In an emotional video appeal that directly mirrors the themes of the 2021 film Karnan directed by Mari Selvaraj, the old lady who played the role of a grandmother in the film, has publicly criticized the DMK-led state government over the plight of marginalized communities living near garbage dumps in Tirunelveli.

In an emotional video appeal, the elderly lady delivered a poignant monologue, pleading for the district collector to witness the squalid conditions firsthand.

Standing amid piles of waste, the woman repeatedly urged district officials to visit the area and witness the residents’ hardships. “Ask the Collector to come, bring him by the hand, let him see our situation,” she said(sang), recalling the suffering of families living amid filth, smoke, and stagnant rainwater.

She sang, “Ask the Collector to come if you see him, bring the Collector here, let him see our condition, ask him to come. I’m repeating the lines I performed in Karnan about the hardships we endure. Ask the Collector to come, bring him by the hand, let him see our situation, ask him to come. Let him see our suffering; bring the Collector by the hand, let him see our plight. Let him witness the tears shed in this slum; let the Collector come and answer those tears. Ask him to come, bring him by the hand. My children, all of them, burned by the fire in the hut, all the kids struggled; I couldn’t even walk but they told me to speak up for our people. I’m speaking directly to the Collector, ask him to come. Bring the Collector here by the hand so he can see our situation, ask him to come. Those who throw us aside as trash and label us as troublemakers; bring the Collector here so he can witness it himself. I’m reciting this with emotion; the Collector must come. I am performing again the speech I delivered in Karnan. Ask the Collector to come if you see him. This merciful Collector, bring him by the hand to see us. We live amid smoke and filth, caught between misery and rain, without protection. If our children are hurt, there is nowhere for us to run. On those days, we sing our struggles, but no one among us is privileged. Come see our huts, Collector, you absolutely must come. I am shedding tears as I say this; you must come here and see our cave and our garbage. Collector, greetings to you, come please, we welcome you.”

The video has since gone viral on social media, drawing sharp parallels between the song Kanda Varachollunga in “Karnan” and the ongoing struggles of numerous communities across Tamil Nadu who live in proximity to overflowing landfills and garbage dumps.

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The post ‘Karnan’ Paati Appeals To Collector, Criticises DMK Government Over Garbage Dump In Tirunelveli appeared first on The Commune.

A three-year-old girl sustained severe injuries after being allegedly sexually assaulted and brutally attacked by a 17-year-old boy near Sirkazhi in Mayiladuthurai district on 24 February 2025 afternoon. The accused, who reportedly smashed the child’s head with a stone when she tried to resist, has been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The victim is currently undergoing treatment for critical injuries at JIPMER Hospital in Puducherry.

According to police sources, the suspect, a Class 8 dropout, visited the anganwadi center attended by his relative’s children and the victim on Monday afternoon. He lured the girl, who had stepped out of the center during lunch to relieve herself, to an isolated area behind the childcare facility. There, he allegedly sexually assaulted her. When the child attempted to resist and raise an alarm, the suspect grabbed a stone and smashed her face, causing severe injuries to her head and eyes.

Mayiladuthurai Superintendent of Police G. Stalin stated that the anganwadi staff, who noticed the child was missing, found her after hearing her cries. The suspect had fled the scene by then. The girl was initially rushed to Sirkazhi General Hospital but was later referred to JIPMER Hospital in Puducherry due to her critical condition.

The All Women Police Station in Sirkazhi registered a case under Sections 6 r/w 5(m), 5(r), and 9(i) of the POCSO Act, which include charges of aggravated penetrative sexual assault and attempt to murder. The accused was arrested shortly after the incident, produced before the Juvenile Justice Board in Mayiladuthurai, and remanded to custody. He has been sent to a minor observation home in Thanjavur. Further investigations are ongoing.

Collector’s Insensitive Remarks

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, particularly after Mayiladuthurai District Collector A. Mahabharathi made controversial and insensitive remarks during a training camp on child protection under the POCSO Act. The Collector stated, “The child has also misbehaved. If you notice, according to the report I received, the child spat on the boy’s face. That may be the reason. Therefore, we are forced to look at both sides. So what should we do about this? Prevention is better than cure. Parents should be made aware of teaching such things to their children.” His comments, blaming the three-year-old victim, have drawn severe criticism.

பாலியல் துன்புறுத்தல்..” – சிறுமி மீதும் தவறு உள்ளது..” – ஆட்சியர் சர்ச்சை பேச்சு..!#Mayiladuthurai #Collector #Harassmentcase #NewsTamil #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/ENOADS4PCV

— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) February 28, 2025

(With inputs from The New Indian Express)  

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The post Sirkazhi: 3-Yr-Old Girl Brutally Raped And Head Smashed By 17 Yr-Old Boy At Anganwadi Centre, Mayiladuthurai Collector Blames Girl Child For Assault appeared first on The Commune.

