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‘If Everyone Who Makes Allegations On YouTube Is Arrested, How Many Will Be Jailed Before Elections?’ : Supreme Court Asks DMK Govt

By
The Commune
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On 8 April 2024, the Supreme Court reinstated the bail that had been granted to the YouTuber A Duraimurugan Pandiyan alias Sattai, in a case where he was accused of making derogatory comments against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. The panel consisting of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan overturned the decision to revoke Sattai’s bail, stating that there was no evidence to suggest he had abused the freedom granted to him.

During the proceedings, Justice Oka directed a question to Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who represented the State, highlighting the significance of the case questioned, “If before elections, we start putting behind bars everyone who makes allegations on YouTube, imagine how many will be jailed?”

When the court was asked to impose a condition on the Youtuber to refrain from making scandalous remarks while on bail, the Bench expressed doubt. Justice Oka queried Rohatgi about who would determine whether a statement qualifies as scandalous or not.

The court was addressing Sattai’s legal challenge against a Madras High Court decision that revoked his bail, noting that shortly after providing an undertaking to the court, which led to his bail, Sattai committed another offense by making derogatory comments about the Tamil Nadu CM. Displeased by this decision, Sattai appealed to the Supreme Court. His plea was acknowledged in July 2022, when the Supreme Court upheld the bail granted to him in August 2021. Consequently, Sattai remained on bail for over 2.5 years.

In defense of the State’s position, Rohatgi highlighted two FIRs filed against Sattai in December 2022 and March 2023. Upon examining the FIRs, the Court observed that the accusations therein related to (i) participation in a protest against the demolition of Babri Masjid and (ii) Sattai and others vehemently demanding the release of certain individuals in custody.

The Supreme Court remarked, “Merely protesting and expressing one’s views does not amount to a misuse of the liberty granted by this Court. Moreover, we are of the opinion that the reasons cited in the challenged order do not warrant the cancellation of bail,” and consequently reinstated the bail order. Before concluding the matter, the Bench clarified that the State could seek the cancellation of Sattai’s bail if he abuses the freedom granted to him.

(With Inputs From LiveLaw)

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RSS Threatens Legal Action Against CPI(M) Over Lies, Demands Apology From Its Rep Vasuki Umanath For Spreading Falsehoods

By
The Commune
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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has formally declared that unless an apology is offered by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and its central committee representative Vasuki Umanath for disseminating baseless lies regarding the RSS on their social media platforms, it will commence legal action for criminal defamation.

The Communist Party of India has consistently pursued a single-minded agenda of disseminating misinformation about numerous central government initiatives. Despite being debunked and refuted, they persist in linking everything to the RSS. Recently, the Central Committee representative of CPI(M), Vasuki Umanath, took to her official X handle to propagate falsehoods stating, “RSS office in Delhi is being built at a cost of 4500 crores on 3.5 lakh square feet. No budget audit, no IT returns, no record… Something is happening, something mysterious.”

Without verifying the accuracy of the information provided by the spokesperson, the CPIM Tamil Nadu openly supported her statement and shared it on its official X handle, disregarding any potential discrepancies.

The venerable institution RSS, which has stood for 98 years, finds itself unable to tolerate the blatant falsehoods being spread against it. Consequently, on 8 April 2024, it issued an official statement demanding an apology or warning of potential defamation litigation. The statement read, “Anti-social people keep spreading many rumors and slander about the RSS. They take advantage of the fact that the association does not respond to such slurs and continue to engage in hate propaganda. Recently Ms. Vasuki, a member of the Central Committee of the Marxist Communist Party, has spread a baseless slander.

Ms. Vasuki has started a false campaign that a huge office of the association is being built New Delhi sized 3.5 lakh sq ft at a cost of ₹4500 crores. This has been posted on the official pages of the Marxist Communist Party. We strongly condemn this false allegation which is being spread without any evidence.

We are warning that we will file a defamation case in court on behalf of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, if Ms. Vasuki and the Communist Party of Marxist do not issue an unconditional apology.”

