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Is Pa Ranjith Guilty Of Being An Oppressor?

The murder of TN BSP leader Armstrong near his residence in Chennai sent shockwaves across the state. Among those who were seen grieving the death included director Pa Ranjith. On 8 July 2024, he made a long post on his X handle which seemed to softly condemn the ruling dispensation.

In his statement, the Kollywood director seemed to imply that this murder was not condemned by other than scheduled caste individuals.  

However, Pa. Ranjith subtly queried the DMK, not about the perpetrators behind the murder after 4 days but about 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 as propagated allegedly by the media, to deflect from their party’s law enforcement weaknesses.

It is not essentially true that leaders from the Scheduled Caste alone are unsafe in TN. Ever since the DMK came to power, several such instances have taken place. Let us take the date 24 June 2024 for example.

Incidents From June 2024

A 26-year-old youth named Lakshmanan was hacked to death near Minjur by gangsters over frivolous disagreements that occurred at a TASMAC bar while consuming alcohol. This is a common scene at TASMAc outlets across the city and state.

On the same day, in Tambaram, a youth named Surya was arrested because he snatched a mobile phone from another youth named Santosh. Santosh along with his friend Vignesh somehow retrieved the phone but later when Vignesh was found all by himself, Surya, intoxicated by TASMAC alcohol, hacked Vignesh to death.

One more incident at Maduravoyal on the same day – 65-year-old Aasaimani was arrested for killing his son. The reason for this was later revealed to be the fact that Aasaimani’s 35-year-old son would wreak havoc at home after getting drunk at a TASMAC shop and was always consuming ganja and causing trouble every single day. Unable to stand the daily torture caused by the son to the family, the father killed him.

Incidents From May 2024

In Walajabad on 28 May 2024, a lady Suguna was found dead after the thief stole her gold chain and hacked her to death.

On the same day, in Kundrathur, a youth named Rajesh was hacked to death for preventing a thief from snatching his phone.

On this day itself, near Tambaram, an auto driver named Karthik was killed by individuals who were intoxicated. Once again, TASMAC comes into the picture – the auto union leader, a DMK cadre, and his supporters hacked Karthik to death over some disagreement.

Again, on the same day, a person named Thomas was killed over non-payment of loan.

These instances show that there is no parity when it comes to hacking and killing in Tamil Nadu and what Pa Ranjith claimed (that Dalit leaders were unsafe) was untrue.

However, Pa Ranjith never condemned these incidents nor any other incidents that affected Dalit lives. His soft namesake criticism of the DMK over the law-and-order situation in the state is glaringly silly.

It is a fact that Armstrong had the support of a large section of the Dalits in the North Chennai region, and this was seemingly a problem for the DMK. However, Pa Ranjith did not question this aspect.

Interestingly, Armstrong was against the DMK and understood that a person from the Scheduled Caste would not get recognition if they joined the DMK. However, for all the grief that Pa Ranjith displayed, he did not question this.

Be it Vengaivayal or Nanguneri or any other caste-based incidents in Tamil Nadu, Pa Ranjith never raised a finger at the DMK – he would either not write about it at all or would softly criticize the DMK as lip service. Alternately, he would blame the Hindu religion for anything remotely related to caste. 

His selective outrage and directed criticism towards the DMK following the brutal murder of Armstrong exposes his casteist mentality. Only when tragedy knocks someone known to him or from his community, Pa Ranjith’s blood boils. Just because Pa Ranjith hails from the Dalit community, it doesn’t make him a saint or a voice of the oppressed. Pa. Ranjith’s selective outrage by voicing out for certain crimes while turning a blind eye to other crimes that happen under DMK’s watch makes him at the very least a silent oppressor and an enabler.

(With inputs from Maridhas)

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Dravidian Model: Private Medical Colleges In Tamil Nadu Start ‘Booking’ Seats Amidst Uncertainty Over NEET Results This Year

Many private medical colleges in Tamil Nadu have begun their admission process for undergraduate programs amidst the NEET-UG 2024 fiasco, where irregularities such as paper leaks have surfaced, leading to the possibility of a re-test.

Some colleges are discreetly proceeding by ‘booking’ seats for money, while others are openly advertising their ongoing admissions.

