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“I Cast My Vote For You, Aren’t You Aware Dalits Are The Biggest Supporters Of You”: Pa. Ranjith’s Criticism Lands Soft On DMK’s Cheek Following Dalit Leader Armstrong’s Murder

By
The Commune
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Tamil Nadu has been shaken by consecutive political murders, including the recent brutal killing of K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu state president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). On the evening of 5 July 2024, near Perambur, Chennai, Armstrong was attacked by a gang of six assailants armed with machetes and sickles while conversing with friends and supporters near his home. As a leader from the marginalized community, his murder has stirred significant political unrest in the region.

Authorities have reported the arrest of eight individuals, suggesting a motive of revenge behind the crime. However, several political figures in Tamil Nadu argue that those apprehended are not the actual perpetrators.

Following the incident, BSP chief Mayawati criticized the Tamil Nadu government for lack of seriousness in investigating Armstrong’s murder. She called upon Chief Minister MK Stalin to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), questioning the state’s law and order situation and lamenting the failure to apprehend the main culprits.

 

Supporting Mayawati’s demand, BJP State president K. Annamalai also urged the state government to hand over the investigation to the CBI to ensure transparency. He emphasized the need for accountability in handling such sensitive cases.

Previously, Thirumavalavan, chief of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and an ally of the ruling DMK, voiced similar concerns, stating that those who surrendered in connection with Armstrong’s murder are not the true perpetrators. He urged the DMK government to swiftly identify and apprehend the actual culprits to prevent damage to its reputation. Thus the murder of K Armstrong has sparked a heated debate and calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.

Amidst rising anger over the spate of political murders, especially the recent killing of a marginalized community’s state president, there has been criticism directed at the ruling DMK government but Kollywood director Pa. Ranjith, known for consistently supporting the DMK’s decisions, once again, has chosen to intervene in the name of condemning the incidents suggested the government should quell dissenting voices on the internet. He portrayed these voices on the internet are portraying Armstrong, who followed the teachings of Buddha, as a troublemaker targeted by the dominant class.

Pa. Ranjith with his official X account stated, “We buried the body of brother Mr. Armstrong, the state president of Bahujan Samaj Party, who was the victim of a cowardly and brutal murder, without any fuss or tension nor causing any law and order problem. In this life after him, we will carry out the politics of Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar with more determination even in brother’s absence.  That will be our debt of gratitude to brother Mr. Armstrong. Jai Bhim!”

“Here are a few questions regarding this for the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and those who are spreading hatred on social media:

  1. The murder took place very close to Sembiyam Police Station in Chennai. With this, we can understand the fear of the killers about the law and order in Tamil Nadu. So, what action plan are you going to create to restore law and order and prevent such an incident from happening again?
  2. The police department has announced that they have done this to avenge the murder of Arcot Suresh based on the confessions given by the assailants who confessed to the murder and surrendered. The police are only interested in closing the case on the basis of what the surrenderers say. Who planned this? Who directed them? Has the police department come to the conclusion that there is no other background for this? What is the police’s position regarding Arudra being behind this? Why are you so indifferent by allowing to surf so many news stories that you don’t know what’s true and what’s false? Why does the media refuse to question this?
  3. When is the government going to address the recent threat to Dalit people and Dalit leaders? How their safety going to be ensured? If this government has created an environment where it is very easy to kill the great leader who was the bulwark of the Dalit people in the capital, it is scary to think of other rural towns in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government should let us know what plans it has to get rid of this tension and threat.
  4. It seems that it was deliberately prevented from burying brother’s body in Perambur. At the end of the almost two-day drama, we were forced to bury him in Pottur, a suburban village outside Chennai, unwillingly. Even though the DMK government has the power, it has resorted to the court and said that this area is not included in the law and order system, but this government is doing a huge act of deceit by not allowing him to bury his body in Perampur, where he lived. Surely the question will arise whether this government really cares about Dalit people and Dalit leaders.
  5. The most important reason for the DMK government to come to power was the votes of the substantial Dalit population is history.  Aren’t you aware that Dalits are the biggest supporter of your regime? Or are you knowingly indifferent? I cast my vote to put you in power. It is with that in mind that I pose these questions. Is social justice just for votes?
  6. The social justice guards and some media were creating an alternative story on the websites, not knowing how to deal with the law and order problem that arose due to brother’s murder, writing judgments on the person that ‘He is a rowdy’, ‘how can killing a rowdy be seen as a law and order problem’, ‘a doer of extortion’, ‘involved in many criminal cases’. What or Who is behind speaking such conjectures before the horror of the murder subsides?
  7. Dominant class! You call rowdyism when we rise up for the sake of our self-respect. You can satisfy yourself by creating such stories against the one who gave away lakhs of books to all comers, who himself would bring liberation to human society, who promoted Buddhism in the Babasaheb way. But as each of us knows, words cannot describe the upsurge we have received from those who rise up against oppression like Brother Armstrong.