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“He Should Get His Head Examined”, TN BJP Head Annamalai On Kamal Haasan’s Claim That India’s Capital Will Be Shifted To Nagpur If BJP Comes To Power

By
The Commune
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annamalai kamal haasan mental hospital mnm tr baalu sriperumbudur dmk bjp lok sabha elections

Amidst the electoral fervour in Tamil Nadu, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) President Kamal Haasan’s recent remarks have ignited a heated debate, drawing sharp criticism from political opponents.

During his campaign in support of DMK alliance candidate TR Baalu in Sriperumbudur parliamentary constituency, Haasan raised eyebrows with his commentary on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s vision for India. 

During his campaign, Haasan expressed concerns about the BJP, alleging attempts to alter the national flag from its tricolour design to a single colour. Additionally, he voiced opposition to purported plans to relocate the capital to Nagpur. Haasan alleged that the BJP’s agenda includes relocating the national capital from New Delhi to Nagpur, a move that he denounced as undermining the nation’s secular fabric. He further asserted that such a shift would entail converting India into a religious, monotheistic state, with Hindi being mandated as the official language and mythology replacing history in the curriculum. 

The actor-turned-politician’s statements prompted a swift rebuke from Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu BJP president and Coimbatore Lok Sabha candidate, who dismissed Haasan’s assertions as baseless and urged him to seek medical evaluation for his mental well-being. Speaking to reporters, Annamalai said, “Whoever is saying that needs to get their brain examined at a mental hospital, be it Kamal Haasan or anyone else. They need to check whether both the left and right brains are functioning properly, whether they are conscious, and whether they are eating their food properly. Kamal Haasan must get a doctor’s advice. They must take him to a good psychiatrist and get professional advice. How can India’s capital be shifted to Nagpur? If he had said Chennai must be the summer/winter capital of the country, I can accept that. So Kamal Haasan suddenly realised that Nagpur has the RSS’s office and hence concluded that India’s capital would be shifted to Nagpur. Kamal Haasan should get his head examined. Kamal Haasan should decide if he is speaking consciously or if he wants to clamour for a Rajya Sabha ticket like this from the DMK?”

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“Throw Him Out, Hand Him Over To The Police”, DMK Minister KR Periyakaruppan Speaks Disrespectfully To Public Who Questioned Him Over Non-Receipt Of ₹1000 For Women Scheme

By
The Commune
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The DMK and its ministers appear to lack respect for the general public, often behaving as if they are privileged and superior to others. This attitude is exemplified in a viral video circulating on social media, where DMK Minister of Co-operatives KR Periyakaruppan is seen speaking harshly and disrespectfully to members of the public who sought assistance for not receiving benefits from the Magalir Urimai Thoigai (Women’s Basic Income Scheme).

During a campaign endorsing the alliance candidate Congress Karti Chidambaram, DMK Cooperative Minister KR Periyakaruppan was notably involved in rallying votes in the S.Pudhur, Karisalpatti region within the Sivaganga Lok Sabha constituency. Amidst the general public gathering, an individual raised a concern regarding their family’s exclusion from the Women’s Basic Income Scheme. However, instead of addressing the matter, DMK Minister Periyakaruppan became visibly agitated and raised his voice in response stating, “Hey! I am telling you those who did not get it will get it soon. First, tell me which party are you from. Are you from the ADMK? Don’t we know how you spread lies about us? Hey! Throw him out! Look at him, someone or the other in this town turns up drunk. Hand him over to the police. Look at him.”

Previously, during the campaign of DMK Minister Periyakaruppan, incidents unfolded where villagers faced hostility when raising inquiries about the ruling DMK government’s inefficiencies. Supporters of Minister Periyakaruppan clashed with villagers discussing road facilities near Singampunari in Sivagangai district.

