DMK Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ma. Subramanian, who just weeks ago vowed to take severe action against Youtuber Irfan for the grave act of cutting his newborn baby’s umbilical cord in a hospital—an obvious violation of medical protocols—has now taken a surprising turn. The Minister recently stated that only a notice had been issued to Irfan and emphasized that the incident does not constitute “murder,” signalling a more lenient approach. This marks the third time Irfan has been dealt with remarkably casually, despite his repeated violations of medical laws and procedures, allowing him to remain largely unaffected by legal consequences.
DMK Minister Ma Subramanian addressed the press during his visit to Coimbatore, where he participated in various activities, including inspecting hospitals and inaugurating a new MRI lab at a government hospital. Journalists questioned the DMK Minister on recent controversy involving Youtuber Irfan and why no action had been taken against him.
In response, the Minister stated, “We have only issued a notice, and we have already taken action against the hospital. This is not a murderous crime; a fine of ₹50,000 has been imposed, and the hospital’s services have been suspended for 10 days. As for the issue, we have issued a notice to the concerned party. Is this such a big issue?”
After saying this, the minister casually stood up from his chair and walked away, seemingly avoiding further questions and any potential controversy.
#DINAMANI | "அன்றும் இன்றும்" இர்ஃபான் குறித்து மா.சுப்பிரமணியன் கூறியது என்ன? #masu #masubramanian #irfan #irfanview pic.twitter.com/TcA3bz0qA5
— தினமணி (@DinamaniDaily) November 12, 2024
Background
Tamil YouTuber Mohamed Irfan, known for frequently flouting state laws, seems to have once again escaped accountability, raising concerns about the DMK government’s leniency towards him. This troubling display sets a dangerous precedent.
The incident in question occurred when Irfan posted a video on his YouTube channel, “Irfan’s View”, filmed at a private hospital in Chennai. The video depicted Irfan cutting his newborn’s umbilical cord on camera as he and his wife, Aaliya, celebrated the birth of their first child.
Despite DMK Health Minister Ma. Subramanian’s statement over two weeks ago, vowing severe action against Irfan once he returned from abroad, no significant steps have been taken against him. Instead, the hospital involved has been penalized, but Irfan himself has faced no consequences for his actions, leading to criticism of the government’s inaction and perceived special treatment.
So far, YouTuber Irfan, sent a letter to the Health Department, expressing his respect for Tamil Nadu’s health authorities and clarifying that he never intended to cause harm. Irfan, claiming he was currently abroad, apologized for any misunderstandings and stressed that he had no intention of violating medical ethics.
However, the Health Department took immediate action against the hospital. The hospital where the procedure took place was fined ₹50,000 and its operations were suspended for ten days. Additionally, the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services (DMS) revoked the Clinical Establishment Act registration of Rainbow Children’s Hospital in Sholinganallur, suspending all patient care activities for ten days, starting October 24.
An exception was made for pregnant women receiving continuous treatment at the hospital. Rajamoorthy, the Director of Medical and Rural Health Services, explained that the registration was withdrawn under Section 5 (2) of the Tamil Nadu Private Clinical Establishments (Regulation) Act. The State Rural Health Department has also filed a police complaint against Niveditha, the gynaecologist at the Chennai private hospital and Irfan. Reports emerged on 5 November 2024 that she’s also been served notice by the Tamil Nadu Medical Council .
Health Minister Ma. Subramanian’s recent statement, dismissing the act as “not a murderous crime,” stands in stark contrast to his earlier comments on 22 October 2024, when he had vowed that severe actions would be taken. This shift in stance suggests that, once again, the DMK government may not pursue serious consequences. As a result, Youtuber Irfan is likely to continue posting vlogs and videos—perhaps even with Dravidian Stocks—on his channel without facing any significant repercussions for his violation of the law.
It is noteworthy that Irfan had previously faced controversy after disclosing the sex of his unborn child, following a prenatal test conducted abroad. Revealing the sex of a fetus is a violation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act.
The ruling DMK, known for strictly enforcing laws against its critics, has recently faced backlash over its approach to handling YouTuber and food vlogger Mohamed Irfan. Although the party has previously arrested citizens for legal infractions, it seems to be treating Irfan differently by issuing him a show cause notice, requesting an explanation for a controversial video he posted.
Observers and political analysts suggest that influencers like Mohamed Irfan have previously helped promote DMK’s ideology within the state, particularly during election run-up.
It is noteworthy that Irfan shares a close relationship with the DMK scion. He did a public relations video with DMK scion and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin in November 2022. In the video Irfan asks Udhayanidhi Stalin “You’ve become my friend now right? You’re my friend right? Give your hand bro. (shakes hand). From now on, we’re friends. Like in the film OKOK (Oru Kal Oru Kannadi starring Udhayanidhi Stalin), if I get caught by police and call you, will you help me?”
This is seen as the reason why the DMK may be hesitant to take stricter action against him.
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