Tamil Nadu BJP Youth Wing State President Dr. SG Suryah has been repeatedly targeted by the DMK government and its political allies through police cases, arrests, and summons. Below is a documented record of the cases filed against him.

Case 1: Su Venkatesan Tweet Case (June 2023)

What happened: On June 7, 2023, Suryah posted a tweet addressing CPI(M) Madurai MP Su Venkatesan, accusing a CPI(M) ward councillor of forcing a sanitation worker to manually clean a drain filled with sewage, which allegedly led to the worker’s death. He called out Su Venkatesan for remaining silent over his party councillor’s alleged conduct.

Police action: The Madurai district cyber crime police arrested Suryah late on the night of 16 June 2023, in Chennai – acting on a complaint filed by CPI(M) Madurai district secretary Ganesan. He was arrested under multiple sections of the IT Act including provisions for promoting enmity between groups and intentional insult.

Remand and bail: He was produced before a Madurai court and remanded to judicial custody for 15 days till July 1. He was subsequently granted bail on June 20, 2023.

Case 2: Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Case (July 2023)

What happened: During the Aani Thirumanjanam festival at the ancient Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, an incident involving alleged harassment by local authorities was reported. Suryah posted about the events on social media. The Commune, a digital news portal of which Suryah is a director, also reported on the incident.

Police action: The Chidambaram Town police filed an FIR based on a complaint by a revenue department official – reportedly registered after the official overheard conversations at a bus stand about the posts. Suryah was summoned to appear before the investigating officer on 4 July 2023.

Court: The Madras High Court granted Suryah conditional anticipatory bail on 17 July 2023, directing him to appear before the investigating officer morning and evening daily till further orders. Justice G Chandrasekharan noted that the FIR appeared “intended to curtail journalistic freedom.”

The case against The Commune itself was quashed by the Madras High Court in April 2025.

Case 3: Three-Language Policy Signature Campaign/Mittai Case (March 2025)

What happened: On 7 March 2025, Suryah organised a signature campaign titled “Equal Education Is Our Right” in support of the three-language policy in Chennai. During the campaign, he reportedly distributed sweets (mittai) to school children who participated in signing the petition.

Police action: Suryah was arrested and booked under the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 along with Section 126(2) (intentionally preventing another person from moving in a direction) and Section 192 (intentionally provoking others to commit a riot) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita – for involving school children in the signature campaign. He was released later the same day.

Case 4: RTI Data Case – Salem (February 2026)

What happened: During a protest organised by the BJP Women’s Wing in Salem, Suryah cited data on governance failures – data he stated had been officially provided by the Tamil Nadu government itself in response to a Right to Information (RTI) Act application. The information was thus sourced from the government’s own transparency mechanism.

Police action: Despite the data being government-furnished RTI information, a fresh criminal case was registered against Suryah in connection with statements made at the protest.

Suryah’s response: Calling it “continuous repression,” Suryah alleged that police were under pressure from the state government to make another arrest in connection with the case. He described the situation as “authoritarian rule” and said cases had been filed against him for speaking in television debates, highlighting DMK governance failures, and criticising the ruling party on public platforms. He added that even when he had been physically attacked by DMK members, cases had been registered against him rather than his attackers, despite video evidence.

Case 5: Fabricated FIR – TV Debate Venue Attack Case (January 2026)

What happened: On 9 January 2026, Suryah and BJP Youth Wing members attended a television debate at the Daily Thanthi office complex on Poonamallee High Road, Chennai. After the debate, DMK cadres allegedly gathered outside and attacked BJP workers. Suryah alleged that police had to escort him to safety inside the premises. In the violence that followed, Thanthi TV security guards were reportedly beaten – one person’s head was broken, another’s hand fractured and bleeding. Police officers were also allegedly attacked by DMK members.

The twist: Instead of booking the attackers, the Tamil Nadu Police registered an FIR based on a complaint by a woman who claimed BJP workers, including Suryah referred to in the FIR as “Rowdy Surya”, abused, assaulted, slapped, kicked, threw stones at her, threatened to kill her, and attempted to outrage her modesty. The FIR also claimed BJP workers said: “We are the ones who make the rules in Chennai.”

