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DMK’s RS Bharathi Spreads Canards About Kalpakkam Nuclear Plant Saying It Will Destroy TN, TN BJP Anna Asks If It Is The Official Position Of Stalin Govt

By
The Commune
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Just a few days ago, Prime Minister Modi was in the state to witness the initiation of core loading of India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu. It was noteworthy that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin refrained from participating in the inauguration ceremony of the Kalpakkam project. 

The DMK organizational secretary, R.S. Bharathi, clarified the reason for it. He said that the decision to not attend was rooted in opposition to the project, which is perceived as being against the will of the Tamil people and orchestrated by the Union Government. Bharti emphasized concerns about the potential environmental impact and questioned the rationale behind locating the nuclear project in Tamil Nadu instead of Gujarat or Uttar Pradesh.

“The 500 Mega Watt Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam was not commissioned during the DMK regime. The party consistently opposes projects like Sterlite which affect people. Chief Minister MK Stalin did not take part in PM Narendra Modi’s event on Monday because the plant poses a risk to the people,” stated Bharti during a press briefing.

Bharti criticized Prime Minister Modi’s frequent visits to Tamil Nadu, likening them to candidates seeking support before a municipal election. He accused Modi of failing to address the demands of the people. 

He said, “I am from that district. If you check, there are several cancer cases in the area.” He also claimed that foreigners who came to visit Mahabalipuram did not consume seafood because of fears of the fish containing the radiation from Kalpakkam through the sea. He further stated, “Why is Modi not doing this in UP or Gujarat? His goal is to destroy Tamil Nadu in all ways possible.”

He also added that Stalin’s absence at the event was a ‘rajathanthiram’, a diplomatic move that he learned from Karunanidhi to avoid controversy, and Bharti highlighted the DMK government’s commitment to halt projects deemed detrimental to Tamil people’s interests, drawing parallels with the successful opposition to the Sterlite plant in the past.

Speaking to reporters on the issue, Annamalai said, “I am shocked and disappointed at the DMK leaders and other political leaders for spreading false information about the Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam. Especially among them is DMK’s organisational secretary, RS Bharathi. He is putting forth his opinion as the government’s opinion. I want a clarification on this. Is this the government’s stand? Is it the Chief Minister’s stand? That the Fast Breeder Reactor must not come to TN and that they are opposing it. They must clarify it to the people.”

Annamalai further elucidated about the Fast Breeder Reactor. He said, “Today we are a 3.8 trillion dollar economy and in 3-4 years, we are looking at becoming a 5 trillion dollar economy. Our country needs energy. We are importing petrol and diesel from othr countrues. We are also generating power using coal imported from other countries, but this is unsustainable and causes global warming. Now, our country, as envisioned by Modiji, is going in the direction of renewable energy source – solar, hydel power etc. Modiji has also given a date for becoming net carbon zero at COP event.”

He further added, “What is that Fast Breeder Reactor? As we know, if you put uranium 235 in a normal atomic reactor, it is fissile material and we get energy from it. After a period of time, Uranium 235 will become spent fuel, we take it out, and again we will load Uranium 235. This is a typical atomic reactor. Today, Russia, especially in their Ural mountains, created Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor with a new type of fuel called Thorium and Uranium 238, and this fast breeder is a technology that can make neutrons go faster. Thus, we call the technology as fast breeder reactor because it can produce more fuel than the amount of fuel that is used. Many countries in the world have tried to do it but none have been able to master this technology, only Russia has mastered it and is running this reactor.”

Speaking about the historic event, he said, “India has created history today, our scientists have loaded the prototype fast breeder reactor which can be in our Kalpakkam, core loading, i.e. the core in the central part of the reactor, this is historic for AtmaNirbhar Bharat, our scientists have done it for us to prove self-reliance. It has the potential to change our fuel consumption. Today 500 MW is the beginning, as you know the Kalpakkam reactor has been providing electricity to the whole of India without any problems. On the one hand, developing India needs more electricity, and that electricity should be from renewable sources. We do not have Uranium 235, if you have to buy Uranium 235, you have to go to nuclear suppliers group NSG, negotiate and buy it from there, no one is going to give it to India. On the other hand, if we go towards Kanyakumari, Nagercoil, we have thorium there, we can convert it to Uranium 238.

My question is why is  the DMK that put up the Chinese national flag having a problem? When the fuel that can be manufactured in India using its own resources? Do they want to be like China, do they want to import coal from China? Today, why is the DMK preventing us from using Thorium and Uranium 238 for our own efforts? It is very very safe. You know nuclear reactors are present all over the world, Kalpakkam is very very safe. No one will have any problem, it is under safety audit.”

(with inputs from TNIE)

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The LSD Cartel Bust That Virtually Went Unreported By Dravidianist Media, Here Are Some Other Recent Drug Seizures From TN

By
The Commune
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The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) announced on 22 February 2024  the dismantling of an LSD cartel utilizing the dark net for narcotics distribution. The operation led to the seizure of 4,343 blots valued at ₹1 crore, with the apprehension of the mastermind in Salem and 15 individuals from various states. This marks the largest confiscation since August of the previous year when around 14,000 LSD blots were seized from the Zambada cartel in the Delhi region.

