Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra on Friday dismissed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s allegations that the state BJP was attempting to poach ‘50 Congress MLAs with Rs 50 crores’ bribe and cautioned that he should fear his own ministers, claiming that they were the ones, ‘conniving’ at his back to dethrone him. Vijayendra further said that the Chief Minister was undermining his own party by levelling such baseless accusations as he would lose his credibility in face of not being able to corroborate his allegations with evidence.
Speaking to reporters at state BJP headquarters, Vijayendra said, “Mr CM Siddaramaiah, you need to fear your ministers who are always found beside you. I want to convey this message to you.” Citing the example of Haryana, he said that the Congress party was under the illusion that they had won the state but lost. Now, they are losing Maharashtra as well. After seeing the setback in by-polls in Karnataka, the tall Congress leaders from the state are trying to purchase your own MLAs.
“Four to six leaders within the Congress want to dethrone CM Siddaramaiah. They see him as an outsider and want him to step down much before the five-year term. They see you as the CM mired in corruption,” cautioned the BJP leader. “The resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is certain. There is no doubt about it. The question is when he is resigning and who will be the next CM,” he claimed while adding that the BJP has just 66 MLAs in the state Assembly and hence won’t attempt at poaching.
“If you (media) ask me whether CM Siddaramaiah will continue in his position, hundred percent it is not possible. He will be resigning very soon,” Vijayendra maintained. He further stated, “I don’t think the high command won’t wait till the winter session. They will get his resignation before that.” “CM Siddaramaiah has spoken on Congress MLAs being offered Rs 50 crores by BJP. But the reality is that there is simmering discontent as CM Siddaramaiah and his family is indulged in rampant corruption and his CM’s chair is shaking,” he underlined. “The truth is CM himself has realized that his time is up and making allegations on BJP to save the blushes,” he concluded.
–IANS
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BJP President and Union Minister JP Nadda on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi linked politics with development and changed its definition as once politics meant appeasement, divide and rule, misleading people, and corruption. “It’s a huge shift in politics,” the BJP leader claimed. During his interactive meeting with intellectuals, Nadda said, “Today Prime Minister Modi has changed the definition of Indian politics. At one point in time, politics was synonymous with appeasement, divide and rule, misleading the public, and corruption. However, Prime Minister Modi has redefined politics by linking it to development and advocating for the nation’s progress.” “We all are fortunate that we are moving forward for the development of a new India under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi,” Nadda added.
“In Uttar Pradesh, after 50 years, a government has come back to power consecutively… we won Uttarakhand for the second time… we won Assam and Tripura consecutively. That means BJP-NDA governments are repeated now, this is the result of pro-incumbency. The same is going to be repeated in Maharashtra on November 23rd,’’ said Nadda hinting that the MahaYuti alliance will come back to power in the state. “This government is pro-poor, pro-women, pro-farmers and pro-youths. This government is accountable and responsive. This is a cultural and political shift,” said Nadda. The BJP chief targeted the Congress party saying that it never gave importance to the manifesto. “They used to present their old manifesto in every election. However, you can see the politics of the report card. On every platform, Prime Minister Modi gives an account of the work done by his government,” he said.
Nadda accused the Congress of mocking the digitalization of the country. “Optical fibre cable (OFC) of 6.83 lakh kms has been laid. More than 2 lakh gram panchayats have been connected with OFC and satellite. In Maharashtra, 8975 Panchayats are connected with OFC,” he said. The BJP leader said that Rs 12 lakh crore has been spent on the country’s infrastructure in the last 10 years, adding that the Prime Minister has decided on Speed, Scale & Skill. “Earlier, it used to take years for medicines for various diseases to arrive in the country. Whereas in just nine months, PM Modi made not just one but two Corona vaccines and gave them to India. Not only this, India has supplied vaccines to 100 countries. The country supplied vaccines to 48 countries for free. This is a changing India,” he claimed.
Nadda criticised Maha Vikas Aghadi for halting the Mumbai Metro project, redevelopment of Dharavi, Bullet Train, Coastal Road, Pune Outdoor Link Road and Navi Mumbai Airport. They also went to court against the Ladki Bahin Yojana. “On November 20th, you need to stop Aghadi,” he urged the participants at the meet. “Congress and Aghadi want to snatch the rights of OBC/SC/ST and give them to Muslims in the name of the minority. We talk of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas and these people (Aghadi people) are working to divide the society,” Nadda added.