In conclusion, I have been fascinated by the love of my brother since my childhood. After I came to screen, he was always concerned about my growth and safety and kept me in the safety loop. He devoted himself uncompromisingly to the political path of Babasaheb Ambedkar. I consider losing my brother as the biggest setback in my life. His words and thoughts will guide me (us) to fix this. Jay bhim!”

In his so-called criticism statement, Pa. Ranjith seemed to imply that this murder was not condemned by people other than scheduled caste individuals. The social media, news agencies, and all political factions rallied in support of delivering justice in Tamil Nadu, a response unseen before. This incident has captured broad attention across society online, excluding DMK sympathizers. Calls for peace restoration in Tamil Nadu are mounting, with grave concerns over the deteriorating law and order scenario, especially regarding the safety of common citizens, where even a state leader is not immune from such violence.

However, Pa. Ranjith subtly queried the DMK, not about the perpetrators behind the murder after 4 days but the police’s future action plan in his initial statement. In subsequent remarks, he aimed to stifle voices on the internet questioning the government, though paradoxically raised questions about the police’s stance on Arudra’s involvement. Eventually, without directly accusing the DMK due to judicial constraints, he subtly insinuated doubts about the government’s regard for Dalit individuals and leaders. In his final statement, Pa. Ranjith shamefully shifted blame onto ordinary people showing sympathy for the deceased leader, with only DMK supporters defending against accusations that Armstrong was a criminal, to deflect from their party’s law enforcement weaknesses.

Shamefully, Pa. Ranjith refrains from questioning this and instead turns to religious and caste identities, accusing Hindus and the upper caste, stating “Dominant class! You call it rowdyism when we stand up for our dignity,” Who threw support on the front lines stressing the solidarity behind the marginalized leader’s tragic demise.

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SC Seeks TN Govt’s Plan For Monitoring Private Donations Amid Temple Fund Mismanagement Allegations

By
The Commune
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On 8 July 2024, the Supreme Court queried the Tamil Nadu government about their strategies for overseeing private donations and their expenditure. The court’s inquiry stemmed from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging financial irregularities in temple funds across the state.

The PIL, filed by the organization fighting for temple rights Alayam Kappom, highlighted concerns that many of Tamil Nadu’s 38,000 temples lack appointed trustees, potentially leading to mismanagement of temple finances. The petition specifically called for the return of temple funds transferred to the HR&CE department.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court specifically asked the state government about its plans to regulate the financial inflow to temples and scrutinize the utilization of donations from thousands of temples in Tamil Nadu. The court emphasized that while using funds for societal benefits like education is acceptable, any misuse, such as for purchasing luxury items like high-end cars, would be deemed inappropriate.

Previously in April 2024, “Alayam Kappom” organization accused temple authorities involves the misuse of temple donations made by devotees, following a police complaint alleging the misappropriation of ₹1.34 lakh from the funds of the Lord Agatheeswarar Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple in Nungambakkam, Chennai.

Ramanan, an auditor affiliated with the “Alayam Kappom” organization, lodged the complaint on April 24, 2024. He was supported by documented evidence and materials gathered, with former idol wing IG Ponn Manickavel serving as an advisor to the organization.

The complaint specifically points out the alleged diversion of ₹1.35 lakh from the temple funds during 2017-18. These funds were reportedly redirected to cover expenses such as tea, coffee, snacks, and meals for the HR&CE Commissioner’s office. This diversion is considered a grave offense, potentially leading to imprisonment under Sections 406 and 409 of the Indian Penal Code, as established by a Supreme Court precedent.

