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CSI Church Pastor Arrested Under POCSO Act For Sexually Assaulting A Minor Girl In Kanchipuram

By
The Commune
-

A pastor was arrested by the all women’s police station for alleged sexual misconduct involving a 14-year-old girl in Kanchipuram, under the POCSO Act.

Pastor Devairakkam, aged 54, affiliated with CSI Christ Church on Kanchipuram Railway Road, allegedly subjected the girl to unwanted advances. The minor girl was enrolled at CSI Church High School. Following her mother’s passing from health complications, the adolescent resided within the church grounds. On the 1st of January this year, the clergyman, Devairakkam, subjected the girl to sexual harassment. The girl fled from him and disclosed the incident to her community members. Allegedly, law enforcement authorities did not take immediate action upon receiving the complaint.

Consequently, the locals sought intervention from a section of the chief minister’s office. The plea was forwarded to the Kanchipuram District Child Protection Office. Following an investigation by District Child Protection Officer Sakthi Kavya, a formal report was lodged at the women’s police department in Kanchipuram. Subsequent to a thorough inquiry, the police have charged the priest under the POCSO Act and have taken him into custody today.

The alleged offender was later presented before a judge and remanded in custody.

(With Inputs From Hindu Tamil)

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TN BJP Exposes DMK Connection In BSP Leader Armstrong’s Murder, Debunks False Claims Peddled By DMK IT Wing

By
The Commune
-

K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu state unit president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), was brutally murdered on the evening of 5 July 2024, near Perambur in Chennai. Armstrong was attacked by a gang of six assailants armed with machetes and sickles while chatting with friends and supporters near his residence.

Witnesses reported that the attackers threatened anyone who attempted to intervene, causing Armstrong’s friends to flee the scene. His family, upon hearing his cries, rushed to the site only to find him grievously wounded and lying in a pool of blood. Armstrong was quickly taken to a nearby private hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

The assailants have been identified as V Ponnai Balu (39), K Manivannan (25), K Thiruvengatam (33), D Ramu (38), J Santhosh (22), S Thirumalai (45), G Arul (33), and D Selvaraj (48).

In the aftermath of the murder, a tweet by Varavanai Senthil, a self-identified journalist aligned with Dravidian ideology, and a card-carrying DMK supporter, added fuel to the fire by spreading misinformation. Senthil posted a picture with a caption suggesting that one of Armstrong’s killers, Selvaraj, was the BJP Mandal President (SC/ST Wing) in Thirunindravur.

To counter these claims, the state IT wing Vice President of the BJP Karthik Gopinath clarified via X that the picture of the suspect shared by DMK supporter Varavanai Senthil was no way connected to BJP.

“Thirunindravur BJP SC wing regional president Kutty alias Manikandan. This person named Selvaraj mentioned in the picture is not in any charge of the party. To hide their incompetence, the DMK thugs are spreading false news at will!“, he said.

Further clarification came from the BJP Mandal President (SC/ST Wing) of Thirunindravur, who released a video statement: “My name is Kutty (A) Manikandan. Thirunindravur BJP SC Wing Leader. Don’t believe DMK’s fake news!”

In a twist, it was revealed that one of the accused, Arul, who surrendered, is a DMK party member.

Photos have surfaced showing Arul honoring DMK leader and ex-minister Avadi Nasar.

The state IT wing Vice president of the BJP Karthik Gopinath tweeted along with the pictures of the accused Arul along with the DMK ex Minister Avadi Nasar exposing his link with DMK.

“DMK IT wing trying hard to establish a connect between every serious crime and BJP to hide their disastrous failure. But the truth is that most crimes are linked to DMK or its government’s misgovernance. Example: In the murder of BSP state president and Dalit leader Armstrong, the accused Arul who surrendered is a DMK party member. He is seen in pics honouring DMK ex minister Avadi Nasar.”, he said.

