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Former TN Minister Vaithilingam Booked For Taking ₹27.9 Crore Bribe

Former TN Minister Vaithilingam Booked For Taking ₹27.9 Crore Bribe

Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has booked a corruption case against former housing minister R. Vaithilingam, his sons and Shriram Properties in a bribe for planning permission case.

Vaithilingam, his sons Prabu and Shanmugaprabu, and Shriram Properties’ directors KR Ramesh and R Paneerselvam, Muthammal Estates (the shell firm of Vaithalingam’s sons) and Shriram Properties, and four other group firms have been named as accused in the case.

Vaithilingam was housing minister from 2011 to 2016 when the AIADMK was in power in Tamil Nadu. He is currently a legislator from the Orathanadu constituency in Thanjavur district.

The DVAC, the Tamil Nadu government’s anti-corruption agency, has registered an FIR stating that Shriram Properties routed a ₹27.9 crore bribe to a shell company run by Vaithilingam’s sons.

The Shriram group routed the money to get permission for the construction of 1453 residential and IT buildings on a 57.94-acre plot in Perungalathur, near Chennai. The DVAC registered the case following a complaint filed by Jayaram Venkatesan, convenor of the NGO Arappor Iyakkam.

It may be recalled that the TN government granted permission to file the FIR in this case in July 2022. The DVAC in the FIR stated that Shriram Properties had submitted planning permission to the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) in December 2013 for the construction of 1453 buildings, and sanction was accorded for the project on February 24, 2016.

The Tamil Nadu Vigilance body in the FIR said that approval was only given after a bribe of ₹27.9 crore was paid to the minister through a circuitous route to avoid direct payment and easier detection.

The bribe was paid to Muthammal Estates Pvt Ltd, a shell company of Vaithilingam’s sons, and was shown as an unsecured loan given by Bharath Coal Chemicals Ltd, a group firm of Shriram Properties. DVAC provided a detailed money trail in the FIR regarding this.

–IANS

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Karnataka BJP Files Police Complaint Against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi For Remarks On STs, SCs, OBCs In US

Karnataka BJP Files Police Complaint Against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi For Remarks On STs, SCs, OBCs In US

The Karnataka BJP on Saturday lodged a police complaint with the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru against Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

A Karnataka BJP delegation headed by the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, lodged a complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for alleged divisive and provocative remarks against SCs, STs and OBCs.

The complaint stated that LoP Rahul Gandhi had endangered India’s internal security, sovereignty, unity and integrity.

Objecting to the recent speech by Rahul Gandhi at Georgetown University, US, the complaint stated that his remarks concerning the OBCs in India were not only condescending but also profoundly offensive to the dignity and identity of millions of citizens belonging to this community.

“It is important to note that while addressing issues of caste and governance, Rahul Gandhi questioned legitimacy and credibility of the OBC classification in the country, specifically referencing the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. “His remarks carried an underlying tone of disrespect toward the OBC community, and their rights and struggles recognised by the Constitution of India, 1950, portraying it in a manner that undermined its contributions to Indian society.

“This is not only an attack on the Prime Minister’s caste background but also a broader attempt to denigrate the OBC community as a whole,” the complaint stated. “Additionally, Rahul Gandhi during his speech has used a disparaging tone towards the OBC community. Rahul Gandhi’s statements implied a lack of respect for individuals from the OBC community, and his speech can be interpreted as an attempt to diminish the stature and contributions of an entire section of population based solely on their caste,” the BJP charged.

“Further Rahul Gandhi has even stooped to the extent of questioning the OBC status of the Prime Minister in his speech. Referring directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi questioned his OBC status while also slyly commenting at the OBC classification system in the country. This remark violates the principle of equality and incites division along caste lines, damaging the social fabric of our nation,” the BJP’s complaint maintained.

“These comments by Rahul Gandhi were intentionally made for provoking discord through inflammatory remarks. The circulation of such inflammatory remarks to a global audience, particularly through social media, magnifies their potential to incite unrest,” the BJP stated in the complaint.

In light of these concerns, the BJP urged the authorities to take cognisance of LoP Gandhi’s ‘inappropriate’ and ‘inflammatory’ statements, initiate an enquiry into the speech made at Georgetown University and its negative impact on the dignity of the OBC community, and issue a warning advisory to ensure that such divisive remarks are not made by public figures in the future.

“The statements by Rahul Gandhi appear to violate several provisions of the BNS, 2023, particularly regarding promoting enmity between communities and inciting hatred, actions that are in direct conflict with India’s constitutional values. His inflammatory remarks have caused emotional distress to the SC, ST, and OBC communities, while also undermining the nation’s unity and integrity,” the BJP stated.