In an incident on 4 April 2024, Minister Periyakaruppan visited Urathupatti to garner votes for Congress candidate Karti Chidambaram. Villagers confronted him regarding the unfinished Urathupatti-Melavannaripu road project, which had been stagnant for years. Subsequently, some of the minister’s entourage attacked those engaged in the discussion, resulting in injuries to local DMK members and others. The altercation escalated, leading to tension in the area, aggravated by a shortage of police presence.

Following the clash, injured individuals approached Selvaraj, a BJP union leader, alleging attacks by outsiders. Selvaraj attempted to question the DMK union secretary about the incident but was met with aggression from the minister’s associates, leading to a physical confrontation. Eventually, Selvaraj and his wife were attacked inside their home. Injured individuals, including local DMK leaders Alagappan and Rasu, along with BJP executive Selvaraj, are receiving medical treatment at Ponnamaravati Government Hospital.

Additionally, supporters of the minister, Vignesh Prabhu, and Viswanathan, claimed they were assaulted by villagers and are also receiving treatment at a hospital. Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the incident.

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Sivaganga Candidate & Congress Leader Karti Chidambaram’s Men Distribute Cash During Election Campaign In Broad Daylight

By
The Commune
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Karti Chidambaram, the Congress candidate running for the Sivaganga parliamentary seat, recently conducted a campaign event in the Manamadurai constituency on 6 April 2024. During his visit to Idaikattur, he was greeted with great enthusiasm by the women present taking aarti. Acknowledging their warm reception, Karti Chidambaram emphasized the achievements of the DMK government and criticized the policies of the BJP government. He urged the voters to support him in the upcoming election.

Following Karti Chidambaram’s departure, it was reported widely that the DMK panchayat president of Idaikattur distributed money to the women attendees ₹50 each. This action, which took place in violation of election conduct rules, drew attention to the ongoing issue of monetary inducements in the electoral process.

However, while the election commission or local electoral officials maintain silence, a different response ensues when an old video resurfaces and fake claims are made depicting Tamil Nadu’s BJP president Annamalai allegedly distributing money for an ‘aarti’ plate. This incident quickly sparks controversy and media attention, leading the Coimbatore district collector to promptly address the issue via X handle, acknowledging the video and promising further investigation. But this same proactive approach contrasts sharply with the response to allegations involving candidates from the DMK alliance in the state, such as Karti Chidambaram, who is a sitting MP.

It is noteworthy that P Chidambaram, campaigning for his son Karti Chidambaram in Sivagangai, faced discontent from women voters over issues like a TASMAC shop’s presence, they demanded accountability, warning against seeking votes without addressing concerns, while Karthi’s absence added to discontent. This made Chidambaram hastily leave the scene midway.

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Disgruntled Voters & ADMK Cadre Alike Chase Cong MP Jothimani Away During Her Campaign In Dindigul

By
The Commune
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jothimani-dindigul-campaign-congress-karur-mp-election-dmk-admk-bjp.jpg

Every time the incumbent MP, Jothimani, ventures out to garner votes for her re-election in the Karur constituency or when she advocates for her alliance partners during campaigns, she encounters significant opposition from the region she visits. This pattern has been observed in past and continues unconditionally, as the unrest persists whenever she resumes campaigning. The youth and the public repeatedly confront her about unfulfilled electoral promise

Jothimani conducted a campaign in Nagampatti Village in Vedasandur on 6 April 2024. Upon concluding the campaign in the Nagampatti region, Jothimani exited the campaign van and prepared to depart. However, a confrontation arose when a young man intercepted Jothimani, accusing her of failing to fulfill promises made during the previous election regarding employment opportunities. Vasant, a 26-year-old graduate from Nagampatti, blocked Congress MP Jothimani’s car and questioned her, stating, “You said that if you win the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, you will get government jobs for many youths, have you created jobs for anyone?” The youth continued to press Jothimani, demanding evidence of job creation in the town or block, emphasizing that he had voted solely for him and deserved answers. The situation escalated, prompting party cadres to intervene and attempt to calm the youth.

