Journalist Thinakaran Rajamani, who uncovered the alleged attempts by the DMK administration to shield IPS officer Balveer Singh, implicated in accusations of extracting teeth and crushing the testicles of detainees in Tirunelveli, is now being targeted by the DMK IT wing for raising serious questions about health care in Tamil Nadu. They branded him as ‘Sanghi’ and used abusive words against him like ‘vicious dog’, ‘parasite’, ‘penis’, and others.
An IPS officer named Balveer Singh, stationed in Tirunelveli, faced suspension following allegations of subjecting suspects to custodial torture. The accusations include the alleged acts of crushing the testicles and forcibly removing teeth from the detainees. Amid escalating public sentiment against the DMK’s perceived lack of action and opposition parties highlighting the matter in the state assembly, Chief Minister MK Stalin was compelled to take action, issuing orders for the suspension of Balveer Singh.
Journalist Thinakaran Rajamani played a pivotal part in bringing to light the custodial torture allegations involving Balveer Singh through media channels. Additionally, he played a significant role in uncovering a caste-based assault in Nanguneri, where a 17-year-old boy named Chinnadurai and his sister were attacked with a sickle by their fellow classmates.
Following the assault on Chinnadurai, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanium assured better medical care for the victim. The minister also stated that specialist surgeons from Stanley Hospital in Chennai would be brought in to provide superior treatment for Chinnadurai.
Amidst these circumstances, journalist Thinakaran Rajamani raised several pertinent questions regarding Tamil Nadu’s healthcare system. He questioned the rationale behind the Tamil Nadu government’s move to bring doctors from Chennai, which is situated 620 kilometers away from Tirunelveli, instead of ensuring the availability of specialist doctors in every district.
He said, “Do children from the southern districts not deserve such experts in Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital and the same treatment that Chennai people receive? One vote, same tax, right?”
He added, “Why does the State government not transfer its doctors every three years, like the Central government, so that people from all parts of the State can also benefit from the expertise of doctors from Stanley and other Chennai govt. hospitals? Moreover, other non-Chennai doctors will get an opportunity to work in the capital city.”
The queries posed by the journalist against the DMK government have not been well-received by both DMK leaders and the DMK IT wing. In reaction to Journalist Thinakaran’s inquiries, Sai Lakshmikanth, the son of DMK leader RS Bharathi, responded by subjecting the journalist to verbal abuse, accusing him of lacking common sense. He said, “Departments will be started based on the caseload. This common sense is lacking for most journalists. Starting a department is not having doctors alone. It involves a lot of infrastructure. But first, you need to have a sufficient patient load so that we break even.”
Departments will be started based on the case load. This common sense is lacking for most journalists. Starting a department is not having doctors alone. It involves lot of infrastructure. But first you need to have a sufficient patient load so that we break even. https://t.co/JEiXT4WviO
— சாய் லட்சுமிகாந்த் பாரதி (@sailaks11) August 15, 2023
Responding to his provocation politely, Thinakaran said, “Seems doctors expect journalists to study MBBS before raising concerns about need of infra, private practice during duty hours, non-adherence of biometric attendance system, crore of loss incurred by service bond violation. Whenever I raise such issues, I’m asked to have iota of knowledge, common sense, etc.”
Members of the DMK IT wing initiated a wave of verbal attacks directed at Thinakaran. A DMK supporter, in a display of aggression, commented, “If you are unable to comprehend his explanation, it would be better if you close your ass and listen to him. Su**i (Penis).”
Finally https://t.co/XwL4BMAmsD
— Thinakaran Rajamani (@thinak_) August 16, 2023
Subsequently, the DMK IT wing delved into journalist Thinakaran Rajamani’s tweets from over a decade ago, wherein he extended a welcome to PM, Narendra Modi, during the swearing-in of then CM Jayalalitha. Quoting these decade-old tweets, the DMK IT wing launched a verbal onslaught against Rajamani, labeling him a ‘Sanghi’ and a supporter of the BJP.
அட சங்கப் பயலே😂😂😂 https://t.co/FdltSlyzPD
— Surya Born To Win (@Surya_BornToWin) August 16, 2023
Quoting another old tweet of Thinakaran, where he took a dig at DMK for losing all 10 seats in Madurai, DMK IT wing troll named “Surya Born To Win” said, “This vicious dog has been barking at DMK for a long time with ulterior motives. He is a parasite living in someone’s alms.”
இந்த நாய் இன்றல்ல, அன்றிலிருந்தே திமுக மீது வன்மத்தை கக்கிக் கொண்டிருக்கும் ஒரு ஏவல் நாய்!
எவனோ போடும் பிச்சையில் வாழும் ஒட்டுண்ணி! https://t.co/xZbKMjBJS9
— Surya Born To Win (@Surya_BornToWin) August 16, 2023
The series of tweets from the DMK IT wing, launching a verbal attack on the journalist, garnered significant criticism across social media platforms. Numerous users voiced their opinions, highlighting that the DMK should not anticipate every journalist to mirror the stance of Dravidian Stockist journalists, who sing paeans for the ruling DMK government.
Click here to subscribe to The Commune on Telegram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.