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Netizens Call Out All-In-All Sumanth’s Hypocrisy: Hails Outgoing UK Cabinet Vacating Govt Homes, Had A Problem When RaGa Was Asked To Vacate After Losing MP Status

By
The Commune
-

Once again, All in all commentator and Congress sympathizer Sumanth Raman’s criticism of the Indian political system has backfired with his previous remarks now contradict his current stance, highlighting hypocrisy exposing his selectively followed rules based on convenience, opposing them when they do not suit his agenda.

Recently, Sumanth used his official handle X to lecture netizens, highlighting the prompt vacating of government houses by the outgoing UK Cabinet on election result day. He contrasted this with the lingering tenure of defeated MP’s in India, praising the UK’s efficient transfer of power, accurate exit polls, and lack of elaborate swearing-in ceremonies, suggesting India could learn from it.

However, netizens swiftly pointed out his hypocrisy, citing his contrasting reactions to different situations. Previously, when Rahul Gandhi lost his MP post after getting convicted for calling Modi community as thieves, and was asked to vacate his government-allotted bungalow, Sumanth had reacted by posting “how pretty is this” with a facepalm emoji, indicating frustration or embarrassment, as if covering his face in shame. Now, netizens have taken the opportunity to troll the Congress simp for his hypocrisy, questioning why he is lecturing his own party, the Congress, at this moment.

Sumanth Raman wrote, “Look at how the outgoing Cabinet vacated their Govt houses on the day of the election result in the UK. Our defeated MPs’ will have to be carried out kicking and screaming often several years after they have lost. The graceful and immediate hand over of power, the exit polls that were bang on, the lack of a grand swearing in ceremony….. India has a lot to learn. #UKElections2024″

One of the netizen reacted, “But when your boss Rahul Gandhi was asked to vacate the govt Bungalow, you were against it. WHY?”

Another netizen asked, “Pidiraja Thanks for highlighting Priyankaji’s refusal to vacate and atleast pay rent for her Lutyens bungalow Btw she is not an MP or minister why does she get bungalow?”

Another netizen noted, “It happens mostly with the Congress and its allies. the BJP folks vacate without a fuss. Note how Mahua Moitra, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi made such a hue and cry about it.”

Another netizen advised Sumanth to be loyal to congress said, “This was the heading in 2014. But why suddenly Dr sir is going against Congress leaders? Don’t worry sir after Kharge ji it is you…. Be loyal to the Madam ji.”

Another netizen noted the problem exists but that was only with Congress members and said, “Madame holds the world record. She stayed put where she was since May 1991 till she became an MP in 2004 – a sum total of 13 years. Problems yes, problem creators – not only MPs but their kith n kin as well.”

https://twitter.com/prafulnangia1/status/1809302928055841176

Another netizen remarked, “You shall directly mention Rahul name !! No need to be shy doctor.”

Another netizen pointing of his hypocrisy asked, “Wow… BTW dint u condem this when Tahul was asked to vacate? If u speak / write per dharma, u dont need to “REMEMBER” what u wrote/ spoke earlier. But for you u gotbto REMEMBER ur buased stances”

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PMK Functionary Attacked By 4 ‘Unknown’ Assailants With Sickles In Cuddalore, Admitted To Hospital In Serious Condition

By
The Commune
-

Just days after the assault on Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Armstrong, another Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) functionary was attacked by four unknown assailants wielding sickles in Cuddalore. This incident has sent shockwaves throughout Tamil Nadu.

Sivashankar, a PMK functionary residing in Surappanayakan chavadi, was assaulted with a sickle by a group of four individuals who then fled the scene. He has been hospitalized in critical condition at Cuddalore Government Hospital. This incident has caused unrest in Cuddalore, with the police actively investigating the attackers.

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

According to police sources, the gang arrived on three motorcycles around 7 pm, carried out the attack, and fled before supporters could respond. Senior police officials including Deputy Commissioner I Eswaran and Assistant Commissioner Praveen Kumar visited the crime scene. A special investigative team under Sembium Inspector of Police Chiranjeevi has been formed to apprehend the suspects, and security in the area has been tightened to prevent further violence.

