Dravidian Model poet Vairamuthu, who functions like the court poet of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, faces sexual harassment allegations from multiple women and has drawn criticism for derogatory remarks about Hindu deities, has been conferred India’s highest literary honour – the Jnanpith Award.

Ironically, the sexual harassment accused poet known for anti-Hindu comments will be getting an award that consists of a bronze replica of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom.

About Jnanpith Award

The award is not given by the Government of India but by the New Delhi–based literary and research organisation Bharatiya Jnanpith, a private entity.

There is no statutory or government-mandated process governing how these bodies are formed; the organization appoints members internally.

For each Indian language, Bharatiya Jnanpith forms a Language Advisory Committee (LAC) comprising writers, critics, scholars, and academics from that language’s literary community. These committees evaluate authors and recommend names based on their lifetime literary contributions.

The final decision is made by the Jnanpith Selection Board, also appointed by Bharatiya Jnanpith, which typically includes senior literary figures and sometimes past awardees. The board reviews the nominations and selects the recipient of the award.

However, the award has been formally presented by the President of India in a ceremony on different occasions.

Controversies Of Vairamuthu

Vairamuthu in 2018 claimed that the 7th-century mystic poet Andal was a Devadasi who lived and died at the Srirangam Temple.

Woke singer Chinmayi Sripaada publicly accused Vairamuthu of sexual harassment, including inappropriate demands and career coercion.  Around 17 women have levelled sexual harassment charges have come forward with claims of molestation, groping, and exploitation. One report indicated a woman was molested by him at age 18 in his office, where he allegedly hugged and kissed her.  Vairamuthu has consistently denied the charges, labeling them as vendetta or politically timed.

In 2021, he had penned a song that romanticizes pedophilia. The song is about a school-going girl in love with a grey-haired old ‘poet’ and was filmed with actor Anika Surendran who was 16 years old at that time.

Vairamuthu had also ridiculed Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and also raised questions about his birth.

In July 2024, Vairamuthu mocked Hindu practices in a poem under the garb of condoling the Hathras stampede tragedy.

The decision by the New Delhi–based literary and research organisation Bharatiya Jnanpith to confer the Jnanpith Award on Vairamuthu raises questions about the values, standards and principles that India’s most prestigious literary institutions seek to uphold.

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The post DMK Stooge Poet, Sexual Harassment Accused Vairamuthu Who Called Andal A Prostitute And Derogated Lord Ram Conferred India’s Highest Literary Honour ‘Jnanpith Award’ appeared first on The Commune.

Tamil investigative political magazine Junior Vikatan has reported that one of the reasons for removing DMK leader Rajiv Gandhi from the post of Student Wing Secretary and reassigning him as Joint Secretary in the Propaganda Wing was allegations that he misbehaved with female party cadres.

The report says that DMK leader Rajiv Gandhi has been sending inappropriate messages to some of the party’s female executives at night via Instagram and Facebook. “Despite their warnings, he did not stop. Following this, the female executives informed the higher-ups about the matter.“, the report says.

According to a report by News J Tamil, more than 35 women have complained of sexual harassment by DMK leader Rajiv Gandhi when he was the head of Student’s Wing.

#BREAKING || திமுக நிர்வாகி மீது பாலியல் புகார் | DMK Fails | NewsJ #dmkfail #mkstalinfails #rajivgandhi #womanabuse #harassmentcase #newsj pic.twitter.com/LvmFe5Uaku

— NewsJ (@NewsJTamil) March 14, 2026

Both Junior Vikatan and News J has reported that the DMK was forced to act on Rajiv Gandhi and remove him from the post of Student’s Wing Secretary after complaints of sexual harassment. However, this move is being seen as an eye-wash as he has been given another post in the DMK’s propaganda wing.

Leaked Instagram direct messages purportedly involving Rajiv Gandhi, engaging in suggestive and sexually charged conversations with what is alleged to be a female party cadre are also doing the rounds on social media. The screenshots show Rajiv Gandhi allegedly talking with a married female party executive about France being famous for French kiss and asking her a math question like “What is 23% of 300?” referring to ’69 position’ being ‘his favourite number and position’.

Hey @grok pls verify this screenshot is fake or true! pic.twitter.com/txr50lbY3k

— Sonia Arunkumar (@rajakumaari) March 14, 2026

Rajiv Gandhi has denied the screenshots doing the rounds as “fabricated” using “Fake Instagram Chat Generator”.

அரசியல் மாற்றுக் கருத்து இருப்பின் கொள்கை ரீதியில் விவாதிக்கலாம், சண்டையிடலாம். ஆனால், என்னை வீழ்த்த இவ்வளவு கீழ்த்தரமாக ஒரு பொய் செய்தியை 10 டாலர் கிரிப்டோ செலுத்தி உருவாக்கும் அளவிற்கு ஏன் இந்த காழ்ப்புணர்ச்சி?

தொழில்நுட்பம் வளர்ச்சிக்கு தானே தவிர அழிவிற்கு அல்ல

யாருக்கு என்…

— R.Rajiv Gandhi -தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன். (@rajiv_dmk) March 14, 2026

But many on social media vouch for the chat’s authenticity. A report by Minnambalam also notes that they’ve found the complaints against Rajiv Gandhi to be true.

“When we spoke to DMK student union executives regarding this, complaints were made to Stalin, Udhayanidhi, and Kanimozhi that some female executives in the student union were under stress. The party leadership investigated these shocking complaints and confirmed that they were true. Information also reached the DMK leadership that some people affected by Rajiv Gandhi are ready to speak openly in public.”, Minnambalam report said. 