–IANS
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A significant uproar occurred at the Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital (KCSSH) in Guindy, Chennai, as family of a deceased youth clashed with hospital staff, accusing the doctors of negligence and claiming that the absence of medical professionals led to the young man’s death. The incident follows an earlier assault by Vignesh, a man from Perungalathur, who attacked Oncologist Dr. Balaji Jagannath, blaming poor treatment and neglect for his mother’s deteriorating condition.
Vignesh, a resident of Perumbakkam in Chennai, was admitted to KCSSH on 13 November 2024, with complaints of abdominal pain. Medical tests revealed he had gallstones, and he was moved to the emergency department that same night. However, Vignesh suddenly passed away in the early hours of 15 November allegedly without receiving treatment.
His family members accused the hospital staff of not being present when needed, claiming that the absence of doctors was the cause of his death. This led to a heated argument between the relatives and hospital staff. Following the altercation, Guindy police inspector intervened and engaged in discussions with the family, which eventually led to calm.
The brother of the deceased youth spoke to the press, saying, “My brother’s name is Vignesh. On the 13th night, we brought him to the hospital because he was suffering from abdominal pain due to gallstones. They asked us put admission here and asked for Aadhar card, which we provided. After that, they took him to the emergency ward for about five minutes. In the emergency ward, they didn’t do anything. They simply made him sit in a wheelchair, asked him to bend and raise, and then said it was nothing by giving him an injection and transferred him to a regular ward.
They placed him in the MAG ward or something like that, and after that the entire night, no one checked on him. Even the next day, until 9 p.m., no one came to see if he was okay. They didn’t check him whether he was alright has pulse, blood pressure, or not. They have done anything at all. Then, last night, when he struggled to breathe, they moved him to the emergency ICU and inserted a temporary respirator into his mouth. But even in the ICU, after putting the temporary respirator in his nose and mouth, they didn’t provide any further treatment. Whether doctor’s visit to check or assess his condition whether his condition could be recovered or not. No doctor came to see and not even single person came to check.”
He expressed his frustration, saying, “The poor come to government hospitals hoping for help from the government, but despite the hospital being named after Kalaignar Centenary, the treatment is inadequate. If they had told us during admission that there were no doctors available, we would have gone to another hospital instead of wasting time here.”
On 14 November 2024, a violent incident at Kalaignar Centenary Hospital in Chennai shocked the public when a relative of a patient allegedly assaulted a doctor. The incident stirred controversy, but the assailant’s mother, Prema, shared her side of the story, revealing her frustration with the hospital’s care.
Prema explained that her son’s violent reaction was fueled by his emotional distress over the perceived neglect of her condition. She criticized the hospital for providing substandard care and not addressing her concerns. Prema further explained that her son’s actions were driven by his deep affection for her and a sense of helplessness after feeling the hospital staff had failed to offer proper treatment.
Prema also shared her family’s challenges, including the struggle to obtain necessary documents from another hospital, SRM, and her frustration with the government’s lack of support. She claimed that doctors at Kalaignar Centenary Hospital had not explained her medical condition or performed proper tests, and she lamented rumors about her health, including false reports about her having stage 5 cancer.
In a shocking revelation, Prema explained that Dr. Balaji at Adayar Institute had initially told her she was in the second stage of cancer and could be treated with fewer sessions. However, due to financial constraints, she had to decline further treatment. After eventually being admitted to Kalaignar Centenary, Prema claimed that Dr. Balaji did not check on her and dismissed her need for more chemotherapy, further fueling her frustration.
When asked by the press whether the doctor had performed any scans or explained her medical condition, Prema replied, “Not once did the doctor say ‘You’ve this problem’ to me. Not a single time.”
Recently, government hospitals in Tamil Nadu have become increasingly unreliable, with several incidents of sudden deaths attributed to a lack of proper care, attention and due to medical negligence of the doctors. Below are some of the key issues contributing to this growing concern.
Husband Loses Sensation Below Waist After Surgery at Tiruvallur Hospital
In May 2024, Savitri, a woman from Tiruvallur, lodged a formal complaint with the District Collector’s office, accusing doctors at Tiruvallur Government Hospital of medical negligence that resulted in her husband, Kandhan Kumar, losing sensation below the waist.