Suryah’s response: Calling it “a completely fake FIR,” Suryah pointed out that the incident occurred in a media complex with CCTV cameras and multiple mobile recordings – all of which, he said, clearly showed DMK members attacking BJP workers, not the other way around. Three injured BJP workers had filed hospital complaints; those complaints were ignored, and their names were added as accused instead. 10 to 15 BJP Youth Wing members were identified via CCTV and named as accused, while no DMK attacker was booked.

DMK angle: Suryah alleged that a Dravidianist YouTuber named Senthilvel, whom he accused of being financially backed by the DMK, had triggered the violence. He alleged Senthilvel had created disturbances at a debate on January 8 as well, and had returned with DMK supporters the following day. He also alleged that channel editors were being pressured to include Senthilvel in debate panels. The BJP secured interim protection from the Madras High Court.

Case 6: Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam Case (December 2025)

Background: The Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench, Justice GR Swaminathan, granted permission for the ceremonial Karthigai Maha Deepam to be lit at the traditional lamppost on Thirupparankundram hill under CISF protection, in addition to the long-standing practice at the Uchipillayar Temple. The DMK state administration cancelled the hilltop arrangements on the morning of the event, defying the court order. When the 6 PM deadline passed and the lamp was lit only at the Uchipillayar Temple, not at the Deepathoon as ordered – Justice Swaminathan issued an extraordinary directive allowing the petitioner and ten others to proceed to the hilltop with CISF escort.

What happened: Following the court order, Hindu organisations and BJP members assembled demanding enforcement of the hilltop lighting. When protesters attempted to cross police barricades to climb the hill, clashes broke out. Two police personnel sustained injuries. District Collector Praveen Kumar imposed Section 144 prohibitory orders across the area.

Police action: Thirupparankundram police registered a case against 15 people including BJP state youth wing secretary SG Suryah and Hindu Munnani members under seven IPC sections including trespassing, disturbing public peace, and damaging public property.

Key irony: The protesters were demanding compliance with a High Court order the state administration had already defied. Justice Swaminathan subsequently slammed the DMK government for failing to comply.

A tweet citing a CPI(M) councillor’s misconduct. An RTI report based on government’s own data. Sweets given to school children. Attendance at a TV debate. A demand that a High Court order be enforced. These are not the actions of a man inviting legal trouble. These are the ordinary activities of a politician doing his job, and in Tamil Nadu, under the DMK, each one has become a criminal case.

Case after case under the DMK regime – The number itself is the story.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Case After Case: How DMK Govt Turned BJP Leader SG Suryah Into A Legal Target appeared first on The Commune.

The recently launched website of the Tamil Nadu Police has drawn criticism from sections of the legal community after it restricted public access to First Information Reports (FIRs), allowing only specific parties connected to a case to view or download the documents.

As reported in The Hindu, under the new system, only the accused, the victim, or the complainant in a case can access the FIR through the portal. Members of the general public and third parties are no longer able to view or download FIRs from the website.

The portal has been developed as part of the CCTNS 2.0 (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems) upgrade and integrated with the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS). Through this integration, police records can be shared in real time with courts, forensic science laboratories, prisons, and prosecution departments.

Authorities say key ICJS applications such as e-Sakshya, used for digital evidence management, and e-Summon, which enables electronic service of summons, have already been implemented across the State.

Advocates Raise Accessibility Concerns

However, defence lawyers and legal practitioners have raised concerns that even advocates are unable to access FIRs through the portal.

Advocate S. Karthikeyan said the system poses practical difficulties for many citizens. According to him, individuals must register their personal details, including mobile numbers and email IDs, and create login credentials in order to access most services under CCTNS 2.0.

He argued that such requirements could disadvantage non-literate, rural, and elderly citizens, who may be forced to rely on private browsing centres to complete the registration process.