Today’s Vikatan has reported on DMK functionary Rajiv Gandhi’s online sexual harassment to party women in DM’s and the reason for him losing his post as Student wing leader . There are also certain ss of his behaviour floating around . Which are authenticated.

If this is the… pic.twitter.com/MF3xe0GXc5

— Shalin Maria Lawrence (@TheBluePen25) March 14, 2026

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The post DMK Leader Rajiv Gandhi Accused Of Sliding Into DMs Of Party’s Women Cadres And Sending Inappropriate Messages appeared first on The Commune.

The University of Delhi on Friday rejected allegations made by Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, who had claimed that the university conducts interviews to filter out students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

The Congress leader had alleged that interviews were used as a mechanism to prevent certain students from securing admission.

Speaking at a public event, Gandhi said he had visited Delhi University and claimed that interviews were designed to eliminate students based on their caste.

He said that students were allegedly failed in interviews after being asked about their caste, adding that such practices were simple methods of exclusion. Gandhi also criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, alleging that senior positions within the organisation did not include representation from OBC, Dalit, or tribal communities. He said, “I went to Delhi University. The way interviews are used to eliminate children is this, ‘What is your caste, brother? You fail the interview.’ Simple as that. Take out the list of RSS organisations. Look at the list of their pracharaks, their senior RSS centre, you will not find a single OBC, not a single Dalit, not a single tribal person there. And this is completely against the Constitution.”

Rahul Gandhi’s Statement Sparks Storm

“Students are being failed based on caste…” – Rahul Gandhi cites ‘DU student interviews.’@shreyadhoundial shares more updates. pic.twitter.com/PCDK1GkGLD

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 13, 2026

Delhi University Response

In response, Delhi University issued a statement clarifying that its admission process does not rely on interviews for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

The university said admissions are primarily conducted through scores obtained in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), which forms the basis of the standard admission procedure.

According to the university, interviews are not part of the regular admission process for the majority of courses, and therefore the question of discrimination through such interviews does not arise.

The university added that if Gandhi’s comments were referring to recruitment processes, such as faculty appointments, those follow established procedures and regulations.

Delhi University stated that in recent years it had recruited thousands of teachers across different categories.

Taking to X, they wrote, “The University of Delhi admits students primarily based on the CUET scores, and the standard admission process does not mandate interviews for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. If the Leader of Opposition was referring to recruitments (such as faculty positions), the University in the recent past has recruited thousands of teachers across all categories. We strongly object to such comments, as they create a non-conducive environment in the University. The Leader of Opposition should have verified the facts before making such a statement.”

The University of Delhi admits students primarily based on the CUET scores, and the standard admission process does not mandate interviews for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.If the Leader of Opposition was referring to recruitments (such as faculty positions), the… https://t.co/1zTO4gpyxH

— University of Delhi (@UnivofDelhi) March 13, 2026

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The post Rahul Gandhi Claims Delhi University Filters Students By Caste, ‘Verify Facts First’, Says DU Rejecting His Allegations appeared first on The Commune.

Sun TV Network has filed a copyright infringement suit in the Madras High Court against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), alleging that the IPL franchise used audio tracks, background music, and dialogues from the Rajinikanth films Jailer, Jailer 2, and Coolie without permission in a promotional video introducing its new jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season.

Sun TV Network is owned by Kalanithi Maran, the father of Kavya Maran who owns the IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL team Kavya Maran and her team Sunrisers is also in the news for buying a Pakistani player named Abrar Ahmed who has sympathized with Islamic terrorism and even mocked India.

The copyright matter came up before Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy on Friday. Appearing for the television network, senior counsel J. Ravindran told the court that CSK had used copyrighted audio material from the films in a video shared on its social media platforms to promote the team’s new jersey.

He said the broadcaster had issued an email notice to CSK on 1 March 2026, pointing out the alleged unauthorised use of its copyrighted material. According to the counsel, the IPL franchise subsequently stopped using the audio tracks and dialogues after receiving the notice. However, he urged the court to ensure that such use does not recur in the future.

Representing CSK, senior counsel P. S. Raman informed the court that his client had already discontinued the use of the songs, audio tracks, and dialogues from the films, as reported in The Hindu. He said that if the team intends to use such material in the future, it would do so only after obtaining the necessary permissions from the copyright holders.

After recording the statement, Justice Ramamoorthy directed CSK to file an affidavit confirming the undertaking by March 16.

Sun TV Claims Exclusive Rights

In its plaint, Sun TV Network stated that the films Jailer, Jailer 2, and Coolie were produced by its film production arm and that the music composer Anirudh Ravichander had assigned all rights relating to the exploitation of the music to the production company through a written agreement.

The broadcaster submitted a copy of the agreement to the court, with the composer’s remuneration details redacted on the grounds that they formed part of a confidential commercial arrangement.

According to the plaintiff, it was surprised to learn that CSK had used soundtracks and dialogues from the three films in a promotional video released on March 1 to market its IPL 2026 jersey.

Allegation of Commercial Exploitation

Sun TV also informed the court that the jerseys featured in the promotional campaign were priced at ₹2,399 each. The company argued that its copyrighted works had been used without authorisation to support a commercial product launch.

The network has requested the court to issue an injunction restraining CSK from using the material without permission. It has also sought an order directing the franchise to disclose accounts detailing the revenue earned from the allegedly infringing promotional activity.

In addition, Sun TV has asked the court to direct CSK to deposit the revenue connected with the promotion into the court until the civil suit is disposed of, and to pay ₹1 crore as damages for the alleged infringement of copyright.