They have started reserving seats for an advance payment ranging from ₹2 to ₹3 lakh. This practice has come to after many parents encountered such situations when going to the college for seeking admission details.

One of the student counsellor was quoted saying in a Times of India report that parents are instructed to meet with authorities on campus and are required to leave their mobile phones and electronic devices behind so that the clandestine transactions are not recorded.

Once the initial discussions are over, the candidates/parents are asked to pay ₹3 lakh to book a seat. Once this is paid, they are advised to choose the college affiliated with the deemed university as their first choice during the counselling round. If they obtain the seat, they will receive an annual discount of up to ₹3 to ₹5 lakh, with the advance payment being credited towards the first year’s fees. Additionally, students are provided with a scholarship certificate to further lower the fee, as per Times of India report.

Apparently, one university oversees more than 600 medical seats in its affiliated colleges and anticipates acquiring additional seats this year. They’ve expressed confidence to parents who have paid that a seat would be secured. Additionally, they promised a refund if they could be prove to the authorities that an allotment was not received despite selecting the colleges under the university as the primary choice.

In another college, after paying an advance of ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, students submit their documents to the admission authorities, who then apply on their behalf during counselling. Admission managers have reportedly “guaranteed” seats to these candidates.

Parents are told to pay the fees in the first round itself, as cut-offs tend to rise in subsequent rounds for deemed universities.

Officials have condemned these activities as illegal. “Allotments to medical colleges are managed either by the Medical Counselling Committee of the Directorate General of Health Services or the state’s selection committee. They cannot collect any fee or donation in advance,” a senior official from the National Medical Commission was quoted saying.

Any allotments not approved by these agencies will be considered illegal. “We advise parents and students to be patient and not engage in these practices,” officials warned adding that the commission will take action if there are complaints with evidence.

It must be noted that several private medical colleges in Tamil Nadu are run by the members of DMK and AIADMK, both of whom are opposed to NEET as the exam has curbed the menace of capitation fee.

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“Selvaperunthagai Was Indeed A History-Sheeter, I Won’t Retract My Statement Or Apologize,” Says TN BJP Chief Annamalai 

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President Annamalai, at a meeting with the press a few days ago, had accused Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K Selvaperunthagai of being a history-sheeter. He clarified his statement accusing providing detailed explanations and citing past cases. The exchange between Selvaperunthagai and Annamalai escalated on 9 July 2024, through press conferences and social media posts after Annamalai’s initial remark.

TNCC President K Selvaperunthagai insisted that BJP State President K Annamalai apologize to him for labeling him a history-sheeter. He warned that failing to do so would prompt him to pursue legal action against Annamalai for defamation and character assassination, possibly invoking sections of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Selvaperunthagai recounted how Annamalai had referred to him as a rowdy and a history-sheeter during a visit to the late BSP state president K Amstrong’s residence on 8 July 2024.

In his rebuttal, Selvaperunthagai held a press meeting at his party headquarters, highlighting that since Annamalai assumed leadership, 261 individuals with involvement in 1,977 cases had reportedly joined the BJP, some even holding positions within the party. He specifically mentioned BJP functionary RK Suresh, who had been questioned by the Economic Offence Wing over the Aarudhra Gold scam, along with another functionary named Harish allegedly linked to the same scandal. Selvaperunthagai vehemently denied any association with criminal activities.

In response, Annamalai stood firm, stating he would face the issue in court rather than apologize. He asserted that the BJP does not include any members with a criminal background. Annamalai stated unequivocally that he would not retract his assertion that Selvaperunthagai was listed as a history-sheeter. He expressed his unwillingness to apologize for something he believed to be true, citing cases filed against Selvaperunthagai, including his involvement in the auditor Pandian murder case. Annamalai also questioned whether Selvaperunthagai denied being arrested under the Goondas Act, and challenged the notion that his past legal troubles could be disregarded simply because he claimed to follow Gandhian principles.

Later that day, on 9 July 2024, responding to media reports about Selvaperunthagai’s threat, Annamalai countered by listing a series of criminal cases from Selvaperunthagai’s past, reaffirming his decision not to apologize.

Annamalai in his official X account stated,When I mentioned that Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Selvaperunthagai was on the list of criminals, Selvaperunthagai said he was very upset since I have insulted him who came in the path of Mahatma Gandhi. Below is the path taken by the one who claims to be a Mahatma Gandhi follower.