The alleged mastermind, Balaji, aged 50, delved into the darknet during the Covid pandemic, creating the account ‘harekrishna4u’ to acquire LSD stamps using cryptocurrency, as stated by NCB’s Chennai zone director, P Aravindhan. “Balaji sourced LSD stamps from Germany and distributed them to his darknet ‘friends’ located in different parts of the country,” he explained. The contraband was discreetly couriered through India Post, camouflaged as photo frames and books. Balaji, previously arrested by Karnataka police in a narcotics case, established the new darknet ID after being released on bail in November last year.

Aravindhan disclosed that NCB had been actively working on this operation since January, resulting in simultaneous arrests in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Jaipur, Kochi, and Surat. The arrested individuals included businessmen, MNC workers, assistant directors in Bollywood, and graduates from reputable institutions, with eight arrests made in Kochi. Besides the arrests and seizures, 18 bank accounts linked to the accused have been frozen.

LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a synthetic drug known for its mind-altering effects. Consumption of LSD can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and regular exposure may result in impaired judgment, seizures, tremors, psychosis, and nausea.

It is noteworthy that Aravindan was the batchmate of Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president K Annamalai.

After DMK’s former NRI wing office bearer Jaffer Sadiq was found to be the kingpin of a massive drug racket, there has been a state-wide crackdown on drugs by the Central agencies. A raid conducted at the Madurai railway station led to successful seizure 30 kg of methamphetamine from Pilliman Prakash.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence conducted a well-coordinated operation resulting in the confiscation of a combined 36 kg of the drug. This included a seizure of the substance from a rail passenger at Madurai railway station and an additional six kg recovered from the Kodungaiyur dump yard in Chennai, as reported by the central agency. Authorities seized methamphetamine with a street value of ₹180 crore, intended for transportation to Sri Lanka.

A total of 36 kg of the drug was seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence – from the rail passenger at the Madurai railway station, and another six kg from the Kodungaiyur dump yard in Chennai – in a meticulously planned operation, the central agency said.

Many on social media expressed concerns of a growing and casual prevalence of drug availability in different parts of Tamil Nadu.

Some Of The Recent Drug Busts In Tamil Nadu

  • On 24 February 2024, DMK functionary and Tamil film producer Jaffar Sadiq was identified as the mastermind behind an organized international drug syndicate, responsible for smuggling Pseudoephedrine valued at ₹2000 Crore over the past three years.
  • On 28 February 2024, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) intercepted and confiscated narcotics worth ₹1200 Crore intended for transfer and transportation to Tamil Nadu in the open seas.
  • On 1 March 2024, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized Methamphetamine worth ₹180 Crore in Madurai.
  • On 5 March 2024, hashish valued at ₹108 Crore was confiscated by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in Rameswaram.
  • In January 2024, Chennai city police have dismantled a drug trafficking network involving Nigerians, a South African, and local businessmen, arresting seven suspects. Seized items include 107 small packets of cocaine, one kilogram of cocaine, ₹2 lakh in cash, and six mobile phones, with investigations revealing the drug’s origin from African cities, including Addis Ababa and Nairobi.

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9-Year-Old Girl Brutally Murdered In Puducherry, Drug Addicts Behind Brutal Act Reveals Purported Audio Clip Of Victim’s Father

By
The Commune
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murder child coimbatore

In a tragic news, a nine-year-old girl from Solai Nagar in Puducherry, who had gone missing, was found brutally murdered. Her hands and feet were tied, and her lifeless body was discovered in a sack dumped into a drain. An audio clip purportedly featuring the girl’s father alleging that ganja-consuming individuals mutilated and killed his daughter intensified the public outcry.

The fifth-grade student from Muthialpet Government School had gone missing on the evening of March 2, prompting her parents to alert authorities and initiate a search. The state of decomposition indicated that she had been deceased for a considerable period. Despite exhaustive efforts by multiple police teams and the aid of sniffer dogs over the past two days, locating the girl proved challenging. CCTV footage from a nearby street captured the last sighting of her, joyfully playing at noon.

The missing girl, a bright fifth-grade student, was the daughter of Narayanan, a driver, and Maithili, a worker at the Primary Health Centre (PMC). She went out to play in the afternoon and did not return home, leading her parents and concerned locals to file a report at the Muthialpet police station around 8 pm after extensive search efforts.

Seven individuals were arrested in connection with the incident, leading to a dawn investigation that exposed a 19-year-old youth named Karunas and his accomplice Vivekanandan (59) as involved in the abduction, attempted rape, and subsequent murder of the girl. The case has now been reclassified as a POCSO Act investigation, and a comprehensive inquiry is underway to uncover all details surrounding this tragic incident. The detainees, Vivekanandan (54) and Karunas (19), both residents of Puducherry, are currently undergoing interrogation.

According to a report by Nakkheeran, an audio clip of the girl’s father saying that ganja-stoned youths cut the girl’s arms and legs to pieces and killed her. In that audio, the audio is spreading saying, ‘Ganja-stoners 7 people have tied her hands and feet together and committed the act”. The police are also investigating on the basis of that audio.