Savitri’s husband, Kandhan Kumar, was admitted to Tiruvallur Government Hospital on March 10 for treatment of a stomach tumor and underwent surgery on 23 March. However, there was a delay of 2-3 hours after the operation, and Savitri later learned that a needle had broken during the procedure, requiring an operation light, and that his stomach had been scratched. An MRI revealed internal bleeding, and Savitri was advised to transfer him to a Chennai hospital, where doctors informed her that he would never walk again due to nerve damage.
Savitri criticized the hospital for not fully disclosing the complications and for downplaying the severity of the situation. She claimed the staff was now suggesting exercise as a solution, which she believes is an attempt to cover up their negligence.
17-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Wrong Treatment at Villupuram Hospital
In January 2024, 17-year-old Subhasree, a 12th-grade student, died after treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Villupuram. Admitted for abdominal pain, she was treated for liver and kidney infections but suffered fatal convulsions after a neck injection.
Doctors noted mild swelling in her liver and gallbladder but couldn’t determine the cause. The family questioned the neck injection, accusing the hospital of wrongful treatment. They staged protests along the Chennai-Trichy highway, demanding justice. Police assured action after the family filed a complaint, calling for accountability for Subhasree’s death.
Woman Undergoes Angio, Ends Up Losing Her Arm
Jyoti, a 32-year-old woman from Chennai, went to Rajiv Gandhi Hospital for an angioplasty procedure and was initially in good health. However, after the treatment, her arm became swollen, and blood clots developed. Allegations of negligence soon surfaced, with her husband, Zeenath, a physically challenged man, claiming the doctors failed to explain the situation properly and even removed tissue from her arm.
Initially, doctors attributed the issue to a blood clot, but later indicated that amputation might be necessary. Zeenath expressed his distress, alleging that the hospital’s carelessness had put Jyoti’s life in danger, with discussions about amputating both her arms and legs.
இவை அனைத்தும் கடந்த 8 மாதத்தில் பேசு பொருளான நாம் கடந்து வந்த அரசு மருத்துவமனை செய்திகள் 🥲
இதில் ஒரு பிரச்சனைக்காவது சுகாதாரத்துறை அமைச்சரோ இல்லை முதல்வரோ எதாவது ஒரு நடவேடிக்கை எடுத்திருக்கிறார்களா?
Head Constable Kothandapani’s daughter had fallen into a coma due to alleged medical negligence while being treated at Egmore Children’s Hospital. The daughter, aged 10, had received government-prescribed medications since she was three, and Kothandapani claimed that incorrect diagnosis and treatment led to severe complications. He demanded action against responsible doctors and questioned the hospital’s lack of explanation. Instead of a response, the child was given a disability certificate from the National Children’s Commission.
Pregnant Woman Loses Newborn Due to Alleged Negligence at Thiruvannamalai PHC
In October 2023, a pregnant woman tragically lost her newborn at Thellar Government Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, due to alleged medical negligence. The woman, admitted on the night of 29 October with mild contractions, was initially assured that the delivery could proceed smoothly. However, by 3 AM, staff called for an ambulance, citing delivery complications but later claimed the baby was healthy and could be delivered at the PHC.
At around 7 AM, the family was informed that the baby was born unresponsive and CPR was being performed. For two hours, nurses continued CPR without a doctor present. The doctor only arrived at 9:30 AM, and the family alleges that staff had misled them about the doctor’s involvement and the delivery process.
Woman Dies After Caesarean Operation
In August 2023, at the Virudhachalam government hospital in Tamil Nadu, Kalpana, a pregnant woman, underwent a caesarean operation but tragically passed away. Her family was denied access to her initially, and when they finally saw her, she was unresponsive. Despite their efforts, Kalpana could not be revived, and the family accused the medical staff of negligence.
Football Player Dies After Botched Surgery
In November 2022, a tragic incident occurred involving Priya R, a 17-year-old football player who underwent knee surgery to address a ligament tear. Unfortunately, on the morning of November 15, 2022, she lost her life due to medical negligence, resulting in multiple organ failures. The negligence involved the use of a tightly bound band on her right leg following the surgery, which obstructed blood flow. Subsequently, doctors at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital recommended amputation of the leg due to severe muscle rot. Tragically, Priya succumbed to her deteriorating health, passing away at Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital in Chennai.