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TNCC President Selvaperunthagai Honours Stan Swamy Who Was Implicated In Anti-National Activities

By
The Commune
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K Selvaperunthagai, the President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, sparked controversy by attending an event in Trichy church, where he praised Pastor Stan Swamy, who was implicated in activities against the country and accused of promoting secession in connection with the Elgar Parishad-Maoists links case.

On 5 July 2024, Pastor Stan Swamy, also known as Stan Lourduswamy, an 83-year-old Jesuit priest and activist, passed away. He had been denied bail by the National Investigation Agency Court on 22 March 2021, in the Bhima Koregaon – Elgaar Parishad case. The court’s decision was based on substantial evidence indicating that Stan Swamy was involved in a “serious conspiracy” with members of a banned Maoist organization to create unrest and destabilize the government.

Judge DE Kothalikar, who rejected Stan Swamy’s bail plea, noted the existence of approximately 140 emails between Swamy and his co-accused, references to them as “comrades,” and financial transactions aimed at supporting Maoist activities. These elements, the judge concluded, suggested that Stan Swamy was not only associated with the banned organization CPI (Maoist) but was actively pursuing its objectives, which included undermining the nation’s democratic foundations.

Born in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, Stan Swamy had later become a Roman Catholic priest of the Jesuit order. Notably, the Bombay High Court had previously granted bail to octogenarian Maoist ideologue Varavara Rao in the same case on medical grounds, citing his advanced age as a compelling reason for release.

Critics have raised eyebrows at the Tamil Nadu unit of the Congress Party and its president for praising Stan Swamy, known for anti-India activism under the guise of being a tribal rights advocate. In his official statement, TNCC President Selvaperunthagai stated, “Father Stan Swamy (Stanislaus Lourtuswamy), who worked for the rights of tribals throughout his life, was honored yesterday (05.07.2024). Then an organization serving the people named STAN SWAMY PEOPLE’S FEDERATION – TAMILNADU was started. All India Secretary (Orissa-in-charge) Mr. Christopher Tilak, Tamil Nadu Congress Youth Wing President Mr. Lenin Prasad and executives attended the event.”

The TNCC President openly praising and honouring an accused person who also allegedly was involved in conversion activities seems to be telling a different story about the “secular” nature of the Congress party, especially in the state of Tamil Nadu.

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OPS Labels EPS As The “Epitome of Betrayal And Falsehood” Amidst AIADMK Leadership Feud

By
The Commune
-
O. Paneerselvam Calls For Unity In AIADMK Ahead Of 2026 Elections

In the ongoing discussion about the reunion of the AIADMK party, the intense exchange between former AIADMK leader and former TN chief minister O Paneerselvam (OPS), and current general secretary of the AIADMK party, Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), continues to escalate. Both leaders have resorted to accusing each other of betrayal.

The verbal conflict between the two leaders unfolded against the backdrop of Senior Congress leader Peter Alphonse’s remark that the AIADMK is in decline. Reacting to this, OPS on 7 July 2024 in Sivaganga asserted in a press conference that such a statement was unacceptable, emphasizing that the AIADMK could not be undermined by any external force. Despite a minor rift within the party, he pledged swift unity.

Contrary to OPS’s optimism about the AIADMK’s imminent reunion, party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami accused him of disloyalty to the AIADMK. EPS claimed that O Panneerselvam had initially gained ministerial and chief ministerial positions through recommendations from others rather than genuine loyalty to Jayalalitha and the party. He pointed out that following Jayalalitha’s death, OPS raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her demise, which compelled the party to establish an inquiry commission.

Regarding speculations about OPS’s potential return to the AIADMK, Palaniswami asserted that while some might entertain such thoughts, the party leadership was against it. He underscored that a resolution had already been passed in the General Assembly to remove OPS from the party ranks.

Regarding this matter, OPS recently released a detailed official statement on his official X handle, expressing his criticism that, “Edappadi Palaniswami, who is the epitome of ‘betrayal’, ‘falsehood’, ‘forgetfulness’ and ‘aggression’, in an interview has called me as a disloyal person, like concealing a pumpkin in a bowl of rice. Jayalalithaa herself has expressed on many occasions how loyal I was to AIADMK and herself. All the people of Tamil Nadu are well aware of Jayalalithaa’s speech in which she compared Bharatha from the Ramayana in return for my loyalty. I would like to say that the ‘ten failure’ Palaniswami is not qualified to talk about my loyalty, while Jayalalithaa has shown to this country.”