“India’s unity and integrity are paramount, and divisive rhetoric like Rahul Gandhi’s must not go unchecked. The necessary legal actions should be taken to address these remarks, and steps should be put in place to prevent future incidents that jeopardise the social harmony of our country,” the complaint demanded.

Former IPS officer Bhaskar Rao, BJP MLC N. Ravikumar and others were in the delegation that submitted the complaint to the police. The complaint has been submitted in the name of H.V. Manjunatha, state Vice President, BJP SC Morcha.

–IANS

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More Than 20 Idols Along Path To Viralimalai Murugan Temple Found Broken By Miscreants Again, AIADMK MLA Urges Action

More Than 20 Idols Along Path To Viralimalai Murugan Temple Found Broken By Miscreants Again, AIADMK MLA Urges Action

The idols of Hindu Gods placed along the path of Viralimalai Murugan Temple have once again been found vandalized and broken by miscreants.

In 2021, newly erected idols of Lord Murugan and other Hindu deities along the path to the Viralimalai Murugan Temple in Pudukottai district were found shattered by locals. AIADMK’s Viralimalai MLA, Dr. C. Vijayabhaskar, shared images of the damaged idols on social media. A complaint was promptly filed with the local police to identify those responsible for vandalizing the temple’s path.

Dr. Vijayabhaskar, the former Health and Family Welfare Minister of Tamil Nadu, also expressed his dismay on his social media (X) handle, condemning the incident. He wrote, “I was heartbroken to see the newly erected Swami idols on the hillside of Viralimalai Murugan Temple destroyed. I strongly condemn this act. A complaint has been lodged with the police, urging strict action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime.”

Three years on, the situation still continues. Dr Vijayabhaskar brought this to the attention of the public once again. He wrote on his X handle, The sight of Swamy idols being broken on the mountain path of our proud #விராலிமலை Arulmiku Subramaniaswamy temple is heartbreaking. Strict action should be taken against those involved in this despicable act which is highly condemnable. For the convenience of devotees who come from all over Tamil Nadu to visit Viralimalai Murugan, a wide footpath with statues of the glorious Swami was constructed in reign #AIADMK to ease the worries of the devotees who find it difficult to climb the hill. In this case, this has happened three times in the last 3 years alone Unpleasant activities have taken place and made the devotees afraid. The Tamil Nadu government’s failure to properly protect the painstakingly constructed mountain pass is worrying. I urge the police to strengthen security and speed up patrolling around the temple so that such incidents do not happen again.”

It is worth noting that the foundation stone for the road leading to the temple was laid by Dr. Vijayabhaskar in 2019. He also played a key role in the implementation and construction of the parking lot atop the hill and had contested in the constituency in the 2021 Assembly elections.

It has been reported that a complaint has been filed and police is investigating the matter to uncover the miscreants who broke the idols.

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“Dikshitars Stole Everything, Same People Who Want To Marry 8-Year-Old Girls”, Anti-BJP & Pro-Congress Dravidianist Piyush Manush’s Vitriolic Hate Speech Against Podu Dikshitar Brahmin Community

"Dikshitars Stole Everything, Same People Who Want To Marry 8-Year-Old Girls", Anti-BJP & Pro-Congress Dravidianist Piyush Manush's Vitriolic Hate Speech Against Podu Dikshitar Brahmin Community

After Piyush Manush taunted Hindus over the presence of beef in the Tirupati prasadam, he launched another vitriolic video attacking Dikshitars of the Chidambaram Natarajar temple, accusing them of land-grabbing, child marriage and financial misconduct.

Video On Tirupati Laddu

The news of the adulteration in Tirupati prasadam left Hindus shocked to no end. Dravidianists milked the opportunity to mock Hindus for ‘consuming beef’ through prasadam.

One of the most prominent ones to mock Hindus was alleged environmentalist Piyush Manush. In a video he posted on his X handle after the Tirupati prasadam revelation, he said, “Did you get a good laddoo? Just a few days back, we got cream bun a few days ago. We got a good bun. All these days you kept looking at others’ plates if they were consuming beef, you even checked their refrigerators, and you even kill. At least 100 crore people would have visited Tirupati. They would have got laddoos. What happened? Did you enjoy the beef? Did you like it? You are done. At least now do not look at another person’s plate. Go do your work. Perumal himself gave a good laddoo to you.”

Targets Dikshitars

Subsequently, he followed up with another vitriolic video targeting Chidambaram Natarajar temple Dikshitars.

