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Arabic College Hostel Scandal: Vice-Principal Muhammed Rafeeq And Senior Students Arrested For Minor’s Sexual Abuse

A case has been registered against seven individuals, including the vice-principal of an Arabic College, for the sexual assault of a 13-year-old minor residing in the college hostel in Kallambalam, Thiruvananthapuram. The victim, a student living in the hostel attached to the Arabic College, was repeatedly sexually assaulted by senior students.

The incident came to light when the child approached the vice-principal, Muhammed Rafeeq, to report the abuse. Shockingly, instead of addressing the complaint, Rafeeq became enraged and physically assaulted the child. Following this, the victim informed his parents, who subsequently filed a formal complaint with the Kallambalam police.

Based on the complaint, the police arrested three individuals: Muhammed Muhsin (22), a resident near Kilimanoor Thattathumala High School; Muhammed Shameer (24), a native of Thottakkad, Manamboor; and Muhammed Rafeeq (54), the vice-principal and a resident of Noor Mahal, Manamboor. The accused were charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and were remanded after a medical examination.

In addition to the three adults, four minor senior students were also implicated in the brutal assault. Notices have been served to their parents, and they are expected to be summoned for further legal proceedings. A case will be registered against the minors under the Juvenile Justice Act, and they will be produced before a juvenile court.

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“I’m Owaisi’s Slave”: When AIMIM Leader Syed Moin Repeated Akbaruddin Owaisi’s ‘Remove Police For 15 Minute’ Hate Speech Against Hindus

AIMIM leader Syed Moin’s speech from during his election campaign in November 2024 for the Maharashtra Assembly polls has gone viral now on social media. In the clipping from his over 45-minute speech, he is seen saying, There’s 15 minutes remaining. I’m Akbaruddin Owaisi’s slave, and I also believe in his 15-minute statement’. You can think whatever you want. I am also the one who hits a six in the last ball.”

Moin made this speech at Urdu Ghar at Nanded.

What Had Akbaruddin Owaisi Said?

In 2013, at a public meeting, Owaisi said, Hindustan, you’re 100 crores, we are 25 crores, you are more than us. Just remove the police for 15 minutes, we will show you who has more courage and who is stronger.”

Owaisi’s speech and the words have been repeated several times over the years to threaten Hindus.

In September 2023, during the Barawafat procession in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, a minor on a trolley was holding a placard that read,Remembered 15 minutes?Meanwhile, an audio recording of the above hate speech by Hyderabad-based AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi was playing on the same trolley where he had previously threatened to remove police for 15 minutes so that Muslims could eliminate Hindus.

Syed Moin repeated this in his speech from 3 months ago in Nanded. However, no action seems to have been taken against the hate speech peddled for decades.

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DVAC Raids AIADMK MLA Amman Arjunan’s Premises

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) of Tamil Nadu was on Tuesday conducting searches at the residence and office of opposition AIADMK‘s Coimbatore North MLA Amman K. Arjunan.

The raids, which began in the morning, are based on a case registered against him for allegedly amassing wealth beyond his known sources of income during his previous tenure. A team of eight DVAC officials, accompanied by armed police personnel for security, was inspecting his house and office.

This is not the first time DVAC has acted against AIADMK leaders since the DMK assumed office in 2021. Earlier, raids were conducted at the residence of former state Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar and former Local Administration Minister S.P. Velumani in separate corruption cases. Investigators conducted searches at 13 locations linked to Vijayabaskar, including his residence, following a complaint related to corruption.

Similarly, DVAC sleuths carried out raids at 10 locations associated with S.P. Velumani in another corruption case. The DVAC has registered a case against former minister and AIADMK legislator S.P. Velumani for alleged corruption in awarding stormwater drain (SWD) and roadwork tenders by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) in 2018. This marked the fourth FIR filed against Velumani by the state’s anti-corruption agency since the DMK government came to power in 2021. Velumani, currently AIADMK’s Organising Secretary, served as the Minister for Local Administration from 2014 to 2021.

The FIR is based on complaints filed by Jayaram Venkatesan, convenor of the NGO Arappor Iyakkam. The DVAC has also filed a charge sheet in the disproportionate assets case against former Minister C. Vijayabaskar and his wife, Ramya.

The charge sheet is based on a case registered under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. According to the charge, Vijayabaskar and his wife accumulated wealth in their names and those of their family members in the form of movable and immovable properties worth Rs 35.79 crore, which was found to be disproportionate to their known sources of income.

The DVAC has also previously conducted raids and registered a case against AIADMK leader and former T. Nagar MLA B. Sathyanarayanan in connection with a disproportionate assets case. The investigating agency has alleged that Sathyanarayanan amassed wealth amounting to Rs 2.64 crore, which was found to be disproportionate to his known sources of income.