In response to a petition filed by the DMK and its allies, who jointly wrote to the Madurai District Collector requesting permission for minority Muslims to practice their faith on the Thirupparankundram hills, a coalition of parties including BJP, AMMK, TMK, AIADMK’s Rights Retrieval Committee, Hindu Munnani, Puthiya Tamilagam Party, Indian Democratic Party, Tamil Nadu People’s Progress Party, Veera Tamilar Progress Party, Tamil National Party, and South India Forward Bloc has petitioned the Collector to reject the request. They argue that allowing animal sacrifice, a practice not previously observed at the site, would disrupt social harmony and potentially create religious tensions in the area.

In their letter to the District Collector, the collective representation from BJP and its allies, along with other regional activist groups, stated, “Thirupparankundram Hill is a sacred site for the Shaivite community, home to the Subramania Swamy Temple. The hill also hosts the Shaivite deities Lord Ganesha, the Baladhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, the Kashi Vishwanathar Temple, as well as numerous cave and Shiva temples. There are several Shaivite temples surrounding the hill as well, and the practice of animal sacrifice is in direct conflict with the sanctity of the Shaivite religion. We have lived here for centuries, and such practices have never occurred before. Allowing such practices would deeply hurt the sentiments of Hindu devotees and could disrupt the unity and brotherhood of the local community, which has coexisted peacefully for generations. Therefore, we urge you to take measures to prevent animal sacrifice, in order to preserve the harmony of the people in this area.”

நேற்று முன்தினம்:-

திமுக கூட்டணி கட்சிகள் மற்றும் அதிமுக உள்ளூர் நிர்வாகிகள் "திருப்பரங்குன்றம் மலையில் பலியிடவும், இந்துக்களுக்கு தனி பாதையை பிரிக்கவும்" கோரி மனு கொடுத்தனர்.

இன்று அதனை தொடர்ந்து:-

"1. பாஜக
2. அமமுக
3. தமக
4. அதிமுக உரிமை மீட்பு குழு
5. இந்து முன்னணி
6.… pic.twitter.com/bkYknL5nxQ

— MR.Anil (@Saffron_Anil_) January 29, 2025

This petition was a response to a letter submitted by leaders from several political parties, including the DMK, AIADMK, CPI(M), and Congress, to the Madurai District Collector. In their letter, they urged intervention to address the rising religious tensions in Thirupparankundram. The petition raised concerns over alleged restrictions on Muslim worship practices and called for measures to restore social harmony in the area.

The issue revolves around the Hazrat Sultan Sikandar Badusha Auliya Dargah, a revered Muslim place of worship located atop Thirupparankundram Hill. According to the letter, both Muslims and members of other communities have traditionally participated in religious practices, including offering sacrifices of goats and chickens, as part of the Kanthuri ritual, and praying for the mentally ill on Thursdays.

“The controversy arose when, on 27 November 2024 and 25 December 2024, local police reportedly stopped Muslim devotees from conducting these rituals. The police, citing orders from higher authorities, claimed the practices were not permitted. However, when pressed for a copy of the order, the authorities allegedly stated it was a verbal directive.”, the petition read.

It further went on to add “Fearing the loss of their “right to worship”, some Islamic organizations staged protests. The situation escalated further as BJP leaders reportedly brought large groups to the hill, raised slogans, and created an atmosphere of intimidation.”

The letter also raises concerns about police actions blocking access to the steps leading to the Kasi Vishwanath Temple located on the hill. The restriction has reportedly added to the tensions, with fears of further unrest in the city.

In their plea to the District Collector, the leaders urged the administration to:

1. Allow the continuation of Muslim worship practices at the dargah.
2. Open the path to the Kasi Vishwanath Temple for devotees.
3. Take action against those allegedly inciting division and hatred along religious lines.

The joint appeal emphasized the need to maintain peace and harmony among the diverse communities living in Thirupparankundram and urged swift resolution to prevent further conflict.

Background

The sacred Hindu site of Thirupparankundram Hills is facing growing tension, with controversial actions by a Muslim politician fueling divisive rhetoric. Indian Union Muslim League member and Ramanathapuram MP Navas Kani, who also serves as the chairman of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board, has claimed that the dargah at the hilltop is Waqf property. This statement has sent shockwaves through the region and intensified existing tensions.

This development is part of a series of incidents that have strained relations between Hindus and Muslims, who had previously lived in harmony. Some Islamists groups have been attempting to assert their rights to conduct animal sacrifices at the hilltop, furthering their claims that the entire Thirupparankundram Hills should be recognized as Sikkandar Hills.