This devastating incident has deeply affected the community in Puducherry, evoking strong reactions from various political figures and the public on social media. As tensions escalated, law enforcement authorities, supported by personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force, were deployed to ensure and uphold law and order.

In response to the tragic incident, Vijay, the film star and leader of the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, expressed his condolences saying “The murder of a 9-year-old girl from Muthialpet, Puducherry due to sexual harassment is heartbreaking. It is with a heavy heart that I offer my deepest condolences to the parents of the girl who has lost their daughter. On behalf of Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam, I request that the Puducherry government should take appropriate action to get the maximum punishment according to the law to the killers who brutally and mercilessly killed the girl.”

 

 

(With Inputs From Asianetnews)

 

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Rising Drug Abuse Among Youth In TN: 10,000 Drug Pills Confiscated & 15 Arrested By Police In Namakkal

By
The Commune
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The situation in Tamil Nadu is becoming increasingly concerning as a significant number of youths are succumbing to addiction through easily accessible drugs. This disturbing trend has been particularly evident in Namakkal district, where a large number of youths and workers are regularly indulging in the consumption of painkillers, despite strict regulations governing their use. The scale of these seizures is noteworthy, exemplified by two incidents: one in Veppadai, Namakkal district, where 10,000 drug pills were confiscated, and another in Ammapettai, Erode district, involving students found in possession of 95 drug pills. This alarming scenario reflects a state of disorder, providing a free hand to drug peddlers and resulting in a loss of law and order in the region.

The Veppadai Division police received a tip about the presence of drug pills and single-use needles in graveyards near Veppadai, Namakkal district. Upon investigation, it was discovered that some youths gathered at night, dissolving pills obtained online in water, and injecting them to get drugged.

Upon informing the District Superintendent of Police, Veppadai police established 10 special teams for an extensive investigation. The probe revealed that construction workers in Pallipalayam and Veppadai were living addicted lives by injecting pain reliever pills into their veins. From further investigation it came to light that they had purchased these pain relief pills via online transactions. Additionally, when these pills are dissolved in water and injected into the body, it leads to immediate intoxication. They marketed each tablet for a price ranging from 200 to 300 rupees within their group and neighboring college students.

The arrested individuals, including Giri Haran, Sujith, Gauri Shankar, Deepan, Nandakumar, Vignesh, Gautham Kumar, Ilias Ulla, Yuvraj, and others, admitted to injecting painkillers for addiction.

Subsequently, around 10,000 pain reliever pills, valued at approximately 30 lakhs, were seized. The 15 arrested individuals were produced before Kumarapalayam Criminal Court Judge Malathi and imprisoned. The revelation of drug-addicted construction laborers using pain reliever pills as injections has alarmed local drug shops and hospital staff.

In a separate incident, four college students were arrested on 5 March 2024 near Ammapet in Erode district for possession of 95 drug pills. During a routine vehicle inspection, the police intercepted the students, revealing their possession of the pills. The students, identified as Sridhar, Palaniswami, Tamizharasan, and Naveen, admitted to purchasing the drugs from unidentified persons.

The police confiscated the drugs and two two-wheelers, subsequently arresting all four and placing them in judicial custody. These incidents highlight the growing concern of drug abuse among the youth in the region, prompting law enforcement to take stringent actions against offenders.

The inappropriate use of painkiller tablets as drugs presents substantial health dangers and possible adverse effects. Pain relievers, particularly opioids such as tapentadol, are intended for medical purposes. When employed recreationally or without proper medical supervision, substance misuse can lead to addiction, dependency, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and impairment of cognitive function. Additionally, the abuse of painkiller tablets heightens the risk of overdose and serves as a gateway to more potent substances, potentially resulting in fatal outcomes.

As per NCRB the number of deaths due to drug overdose in Tamil Nadu, categorized by age groups for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019.

  • In 2017, Tamil Nadu reported a total of 48 deaths, with no fatalities in the age groups below 14 and 14-18, while the highest number 19 occurred in the 30-45 age group. In 2018, the total deaths decreased to 46, with the majority in the 30-45 and 45-60 age groups with 23 and 17 respectively. In 2019, the total deaths increased to 108, with a significant rise in the 30-45 age group with 44 fatality. These statistics underscore the concerning trend of drug overdose-related fatalities in Tamil Nadu
  • The figures for suicides attributed to drug abuse or alcoholic addiction in Tamil Nadu during the years 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 1033, 1042, and 1377, respectively, based on state/UT-wise data.
  • In May 2023, an 18-year-old named Sanjay passed away in Pulianthope due to a drug overdose involving painkiller tablets. Authorities declared the overdose occurred when the tablets were dissolved in water and injected into his bloodstream using syringes and painkiller tablets.
  • On August 2023 Two individuals were arrested in Saidapet for suspected possession of ganja and painkiller tablets. The Police intercepted the suspects on a two-wheeler near Saidapet Railway Station, leading to the discovery of 1.2 kg of ganja, 300 tapentadol tablets.
  • On December 2023 Another 20-year-old youth, known as Raja alias David, passed away due to a drug overdose at his residence in Basin Bridge. This incident recorded by the police as occurrence of fatal drug overdose.

