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TANGEDCO Hikes Electricity Tariffs by 2.18%; EPS, Annamalai Slam Move, Urge DMK Govt To Roll Back Increase

By
The Commune
-

The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) has announced an increase in electricity tariffs to address financial losses, according to a press statement cited by ANI.

Effective 1 July 2024, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has approved a 2.18% hike in electricity tariffs for consumers based on the multi-year tariff order. This adjustment, aligned with the consumer price index, is scaled to 2.18% from a potential 4.7% increase to consider consumer welfare. Notably, this increase for households is entirely covered by the government’s electricity subsidy.

Last year, the TNERC also limited the tariff hike to 2.18%, although it could have been raised by up to 5%. TANGEDCO’s financial losses have escalated significantly, from ₹18,954 crore in FY12 to ₹94,312 crore over the past decade. Consequently, TANGEDCO has been compelled to secure loans from financial institutions and banks due to previous non-commitments, contrasting with the current government’s full absorption commitment from 2021-22.

The loan amount has tripled over the last decade, soaring from ₹43,493 crore in FY12 to ₹1,59,823 crore in FY22. This has led to a 259% increase in net interest on loans, rising from ₹4,588 crore in FY12 to ₹16,511 crore in FY21.

The press release also highlighted that the government has been implementing minor annual tariff hikes to minimize consumer impact. According to the Union Ministry of Power guidelines, annual electricity tariff revisions are mandatory to avail central government funds under the Strengthening of Distribution System (RDSS) scheme.

The tariff hike has drawn criticism from opposition party leaders. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami and BJP State President Annamalai have condemned the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government for the increase in power tariffs.

LoP Edappadi Palanisami took to his official X handle and wrote, “My strong condemnation to the DMK government which has increased the electricity tariff again in Tamil Nadu! By waiting for the parliamentary elections and the Vikravandi by-elections to end, the DMK Chief Minister has gifted the people of Tamil Nadu with a shock. DMK Chief Minister. What pleasure does this Vidya government have in beating people’s stomachs? “I will do what I say – I will do what I don’t say,” said Mr.@mkstalin. They have not fulfilled any of their promises including the electricity bill once a month; You are only increasing the electricity tariffs without telling! It is unfair to put the burden of your administrative incompetence on the people! It has become a habit of the DMK government to torture the people. Without the basic capacity to provide uninterrupted power, I strongly condemn the DMK government for repeatedly increasing the electricity tariff. I urge the DMK Chief Minister to immediately roll back the increase in electricity tariff which is a huge burden on the people.”

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president Annamalai condemned the price hike and also urged the DMK government to withdraw the tariff hike, shift to monthly billing, and move to solar energy to reduce the burden on the public. He wrote on his official X handle, “Within three years of coming to power, the DMK government has increased property tax, electricity charges, drinking water charges, milk prices, and bond registration fees many times and burdened the public with the increase in charges. Shocked. The DMK government purchased electricity worth ₹65,000 crore in the last fiscal year 2023-2024 alone. In three years of coming to power, without taking any measures to increase power generation, the cost of this electricity has been borne by the public. While many states have taken steps to increase solar power generation across the country, the DMK has spent around ₹5,400 crore per month to purchase electricity. If we continue to increase the amount of electricity purchased without increasing the production of electricity, it will lead to repeated increases in electricity tariffs. DMK’s Dravidian model of government is a stupid model without even this basic administrative knowledge. When he was in the opposition, Chief Minister Mr. @mkstalin, who released a video talking about shocking electricity charges, is now giving shocks to the public. He came to power with an election promise that if he did come to power, monthly electricity bills would be calculated, and after three years have passed, he has not implemented it. Without the practice of paying monthly electricity bills, people are already paying 50% more electricity bills. They said that they would install smart meters in the houses and calculate the monthly electricity bill, but now they have shelved the plan to install smart meters. In this situation, for DMK’s administrative failure, how is it fair to impose a fare hike on the public? I urge on behalf of @BJP4Tamilnadu that the DMK, which is victimizing the public for their administrative incompetence, should immediately withdraw this electricity tariff hike and take measures to increase electricity generation including solar power generation and implement the monthly electricity tariff procedure immediately across Tamil Nadu.”

(with inputs from Live Mint)

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Love Jihad In Raebareli: Tauheed Poses as Janu Mishra To Deceive Minor Hindu Girl, Leading To Her Suicide

By
The Commune
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love jihad

A case of alleged “Love Jihad” has surfaced in Raebareli district, Uttar Pradesh. Tauheed is accused of luring a minor Hindu girl into a relationship under the false pretense of being a Hindu named Janu Mishra. Upon discovering his true identity, the girl reportedly committed suicide. Her father has since lodged an FIR at Kheero Police Station on July 15th, claiming that Tauheed, along with his brother and father, had been threatening his family.