Karthikeyan also questioned whether the mandatory collection of personal data for accessing services complies with the provisions of the **Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

Another advocate practising before the Madras High Court, M. Palanimuthu, said that providing controlled access to advocates would benefit the justice system and save valuable court time.

He said that if advocates were given dedicated login credentials, they could interact directly with officials on behalf of clients. This would enable them to serve copies of applications to prosecutors and investigating officers, as well as communicate requests to prison authorities for inmates, including applications for medical treatment.

Palanimuthu added that electronic acknowledgement of submissions through the portal could help streamline several processes.

Some advocates also complained that documents downloaded by authorised users from the portal are often unclear, which could create complications in legal proceedings such as accident compensation claims.

Police Cite Privacy Concerns

Officials from the State Crime Records Bureau defended the new system, stating that the website was designed after detailed deliberation.

They explained that while the previous website allowed third-party access to FIRs, the facility had been withdrawn in the new portal to safeguard privacy.

According to officials, only individuals whose mobile numbers were recorded during FIR registration—the complainant, victim, or accused—are now able to retrieve the document.

They argued that making FIRs publicly accessible online could reveal sensitive details. For example, in cases involving hurt or criminal intimidation, the FIR might contain abusive words allegedly used by the accused. Similarly, in theft or robbery cases, details of household items could become publicly available.

Despite the privacy argument, some legal experts have questioned the decision to restrict access to FIRs.

Advocate Naveenkumar Murthy said that FIRs are generally considered public documents and should ordinarily be accessible to the public, except in limited cases where the victim’s identity or privacy needs to be protected.

He also pointed out that the Madras High Court had directed the State in May 2025 to implement the CCTNS 2.0 system by September 2025, noting that the rollout had already been delayed.

Murthy argued that preventing access to FIRs through the portal effectively denies the press and the public their legal right to information and access to justice.

The issue has now triggered a broader debate over how to balance privacy protections with transparency and public access to criminal records in the era of digital policing.

Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Public Access To FIRs Restricted On New TN Police Portal appeared first on The Commune.

Hindu Munnani has raised sharp questions over the Tamil Nadu police’s handling of the incident involving the hoisting of a crescent flag on the kallathi tree, the sacred thalavirutcham belonging to the Thirupparankundram Temple.

In a statement, the organisation alleged selective action by the authorities, pointing out that no Muslim names have been mentioned in the FIR registered in connection with the incident. Hindu Munnani questioned how this was possible when police reportedly insist that visitors must produce Aadhaar identification to climb the hill.

“If Aadhaar verification is mandatory, the identities of those who hoisted the crescent flag should be easily traceable. Why then were FIRs not registered in their names?” the outfit asked, suggesting that exceptions appeared to be made.

The organisation also flagged that clear photographs showing the faces of those involved are available, yet no arrests have been made so far. Hindu Munnani questioned whether the delay was due to “vote-bank considerations or fear”.

Further, it criticised the State government and the police for failing to remove the crescent flag even after the FIR was filed, calling it a reflection of administrative inaction and incompetence.

இ**லாமியர்களின் ஓட்டுக்கான பாசமா? இல்லை பயமா??

திருப்பரங்குன்றம் கோவிலுக்கு சொந்தமான தலவிருட்சம் கல்லத்தி மரத்தில் பிறை கொடி ஏற்றியவர்கள்மீது பதிவுசெய்யப்பட்ட FIRல் இஸ்லாமியர்கள் ஒருவரது பெயர்கூட இல்லை..

ஆதார் அட்டை காண்பித்துதான் மலை ஏற வேண்டும் என்று காவல்துறை கூறிவரும்… pic.twitter.com/7e6mX1ot39

— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) January 13, 2026

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post No Muslim Names In FIR: Hindu Munnani Flags Selective Action After Dargah’s Crescent Flag Hoisted On Thirupparankundram Sacred Kallathi Tree appeared first on The Commune.

The Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Police on 17 December 2025 registered a case against four individuals in connection with the creation and circulation of a parody song titled ‘Pottiye Kettiye’, which refers to the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple.

