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How Dravidianist Media Framed A DMK Councillor’s Grandson’s Murder Case As A Mere Hit-And-Run

The Commune

In what can be called deteriorating journalistic values in a state that boasts of “Dravidian model”, the media which was referred to as “Redlight media” by DMK’s RS Bharathi, we come across yet another instance of the mainstream Dravidianist media in Tamil Nadu choosing to downplay or distort facts when cases involve prominent figures from the ruling DMK. Instead of transparent reporting, they reduce serious matters to neutral or vague news blurbs.

For example, the recent arrest of Chandru, the grandson of DMK member Dhanasekaran, who serves as a Corporation Councillor and chairman of a Corporation Standing Committee. Chandru was taken into custody for allegedly murdering one youth and injuring another by deliberately ramming into their motorcycle on School Road in Annanagar, Chennai. Despite the gravity of the case and the accused’s direct political connection, the Dravidianist media has conspicuously avoided mentioning any links to the DMK. This silence is not only telling it’s disturbing. The absence of critical coverage in mainstream media when it concerns the ruling party reflects a troubling erosion of journalistic accountability.

The Sun News, owned by the DMK first family often an unofficial mouthpiece, didn’t carry the story at all. Since the case entered public discourse on 30 July 2025, there have been no news cards or coverage on their platforms. Instead, they opted to spotlight another incident a case of honour killing elsewhere in the state shifting attention away from this politically sensitive crime.

Similarly, Kalaignar News, another outlet from the first family’s stable did the same by giving update only on the honour killing case for past three days.

Following suit, News18 Tamil Nadu, one of the top Dravidianist media channels, treated the news of the murder like a petty crime and omitted any reference to the accused’s political lineage. The post on X plainly stated, “They tried to attack us with stones; then, while driving the car at high speed, it collided with a bike, causing an accident, Chandru’s confession in the case involving the death of college student Nithin Sai, who was run over by a car. The only mention of the DMK functionary’s name appeared discreetly in the accompanying news card, not in the main content itself.

News 7 Tamil adopted the same approach, reporting the incident without acknowledging Chandru’s DMK connections.

This coordinated silence and soft-pedaling by the state’s major media houses is not just disappointing it’s a sign of how compromised and selective journalism has become in Tamil Nadu when power and politics intersect.

Who is DMK Functionary Dhanasekaran?

Dhanasekaran is a senior leader within the DMK in Chennai and currently serves as the Chairman of the Accounts Committee in the Greater Chennai Corporation. He holds a prominent position within the party’s top ranks.

He has been frequently seen alongside Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma. Subramanian during advisory meetings in South Chennai.

He is also reportedly close to V. Sabareesan, a key behind-the-scenes strategist and the son-in-law of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

What Is The Case About?

Police in Thirumangalam, Chennai, have arrested three individuals, including the grandson of a DMK functionary, in connection with the murder of a young man and the injury of another after their motorcycle was struck by a speeding vehicle on School Road. According to initial investigations, the incident stemmed from a dispute related to a romantic relationship.

On 28 July night, 20-year-old S. Nithin Sai from Ayanavaram was killed when an SUV collided with the motorcycle, he was riding pillion near SBOA School in Anna Nagar. His friend Abishek, also 20, who was operating the motorcycle, sustained injuries in the crash.

Although the case was initially handled as a hit-and-run, police reclassified it as a murder after early findings suggested the collision was intentional. The investigation was transferred from the Thirumangalam traffic division to the Law-and-Order wing following a statement from the injured Abishek and a formal complaint filed by Nithin Sai’s father, Suresh.

Sources say Nithin Sai was a third-year college student in Mylapore. That evening, he had left home to attend a birthday celebration hosted by his friend Mohan at a nearby mall. A few juniors from his college, including a student named Venkatesh, were also present. During the gathering, Chandru, 22, reportedly called Venkatesh and verbally abused him for allegedly pursuing a girl he knew. Chandru then asked Venkatesh and his friends to meet him near SBOA School to resolve the issue.

Venkatesh and others, including Nithin, arrived on motorbikes. While most of them waited nearby, Venkatesh approached the car where Chandru and his group were seated. Chandru as mentioned above is the grandson of DMK leader Dhanasekaran, a Corporation Councillor and head of a Corporation Standing Committee. His mother is also affiliated with the DMK.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), Chandru and his associates allegedly threatened Venkatesh and claimed they intended to harm his group. They then hit one of the motorcycles, prompting Nithin and Abishek to flee the scene on their two-wheeler. The group allegedly gave chase and deliberately rammed into them, resulting in Nithin’s death and Abishek’s injury.

By 29 July night, Chandru and another accused, Haroon believed to be the driver turned themselves in at the Thirumangalam police station, accompanied by supporters. Authorities are still searching for two more individuals involved in the incident.

During questioning, Chandru claimed he had no intention of causing harm and denied driving the vehicle. Haroon, on the other hand, stated that he drove the car only to intimidate the group. All three arrested individuals were presented before a court on Wednesday evening.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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