–IANS

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Book Review: Kupwara Codes By Maj Manik M. Jolly – A Riveting Military Thriller

A good friend recommended this book during the pre-launch phase. Reading through the insightful tweets of the Major on social media, I was expecting a cracker of a book, presumably based on his experiences. However, after reading the book, I should comment that the Major has surprised all of us – This is an absolute humdinger with a thoroughly captivating narrative and excellently told fiction. The book’s title suggests that this is the first of many books and I eagerly look forward to the future editions.

This is a military fiction set in Kashmir, detailing the lives and travails of the First Battalion of the 4 Gorkha Rifles regiment. Major Danny Deka is an absolutely wonderful character, sketched to every great detail, and whose life arc is beautifully presented. Deepak, his protege and understudy, bubbling with youth and energy is a perfect foil to the daredevilry of Danny. One of the strengths or rather the beauty of the book is that many such characters are introduced in the narrative. Every single one of them is carved exquisitely and leaves a lasting memory on the reader.

The book gives some great insight into the lives of the army personnel. From regional tags like “Jat”, and “Khalsa” to the banter and leg-pulling of junior officers, this book embeds such nuggets smartly within the conversations. One of the biggest USP of the book is the enormous amount of leadership lessons that are distributed across the narrative. The importance of virtues like Humility is illustrated with some very fine examples, something that the readers can consider imbibing in their lives. Death is an event that acts as a catalyst for a gentleman cadet to transition into a Man. The conversations and experiences around this incident are quite hard-hitting.

Beyond the fiction, the book does present some fundamental issues critical to our society as part of the narrative. For example, the role of social media and influencers in setting a narrative, albeit a biased one, and the weaponization of such media by enemy powers. The role of media debates, open papers in international publications, etc are highlighted quite excellently. The author has inserted these life realities in such a wonderful manner that they don’t seem out of place at all.

Towards the end of the book, I observed a couple of instances where the dialogues are critical of the so-called defence experts who appear on all these TV debates. I wasn’t sure if this was just a conjecture of the character or a deeper reflection of the author’s experiences.

Overall, this is a wonderful unputdownable book. Very highly recommended.

Gee Vee is an engineer and avid fan of itihasas, puranas and books.

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“DMK – A Bunch Of Confused Nincompoops, Visit ED Or Income Tax Office With Same Black Paint”: BJP Leader Annamalai Slams DMK For Vandalizing Central Govt Properties Having Hindi Names

Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai criticized the DMK’s attempt to maintain its old anti-Hindi stance, despite the Tamil Nadu BJP exposing the party’s hypocrisy. He pointed out that many DMK leaders, who had been rallying against the imposition of Hindi, actually own schools that follow the CBSE curriculum, where Hindi is taught. Despite these revelations, some of the DMK’s cadres have continued to deface Hindi words on the boards of central government offices and buildings.

Annamalai took to his official X account to express his frustration, saying, Had seen a few misguided individuals roaming around with a can of black paint, striking Hindi Letters in opposition to the three-language formula in the New National Education Policy. We would humbly suggest that they visit the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Office with the same can of black paint. They can check for the addresses of these offices from the corrupt DMK Ministers as they frequently visit these places. The DMK party is a bunch of confused nincompoops who have different standards for their families and others. They either run CBSE/Matriculation schools, which offer an option of 3 languages or ensure that their children/grandchildren are enrolled in such schools. After securing their children’s future, they go around spreading fallacies and propaganda against the three-language policy; irony of things.

We strongly recommend that Thiru @mkstalin not hide behind the imaginary Hindi Imposition and answer these questions.

  • While the DMK ministers to councillors enrol their children in private schools where 3 languages or more are taught, why is it deprived of students studying in government schools?
  • Why are Hindi, other Indian Languages, and International Languages taught to students in the CBSE/ Matriculation schools run by DMK leaders? Why is the right to learn a third language refused only for students studying in government schools? Is the right to learn an additional language a privilege only for those who can afford it?
  • Our Hon. Minister, Thiru @dpradhanbjp avl, has clarified many times that the three-language policy does not mandate Hindi as the third language and is only an optional third language among many other languages. The same is proposed in the National Education Policy 2020. Why is the DMK deliberately confusing people?
  • Over 25 languages are defined as Dravidian languages. Having named your party the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, why is the State Government opposed to Government school students learning a third language such as Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam?
  • Did your party founder, Thiru Annadurai, not say that Tamil Nadu is willing to adopt Three language formula if other states also adopt it?