  • Auditor Pandian murder case – main culprit
  • Case No. 24(A)/2001 of 2001. CBI Case Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, Section 13(2) r/w 13(1) (e)
  • Case No. 136/2003 IPC 307 of 2003 – Attempt to murder
  • Case No. 138/2003 of 2003 – Assault
  • 2003 Case No. 277/03 – Threat to kill
  • 2003 Case No. 451/2003 IPC 324 – Assault with dangerous weapons, IPC 506 – Threats to kill, Explosives, 1908.
  • It is noteworthy that in this case, he was apprehended under the Goondas Act.
  • 2008 Case No. 1464/2003 IPC 147 – Rioting, IPC 148 – Rioting with deadly weapons, IPC 506 – criminal intimidation

Attempt to murder case, criminal intimidation case, assault with deadly weapons case, rioting with deadly weapons case, explosives case, murder case, and many other cases which are some of the worst crime cases in society. Notably, there were three cases of criminal intimidation (death threats) were filed against him. Apart from this, the Auditor Pandian murder case.”

“Is he not saying that he was arrested under the Goondas Act? How else does he expect him to be referred to? A living Mahatma? For political gains and to escape from the criminal cases against him, if he joins the party opposite to his policy and dramatizes that he came the way of Gandhi, does it mean that the crimes committed are not there?” Annamalai questioned.

“I am not going to back down from the view that Selvaperunthagai was on the criminal list. I do not have the habit of apologizing for a mistake I did not commit. Let Selvaperunthagai sue me anywhere. I am ready to meet him in court.” Annamalai stated.

(With inputs from TNIE)

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Over 1,000 Muslims Protest Waqf Board Ban On Property Registration In Perambalur

Over 1,000 Muslims from various villages in the Perambalur district, including Valikandapuram, Mettupalayam South, Thavayur, Ranjankudi, V. Kalathur, and Visuvakudi, gathered at the Perambalur Collector’s office yesterday. They demanded the lifting of the Waqf Board’s ban, which has prevented them from registering their properties since 18 February 2020.

The affected residents presented their petitions, highlighting the severe impact of the ban on their basic property rights. “More than 1,000 Muslims are prohibited from registering deeds claiming that they are Waqf Board properties. Due to this, we cannot deed the properties we own, affecting our ability to sell, mortgage, or obtain bank loans,” a resident said to Dinamalar.

Residents have made multiple complaints to the government, but no action has been taken. They are now calling for the immediate removal of the Waqf Board’s objections. They also warned that if appropriate orders were not passed, they would engage in a massive protest.

Valikandapuram resident Ameer Khan stated that 400 Muslim families in Valikandapuram, Vallapuram, and Tambai village are affected. “We have given a petition to the Chief Minister, but no action has been taken so far. The concerned departmental officials are harassing our community.”

Khan pointed out that a similar issue in five villages in Trichy district was resolved after intervention by BJP member H. Raja and Minister Nehru.

Mettupalayam resident Chellamuthu highlighted the plight of 85 people who own 45 acres of land. “These lands, enjoyed by our families for generations, cannot be sold, mortgaged, or transferred to our heirs due to the Waqf Board’s ban. Despite years of complaints to high officials, no action has been taken.”

Ranjankudi resident Ameer Pasha shared his personal experience, stating, “My father bought 8 acres of land 25 years ago, which we have enjoyed until now. We applied to change the title to four people, but the application was rejected due to the Waqf Board’s block.”

The protesters urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to intervene and resolve the issue. The community members stressed that their basic property rights were at stake and demanded immediate government action to lift the ban imposed by the Waqf Board.

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“Lawyers In Tamil Nadu Are Being Incited”, Says Hindu Munnani State President Kadeswara C Subramaniam, Urges Court Action On TN Lawyers’ Strike Against New Criminal Laws

Hindu Munnani State President Kadeswara C. Subramaniam alleged that the lawyers in Tamil Nadu were being incited causing significant hardship to the public and requested the Hon’ble court to take action.