Set to the tune of the popular Ayyappa devotional song ‘Swamiye Ayyappo’, the parody gained widespread attention during the recently concluded local body elections after being used by the Congress (UDF) party in its campaign against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). The song’s circulation sparked controversy, with allegations that it distorted a sacred devotional composition and hurt religious sentiments.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the song was disseminated through online platforms, including YouTube, and was also circulated directly among members of the public and religious groups on or before 16 December 2025. The police stated that the act was carried out “with deliberate intent and prior knowledge” to insult religious sentiments, undermine faith, provoke religious emotions and incite disharmony.

The FIR named Kunjabdulla Chalappuram as the first accused, alleging that he created and released the parody beginning with the words ‘Pottiye Kettiye’ in a manner that insulted Ayyappa devotional songs and the sacred Sharana mantra. The police further stated that the content was intended to foster hatred among believers, disrupt communal harmony and disturb public peace.

The second accused, Danish Malappuram, rendered the song, while the third and fourth accused were responsible for filming and production. According to the police, all four jointly propagated the song through internet-based platforms.

Investigators said the track was produced by a Malappuram-based duo, Subair Pandalloor and Haneefa Mudikkode, as a promotional project for their studio. The lyrics were written by Kunjabdulla Chalappuram, also known as GP Chalappuram, and the song was sung by Danish Malappuram.

The complaint leading to the registration of the case was filed with State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar by Prasanth Kuzhikala, general secretary of the Thiruvabharanapatha Samrakshana Samithi. In his complaint, Kuzhikala alleged that the parody mutilated a sacred Ayyappa devotional composition and misused religious content for political purposes. He contended that linking Lord Ayyappa with an election campaign song amounted to an affront to faith and caused emotional distress to devotees.

The song gained wide circulation across Kerala and among Malayali communities abroad during the election campaign. United Democratic Front (UDF) Members of Parliament also used the song during a protest outside Parliament, demanding a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged Sabarimala gold smuggling case.

According to the FIR, the lyrics of the song refer to the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala, claiming that Unnikrishnan Potti, who is currently in judicial custody, was brought to the shrine to convert gold into copper, and that gold and money belonging to the deity were stolen by “comrades.”

Further investigation is underway.

Source: OnManorama

Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Kerala Police File FIR Against ‘Pottiye Kettiye’ Parody Song Creators About Alleged Sabarimala Gold Theft; Song Was Used During Local Body Poll Campaign appeared first on The Commune.

The Kerala Police have registered a case under non-bailable sections against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil after a woman accused him of sexually abusing her under the pretext of marriage and coercing her into terminating a pregnancy. The case, initially filed at the Valiyamala police station, was later transferred to the Nemom station for further investigation.

According to the complaint, the woman met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday evening and submitted a detailed account of alleged sexual abuse, threats, and forced abortion. The Chief Minister’s Office immediately handed over the complaint to Law and Order ADGP H. Venkatesh, following which the police recorded the woman’s statement and registered the FIR.

The FIR states that Rahul allegedly abused the woman on three separate occasions in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad after promising marriage and that the acts were secretly recorded. When she became pregnant, the MLA allegedly pressured her to terminate the pregnancy, telling her it would affect his political prospects. She told investigators that she was forced to take abortion pills without a medical prescription and suffered severe bleeding. The complaint further alleges that when she resisted, she was blackmailed using the videotaped incidents.

The woman is said to have produced audio, video and text message evidence to support her complaint. Police officials confirmed that a lookout notice has been issued to prevent the MLA from leaving the country. Thiruvananthapuram Rural SP S. Sudarshan is currently leading the investigation, though the case may be transferred to the Crime Branch or to a special team headed by a woman IPS officer.

The complaint marks a significant setback for the Congress ahead of the local body elections. The developments have also deepened internal discord within the party, where senior leaders are divided over Mamkootathil’s future.

This is not the first allegation faced by the MLA. An SIT had previously registered a case based on third-party complaints of cyberstalking, though the investigation stalled as the victim did not file a formal complaint. Earlier, an actress had also alleged that the MLA misbehaved with her, after which several sexual harassment accusations surfaced, ultimately leading to his suspension from the Youth Congress.