Responding to the questions, Jothimani exited the car and urgently summoned reporters. Unexpectedly, when the young man inquired about her commitment, Jothimani attributed the lack of job opportunities for youth, attributing it to the BJP government under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, stating, “This is a consequence of the Modi administration.” She stated that if the Congress were to come into power with Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister, they would undoubtedly create numerous job opportunities for people. Afterwards, Jothimani got back into the car and fled the scene.

Afterwards when the Congress cadres attempted to calm the frustrated youth, they asked, “What can she do?” In response, the angered youth retorted,“If she can’t do it, why are you coming to seek votes” The Congress cadres countered, “It has been 10 years, who is in the administration?” To this, the irate youth replied, “Please, do not cheat the people like this, go away” 

Upon returning from a campaign, Congress MP Jothimani found herself confronted by ADMK activists, led by a young woman, who abruptly intercepted her car at Kovilur Ramanathapuram, near Vedasandur. Allegations were made that Jothimani had made derogatory remarks about the former AIADMK legislator VPP Paramasivan.

A heated exchange ensued between Jothimani and the AIADMK members, causing a significant commotion in the area, lasting for over thirty minutes, as they bombarded her with questions, preventing her car from moving. However, DMK MLA Gandhirajan of the Vedasandur Constituency, traveling with Jothimani’s car, intervened and managed to calm the situation, including pacifying the agitated young woman.

Despite Gandhirajan’s efforts, the young woman persistently questioned him, demanding explanations for purported remarks made about her relative. Both Gandhirajan and VPP Paramasivam, the former AIADMK MLA, are cousins, and the young woman who intercepted Jothimani’s car is also related to them.

During Jothimani’s election campaign in March 2024 in the Kodankipatti Adi Dravidar area, residents raised queries, notably woman directly confronted Jyotimani. She questioned Jyotimani’s absence over the past five years and voiced skepticism regarding her sudden appearance seeking votes. She said, “I haven’t seen you for five years. Never came here. Now you have come only to ask for votes.” The exchange caused a stir, with DMK officials intervening to defuse the situation.

Jyotimani responded, “I’ve been actively participating in Parliament, raising questions, and advocating for people’s issues.” She defended her record amidst the scrutiny.

As the election season progresses, the incident highlights the challenges facing incumbents seeking reelection and underscores the importance of accountability and responsiveness to constituents’ concerns.

The outcome of the elections will ultimately determine whether Jyotimani secures another term as the Karur Member of Parliament.

This follows the pattern of the public openly showing their emotions over their increasing dissatisfaction with the ruling DMK and its alliance. In the past week, several such incidents occurred throughout various constituencies:

  • South Chennai DMK MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian was turned away by the residents of Mylapore over unfulfilled promises and her long absence. 
  • Central Chennai DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran faced hard questions from his constituents over unfulfilled promises.
  • North Chennai DMK MP Kalanidhi Veerasamy also faced similar treatment by the public especially over his absence after the devastating floods following Cyclone Michaung.
  • DMK MLA VG Rajendran, an assembly member, who was campaigning for Congress candidate Sasikanth Senthil in Tiruvallur faced a barrage of questions and opposition from the people. 
  • DMK candidate Thanga Tamil Selvan‘s campaign in Theni was interrupted by a youth to voice concerns about the lack of road facilities in his area for over two decades. 
  • Karur Congress MP Jothimani also faced tough questions from constituents during her campaign in Kodankipatti Adi Dravidar residential area.
  • Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan campaigned for Congress candidate C Robert Bruce in Tirunelveli Lok Sabha Constituency, local residents in Mukkudal town questioned the minister on Mahalir Urimi and water supply shortages, prompting his hasty retreat in his car.
  • P Chidambaram, campaigning for his son Karthi Chidambaram in Sivagangai, faced discontent from women voters over issues like a TASMAC shop’s presence, they demanded accountability, warning against seeking votes without addressing concerns, while Karthi’s absence added to discontent. This made Chidambaram hastily leave the scene midway.
  • Madurantakam campaign Udhayanidhi Stalin faced criticism from women voters over shutting down TASMAC liquor stores, which challenged DMK’s commitments. He deflected responsibilities onto the former government, sidestepping direct commitments to shut down all TASMAC shops.
  • Perambalur DMK MLA Prabhakaran campaigning for Arun Nehru, son of Minister KN Nehru, faced a barrage of questions from the gathered crowd asking what he did for the people of the constituency; disheartened by the reception, abruptly ended his campaign and left the locality.
  • Perambalur Campaign for DMK MP Kathir Anand faced harsh questioning from a resident about unfulfilled promises, prompting an altercation. The DMK MLA Prabhakaran responded disrespectfully, leading to further criticism, culminating in both officials abruptly leaving the scene.

