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#ShameOnYouStalin Trends As Anna University Sexual Assault Perpetrator Turns Out To Be DMK Man

#ShameOnYouStalin Trends As Anna University Sexual Assault Perpetrator Turns Out To Be DMK Man

After the harrowing incident at Chennai’s prestigious Anna University, where a woman student was sexually assaulted while spending time with a companion, hashtag #ShameOnYouStalin trended on social media.

The incident occurred on December 23, when the victim, who had been in a two-year romantic relationship with a fellow student, met her boyfriend at their usual secluded spot on campus. Two unidentified individuals confronted them, assaulted the boyfriend, and sexually harassed the woman. The perpetrators forced her to undress, filmed her without consent, threatened her, and then fled the scene. The shaken victim subsequently reported the incident to the Kotturpuram police. Student organizations jumped in protest, demanding the arrest of the perpetrator.

Following the investigation, a 37-year-old man named Gnanasekaran, reportedly a roadside biriyani vendor from Kotturpuram, was arrested in connection with the sexual assault. He is alleged to have multiple pending cases against him. The Kotturpuram police have registered a case under Section 64 of the BNSS and continue their inquiries.

It was later revealed that the perpetrator, Gnanasekaran, is a repeat offender and affiliated with the DMK. Circulating photographs show him in the company of prominent DMK figures, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister Ma Subramanian.

BJP Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai criticized the DMK government, launching a scathing attack on Chief Minister MK Stalin for failing to curb criminal elements in the state.

The hashtag #ShameOnYouStalin has been trending on X (formerly Twitter), with many lashing out at the DMK government for the pathetic state of law and order where even a premier institution like Anna University in the heart of Chennai has turned out to be unsafe for women.

BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan slammed the DMK for protecting criminals like Gnanasekran.

Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah called out the silence of Dravidianist media and the way the Tamil Nadu police has been handling this case.

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Girl In Anna University Sexually Assaulted By DMK Man, Dravidianist Media Thanthi TV Asks “Which Trending Akka Has Your ‘Pakka’ Support?”

Girl In Anna University Sexually Assaulted By DMK Man, Dravidianist Media Thanthi TV Asks Which Trending Akka Has Your Pakka Support?

While Chennai reels from the horrific sexual assault of a young woman at Anna University, allegedly perpetrated by a DMK cadre, Thanthi TV, a prominent Dravidian media outlet, chose this moment to post a deeply offensive “poll” on social media. The poll, aimed at “engaging” viewers, asked them to choose their favorite “trending sister” from a list including “Tailor Akka,” “Devotional Akka,” “Gym Akka,” and “Yoga Akka.” This blatant sexualization of the term “Akka,” mirroring the objectification of “Bhabhi” in Hindi-speaking regions, has sparked widespread outrage.

Just as the news of the sexual assault in Chennai’s Anna University started circulating on social media and other networks, it came to light that the perpetrator was a DMK cadre. Like a typical mouthpiece and an able “soldier” of the ruling dispensation, various Dravidianist media began employing diversionary tactics to take the limelight away from the heinous assault on to something trivial.

Thanthi TV, in that context, took this too literally and stopped too low especially when people were still reeling from teh shock of the assault that happened during busy hours of the evening in the heart of the city deemed to be the among the safest in the country.

In the evening of 25 December 2024, Thanthi TV posted a very crass “poll” sexualising the word “Akka“. The caption read, “People’s Review | Who among the trending sisters this year do you support?”

The options given were Tailor Akka, Devotional Akka, GYM Akka, Yoga Akka.

It is very clear how the word Akka has been sexualised in this context just like how Bhabhi is in the Hindi speaking states.

To post such a vulgar poll in the name of engagement at a time when a young woman was brutally assaulted by men, one of whom turned out to be a DMK cadre, reeks of indecency.

Netizens slammed Thanthi TV for the post, but the handle has not removed it from their social media yet.

