Latest news with #PremAnand
The Hindu
5 days ago
- The Hindu
South Zone Police achieve higher conviction rate in POCSO cases in 2025
South Zone Police have recorded a good jump in conviction rate in cases registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the first seven months of 2025. 'As many as 153 POCSO cases in the southern districts have resulted in conviction, involving 168 accused persons. Among them, 122 cases pertaining to child sexual abuse led to the conviction of 136 accused. This is a notable conviction rate of 70%,' said Inspector General of Police, South Zone, Prem Anand Sinha. The conviction rate had improved in comparison with that of 2024, he added. During the previous year, a total of 238 POCSO cases, involving 252 accused, ended up in conviction, with a 61% conviction, he added. Increased quantum of punishment The IG said that not just the conviction rate had improved but also the quantum of punishment had increased in many cases. 'The courts have awarded life imprisonment in 20 cases and 44 sentences of imprisonment of 20 years and above,' Mr. Prem Anand said. Among the southern districts, Dindigul has got the highest number of convictions in POCSO cases. It is followed by Theni and Kanniyakumari (20 cases each) Thoothukudi (18 cases) and Sivaganga (17 cases). Two accused in Dindigul district cases were sentenced to imprisonment of 30 years and 50 years respectively. In Sivaganga district, two cases resulted in 62 years of jail and 41 years of imprisonment on a concurrent basis. While one case in Theni ended up in double life imprisonment, three cases -- two from Theni and one from Kanniyakumari – resulted in imprisonment exceeding 30 years. Among the nine POCSO cases registered along with Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act that resulted in conviction, life imprisonment was awarded in one case each in Dindigul and Ramanathapuram districts. A 20-year sentence was imposed in one such case in Sivaganga. The police in South Zone continue to maintain a stringent and committed stance against crimes targeting children. 'Final reports in POCSO cases are being filed within the mandated 60-day period, thus ensuring a timely progression of investigations,' Mr. Prem Anand said. Besides, the police are conducting targeted awareness sessions to disseminate information on the provisions of the POCSO Act, victim rights, and other relevant legal safeguards. The police are also working in close coordination with the CWCs (Child Welfare Committees) at the district level to ensure better victim support, awareness and reporting. Expeditious trial 'In a majority of cases, trials have been completed within 1–2 years on an average, enabling a swift justice delivery,' he added. The police remain committed to thoroughout investigations, timely charge-sheet filing and active trial follow-up, reaffirming their resolve to protect children and support victims through every stage of the criminal justice process. The improved conviction rate also reinforced public trust in the criminal justice system.. Detention under Goondas Act The Inspector General of Police said that South Zone Police had also intensified action against sexual offenders and had detained 93 of them under the Goondas Act. In order to keep a sustained monitoring against sexual offenders, a total of 799 historysheets were being maintained across South Zone.
New Indian Express
01-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Three arrested for kidnap, man rescued in Puducherry
CHENNAI: Three persons were arrested from Puducherry on Sunday for kidnapping Stephen, a consultant from Chennai, for allegedly cheating one of them. According to police, Stephen allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from retired army man Prem Anand (41) of Thiruvanmiyur promising him a customs job. On June 26, Stephen called his wife from Puducherry, asking her to make him an online transfer of Rs 1 lakh. However, the woman grew anxious when Stephen did not return home and complained to the police. A man missing case was filed at Muthialpet police station. Police tracked the suspects to Puducherry, rescued Stephen and arrested three persons. Inquiries revealed that Prem Anand, along with his friends Sathyaraj (38) and Murugan (40) of Puducherry, had abducted Stephen, brought him to Puducherry and threatened him to recover the cash. A car used for the crime was seized. The arrested persons were remanded on Sunday. Search is on to nab more persons involved. Man held for lewd behaviour on train Chennai: A 41-year-old man was arrested by the GRP on Sunday for behaving inappropriately with women passengers on an MRTS train. The accused, D Azhagar Raja, got into an MRTS train in an inebriated state on Saturday evening and behaved in an lewd manner in front of women passengers. ENS
Economic Times
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