Toddler Dies After Amputation
In July 2023, a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler, whose right hand was amputated following a medical procedure, tragically passed away at the Government Institute of Child Health in Egmore. The child had been battling for life in the ICU and succumbed to his condition at around 5.40 a.m. The amputation had sparked allegations of medical negligence by the parents against doctors and nurses at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. However, an internal committee formed by the Health Department cleared the hospital staff, suggesting that a bacterial infection called Pseudomonas might have caused Ischaemia leading to limb amputation. The parents were dissatisfied with this explanation, as they claimed that the improper insertion of an IV cannula had caused gangrene.
Infant Dies After Vaccination
In July 2023, a 10-month-old girl tragically died after receiving a vaccination at an Anganwadi centre in Tanjore, Tamil Nadu. The parents, Geetha and Satish Kumar were called to the centre for their daughter Taranika’s vaccination. Shortly after receiving the vaccine, the child suffered an allergic reaction and lost consciousness. They rushed her to a local primary health centre where she received four more injections, which worsened her condition. Subsequently, they were transferred to Thanjavur Government Rasamirasudhar Hospital, where doctors declared the child dead. The parents suspected the vaccination was the cause of death and demanded a thorough investigation and appropriate action against those responsible.
These are just a few instances that has managed to make it to the news. It is possible that many more such cases either go unreported or gets deliberately buried.
Earlier in 2022, there were reports of medicine shortage in Tamil Nadu government hospitals across the state. These claims of medicine shortages were made by the doctors themselves. According to doctors, the drugs experiencing significant shortages include Ciprofloxacin, Furosemide, Omeprazole, Clopidogrel, and Cefotaxime. Primary Health Centres had a shortage of medicines for snake bite. In addition to these medications, hospitals in Tamil Nadu were grappling with a scarcity of antibiotics and intravenous fluids, which had severely hampered the operations of medical institutions, including medical college hospitals. Injections including Paracetamol, Diclofenac, Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone and IV Infusion fluids were in acute shortage in the state. But, the DMK Health Minister Ma Subramanian rubbished the reports saying that there was no shortage of medicines and instead asked people to register a complaint with the helpline number 104 in case there was shortage.
The healthcare system in Tamil Nadu is grappling with serious problems with the poor becoming victims. It is high time the DMK government which thumps its chest about the “Dravidian Model” and Tamil Nadu being a forerunner in healthcare gets its act together.
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Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh said on Thursday that J&K’s Jammu city will have a dedicated railway division with the approval of the Railway Ministry. Jammu is the main centre for nearly 20 million pilgrims, who come each year to pay obeisance at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. Dr Jitendra Singh said in a series of posts on X, “Heartening news for #Jammu.Railways to set up exclusive Division Headquarter at Jammu.” “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally overseeing the progress of railway infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Dr Singh emphasised PM Modi’s dedication to strengthening Jammu’s railway facilities, which will become an important junction when the Kashmir Valley connects with the rest of India by rail for the first time. The decision follows a proposal by the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by its president, Arun Gupta. After discussions with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Dr Singh shared, “The matter was taken up with Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ji. I am glad to share the update that the Railway Ministry has accepted the proposal and initiated the process for the same.”
The delegation of Jammu Chamber of Commerce & Industry has said in its letter to the railway minister that giving full-fledged division status to Jammu will not only streamline the running of trains but will also create new avenues of employment opportunities for the locals. At present, Jammu is under the Firozpur division of Northern Railways. Jammu city has been the gateway of tourism, industry and other economic activities for the landlocked Kashmir valley. Traditionally, Jammu businesses benefitted from the over 150-year-old royal practice of shifting the seat of governance between the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu on a six-monthly basis.
Through this practice, thousands of Kashmiris connected with officialdom and work at different levels of offices would come to Jammu in connection with employment and official work. The practice of shifting offices between Srinagar and Jammu was called the ‘Darbar Move’. This practice was stopped by the Lt Governor administration. After coming to power, the National Conference government has promised to resume the ‘Darbar Move’.
–IANS
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Kachirayapalayam police have arrested a church priest for pasting handwritten Bible verses and provocative slogans, such as “Jesus coming soon,” on the walls surrounding several temples in the area. The scriptures also included a warning that the idols would be removed and replaced.