The situation escalated on 27 December 2024, when Madurai police intervened to detain a group of Muslims family attempting to bring goats and roosters to the hilltop dargah for ritual sacrifice. Syed Abu Dahir, a 53-year-old from Malaiyadipatti in Rajapalayam, arrived with his family and animals for the ceremony but was stopped by authorities at the base of the hill. Police informed them that bringing livestock up the hill was prohibited, which led to a protest by over 20 local Muslims at the foot of the hill in solidarity with the family.

The following week, on 5 January 2025, another large group of Muslim protesters gathered at Thirupparankundram Hills, demanding permission to offer prayers at the mosque located at the top. When the police denied their request, tensions escalated, leading to a brief scuffle and the detention of the protesters.

On 17 January 2025, during the Santhanakoodu Festival at a nearby dargah, social media posts began circulating about an upcoming “Equality Feast” (Samabanthi Bhojan) on 18 January at the hilltop dargah, where goats and roosters were allegedly to be sacrificed. Fearing communal unrest, police set up barricades and conducted searches to prevent the transportation of livestock to the hill. When the dargah Jamath was informed that animal sacrifices were not allowed, protests broke out. Members of the Jamath, along with other Muslim protesters, clashed with the police, causing further disruptions.

The situation was exacerbated by the involvement of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), an ally of AIADMK and a group linked to the banned terror outfit PFI. These elements are believed to be behind the attempts to conduct animal sacrifices at the sacred Thirupparankundram Hill.

Furthering tensions, on 21 January 2025, DMK Manapparai MLA Abdul Samad was accused of conducting an illegal survey around the temple with intentions to gain control of the hill. On the same day, IUML member and Ramanathapuram MP Navas Kani was seen giving an interview near the Thirupparankundram Hills. When asked whether the dargah at the hilltop was under the Waqf Board, Kani confirmed, “Yes, it is under the control of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board,” further heightening tensions in the area.

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The post BJP, Allies, And Hindu Activist Groups Petition District Collector Opposing Animal Sacrifice At Thirupparankundram Hill appeared first on The Commune.

Leaders from DMK, AIADMK, CPI(M), and Congress have jointly submitted a petition to the Madurai District Collector, urging the continuation of Muslim worship and animal sacrifice practices at the Sultan Sikandar Badusha Dargah atop Thirupparankundram Hill. However, the letter makes no mention of protecting Hindu worship rights at the centuries-old sacred site, framing “social harmony” solely around meeting Muslim demands while sidelining concerns over access restrictions imposed on Hindu devotees.

The issue centers around the Hazrat Sultan Sikandar Badusha Auliya Dargah, located atop Thirupparankundram Hill, a revered Muslim place of worship. According to the letter, Muslims and members of other communities have traditionally offered sacrifices of goats and chickens, as part of a religious practice called Kanthuri, and prayed for the mentally ill on Thursdays.

“The controversy arose when, on 27 November 2024 and 25 December 2024, local police reportedly stopped Muslim devotees from conducting these rituals. The police, citing orders from higher authorities, claimed the practices were not permitted. However, when pressed for a copy of the order, the authorities allegedly stated it was a verbal directive.“, the petition read.

It further went on to add “Fearing the loss of their “right to worship“, some Islamic organizations staged protests. The situation escalated further as BJP leaders reportedly brought large groups to the hill, raised slogans, and created an atmosphere of intimidation.“

The letter also raises concerns about police actions blocking access to the steps leading to the Kasi Vishwanath Temple located on the hill. The restriction has reportedly added to the tensions, with fears of further unrest in the city.

In their plea to the District Collector, the leaders urged the administration to:

1. Allow the continuation of Muslim worship practices at the dargah.
2. Open the path to the Kasi Vishwanath Temple for devotees.
3. Take action against those allegedly inciting division and hatred along religious lines.

The joint appeal emphasized the need to maintain peace and harmony among the diverse communities living in Thirupparankundram and urged swift resolution to prevent further conflict.

Background

The sacred Hindu site of Thirupparankundram Hills is facing growing tension, with controversial actions by a Muslim politician fueling divisive rhetoric. Indian Union Muslim League member and Ramanathapuram MP Navas Kani, who also serves as the chairman of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board, has claimed that the dargah at the hilltop is Waqf property. This statement has sent shockwaves through the region and intensified existing tensions.

This development is part of a series of incidents that have strained relations between Hindus and Muslims, who had previously lived in harmony. Some Islamists groups have been attempting to assert their rights to conduct animal sacrifices at the hilltop, furthering their claims that the entire Thirupparankundram Hills should be recognized as Sikkandar Hills.