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BJP Cadre Seeking Votes For BJP’s Karthiyayini In Chidambaram Constituency Attacked By DMK Councillors; VCK Cadre Prevent Karthiyayini From Entering Police Station

By
The Commune
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The BJP’s campaign is gaining momentum in the Chidambaram constituency, drawing the attention of its residents. The battle for  Chidambaram constituency is between the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thirumavalavan and Karthiyayini from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Thirumavalavan is contesting for the sixth time in this election, having narrowly won in the previous election. He is now contesting under the pot symbol, with the DMK alliance as his primary support base. However, the BJP candidate Karthiyayini, a former loyalist of the late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, has emerged as a significant contender. Karthiyayini’s switch to the BJP after Jayalalithaa’s demise and has garnered attention through her campaigns. There’s a high speculation whether a combination of anti-DMK sentiment and the support of the PMK’s vote bank will pave the way for Karthiyayini’s victory.

The BJP has dedicated significant efforts to grassroots work, with party cadres tirelessly working day and night to secure victory for their candidate in the Chidambaram constituency. However, amidst these efforts, a recent incident occurred where a BJP party worker was assaulted by individuals affiliated with the VCK and DMK parties and subsequently hospitalized.

While campaigning for BJP candidate Karthiyayini in Vilangiamman Kovil Street, a door-to-door campaign conducted by party supporters Raghavan, Sanjay, Anbarasan, and Guru Subramaniyan was disrupted by a group including Municipal member Councillor CK Rajan, Pettai Balu alias Balasubramaniyan, James, Vijayaraghavan, and Appu alias Chandrasekaran, totaling eight members. This group assaulted the BJP workers, particularly targeting 64-year-old Guru Subramaniayam, who sustained significant injuries. CK Rajan was allegedly the instigator of the attack, and among the assailants, three were DMK councillors. The victims were subjected to verbal abuse and severe physical attacks. Despite these allegations, it is claimed that no action has been taken by the police.

Upon learning of the incident, the BJP candidate Karthiyayini promptly proceeded to the police station. However, they were obstructed by members of the VCK party, led by Sarithiran, the district secretary, resulting in a tense confrontation.

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Hindu Munnani Accuses HR&CE Department Of Negligence In Protecting Sanctity of Temple Cattle

By
The Commune
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The Hindu Munnani State President, Kadeeshwara C Subramaniyam, has issued a scathing statement denouncing the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department for its alleged negligence in safeguarding the sanctity of cows donated by devotees to temples.

Subramaniyam’s statement comes as a response to mounting concerns over the fate of cattle offered by devout worshippers to temples across Tamil Nadu. Instead of being revered and cared for as intended, these sacred animals are reportedly finding their way into slaughterhouses, raising questions about the ethical integrity of the HR&CE Department’s oversight.

In his statement he called out HR&CE department for its negligence, he stated, “Devotees in Tamil Nadu donate cows to temples, where temple authorities pass them on to women’s self-help groups, stipulating that they cannot be sold. However, many of these cows find their way to slaughterhouses through intermediaries.”

He added, “The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department fails to uphold the sanctity of these donated cows, which were intended for a sacred purpose. This situation is deemed inexcusable, as cows gifted to deities should not end up in slaughterhouses via self-help groups.”