In his statement, he said, “The three major criminal laws across the country took effect on July 1. These Acts were implemented after extensive consultations with the public, legal experts, and debates in both Houses of Parliament, receiving the President’s assent. The Chief Justice of India has also endorsed these laws as a significant shift for the nation. Despite this, lawyer associations in Tamil Nadu have been protesting against the new laws since the 1st of the month. Political parties like DMK, AIADMK, and the Communist parties are supporting and instigating these protests.”

He also added, “The strike has already disrupted court proceedings for over ten days, exacerbating the backlog of cases and causing significant inconvenience to the public awaiting verdicts. The strike has now been extended for another week, with further plans for rail blockades on the 10th, supported by the ruling government. This will likely cause additional hardships for ordinary people. While the new laws have been accepted nationwide, the protests are confined to Tamil Nadu. The public hopes that the courts will intervene to resolve this situation.”

He said, “Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that the lawyers’ strike is illegal, the protest continues. Courts have been lenient towards absent lawyers, and those who wish to work are reportedly being intimidated. Hindu Munnani appeals to Tamil Nadu lawyers not to succumb to the political parties’ influence, to accept the criminal laws, and to resume their duties. On behalf of the public, Hindu Munnani urges the Hon’ble High Court to take necessary steps to end the prolonged lawyers’ strike in Tamil Nadu.”

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Chinese Cyber Criminals Exploit Indian Women In Cambodia: Job Scams And Cyber Fraud Target Unsuspecting Victims Via Honey Trapping

A victim of trafficking has uncovered a disturbing international scheme where Chinese cybercriminals deceive Indian women with promises of jobs, only to ensnare them as slaves and exploit them for illicit profits.

Many Indian women trafficked to Cambodia are ensnared in a disturbing web of exploitation orchestrated by Chinese scammers. Their harrowing plight involves honey-trapping unsuspecting people back home by making nude calls. The modus operandi of this criminal enterprise was recently exposed by Munshi Prakash, a Telangana resident who fell victim to these fraudulent activities.

Prakash, a BTech graduate in civil engineering, had been working with an IT firm in Hyderabad. He posted his profile on job sites, seeking employment abroad. The trap was set when “Vijay,” an agent in Cambodia, contacted him, promising a job in Australia. To secure this opportunity, Prakash was instructed to obtain travel history by traveling to Malaysia. However, upon arrival in Phnom Penh, he was seized by Chinese nationals and taken to Krong Bavet—a large compound with towers.

In this grim environment, Prakash and other Indian victims were subjected to ten days of training. Their task: create and use fake social media profiles of girls, primarily in Telugu and other languages. When Prakash fell ill, he managed to record a video detailing his traumatic experiences and sent it to his sister in Tamil Nadu. This desperate plea prompted the Indian embassy, along with the governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, to intervene and rescue him.

Prakash’s ordeal didn’t end there. Although Cambodian police initially rescued him from traffickers, he was later arrested on a fabricated charge orchestrated by the Chinese gang. After 12 days in jail, authorities discovered the charge was false, and Prakash was deported to Delhi. Nine others were rescued alongside him.

Tragically, approximately 3,000 Indians—many from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana—remain trapped in Cambodia. Among them are girls coerced into making nude calls from detention camps. Victims hail from various Indian states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Mumbai, and Delhi. The gang profits from these cyber slaves by converting their earnings into cryptocurrency, then US dollars, and finally Chinese Yuan.

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TN Education System’s Mandatory Pass Policy Upto Grade VIII Hinders Student Proficiency In Tamil

In Tamil Nadu, educators and activists are sounding the alarm that mandatory to pass up to Grade VIII is starting to become a hindrance for students’ learning capabilities and motivation, potentially impacting their proficiency in their native language for government school students.

“As all students attend government schools from Grade I to Grade VIII and passing is mandatory, students transitioning to Grades 9 and 10 often face difficulties in both writing and reading in Tamil,” says Dinamalar’s ground report.

The Tamil Nadu Government is implementing various initiatives to enhance the quality of education for students in government schools throughout the state. While government schools typically promote students from Grade I to Grade VIII regardless of their academic proficiency, some students entering Grade IX lack fundamental educational skills.

Concerning this issue, activists have pointed out that students in government schools from Grade one to eight can proceed to the next grade without writing exams if their names are on the attendance registers, with a 75% attendance requirement. However, many teachers overlook this rule.