The most interesting part of this court battle (for me) was that Anirudh has written off the rights of his music to Sun Pictures@ursmusically isn’t it quite unusual at a time when most top composers retain rights to their works? pic.twitter.com/BvlSJqIMVS

— Siddharth Prabhakar (@Sidprabhakar7) March 14, 2026

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The post DMK Family-Linked Sun TV Headed By Sunrisers Team Owner Kavya Maran’s Dad Sues CSK Over Use Of ‘Jailer’ And ‘Coolie’ Music In IPL Jersey Promotion appeared first on The Commune.

Sun News, the Tamil news channel owned by the DMK-affiliated Maran family, came under sharp criticism after a YouTube thumbnail used an incorrect map of India that showed Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Aksai Chin as foreign territories.

The Controversy

The error was spotted in the thumbnail of a Sun News video featuring ‘economist’ Anand Srinivasan discussing the ongoing LPG gas cylinder shortage crisis. The map used in the thumbnail depicted India’s silhouette without PoK and Aksai Chin, effectively showing them as non-Indian territory.

A desecrated Indian map was reportedly telecasted on Sun News, a channel owned by the DMK’s first family. The map wrongly showed POK and Aksai Chin as foreign territories. This is a serious offense and a gross violation of India’s broadcasting rules. The Ministry of Information… pic.twitter.com/KGq1Lhmj81

— Karthik (@skarthikdotin) March 13, 2026

Under India’s official cartographic policy enforced by the Survey of India, it is mandatory for all media organisations, publishers, and broadcasters to represent PoK and Aksai Chin as integral parts of India.

Stealth Edit After Public Backlash

After the error surfaced on social media and drew widespread criticism, Sun News quietly changed the thumbnail, replacing the incorrect map with a corrected representation showing the complete Indian territory including PoK and Aksai Chin.

However, the original thumbnail with the defaced map had already been widely screenshot and shared, making the edit impossible to conceal.

The channel did not issue any public apology, correction, or explanation for the error. The video itself, which discusses the LPG shortage warning remained online.

What the Law Says

Under India’s broadcast content regulations and the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, airing maps that misrepresent India’s territorial boundaries is a serious violation that can attract:

• Show-cause notices from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
• Suspension or cancellation of broadcast licence
• Criminal prosecution under national security provisions

This comes amid news of DMK family’s Kavya Maran (wife of Sun Network owner Kalanidhi Maran) successfully bidding for a Pakistani terror sympathising cricket player for Sunrisers Leeds.

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The post Sun News Airs Wrong Map Of India Showing PoK, Aksai Chin Outside Indian Territory In Thumbnail, Changes Quietly After Backlash appeared first on The Commune.

BJP leader Annamalai launched a scathing attack on the ruling DMK government at a street-corner public meeting held at Kudiyathur in the Thondamuthur assembly constituency of Coimbatore on Friday (13 March 2026) evening, calling on voters to “strike down and throw out” the DMK administration that he accused of destroying law and order in the state.

Addressing a large gathering that included a significant number of women and mothers, Annamalai declared: “The DMK government that has ruined law and order must be thrown out. Under DMK rule, no one is safe – not a toddler, not a student, not an elderly woman.”

Women’s Safety at the Centre of Attack

Annamalai trained his sharpest guns on the DMK government’s handling of crimes against women, citing a series of recent incidents including the rape and murder of a 17-year-old girl in Thoothukudi who had just finished her Class 12 examinations. He noted that the girl had scored 495 out of 500 marks in her Class 10 board examinations and had dreams of becoming a doctor.

“Her parents went to the police station at 8:30 to file a missing complaint. The officer refused to register it and asked them to go to the Women’s Police Station. By the next afternoon, her body was found – sexually assaulted and strangled. This is law and order under DMK,” Annamalai said, his voice breaking with emotion.

He further cited government statistics presented at a press conference by senior Tamil Nadu police officials, stating that 8,008 murders and 2,080 rape cases were recorded in the state over the past five years, and that crimes against children below 18 years had touched 39,900 cases amounting to 22 children victimised every single day.

“DMK ministers stand up and say law and order is excellent in Tamil Nadu. Law and order is a laughing stock – it is a street joke,” he thundered.

Financial Assistance Claims

During the speech, Annamalai referred to welfare payments announced by the DMK government and financial assistance programmes implemented in other states. He mentioned that the Tamil Nadu government had transferred ₹5,000 to women beneficiaries under a state scheme and cited examples of cash benefits provided in BJP-governed states.

“They gave ₹20 per day and borrowed ₹150 per day in your name as debt. That is what they call the Dravidian Model of Governance,” he said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

“Central Schemes Must Reach the People”

Annamalai also accused the DMK government of deliberately blocking Central government welfare schemes from reaching Tamil Nadu’s citizens, citing the stalling of the PM Awas Yojana housing scheme in the state.

“Prime Minister Modi said in Tiruchirappalli – I want every poor family to have a home. But Tamil Nadu is the only state blocking these houses from reaching its rural poor. Your tax money, your schemes, the DMK government is standing in the way,” he charged.

He urged voters to bring the NDA to power so that Central government funds and schemes flow “without any obstruction” to the people of Tamil Nadu. “That is the only reason we are holding these street-corner meetings across the state,” he added.

EPS Must Be Chief Minister, Says Annamalai

Annamalai concluded his speech with a strong endorsement of AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palanisami as the NDA’s Chief Ministerial candidate, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally expressed confidence in EPS to lead Tamil Nadu in 2026.