Despite the controversies, the local body election campaign saw Mamkootathil re-emerge publicly as he canvassed for Congress candidates in Palakkad. While the party did not involve him in organisational meetings, certain leaders, including MP K. Sudhakaran, had indicated support for his return to active politics.

Following news of the latest FIR, Rahul Mamkootathil posted on Facebook claiming innocence and stating that he would prove his case legally.

(Source: The New Indian Express)

Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Kerala Police Book Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil On Sexual Abuse Charge; Lookout Notice Issued appeared first on The Commune.

In a development that could significantly alter the course of the Dharmasthala mass burial case, the very activists who initiated the complaint have approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash the First Information Report (FIR) registered based on their own allegations.

The petitioners—Girish Mattennavar, Mahesh Shetty (Thimmarodi), and Jayant T—have requested the court to nullify FIR No. 39/2025, which was filed under Section 211(A) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, at the Dharmastala Police Station. The case involves sensational allegations of mass burials, including the bodies of many women, in forested areas around the renowned temple town.

A Plea to Nullify the Case

The writ petition, filed through advocates, represents a stark reversal from the petitioners’ original position. In their plea, they have urged the High Court to:

• Quash the primary FIR and all subsequent notices issued by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), including a specific notice dated October 24, 2025.
• Stay all further proceedings in the case.
• Nullify the “anti-Dharmasthala conspiracy case” and a separate forgery case registered against the key initial complainant, a masked man named Chinnayya.

Notably, the police had earlier consolidated the allegations of unnatural deaths (the mass burials) and the counter-allegations of a criminal conspiracy into a single FIR.

Furthermore, the petitioners have also challenged the notices issued by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the case, summoning them for questioning. They have requested the court to cancel these notices.

Shifting Stance on SIT Investigation

The petitioners’ stance on the SIT has undergone a notable shift. In their initial statements, they had expressed appreciation for the formation of the SIT and had even insisted that a special team investigate their claims. They had reportedly demanded that officer Pranav Mohanty be appointed as the head of the SIT.

However, in their current High Court petition, the individuals have expressed dissatisfaction with the SIT’s investigation. Critics of the petitioners allege that this is an “indirect petition to stop the SIT investigation” now that the probe is reaching its conclusion and they fear arrest.

The Dharmasthala conspiracy has now crossed all limits. Girish Mattennanavar and another individual, who had earlier made allegations against Dharmasthala and were part of this conspiracy, have now filed a petition before the High Court seeking to quash the FIR that was…

— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishvhp) October 30, 2025

Context of the Original Complaint

The controversy began when Chinnayya submitted a complaint to the Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police, making the grave allegations. He was later arrested on charges of perjury, with police alleging he fabricated his claims. The petitioners, who were associated with the complaint, were subsequently questioned multiple times by the SIT, which has logged over 100 hours of interrogation.

The petitioners’ move comes at a critical juncture in the SIT’s investigation. Sources within the investigation team indicate that the probe has uncovered several inconsistencies in the initial claims made by the complainants. Investigators have also flagged what they describe as a campaign of “widespread misinformation” surrounding the case.

In their petition, the activists have argued that quashing the case is essential to serve the “ends of law and justice.” This marks a dramatic shift from their initial stance, where they had welcomed the formation of the SIT and demanded a thorough investigation.

The High Court’s decision on this petition is now highly anticipated, as it will determine whether the high-profile investigation, which has attracted significant public and media attention, will continue or be brought to an abrupt halt.

(Source: Kannada Asianet News & India Today)

Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally. 

The post Major Twist In Dharmasthala Conspiracy: Petitioners Who Alleged Rapes And Killings Now Ask Court To Scrap Their Own Case, Seeks Forgery Case Against Masked Man Chinnayya appeared first on The Commune.

A week ago, the Congress-led government in Telangana reportedly initiated a crackdown on free speech by directing the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police to create Suspect/History Sheets for social media users accused of “cyber offences” and “financial frauds,” regardless of whether they had been convicted. The official memo, citing Standing Order 600-1 of the Telangana Police Manual and Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), instructs the police to treat such users as “habitual or addicted offenders” and place them under continuous surveillance.