In 2015, Tamil Nadu ranked at the top with 205 deaths, marking the highest number of fatalities due to drug overdose, as reported by the National Crime Records Bureau. The resurgence of such incidents is alarming, indicating a concerning trend reminiscent of the state’s previous status in 2014.

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Escalating Drug Menace In TN: Tambaram Police Intercepts 45 Kg Ganja In Kundrathur

By
The Commune
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(Image Credit: Dinamani)

Everywhere we look in Tamil Nadu, the headlines are dominated by the concerning prevalence of concealed drugs and the widespread confiscations, casting a shadow over the state. The alarming situation suggests that the influence of drugs has surreptitiously infiltrated every nook and cranny of society, with revelations escalating following the apprehension of the international drug kingpin Jaffar Sadiq.

On 5 March 2024, the Tambaram Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW) apprehended two individuals for their involvement in an attempt to transport 45 kg of Ganja in Kundrathur near the Sriperumbudur Outer Ring Road (ORR). The apprehension occurred based on a specific tip provided to the police, leading to subsequent scrutiny of the vehicle.

During the inspection of two heavy vehicles, authorities discovered concealed sacks containing 20 kg of ganja in one truck and 25 kg in another, cleverly hidden among the vegetables. The individuals driving the vehicles, namely R Pooncholai and M Mukundan from Tiruvallur district, were promptly identified. Upon further investigation, the police found that the contraband had been sourced from a wholesale trader in Rajahmundry. The accused individuals confessed to procuring the illegal substance, packaging it into smaller packets, and distributing it to retailers and college students in both the city and suburban areas.

Following the arrest, the police presented the accused duo before the judicial magistrate in Sriperumbudur, and they were subsequently remanded to prison custody.

Over the past two years, state-wide illegal ganja activities led to the seizure of 47,248 kilograms of ganja, with 20,014 cases filed, 25,721 individuals arrested, and 5,723 bank accounts linked to smugglers frozen. The ganja vettai operations included Ganja Vettai 1.0 (6 December to 31 December 2021), Ganja Vettai 2.0 (March 28 to 27 April 2022), and Ganja Vettai 3.0 (12 December to 31 December 2022).

Some Of The Drug Busts In Tamil Nadu

  • On 24 February 2024, DMK functionary and Tamil film producer Jaffar Sadiq was identified as the mastermind behind an organized international drug syndicate, responsible for smuggling Pseudoephedrine valued at ₹2000 Crore over the past three years.
  • On 28 February 2024, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) intercepted and confiscated narcotics worth ₹1200 Crore intended for transfer and transportation to Tamil Nadu in the open seas.
  • On 1 March 2024, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized Methamphetamine worth ₹180 Crore in Madurai.
  • On 5 March 2024, Hashish valued at ₹108 Crore was confiscated by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in Rameswaram.
  • On 26 March 2023, near Red Hills, the Chennai city police apprehended two smugglers, namely A Rajkumar and T Chandrasekar, and confiscated 9.1 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at over 9 crores.
  • On 16 May 2023, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy seized 2,500kg of methamphetamine off the Kerala coast, investigating potential Indian connections to the Haji Salim network of Karachi.  NIA & NCB expands its inquiry to Tamil refugee camps in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, targeting a drug cartel involving individuals foreign nationals from Pakistan, Iran, and Sri Lanka.In 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended a Sri Lankan operative in Chennai after drugs were seized from a vessel manned by a Lankan crew near Vizhinjam. Haji Salim was implicated in the case, and there is an outstanding arrest warrant against him. In the preceding year, the NIA detained C Gunashekharan, Pushparajah, and eight additional individuals from Tamil Nadu, suspected to be associates of Haji Salim. These individuals were allegedly involved in acquiring drugs and weapons from him.
  • Tamil Nadu Police intervened in a drug operation on August 2023, apprehending six individuals in Nagapattinam and confiscating 300 kg of ganja valued at ₹3000 crore, intended for transportation to Sri Lanka. The arrested individuals admitted to reactivating the LTTE (a Lanka based Terrorist Group) and utilizing the drug trade as a means of fundraising.
  • On August 2023 Two individuals were arrested in Saidapet for suspected possession of ganja and painkiller tablets. The Police intercepted the suspects on a two-wheeler near Saidapet Railway Station, leading to the discovery of 1.2 kg of ganja, 300 drug tablets.
  • From 13 November to 19 November 2023, Chennai City Police apprehended 84 suspects, initiated 62 cases, and conducted thorough checks leading to the seizure of 56.6 kg of ganja, 2.5 g OG Kush, and 207 painkillers and bank accounts of 1,782 drug peddlers involved in 814 cases since 2021 frozen. Furthermore, between January 1 and 19, they invoked the Goondas Act to detain 76 drug peddlers.
  • On December 2022, The Avadi Police PEW detained A Silambarasan and J Gokul, aged 21 and 19, respectively, on charges of trafficking 21 kg of ganja from Andhra Pradesh.
  • On December 2021, over 21 kgs of heroin worth ₹21 crore were seized, leading to the arrest of six individuals in Tuticorin for smuggling and selling the drug.
  • In April 2021, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized more than 300 kg of cocaine worth ₹2,000 crore, at Tuticorin Port in Tamil Nadu. The contraband, which had originated from Panama and passed through Antwerp and Colombo, was intercepted based on specific intelligence.