From Rana Naidu Season 2 to Eleven to DD Next Level: Check out these Tamil OTT releases on Netflix, JioHotstar, Prime Video
DD Next Level Eleven Jinn - The Pet Rana Naidu Season 2 This weekend, Tamil OTT platforms are pulling out all the stops. From horror comedies and dark thrillers to supernatural fantasies and gritty crime sagas, there's something for every kind of viewer. Whether you're in the mood for a laugh laced with fear or a mystery that digs deep into the psyche, these new releases on Zee5 , AhaTamil, Prime Video, and Netflix deserve a place on your binge on: Zee5Santhanam returns to his signature horror-comedy territory with Devil's Double Next Level , the fourth instalment in the Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise. Directed by Prem Anand, the film follows Krishnamoorthy aka "Kissa 47", a film critic notorious for mocking horror movies, who finds himself trapped in a cursed film set on a haunted cruise ship. What starts off as a private screening turns into a terrifying reality as Kissa and the attendees must survive the twisted tropes they once ridiculed. With appearances by Selvaraghavan, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and Yashika Aannand, and production backing from Arya's The Show People, the film leans heavily into meta-humour, genre parody, and supernatural on: AhaTamil, Prime VideoEleven is a gripping crime thriller that walks the razor's edge between psychological horror and investigative drama. Directed by Lokkesh Ajls, the story revolves around Inspector Aravind (Naveen Chandra), who delves into a series of murders that all lead back to a mysterious school named Twin Bird—an elite academy that only admits twins. The deeper he investigates, the darker the secrets he uncovers. Strong performances by Abhirami, Reyaa, Ravi Varma, and Aadukalam Naren lend weight to the narrative, which blends strong visuals with a chilling premise. Released theatrically in May, it now arrives on OTT to reach a wider OTTplay PremiumJune 20A whimsical yet haunting tale, Jinn - The Pet offers a fantastical spin on supernatural folklore. Written and directed by debutant T.R. Bala, the story follows a man whose fascination with jinns leads him to trap and domesticate one, only to unleash chaos in his own life. The film features Mugen Rao and Bhavya Trikha in lead roles, with a supporting cast that includes Bala Saravanan, Imman Annachi, and Nizhalgal Ravi. Set against a fantastical backdrop, the narrative mixes comedy, emotion, and cautionary allegory, questioning human greed and the price of tampering with the unknown. It's a fresh addition to Tamil fantasy on: NetflixRana Naidu returns with Season 2, and the stakes are higher than ever. The gritty Netflix series dives back into the murky world of celebrity cover-ups, crime, and family betrayal. Rana Daggubati reprises his role as the no-nonsense fixer who manages the messes of India's elite, while Venkatesh Daggubati returns as his morally complex and volatile father, Naga Naidu. Directed by Karan Anshuman and Suparn S Varma, the second season offers eight intense episodes of power struggles, dark secrets, and emotional battles. Now streaming in multiple languages, including Tamil, it's a must-watch for fans of layered, high-stakes drama.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From Rana Naidu Season 2 to Eleven to DD Next Level: Check out these Tamil OTT releases on Netflix, JioHotstar, Prime Video
This weekend, Tamil OTT platforms are pulling out all the stops. From horror comedies and dark thrillers to supernatural fantasies and gritty crime sagas, there's something for every kind of viewer. Whether you're in the mood for a laugh laced with fear or a mystery that digs deep into the psyche, these new releases on Zee5 , AhaTamil, Prime Video, and Netflix deserve a place on your binge list. DD Next Level Streaming on: Zee5 Santhanam returns to his signature horror-comedy territory with Devil's Double Next Level , the fourth instalment in the Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise. Directed by Prem Anand, the film follows Krishnamoorthy aka "Kissa 47", a film critic notorious for mocking horror movies, who finds himself trapped in a cursed film set on a haunted cruise ship. What starts off as a private screening turns into a terrifying reality as Kissa and the attendees must survive the twisted tropes they once ridiculed. With appearances by Selvaraghavan, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and Yashika Aannand, and production backing from Arya's The Show People, the film leans heavily into meta-humour, genre parody, and supernatural chaos. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo Eleven Streaming on: AhaTamil, Prime Video Eleven is a gripping crime thriller that walks the razor's edge between psychological horror and investigative drama. Directed by Lokkesh Ajls, the story revolves around Inspector Aravind (Naveen Chandra), who delves into a series of murders that all lead back to a mysterious school named Twin Bird—an elite academy that only admits twins. The deeper he investigates, the darker the secrets he uncovers. Strong performances by Abhirami, Reyaa, Ravi Varma, and Aadukalam Naren lend weight to the narrative, which blends strong visuals with a chilling premise. Released theatrically in May, it now arrives on OTT to reach a wider audience. Jinn - The Pet SunNXT/ OTTplay Premium June 20 A whimsical yet haunting tale, Jinn - The Pet offers a fantastical spin on supernatural folklore. Written and directed by debutant T.R. Bala, the story follows a man whose fascination with jinns leads him to trap and domesticate one, only to unleash chaos in his own life. The film features Mugen Rao and Bhavya Trikha in lead roles, with a supporting cast that includes Bala Saravanan, Imman Annachi, and Nizhalgal Ravi. Set against a fantastical backdrop, the narrative mixes comedy, emotion, and cautionary allegory, questioning human greed and the price of tampering with the unknown. It's a fresh addition to Tamil fantasy cinema. Rana Naidu Season 2 Streaming on: Netflix Rana Naidu returns with Season 2, and the stakes are higher than ever. The gritty Netflix series dives back into the murky world of celebrity cover-ups, crime, and family betrayal. Rana Daggubati reprises his role as the no-nonsense fixer who manages the messes of India's elite, while Venkatesh Daggubati returns as his morally complex and volatile father, Naga Naidu. Directed by Karan Anshuman and Suparn S Varma, the second season offers eight intense episodes of power struggles, dark secrets, and emotional battles. Now streaming in multiple languages, including Tamil, it's a must-watch for fans of layered, high-stakes drama.
Economic Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Scripps National Spelling Bee: How to watch, top competitors, rules, and prizes
The Scripps National Spelling Bee, celebrating its 100th anniversary, commences on May 27th, featuring 243 spellers from across the globe. Competitors will vie for the championship through oral spelling, vocabulary rounds, and written tests. The winner will receive over $50,000 in cash and prizes, with coverage available on Scripps-owned platforms and ION. This year marks the 97th edition of the bee Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How to Watch the Spelling Bee Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who's Competing? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Scripps National Spelling Bee marks its centenary this year, bringing together the finest young spelling talents in the English competition began in 1925 when the Louisville Courier-Journal initiated a collaborative spelling contest amongst newspapers, with champions gathering in Washington. Currently, the event takes place in Oxon Hill, Maryland, at a convention centre beside the Potomac River, running from Tuesday through Thursday marks the 97th competition, with gaps during 1943-1945 due to World War II and in 2020 due to COVID-19. The upcoming winner will be the 110th, accounting for previous two-way ties and the notable eight-way tie in is available via Scripps-owned streaming platforms and broadcast networks:Tuesday, May 27Preliminaries: 8 a.m. – 4:40 p.m. EDT on Bounce XL, Grit Xtra, Laff More, and May 28Quarterfinals: 8 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. (Streaming)Semifinals: 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Streaming), 8–10 p.m. (Tape-delay broadcast on ION)Thursday, May 29Finals: 8–10 p.m. live on IONThe 2024 bee features 243 spellers representing all 50 states, D.C., U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands), and countries including Canada, the Bahamas, Germany, Ghana, Kuwait, and contenders include:Faizan Zaki (13, Texas): Last year's runner-up, known for excelling in top-tier bees like Words of Wisdom and South Asian Spelling Kallakuri (14, North Carolina): 2024 SpellPundit National Prem Anand (14, Ohio): Finished second to Faizan in the Words of Wisdom Raju (12, Colorado): Younger brother of 2022 runner-up Vikram qualify, spellers must win regional bees and meet age and grade criteria (under 15, not past 8th grade). The contest includes:Preliminaries: One oral spelling round and one multiple-choice vocabulary test: Determines who advances to & Semifinals: Oral spelling and vocabulary questions eliminate About a dozen compete until one winner two spellers remain, judges may initiate a 'spell-off' lightning round tiebreaker—though recent rule tweaks make this less receive a custom trophy and over $50,000 in cash and prizes:1st Place: $52,500 + reference works + $1,000 school donation2nd Place: $25,0003rd Place: $15,0004th Place: $10,0005th Place: $5,0006th Place: $2,500All finalists: $2,000 each