“Edappadi Palaniswami, who has committed many betrayals for his selfish interests, such as betrayal of the one who gave him the post of chief minister, betrayal of the one who recommended him, betrayal of the one who supported his four-year regime, betrayal of the one who saved the AIADMK regime, should not talk about my loyalty. Edappadi Palaniswami has said in an interview that when Jayalalithaa contested from the Bodinayakanur assembly seat, I acted as the ‘Chief Election Agent’ for the candidate who contested against her. Edappadi Palanichamy is doing the ‘Goebbels’ work of ‘repeatedly telling a lie makes it true’ while I have already denied this. This is completely untrue. I have already said that I am ready to leave politics if this is proved with evidence. Edappadi Palaniswami, who has not disclosed the evidence to date, has again made the same accusation against me. He has proved that he is a ‘Goebbels’ by his actions.”

“Next, in 2017, Edappadi Palaniswami gave me the post of ‘coordinator’ and the post of ‘deputy chief minister’, who had 3% support. During my ‘Dharma Yuddha’ in 2017, the press captured that I had almost 42% public support. At that moment, I did not go to Edappadi Palaniswami and ask him to ‘give me the post of coordinator’ or ‘give me the post of Deputy Chief Minister’. When I convened a huge meeting in Coimbatore for the 16th time on behalf of the ‘Dharma Yuddha’ to mark the centenary of MGR, the next day ADMK’s senior loyalists SP Velumani and Thangamani met me at my daughter’s house in Chennai and said AIADMK will be stronger only if we come together after being shocked to see the large crowd there, they shared with me their opinion and the desire of the party workers that only then they can win the elections. I acceded to their request for the sole reason that in the interest of the party, the party should be united.”

“I did not go and ask Palaniswami for any post. I will not ask again. Palaniswami sent the envoy to save the post of Chief Minister that he got by crawling, creeping and by falling at their feet. The people of Tamil Nadu know very well that Edappadi Palaniswami is obsessed with position and selfish. Edappadi Palaniswami sent a message only because he does not have a majority in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. The AIADMK won 136 seats in the 2016 Legislative Assembly general elections and retained power for the second consecutive term. AIADMK got a huge victory because of Jayalalitha’s whirlwind election campaign despite her health. This victory was a victory for Jayalalithaa. After Jayalalithaa’s death, Edappadi Palaniswami, who took over as Chief Minister at the behest of Sasikala, brought a motion of confidence in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, with 122 legislators supporting him. Out of these 122 legislators, 19 legislators met the Governor a few months later and gave a letter withdrawing their support to Edappadi Palaniswami.”

“Thus, the number of legislators supporting Edappadi Palaniswami has reduced to 103. Apart from this, some other legislators were working against Edappadi Palaniswami. If we add this, the number of legislators supporting Edappadi Palaniswami has gone below a hundred. At the same time, the number of DMK legislators was 98. That is, the number of members of the opposition party was more than that of the ruling party. Then, the DMK sent a letter to the governor asking for an order to prove the majority. If the Governor had ordered to prove the majority at that time, Edappadi Palaniswami’s post as Chief Minister would have gone that day. It was Edappadi Palaniswami who sent an envoy and begged me to free him from this problem.”

“Although I did not want to join Edappadi Palaniswami, I decided to rejoin, keeping in mind Jayalalithaa’s words in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly that “Even after me, no matter how many centuries come, AIADMK will work for the people.” The messengers told me that I am for the party and Edappadi Palaniswami is for the government. I also agreed. But Edappadi Palaniswami imposed a condition that he be given the post of co-coordinator with signing authority against what was agreed. I accepted it in the interest of AIADMK, founded by MGR and built by Jayalalithaa. This is an example of my loyalty to the party. As for the post of Deputy Chief Minister, I initially said no, However, I accepted the post because Prime Minister Modi personally invited me to Delhi and persuaded to accept the post.”

“Edappadi Palaniswami has given an interview that, during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, I only made Ravindhranath, who contested in the Theni parliamentary Lok Sabha elections to win, and I did not help the AIADMK candidate who contested in the Andippatti constituency to win. This is completely untrue. Edappadi Palaniswami could not digest the fact that after contesting in 39 Lok Sabha constituencies, only Ravindhranath won the Theni constituency. That is why he is making such accusations against me. It is an expression of political vendetta (Kaalpunarchi). On the contrary, it was Edappadi Palaniswami who worked hard to defeat Rabindranath. However, MGR And Jayalalithaa’s blessings, God’s grace, and because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election campaign in Theni Lok Sabha constituency, Ravindhranath won.”