In a highly mocking tone, he says Give our temples back. Christian Chrisitan. How did Christian come here? Jaganmohan was the CM, but the temple priest is Hindu, the people who make the laddoos are Hindus. The TTD officers are Hindus, the devotees are Hindus, everyone is a Hindu. Did Jaganmohan go at night and mix beef and come? Not only this, but you also keep shouting about giving temple control to you (Hindus) – whose control? Did you see Shivan’s state? This video is not about Perumal laddoo – The one he gave you. This is a video to save Shivan. No one is speaking for Shivan. The Chidambaram Natarajar temple, 2000 acres, wasswallowedby Dikshitars, they sold it. It came in the news yesterday and there was a submission in the High Court. What will happen to Shivan? You are asking me who Dikshitars are. Those same people who are adamant about marrying 8, 10, 11-year-old girls, they say they have the right to marry girls of that age. They sat in a dharna for it, the same Dikshitars stole everything. No one knows where the donations went, they are not showing any records, and they sold the land. At this rate, should Hindus be given control of temples? Especially in the hands of Iyers (Brahmins) so that you will hoodwink the ordinary public. You will keep looting everything. Very good. I think Perumal’s laddoo was not enough for you.”

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Bombay HC Strikes Down IT Rules That Allowed Centre To Set Up “Fact-Check Unit”, Existence Of DMK Govt’s FCU Becomes Illegal?

Bombay HC Strikes Down IT Rules That Allowed Centre To Set Up "Fact-Check Unit", Existence Of DMK Govt's FCU Becomes Illegal?

The Bombay High Court has declared unconstitutional a provision of the amended IT Rules, 2021, that allowed the government to establish a “Fact Check Unit” (FCU) to identify “fake news” on social media. This ruling follows a split decision from January 2023, where Justices Gautam S. Patel and Neela Gokhale disagreed, leading to a 2-1 final verdict. While Justice Patel struck down the rules, Justice Gokhale upheld them. Justice Atul S Chandurkar’s decision now effectively sides with Patel, ruling against the amended provision.

The disputed rules were part of the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023. They expanded the scope of “fake news” to cover content related to government affairs. Under these rules, if the FCU identified such content, social media platforms were required to remove it to maintain their “safe harbour” protections. The rules sparked concerns about free speech, as critics argued that they granted the government unchecked power to determine what constituted fake news.

Following a split decision in January, the case was referred to Justice Chandurkar, who took over in February. Although the Centre had notified the FCU in March, the Supreme Court intervened, halting its operation until the Bombay High Court delivered its final judgment.

The petitioners, including comedian Kunal Kamra and media organizations like the Editors’ Guild of India, challenged the rules, arguing they violated constitutional rights. The Centre, however, defended the rules, stating they targeted only false information about government affairs, not criticism or satire.

Justice Chandurkar ruled that the amended provision violated Articles 14, 19(1)(a), and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, which protect equality before the law, freedom of speech, and the right to practice a profession. He argued that the terms “fake, false, or misleading” were too vague and broad, and that the government’s role as the sole arbiter of truth was an overreach. Moreover, he noted that threatening social media intermediaries with the loss of legal immunity created a chilling effect on free speech.

This ruling is significant as it impacts not just the central government’s FCU, but also similar units set up by states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

In a related controversy, the DMK government in Tamil Nadu has faced criticism for its establishment of a state-run FCU. Critics allege that this unit, headed by YouTuber Iyan Karthikeyan, was created without transparency and is aimed at cracking down on dissent. Concerns have been raised about the lack of public notice for job recruitment and potential favoritism in appointments, sparking allegations of suppressing free speech and to cover-up government fallacies. A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed against the unit in the Madras High Court, challenging its constitutionality.

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Hindus Deeply Distressed And Hurt: VHP Leader Bajrang Lal Bagra On Tirupati Laddu Issue

Hindus Deeply Distressed And Hurt: VHP Leader Bajrang Lal Bagra On Tirupati Laddu Issue

Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has demanded an impartial probe into the Tirupati Laddu prasadam matter and said the Hindus are deeply distressed and hurt over the reports that animal fat was used in its preparation during the previous regime.

VHP’s International General Secretary Bajrang Lal Bagra on Friday posted a video on social media while reacting to the reports of animal fat being used in laddu prasadam at the Tirupati temple. “The way in which it has been reported that impure substances have been included in the prasad distributed to the devotees in the temple of Tirupati, the most sacred and most visited pilgrimage site of Hindus. The entire Hindu society is deeply distressed and hurt by this,” he added.

Lal Bagra asserted that this tempering with the sentiments of Hindus has been done deliberately for a long time. “This has caused a wave of anger in the entire Hindu society and the Hindu society will no longer tolerate this type of repeated attacks on their belief. The kind of information that is coming in that the meat of various animals was included in the prasad of Lord Tirupati temple, this is an unacceptable act,” he stated.