The data from January 2022 to May 2023 reflects a concerning and escalating prevalence of illicit substances in Tamil Nadu, as revealed by the operations conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The notable seizures during this period indicate a persistent trend of drug-related activities in the state. The data is presented as a table format here:

In January 2022, confiscated 1626 Kg of Ganja, leading to 58 reported cases and 92 arrests. The trend continued in February 2022, where notable seizures included 21.32 Kg of Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS), 992 Kg of Ganja, and 206 Kg of Poppy Husk & Poppy Straw. Subsequent months witnessed varying quantities of Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine, Ganja, and other substances, with fluctuations in the number of cases and arrests.

In April 2022, for instance, seizures encompassed 1.10 Kg of ATS, 49.20 Kg of Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine, 963 Kg of Ganja, and 12.17 Kg of Heroin. The succeeding months exhibited fluctuations, such as 1.60 Kg of ATS, 5.18 Kg of Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine, and 290 Kg of Ganja in May 2022, and 685 Kg of Ganja in June 2022. August 2022 recorded 0.24 Kg of ATS, 20.00 Kg of Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine, 543 Kg of Ganja, and 1.00 Kg of Hashish Oil, leading to 48 reported cases and 34 arrests. In September 2022, seizures included 4.30 Kg of Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine, 207 Kg of Ganja, 0.90 Kg of Hashish Oil, and 60 tablets of various types, resulting in 52 cases and 42 arrests. October 2022 saw substantial seizures such as 48.30 Kg of ATS, 5.37 Kg of Cocaine, 152 Kg of Ganja, 2.20 Kg of Hashish, and 0.56 Kg of Methaqualone (Mandrax). November 2022 reported 0.80 Kg of ATS, 2.00 Kg of Cocaine, 668 Kg of Ganja, 5.44 Kg of Hashish Oil, and 0.10 Kg of Mescaline.

December 2022 marked significant seizures, including 38.31 Kg of ATS, 4.84 Kg of Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine, 310 Kg of Ganja, 50.18 Kg of Hashish, and 0.01 Kg of MDMA. The month registered 67 cases and 46 arrests.

Moving into 2023, January saw seizures of 365 Kg of Ganja and 0.01 Kg of MDMA, resulting in 23 cases and 19 arrests. February 2023 recorded 1.32 Kg of ATS, 692 Kg of Ganja, 75 blots of LSD, and 0.13 Kg of MDMA, with 42 reported cases and 26 arrests.

March 2023 witnessed 0.06 Kg of ATS, 0.01 Kg of Cocaine, 28.65 Kg of Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine, 379 Kg of Ganja, 8.10 Kg of Heroin, and 300 tablets of various types. The month accumulated 41 cases and 47 arrests.

April 2023 reported 0.08 Kg of ATS, 128 Kg of Ganja, and 0.05 Kg of Mescaline, leading to 31 cases and 30 arrests. May 2023 recorded 2.00 Kg of ATS, 1.53 Kg of Cocaine, 218 Kg of Ganja, and 0.10 Kg of Heroin, resulting in 52 cases and 39 arrests.

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Self-Styled Fact-Checker Maintains No Pro-Pak Slogans Were Raised In Vidhana Soudha Despite FSL Report & K’taka Home Min Confirmation

By
The Commune
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A few days ago, social media was abuzz with allegations of the Karnataka Congress members chanting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans. This happened after the Congress candidate Syed Naseer Hussain’s Rajya Sabha victory in Karnataka was announced. A video of his supporters “allegedly” chanting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ was circulated on social media platforms. 

Alleged fact-checker Mohammed Zubair immediately jumped into action to prove that Pakistan Zindabad slogans were not raised. He claimed that instead of Pakistan Zindabad, the supporters were chanting ‘Naseer Saab Zindabad’. 

The footage was analysed by a private forensic agency FSL which proved that pro-Pakistani slogans were indeed raised. The presence of these slogans was identified in both the audio and video components. The submitted report to the state government asserted that the footage remained unaltered as reported by India Today. 

Police arrested three people Mohammed Shafi Nashipudi, Munavar Ahmed, and Mohammed Iltaj. It has been revealed that all three of them have close ties with the Congress party. 

Days after being disproved, the alleged fact-checker wrote a long post on his social media handle justifying his stand that Pro-Pakistan slogans were not raised. 

He wrote, “Karnataka Police has arrested 3 individuals for allegedly raising ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans in Vidhana Soudha. The Home Minister has also given a statement confirming that Pro-Pakistan sloganeering were raised. Many want to arrest me for my tweet. But 𝐈 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨-𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐬, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 ‘𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐚𝐛 𝐙𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝’.”