Here are some netizen reactions:

The Sexual Assault At Anna University – What Happened?

On 23 December 2024, a woman, who was in a two-year relationship with a fellow student, was attacked while spending time with her boyfriend at a secluded spot on campus.

Two unknown individuals approached the couple, assaulted the boyfriend, and sexually harassed the woman. The assailants forced her to strip, filmed her without consent, threatened her, and fled the scene. The traumatized victim later reported the incident to the Kotturpuram police.

In connection with the case, police have arrested 37-year-old Gnanasekaran, a roadside biryani vendor from Kotturpuram with multiple pending cases against him. The police have filed charges under Section 64 of the BNSS and are actively investigating the matter.

The victim also lodged a complaint with the university’s POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) committee. Meanwhile, the Chennai police, in collaboration with the university, are working to enhance campus security.

However, it came to light that the accused Gnanasekaran is a repeat offender and a DMK functionary. Pictures circulating on social media show him alongside several prominent DMK leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister Ma. Subramanian.

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Woman Gets Sexually Assaulted In Anna University, DMK Man Found To Be Perpetrator, But Dravidianist Media Debates On ADMK Internal Issues

Woman Gets Sexually Assaulted In Anna University, DMK Man Found To Be Perpetrator, But Dravidianist Media Debates On ADMK Internal Issues

The Dravidianist media in Tamil Nadu, which often serves as unofficial mouthpieces for the ruling DMK party, has once again gone into full damage-control mode in response to the backlash surrounding the sexual harassment case at Anna University. The incident, which involves harassment by two unidentified individuals on the campus, has sparked significant public outrage. The ruling DMK initially showed no response, but only took action after pressure from the opposition, particularly TN BJP chief Annamalai, who raised concerns over the need for a thorough investigation and accountability for those involved.

On 25 December 2024, the media reports were dominated by various aspects of the case, including the failure of on-campus CCTV surveillance due to rain and the police’s inability to make any headway. In a surprising turn, a special team reportedly arrested a street vendor operating a biryani stall, who was alleged to be involved in the incident.

Additionally, it has come to light that the accused Gnanasekaran is a repeat offender and a DMK functionary. Pictures circulating on social media show him alongside several prominent DMK leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister Ma. Subramanian.

Whenever incidents like this occur in Tamil Nadu, prime time debates typically focus on the latest hot topics, with the Dravidian media often using these platforms to shift the narrative. However, instead of discussing the growing issue of sexual harassment in the state, these media outlets, which act as unofficial mouthpieces for the DMK, prefer to focus on irrelevant matters. For instance, they will frequently bring up violence or rape cases from BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh or Manipur, or even controversial cases like Bilkis Banu’s from Gujarat, to target the BJP government. But, when it comes to local issues, particularly the rising incidents of sexual harassment, these media outlets remain conspicuously silent. Instead, senior journalists, aligned with the DMK, are preoccupied with outdated debates, like the “possible split” within the AIADMK or the dispute over the “Two Leaves” symbol—issues that are long past their prime.

Below is a list of prime-time debate topics from the Dravidian media on 25the December, and it was striking to see that all of them focused on the same subject. Even more notable was the participation of prominent leaders from the DMK allies, giving the impression of a sudden, coordinated “toolkit activation.”

News18 Tamil Nadu, for instance, led with the headline, “TTV invites AIADMK to join alliance. Jayakumar says TTV surrendered. Who is stepping down? Who is showing commitment? Don’t miss it on News18 TV tonight at 7:50 PM.”

Puthiya Thalaimurai, another Dravidianist media outlet, framed its debate with the title, “Two Leaves in Trouble.”

In the debate, Thaniyarau leader from Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaingar Peravai participated and made provocative statements targeting the AIADMK.

Another Dravidian media outlet, News7, hosted a debate stating, “What Will Happen to the Two Leaves Symbol?” In this discussion, Thaniyarau the leader from Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaingar Peravai also participated.