It is only in the ninth grade that a student’s academic capabilities become evident. Some students struggle with basic literacy skills in Tamil, impacting their ability to comprehend subjects like science and social science. Even if they manage to pass the 10th grade, teaching and ensuring their success becomes a major challenge for educators.

In response to this, government schoolteachers suggest that students falling behind academically in the 10th grade should consider enrolling in vocational training institutions or other vocational education centers. The law mandates that a student who wishes to continue in the same school for the 10th grade must be admitted.

Although progression from Grade I to Grade VIII is guaranteed with a 75% attendance rate, students can excel with above-average marks if they attend classes regularly. Children of migrant families from states like Odisha and Bihar easily learn Tamil literacy skills during primary school. Conversely, some students raised in Tamil Nadu struggle to read and write in Tamil even after the eighth grade, emphasizing the shared responsibility of teachers and parents in ensuring a child’s education.

Regarding this, a school education department official has instructed all headmasters to identify students with poor reading, writing, and math skills in government schools and enhance these skills. Schools are requested to upload details of students from sixth to ninth grade with inadequate literacy and math abilities on the Educational Management Information System (EMIS) platform.

The ground report shows the significance of language in achieving universal foundational learning, highlighting that the NEP 2020 prioritizes teaching and learning in the home or local language until at least Class V, preferably up to Class VIII and beyond. This approach was described as practical in fostering multilingualism and enhancing the role of language in education.

In a previous survey conducted by Stanford University’s Institute for Competitiveness in February 2023, findings showed varying performance levels based on the medium of instruction. Students instructed in Punjabi demonstrated the highest performance among Indian languages, with 51% exceeding global proficiency levels and only 6% falling below partially global proficiency levels. Conversely, students learning in Tamil had the lowest performance, with only 9% surpassing global proficiency levels and 48% below partially global proficiency levels.

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TN BJP Chief Annamalai Demands CBI Probe Into BSP Leader Armstrong’s Murder

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President K Annamalai has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the murder of state Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief K Armstrong, raising questions about Chief Minister MK Stalin’s reluctance to involve the federal agency.

Annamalai’s demand came after meeting Armstrong’s family on Monday. He criticized the Chief Minister for his inconsistency, pointing out that Stalin, during his tenure as Opposition leader, had frequently called for CBI investigations. “When the current Chief Minister was an Opposition leader, he used to demand a CBI inquiry for everything. I believe he demanded 71 CBI inquiries in 10 years while being in Opposition. This is a fit case for a CBI inquiry, but what is stopping him from it?” Annamalai asked.

Annamalai emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Tamil Nadu cannot become a police state. This is an incident that should not have happened in a state like Tamil Nadu, and to a popular leader. Somebody has taken the whole system for a ride, and it looks like a conspiracy. Tamil Nadu Police cannot rest on the fact that some people have surrenderedWho are the people behind it?”

Both Armstrong’s family and BSP supremo Mayawati, who paid tribute to the slain party leader in Chennai on Sunday, have demanded a CBI inquiry. Annamalai echoed this sentiment, noting, “Tamil Nadu has become a land where murders are happening on the one hand and surrenders are happening on the other, people come out of jail very fast and they commit murder again…govt has to first acknowledge…until they let the Police act freely, there is not going to be an end to this menace.”

Highlighting the broader law and order concerns, Annamalai announced that Tamil Nadu BJP leaders, led by Union Minister of State L. Murugan, would brief the media in Delhi and meet with officials from the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Human Rights Commission. “Tomorrow morning, Union Minister of State L. Murugan will hold a press conference. Our leaders are going to meet the officials of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and submit a petition regarding the atrocities that have been happening to the Scheduled Caste brothers and sisters in Tamil Nadu for the past 3 years. Tomorrow at 5 pm we are going to meet the leaders of the Human Rights Commission and complain about this. We are also going to meet Home Minister Amit Shah and ask for a CBI investigation,” Annamalai said. He stated that the party has identified 17 recent incidents in Tamil Nadu, including the contamination of a drinking water tank with human refuse in Vengaivayal, highlighting a rise in atrocities against Scheduled Castes.