The incident occurred on the night of November 12th when an unknown individual pasted handwritten Bible verses on chart paper and affixed them to the walls of Shiva, Pillayar, and Perumal temples in Kachirayapalayam, a village near Karadisithur in Kallakurichi District.
The messages also included a warning about removing the idols and replaced, along with a statement titled “A Condemnation to the Commons,” signed by “Anniya/Stranger.”
Following a complaint, Inspector Yelumalai and his team launched an investigation, identifying the suspect as a 34-year-old church priest named Christ Raj, the son of Santhanam, from Kachirayapalayam.
According to the police, Christ Raj, who trained as a priest, established a church near his home and actively preached his faith. However, he was frustrated by the low turnout at his church, as most locals preferred to attend the nearby temples. In retaliation, Christ Raj allegedly vandalized temple idols last month and, on the night in question, wrote and posted religious verses on the temple walls. He was arrested in connection with the incident.
The Madras High Court has dismissed a defamation case filed against former Minister and AIADMK leader Sellur Raju for allegedly tarnishing the reputation of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin during a protest held on 29 May 2023 in Madurai.
The case, registered in the Madurai District Principal Sessions Court, was brought after Sellur Raju’s remarks during the protest were deemed defamatory by the ruling DMK government. In response, Raju filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking to quash the case.
The petition was heard by Justice Velmurugan, where Raju’s counsel argued that the remarks were part of his democratic duty as an opposition MLA and merely an expression of his opinion. They asserted that his speech was not intended to harm the Chief Minister’s reputation.
The government, however, maintained that Raju’s statements were deliberately made to tarnish the image of the Chief Minister and argued that the case should proceed.
During the hearing, Justice Velmurugan expressed strong disapproval of the behavior of both DMK and AIADMK parties, remarking that neither had a genuine intention to contribute positively to the country. He criticized both parties for their habitual accusations against each other under the guise of strengthening democracy, stating, “If political parties continue such behavior, how will the next generation learn to foster a better political culture?”
Ultimately, Justice Velmurugan ruled in favor of Sellur Raju, quashing the defamation case. The judge concluded that Raju’s speech did not amount to defamation and pointed out that such exchanges between political parties have become a routine tactic to maintain the status quo rather than strengthen democratic principles.
A programme to award school students for their best inventions as part of an entrepreneurship initiative was held on 14 November 2024 at the Anna University campus, with School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi as the special guest to commemorate Children’s Day. However, the event drew sharp criticism after the minister presented a certificate to his own son, Kavin, raising allegations of nepotism and favoritism.
Kavin, an 8th-grade student at an international curriculum school in Alwarpet, Chennai, was among the recipients. News spread that he was allegedly hand-picked to be part of the project team for his father’s sake. The minister’s public gesture of patting his son on the shoulder and expressing pride further fueled speculation about the fairness of the selection process.
In an interview that has since gone viral, Kavin’s candid remarks raised even more questions. When asked about the project, he admitted, “It is not my idea; it is my group mates’ idea. I did not help much with the project.” Shockingly, he also revealed that he only learned about the project the day before the event, adding, “I don’t know how to react to winning the prize. I am a little happy to receive it from my father.”
The project, described as a biotech insurance startup aimed at streamlining loan disbursements and insurance, was supposedly a team effort. However, Kavin’s disinterest and lack of involvement highlighted concerns over why he was included in the first place. Critics wonder if the minister used his position to secure undue recognition for his son, undermining the integrity of the programme meant to celebrate genuine student innovation.
Social media users have expressed outrage, with one comment summarizing public sentiment: “Holy moly. He was drafted in to receive the prize just because of his father? This undermines the hard work of other deserving students.”
👀 Holy moly. He was drafted in to receive the prize just coz of his father?
I appreciate and respect this boy’s honesty in expressing his bemusement and disinterest in taking credit for someone else’s achievement! https://t.co/ZLobFsgXgJ
In another interview, the boy is seen saying he does not study Tamil and that he was learning French which he found to be difficult.
While Minister Anbil Mahesh has not yet responded to the allegations, the incident has sparked calls for transparency and accountability in such programs. Many are demanding an investigation into the selection process to ensure that awards are granted based on merit and not political influence.