“Brother Edappadi Palanisami must become Chief Minister again. The day NDA comes to power, Central schemes will flow freely, corruption will end, and Tamil Nadu will once again be a state where every woman, every child, and every family is safe,” he declared.

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The post ‘DMK Has Destroyed Law and Order, Must Be Thrown Out’: BJP’s Annamalai’s Fiery Attack In Coimbatore appeared first on The Commune.

AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP Inbadurai on Friday, 13 March 2026, raised serious concerns about the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu, particularly regarding crimes against women under the DMK regime, during a session of Parliament. Speaking in the Upper House, Inbadurai said the state was facing an alarming situation and urged the Union government to intervene and initiate a formal inquiry.

Addressing the Chair, Inbadurai began his remarks with an emotional appeal.

“Honourable Chairman Sir, I am standing with tearful eyes. I offer you my tearful greetings (Kanneer Vanakkam). Tamil Nadu is facing a very serious situation — a panic situation,” he said.

Drawing a comparison with nationally debated incidents of violence against women, he added, “For one Hathras case, the entire nation was shaken with shock. But Tamil Nadu is facing a Nirbhaya case every single day – a Nirbhaya every day.”

Inbadurai argued that the issue went beyond ordinary law and order concerns and raised questions about the safety and dignity of women in the state.

“This is not merely a matter of law and order. This is about protecting the women of this nation. There is a situation where women in Tamil Nadu have no safety,” he said.

The AIADMK leader cited three recent incidents that he said had occurred within the previous ten days.

“A 2.5-year-old infant was raped by someone. In Madurantakam, a 14-year-old girl travelling on a bike was abducted by a gang, gang-raped, and thrown by the roadside – something you may have only seen in movies, but this has actually happened. In Thoothukudi, just two days ago, the police refused to even register a complaint that was filed,” he told the House.

He urged Parliament to treat the matter with urgency and called for institutional intervention.

“This is not a law and order issue – this is a matter of women’s dignity. This House has a duty to protect it,” he said.

Referring to national political reactions to incidents elsewhere in the country, Inbadurai questioned whether similar concern would be shown for victims in Tamil Nadu.

“Those who weep for women in Manipur and come down to protest, will you not show compassion for Tamil women? This House sends a team to Manipur, why can’t it send one to Tamil Nadu?” he asked.

He urged the government to send central institutions to investigate the situation.

“Send the National Commission for Women. Send a Parliamentary committee. Women in Tamil Nadu have no safety. You must take action to change that situation,” he said.

Inbadurai also argued that Parliament had precedent for intervening in similar situations elsewhere and urged the Union government to take immediate steps.

“I urge the Central Government to intervene in this matter – send a team, investigate the matter, and report before the government. This is my urging,” he said, concluding his remarks.

The issue reportedly led to sharp reactions from members of the DMK during the debate.

A day earlier, on 12 March 2026, Inbadurai had written to the National Commission for Women (NCW) seeking suo motu cognisance of three recent crimes in Tamil Nadu. In his letter, he cited the murder of a girl student in Thoothukudi district, the alleged gang rape of a 14-year-old girl in Madurantakam, and the sexual assault and death of a toddler in Krishnagiri.

In the communication to the Commission, the AIADMK MP alleged possible police negligence and political interference in the handling of these cases. He requested the NCW to send fact-finding teams to the state to examine the incidents and submit a report. Inbadurai has continued to raise the issue during the ongoing parliamentary session, urging both Parliament and central agencies to examine the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu and ensure accountability in cases involving crimes against women.

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The post ‘TN Facing One Nirbhaya Case Everyday, Where Are Those Who Protested For Manipur?’: AIADMK MP Inbadurai Slams DMK In Parliament, Calls Out Kanimozhi’s Duplicity appeared first on The Commune.

A speech delivered by a functionary of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) during a memorial event in Kumbakonam has sparked controversy after a video of the remarks went viral on social media.

The event was reportedly held in front of the Thirumangalakkudi mosque near Kumbakonam to commemorate those killed in the ongoing Iran war. According to local reports, the gathering took place without prior permission from authorities. During the event, Amudhan Duraiarasan delivered a speech in which he made a series of remarks targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his speech, Duraiarasan said: “The people who are ruling the world today, the world has fallen into the hands of people who behave like religious fanatics and like savage animals. Because of them, the world is getting shattered and destroyed today.
A destructive cannibalistic fanatic, Narendra Modi, is ruling India in the same way. No less than him, another cannibalistic fanatic, a mentally ill man and the peak of madness, is ruling another country, that is Donald Trump.”

He continued, “Beyond being a destructive cannibalistic fanatic, this Trump is a terrible human being who finds pleasure in killing people here. And Narendra Modi, a destructive man who survives by depending on America and Israel – there are no leaders in this world who question him. A great leader who questioned such a cannibalistic fanatic was Saddam Hussein.”

Duraiarasan further alleged: “This Narendra Modi will never stand for us. He is a fascist terrorist. He is against Muslims. He is against Dalits. But it is important to understand how the masses are viewing this struggle. How did Narendra Modi become the Prime Minister of this country? Before him there was Advani.”

He also claimed that foreign powers had influenced Modi’s rise to power: “But powerful nations sidelined Advani and planned that Narendra Modi should become the Prime Minister of India.
Countries of dominance like America and Israel planned that Narendra Modi should become the Prime Minister. Why did they plan this? Because in Gujarat, in the Godhra train incident, this destructive cannibalistic fanatic Narendra Modi blew up the train and burned alive thousands of our Muslim brethren.”