On the one hand, while the Congress governments have withdrawn cases against Islamists/terrorists across the country, the same Congress-ruled establishments have filed cases for exercising free speech.

In this report, we document a series of incidents from 2020 to 2025 where legal actions, including First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrests, were initiated against journalists and social media influencers in states governed by or with significant involvement from the Indian National Congress.

These cases often stem from criticism of party leaders, questioning of government governance, or the dissemination of content deemed offensive or false.

#1 Doordarshan Journalists Targeted

On 9 May 2025, Karnataka Congress leader CM Dhananjaya filed a complaint with Bengaluru’s High Grounds Police Station against Doordarshan journalists Ashok Shrivastava and Prakhar Shrivastava. The leader condemned a program that allegedly portrayed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as a “traitor,” particularly during a period of heightened military tensions with Pakistan. The Congress party accused the journalists of making “communal, unverified, and derogatory statements” on social media.

#2 Arrest of Pulse News Journalists

In March 2025, the Telangana Congress’s social media unit filed a complaint against Pulse News journalists Revathi Pogadadanda and Tanvi Yadav for broadcasting allegedly “offensive” content about Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Subsequently, on March 17, Hyderabad police arrested both journalists. However, the court granted them bail, ruling that Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to habitual offenders, could not be applied as there was no element of organized crime or monetary transactions involved in their actions.

#3 Influencer Arrested for Criticism in Karnataka

On 4 December 2024, Belagavi Police in Karnataka arrested 38-year-old social media influencer Mohit Narasimhamurthy. The arrest was based on a complaint from the state Congress unit, which alleged that the influencer used insulting abuses and unparliamentary language against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and other ministers in a video he uploaded.

#4 FIR for Criticizing Rahul Gandhi

On 7 July 2024, the Cyber-Crime wing of Hyderabad police registered an FIR against social media influencer Raushan Sinha (@MrSinha_). The complaint was lodged by advocate Eera Venkat Naik, who alleged that Sinha was spreading fake news linked to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s speech in Parliament on June 1. The complainant asserted that Gandhi never made derogatory statements against Hindus and accused the influencer of intentionally provoking the community for political gain, leading to legal action for the social media posts.

#5 Journalist Booked for Civic Complaint

On 19 June 2024, journalist Revathi was booked by the Telangana state government after she raised a civic issue regarding a power failure in Hyderabad. An official, M Dileep, filed the FIR, asserting that her complaint was a false allegation that intentionally defamed the state government and the power utility. He requested action against the journalist for spreading “false propaganda” and making the incident viral on social media, illustrating the potential legal repercussions for publicly criticizing basic government services.

#6 YouTuber Ajeet Bharti Booked in Bengaluru

On 16 June 2024, Bengaluru’s High Grounds police booked YouTuber Ajeet Bharti based on a complaint from BK Bopanna, a secretary of the Karnataka Congress’s legal cell. The FIR accused Bharti of “spreading enmity between religious groups through false claims.” The complaint specifically cited a video where Bharti allegedly claimed Rahul Gandhi intended to rebuild the Babri Masjid in place of the Ram Mandir, a statement the complainant denied Gandhi ever made, leading to charges for the social media content.

#7 Arrest of ‘Bhiku Mhatre’ X Handle

On 18 May 2024, Karnataka police registered an FIR against Vinit Naik, who operated the X account ‘Bhiku Mhatre’ (@MumbaichaDon). A Congress party worker complained that Naik posted a message against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that could create enmity between communities. Naik had shared a video of the CM’s speech, claiming the Congress wanted to redistribute wealth from Hindus to Muslims. The cybercrime police subsequently arrested Vinit Naik from his residence in Goa, highlighting the interstate reach of such cybercrime investigations.