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has charged 12 individuals and eight companies in a money laundering investigation related to Jaffer Sadiq, an expelled DMK member and international drug kingpin. The charges were filed in a CBI court in Chennai.
Among those named are Sadiq’s brother, Mohammed Saleem; his wife, Ameena Banu; business associate Mydeen Gani; and his bestie Dravidianist actor-director Ameer Sulthan. The companies involved are linked to Sadiq and are accused of being used to launder funds generated from the illegal export of drugs, including pseudoephedrine, to Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand.
In a statement on 13 November 2024, the ED announced that, “ED, Chennai has filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) on 10/09/2024 under the provisions of the PMLA, 2002 before the Hon’ble XIII Additional CBI Court, Chennai in the case of Jaffer Sadiq and others. A total of 20 persons have been arraigned as accused in the said PC. The Hon’ble Court has taken cognizance of the PC on 18/10/2024.”
ED, Chennai has filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) on 10/09/2024 under the provisions of the PMLA, 2002 before the Hon’ble XIII Additional CBI Court, Chennai in the case of Jaffer Sadiq and others. A total of 20 persons have been arraigned as accused in the said PC. The Hon’ble…
The ED’s investigation, initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), was triggered by three key drug seizures: 50 kg of pseudoephedrine by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Delhi on February 2024, 39 kg of ketamine by Mumbai Customs on October 2018, and another 50 kg of pseudoephedrine by Chennai Customs in August 2015. These drugs were exported under the guise of health-mix powder, desiccated coconut, food products, and even bangles.
Sadiq and his associates are accused of laundering proceeds from these illegal drug operations by investing in legitimate sectors such as real estate, film production, hospitality, and logistics. According to the ED, more than ₹30 crore in cash deposits were found across various entities controlled by Sadiq and his associates. The laundered money was funneled through a network of bank accounts controlled by Sadiq and his family, enabling the purchase of assets in their names and those of their associates, including “benamis.”
The ED has attached assets worth ₹55.3 crore, including properties linked to Sadiq, his wife, and other associates. Ameer Sulthan, the Dravidianist film director, is accused of benefiting from Sadiq’s illicit activities by investing the laundered funds into movies produced under his banner, JSM Pictures. Ameer was also a business partner of Sadiq in a firm, according to ED sources.
Who Is Jaffer Sadiq?
Sadiq, a producer of five Tamil films, was the leader of a cartel responsible for shipping Pseudoephedrine from India to Australia and New Zealand, as per the sources. Four other individuals from Tamil Nadu were apprehended in a Delhi warehouse.
Sadiq, who was affiliated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and serving as the Deputy Organiser for the Chennai West NRI Wing, was permanently expelled from the party on 25 February 2024 following the revelation of his involvement with the drug cartel. The case unraveled when authorities from New Zealand and Australia alerted Indian agencies about substantial drug smuggling in their countries, disguised as food products. The NCB was probing the possibility of drug money being used to fund films.
In February, New Zealand customs and Australian police provided information about large amounts of pseudoephedrine, hidden in desiccated coconut powder, being shipped to both countries. Additional information from the US Drug Enforcement Administration pointed to Delhi as the source of the consignment.
An international drug trafficking network has been broken up by a combined operation from the NCB and the Special Cell of Delhi Police, resulting in the seizure of at least 50 kg of Pseudoephedrine in Delhi.
Following extensive questioning, officials disclosed that over the past three years, 45 shipments containing roughly 3,500 kg of pseudoephedrine, worth over ₹2,000 crore in the international market, had been dispatched.
On 9 March 2024, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) announced the arrest of Jaffer Sadiq, the mastermind behind the India-Australia-New Zealand drug trafficking network. According to the NCB, Sadiq is reportedly the mastermind behind the drug trafficking ring spanning India, Australia, and New Zealand. Sadiq, who has five film productions to his credit, allegedly operated a cartel that transported pseudoephedrine from India to Australia and New Zealand. Four individuals from Tamil Nadu were apprehended in a Delhi warehouse two weeks prior.
Ameer Sultan – Jaffer Saadiq Links
During launch function of his film “Iraivan Miga Periyavan” in February 2022, Ameer is seen saying Jaffer Sadiq is a distant relative of his. He also mentions that Sadiq had been requesting Ameer to direct a film under his banner for 5 years. Questions arise over Ameer’s naivety when it comes to understanding his own relative.