Another Dravidian media outlet, Thanthi Tv, hosted a debate stating, “Approaching elections: Danger for the two leaves? Tonight at 8 pm..!”

Another instance of biased reporting was evident when the media outlets amplified the comments of the DMK’s Higher Education Minister, G. Chezhian, who criticized TN BJP president Annamalai. However, they failed to report the key point raised by Annamalai, which was that the accused in the sexual harassment case had alleged ties to the DMK. Annamalai released photos showing the accused standing with DMK Health Minister Ma Subramanian and DMK scion, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, yet this crucial detail was largely overlooked by these media outlets.

Such behavior reflects the sorry state of media in Tamil Nadu today. Whenever the DMK faces severe criticism from the opposition, these media houses deflect attention and divert the public discourse away from the truth. This diversion is nothing short of shameful, especially in the name of journalism.

These actions underline a sad reality; the fourth pillar of democracy has crumbled under the weight of political power dynamics. The media, instead of serving the people by presenting the truth and allowing them to make informed choices, is now at the mercy of a ruling party that is more focused on advancing a particular ideology than on upholding the principles of impartiality and truth.

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Rajini, Suriya, Kamal, Who Commented On Every Issue Under ADMK Rule Have Their Mouths Shut On Anna University Sexual Assault Case

Rajini, Suriya, Kamal, Who Commented On Every Issue Under ADMK Rule Have Their Mouths Shut On Anna University Sexual Assault Case

While the Anna University sexual assault case has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for justice, a notable silence has emerged from prominent Tamil celebrities, including actors Suriya, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth. Generally quick to share views on social and political issues aligning with Dravidianist ideals, their lack of public comment on this grave matter has prompted questions about their commitment to social justice.

Anna University Sexual Assault Case

A disturbing incident of sexual assault has shaken Chennai’s prestigious Anna University. On 23 December 2024, a woman, who was in a two-year relationship with a fellow student, was attacked while spending time with her boyfriend at a secluded spot on campus.

Two unknown individuals approached the couple, assaulted the boyfriend, and sexually harassed the woman. The assailants forced her to strip, filmed her without consent, threatened her, and fled the scene. The traumatized victim later reported the incident to the Kotturpuram police.

In connection with the case, police have arrested 37-year-old Gnanasekaran, a roadside biryani vendor from Kotturpuram, with multiple pending cases against him. The police have filed charges under Section 64 of the BNSS and are investigating the matter.

The victim has also complained with the university’s POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) committee. Meanwhile, the Chennai police, in collaboration with the university, are working to enhance campus security.

However, it has come to light that the accused, Gnanasekaran, is a repeat offender and a DMK functionary. Pictures on social media show him alongside several prominent DMK leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister Ma. Subramanian.

Celebrity Silence Is Deafening

When the AIADMK was in power, especially following the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, with Edappadi Palaniswami at the helm, the DMK, and its sympathisers were seen commenting and criticising the then government forwrongdoings”.

Be it the 2015 floods, be it Gaja cyclone, be it the COVID pandemic or the Sterlite protests or even the Jallikattu protests – one could find tons of criticism on the former Chief ministers and the ADMK administration for everything under the sun.

However, things took a 180 degree turn once the DMK came to power in 2021. All those who were highly critical of the state government seemed to have sealed their lips and would only open them to praise the ruling dispensation.

Rajinikanth who showed his ignorance especially with respect to the recent floods and landslide at Tiruvannamalai has not opened his mouth condemning the incident.

Rajinikanth, who released a picture of his ‘angry face’ expressing shock over the custodial deaths of Jayaraj and Fenix during the ADMK tenure, calling for all the officials to be severely punished, has once again gone on mute.

Full-time actor and part-time politician Kamal Haasan who demanded action against the police, judiciary, and doctors involved in the Sathankulam incident was also missing in action. Kamal Haasan called the Manipur violence and the parading of a naked woman, a “clear case for President’s rule,” citing a breakdown of constitutional machinery in Manipur.