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

Armstrong, a lawyer by profession, had a troubled past with previous criminal cases, though his legal troubles reportedly ceased a decade ago. He rose to prominence through his association with former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, organizing rallies in Chennai and establishing himself as a prominent Dalit leader despite the BSP’s limited influence in Tamil Nadu. So far, 8 suspects have been arrested.

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VCK Chief Thirumavalavan Urges DMK Govt To Find Real Culprits In Armstrong Murder Case While CM Stalin Says Those Involved Have Already Been Arrested

By
The Commune
-

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thirumavalavan has emphasized that those who surrendered in connection with the murder of  Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief K Armstrong are not the actual perpetrators. He urged the DMK government to apprehend the real culprits to avoid tarnishing its reputation.

However, Chief Minister MK Stalin in his social media post condoling Armstrong’s death said that those involved in the murder have already been arrested.

Stalin said “Bahujan Samaj Party State President Mr. Armstrong’s assassination is shocking and deeply saddening. The police arrested those involved in the murder overnight.”

Armstrong, the president of BSP in Tamil Nadu, was fatally assaulted by unknown attackers in Chennai recently. His body underwent a post-mortem examination at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital in Chennai, and Thirumavalavan paid his respects on 6 July 2024. Following this, Thirumavalavan spoke to reporters outside the hospital, advocating for Armstrong’s body to be publicly displayed at a private school in Perambur, a request that received approval from the Tamil Nadu government.

Thirumavalavan also mentioned the BSP’s wish to cremate Armstrong’s remains at the party office premises, supported by the Viduthalai Chiruthigal Katchi. He urged the state government to facilitate this request. Finally, Thirumavalavan emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the true masterminds and perpetrators behind Armstrong’s murder, stressing that the surrender of certain individuals should not prematurely conclude the investigation.

Speaking with the reporters VCK chief Thirumavalavan stated, “The individuals who surrendered in the case of Bahujan Samaj Party Tamil Nadu president Armstrong’s murder are not the true criminals. Therefore, the authorities must arrest those truly responsible for the crime.”

Later he said, “Steps should be taken to find the real culprits behind this murder. Those who have surrendered now are not real criminals. All those involved in this murder, including those who incited them, should be arrested. You should not stop the investigation by saying ‘we have arrested the real culprits behind this, ‘ you should arrest all those involved in this murder, including those who incited them. We are making this request to the Tamil Nadu government on behalf of the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and other organisation gathered here.”

Thirumavalavan further said Armstrong has voiced public concerns. Due to this, enmity and animosity arose for him from here and there. The police know this very well. Therefore, the police should have given him protection. Now the police should be vigilant in arresting criminals. We urge you not to be indifferent. Dalits continue to be murdered in Tamil Nadu, especially in the southern districts. Today a political leader was murdered near his home. I would like to inform that if the government fails to stop such mercenary gangs, casteist and murderous gangs, it will lead to chaos. This is a challenge to the police and the Tamil Nadu government.

 

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

According to police sources, the gang arrived on three motorcycles around 7 pm, carried out the attack, and fled before supporters could respond. Senior police officials including Deputy Commissioner I Eswaran and Assistant Commissioner Praveen Kumar visited the crime scene. A special investigative team under Sembium Inspector of Police Chiranjeevi has been formed to apprehend the suspects, and security in the area has been tightened to prevent further violence.

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

Armstrong, a lawyer by profession, had a troubled past with previous criminal cases, though his legal troubles reportedly ceased a decade ago. He rose to prominence through his association with former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, organizing rallies in Chennai and establishing himself as a prominent Dalit leader despite the BSP’s limited influence in Tamil Nadu. So far, 8 suspects have been arrested.