Correction, director Ameer Sultan is not just an associate but he is also related to the Drug cartel and ex DMK’s NRI wing Chennai West district deputy organizer Jaffer Sadiq. pic.twitter.com/ffBlW07Jlc
Another video surfaced on social media platform X where Ameer is seen wishing all success to Jaffer Sadiq. He says, “I have been closely watching his meteoric rise in all businesses he has begun. I pray he achieves success with this film (production business) Iraivan Miga Periyavan too.”
It is noteworthy that he addresses Sadiq as “thambi” and Sadiq addresses Ameer as “Anna”.
Director Ameer explains who is Drug Lord Jaffar Sadiq to him.
Director Ameer and Jaffer Sadiq launched a coffee shop named 4AMCoffee and Kitchen under the Mahyan Pvt Ltd incorporation at ECR near Chennai. The managing director of this organisation, Abdul Basith, is also a director of Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd along with Jaffer Sadiq. Interestingly, Ameer Sulthan aka director Ameer is also a director of Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd.
For the launch of the coffee shop, director Vetrimaran and actor Soori were present. Another coffee shop named Law Cafe was opened at Radhakrishnan Salai under the Mahyan Group of Companies banner run by Ameer and Sadiq.
Ameer, Vetrimaran, and Jaffer Sadiq have been photographed frequently establishing the closeness of directors in the Tamil film industry with so-called producers.
Some of the films that Jaffer Sadiq has produced include Ameer’s Iraivan Miga Periyavan, Mangai, and Indira. These films were produced under the JSM Pictures banner. Interestingly, Sadiq’s X handle’s cover pic has 4 posters – the three mentioned above and a film named Maayavalai which is produced by Ameer’s own production house and co-produced by Vetrimaran’s Grass Root Film along with Jaffer Sadiq.
It is noteworthy that DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s wife Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi was the chief guest at the launch of a single from the film Mangai.
Saleem Bhai Biriyani chain which is apparently owned by Jaffer Sadiq himself and was inaugurated by Ameer. As he interacts with the press and news channels, Ameer discloses that Saleem Bhai Biriyani shop is one of Sadiq’s ventures. The both together have met MK Stalin and Kanimozhi as well. This establishes their thick friendship more than ever.
அப்பறம் எந்த படம் இயக்காம எந்த படமும் நடிக்கமா 10 லட்சம் நிவாரண நிதி அப்பறம் சென்னயில் caffee cafe வைக்க இயக்குனர் #Ameer க்கு எப்படி காசு வந்ததுனு இப்ப clear ஆகிருச்சு pic.twitter.com/v9IODMlfFu
— பூரியார் ¶¶¶|||•• செவிட்டு தவளை ••|||¶¶¶ (@Imtweetygoose) February 25, 2024
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Chennai’s iconic Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore is at the center of a new controversy once again after a video surfaced showing an unidentified Muslim woman wearing a hijab filming around the temple’s prakaram (outer walkway) for several hours. The footage quickly went viral, sparking strong reactions from Hindu activists who have condemned the incident. They have raised concerns about the temple’s security and questioned the efficiency of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) officials. Activists fear that such actions could pose a potential threat to the sanctity and safety of Hindu places of worship.
நேற்று மயிலை கபாலீஸ்வரர் ஆலயத்தில் ஹிஜாப் அணிந்த முஸ்லிம் பெண் சுமார் 1மணி நேரம் அங்கு இருந்து வீடியோ எடுத்துள்ளார்.கேள்வி கேட்க கூட ஆளில்லை. கோயிலை காக்க வக்கற்ற ஆலய நிர்வாகம்.கோயில் காட்சி பொருள் இல்லை வெறும் சுற்றிப் பார்க்க!@hindumunnani_tn@kannan_kanal@ManaliManoharHMpic.twitter.com/xnRg7ntFUc
The Hindu Munnani has filed a formal complaint against the unidentified Muslim woman who was filmed taking photos and videos of the Kapaleeswarar Temple premises while wearing a hijab. However, they claim that no action has been taken so far. In response, the Hindu Munnani has issued a strong condemnation of the authorities’ inaction.