The VHP International’s General Secretary also demanded a completely impartial investigation of this incident. “Such disgusting and evil acts should be stopped, but the person or the officer responsible for making such decisions and implementing them should be criminally prosecuted and punished,” he asserted.

Lal Bagra claimed that the VHP has been demanding for a long time that the Hindu temples should not be under the control of the government. “They should be under the control of the society and managed by the society. This Tirupati incident further strengthens VHP’s belief that government control over temples leads to the entry of politics. Due to the appointment of non-Hindu officers there, such impurities are deliberately added to the Prasad, and therefore, we once again demand that Hindu places of worship, temples, and shrines should be free from all government control. Their control and management should be handed over to the Hindu society,” Lal Bagra added.

He also asserted that there are many other issues under this in which the property of temples is being misused and encroached upon. They are sold and used for non-Hindu purposes. “So, all these issues are still there but this laddu incident in Tirupati has further strengthened our belief that there should not be any kind of control of the government or government officials on the temples, which harms the Hindu’s belief,” Bagra stated. He further demanded strict action from the Andhra Pradesh government and the Centre.

–IANS

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PM Modi Buys Artefact Of Lord Jagannath, Makes Digital Payment At Vishwakarma Programme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Maharashtra’s Wardha on Friday to mark the progress made in one year of PM Vishwakarma Yojana and bought an artefact of Lord Jagannath at an artisan’s stall.

After distributing certificates to Vishwakarma Yojana beneficiaries, the PM walked through the theme pavilion where artisans and craftsmen displayed their products. PM Modi interacted with a few of them and bought an artefact of Bhagwan Jagannath from one ‘Vishwakarma’. He also made a digital payment for the same via UPI by scanning the QR code. A video of PM Modi buying the idol and making a digital payment has surfaced on social media.

Many netizens appreciate the Prime Minister’s gesture and describe it as his ‘extra endeavour’ to acknowledge the hard work of artisans. Earlier, participating in the anniversary celebrations of PM Vishwakarma Yojana, PM Modi unveiled a commemorative stamp published by India Post. He also released digital ID cards and digital skill certificates to over 1 lakh beneficiaries of PM Vishwakarma. He also released digital loan sanction letters to 75,000 beneficiaries. The Prime Minister distributed the loan cheques to 18 beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma scheme at the venue.

Addressing a function to mark the PM Vishwakarma Yojana anniversary in Wardha, PM Modi said, “The initiative has positively impacted countless artisans, preserving their skills and fostering economic growth.” He also appealed to the artisans to become entrepreneurs and businessmen by taking the scheme’s benefits. PM Modi also launched two schemes of the Maharashtra government.

They include the ‘Acharya Chanakya Kaushalya Vikas Scheme’ for free skill development training of youths and the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme’ for helping women-led startups to become self-reliant. Under the ‘Kaushalya Vikas Scheme’, skill development training centres will be established in renowned colleges across the state to provide training to youth aged 15 to 45. Under the Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup scheme, early-stage support will be given to women-led startups in Maharashtra. Financial assistance up to Rs 25 lakh will be provided

–IANS

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Pralhad Joshi Urges Karnataka Govt To Test ‘Prasadam’ Of Sacred Temples

Pralhad Joshi Urges Karnataka Govt To Test ‘Prasadam’ Of Sacred Temples

Following the Tirupati laddu row incident, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi has urged the Karnataka government to test the ‘Prasadam’ (offering) of all sacred temples in the state.

Meanwhile, the Congress government in Karnataka has ordered all temples to use only Nandini ghee prepared by the state-owned, Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). Speaking to the media in New Delhi on Friday, Joshi called for a thorough investigation into the Tirupati ‘Prasadam’ controversy and demanded that those responsible be punished. He suggested that, following the controversy over the use of animal fat and fish oil in ‘Prasadam’ at the Tirumala Tirupati temple, it is important for the Karnataka government to test the ‘Prasadam’ at all sacred sites to ensure its purity.

Joshi expressed deep concern that the use of animal fat and fish oil in the ‘Prasadam’ at a holy Hindu temple Tirumala Tirupati has disturbed the Hindu community. He also criticised former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, claiming that Reddy had supported several anti-Hindu measures during his tenure. Furthermore, Joshi alleged that Jagan Mohan Reddy appointed non-Hindus to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Trust, which manages the temple. Joshi emphasised that such incidents should not be repeated in Andhra Pradesh and suggested that the new government in the state should take strict action and remain vigilant. Drawing attention to the Andhra Pradesh incident, Joshi reiterated that the Karnataka government should be cautious and immediately test the ‘prasadam’ at all sacred temples in the state.