Actor Suriya who had made a film on custodial torture titled Jai Bhim, and had issued astrong statementagainst the custodial death of Jayaraj and Bennix stands with his mouth zipped on the gangrape issue and the deteriorating state of law and order in the state.

This deafening silence and selective outrage from thesecelebritiesand Dravidian Stockist media are now being called out for their opportunism.

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‘Why Was This Book Banned?’ Buyers React As ‘The Satanic Verses’ Makes A Comeback In India

'Why Was This Book Banned?' Buyers React As 'The Satanic Verses' Makes A Comeback In India

British-Indian novelist Salman Rushdie’s controversial novel ‘The Satanic Verses’ has quietly reappeared in India, 36 years after the Rajiv Gandhi government banned it under pressure from religious groups.

A limited number of copies of the book, which ignited protests worldwide due to its perceived blasphemous content, have recently been available for purchase at Bahrisons Booksellers in New Delhi.

Talking to IANS, a buyer says, “This is a very famous book, people haven’t heard about it. I feel a personal connection to this book because the author, Salman Rushdie, hails from my region, Kashmir. Secondly, the turmoil it caused worldwide is remarkable. There was even a ‘Fatwa’ issued against him. Over time, however, it seemed to have faded from public focus. This morning, I read in the papers that it is back in the limelight. Salman Rushdie has been a liberal. He has been an intrepid voice, I won’t say, against Islam. He has been a seeker of truth. So, I don’t see it as an agenda. It is an intellectual exercise and perhaps more relevant in today’s time in India. Yes, every religion can be analysed, especially certain religions where nobody wants to talk about it. To that extent, I feel it is the right time for a social change and for all those politically motivated people to understand that there is no politics behind it and they need to see that every religion has good and bad and one needs to talk about it.”

Another buyer at the bookshop says, “The importance of knowledge always remains in life, no matter what kind of knowledge it is. It doesn’t matter whether it is historical or otherwise. Most importantly, I believe knowledge is neither new nor old, and it should be accepted whenever it is found. But the most important point is that we felt from the beginning why this book was banned. This book is by an author famous worldwide and has been honoured with many awards, so why was it banned? Now, we will have to read it to understand. The book is in our hands, so we should read it.”

Another reader says, “I remember being an assistant editor at ‘The Statesman’ in Calcutta when this book was prohibited. They prohibited the import of this book, and I was fortunate enough to have one of the early copies. I came specifically to buy this copy as a memento of the book being available once again. It’s very important. It’s important to stand up for free speech, it’s important to stand up for writers irrespective of whether you agree with them or you don’t agree with them, irrespective of whether your politics and their politics agree with each other. So, the whole idea is that I wanted to capture this moment. Unfortunately, India, under Rajiv Gandhi, was the first country in the world to proscribe ‘The Satanic Verses’. It holds that dark distinction. It became the first country in the world to ban the book, and that’s why it is important that the book should be available once again. I am so delighted that the book is available once again.”

“It’s quite infamous, so to say, but I believe until and unless you read it, you won’t really understand what the problem was or what was there to hide about it. So, it’s often something enlightening when some, you know, books like these come under your eye, and then you want to read it,” says a reader.

–IANS

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Trump Trolls Trudeau, Extends Christmas Greetings To ‘Governor Justin Trudeau Of Canada’

Trump Trolls Trudeau, Extends Christmas Greetings To 'Governor Justin Trudeau Of Canada'

US President-elect Donald Trump shared a series of Christmas greetings on his social media platform, Truth Social, which included his “Governor” joke on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and suggested that Canada could become the 51st state of America.

Trump’s post reiterated his “Governor” jibe, claiming that if Canada were to become the 51st state of the United States, “their Taxes would be cut by more than 60 per cent, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World.”