He condemned the assassination of Armstrong, describing it as a brazen act of violence. “We have come to condole Armstrong’s home, who has passed away from us as the state president of the Bahujan Samaj Party. For the first time, a political leader has been killed by mercenaries in broad daylight in Chennai. Not only did the BJP strongly condemn this, senior leaders including National President Nadda heard about it over the phone,” he said.

Annamalai also criticized the DMK government’s handling of law and order, stating, “Law and order maintenance is going on in Tamil Nadu at a snail’s pace. The Chief Minister should wake up and take appropriate measures.”

He underscored the urgency of reforming the police department to prevent further incidents. “When pressure is put on the police, it becomes a police state. For the encounter, the number counter style is gone. But what we are asking is that we take action in advance. The police must do their job properly before an event takes place. Monitoring of raiders, people in jail, and those coming out of jail is essential.”

Addressing rumors about the BJP’s involvement in the Armstrong murder case, Annamalai said, “Regarding the news that a BJP executive has been arrested in the Armstrong murder case, our party does not have such documents. In our party, there are no sources that have given such responsibilities. The party has to show proof of participation in the event. Perhaps if the police show the documents, I will respond as the head of the state.”

In conclusion, Annamalai called for transparency and justice, urging the Tamil Nadu government to hand over the case to the CBI. “Tamil Nadu Chief Minister himself can give this case to CBI for probe because DMK is saying that they are a transparent government. The reality of the case will come out in the investigation,” he stated.

Annamalai and other BJP leaders are set to take their concerns to national authorities, seeking a thorough investigation and emphasizing the need for better law enforcement in Tamil Nadu.

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Tribal Students From Tamil Nadu Script History; Secure Seats At NIT Trichy

Two 18-year-old students from the tribal community have cleared the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) and have been selected to study engineering courses at NIT Trichy.

Rohini of Chinna Ilupur Village in the Pachamalai Hills made history by becoming the first tribal student from Tiruchirappalli district to secure admission to the prestigious National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Trichy. Rohini’s remarkable achievement comes after scoring 73.8 percent in the highly competitive Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains.

Rohini has been allotted a seat in the Chemical Engineering department at NIT Trichy through the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA). Her success story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for not only the tribal community but also for the entire nation.

Speaking to ANI, she said, “I am a student from a tribal community who studied in a tribal government school. I appeared in the JEE exam and secured 73.8 percent. I have secured a seat in NIT Trichy and opted for Chemical Engineering.” She expressed her gratitude to her school headmaster and teachers for their unwavering support and encouragement. “I performed well because of my headmaster and the staff of my school,” she added.

Rohini’s academic journey was fraught with challenges. Coming from a humble background, her parents work as daily wage labourers, and she often had to balance her studies with her work. Despite these hardships, she remained dedicated to her education, driven by a dream of becoming an engineer.

Rohini’s exceptional performance in JEE Mains made her the top scorer among students from 29 tribal schools across Tamil Nadu. Her achievement has not only brought immense pride to her family but also stands as a testament to her resilience and determination.

Sukanya, also from the tribal community, hailing from Kariyakovil in Salem district will be studying Production Engineering at NIT Trichy.

The Tamil Nadu state government has stepped forward to cover both their educational expenses.

(With inputs from Live Mint)

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Wave Of Violence Continues In Tamil Nadu: Shocking Attempted Murder In Theni Caught On CCTV Camera

The incident of attempted murder in G. Kallupatti, Theni district has captured widespread attention following shocking CCTV footage. Unidentified individuals armed with dangerous weapons entered Selvam’s shop, targeting him. Selvam, known for his involvement in over ten criminal cases, including murder, narrowly escaped when he fled upon their arrival.

After the incident, Selvam’s relatives staged a protest on the Batlagundu-Genguvarpatti road, demanding the arrest of the armed assailants. The local police have taken cognizance of the matter, launching an investigation into the suspects captured on CCTV. They suspect the attack may be rooted in past animosities due to Selvam’s criminal history. A special investigative team has been formed to pursue leads and apprehend those responsible.

Selvam resides in G. Kallupatti near Periyakulam and runs a Xerox and stationery shop. The situation remains tense as authorities continue their efforts to identify and bring to justice the individuals who carried out the brazen attack.

Recently, on 6 July 2024, another 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 Thanthi TV)

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