According to a report by OpIndia, the accused have been identified as Tauheed, his brother Tasleem alias Chhotu, and their father Lallan, all residents of Jainapur Majre Kheero in Raebareli. The police registered FIR number 0283 on July 15, 2024, under IPC sections 306, 504, and 506. OpIndia has obtained a copy of the FIR.

The victim’s family alleges police inaction, prompting the father to approach the Superintendent of Police for intervention.

The victim’s father, Ramprakash Tiwari, from Jainapur Majre Kheero, filed the FIR, detailing that his daughter, an 11th-grade student at Saraswati Inter College, Kheero, had been approached by the accused about a year ago. The complaint states that the accused entrapped her using a false Hindu identity.

After discovering Tauheed’s true identity, the girl committed suicide on February 1st. Following this, the father was reportedly threatened by Tauheed and his family when he went to confront them. The victim’s father, now fearing for his life, has filed a complaint demanding police action.

The Commune has also accessed a video of the victim’s younger sister, who corroborates that the accused introduced himself as Janu Mishra. She recounts an incident where Tauheed expressed intentions to marry her sister and threatened their family. Despite assurances from the police, no action has been taken so far.

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Political Murders In Tamil Nadu: A Dark Chronicle

By
The Commune
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Six Murdered In One Day Raising Concerns About Deteriorating Law And Order

Just a few days ago, Tamil Nadu BSP president K Armstrong was hacked to death by assailants. The state’s law and order situation is under fire for enabling such an incident. Armstrong’s murder is being called a political murder by many.

Political murders are not something uncommon in the state of Tamil Nadu. Several such incidents have occurred in the past as well in both the DMK and ADMK regimes. Here is a look at some of the politically motivated murders from the past in the state.

K Armstrong

K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu state unit president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), was brutally murdered on 5 July 2024 evening near Perambur in Chennai. He was attacked by a gang of six assailants while chatting with friends and supporters near his residence. The attackers, armed with machetes and sickles, threatened anyone who tried to intervene, causing Armstrong’s friends to flee. His family rushed to the scene upon hearing his cries, only to find him grievously wounded and lying in a pool of blood. He was quickly taken to a nearby private hospital where doctors pronounced him dead. Armstrong, a practicing advocate and councillor for Greater Chennai Corporation, championed the marginalized sections of society. Despite facing numerous criminal cases filed by the state police, he earned a strong reputation among Dalits for his contributions to their socioeconomic development. Armstrong’s popularity surged after he highlighted the welfare of Dalits in subaltern Chennai. He unsuccessfully contested against Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin in the 2011 Assembly polls. His advocacy for Dalit rights made him a target for non-Dravidian parties critical of his stance against atrocities committed against Dalits.

Jeyakumar Dhanasingh

The charred body of KPK Jeyakumar Dhanasingh, the District Congress president of Tirunelveli East, was discovered at his farm on 4 May 2024. His son, Karuthaiah Jafrin, reported him missing to the Uvari police two days earlier, expressing concern about his father’s absence since Thursday. Jeyakumar’s sudden and mysterious death has sparked widespread shock and outcry throughout Tamil Nadu, prompting leaders from various political parties to demand swift justice for what they described as Jeyakumar’s ‘murder’. Meanwhile, the police have launched an investigation to determine whether Jeyakumar’s death was a result of foul play or a tragic suicide.

KVK Samy

The initial shocking political murder in the state occurred in September 1956, when KVK Samy, a member of the DMK’s executive committee, was brutally killed in his hometown of Thoothukudi district. This incident was due to local political rivalry and happened a year before the DMK contested its first Assembly election. DMK founder CN Annadurai famously questioned whether they were living in the modern 1950s or a barbaric era following this first post-independence political murder in the state.

K Padmanabha

Although TN saw numerous low-profile political murders in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, none shook the State as profoundly as the Padmanabha murder case in June 1990. Padmanabha, the leader of the EPRLF (Eelam People’s Revolutionary Liberation Front), and a dozen of his associates were brutally massacred in Kodambakkam by the LTTE, led by Vellupillai Prabhakaran.

Rajiv Gandhi

Shortly after TN had begun to recover from the shock of the first organized act of political violence beyond Sri Lankan borders, the Tamil Tigers once again shook Tamil Nadu, the peninsula, and the world in May 1990 by assassinating Rajiv Gandhi, who served as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989. Rajiv’s assassination, the most high-profile political murder on Tamil soil to date, also laid bare the political and ideological fault lines within the State. This event, from near political banishment to renewed political relevance, significantly impacted the two major Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu.