He further suggested that National Hockey League (NHL) legend Wayne Gretzky should lead the nation. This comes after Trump’s recent viral comment, in which he referred to Trudeau as the “Governor of the Great State of Canada” following their dinner meeting.

On Truth Social, Trump had wrote, “It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in-depth talks on tariffs and trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!” The remark sparked widespread amusement and debate, with many questioning whether it was a deliberate insult.

He also criticised “radical left lunatics.” Expanding his comments, Trump issued veiled threats regarding US control over the Panama Canal, stating, “Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in ‘repair’ money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about ‘anything.'”

He also mentioned Greenland, remarking sarcastically, “To the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for National Security purposes and who want the US to be there, and we will!” Trump also took a swipe at leftist critics, writing, “Merry Christmas to the Radical Left Lunatics, who are constantly trying to obstruct our Court System and our Elections, and are always going after the Great Citizens and Patriots of the United States but, in particular, their Political Opponent, me.”

He accused them of seeking pardons from President Joe Biden, whom he described as a man with “absolutely no idea what he is doing.” Trump further targeted recent pardons issued by Biden, stating, “Also, to the 37 most violent criminals, who killed, raped, and plundered like virtually no one before them, but were just given, incredibly, a pardon by Sleepy Joe Biden. I refuse to wish a Merry Christmas to those lucky ‘souls’ but, instead, will say, go to hell!”

–IANS

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DMK Connection Emerges In Anna University Sexual Assault Case, BJP Leader Annamalai Slams MK Stalin

DMK Worker By Day, Biriyani Seller By Afternoon, Burglar By Night: Report Reveals Shocking Details Of Anna University Sexual Assault Culprit Gnanasekaran

Gnanasekaran, a repeat offender and DMK functionary has been arrested in connection with the shocking sexual assault of a woman on the Anna University campus, even as BJP state chief K Annamalai accused the ruling DMK of shielding criminals, citing Gnanasekaran’s ties to senior party leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.

A shocking incident occurred in Chennai’s premier institution Anna University where a woman was sexually assaulted when she was spending time with a student with whom she was in a relationship.

The incident occurred on 23 December, when the victim, who had been in a two-year romantic relationship with a fellow student, was meeting her boyfriend at their usual secluded spot on campus. Two unknown individuals approached them, attacked the boyfriend, and then sexually harassed the woman. The perpetrators forced the student to strip, filmed her without her consent, threatened her, and fled the scene. The traumatized student reported the incident to the Kotturpuram police.

One person has been arrested in connection with the sexual harassment – a 37-year-old Gnanasekaran, who reportedly is a roadside biriyani vendor from Kotturpuram. He is alleged to have multiple pending cases against him. The Kotturpuram police have filed a case under section 64 of the BNSS and are continuing their investigation.

The victim has also filed a complaint with the university’s POSH committee. The Chennai police are working with the university to strengthen campus security. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the matter.

However, it has come to light that the accused Gnanasekaran is a repeat offender and a DMK functionary. Pictures circulating on social media show him alongside several prominent DMK leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister Ma. Subramanian.

BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai slammed the DMK government with a strong attack on Chief Minister MK Stalin for failing to take action on criminal elements in the state.

In a social media post, Annamalai said that there is a clear patten in the crimes happening across the state. He said that individuals with a criminal background often forge close ties with local DMK leaders and eventually become party members which provides them with a shield of political protection, allowing them to avoid scrutiny.

“All the cases registered against him get suppressed, and he gets leeway by not being categorised as a history-sheeter or kept on the watchlist of the local police station.”, Annamalai said adding that the Police do not investigate the existing cases against him due to pressure from local DMK functionaries and Ministers, which gives him the space to commit further crimes.

How long should the people of TN put up with this? Will Thiru @mkstalin ever take any responsibility?”, Annamalai asked.