“The reason why I said there was doubt about Jayalalithaa’s death was because people had doubted it. I reflected on people’s opinions. Similarly, Edappadi Palaniswami has said that I did not appear before the Justice Arumugasamy Commission of Inquiry. This is completely wrong. First, I was directed to appear before Justice Arumugasamy Commission of Inquiry on 20 December 2018. However, the examination of AIIMS doctors which was scheduled to be held on 19 December 2018 was shifted to 20 December 2018, so the commission itself stopped my hearing. Following this, the Arumugasamy Commission of Inquiry ordered me to appear on 08 January 2019. But I had requested through my lawyer that the hearing be postponed as the legislative session was going on. Then Arumugasamy Commission of Inquiry directed him to appear on 23 January 2019. I was unable to attend the World Investors Conference that day. Later, the letter was sent to me to appear on 29 January 2019. However, as the Apollo management filed a petition in the court, the hearing on 29 January 2019 was adjourned and he was ordered to appear on 19 January 2019. Adjourned to 28 January 2019 as the court case was pending on 19 February 2019. Later, the case was taken to the Supreme Court and an interim stay was granted on 26 April 2019. Later, in 2022, I appeared before Justice Arumugasamy Commission of Inquiry twice and gave my explanation. This is the reality. Therefore, it is political vendetta to say that I did not appear before the commission in general.”

“Why does Edappadi Palaniswami comment on the Arumugasamy Commission of Inquiry into Jayalalithaa’s death refuse to open his mouth about the Kodanadu murder-robbery case? I led a demonstration under my leadership, insisting that the Koda Nadu murder-robbery case should be completed as soon as possible. Why is Edappadi Palaniswami reluctant to hold a protest on the Kodanad murder-robbery case? This has created a lot of doubt among people.”

“In the AIADMK general committee meeting held on 23-06-2022, I was on the stage as a coordinator and the legislators supporting me including Vaithilingam, Manoj Pandian, former legislator JCD Prabhakar, I and my supporters were attacked by throwing water bottles. It was Edappadi Palaniswami who was the root cause of creating such a situation that I could not even read the budget statement by making the anti-socials and thugs who were not members of the general committee sit. It is completely untrue to say that I used rioters to commit violence in the headquarters.” 

He further stated that on 11 July 2022, during the general committee meeting in Vanagaram, Edappadi Palaniswami orchestrated violence by sending eight district club secretaries and 300 individuals associated with anti-social activities to the main club headquarters, instructing them to lock its doors. They also threw stones at our vehicles as we approached the headquarters street, preventing our entry. Eventually, we accessed the headquarters after the anti-social groups dispersed upon police intervention. This is the factual account of events.

During the period of dual leadership, AIADMK contested 22 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and won just one seat, with a standalone vote share of 19.39%. The alliance garnered 31.05% of the vote. Under single leadership in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, AIADMK contested 34 seats but failed to win any, securing a mere 20.46% vote share. Including the 2.59% from the alliance party National Progressive Dravidian Kazhagam, the total vote share was 23.05%. AIADMK suffered an 8% decrease in votes, with deposits forfeited in seven constituencies.

This election marked AIADMK’s first instance of losing deposits in seven constituencies, a record attributed to Edappadi Palaniswami. The party dropped to third place in 12 constituencies and fourth in one, receiving only 5,267 votes in the Vilavankode Assembly by-election. Compared to 2019, AIADMK lost over 3 million votes, reflecting a significant decline. Edappadi Palaniswami has been reluctant to acknowledge these facts. In the southern districts, AIADMK’s vote count fell from over 3 million in nine Lok Sabha constituencies during 2019 to 1.5 million in 2024, marking a 50% reduction. These votes were crucially cast under the ‘double leaf’ symbol of MGR.