Leelavathi Kuppusamy

A political murder in April 1997 strained relations between the DMK and CPIM when communist councillor Leelavathi Kuppusamy was killed by men linked to local DMK figures due to political rivalry. One of the accused, Marudu, was the brother of DMK functionary SR Gopi, an ally of M Karunanidhi’s elder son, MK Alagiri. Leelavathi had defeated the wife of one of the accused in a recent municipal election. Tensions flared further when some murder convicts were prematurely released during the 2006-11 DMK regime’s celebrations of Anna’s birth centenary. This incident soured relations between the parties, despite their collaboration in the 2004 Parliamentary elections under the United Progressive Alliance banner, which they swept.

Palani Baba

In Coimbatore that year, a chilling murder took place involving Palani Baba, a well-known Muslim leader, and public speaker who sought to unite all Jamaths in the State. He was brutally killed with 17 cuts as he left a friend’s residence in Pollachi. Five individuals associated with Hindu Munnani were sentenced to life imprisonment for his murder. Baba had previously been associated with both MGR and Karunanidhi.

MK Balan

During the AIADMK regime from 2001 to 2006, former MLA MK Balan became a subject of political discussion after he went missing during a morning walk in December 2001. His son had to file a habeas corpus petition in the Madras High Court to confirm that his father had been killed in a failed extortion attempt, leading to life imprisonment for 16 individuals involved.

Tha. Kiruttinan

In May 2003, another morning walk ended tragically for a prominent politician during the AIADMK regime led by J Jayalalithaa. This time, former DMK Minister Tha Kiruttinan was brutally killed by a motorcycle gang. More than a dozen individuals, including MK Alagiri, were arrested in connection with the murder. The case gained notoriety and took a dramatic turn following a change in government in 2006, leading to its trial being transferred to Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. In 2008, Alagiri and 12 others were acquitted by the Chittoor trial court.

Aladi Aruna

During the AIADMK regime in December 2004, the prospect of a morning walk became a source of dread for politicians after former DMK minister Aladi Aruna was gunned down. Aruna, who later served as Law Minister during the 2006-11 DMK regime, and his friend Ponraj were fatally shot and hacked by a three-member gang while on their walk, though his assistant Socrates escaped unharmed. Eminent educationalist SR Raja was acquitted in the case, where the Tirunelveli session court initially sentenced two individuals to death. Raja later appealed successfully to the Supreme Court for acquittal, despite initial setbacks in the High Court due to a state government appeal.

‘Poondi’ Kalaiselvan

In November 2007, the delta region of Tamil Nadu was rocked by the murder of DMK district secretary ‘Poondi’ Kalaiselvan in Tiruvarur. Kalaiselvan, a powerful DMK functionary known for his ‘Ilaignar Padai’ (Youth Brigade) and personal bodyguards, was allegedly killed by a network of business and political rivals, including ‘Kurangu’ Senthil, once associated with gangster Manalmedu Sankar. The use of country bombs and sickles, typical in the region, marked the killers’ methods. The murder caused significant social unrest, leading to train cancellations between Tiruchy and Mannargudi. Six DMK ministers visited riot-affected Tiruvarur, the hometown of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, for Kalaiselvan’s funeral procession. The unrest was followed by the murder of former AIADMK Minister A Venkatachalam from Alangudi in October 2010.

KN Ramajayam

In 2012, during the AIADMK regime, KN Ramajayam, brother of KN Nehru, the current Minister of Municipal Administration, mysteriously disappeared while on a morning walk and was later found dead. Ramajayam, a prominent figure in the real estate sector, was honored by the ruling DMK for his exceptional event organizing skills with a 90-foot tall flag pole erected at a future zonal conference. Shockingly, this high-profile political murder remains an unresolved challenge for the state police to this day.

‘Pottu’ Suresh

On 31 January 2013, N Suresh Babu, known as ‘Pottu’ Suresh and a close associate of MK Alagiri, was fatally attacked on his way home after celebrating his boss Anjanenjan’s birthday. ‘Attack’ Pandi, another Alagiri confidant, was a prime accused in the case. During J Jayalalithaa’s reign, BJP State Secretary ‘Auditor’ Ramesh was allegedly killed by Panna Ismail, Police Fukrudeen, and Bilal Malik. Other notable victims include BJP leader Arvind Reddy in 2012 and Hindu Munnani leader Sasikumar in Coimbatore in 2018, highlighting a pattern driven by greed for political power and financial gain.