The situation escalated on 27 December 2024, when Madurai police intervened to detain a group of Muslims family attempting to bring goats and roosters to the hilltop dargah for ritual sacrifice. Syed Abu Dahir, a 53-year-old from Malaiyadipatti in Rajapalayam, arrived with his family and animals for the ceremony but was stopped by authorities at the base of the hill. Police informed them that bringing livestock up the hill was prohibited, which led to a protest by over 20 local Muslims at the foot of the hill in solidarity with the family.

The following week, on 5 January 2025, another large group of Muslim protesters gathered at Thirupparankundram Hills, demanding permission to offer prayers at the mosque located at the top. When the police denied their request, tensions escalated, leading to a brief scuffle and the detention of the protesters.

On 17 January 2025, during the Santhanakoodu Festival at a nearby dargah, social media posts began circulating about an upcoming “Equality Feast” (Samabanthi Bhojan) on 18 January at the hilltop dargah, where goats and roosters were allegedly to be sacrificed. Fearing communal unrest, police set up barricades and conducted searches to prevent the transportation of livestock to the hill. When the dargah Jamath was informed that animal sacrifices were not allowed, protests broke out. Members of the Jamath, along with other Muslim protesters, clashed with the police, causing further disruptions.

The situation was exacerbated by the involvement of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), an ally of AIADMK and a group linked to the banned terror outfit PFI. These elements are believed to be behind the attempts to conduct animal sacrifices at the sacred Thirupparankundram Hill.

Furthering tensions, on 21 January 2025, DMK Manapparai MLA Abdul Samad was accused of conducting an illegal survey around the temple with intentions to gain control of the hill. On the same day, IUML member and Ramanathapuram MP Navas Kani was seen giving an interview near the Thirupparankundram Hills. When asked whether the dargah at the hilltop was under the Waqf Board, Kani confirmed, “Yes, it is under the control of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board,” further heightening tensions in the area.

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The post DMK, ADMK, CPI-M, Congress Petition Collector To Protect Rights Of Muslims To Offer Sacrifice At Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple Hill, Says ‘Hindutva’ Forces Are Disturbing Peace appeared first on The Commune.

The Indu Makkal Katchi has released a press statement raising questions about the conduct of Tirunelveli District Collector Mrs. Shilpa Prabhakar Satish IAS who was called on by Christian pastors accompanied by several members from Tamil Nadu political parties excluding BJP, to file a complaint against Indu Makkal Katchi (IMK) cadres for demolishing the Christian cemetery built in front of the Uchistha Ganapathy temple at Manimoortheeswaram.

The cemetery built by the local Church right in front of the Manimoortheeswaram Uchistha Ganapathy temple, was demolished on the night of October 17 by members of the Indu Makkal Katchi after repeated pleas by the locals and Hindu organizations to Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments board and the district administration made no progress.

Following this 9 members belonging to IMK surrendered at the police station.

Sources belonging to IMK said that the Christian pastors and the political parties had met the District Collector asking for charging the IMK members under the National Security Act.

In November 2019, Legal Rights Observatory, an non-profit legal activism organization working towards safeguarding Indian interest had filed a complaint with the Tirunelveli District Collector requesting for the removal of encroachment of Christian cemetery.  Responding to that complaint, the district administration had stated that the Christian cemetery is located on a private land. It added that section 145 has been imposed on the piece of land and burial rituals had been stopped due to the objections raised by the devotees and local people.

However, the IMK in its latest press release noted that the land belonging to the temple was illegally usurped by the local Church organization in which one of the organizations kept burying the dead in the cemetery.

“Are the Hindus of Tirunelveli orphans? Where did these political parties go when the temple land was illegally encroached by the Church and a cemetery was built there?”, and went on to add that the DMK-led parties, which have petitioned not to hold the Thamiraparani Pushkarani festival, have now come forward to give a voice to Christians.

“How did these vile political ailments who did not come forward to give a voice to the Nellai Hindus come together en masse for the graves built occupying the space of the temple?”, the IMK said in its press release.

The IMK also questioned how the District Collector allowed a big crowd to enter into her office violating the norms of social distancing and with many members not wearing the face masks properly.

Today all parties in TN jointly went and gave a complaint to collector of Tirunelveli to apply NSA on IMK caders who demolished the illegal cemetery.

So Hindus cannot even defend our selves in TN.

Will the collector stand up if a Temple poojari comes, and crowds her office. pic.twitter.com/oboJdCCCdJ

— Indu Makkal Katchi (off) (@Indumakalktchi) October 20, 2020

“Will the Collector who showed ‘stood and welcomed’ these people treat us with the same respect if we come to her with a petition to reclaim the land belonging to the temple?”, the IMK press release said.

The post Cemetery demolish incident: Indu Makkal Katchi question actions of Tirunelveli Collector and TN political parties appeared first on The Commune.