Referring to a past media interview, Duraiarasan said: “At that time, when Narendra Modi was asked in an interview by the newspaper Reuters, that destructive Narendra Modi, that dog said: ‘You are travelling in a vehicle. What is your response to the riots that happened in Gujarat? Do you regret it?’ the journalist asked.”

He added: “Then this destructive Narendra Modi – the cannibalistic fanatic, the fascist terrorist who is ruling this country today said: ‘If you are travelling in a vehicle and a dog suddenly comes under the vehicle and dies, wouldn’t you feel sad?’ Thus, this destructive Narendra Modi, who compared the Muslim minority people of this country to a dog, is ruling the nation today.”

In the concluding part of his speech, he stated: “If today this destructive cannibalistic fanatic, fascist terrorist Narendra Modi has become the Prime Minister of this country, then the one who gave that opportunity to this dog was Bahadur Shah, the Islamic emperor who once ruled this country. The real owners of this land are the people here.”

The video of the speech circulated widely across social media platforms following the event.

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The post “Cannibal, Fanatic, Fascist”: Congress-DMK Ally VCK Functionary Abuses PM Modi appeared first on The Commune.

The state of Tamil Nadu under Dravidian Model was rocked by another custodial death just as the news of the Ajith Kumar custodial death case cools down. The 5 years of Dravidian model governance has left law and order in TN in a state of alarm.

Let’s take a look at some the documented incidents of death due to police torture that deserve as much traction as that of the Sathankulam case especially during the DMK regime from 2021 to date.

#1 June 2021 – Murugesan

In June 2021, Murugesan, a fruit stall owner, died after being beaten by police at the Pappanaickenpatti check post. A video circulated on social media showed Special Sub-Inspector Periyasamy thrashing Murugesan with a lathi until he became motionless. Murugesan had engaged in an argument with the police while being penalised for drunk driving. Periyasamy was arrested following a complaint.

#2 July 2021 – Satte Indra prasad

Satte Indira Prasad (45), a cook from Dhanbad in Jharkhand, died after being detained by police in connection with a burglary attempt in Vettaikarankuttai. Residents reportedly caught him late Sunday night while trying to break into a house and handed him over to the police after allegedly assaulting and tying him with a rope. Prasad was taken to the police station in the early hours of Sunday. Police said he collapsed around 7 am while sitting at the station and was rushed to the Somanur Government Hospital, where he died shortly after. Officials denied custodial assault allegations and said a judicial inquiry was ordered into the death.

#3 August 2021 – Sathyanathan/Sathyavanan

Sathyavanan/Sathyanathan, along with Abdul Majeed and Surya from Sirkazhi, was taken to the Thanjavur West Police Station for questioning in connection with a jewellery theft case. During the course of the interrogation, Sathyanathan died while in custody, raising serious concerns about the circumstances of his death.

#4 September 2021 – Manikandan 

In Paramathi Vellore, a lorry driver named Manikandan from the Sevalkattu Mangli area of Pandamangalam was arrested by the local police in relation to a sexual complaint. While being questioned, Manikandan suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness. He died shortly after, prompting allegations of custodial abuse.

#5 December 2021 – Manikandan 

In Mudukulathur, Ramanathapuram district, a college student named Manikandan was picked up by the police for interrogation. Although he was later released and returned home, he died unexpectedly the following morning. The incident sparked suspicion about the treatment he received during police custody.

#6 January 2022 – Prabhakaran

In January 2022, a physically challenged man named Prabhakaran was locked up for allegedly stealing jewellery. Falling ill in jail, he was rushed to Namakkal Government Hospital and later to Salem Government Hospital, where he died on 11 January 2022. Prabhakaran’s relatives alleged police torture as the cause of death, resulting in the suspension of three police officers.

#7 February 2022 – Sulaiman 

A 42-year-old man suspected of stealing a two-wheeler died on Friday evening while in police custody during interrogation, according to officials. The deceased, identified as Sulaiman from Melapalayam, was allegedly caught by the owner of a bike that had been reported stolen from near Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital (TVMCH) a few days earlier. The bike owner spotted Sulaiman riding the stolen vehicle near Tirunelveli Junction and, with the help of friends, intercepted and nabbed him. After reportedly being beaten by the group, Sulaiman was handed over to the TVMCH Police, who had previously registered a case related to the theft. During interrogation, Sulaiman complained of breathing difficulties and was taken to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital. However, he died en route. Police said Sulaiman had a history of theft and was facing at least 28 criminal cases.

#8 February 2022 – Thadiveeran

Thadiveeran (38) is said to have died at Taluk Police Station, Tirunelveli district in February 2022. Not much details of his death are available.

#9 April 2022 – Vignesh

On 18 April 2022, during a routine night check at Kellys in Chennai, police stopped two youths, Vignesh (25) and Suresh (28), in an auto. The duo, found in possession of ganja and liquor, engaged in a verbal duel with the police. Vignesh later developed health complications, vomited, and had seizures. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was declared dead. Relatives reported seeing injuries on Vignesh’s body, leading to the suspension of a police sub-inspector, a constable, and a home guard personnel.

#10 April 2022 – Thangamani

In Tiruvannamalai, Thangamani was taken into police custody on 26 April 2022 for an inquiry into illegal liquor sales. Relatives alleged a false case, stating that the police demanded money for their release. The police claimed Thangamani had fits the next day, leading to his hospitalisation and subsequent death during treatment.

#11 June 2022 – Rajasekar

Rajasekar, a 33-year-old resident of Munthiri Thoppu in Tiruvallur district, was brought to the P6 Kodungaiyur police station on 11 June 2022 for an inquiry related to two burglary cases. He was pronounced dead at the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital on 12 June 2022. The autopsy report revealed multiple external injuries, with two injuries occurring approximately 18-24 hours before his death.