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CSI Immanuel Church Pastor Apologizes For His Anti-Hindu Remarks After Police Files Case Following Complaints By Hindu Organizations

By
The Commune
-

Pastor Prince Calvin of CSI Immanuel Church in Uppilipalayam, Coimbatore, publicly apologized for his extremely derogatory Hinduphobic speech during a prayer meeting on 16 June 2024, which was criticized for allegedly fostering discord between Hindu and Christian communities. The incident sparked outrage among Hindu groups, leading to a police complaint.

The church regularly broadcasts its prayer meetings on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube, where the controversial speech was live-streamed, drawing significant attention and condemnation for its perceived inflammatory content.

Derogating Sanathana Dharma by explaining some verses from the Bible about untouchability, he suddenly started talking about Sanatana Dharma and Hindus. Prince Calvin said, “Today it is the 2 descendants who are ruling the world, one is Abraham’s descendants and the other Ishmael’s descendants. Christians and Muslims are the ones ruling the world. Here people talk about Sanatanam and spirituality. They eat dumplings (kozhakattai) and coconut meat (Thenga moodi), and they drink cow urine. What is spirituality in this? They say those who eat beef are lower caste while those who drink cow urine are upper caste. Do they even have brains? One who eats cow dung is upper caste, “crossbelt” (a derogatory reference to one wearing sacred thread janeu/poonool) – the one who eats the cow that gives this cow dung is lower caste.”

He further said, “The only race which eats dung lives here. No other race in the entire world eats dung. Only in India do they eat the dung and drink the urine. We have such a disgusting race in India, and he proudly says that he came from Lord Brahma’s head. If you came from the head, why are you eating what fell on the ground? The one who comes from the head must stand on his head. We all stand in front of the cow, but these people stand behind the cow waiting for it to lift its tail. And they call us savage. They call us uncivilized people and say don’t touch them; they are untouchable. We feel ashamed to touch them, they do such dirty things.”

Towards the end of the sermon where he was describing how a character from the Bible verse he was explaining asked for water, he again delved into making Hinduphobic remarks. Prince Calvin said, “Water is a big problem here. Go to the villages and see, you cannot draw water from any well just like that. If you do that, they will chop you into pieces and put you inside the same well. It used to be like that at one point in time. There used to be a well for the village, a well for the slum (Cheri), and one well for every place. You cannot take water from a well that is not yours. You cannot drink any water, as if they discovered water. God gave us water. He gave it to everyone. Nature is for everyone but these people took it away and created rules. They created water politics. Even today it is occurring.” And then he continues his sermon. He ended the sermon with the comment that Jesus was a very progressive person who never cared about anything and defied all rules (of untouchability and such). 

The Race Course police in Coimbatore filed a case against Presbyter Prince Calvin of CSI Immanuel Church for a sermon deemed controversial, where he allegedly made defamatory remarks about another religion. The case was registered under Sections 153 A, 295 A, 504, and 505 (ii) of the IPC, following a complaint by Priyanka, a sub-inspector at Race Course police station. According to the police, specific comments in the sermon were considered sufficiently offensive to potentially stoke hostility and communal discord between the two religions. Currently, the controversial sermon video by the pastor has been made private on the church’s YouTube channel.

Currently the original controversial sermon video of the pastor is kept private in the youtuve channel of the church.

Following the escalating controversy, Pastor Prince Calvin has issued a video expressing regret for his past statements. He acknowledged, “Last Sunday on 16/06/2024 I delivered a sermon at 9 o’clock in the worship service, while talking about superstitions and cultural degradation, I spoke a few words about beef and related social views. I came to know that some words that were recorded has caused much grief and hurt to the Hindu brothers. I am aware that some Hindu brothers have filed a case against me in the police department as well.”

The pastor clarified that his comments were intended to address issues of cultural decline and caste discrimination and said, “At this point I would like to give this explanation. I have been in close contact with many fellow Hindus since my childhood, even today all my friends are Hindus, and I am living in social harmony as a good citizen of India. In that speech, my intention was not to offend any religion and their beliefs, but I talked about the beef politics to tell about the superstitions and the discrimination in cultural degradation, especially about the caste inequality.”