He also called for transparency, he said, “The government should publish a white paper on the number of cows distributed to temples and the number of self-help groups that receive them, the number of cows currently owned by the SHG members who received the cows. Hindu Munnani demands that strict action should be taken against the self-help group persons who sell the cow donated from the temple after giving an undertaking that they will not sell it.”

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Coimbatore’s Jamaats And Islamist Outfits Asks Muslims To Reject BJP & ADMK And Vote For DMK

By
The Commune
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The various Islamic Jamaat groups and associations in Coimbatore district have issued a statement, aiming to sway Muslim voters against supporting BJP and ADMK. They have asked Muslims to vote for the DMK candidates Ganapathy Rajkumar in Coimbatore and K Ishwarasamy in Pollachi.

In the statement released by the Islamist outfit, they said “India is currently experiencing unprecedented challenges, unlike anything witnessed in the 75 years since gaining independence. The central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the BJP, has been systematically undermining Indian democracy over the past decade. Social justice warrior Periyar, Kamarajar, Anna, Honorable Quaid-e-Millat, Kalaignar, MGR, and Jayalalitha, who fought tirelessly to safeguard the rights of state governments, are seeing their efforts dismantled. Furthermore, essential disaster relief funds have been withheld, exacerbating the plight of minorities like Muslims and Christians, who are facing indescribable difficulties.”

The Islamist outfit did not leave the opportunity to peddle false information about Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 and National Register of Citizens saying “implementation of discriminatory measures like the CAA and NRC has even cast doubt on the citizenship of many”

It further said, “This election is pivotal; it will determine whether our nation remains democratic or slides into dictatorship. It’s crucial that all respected members of society, including Islamic groups, ensure full minority participation in this election. Elders should raise awareness about the imminent dangers and educate first-time voters to ensure maximum turnout.”

It called for the boycott of K Annamalai, “The BJP, adopting divisive tactics in Coimbatore by exploiting identities based on language, religion, and regional origin, seeks victory through fragmentation. Despite our diverse cultures and religions, we stand united. Therefore, the Coimbatore Islamic Association calls for the boycott of the fascist BJP candidate Annamalai. Instead, we wholeheartedly support the INDIA alliance, which champions democracy, social justice, and secularism. Additionally, we must reject the ADMK and its allies for supporting the reprehensible acts of the CAA and NRC.”

It further urged the Muslim voters to ensure the win for DMK, “A vote for the ADMK and its allies indirectly undermines the BJP’s agenda. On the upcoming election on 19 April 2024, we must strive for the victory of DMK’s Coimbatore Lok Sabha candidate Ganapathi Rajkumar and Pollachi Lok Sabha candidate Ishwarasamy.”

The aforementioned clarion call was done with the consensus of

  1.  Jamadhul Ulama Sabha
  2.  Sunnath Jamaat Ideology Association
  3. IUML
  4. JIH
  5. TMMK
  6. JAQH
  7. INTJ
  8. YMJ
  9. MMK
  10. MJK
  11. WPI
  12. Wahthathae Islami

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How Congress, Sun News, Puthiya Thalaimurai’s Serial Fake News Peddler & Other D Stock Media Peddled False News About BJP Worker Being Involved In Rameshwaram Cafe Blast

By
The Commune
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On April 5th, 2024, a significant news story captured the attention of numerous mainstream media outlets, concerning the Rameshwaram café explosion in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Reports surfaced alleging the detention of Sai Prasad, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the incident. The accusation gained traction through statements from the Congress party, its leadership, and various voices within the liberal sphere, suggesting Prasad’s involvement and ties to other suspects.

However, conflicting accounts soon emerged, challenging the allegations. These reports indicated that the NIA had merely summoned Prasad to provide testimony, rather than considering him a suspect. Subsequently, the NIA issued a press release clarifying Prasad’s status as a witness in the case, not an accused individual.