He twisted the narrative to prove his lies by shifting focus to the “right-wing” and the media. He continued in the same post, “We’ve seen a pattern in the X thread below of how Right Wing and the media have been accusing opponents and their supporters of raising Pro-Pakistan slogans during celebrations. Even in this case, The FALSE claim was started by Kannada News channels which were denied by many reporters present on the ground, including Smita Prakash’s colleague. She and many other RW trolls want BlrCityPolice to arrest me for starting facts. You see a pattern of how misinformation has been doing rounds in Karnataka.”

He then went on to narrate instances where media, BJP, and “propaganda news agencies” like ANI shared “fake news”. 

“1. In January, the BJP and (Media including propaganda News Agency 

ANI) heightened its criticism of Congress as anti-Hindu while alleging that on the orders of the state government, police personnel had removed a Hanuman flag from a flag post in the Keragodu village of Mandya. However, in reality, the flag post was on government land, on which only the national flag and the flag of Karnataka were permitted to be hoisted. But the Anti Congress Propaganda ran for more than a week on Television. Congress in Karnataka was clueless on how to counter it. 

2. In Feb, After the budget, BJP leaders and Media targeted the Congress government claiming Congress took money from Hindu temples and was using it to fund religious institutions that were non-Hindu. This was run for 2-4 days. Again Congress in Karnataka was clueless on how to counter these false claims. Neither was there any FIR against people who spread this False Propaganda. 

 3. After Endowment Amendment bill, BJP and Media claimed that Siddaramaiah govt began taxing Jaziya to Hindu temples by 10%. But it was under Yeddyurappa’s govt who first Amended the bill in 2011. Infact, The Akhila Karnataka Archakas (Priests) Association supported the bill in a press conference and said that small temples were short of funds, They urged the opposition BJP to support the Congress govt’s move to divert tax money from rich A grade temples to smaller temples for the uplift of 36,000 C grade temples in the state, categorized on the basis of income. But here again, BJP and Media were successful in their False Propaganda claiming Congress in Anti Hindu and Pro Muslims. Congress couldn’t counter counter their Propaganda, Nor did it take any action against fake news peddlers for amplifying these false claims.”

He concluded by saying that this was how the BJP with the help of local and national media was winning the propaganda war and also stated that “Congress in Karnataka is still clueless on how to counter it.”  

Interestingly, he deleted his “fact-check” posts that gave a clean chit to “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans raised in Jaunpur, UP. He has not apologised or expressed regret for misleading the public about his mistake. 

Here are some netizen reactions:

https://twitter.com/Alphat00nist/status/1764998987038531988

 

It is noteworthy that the Karnataka government in August 2023 was pondering over seeking help from Zubair’s AltNews to “combat fake news”. 

https://twitter.com/archi_tandewala/status/1765027347361861868

In December 2023, the Karnataka government selected five firms, including Gauri Media named after murdered journalist Gauri Lankesh, for its fact-checking units to combat fake news on social media. Logically, Trylika and OW Data Leads will focus on fact-checking, analytics, and capacity building, while Gauri Media’s expertise in the Kannada language contributed to its selection. It was also announced that independent fact-checkers would also be enlisted to aid the government’s misinformation prevention efforts. Critics argue that if the likes of Zubair are enlisted, then the quality of fact-checking can be assumed to be of the level of this fact-check. 

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“Divisive And Contrary To Constitutional Principles”, Madras HC Condemns Udhayanidhi’s “Eradicate Sanatana Dharma” Remarks, Refuses To Remove DMK Leaders From Post

By
The Commune
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On 6 March 2024, the Madras High Court declined to issue a quo warranto against DMK Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, and Nilgiris Member of Parliament A. Raja concerning the eradicate Sanatana Dharma comments controversy. 

Justice Anita Sumanth determined that the relief requested by three separate writ petitioners was premature, citing pending First Information Reports (FIRs) across different police stations without any convictions. Consequently, she asserted that quo warranto writs could not be issued at this stage.

The judge, however, emphasized that the remarks targeting Sanatana Dharma were both objectionable and divisive. She added, “While there may be ideological differences between persons holding power, the differences are expected to be based on a thorough understanding of the system being critiqued, and importantly, such criticism must be constructive and not destructive,” the judge said. She continued to emphasize that statements from incumbent Ministers must be based on factual accuracy. “Whatever may be their ideology, such persons must propound only one morality that is the morality propounded by the Constitution,” she added.

Despite arguments claiming that only Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin and Mr. Raja had criticized Sanatana Dharma in different events, while Mr. Sekarbabu had only attended one of those events, the judge remarked, “The factum of participation itself shows the endorsement of the purpose of the theme of the conference.”

The judge also remarked, “The statements equating Sanatana Dharma to HIV, AIDS, dengue and malaria, which need to be eradicated are perverse, divisive and contrary to Constitutional principles and ideas and tantamount to gross disinformation.”