He further stated, “Therefore, I would like to inform you that I have no intention to hurt the Hindu brothers in any way, in a way that is degrading, demean or slanderous and I extend my heartfelt apologies to the Hindu community for any hurt caused by my words and express my deep regret.”

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Escalating Political And Caste Based Murders In Dravidian Model Tamil Nadu

By
The Commune
-

During the run up to the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, MK Stalin in a campaign propaganda video said “Law & Order would be under my direct control. Those who do wrong, I am saying again, those who do wrong will be punished“.

Ever since the ascension of DMK to power, Tamil Nadu has witnessed a disturbing trend of brutal murders, often driven by caste or political motives. These incidents have drawn strong criticism from politicians and the public alike, highlighting perceived failures in the DMK government’s management of law and order in the state.

Incident 1

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

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

Incident 2

Deepak Raja, a Dalit figure and history sheeter, was fatally attacked in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, on 20 May 2024, by an unidentified gang in broad daylight near a restaurant in Palayamkottai’s KTC Nagar. The 30-year-old was assaulted by a team of six individuals and succumbed to his injuries immediately. The Palayamkottai police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under multiple sections of the law, including provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Deepak Raja had a history of several pending cases against him. In response to the incident, City Police Commissioner Pa Moorthy has assembled six specialized teams to apprehend the perpetrators. As of now, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the crime, with efforts ongoing to locate others involved.

Incident 3

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

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

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

Incident 4

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

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

Incident 5

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

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

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

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“Actor Vijay Aligns With DMK, Embraces Dravida Model”, Says DMK Minister Ponmudi

By
The Commune
-

DMK minister K. Ponmudi addressed a large public gathering today in Vikravandi assembly constituency. During his speech he highlighted actor Vijay’s ideological alliance with DMK.

“We were thinking about what Vijay would do, but he has joined our Dravida model by saying NEET should be banned,” Ponmudi said.

Adding further he said “He also mentioned that states should be granted more rights, and that education and healthcare should be under state jurisdiction. He is just echoing what our Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has consistently advocated. Vijay has also lent his support to the bill brought by M.K. Stalin to ban NEET. This is the statement of someone who understands the emotions of Tamils. Whatever party he may start, M.K. Stalin has welcomed his ideological alliance with the DMK. Vijay fans should take note of this.”

Ponmudi contrasted Vijay’s stance with that of PMK’s candidate Anbumani Ramadoss, who is running in the upcoming elections.

“Anbumani said NEET should be banned, but today he shared the stage with BJP leaders. Did he have the courage to oppose NEET in front of Annamalai? Is he ready to support the demand for a caste-based census? Annamalai condemned Vijay’s statement. In the DMK, we have unity in ideology with actor Vijay.“, Ponmudi said.

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“Shameless, Resign”: Brutal Murder Of BSP TN Head Armstrong Triggers Law & Order Crisis, Massive Protest Brings Central Chennai To Halt, Opposition Demands Stalin’s Resignation

By
The Commune
-
Armstrong Murder Case: TN Police To File Charge Sheet Soon

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

According to police sources, the gang arrived on three motorcycles around 7 pm, carried out the attack, and fled before supporters could respond. Senior police officials including Deputy Commissioner I Eswaran and Assistant Commissioner Praveen Kumar visited the crime scene. A special investigative team under Sembium Inspector of Police Chiranjeevi has been formed to apprehend the suspects, and security in the area has been tightened to prevent further violence.

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

Armstrong, a lawyer by profession, had a troubled past with previous criminal cases, though his legal troubles reportedly ceased a decade ago. He rose to prominence through his association with former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, organizing rallies in Chennai and establishing himself as a prominent Dalit leader despite the BSP’s limited influence in Tamil Nadu.

As news came of his murder, his supporters flocked to the streets and slammed the DMK government over crumbling law and order in the state.

In a viral video, a supporter of Armstrong can be heard lashing out at MK Stalin saying “You shameless Stalin!” Another supporter can be heard using vulgar Tamil slangs against the Chief Minister.