The current state of AIADMK is largely attributed to Edappadi Palaniswami, whose leadership I believe is leading the party towards ruin. My detailed statement aims to counter Palaniswami’s recent misleading remarks at Madurai Airport. My aspiration is for AIADMK to reunite and restore Jayalalithaa’s governance by 2026, necessitating a change in leadership. Palaniswami’s continuous failures have been rejected by volunteers, jeopardizing AIADMK’s future. Unity within the organization, without endorsing Palaniswami’s leadership, is essential for its revival after over 50 years of operation. Contrary to Palaniswami’s claims, I have never sought re-entry into AIADMK. It is a movement of volunteers, and my stance remains focused on uniting the party. I am prepared to make any sacrifice for this cause, questioning whether Palaniswami shares this commitment.

Palaniswami’s refusal to acknowledge these realities, despite no demand from me to rejoin, typifies his self-serving authoritarianism. His alteration of party rules, preventing ordinary volunteers from reaching top positions while declaring Jayalalithaa as ‘permanent general secretary,’ underscores his selfish motives.

The activists and public consensus is clear: Palaniswami should step down as AIADMK General Secretary after ten consecutive failures to uphold the organization’s volunteer-driven ethos. Should he refuse, volunteers and the public are prepared to act collectively to effect necessary change.

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Madras High Court Questions CB-CID Over Lack Of Arrests In Vengaivayal Faeces In Water Tank Incident

By
The Commune
-

On 8 July 2024, the Madras High Court expressed concern over the CB-CID’s failure to make any arrests two years after human waste was found in the Vengaivayal water tank.

The incident occurred on 26 December 2022, in Vengaivayal village near Pudukottai, where human faeces was reportedly mixed into the public drinking water tank. This shocking event drew national attention and led to a complaint being filed with the Vellanur police. The investigation was later handed over to the CB-CID. However, the absence of any arrests has sparked ongoing debates in Tamil Nadu’s political circles.

In response to the situation, Rajkamal from Veppampatu in Tiruvallur district filed a public interest litigation in the Madras High Court, requesting the case be transferred to the CBI. In March 2023, the High Court ordered the formation of a one-man inquiry committee, led by retired High Court judge Sathyanarayanan, to investigate the incident. The case was revisited on 16 April 2024 by Chief Justice Gangaburwala and Justice Sathyanarayana Prasad. During this session, the government’s lawyer stated that the police expected to complete their investigation within three months, leading the judges to adjourn the trial to 3 July 2024.

The case came up for hearing on 8 July 2024 and was heard by Chief Justice Mahadevan and Justice Mohammad Sabiq. Advocate Mani, representing the petitioner, criticized the lack of action, noting that no arrests had been made despite two years passing since the incident.

In response, Additional Chief Advocate Ravindran reported that 389 individuals had been questioned, voice sample tests conducted, and notices sent to three suspects. He assured the court that arrests would follow once sufficient evidence was gathered.

Hopeful of achieving a breakthrough in the case within two weeks, the law officers urged the court to grant them a fortnight to report progress. They informed the judges that their predecessors had appointed a one-man inquiry commission headed by retired High Court judge M. Sathyanarayanan, who had so far submitted only an interim report.

“The interim report has already been presented to this court. We are awaiting the final report,” stated the Additional Advocate General (AAG), requesting additional time for the CB-CID to complete their investigation. The Division Bench accepted this request and adjourned the PIL petitions for two weeks, stipulating that the investigating agency must show substantial progress and not seek further adjournments without significant developments.

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Popular Tamil YouTuber Threatened Live On Camera On Ritchie Street; GCC Police Detain Suspects

By
The Commune
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Popular Tamil YouTube channel A2D’s owner PcDOC Nanda Kumar faced a harrowing incident during daylight hours at Ritchie Street. While live streaming, he and his team were confronted by two intoxicated men who threatened them and attempted to steal their camera. The incident swiftly gained widespread attention on social media, sparking criticism.

The vlogger and his team were cornered near a parked autorickshaw, which was stocked with beer bottles, before the assailants (drunk autorickshaw drivers) made their move. The confrontation was captured live and quickly went viral online. In the video, the vlogger expressed deep distress and fear, vowing never to return to Ritchie Street and emphasizing the need to prevent such incidents.

Ritchie Street is recognized as India’s second-largest electronic market for computer parts and peripherals, following Nehru Place in New Delhi. It offers a diverse range of products, from electronics and robotics to LED lighting. However, this recent incident where vloggers were targeted in broad daylight and attempts were made to steal their cameras, have instilled fear among the public. This has prompted citizens to question the effectiveness of the Greater Chennai Police.