Auditor Ramesh

BJP State General Secretary ‘Auditor’ V. Ramesh was fatally attacked by an unidentified gang at his office in Maravaneri. He had dropped his family home and parked his car at his office on Third Cross. Neighbors discovered him in a pool of blood around 9:30 p.m. Police suspect the incident occurred then. BJP members protested demanding the arrest of the culprits, blocking roads, and pelting buses with stones. Tension gripped the area with heavy police presence. Ramesh, a chartered accountant, previously ran for Mayor of Salem City Municipal Corporation in 2011 and served as RSS State secretary from 1987 to 1992.

Suresh Kumar

In June 2014, Suresh Kumar, president of Hindu Munnani for Thiruvallur East district and originally from Kanyakumari, was tragically murdered. His killing was orchestrated by members of Al Ummah, an Islamic terrorist organization. In August 2014, police detained three individuals in connection with the crime following an investigation.

These are just some of the politically motivated murders that occurred in TN over the decades. There have been several murders of functionaries of various parties occurring infrequently.

(with inputs from DT Next)

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Three Family Members Murdered & Bodies Burnt In Cuddalore

By
The Commune
-

In a suspected homicide case, three family members were discovered deceased in their home at Karamanikuppam near Nellikuppam in Cuddalore district on 15 July 2024. The victims were identified as Kamaleshwari (60), her son Sudhankumar (40), and her grandson Nishanth (10).

Kamaleshwari and Suresh Kumar (70) were a couple originally from Rajasthan, residing in Jyotinagar, Nellikuppam, for many years. Suresh Kumar, a retired pharmacist from EIT Sugar Factory in Nellikuppam, passed away six months ago due to old age.

Following Suresh Kumar’s death, Kamaleshwari lived with her son Sudhankumar and grandson Nishanth. Sukanthakumar, who had moved in with his mother after his divorce a few years back, works at an IT company in Hyderabad, commuting to the office for 15 days and working from home for the remaining 15 days.

According to reports, Sukanthakumar returned home from Hyderabad on the night of 12 July 2024. On the same day, Kamleswari had visited relatives for a condolence gathering and returned home around 8 pm. The domestic helper arrived at their residence on 13 July morning but left assuming no one was home because the iron gate was locked.

The tragic discovery was made on Monday morning (July 15) when the maid noticed smoke coming from a window and promptly alerted neighbors and the police. Upon arrival, the Nellikuppam police forcibly entered the house and discovered the bodies of the three victims badly burnt, with signs of cutting injuries.

The police promptly transported the bodies to Cuddalore Chief Government Hospital for autopsy. Sniffer dogs and forensic experts were deployed to gather evidence at the scene. Superintendent of Police Rajaram of Cuddalore District, who visited the site, stated, “Five special teams have been assembled, and the incident is under investigation. Initial findings indicate foul play.”

Radha, the maid at Kamleswari’s residence, recounted , “When I arrived on Saturday morning, the door was locked. I tried calling them but received no response. Since it was a holiday on Sunday, I was shocked to find this scene when I returned this morning.”

Superintendent of Police R. Rajaram visited the scene and initiated an investigation. Law enforcement suspects foul play and has mobilized five special teams to apprehend the perpetrators. A case has been formally filed in connection with the incident.

(With Inputs From The Hindu)

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Dravidian Model Of Fascism: TANGEDCO’s Official X Account Threatens To Cut Electricity Connection Of Netizen For Criticizing Non-Implementation Of Monthly Billing, Deletes Post After Backlash

By
The Commune
-

Following the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (TNERC) announcement of a 4.83% increase in electricity tariffs for all consumers, effective from 1 July this year, public outcry ensued, particularly among those already burdened by previous hikes.

The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) posted a explanation on its official X account to clarify the new tariff adjustments. This sparked widespread online criticism from netizens, who blamed the DMK government for failing to fulfill its promises to lower electricity tariffs, instead revising them upwards multiple times since taking office.