“What is the intelligence department doing?”, asks another.

In this regard, Mayawati the National President of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and a four time Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh condemned the incident in her X official account stated, “The gruesome killing of Mr. K. Armstrong, Tamil Nadu state Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president, outside his Chennai house is highly deplorable and condemnable. An advocate by profession, he was known as a strong Dalit voice in the state. The state Govt. must punish the guilty.”

In response to the murder, Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai condemned the incident, criticizing the law and order situation under the DMK government led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. He expressed shock at Armstrong’s killing and questioned the moral responsibility of the Chief Minister in light of escalating violence in the state over the past three years.

Annamalai in his official X account stated, “Deeply shocked by the news of the brutal murder of the State President of the Bahujan Samaj Party, Thiru Armstrong avl, in Chennai today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family & the cadres of the Bahujan Samaj Party at this time. Violence & brutality has no place in our society but has become a norm in TN in the last 3 years under the DMK regime. Having left the law & order of the State in shatters, Thiru @mkstalin should ask himself if he has the moral responsibility to continue as the CM of the State.”

The brutal murder has deeply affected society, especially the party workers and supporters, leading to significant protests outside Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital in Chennai. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers and supporters have blocked Poonamallee High Road, causing traffic congestion, as they demand a CBI investigation into the killing of their state president, Armstrong. He was fatally attacked by an unidentified group of six individuals near his home in Perambur, Chennai. Police efforts are currently focused on locating the perpetrators.

In this regard the Greater Chennai Police have said that, “Armstrong, State President, Bahujan Samaj Party was assaulted by unknown persons with knives at Venugopal Samy Kovil Street, Perambur in Sembium Police station limits, due to previous enmity. He was admitted to the hospital for treatment but succumbed to injuries. 10 teams led by Tr. Asra Garg IPS ACoP North have been formed immediately and traced 8 accused within hours of the incident and arrested them. Police are investigating.”

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The Ancient Origins Of Shri Jagannath: From Nilamadhav To Kantilo’s Sacred Legacy

By
Surya Sarathi Roy
-
Image Source: Wikipedia

The origin of Shri Jagannath & especially his unique iconography is shrouded in mystery. Three ancient texts – Skanda Puran, Bamdeva Samhita, Markendya Puran & Niladri Mahodaya are considered to be the most important ancient texts for the study of Shri Jagannath. However, only a few are aware of Shri Jagannath’s connection back to Lord Neelmadhav & Sri Krishna’s demise towards the end of Dwapar Yug.

Exactly 36 years after the Kurukshetra War somewhere between 3100 BC- 3300BC, both Yudhistir & Sri Krishna saw the cosmic movements & planetary position changes coupled with a Comet explosion in the Sky which was an indicator to them of the imminent destruction that was coming up. While for Samrat Yudhistir he saw signs of Kali Yug stepping in, Sri Krishna remembered the curse of Gandhari & the ensuing annihilation of the Yadava’s that was foretold.

Yudhistir dispatched the Master Archer Arjun towards Dwarka & Sri Krishna went to a solitary place near Prabhas. As fate would have it Sri Krishna had left his mortal body before Arjun could have reached. While Arjuna had received the last orders of Keshav that he should escort the civilians of Dwarka out of the Walled City inside the Sea to a safe place & burn his body near Prabhas (Ban Ganga), to his utter dismay Arjuna couldn’t cremate the naval portion of Sri Krishna, which floated across the Sea as per the divine instructions towards the east coast. Here it was the tribal king Sabar Raj Bishwabasu (First birth – Bali, second Birth Jara the hunter & now the tribal chief) who located this Bramha Bastu (Sri Krishna’s Navel) & placed it in a Tiger Cave atop a dense jungle.