Responding to concerns raised on social media, the Greater Chennai Police confirmed they are actively pursuing a gang responsible for threatening video creators at Ritchie Street. While no formal complaint had been filed by the YouTubers, the police acknowledged the incident based on the circulating video and launched a search for the perpetrators.

On the same day (7 July 2024), the Greater Chennai Police detained a member of the gang involved in the viral threat against the YouTubers. The individual in custody has been identified as Gana Sridhar. A senior police official noted that despite the lack of an official complaint, the Chintadripet police took action based on the circulating video to apprehend Gana Sridhar, Parthiban and Kishore from Perambur.

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Islamist Zubair Shares Video Mocking Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty, Infosys Foundation Had Earlier Funded Alt News

By
The Commune
-

With Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty and her daughter, Akshata Murty, in the news, alleged fact-checker Mohammed Zubair found it compelling to ride the trend. Zubair shared a video mocking Sudha Murty, former Chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, for her “simplicity”.

In the spoof video from a few months ago, a lady calls herself Simple Sudha from “Simplicity“. The lady in the video says, “Myself, Simple Sudha, now simple Rajya Sabha member, very simple we are. The city that I live in, not Bengaluru, Simplicity. Everything about me is simple, two simple spoons I carry everywhere – one non-veg spoon, one veg spoon, that’s all. I wrote one postcard to ByeBye, he became Tata, so famous. I made my husband what he is today, and my daughter, she made her husband Prime Minister of United Kingdom. Whenever I must address, I write 10, Downing Street, very simple we are. Even bragging I do humble bragging. That’s all. The books that I write, very simple, small words, small sentences, anyone can understand, even tons of them will sell in Rajya Sabha that might be the first book they are reading but simple it will be for them to read. Very ordinary middle-class people, we wear saree, salwar kameez. My two children got married, you saw any pre-wedding celebrations? That’s how simple we are. Money in the bank we keep and earn simple interest. That’s all. We never travel in business class, we are not that business type no, even my motion is simple harmonic motion. I am simple Sudha, simplest of all, middle-class, ordinary, humble, simple.”

This comes at a time when Sudha Murty made her maiden speech at the Rajya Sabha. She was nominated to the RS by the President of India. In her speech, she raised two issues – she emphasised the importance of the cervical cancer vaccine.

She also spoke about domestic tourism and emphasised that 57 domestic tourist sites in India deserve to be recognized as World Heritage Sites. Among these sites, she mentioned the Bahubali statue at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, Lingaraja Temple, Unakoti rock carvings in Tripura, Shivaji forts in Maharashtra, Chausath Yogini temple in Mitawali, Lothal in Gujarat, and Gol Gumbad, among others.

She highlighted the architectural marvel of the temples in Srirangam. She also pointed out that a collection of ancient monuments in Sarnath, which are 2,500 years old, have yet to be designated as World Heritage Sites.

Murty noted that the design of the old Parliament Building was inspired by the ancient Chausath Yogini temple at Mitawali in Madhya Pradesh.

This spoof video shared by Zubair also coincides with the UK elections. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat in the recent elections. As Sunak gave his resignation speech, all eyes seemed to be on Akshata Murty’s outfit, a dress from an Indian label featuring the UK’s national flag colours and costing about ₹42,000.

In a case of what people would call “biting the hand that feeds/fed you, Zubair’s AltNews that peddles fake news in the name of “fact-checking” received 10 lakhs as funding (grant) from Infosys Foundation in 2019/2020.

Netizens posted that Zubair was allegedly “blackmailing” Murty because Infosys Foundation stopped the funding.

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Revenge Murder Strikes Dindigul: Man On Bail Brutally Murdered By Unknown Assailant Trio In Front Of His Family

By
The Commune
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A man who was granted bail in a murder case in Dindigul was brutally murdered by unidentified assailants.

The victim, Vinod, a daily wage worker who had been arrested for a murder case in Dindigul before being released on bail, was living in MGR Nagar, Dindigul. He was married and resided with his wife Manjula, and their two children. Last year, Sullan Ramesh was brutally murdered in Dindigul. Vinod, also implicated in the case, had been released on bail and was residing in Tirupur due to threats to his life in Dindigul. He had returned to take his family to Tirupur when tragedy struck.