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India Now Has 1,57,066 Recognised Startups, 73,000 With Atleast 1 Woman Director: Centre

21 Indian Startups Raise Nearly $187 Million This Week

At least 157,066 startups have been recognised by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to date and 759,303 users are registered on the portal (as on December 25), the government said on Wednesday.

The country now has more than 73,000 startups with at least one-woman director that have been recognised under the ‘Startup India Initiative’, representing nearly half of the 1,57,066 startups supported by the government, according to Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The country has emerged as one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems globally, earning its place as the third largest startup hub.

With over 100 unicorns, the Indian startup landscape is shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship. “The entrepreneurial spirit in India has undergone a paradigm shift in the last decade.

Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR have become epicentres of innovation,” said the ministry. This year, 13 new-age companies launched their initial public offerings (IPOs), as startups cumulatively raised more than Rs 29,200 crore from the stock market. Out of this, the fresh issue was nearly Rs 14,672 crore and Rs 14,574 crore Offer for Sale (OFS). Among 13 startup IPOs, 10 were mainboard and 3 were SME IPOs.

The widespread availability of affordable internet, coupled with a young and dynamic workforce, has fueled the growth of startups in diverse sectors, including fintech, edtech, health-tech, and e-commerce.

According to the ‘Indian Startup Ecosystem Report’ by Startup India, India’s startups have leveraged emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and IoT to solve local and global problems. The flagship Startup India programme, launched in 2016, has been a cornerstone in this effort. In addition, initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) provide infrastructure and financial support to innovators.

Moreover, the Startup Accelerator of MeitY for Product Innovation, Development, and Growth (SAMRIDH) scheme aims to support 300 software product startups over four years with an outlay of Rs 99 crore, providing funding up to Rs 40 lakh per startup through accelerators to scale their businesses.

—IANS

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Recusal By Madras High Court Judges In DMK-Linked Legal Cases

Madras High Court Judge recused himself in Jaffer Sadiq case, marking another case of judges avoiding DMK Cases

Justice AD Jagadish Chandira recused himself from hearing the bail plea of international drug trafficking kingpin and former DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq in a money laundering case, marking the fourth instance of a high-ranking judge stepping down from cases involving DMK leaders or former functionaries.

On 21 December 2024, Justice AD Jagadish Chandira recused himself from hearing the bail plea of Jaffer Sadiq, an accused in an international drug trafficking and money laundering case. Special Public Prosecutor for the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), N Ramesh, objected to the plea, pointing out that it was filed while the verdict on Sadiq’s earlier bail petition, heard by the CBI special court, was still pending. He questioned the validity of filing a second bail plea before the first had been resolved.

Advocate K.M. Kalicharan, representing Sadiq, explained that the second bail petition was filed as a precautionary measure due to the impending High Court holiday from 25 December to 31 December. He clarified that the petition was filed on 19 December after the special court rejected the initial bail plea. The counsel emphasized no ulterior motive in filing the new petition, arguing that it should be heard as the earlier plea had already been dismissed. He presented the special court’s order denying bail as evidence.

Justice R. Sakthivel Recused Himself Twice In DMK Minister Senthil Balaji Case

Previously, on 1 September 2023, Justice R. Sakthivel of the Madras High Court recused himself from hearing a petition filed by Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthilbalaji. The petition sought clarification on whether his bail plea in a money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) should be heard by the Principal Sessions Court or the special court for MP/MLA cases in Chennai.

The matter was mentioned before a Division Bench comprising Justices M. Sundar and R. Sakthivel by senior counsel N.R. Elango. Following Justice Sakthivel’s recusal, the Bench directed the High Court Registry to take appropriate steps. The direction was issued in the presence of N. Ramesh, the Special Public Prosecutor for the ED.

This was not the first time Justice Sakthivel recused himself from a matter involving Minister Senthilbalaji. Earlier, on 14 June 2023, he withdrew from hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by the Minister’s wife, challenging the legality of his detention.

