Latest news with #Ajithkumar
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Lack of political will in TN to prevent caste crimes
Even as the uproar on the 'custodial death' of Ajithkumar and the suicide of Rithanya due to dowry harassment continues, the 'honour killing' of Dalit youth Kavin Selvaganesh has raised troubling questions about Tamil Nadu's socio-political climate. This murder shatters the belief that education can keep caste discrimination at bay. While activists and politicians demand a special law for 'honour killings', it is time to examine what has been done, and what governments have failed to do. Is this an isolated event? While Tamil Nadu's Dravidian movement is often celebrated for its social justice legacy, caste-based violence and 'honour killings' persist. Twenty-seven-year-old Kavin was killed over his relationship with a dominant caste woman. Southern districts have seen recurring caste violence, often involving students. In Nanguneri, Tirunelveli, a Dalit boy was hacked by classmates from a dominant caste after prolonged bullying, prompting the government to form a one-man committee under Justice Chandru in 2023. Two years later, in 2025 another Dalit boy was hacked, losing his fingers after leading his team to victory in a kabaddi match against dominant caste players. 'Honour killings' have perpetuated in the state from Kannagi-Murugesan in 2003 to Kavin's murder now. Many cases remain unreported, disguised as suicides in rural areas. Despite reformers like Periyar, caste remains, as Dr B R Ambedkar said, 'a state of mind'. A civil society report documents 65 'honour killings' in Tamil Nadu since 2017. The systemic failure in the implementation of the already existing provisions and directives enables such crimes.
New Indian Express
31-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
DMK's responsibility to get centre's approval for Keezhadi excavation report: EPS
SIVAGANGA: AIADMK general secretary and former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami emphasised that it is the ruling DMK government's responsibility to secure approval from the central government for the Keezhadi excavation report. He was speaking to the media after visiting the Keezhadi museum in Sivaganga on Wednesday. Palaniswami, who viewed the artefacts displayed in the museum, said that he was unaware of the current explanation provided by the state government regarding the report. He said, 'It is the state government's duty to submit the required information to the centre to secure its approval.' EPS, who interacted with a group of college students at the museum, also highlighted the AIADMK's contributions to the Keezhadi excavations. He said the AIADMK had allocated about Rs 105 crore yearly for the archaeology department for carrying out five phases of excavation from 2014 till 2019. EPS, who is currently on a statewide tour, later also visited Madapuram and met the family members of Ajithkumar, the victim in the recent custodial death case. Addressing reporters, EPS said that the AIADMK legal team had taken the Sivaganga custodial death to the court and it was due to the AIADMK protests, the government recommended handing over the case to the CBI. EPS also alleged that the state government is responsible for Ajithkumar's death. He said, 'Even after knowing that Ajith Kumar was killed by the police, the government delayed action and attempted to dilute the case.'
New Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
TVK leader Vijay slams CM Stalin, BJP in first-ever political protest over custodial deaths
CHENNAI: Taking part in a public demonstration for the first time since his plunge into politics, TVK founder and actor Vijay on Sunday targeted DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin over the alleged custodial deaths that have occurred during his four-year rule. Criticising Stalin for referring the investigation into the death of Ajithkumar, a temple security guard in Madappuram in Sivaganga district, to the CBI, the TVK leader charged Stalin with taking shelter behind the BJP-led Union government. Hitting out at the BJP, Vijay said, 'The CBI continues to be a puppet in the hands of the RSS and the BJP. Why are you hiding yourselves behind them by ordering a CBI probe into Ajithkumar's death?' Taking a dig at Stalin, who said 'sorry' to the family of Ajithkumar, Vijay asked, 'You said sorry to Ajithkumar's family. Nothing wrong with that. But under your four-year rule, 24 persons have lost their lives while in police custody. Did you say 'sorry' to those families? Did you grant compensation to them? Please say 'sorry' to them too and announce compensation.'
New Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
TVK Vijay slams CM Stalin, BJP in first-ever political protest over custodial deaths
CHENNAI: Taking part in a public demonstration for the first time since his plunge into politics, TVK founder and actor Vijay on Sunday targeted DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin over the alleged custodial deaths that have occurred during his four-year rule. Criticising Stalin for referring the investigation into the death of Ajithkumar, a temple security guard in Madappuram in Sivaganga district, to the CBI, the TVK leader charged Stalin with taking shelter behind the BJP-led Union government. Hitting out at the BJP, Vijay said, 'The CBI continues to be a puppet in the hands of the RSS and the BJP. Why are you hiding yourselves behind them by ordering a CBI probe into Ajithkumar's death?' Taking a dig at Stalin, who said 'sorry' to the family of Ajithkumar, Vijay asked, 'You said sorry to Ajithkumar's family. Nothing wrong with that. But under your four-year rule, 24 persons have lost their lives while in police custody. Did you say 'sorry' to those families? Did you grant compensation to them? Please say 'sorry' to them too and announce compensation.'
New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Complete custodial death probe by August 20: Madras HC to CBI
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to complete investigation into the custodial death of temple guard B Ajithkumar (29) of Madapuram near Thirupuvanam and submit the report on or before August 20 at the jurisdictional court. The CBI director has been directed to appoint an investigating officer (IO) and required staff within one week. Further, based on petitioner's plea, the division bench comprising Justices SM Subramaniam and AD Maria Clete suggested that investigation into the jewel theft complaint lodged by JP Nikita (42) of Thirumangalam should also be transferred to the central agency, and the state government agreed. A G.O. transferring the case to CBI is likely to be issued soon. The bench passed the order while hearing a batch of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petitions regarding Ajithkumar's death. Requesting CBI probe into the jewel theft complaint, counsels for Ajithkumar stated that it would ensure complete justice to the victim. Further, when counsels expressed concern that an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation might be prolonged, increasing the longevity of the case and potentially delaying justice for the victim, the bench stated, 'The report of the IV Additional District Judge, Madurai, would assist the investigating agency in expediting the investigation and filing a final report before the jurisdictional court.'