#12 June 2022 – Siva Subramanian

In Nagapattinam district, a 44-year-old man named Siva Subramanian, employed at a cycle repair shop, died in judicial custody. Siva and his brother Ganesh were detained after a brawl with Venkatesh, who owed Ganesh ₹95,000. According to the police, Siva suffered seizures while in jail and was taken to Nagapattinam Government Hospital, where he passed away on the evening of 13 June 2022. The police attributed his death to alcohol withdrawal symptoms, dismissing reports of custodial torture.

#13 September 2022 – Thangapandi

Chinnadurai (32) from Sembatti died after being taken into police custody in Aruppukottai, triggering allegations of custodial torture from his family. According to sources, he was first caught by members of the public in MTR Nagar for allegedly trespassing and impersonating a police officer before being handed over to the police. During questioning, officials reportedly learned that he had a history of mental illness and had previously undergone psychiatric treatment. Police later took him into custody again on Tuesday night for further interrogation and admitted him to hospital afterwards, where he died. His relatives protested, alleging police assault and demanding action, a government job for a family member, and a CB-CID probe.

#14 September 2022 – Muruganantham

Muruganantham (44) from Ariyalur district died inside the Samayapuram police station in Tiruchy after being detained on allegations of cellphone theft. He was reportedly caught by members of the public and handed over to the police. On Monday morning, Muruganandham was found hanging in the police station restroom using his waist thread. CCTV footage reviewed by officials reportedly showed that he entered the restroom around 8.45 am and did not return. The incident raised suspicions of a custodial death, and a case was registered under Section 176 of the CrPC. A constable, Ramky, was suspended for alleged negligence. Muruganantham was also facing charges in a previous murder case.

#15 September 2022 – Akash

Akash (21), a resident of Ayanavaram and a history-sheeter, died at Kilpauk Medical College Hospital nearly a week after being detained by Otteri police for questioning. Police said he was picked up on 21 September 2022 in connection with a car window damage case and released the same night. They claimed he later consumed drugs at home, overdosed, and was admitted to the hospital on 22 September 2022, where he died on 29 September 2022. However, Akash’s family alleged he was assaulted in police custody and had visible injuries on his body. A case under Section 176(1)(A) CrPC was registered and a magistrate inquiry ordered into the death.

#16 December 2022 – Gokul Shree

In December 2022, Gokul Shree, a 17-year-old teen, was arrested on December 28 by the Railway Police in Tambaram on suspicion of stealing a battery from a railway station. He was sent to a children correctional facility because he was a minor. On December 31, he was rushed to Chengalpet Government Hospital with complaints of seizures, where he passed away within hours.

The preliminary autopsy report showed that the child was subjected to a physical attack, had severe contusions on his legs, and several external injuries on his body. The child was beaten severely before being killed, and the majority of his injuries were were ante-mortem. The parents, however, were not given access to the complete autopsy report.

On the basis of the postmortem report, six prison officials of the correctional facility were arrested. S Mohan, 30, superintendent of prisons, P Vidyasagar, 33, assistant superintendent of prisons, J H Raj, 29, barber at the juvenile home, prison wardens D Vijayakumar, 30, M Saranraj, and teacher R Chandrababu, 40, were arrested.

#17 June 2023 – Thangasamy

In June 2023, the death of a 26-year-old Scheduled Caste (Pallar community) youth, Thangasamy, who was in the custody of the Puliyangudi police in Tenkasi district died. According to reports, Thangasamy was remanded in judicial custody, but he complained of uneasiness, prompting authorities to transfer him to Tirunelveli Medical College. However, his condition deteriorated, and he subsequently passed away.

According to Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPc) Section 176 (I) of the CrPC, in the event of a person’s death or disappearance in custody or if a woman is raped in custody, the Judicial Magistrate holds the authority to order an inquiry. Section 54 of the CrPC also empowers the Magistrate to appoint a medical petitioner to examine accused individuals under trial. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) in Sections 330 (a) and (b) allows for sentences of up to 7 years for policemen involved in cases of torture.

#18 July 2023 – Vedan 

Vedan, a locksmith from Sealnayakkanpatti in Madurai district, died while being taken in for questioning by the police on suspicion. The circumstances surrounding his death raised concerns about the treatment he received during the custody process.

#19 January 2024 – Balakrishnan

In January 2024, Tamil Nadu witnessed another shocking case of alleged custodial death. M. Balakrishnan, a 36-year-old from Srivaikuntam, Thoothukkudi, travelled to Erode on 26 December 2023. The next day, while at a bar in Palayapalayam with friends, he and five others were detained by Erode police. While four were released, Balakrishnan and his friend Prakash were allegedly held in a private lodge and interrogated over an old case. His family claims he was brutally assaulted by police, leading to his hospitalisation on 28 December and eventual death on 2 January 2024 at Perundurai Government Medical College Hospital. His brother, M. Mariyappan, filed a complaint citing custodial torture. Advocate V. Maharajan, representing the family, highlighted severe injuries and alleged evidence tampering. The Madras High Court ordered a fresh post-mortem in Coimbatore on 9 January. A case under CrPC Section 176(1A) was registered at Chennimalai police station.

#20 April 2024 – Karthi

Karthi from Madurai is said to have died by custodial torture in April 2024.