#8 Youth Congress Complaint Against Influencers

On 26 April 2024, leaders of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) filed a police complaint at a Hyderabad Cyber Crime station against three social media influencers: Rishi Bagree, Arun Pudur, and Ajeet Bharti. They alleged that the influencers morphed and circulated an edited video of Rahul Gandhi’s speech from a rally in Telangana. The complaint stated that following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks, the edited video of Gandhi was widely shared and was later fact-checked and identified as manipulated content.

#9 Case for Morphed Picture of Karnataka CM

On 12 January 2024, Bengaluru’s High Grounds police registered a case against two Instagram account holders, ‘troll_kannadiga_1’ and Kritika Kriti. The FIR was based on a complaint by Sajay Yadav, secretary of the KPCC Legal Cell, who alleged the accounts posted a morphed picture of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with abusive comments. The charges included promoting enmity between different groups and circulating false statements with intent to cause social unrest, demonstrating action against perceived personal attacks on a chief minister.

#10 FIR Against TV Anchor Sudhir Chaudhary

On 11 September 2023, Karnataka police registered an FIR against TV anchor Sudhir Chaudhary at Seshadripuram Police Station. The complaint, filed by a Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation official, accused Chaudhary of “conspiring to disrupt communal harmony and spreading misinformation” in a show on Aaj Tak. The show had discussed the state government’s commercial vehicle subsidy scheme for minority communities. He was booked under IPC sections for promoting enmity between groups, showcasing legal action against mainstream media commentary on government policies.

#11 Complaint Against Zee Hindustan Anchor

On 1 July 2022, the Congress party filed a police complaint in Jaipur, Rajasthan, against Zee Hindustan anchor Rohit Ranjan. A Congress activist alleged that Ranjan ran a doctored video of Rahul Gandhi. Although the channel later withdrew the content and issued a public apology, an FIR was filed at the Bani Park police station. The news report had presented Gandhi’s comments on SFI brutality in Kerala as condoning the killers of Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, leading to charges under IPC sections 504 and 505.

#12 West Bengal Congress FIR in 2020

On 1 December 2020, the West Bengal Congress filed an FIR in Kolkata against social media influencer Rishi Bagree. The complaint pertained to a Tweet from November 29, 2020, about the ongoing farmer’s protests. Congress accused Bagree of trying to incite the public with a ‘provocative’ Tweet and intentionally insulting Congress President Sonia Gandhi. The FIR stated his actions were intended to break public peace and cause riots and included the charge of intimidation through his social media account.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally. 

The post Democracy In Danger: Cases Filed Against Journalists And Influencers In Congress-Controlled States (2020–2025) appeared first on The Commune.

Chennai police under the DMK government have arrested three people for allegedly spreading ‘rumours’ about the Karur stampede on social media during Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s rally on Saturday, which claimed 41 lives. Officials confirmed that cases have also been registered against 25 others for their online posts in connection with the incident.

The three arrested were identified as Sakhayam James, 38, Sivanesan of Mangadu, and Sarathkumar, 32, of Avadi. Police said Sivanesan and Sarathkumar are members of TVK, while Sakhayam acted independently.

In order, Sarathkumar (32); Sagayam James (38) and Sivaneswaran (32) arrested by the police for inflammatory content on #KarurStampede #tvk #vijay pic.twitter.com/fi67XAr3c5

— Ram (@madarassi) September 30, 2025

Earlier on 30 September 2025 morning, YouTuber Felix Gerald was arrested by the police for allegedly spreading ‘rumours’ on the Karur stampede.

This morning, Journalist & YouTuber #FelixGerald was arrested by the police.

The government’s message is crystal clear: any journalist who dares to question or expose them will be silenced & arrested. This is Authoritarian Rule, not democracy.#Felix pic.twitter.com/ZxLo0hiJ6U

— Stephenraj (@StephenRaj_offl) September 30, 2025

 Authorities said the cases against the 25 others relate to social media content that allegedly had the potential to disturb public peace. According to the government, several users had circulated messages claiming the rally involved divisive community discussions, which it described as “completely unfounded.”

In an official release, the DMK government warned of strict action against those spreading what it called baseless claims about the tragedy. The statement stressed that any attempt to incite unrest would invite legal consequences and urged citizens to verify information before sharing it online.