Frustrated netizens expressed their grievances in comments that, “In this DMK regime, you made power cut by calling it power maintenance. that’s okay. But the electricity supply is interrupted 5 times daily in Keelakarai why is there no break period for this?” Yet, the netizen received a standard response from TANGEDCO, “Your tweet is noted for rectification. Thank you for writing to us.” TANGEDCO gave a sham explanation that the power outage lasted only 15 minutes. However, the netizen elaborated that their complaint was not for attention-seeking purposes and emphasized that experiencing such power cuts, even in the mornings, was unusual. Subsequently, there was no further response from TANGEDCO. Another netizen frustrated by the standard reply from the TANGEDCO asked, “Where is the response to my complaints?” but the TANGEDCO preferred to be silent.

https://twitter.com/victorrajdaniel/status/1812908363690484221

Another netizen inquired, “Okay, when will the monthly electricity bill come into effect?” TANGEDCO responded promptly, adopting a stern authoritarian tone stating, “We ask that you treat our staff the same manner you expect to be treated. Indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour will not be tolerated. We may refuse service to anyone who is disrespectful towards our staff. FYI @tnpoliceoffl @tncybercrimeoff.”

 

Other netizens grew increasingly incensed and continued their critique, pressing further with inquiries., “You expect respect, when the common man gets angry at the injustice in your government, why do you @TANGEDCO_Offcl act like not giving respect? Will the practice of charging electricity once a month come or not?” Netizens quoted an old video of MK Stalin who had criticized the two-month billing system, expressing concern over its impact on ordinary people.

Another netizen ridiculed the TANGEDCO asking, “Worthy of great respect, of affection, of love @TANGEDCO_Offcl Sir, Eager to know the details when the monthly electricity tariff system will be introduced in Tamil Nadu. Thus Your dear Shangi.”

https://twitter.com/SaffronTweetz/status/1813042128211017769

Another netizen criticized TANGEDCO’s response to the previous netizen, likening it to behavior more typical of a political party’s IT wing than a responsible government agency. The netizen stated, “Dear @TANGEDCO_Offcl, Is TANGEDCO effectively addressing people’s grievances and problems by responding to thousands of disrespectful comments? Moreover, your response doesn’t reflect that of a government service agency but rather resembles the threatening tone of a political party’s IT wing. Your reply seems to encourage power board employees, who work tirelessly in all conditions, to respond in a disrespectful manner. Additionally, what is the purpose of tagging @tnpoliceoffl and @tncybercrimeoff? Please refrain from responding to disrespectful comments like a political party’s IT wing and instead report any false posts. This reflects the sentiments of the general public.”

Another netizen reacted by that TANGEDCO engages in all sorts of politics but neglects to address genuine grievances, “All this, you speak well…. the problem mentioned below been raised more than 15 days… No response yet… Atleast could have said that we will investigate and take appropriate action.”

Following this public backlash, TANGEDCO deleted the tweet from its timeline.

What Is The Tarrif Revision?

According to the latest tariff determination order by TNERC, the electricity charges have been adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The tariff revisions for domestic consumers now range from an increase of 20 paise to 55 paise per unit across different usage slabs. For instance, the unit cost in the lowest slab (up to 400 units bi-monthly) rises from ₹4.60 to ₹4.80 per unit, while for 401-500 units, it increases from ₹6.15 to ₹6.45 per unit. Similarly, for 501-600 units, it rises from ₹8.15 to ₹8.55, and for 601-800 units, it increases from ₹9.20 to ₹9.65 per unit. The tariff for 801-1000 units rises from ₹10.20 to ₹10.70 per unit, and for consumption above 1,000 units, it increases from ₹11.25 to ₹11.80 per unit.

For a consumer using 500 units bi-monthly, the new charges would amount to ₹2,565, compared to the previous rate of ₹2,455. Regarding common facilities in multi-storey apartments under tariff category 1E (apartments with more than three floors without lifts), the unit rate has been increased to ₹8.55 from ₹8.15 per unit, and the fixed charges have been adjusted to ₹107 per kilowatt per month, up from ₹102.

Additionally, the tariff for other categories such as public lighting, water supply, sewage, places of worship, cottage and micro industries, private educational institutions and hostels, and industries and information technology services has also been revised upwards.

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NTK Functionary Hacked To Death In Madurai Days After BSP Leader Armstrong’s Death

By
The Commune
-

Even as the dust is yet to settle on BSP Tamil Nadu leader Armstrong’s murder, another distressing political killing occurred in Tamil Nadu, where a 48-year-old member of the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) was brutally murdered by unknown attackers near DMK IT Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan’s residence in Madurai.

The victim, identified as C. Balasubramanian from PKS Street, Sellur, Madurai, served as the deputy secretary for the NTK party’s north district. Reports indicate that the attack took place on Vallabai Road in Chokkikulam, under Tallakulam police station’s jurisdiction.

A group of more than four individuals ambushed Balasubramanian while he was walking, fatally injuring him and fleeing the scene. Despite being rushed to a nearby private hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. His body has been moved to Government Rajaji Hospital for post-mortem examination.