#21 April 2024 – Raja

K. Raja (44), a Dalit resident of Villupuram, allegedly died after being assaulted in police custody at the Villupuram taluk police station in connection with the illegal sale of TASMAC liquor. According to his family, Raja went missing on April 9 and was found in police custody the next morning. They alleged he returned home later that day complaining of severe police assault, gasping for breath before collapsing. He was taken to Villupuram Government Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His family later buried the body but later approached the Villupuram district court seeking exhumation and an investigation into alleged custodial torture.

#22 April 2024 – Santhakumar

Santhakumar (35) died after being taken into police custody by Sevvapet police in Tiruvallur district. He and several others were arrested from a wedding hall on suspicion of plotting an attack and were taken to the police station for inquiry. Police said that while being taken to court for judicial remand, Santhakumar suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the Tiruvallur Government Hospital, where he was declared dead, reportedly due to cardiac arrest. However, his family alleged he was beaten in custody. Following the incident, Inspector Gunasekaran of Nazarathpet police station, who handled the case, was placed under suspension pending further inquiry.

#23 August 2024 – Arputharaj

In August 2024, Arputharaj (33), an undertrial prisoner, died a day after being remanded to Villupuram sub-jail. Arrested on a non-bailable warrant in an assault case, he reportedly collapsed in jail and was declared dead on arrival at Villupuram Government Hospital. While police claim he fell ill suddenly, his family alleges police assault led to his death. A judicial inquiry and post-mortem have been ordered to determine the cause.

#24 September 2024 – Dravidamani

In September 2024, Dravidamani (40), arrested for illegal liquor sale, died while being taken to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital from Trichy Central Prison after complaining of chest pain. Police claim he collapsed during lunch and died en route to the hospital. Earlier, he was arrested by Jeeyapuram police on 26 September for possessing 66 IMFL bottles and was remanded to judicial custody. His family alleged custodial torture and staged a protest at the hospital, which was later called off after officials promised an investigation. An autopsy was conducted in the presence of a judicial magistrate before the body was handed over to the family

#25 November 2024 – Vignesh

In November 2024, a 36-year-old man named Vignesh, detained during a drug raid, died while being taken to the Pudukkottai Government Medical College Hospital after reportedly falling ill in custody. Police claimed his death was due to health complications during inquiry. He was one of 13 suspects detained after a tip-off. A case under BNSS Section 196 (suspicious death) was registered, and Judicial Magistrate A. Vijayabharathi inspected the body and questioned family members. An x-ray was ordered to check for internal injuries. The body was handed over to the family, while the other detainees were remanded to jail.

#26 February 2025 – Shankar

A 35-year-old history-sheeter, Shankar alias ‘Vettu’ Shankar, with over 40 criminal cases against him, died on 13 February at Karur Government Medical College Hospital while undergoing surgery. He had been arrested on 7 February after allegedly attacking a man with a sickle and sustaining injuries while trying to flee police custody.

Police claim he fractured his leg jumping off a bridge during the arrest. However, JAACT, a human rights group led by Henry Tiphagne, alleges Shankar was held in illegal detention from 6 to 8 February and tortured, leading to his death. They have demanded an independent inquiry and access to CCTV footage to verify the custodial torture claims. A judicial inquiry under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita is underway.

#27 April 2025 – Senthil

In April 2025, a youth named Senthil was found dead under suspicious circumstances in the Emanur forest area near Pennagaram, located in Dharmapuri district. Senthil had reportedly been under investigation as a suspect in an elephant poaching case. According to initial reports, he was allegedly taken to the forest area by authorities as part of the probe. However, he was later found dead, and officials claimed he had escaped custody while still in handcuffs a detail that has raised serious questions and fueled public skepticism. Amid mounting pressure and controversy surrounding the circumstances of his death, a CBI-CID inquiry was ordered to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into the incident.

#28 July 2025 – Ajithkumar

The state was rocked by the news of a 27-year-old temple guard, Ajithkumar, employed under Tamil Nadu’s HR&CE Department, having died in police custody on 28 June 2025. Detained by Thirubhuvanam Police over an alleged theft of 80g of gold jewellery from a disabled devotee’s car at Madapuram Kaliamman temple, Ajith was reportedly tortured for 18 hours without any formal legal procedure. Witnesses claim he was beaten with rods, tied to a tree, and forced to drink chilli-laced water. His brother, Naveen, also alleges being beaten to force a false confession. Ajith died at Thirubhuvanam Government Hospital, but the police allegedly moved the body without informing the family. Protests erupted after news of his death spread, with demands for a CBI probe and FIRs against senior officials. Six policemen have been arrested, but critics call this a cover-up, pointing to political interference and a pattern of custodial deaths in the region.

#29 October 2025 – Dinesh

Dinesh Kumar (30) allegedly died in police custody after being taken for questioning by Anna Nagar police in Madurai on October 9. According to his family, police took him from his home early in the morning for inquiry. Hours later, officials informed them that he had drowned in a pond near the Vandiyur outpost while attempting to escape from custody. Suspecting foul play, his mother approached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. The court ordered a CB-CID investigation, directed that the postmortem be conducted according to guidelines, and asked authorities to preserve CCTV footage from the police outpost and surrounding areas.

#30 March 2026 – Akash 

Akash Delison (26), arrested in connection with a sickle attack in Manamadurai’s Zion Nagar, died in judicial custody on March 8, 2026, at Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital. Police said he fractured his leg while trying to escape arrest and later developed breathing difficulties in hospital. However, his family rejected this version and alleged that he was brutally assaulted by Manamadurai police during interrogation, including being beaten with stones placed on his legs. They also claimed casteist abuses were used against him. Akash’s family refused to accept the body and demanded action against the police personnel involved, even as the DMK government hadn’t issued a statement.