Joshi also urged the government to refrain from appointing non-Hindus to Hindu religious trusts, emphasizing that such appointments are inappropriate in the management of Hindu religious institutions. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Department issued a circular on Friday directing all notified temples which come under the department to use pure Nandini ghee to prepare the offerings and services. The order also states that the Nandini ghee should be used to light lamps at the temples. The circular has been sent to all Deputy Commissioners, and CEOs in the department.

–IANS

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Karnataka Mandya Ganesh Visarjan Violence ‘Pre-Planned’: BJP Fact Finding Panel

Karnataka Mandya Ganesh Visarjan Violence 'Pre-Planned': BJP Fact Finding Panel

Karnataka BJP fact-finding committee on violence during the Ganesh Visarjan idol immersion in Mandya district on Friday claimed that the incident was pre-planned and the riots occurred due to “appeasement politics” of the Congress government.

The committee, headed by BJP MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister C. N. Ashwath Narayan, submitted its report on Mandya Ganesh Visarjan incident to BJP state president and MLA B. Y. Vijayendra.

Addressing a press conference at party headquarters here, Ashwath Narayan said, “The accused had worn masks and were carrying petrol bombs. All these things imply that the incident was pre-planned. The same specific shops were targeted for the third time, and set on fire in town.

Petrol was supplied for the petrol bombs from a specific petrol pump. Nagamangala has become a hideout for absconding criminals, anti-social elements, and traitors. It is also a hub for banned Popular Front of India (PFI) activities, where narcotic substances are being stored,” he alleged. “How, despite the ban, PFI functioning was allowed. It shows police failure,” he remarked.

Politics of hatred is being carried out in the state. There have been assaults on eight police personnel. Despite that, no Medico-Legal Case (MLC) has been registered,” claimed Ashwath Narayan. Cases have been registered against innocent people, he said. Ashwath Narayan said that cases against the accused have been withdrawn for votes.

Around 25-30 people were on the main road when the riot occurred. Police failure and appeasement are visible,” said Ashwath Narayan.

During our administration, there were no riots during the Ganesh festival. But now, riots have occurred in nearly ten places across the state. Provocation has taken place without any reason. Their elected representatives are threatening to create a situation like Bangladesh and storm the Governor’s office,” he stated.

Members of the Committee Former minister K.C. Narayan Gowda, BJP state secretary Lakshmi Ashwin Gowda, retired IPS officer Bhaskar Rao, and party leader were present during the media briefing.

–IANS

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YSRCP Leader Arrested In Mumbai-based Actress Harassment Case

Vijayawada Police on Friday arrested YSR Congress Party leader Kukkala Vidyasagar following a complaint by Mumbai-based actress Kadambari Jethwani that she was mentally and physically harassed.

After registering a case of a complaint by the actress, police took up the investigation and finally arrested him on Friday.

Jethwani complained to the police on September 13 that a false case was registered against her by using forged documents and that she was mentally and physically harassed. YSRCP leader Vidyasagar, also said to be a film producer, was named accused number one in the case, registered by the actress. The remaining accused were mentioned as others in the FIR.

The state government on August 15 suspended three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers following allegations that acting under political pressure, they arrested the actress and her parents, bypassing laid down procedures and protocol.

The actress was arrested on a complaint by Vidyasagar in February when YSRCP was in power.

The case was registered at Ibrahimpatnam police station under the NTR district for allegedly forging property documents, extorting money from Vidyasagar and cheating him.

Jethwani met with Andhra Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha on Thursday to request protection for herself and her family and demand Vidyasagar’s arrest.

She claimed that she and her family face danger from people they filed a case against.

Jethwani, who was behind bars for 42 days early this year, claimed that IPS officers and political leaders were involved in the alleged harassment.

She claimed that a false case was fabricated against her to coerce her into withdrawing a complaint of sexual assault she had lodged against a prominent corporate executive in Mumbai.

The actress and her parents were arrested in Mumbai by a team of Andhra Police officers. The police team was led by the then Vijayawada Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vishal Guni.

The state government on September 15 suspended P. Sitharama Anjaneyulu, the then Director General of Police, Intelligence, Kanthi Rana Tata, the then Commissioner of Police, Vijayawada and Vishal Gunni, then Deputy Commissioner of Police (Vijayawada).

The police will likely include the senior IPS officers as the accused in the case.

Meanwhile, Kranti Rana Tata has approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking anticipatory bail. The court will hear the petition on Monday.

–IANS

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