This is the present-day Kantilo. This Bramha Bastu assumed the shape of Shri Neel Madhava which was then worshipped by the Gods & Sabar King from then onwards. Madhav popular as the reincarnation of Sri Hari Vishnu has been worshipped since ancient times in the four regions of Odisha (Uddro Desh – Skand Puran) namely,

  1. Prachi Valley
  2. Mahanadi Valley
  3. Baitarani Valley and
  4. Rushikulya Valley

The worship of Madhava was immensely popular in the Mahanadi Valley & also patronized by the Kings of those regions. The fabrication of the Nilamadhav Temples in the Mahanadi Valley was manifested in the most important Nayagarh District & Kantilo as a town.
The beauty of Kantilo is absolutely fascinating one that of a Tapobhumi with abundant presence of hills, greenery & the breathtaking Mahanadi with its vast stretch.

The Neelmadhav Temple is located on the hilltop by the name of Bramhadri Parvat where Lord Bramha had prayed to Lord Nilamadhav for his resurrection & offered his Yagna. Major findings indicate that Kantilo was the abode of the primeval Lord Nilamadhava where Vaishanavism & Shaivisim both grew up together. This is further corroborated by the presence of a Kashi Vishwanath replica inside the Nilamadhava Temple.

It is widely & strongly believed that the Tiger Cave where Tribal King Sabaraj Bishwabasu worshipped the four-armed Lord Nilamadhav is located here at the Bramhadri hilltop overlooking the beautiful Mahanadi that touches its feet. Evidence & artifacts found indicate the emergence of Madhav Worship in Kantilo & adjoining areas of Mahanadi Valley from the 4th Century AD to the 14th Century AD.
Of all ancient places, Kantilo was popularly designated as Padmakhestra & Darubramha Khestra. Because the term Nilamadhava has the assimilation of three deities & can be broken up into Nila+ Ma+ Dhava which means Nila = Lord Jagannath (The creator of the Blue (Nila) earth & Sky, Ma = Subhadhra & Dhava = The white dress holder Lord Balabhadra.

The most important festival of Sri Neelmadhav is on Kartik Purnima when he is accorded the Sunabesh or the Golden Attire, also known as the Raj Rajeshwar Besh. Interestingly, the residents of Kantilo town & the adjoining villages are the descendants of either the Vidyapatis clan of Brahmins (one who discovered Sri Nilamadhav) or of the tribal lord Sabaraj Bishwabasu. This is evident from their way of living in the villages & the customs they follow.

One must remember to take a bath in the Mahanadi before visiting Sri Nilamadhava Temple as it is said in the Skanda Puran & Markendya Puran that Uddro desh has two major holy water bodies, the Mahanadi & the Mahadodhi ( Sea in Puri). One of the versions as detailed by the Shaunak Munigan, popularly known as the Shaunakadi shows the 4 super knowledgeable adolescent sons & yogis of Bramha – Sanat, Sanatan, Sananadan & Sanatkumar details that Vidyapati while carrying back the deity of Lord Nilamadhav went against the instruction of the primeval lord of not resting, for wherever Vidyapati would rest the deity will get fixed in that place /area, & that is how Nilamadhav got established in Kantilo as this is the place where Vidyapati had kept the deity down to answer to nature’s call.

While there are multiple folklore & legends associated with Nilamadhava’s existence in Kantilo (90kms from Bhubneshwar), the ancient & mythical environment existent over there is a clear indicator of the fact that this place is Older than times & civilizations. The hills display a striking resemblance to the descriptions mentioned in the Skanda Puran with a light blue radiant color emanating from them. As Skanda Puran states of the Neel Parvat (Blue Mountains), you only know that there you are. Kantilo is one of the 108 main Vaishnava sites associated with Vaishanivism & is a must-visit for all Lord Jagannath devotees. For here is the true birthplace of the Supreme Purush … Purushottam.

Published from Surya Sarathi Roy’s blog with permission.

Surya Sarathi Roy is a Heritage Conservationist and Indic History researcher who balances his IT career with work in historical preservation, affiliated with organizations like INTACH, ICOMOS, and IHAR.

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