As a result of the latest recusal, the clarification petition was reassigned and listed for hearing before another Division Bench consisting of Justices R. Sureshkumar and K. Kumaresh Babu. The petition became necessary due to ambiguity over which court—Principal Sessions or the special MP/MLA court—should handle Senthilbalaji’s bail plea after the case was transferred for trial.

Justice S.S. Sundar Recused Himself In A Case Against DMK Minister Anitha R. Radhakrishnan

On 15 November 2023, Justice S.S. Sundar of the Madras High Court recused himself  from hearing a petition filed by Minister Anitha R. Radhakrishnan seeking to quash a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Justice Sundar directed the court registry to forward the matter to the Chief Justice for reassignment to another bench.

The petition was originally scheduled for hearing before a division bench comprising Justice S.S. Sundar and Justice Sunder Mohan. However, Justice Sundar stepped down from the case.

The origins of the case date back to 2006 when the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) filed a disproportionate assets case against Minister Radhakrishnan under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The allegations claimed that Radhakrishnan had accumulated wealth beyond his known sources of income during his tenure as Housing Minister in the AIADMK government between 2001 and 2006.

In 2020, following the DVAC investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a separate case under the PMLA, 2002. The ED alleged that the investigation uncovered a distinct method employed by the accused to funnel unaccounted money into various bank accounts. The ED also sought permission from the Thoothukudi court, which is handling the DVAC case, to collaborate with the DVAC in prosecuting the disproportionate assets case. In response, Minister Radhakrishnan approached the Madras High Court to challenge the ED’s case against him.

Justice Sunder Mohan Recused Himself In A Case Against DMK Organizing Secretary R.S. Bharathi

Justice Sunder Mohan recused himself on 5 October 2023 from hearing a case concerning the maintainability of a criminal contempt petition filed by political commentator and YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar against DMK organizing secretary R.S. Bharathi.

The petition was listed before a division bench of the Madras High Court, comprising Justice S.S. Sundar and Justice Sunder Mohan, to determine its maintainability. However, Justice Mohan informed the petitioner’s counsel, P. Vijendran, of his decision to step aside from the case. The bench subsequently directed the petitioner to approach another bench.

‘Savukku’ Shankar filed the criminal contempt petition against R.S. Bharathi over comments he made about Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, accusing the judge of adopting a “pick and choose” approach in initiating suo motu actions against ministers. Shankar further alleged that Bharathi’s remarks, made during a media interaction on 24 August, were intended to undermine the judiciary’s credibility and sought strict action under the Contempt of Courts Act. However, Advocate General (AG) R. Shunmugasundaram declined to grant consent for initiating criminal contempt proceedings against Bharathi, stating, “I do not see any reason to grant consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against him.”

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Anna University Sexual Assault Case: Report Claims Many CCTV Cameras In Campus Not Working, DMK Min Says One Person Arrested Based On CCTV Footage

Anna University Sexual Assault Case: Report Claims Many CCTV Cameras In Campus Not Working, DMK Min Says One Person Arrested Based On CCTV Footage

37-year-old Gnanasekaran, a roadside biriyani vendor from Kotturpuram facing multiple cases, has been arrested in the sexual harassment case involving a second-year Anna University student based on CCTV footage. The Kotturpuram police have filed a case under section 64 of the BNSS and are continuing their investigation.

The incident occurred on 23 December, when the victim, who had been in a two-year romantic relationship with a fellow student, was meeting her boyfriend at their usual secluded spot on campus. Two unknown individuals approached them, attacked the boyfriend, and then sexually harassed the woman. The perpetrators forced the student to strip, filmed her without her consent, threatened her, and fled the scene. The traumatized student reported the incident to the Kotturpuram police.

Although reports initially suggested that the CCTV cameras were not functioning due to rain damage, the Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan confirmed that the arrest was based on available CCTV footage.

The victim has also filed a complaint with the university’s POSH committee. The Chennai police are working with the university to strengthen campus security. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the matter.

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