I get caught by police and call you, will you help me?”
This is seen as the reason why the DMK may be hesitant to take stricter action against him.
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