“NIA to gather evidence and information in the case have been summoning and examining all of the acquaintances including college and school time friends of the absconding and arrested accused persons. The case being a terror incident, any information on the identity of the witnesses may apart from hampering investigation may also put at risk the individuals being summoned,” the NIA statement read released on 5 March 2024

The official social media account of the Congress party seized upon this development to criticize the ruling party, insinuating, “On March 1, a blast occurred at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru, in which more than 10 people were injured. Now the NIA has detained a BJP leader in this case. His connection with the blast has come to light. You will not see this news in any TV news, you know the reason. The question is- why does BJP always have a terrorist connection?”

As the I.N.D.I alliance, spearheaded by Congress, began to propagate a narrative suggesting BJP workers’ involvement in the bomb blast case, it was latched on to by other Dravidian Stock media outlets in Tamil Nadu.

The storyline gained momentum initially through the rapid dissemination by DMK’s primary channels, including Sun News and Kalaignar News, the mouthpieces for the party’s first family. Serial fake news peddler belonging to Puthiya Thalaimurai, Niranjan Kumar wrote “BJP’s Sai Prasad arrested for being in touch with suspects in Rameswaram restaurant blast case probed by National Intelligence Agency”

Eventually, the left-leaning network and D-Stocks in the social media platforms  further propagated these claims.

 

However, the factual information presented is as per reports from the Indian Express, Sai Prasad, identified as a BJP worker from Shivamogga district, was called in for questioning by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) this week, and subsequently allowed to return home. According to investigators, Prasad frequented a mobile store in Thirthahalli operated by Sardar Naveed, a suspect searched by the NIA on 27 March 2024. The BJP worker sold a mobile phone to Naveed’s store. The inquiry revealed that the mobile phone, originally bought and sold by the BJP worker, was later used by Muzammil Shareef, 30, the sole individual arrested in connection to the Rameshwaram Cafe blast incident.

Shareef, a resident of Bengaluru, is alleged to have provided logistical assistance, including mobile SIMs and materials for making IEDs, to the two primary missing suspects involved in the cafe’s bombing—Musavir Hussain Shazib, 30, believed to be the device planter, and Abdul Matheen Taha, 30, his close associate. Analysis of phone usage led investigators to the IMEI number of the phone linked to the BJP worker, nothing than that.

Earlier in mid-March, NIA detained an individual named Syed Shabbir from Ballari, suspecting his interaction with the main suspect in Ballari on the night of March 1, approximately eight hours post the blast. He was later released after interrogation. On 27 March 2024, NIA conducted searches at 18 locations and summoned several individuals for questioning. Among the places searched was Naveed’s mobile phone store, where the arrested suspect Shareef, reportedly a frequent visitor, had family connections in Thirthahalli.

Following Shareef’s arrest on March 27, NIA officially identified Mussavir Hussain Shazib as the person who carried out the IED blast at the Rameshwaram Cafe, with Abdul Matheen Taha as his co-conspirator, both residents of Thirthahalli in Shivamogga district. On 29 March 2024, NIA released CCTV images from a clothing store at a Chennai mall, confirming the identities of the main suspect and his associate. A cap left behind by the suspect after planting the IED led authorities to the Chennai mall.

NIA has indicated the suspects’ inclination towards using fake identities to cover their tracks, with Taha using Hindu identity documents under the name ‘Vignesh’ or ‘Sumit’, and Shazib using a forged driving license under the name ‘Mohammed Juned Sayed’. The utilization of phones, SIM cards, ID documents, and encrypted communication systems during terror plots is considered typical terror tradecraft to evade investigations.

The main suspects in the cafe blast are associated with a Shivamogga module of the Islamic State, against whom four terror cases have been filed since 2020, with Shazib and Taha emerging in January 2020 following the arrests of over 30 individuals in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Abdul Matheen Taha and Musavir Hussain Shazib have been identified in multiple terror cases, with Taha allegedly involved in bomb testing, an accidental blast in Mangaluru, and a provocative graffiti case in Mangaluru.

Maaz Muneer Ahmed, a key member of the Shivamogga IS group, currently in prison since September 2022, was taken into custody by NIA between March 14 and 21 in connection to the cafe blast case.

(With Inputs From IE)

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