Below is a list of few more under/unreported custodial deaths from a website Keetru, these deaths follow the same timeframe and pattern:

#31 April 2024 – Jeyakumar

On 16 April 2024, a 60-year-old man identified as Jayakumar from Virudhunagar–Sivakasi died while in judicial custody at Palayamkottai Central Prison.

#32 August 2024 – Baskar

On 22 August 2024, Baskar (39) from Cuddalore–Virudhachalam died while in judicial custody after being admitted to the Cuddalore Government Hospital from Cuddalore Central Prison.

#33 September 2024 – Balakumar

On 14 September 2024, Balakumar (26) from Ramanathapuram allegedly died due to torture at the Uchippuli Police Station in Ramanathapuram.

#34 March 2025 – Shivanaiah

On 21 March 2025, a man identified as Shivanaiah from The Nilgiris allegedly died at Emarald Police Station after reportedly committing suicide, which was said to be linked to a false theft case.

#35 July 2025 – Marimuthu

On 31 July 2025, Marimuthu (48) from Tiruppur reportedly died in connection with the Udumalpet Forest Range Office and Salem Town jurisdiction.

#36 August 2025 – Duraisamy

On 23 August 2025, Duraisamy (65) from Salem died in connection with Salem Town Police Station.

#37 October 2025 – Vinodkumar

On 14 October 2025, Vinodkumar (29) from Tenkasi died while in judicial custody at Palayamkottai Central Prison.

#38 October 2025 – Subin Kumar

On 26 October 2025, Subin Kumar (19) from Perambalur died in judicial custody at the Central Prison in Tiruchy.

#39 February 2026 – Vibhi/Punithan 

Vibhi alias Punithan, a youth from Koodameri in Tambaram, allegedly died after being taken into police custody on February 13, 2026. According to human rights activist Henri Tiphagne, he was arrested by plainclothes policemen from his home and later remanded to Puzhal prison after a medical clearance from Chromepet Hospital. Prison authorities reportedly noticed multiple injuries and initially refused to admit him, sending him to Stanley Hospital for treatment. However, he was later taken back to prison. His health reportedly deteriorated on February 18 and he was again shifted to Stanley Hospital, where he died the following day. Tiphagne alleged custodial torture and demanded accountability from police and officials involved.

List of custodial deaths under the DMK rule recorded by@peopleswatch @mkstalin @KanimozhiDMK @nsitharaman @PiyushGoyal @NitinNabin @blsanthosh @NainarBJP @BJP4India @BJP4TamilNadu @dinamalarweb @tamil_nadu_news @polimernews @ThanthiTV @PttvNewsX @News18TamilNadu… pic.twitter.com/KIjfOUDPi4

— K.S.Radhakrishnan (@KSRadhakrish) March 8, 2026

Got it sir .. thanks ! The media should have a debate… Sad TN media is so silent…. Hope someone torture them to debate… pic.twitter.com/YmJV7hvj1z

— Tamilnadu Politics (@TNPolitics7) March 9, 2026

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The post Custodial Deaths, A Never-Ending Saga In DMK-Ruled Dravidian Model Tamil Nadu appeared first on The Commune.

A fresh public dispute has erupted between rapper Arivu and music composer Santhosh Narayanan over the authorship, ownership and credit for the viral 2021 Tamil song “Enjoy Enjaami.” The exchange unfolded on social media after a user accused singer Dhee and her stepfather Santhosh Narayanan of “stealing” the song from Arivu, reigniting a controversy that first surfaced in 2022.

The trigger was a social media post sharing a clip from the popular song, following which a user alleged that Dhee and Narayanan had taken the song from Arivu.

Dhee and her dad literally went ahead and stole this song from Arivu anna https://t.co/hRGsZX266w

— ArunAnnow (@ArunAnnow) March 12, 2026

The accusation quickly gained traction online and revived older narratives surrounding the track’s credit and ownership.

Responding to the allegation, Santhosh Narayanan dismissed the claim and explained the creative process behind the song. “Konjam rest edunga thambi. Some useful info already available everywhere if you only look for it,” he wrote. Narayanan stated that the idea for the song was conceived by Dhee, with the core storyline and concept shaped by filmmaker Manikandan, who was working on Kadaisi Vivasayi with him at the time. “I composed, produced and created all the melodies in the song. Arivu wrote almost all the words and also performed,” he said, adding that some traditional Oppari lines were adapted by Arivu.

The composer also criticised what he described as attempts to politicise the song’s success, remarking that narratives around the track began shifting after it became widely popular.

Arivu, however, reiterated that he had written the lyrics, composed the main vocal melody and performed the song based on his cultural experiences. He alleged that he was credited only as a “featuring artist” and received neither ownership nor royalties from the track.

As the exchange intensified, sections of the Dravidianist ecosystem online began targeting Narayanan personally, bringing up his Brahmin caste identity while amplifying accusations of appropriation.

Here are some such posts.

What began as a dispute over credit and royalties for Enjoy Enjaami has quickly taken a predictable turn. Instead of focusing on contracts, evidence, and creative contributions, sections of the Dravidianist ecosystem online have shifted the debate to Santhosh Narayanan’s Brahmin identity, framing the issue as caste appropriation. This pattern is familiar in Tamil Nadu’s political discourse: when facts become inconvenient, the argument pivots to identity.

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The post ‘Enjoy Enjaami’ Row: Dravidianists Target Santhosh Narayanan Over Brahmin Identity appeared first on The Commune.