Chief Minister MK Stalin also appealed to the public to avoid sharing rumours or defamatory content on social media.

Meanwhile, to establish the cause of the stampede, the state has appointed a one-member enquiry commission headed by former Chief Justice Aruna Jagatheesan. Stalin said the government would take further action based on the commission’s findings.

(With inputs from India Today)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Fascist Pro Max: MK Stalin Goes After Those Criticizing DMK Govt On Social Media For Karur Stampede Fiasco appeared first on The Commune.

An FIR has been filed by the police in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, against an Arpit Sharma, the son of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) politician Vikas Sharma for a social media post in which he appeared to call for Nepal-style violence in India.

According to Shankar Prasad, the Superintendent of Police (City), the post was made on the platform X and was deemed provocative, with potential implications for national unity and security. “Arpit Sharma shared content referencing the protests in Nepal, which was found to be inflammatory and a threat to the nation’s integrity. An FIR has been lodged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),” the officer said. He also confirmed that Sharma is currently based in England and that a probe is ongoing, including a review of his social media activity by the cyber cell.

#WATCH | Bulandshahr | SP city, Shankar Prasad says, "Under the Bulandshahr police station limits, a person named Arpit Sharma posted inflammatory statements on 'X', taking reference to the protests in Nepal, which pose a threat to the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the… pic.twitter.com/Ih4zaUQELu

— ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2025

Arpit Sharma is reported to be the son of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member Vikas Sharma, who had contested the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections but failed to secure his deposit.

In response to the backlash, Arpit defended his post, stating that his intent was to advocate for peaceful demonstrations rather than inciting violence. Despite the clarification, he later removed the video from his account.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post FIR Filed Against AAP Leader’s Son Arpit Sharma For Urging Indian Youth To Emulate Nepal-Style Unrest appeared first on The Commune.

In a significant ruling, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that a person who has converted to Christianity cannot invoke the protections of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The Court quashed an FIR and subsequent charges filed under the SC/ST Act against the accused, citing the complainant’s conversion and his role as a pastor.

Justice Harinath N, presiding over the single-judge bench, ruled that once a person voluntarily converts to another religion, they cease to be a member of the Scheduled Caste for the purpose of the SC/ST Act. “The 2nd respondent has ceased to be a Member of the Scheduled Caste Community the day he had converted into Christianity,” the Court observed.

The complainant in the case, a Christian pastor, had alleged that he was assaulted by the petitioners during a prayer service. Based on his complaint, an FIR was registered under Sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s), and 3(2)(va) of the SC/ST Act, along with Sections 341, 506, 323, and 34 of the IPC. The petitioners, however, contended that the charges under the SC/ST Act were legally untenable since the complainant had converted to Christianity and was no longer entitled to the protections of the Act.

The Court accepted the petitioners’ argument, noting that the complainant had been functioning as a pastor for over a decade. “Having converted to Christianity and admitting his role as a Pastor in a Church, the 2nd respondent could not invoke the provisions of the SC/ST Act,” Justice Harinath stated.

The complainant had claimed he was still eligible for protection under the SC/ST Act based on a caste certificate issued by the Tahsildar identifying him as belonging to the ‘Hindu-Madiga’ caste. However, the Court clarified that mere possession of an unrevoked caste certificate cannot override the fundamental change in religious status brought by conversion.

“Caste system is alien to Christianity,” the Court emphasized, reiterating that the protective legislation is applicable only to individuals who continue to belong to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes in terms of their religious identity.

In its final order, the Court quashed the pending Special Case No. 36 of 2021 on the file of the IV Additional District and Sessions Judge-cum-SC/ST Court, Guntur, and allowed the criminal petition filed by the accused. It also observed that the complaint appeared to be false and that no purpose would be served by subjecting the petitioners to trial.

(With inputs from Verdictum)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post “SC/ST Act Cannot Be Invoked By Christian Convert”, Says AP High Court, Quashes FIR Against Accused appeared first on The Commune.