The writ petitions were filed by Hindu Munnani office-bearers T. Manohar, J. Kishore Kumar, and V.P. Jayakumar. They explicitly stated that they filed the cases individually, not representing the organization. Arguing that elected legislators should not act against Sanatana Dharma, they emphasized its synonymity with Hinduism. The first petitioner criticized Udhayanidhi Stalin’s call for the eradication of dharma at the ‘Eradicate Sanatana Dharma Conference’ organized by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Artists Association in Chennai on 2 September 2023.

The second petitioner objected to Minister Sekarbabu’s participation in the conference, even though he did not speak on the subject. The third petitioner claimed that Mr. Raja endorsed Udhayanidhi Stalin’s views at a separate meeting, arguing that he, too, should not continue as a legislator.

In response, the Ministers and MP challenged the viability of the writ petitions. They argued that no quo warranto writ questioning their authority as legislators could be issued, citing reasons stated in the petitioners’ affidavits.

Despite this, the Judge insisted on addressing both the issue of viability and the merits of the case. Following extensive arguments since October, she reserved her verdict on 21 December 2023, after Senior Counsels presented their oral and written arguments.

(with inputs from The Hindu)

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Pro-Pak Slogans In Vidhana Soudha Scandal: Arrested “Trader” Md Shafi Nashipudi, Munavar Ahmed, Mohd Iltaj’s Close Ties With Karnataka Congress Leaders Revealed

By
The Commune
-

Karnataka Vidhana Souda was in the news recently for the pro-Pakistani slogans raised while rejoicing victory of Congress member Syed Naseer Hussain in the Rajya Sabha elections. First they claimed it was “Naseer Saab Zindabad”, then the footage was analysed by a private forensic agency FSL which proved that pro-Pakistani slogans were raised. Those who claimed otherwise have now gone mute. 

The police arrested an individual who was identified as Mohammed Shafi Nashipudi, a trader from Byadagi, who had arrived at the Vidhana Soudha to commemorate Syed Naseer Hussain’s victory in the Rajya Sabha election. 

It has come to light that Nashipudi was not just a trader or random Congress supporter. Nor was he a random guy in the crowd “planted” by the BJP. Nashipudi is often seen close to the Karnataka Congress’ top leadership.

Last week during the celebration of Congress leader Nasir Hussain’s Rajya Sabha seat victory, slogans like ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ were heard. Propaganda portal Alt News went desperate with several posts & “fact check” report claiming that the slogan was “Nasir Saab Zindabad”. 

FSL report published by a private forensic lab proved that the slogan was indeed pro-Pakistani. Now Karnataka HM G Parameshwara have also confirmed that three accused have been arrested & interrogated based on the FSL report. Names are – Iltaz, Munawar and Nashipudi. 

Mohammed Shafi Nashipudi gained immediate limelight after he was interviewed by several media persons where he denied the allegations. 

This individual is not just another supporter but is active in Karnataka Congress corridors. You can find his close pictures attending events with with CM Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar, Pawan Khera, Saleem Ahmed (President KAR Con), Satish Jarkiholi (PWD minister).

Here you can find Nashipudi with local MLA Shivannavar, Dinesh Gundurao health minister, and of course Naseer Hussain MP Rajya Sabha. He can be seen welcoming, campaigning, and attending Congress events and definitely shares a good rapport with Kar Congree’s leadership. 

Mohammed Shafi Nashipudi’s comfortability with top ministers and appearances at big events like politicians tell a different story than being just a local trader or random supporter. 

This man is influential in the circuit, maybe for vote-bank or funds!? Cops are interrogating all accused on the motive behind pro-Pakistani slogan. The question still remains why Alt News was so keen on pushing fake news to prove they were innocent, ignoring the FSL report. 

Nashipudi was also preparing for the next assembly election as he shared good relations with national and state leaders in Congress.

Mohammed Iltaj and Munawar Ahmed, who are among three accused of pro-pak slogans in Karnataka, are the national coordinator of
the Indian Youth Congress. They were arrested for Pakistan Zindabad slogans and had actively participated in the “Bharat Jodo Yatra”.

Both Iltaj and Ahmed are actively involved in all Congress activities from the Indian Youth Congress side. These social media posts prove that they were in Bangalore to attend the Naseer Hussain event.

Mohd Iltaj has walked with Rahul Gandhi on both yatras. He holds good ranks in IYC.

Here he is with CM Siddramaiah, DK Shivakumar, Makaan, Tharoor, Sam, Surjewala, Gogoi, and Hussain. In a nutshell, he shares a good rapport among top congress leadership.

Iltaj has been a Congress member for at least 12 years and has been popular enough to have clicked with Congress stalwarts. It is very likely that he is a relative of some big Congress leader.

Iltaj’s social media is filled with 100s of pictures of daily activities related to the Congress campaign.

Just like Iltaj, Munawar Amhed is also an active member of the Indian Youth Congress. It is critical to deep dive into their motive of slogans of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ in a Karnataka Vidhan Saudha!

This article is based on threads by The Hawk Eye 

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Indian Coast Guard And DRI Collaborate To Foil ₹108 Crore Drug Smuggling Operation In Mandapam, TN

By
The Commune
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In a collaborative operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully thwarted a drug smuggling attempt near Mandapam, Ramanathapuram district on 5 March 2024. Four individuals have been detained, and narcotics valued at ₹108 crore were confiscated.