The incident has stirred fear among local residents who frequent the road in the morning hours. Initial findings from police sources suggest that the deceased had a history involving criminal activities and financial disputes with multiple individuals. City Commissioner of Police J Loganathan visited the crime scene to oversee the investigation.

Ever since the ascension of DMK to power, political assassinations have sadly become more frequent in the state recently. These incidents have drawn strong criticism from politicians and the public alike, highlighting perceived failures in the DMK government’s management of law and order in the state. Below are some recent political assassinations.

Incident 1

Recently, K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu state unit president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), was brutally murdered on 5 July 2024 evening near Perambur in Chennai. He was attacked by a gang of six assailants while chatting with friends and supporters near his residence. The attackers, armed with machetes and sickles, threatened anyone who tried to intervene, causing Armstrong’s friends to flee. His family rushed to the scene upon hearing his cries, only to find him grievously wounded and lying in a pool of blood. He was quickly taken to a nearby private hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

The police are exploring the possibility of a rivalry with a criminal from North Chennai, currently incarcerated, as a motive for the murder. In August 2023, Arcot Suresh and his associate Madhavan were assaulted by a gang near Pattinampakkam in Chennai. During the incident, Arcot Suresh tragically lost his life, while Madhavan survived. Five months later, Madhavan himself was killed in another attack by a separate gang. Ponnai Balu, the brother of Arcot Suresh, has been implicated in the murder of BSP leader Thennarsu back in 2015. His other brother, known as bomb Saravanan, is suspected in the murder of Arcot Suresh last year, according to police sources. Currently, Ponnai Balu is accused in the murder of BSP leader Armstrong. He is the sibling of Arcot Suresh, a notorious criminal who was slain by a rival gang in Chennai the previous year. Chennai police have arrested Arcot Balu, along with seven others, in connection with Armstrong’s murder a senior police official confirmed. Armstrong, a lawyer by profession, had a troubled past with previous criminal cases, though his legal troubles reportedly ceased a decade ago.

Incident 2

In the late hours of 3 July 2024, a 62-year-old AIADMK functionary, M Shanmugam, was tragically murdered in Dhadagapatti, Salem. Shanmugam, who served as the AIADMK branch secretary, was attacked while returning home near Dhagapatty Mariamman temple area. According to police reports, he sustained severe injuries and died on the spot.

Following a complaint by Shanmugam’s wife, Parameshwari, police swiftly arrested DMK Ward 55 councillor Dhanabhagiyam, her husband Sathish, and 12 others in connection with the murder. Initially, Shanmugam’s family members and local residents prevented police from moving his body, demanding immediate action against the suspects.

Speaking to the media, Shanmugam’s wife, S Parameshwari, alleged that her husband was targeted due to his efforts against illegal lottery and drug sales in the area. She claimed that Shanmugam had previously filed complaints with Annadhanapatty police station, seeking action against those involved. Parameshwari accused Sathish and Dhanabhagiyam of involvement in the attack. Later that evening, police arrested a total of 14 individuals, including the couple. To investigate the case thoroughly, Salem Commissioner of Police Vijayakumari has formed five special teams dedicated to uncovering the truth behind Shanmugam’s murder.

Incident 3

The charred body of KPK Jeyakumar Dhanasingh, the District Congress president of Tirunelveli East, was discovered at his farm on 4 May 2024. His son, Karuthaiah Jafrin, reported him missing to the Uvari police two days earlier, expressing concern about his father’s absence since Thursday.

Jeyakumar’s sudden and mysterious death has sparked widespread shock and outcry throughout Tamil Nadu, prompting leaders from various political parties to demand swift justice for what they described as Jeyakumar’s ‘murder’. Meanwhile, the police have launched an investigation to determine whether Jeyakumar’s death was a result of foul play or a tragic suicide.

Incident 4

In an another tragic incident Jagan Pandian, the Tirunelveli BJP general secretary known for his active participation in public affairs and real estate ventures, was hacked to death near his residence in the Moolikulam area, adjacent to Palaiyankottai in the Nellai district.

The unfortunate incident took place yesterday (30 August 2023) as Jagan Pandian was returning home on his two-wheeler after concluding his daily work. After parking his vehicle near his residence, he was standing beside a nearby canal when unidentified assailants attacked him, inflicting fatal injuries before fleeing the scene. Neighbors who rushed to the spot upon hearing Jagan’s cries discovered him lying lifeless in a pool of blood.

Responding to the incident, the local police arrived at the crime scene, recovered the body, and dispatched it to the Government Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. A murder case was registered, and investigators began reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity. In an effort to gather evidence, a sniffer dog named Barani was brought in to aid the investigation. Over a hundred police personnel were deployed to ensure security while a comprehensive probe into the incident was launched.