On the fateful night, while Vinod was at home with his family, three unidentified individuals barged in and ruthlessly killed Vinod in front of his mother, wife, and children. Vinod tragically succumbed to his injuries on the spot amidst the chaos. The neighbours, alarmed by the commotion, alerted the authorities.

Upon arrival, the Dindigul Taluk police took charge, retrieving Vinod’s body for autopsy at the Dindigul Government Medical College Hospital. A case was registered, and investigations commenced, hinting at a possible revenge motive for the murder. It was suspected that the killing was linked to Sullan Ramesh’s case last year, where a mysterious gang was involved. The police had apprehended six suspects, including Vinod, in connection to that incident.

The recent surge in violent crimes, particularly revenge killings, has instilled fear in the community. It is noteworthy that BSP’s TN President Armstrong was hacked to death just a few days ago near his residence.

Concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of law enforcement in curbing such incidents, highlighting the need for enhanced vigilance and action to address the escalating trend of reprisal murders in Tamil Nadu.

(With inputs from OneIndia)

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Tiruvalarcholai, Trichy: Communal Clash Leaves One Dead And Six Injured

By
The Commune
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A brutal attack took place last evening in Tiruvalarcholai, near Thiruvanaikaval, Srirangam, resulting in the death of a 28-year-old man named Napoleon and serious injuries to six others. Napoleon, a resident of Tiruvalarcholai, was with friends when a gang of 10 members from another community assaulted them.

The victims were quickly rescued by bystanders and rushed to Srirangam Government Hospital, where they were given intensive care. Despite the medical efforts, Napoleon succumbed to his injuries. The news of his death sparked a protest by Napoleon’s faction outside the hospital.

Police have registered a case and are actively searching for the attackers who fled the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack may have been triggered by a love affair. However, authorities are also exploring other potential motives behind the incident.

The law-and-order scene in Tamil Nadu is taking a turn for the worse ever since the DMK came to power. Just a few days ago, the Tamil Nadu President of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Armstrong, was hacked to death near his home. Armstrong was attacked by a gang of six assailants armed with machetes and sickles while chatting with friends and supporters near his residence.

(with inputs from Dina Thanthi)

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Law And Order In Disarray Under DMK Rule, Says PMK Leader Dr. Ramadoss In Light Of Spate Of Murders

By
The Commune
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Sivashankar, a PMK member living in Surappanayakan Chavadi, was attacked with a sickle by four assailants who then escaped. He was admitted in critical condition at Cuddalore Government Hospital and later succumbed to his injuries. The incident has sparked unrest in Cuddalore, and the police are actively pursuing the attackers.

The PMK founder Ramdoss tweeted condemning this violent act, says law and order in disarray under DMK rule. He tweeted, “Brutal Sickle attack on Cuddalore PMK member is condemnable; Law and Order in Disarray under DMK Rule”

In his tweet, he said “Shankar, a Pattali Makkal Katchi functionary from Surappanaicken Chavadi in Cuddalore district, was brutally attacked with a sickle by four men from the same area. This attack on a PMK member is condemnable. I wish Shankar, who is now in critical condition at JIPMER Hospital in Puducherry, a speedy recovery and return home. The negligence and inaction of the police are responsible for this attack.”

Three years ago, Shankar’s brother, Prabhu, was brutally murdered by locals. The killers had threatened Shankar, a key witness in the case, not to testify in court, and despite informing the police, no action was taken, nor was Shankar provided with security, leading to this attempted murder.”

He also added, “Recently, AIADMK functionary Pushpanathan was hacked to death in Cuddalore’s Vandipalayam area. Before people could recover from that shock, the attempt on Shankar’s life further highlights the failure of the Cuddalore district police. Despite these incidents, the police have downplayed the severity by stating that both Shankar and his attackers were Vanniyars.”

He said, “Political murders and assassination attempts have been rising across Tamil Nadu from Chennai to Tirunelveli in recent years. The Tamil Nadu government has not taken any steps to control them. Does Chief Minister MK Stalin know about these horrific incidents? I don’t know. The spate of murders and assassination attempts shows that the law-and-order situation in Tamil Nadu has completely collapsed. The Tamil Nadu government and the police need to wake up and take steps to maintain law and order. I urge them to punish those who tried to kill Shankar severely according to the law.”

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TheCommune
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