Acting on a tip-off, the DRI Chennai Zonal Unit, in conjunction with the Indian Coast Guard, received information about the trafficking of illicit substances from India to Sri Lanka along the coastal route near Mandapam. The joint team conducted surveillance over the Gulf of Mannar using a Coast Guard ship on the night of 4 and 5 March 2024.

During the deep-sea surveillance, the team observed a country boat heading towards Sri Lanka and promptly intercepted it following a brief pursuit. Upon inspection, five concealed sacks were discovered on board. The country boat, along with the contraband and its three occupants, was brought to the Coast Guard Station Mandapam for further investigation.

Upon questioning, the accused individuals admitted that the bags contained narcotics received from an individual in Pamban. According to their statements, the team learned that the contraband was intended for handover to someone from Sri Lanka at sea.

In a rapid follow-up, DRI officials apprehended the individual who supplied the contraband to the three-member group from his residence. Interrogations revealed that he was the mastermind behind the organized smuggling of narcotics from India to Sri Lanka via the coastal route. Preliminary investigations disclosed that the seized drugs had been transported from various parts of the country for subsequent shipment to Sri Lanka using country boats.

A total of 111 packets weighing 99 kg were confiscated from the boats. Upon testing, the contents were identified as hashish, with an international market value of approximately ₹108 crore, and seized under the NDPS Act.

Earlier, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Chennai successfully confiscated 30 kg of Methamphetamine, a substance regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, from a passenger who arrived at Madurai railway station from Chennai. Subsequent investigations and searches in Chennai led to the additional seizure of 6 kg of Methamphetamine. The cumulative estimated value of these seizures amounts to approximately ₹180 Crore.

In this context, the BJP president of Tamil Nadu, K Annamalai, released an official statement on his social media platform, expressing concerns about the prevalence of the drug menace in Tamil Nadu. Despite this, Chief Minister Stalin remains conspicuously silent, refraining from taking any action or providing a response.

Annamalai stated, “On 24th Feb – DMK functionary & Tamil film producer Jaffar Sadiq was named as the kingpin of the organised international drug mafia, which smuggled ₹2000 Crore worth of Pseudoephedrine in the last 3 years.

  • On 28th Feb – ₹1200 Crore worth of narcotics to be transferred & transported to Tamil Nadu intercepted & seized in the high seas by NCB.
  • On 1st March – ₹180 Crore worth of Methamphetamine was seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in Madurai.
  • Today, the 5th of March – ₹108 Crore worth of Hashish was seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in Rameswaram.

It’s been 10 days since the link of a DMK functionary in the international drug trade made news, but Thiru @mkstalin has only been desperate to divert people’s attention like his father & former CM Thiru Karunanidhi did during the 2G trial. How long will you evade questions & remain silent, Thiru @mkstalin?”

(With inputs from TNIE)

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Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe Bomb Blast Case: NIA Detains 5 Suspects In Saidapet, Chennai; Keezhakarai, Rameshwaram Also Being Raided As Part Of Multi-State Raids 

By
The Commune
-

In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken custody of five individuals for questioning in connection with the Rameshwaram Cafe bomb blast case in Bengaluru. The suspects were apprehended in Tamil Nadu’s Saidapet area, and the NIA is currently conducting extensive interrogations. 

The NIA carried out raids at 17 locations across seven states to apprehend the accused linked to the bomb blast. Through the raids conducted in Chennai and Ramanathapuram district, the NIA aims to uncover any potential links or outfits in Tamil Nadu associated with the Bengaluru cafe blast. The locations under scrutiny include Mannady and Muthialpet in North Chennai, as well as Keezhakkarai in the southern Ramanathapuram district.

The Rameshwaram Cafe Bomb Blast

The move to conduct raids comes after the agency took over the investigation following the Ministry of Home Affairs’ intervention, highlighting the gravity of the incident that occurred on 1 March 2024 at the Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru, causing injuries to multiple individuals.

The security camera inside Rameshwaram Cafe captured the explosion, prompting the state police to initiate an investigation. However, given the complexity and severity of the case, the Ministry of Home Affairs transferred the probe to the NIA.

During the ongoing investigation, it has emerged that the individual seen in the CCTV footage of the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe bomb blast may have manipulated the use of a mobile phone during the 10 minutes spent at the eatery. The suspect, captured on CCTV wearing a cap, glasses, and a mask, is under scrutiny by the NIA.

The initial findings suggest the involvement of suspects outside Karnataka, prompting the NIA’s intervention. Authorities in Chennai and Ramanathapuram are actively participating in the investigation, aligning efforts to ascertain the potential connections with the Bengaluru blast. 

The identification of the individual who placed the bag containing the improvised explosive device (IED) in the cafe has led to an intensified manhunt. Officials suspect that the perpetrator, who traveled by bus from the blast site, may have fled Karnataka and sought refuge in neighbouring states. 

(with inputs from Republic)

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