(With Inputs From TNIE)

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Dravidian Model: Stand-Up Comic Faiyaz Hussain Faces Online Harassment From DMK Members & Dravidianists For Joke On EVR

By
The Commune
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In a recent stand-up comedy video, stand-up comic Faiyaz Hussain found himself at the center of controversy after making a joke about EV Ramasamy Naicker (hailed as ‘Periyar’ by his followers). The incident has sparked a heated reaction from the Dravidianist supporters on social media, leading to a wave of harassment directed at the stand-up comic.

During his performance, Faiyaz Hussain engaged with a couple in the audience, asking them about their first meeting. When the couple revealed they met on a matrimony site, Faiyaz Hussain humorously probed further, inquiring, “What did you like about her? Like Nadar community or something?” The couple responded, “I searched for Periyarist matrimony, but it doesn’t exist.” Faiyaz Hussain then quipped, “What sir? How can we marry our own daughter?” Despite the cheers and laughter from the crowd, he quickly clarified that it was just a joke.

However, the joke did not sit well with the Dravidianist supporters, who perceived it as disrespectful to EV Ramasamy, hailed as Periyar in TN. The backlash was swift and intense, with many calling for a case to be registered against the stand-up comic.

In response to the mounting online hate, Faiyaz Hussain issued a statement, “A recent video of mine about ‘Periyar’ has done a lot of things to me & the Tamil community that I didn’t expect it to go down like this. The video is taken down on IG & the part of that joke will be removed from the YouTube video by tonight or tomorrow. I’ll come up with an explanation/apology video by tonight or tomorrow. Shows will continue to happen post that. Let’s hope for the best 🙂 And for the people who tried to frame me as a Sanghi/Pacha or an extremist, y’all deserve nothing but the best cause now I have an opportunity to bite you back.”

On 15 July 2024, he also posted a video on his Facebook page apologising for making the “joke” and called it a mistake.

The incident has highlighted the double standards in the comedy world, where jokes about certain figures and communities are often more scrutinized than others. Many stand-up comics have built their careers by cracking jokes about the Hindu community and their deities without facing significant backlash. In contrast, Faiyaz Hussain’s joke about EVR has put him in great trouble.

Indu Makkal Katchi criticized the apology issued by Faiyaz and wrote, “Is it enjoyable making jokes about Hinduism in your stand-up comedy, dear Faiyaz Hussain. Imagine the consequences if a Hindu comic made similar remarks about Prophet Muhammad.”

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“Maoist Politics Not Anti-People”: I.N.D.I. Ally VCK MP Thirumavalavan Advocates For Violent Maoists At Event Commemorating Terror-Accused Stan Swamy

By
The Commune
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Thirumavalavan, the leader of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), has stirred controversy by promoting and positively portraying the Maoist ideology in good light, which has been banned under the UAPA Act since 2009 as a terrorist organization. This occurred during an event commemorating the 3rd anniversary of Pastor Stan Swamy, who was implicated in activities deemed anti-national and accused of supporting separatism in relation to the Elgar Parishad-Maoists links case. He holds the distinction of being the oldest terror accused in India.

Speaking at the 3rd anniversary event for Stan Swamy organized in T. Nagar on July 13, 2024, Thirumavalavan began his address by expressing VCK’s support for the goals of the gathering: the repeal of the UAPA Act, the withdrawal of all Bhima Koregaon cases and the release of those arrested, and the enactment of legislation in Parliament to safeguard human rights activists. Thirumavalavan then went on to highlight that Stan Swamy was unjustly targeted by being labeled a Maoist. He emphasized that this accusation was used to discredit Swamy’s advocacy, suggesting a bias against left-leaning views among lawmakers.

Thirumavalavan provided a new rationale for the arrest of Maoist ideologues such as Pastor Stan Swamy, “Those who can make laws and those who can implement laws have an ideology, that ideology is right-wing ideas and therefore they see those who have left-wing ideas as being against the government. They see the Maoists in the same way.”

He then accused the right wing of viewing social justice, Dalit freedom, women’s rights, tribal rights activism, and even democracy itself as left-wing ideologies. He suggested that this perspective implies they are opposed to these freedoms and rights. Furthermore, he argued that they therefore embrace fascism in the guise of democracy, likening their approach to Mussolini and Hitler.

Furthermore, he proceeded to commend the outlawed group, such as the Marxist-Leninist-Maoist communist political party and militant organization, for their purported commitment to serving the people’s interests, despite operating clandestinely in the forests due to government suppression. In contrast, those who oppose the people freely roam the streets with weapons under the guise of democracy.