The people of Tamil Nadu deserve transparency, not hypocrisy. Will Thiru @mkstalin dare to answer these questions, or will he continue to hide behind false narratives? Thiru@mkstalin should also bring his I.N.D.I. Alliance partners to TN and give them also a box of black paint.”

This comes in the wake of DMK cadres defacing Hindi words on the boards of central government offices and buildings at locations including Sankarankoil, Pollachi, and Palayamkottai railway stations, as well as on the boards and banners at the Parangi Malai post office and BSNL office.

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Hindu Activists And Villagers Apprehend 27 Missionaries For Religious Proselytization At The Gates Of Peravurani Govt School Near Thanjavur

Hindu activists and local villagers in Thanjavur’s Peravurani apprehended over 27 Christian missionaries accused of spreading religious propaganda and denigrating Hinduism among students and the public at the gates of Peravurani Government School. They were subsequently handed over to the police for further action,

It was alleged that around 40 people from Nagercoil in Kanyakumari district, along with individuals from Thuravikkadu, Madukkur, and Karur in Thanjavur district, were seen distributing religious pamphlets in areas surrounding Thiruchitrambalam, Madathikadu, and Kalathur near Peravurani in Thanjavur district.

The group had faced resistance when they attempted to distribute pamphlets in Madathikadu earlier, causing a disruption. Later that evening, they stopped in front of the Government High School in Kalathur and began handing out pamphlets to students as they left the school. During this time, they made derogatory remarks about Hindu deities and attempted to influence the students.

Upon hearing about the incident, local villagers, parents of the students, and BJP members intervened and confronted the group. The 13 members who were present initially fled, stating that they would report the matter to the police.

Subsequently, 27 individuals were apprehended and handed over to the Thiruchitrambalam police for further action.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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DMK MP Kathir Anand’s Kingston School Insists On Cash-Only Fees

Kingston Group of Institutions, a CBSE school in Vellore owned by DMK MP Kathir Anand, has come under scrutiny for its cash-only fee policy. Parents are required to pay fees in cash at the school office, with no options for digital transactions. This has raised concerns over transparency, especially given the numerous corruption allegations surrounding Kathir Anand and his family.

Kathir Anand, the son of DMK Minister Duraimurugan, serves as the Chairman of Kingston Group of Institutions, while his wife, Sangeetha Kathir Anand, is the Chairwoman. Despite the DMK’s frequent advocacy for digital transactions and financial transparency, the school enforces a rigid rule that fees must be paid in person, in cash, by the 10th of each quarter. Students whose fees are unpaid are considered defaulters and are barred from attending classes until dues are cleared. Additionally, the school does not offer refunds under any circumstances.

Corruption Allegations Against Kathir Anand

The cash-only policy at Kingston School raises suspicions in light of Kathir Anand’s long history of financial controversies.

In January 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided Kingston Engineering College, also owned by Kathir Anand, and seized ₹13.7 crore in cash, along with incriminating documents and hard disks. The raid, which lasted 44 hours, revealed unaccounted money allegedly intended for salaries, festival bonuses, and student fees. Further investigations led to the seizure of an additional ₹2.74 crore and the sealing of the college’s server room.

This investigation ties back to a 2019 case where over ₹10 crore in cash was confiscated from locations linked to Kathir Anand’s associates in Vellore. The money was reportedly used for cash-for-votes activities during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, ultimately leading to the cancellation of elections in the constituency.

Adding to the controversy, Kathir Anand’s father, Minister Duraimurugan, was accused of orchestrating a ₹300 crore bribe scheme in Tamil Nadu’s sand quarry business. Leaked audio recordings surfaced in 2021, allegedly exposing his involvement in illegal sand mining contracts with notorious sand baron Sekhar Reddy. Reports suggest that the deals were arranged through Kathir Anand, further cementing the family’s reputation for corruption.

Lack of Transparency In School’s Financial Dealings

With such a track record of financial misconduct, Kingston Group of Institutions’ insistence on cash payments raises serious concerns. The absence of digital payment options allows for untraceable transactions, leaving room for potential financial irregularities. It is perplexing why such a big CBSE school refuses to accept online/digital payments or even cheques when even small vendors have embraced digital transactions.

The cash-only policy at Kingston School, combined with the corruption allegations against its owner, suggests a broader pattern of financial opacity.

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Pastor & Family Arrested For Sexually Assaulting 13-Year-Old Girl in Kanyakumari

In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, Reverend John Rose, a priest from the Sembaruthivilai area near Thakala in Kanyakumari district, has been arrested for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl. The accused, who runs a prayer hall in the Karumparai area, is said to have sexually assaulted the minor under the guise of religious guidance.

According to reports, the incident came to light when the girl suddenly complained of severe stomach pain. Concerned, her parents took her to a hospital for a medical examination. Doctors confirmed that the girl had been raped, prompting her family to file a formal complaint with the local police.