மைலாப்பூர் கபாலீஸ்வரர் கோயிலில் ஹிஜாப் அணிந்து நடமாடிய இஸ்லாமிய பெண்..?
ஹிஜாப் அணிந்த பெண் செல்ஃபோன் மூலம் அம்மன் சந்நிதி உள்ளிட்ட முக்கிய பகுதிகளை வீடியோ எடுத்ததால் பரபரப்பு.!
பொதுமக்கள் அளித்த புகாரின் மீது காவலாளிகள் நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கவில்லை எனக் குற்றச்சாட்டு
In a statement, the organization said, “On behalf of the Hindu Munnani, we lodged a complaint with the HRCE officials at Kapaleeswarar Temple and the Mylapore Police. Take action! Take action! The Government of Tamil Nadu take action on HRCE department. Don’t sleep charity department..”
“A Muslim woman wearing hijab took photos and videos of the temple yesterday in Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai. How did they allow people of other religions to enter the temple and why did the security personnel fail to stop her? A few months ago, a Christian woman was seen sitting inside the temple reading the Bible. They have even placed the image of Mary and the cross near the flagpole. Muslim men have been spotted around the temple with their religious symbols.” The statement further questioned.
“If the charity department says that they are not able to provide proper security to the temple after taking salary from the temple income, then the charity department should leave the temple. Charity Department which has not filed a single complaint with the police despite all the wrongdoings, how can you protect our temples? We point out that Hindus themselves will not hesitate to directly guard the temple if the authorities are negligent in guarding the temple.” It warned.
The Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore has been embroiled in controversy on several occasions in the past. This latest incident is not the first of its kind. Previously, there have been multiple incidents that have raised concerns. For instance, a Muslim woman wearing a hijab was seen praying inside the temple premises. On another occasion, a Christian missionary woman was spotted reading ‘Paava Arikkai’ praying for the forgiveness of Hindus their mode of worship within the temple as “false” and “sinful,” while seeking forgiveness from her “One True Lord. Additionally, there have been reports of a Christian marriage being conducted within the temple grounds, further fueling the controversy.
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A fact-finding committee led by Justice (Retd.) SN Dhingra and former Delhi Police Commissioner SN Srivastava released their report on 14 November 2024, detailing allegations of discrimination against non-Muslims and instances of forced conversions at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), a minority institution in Delhi. The investigation was initiated by “Call for Justice,” an NGO, after receiving multiple complaints of harassment and religious bias within the university.
The report highlights forced conversions and systemic discrimination against non-Muslim students and faculty members in Jamia Millia Islamia. Witnesses testified that non-Muslim staff and students routinely faced harassment, unequal treatment, and derogatory remarks.
Key Findings
Harassment of Non-Muslim Faculty
An assistant professor reported consistent mistreatment by Muslim colleagues. She cited instances of a Muslim clerk disparaging her Ph.D. thesis, claiming it was valueless because she was a non-Muslim.
A non-Muslim faculty member from the SC community faced discrimination in the allocation of office facilities. He was denied basic amenities like a cabin and furniture, which were promptly provided to Muslim colleagues. When promoted to Assistant Controller of Examinations, Muslim staffers openly questioned how a “high-class” office could be given to a “Kafir.”
Discrimination Against Non-Muslim Students
The report documents harassment of tribal students, many of whom left the university due to religious discrimination.
A professor allegedly announced in class that students who did not follow Islam would not be allowed to complete their M.Ed. The professor reportedly cited examples of individuals who converted to Islam and subsequently secured favourable positions at the university.
Forced Conversions
Testimonies revealed that some Muslim staff and faculty at Jamia Millia Islamia exerted pressure on non-Muslim students and colleagues to convert to Islam.
Fact-finding committee releases the report on discrimination of non-Muslims and conversion of Non-Muslims to Islam in Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi
On Thursday a fact-finding report on the allegation of discrimination of non-muslims and conversion of non-muslims to… pic.twitter.com/lUIR7gtCLi
The committee was formed following protests at Jantar Mantar on 4 August 2024, led by members of the Scheduled Caste and Balmiki Samaj, who voiced concerns about the harassment faced by Ram Niwas, a non-Muslim employee at JMI. Preliminary investigations prompted the NGO to constitute a fact-finding panel to delve deeper into these allegations.
The report was presented to Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, the Ministry of Education, and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi on 14 November 2024.