Thirumavalavan said, “They are trying to destroy everyone who is leftist. The Marxist-Leninist organisations organize, politicize and arm the people while the movement is in hiding in the jungles. The government and the bureaucracy will not accept this and suppress it, so hiding is a tactic. Those who fought for the people, their rights, their interests, have to hide in the forests and live. But those who are against the people are using democracy to wield power and openly run in the streets with weapons.”

Later came the shock when Thirumavalavan stated that portraying Maoists as foreigners is false; he asserted they are our own, and we should proudly educate people about their positive contributions. He emphasized that despite operating clandestinely and being perceived as anti-government, Maoists are actually fighting for the rights and freedoms of the working people. He argued that defeating right-wing politics requires reframing the narrative away from labeling Maoists as merely anti-government or anti-people.

Thirumavalavan expressed, “The leftist or Maoist politics here are not anti-people. We need to speak high about this. They are trying to alienate this, we should speak high that Maoists are ours and they are not against the people. They may be absconding or engaging in illegal activities but their aim, agenda, target is the interests and liberation of the working people.”

He then posed the question, “Which Maoist has been against the people?” and continued, “We will never be able to subvert right-wing politics as long as we watch this Maoist alienation as a anti-people or anti-national or criminal.”

Prior to this, Thirumavalavan referred to the subscribers of Hindutva ideology as ‘Sanatana Terrorists‘.

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“Is He A Threat To National Security?” SC Questions TN Govt’s Use Of Goondas Act Against YouTuber Savukku Shankar

By
The Commune
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The Supreme Court on 15 July 2024, criticized the Tamil Nadu government for the arrest of YouTuber Savukku Shankar under the Goondas Act, a case initiated by his mother in the Madras High Court.

Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah presided over the case questioned the severity of the preventive detention, asking whether Shankar posed a threat to national security. They also remarked on Shankar’s behavior and considered granting interim protection. The bench questioned, “You also cannot be too harsh and have to act properly. Preventive detention is a serious law; is he a threat to national security?” later asked, “His (Shankar’s) conduct is also unpardonable. Why should we not grant interim protection?”

Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, representing Tamil Nadu government, described Shankar as a habitual offender, citing allegations he made against lady police officers and his media interviews. The court responded by suggesting the High Court take up the case promptly, scheduling the next hearing for 18 July 2024.

Shankar, a former DVAC employee and a Tamil YouTuber, has a history of legal issues, including prior jail time for contempt. He faces multiple pending cases nationwide, including one related to drug possession. Under the Goondas Act, Shankar was detained following a complaint by Mussiri Deputy SP Yasmin, resulting in charges under various sections of the IPC, the IT Act, and the TN Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.

The Supreme Court has instructed the Tamil Nadu government to reply to Shankar’s mother’s plea against his detention under the Goondas Act and has postponed further proceedings.

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TN BJP Leader SG Suryah Highlights Digital India At ‘Our TEAMS Global’ Launch In New Jersey By Tamil Entrepreneurs

By
The Commune
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“Our TEAMS Global”, a nonprofit founded by Tamil-speaking entrepreneurs, has launched a new branch in New Jersey, USA. The inauguration ceremony was illuminated by distinguished personalities including K. Lakshminarayanan, IT Minister of Puducherry, and SG Suryah, BJP State Secretary of Tamil Nadu as chief guests.

Our TEAMS Global aims to empower global communities, support businesses, and inspire current and future generations. At its core, the organization is dedicated to fostering an environment where members can share knowledge and wisdom to accelerate success. A key principle of Our TEAMS Global is ensuring that every member benefits. The organization envisions establishing chapters in every state of the USA and multiple countries worldwide.

In this regard, SG Suryah shared his experience in official X account and stated, “Delighted to be the Chief Guest at the #NewJersey Chapter Launch of “Our Teams Global” (a conglomerate of Indian IT Companies) along with #Puducherry IT Minister Thiru.@vakillakshmi. In the program, I delivered a Speech on #DigitalIndia Revolution by PM @narendramodi in India.”

During his address, SG Suryah commended the organization, highlighting its importance in supporting businesses and aiding individuals away from their homeland. He underscored India’s transformation into a global leader, emphasizing the impact of initiatives like Digital India, which significantly increased per capita data consumption. Suryah also noted the growth in startup registrations—from 364 before the Startup India scheme to 86,000 today—illustrating India’s dynamic learning and evolving stance, ready to embrace innovative ideas.

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