The investigation revealed that Reverend John Rose had allegedly threatened and sexually assaulted the girl when she visited the prayer hall a few months ago. The police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and launched a manhunt for the accused.

It was later discovered that Reverend John Rose had fled to Coimbatore with his family in an attempt to evade arrest. Acting swiftly, the police tracked him down and apprehended him. In addition to the priest, his wife and son were also arrested as alleged accomplices in the crime.

The arrest has sparked outrage among locals, with many demanding strict action against the accused. The case has also raised concerns about the safety of children in religious institutions and the need for stricter oversight to prevent such heinous crimes.

(With inputs from Daily Thanthi)

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Madras HC Dismisses Plea Against Isha Mahashivratri Celebrations

The Madras High Court on 24 February 2025 dismissed a petition seeking to halt the upcoming Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore’s Velliangiri foothills. The event, scheduled for the night of February 26-27, 2025, will proceed as planned after a Division Bench comprising Justices S.M. Subramaniam and K. Rajasekar found no grounds for intervention.

The court relied on a submission from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), which confirmed that Isha Foundation had complied with pollution norms. The board stated that seating arrangements for the 2024 Mahashivratri celebrations were made for 60,000 people and that environmental regulations were strictly followed.

The petitioner, S.T. Sivagnanam, a neighboring landowner, had claimed that seven lakh people attended the 2024 event, raising concerns over sewage management and noise pollution. However, the TNPCB countered this claim, citing an official capacity of 60,000. It assured the court that sewage from the event would be handled efficiently. The Isha Yoga Centre operates four sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a total capacity of 1.725 million liters per day (MLD), deemed sufficient for the 6,000 residents and 5,000-10,000 daily visitors. For the 2025 celebrations, temporary toilets will be installed, and additional sewage will be transported to Coimbatore Corporation’s STP.

Regarding noise pollution, the TNPCB reported that a survey conducted at five locations, including the petitioner’s premises, during the 2024 celebrations found noise levels within the permissible limit of 75 decibels. A similar assessment will be conducted for the 2025 event. Isha Foundation’s legal representative, senior counsel Satish Parasaran, assured the court that cone speakers were not used on the premises and that noise limiters were in place to regulate sound levels.

The Bench observed that environmental regulations must be strictly followed, as public health and fundamental rights are of paramount importance. However, since the TNPCB confirmed that Isha Foundation adhered to pollution control norms in 2024, the court saw no reason to interfere with the 2025 celebrations based on mere apprehensions.

The judges also noted that a similar petition filed by Sivagnanam before the 2024 Mahashivratri festival remains pending before the High Court.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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MDMK Functionary Exposes DMK’s Alleged Paddy Procurement Bribery

A complaint raised by an MDMK functionary about its ally and the ruling DMK’s demand for a commission on paddy procurement has sparked controversy in Madurai district, especially after the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) issued a statement urging the public to report corruption. The complaint follows numerous allegations of corruption in areas like Pudukottai, Tanjavur, and Pattukottai.

At the Chelampatti paddy procurement center in Madurai district, a DMK union secretary allegedly forced a farmer who is also an MDMK functionary, to wait for five days to have his sacks of paddy weighed unless he paid a commission. The farmer, visibly distressed, tearfully shared his experience during a farmers’ grievance redressal meeting with Collector Sangeetha. Unable to speak properly, fellow farmers offered him water for comfort.

The farmer, identified as Manavalakannan, explained, “Sudhakaran, the union secretary of the DMK in Chelampatti, is demanding that I pay money to the staff at the procurement center before they will weigh my paddy bags. He kept my bags waiting for five days without weighing them. They are asking for a commission of ₹70 per 40 kg bag, while the state government only provides ₹10 per bag to the workers.”

He further explained that, in addition to paying the ₹70, farmers are also expected to give ₹25 per bag to the office staff and ₹20 to local dignitaries for the procurement center to function smoothly. If they refuse, the center will not operate.

While this practice has been ongoing for the past three years, the farmer claimed that this time, the situation has escalated. He pointed out that 17 new centers had opened recently, despite 95% of the paddy harvest being completed in the Chelampatti area. He expressed concerns that these newly opened centers were benefiting out-of-town traders rather than local farmers, as only a small percentage of the paddy was actually ready for harvest.

According to the farmer, at the Chelampatti center, even after paying the requested commission, farmers are still charged between ₹65 and ₹80 per sack. He also mentioned that he had informed his leadership at MDMK about the situation but was unsure of what further steps could be taken.

Following the meeting, a visibly emotional Manavalakannan continued to cry as he spoke with journalists outside the session, repeating his concerns.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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