Latest news with #Sasikala
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
BJP leader files complaint against popular Kerala rapper Vedan for song 'targeting' PM Modi
A woman leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala's Palakkad has filed a formal complaint against popular rapper and songwriter Hirandas Murali, better known by his stage name Vedan, accusing him of defaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a song, PTI reported on Friday. VS Minimol, a municipal councillor and chairperson of the development committee at Palakkad Municipality, has also accused the rapper of promoting caste-based division through his music. In her complaint to the Union home ministry and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the BJP leader has alleged that one of Vedan's songs contains defamatory remarks about Modi and uses inflammatory language aimed at "dividing the Hindu community along caste lines". "The artist has made unsubstantiated, disrespectful, and offensive remarks about the Prime Minister, which not only malign his personal and political image but also undermine the dignity of the highest constitutional office in the country," Minimol said in the complaint, filed two days ago, reported PTI. The complainant also pointed out that Vedan was arrested on April 28 related to a drug case in Tripunithura, near Kochi, and claimed that even though he is out on bail, the rapper still conducts large concerts with huge crowds, where he allegedly incites violence and hatred. According to PTI, Minimol requested authorities to investigate the matter under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including defamation, promoting enmity between groups, and causing public mischief. She also called for the application of relevant provisions under the Information Technology Act. No response from Vedan or his representatives has been reported so far to the allegations. The BJP leader's complaint follows closely behind the ongoing criticism of Vedan by Hindu Aikyavedi leader KP Sasikala. Speaking at an event in Palakkad on Wednesday, Sasikala had alleged that society was being humiliated by Vedan's 'improperly dressed antics' and said it was time to put a stop to them, according to PTI. She had also questioned the relevance of rap music to the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) community. Vedan had responded by saying that Sasikala's alleged casteist remarks were part of a broader attempt to portray him as 'an extremist, a separatist, or a troublemaker.' He also asserted that Sasikala's remarks, which imply that rap music is unrelated to the SC/ST community, reflected an attitude among people like her who do not want members of such communities to pursue anything different.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Attempt being made to portray me as a terrorist, says rapper Vedan
Kochi: Responding to recent remarks by Hindu Aikya Vedi chief patron KP Sasikala, rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan, said that his remarks were not directed at Sasikala personally but were targeted at his political views. "There is a concerted attempt to portray me as a terrorist and a divisive figure. All I am doing is my profession," Vedan said. He strongly refuted allegations that his songs are casteist or that he is being funded by foreign agencies. Responding to Sasikala's claim that rap music has no connection with dalit identity, Vedan countered, "There is no connection between radical Hindutva and democracy. I stand for democracy and speak for the people." He added that Sasikala's statements reflect a mindset that wants dalits to remain confined to traditional roles. "If I was the voice for classical or ghazal singing, I would have done that. Since my voice suits rap, I express myself through this genre," he said. Addressing criticism over his participation in a govt-sponsored event, Vedan said there was nothing wrong in being part of a programme hosted by a democratically elected govt. "It is foolish to label me as a supporter of any political party. I have always maintained that I am an independent artist. Aligning with a party would compromise that independence," he said.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Sasikala attacks Vedan for deviating from tribal music
Hindu Aikya Vedi chief patron K.P. Sasikala has lashed out at rapper Vedan for deviating from the tribal music. Inaugurating a dharna organised by the Hindu Aikya Vedi here on Wednesday in protest against the alleged denial of justice to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, Ms. Sasikala said Vedan's rap music had no connection with the SC/ST culture. She described him as ''Kanjavoli,'' a derogatory Malayalam term linking him with ganja. Ms. Sasikala said that the society was being humiliated by Vedan's performances. According to her, it was time to stop celebrating such vulgar behaviour. 'The real issues being faced by the SC-ST communities should be discussed and addressed,' she said. She questioned whether the benefits of land reforms have reached the common people at the grass-roots level. Ms. Sasikala accused the government of trying to hide behind artists like Vedan, and warned that the community would confront such flippant behaviour. She asked the SC-ST community not to beg before the government, but rather dictate what needs to be done.
India Today
03-05-2025
- India Today
Woman, tied and gagged, dies; husband claims BDSM accident, family alleges murder
A gym trainer in Tamil Nadu's Hosur has been arrested for allegedly killing his wife. The man, however, claimed that she died during the act of bondage 34, is a gym trainer and runs four gyms while his wife Sasikala was running a women-only gym. The couple got married in 2018 after the two fell in love with each other. Sasikala used to run a playing school in Bengaluru at that to Bhaskar, on April 30, his wife bled through her nose while the couple were having sex, and so he immediately rushed her to a hospital where she was declared dead. During the enquiry, Bhaskar had reportedly told the police that he and Sasikala consumed liquor before having bondage sex. During the act, he had tied her hands and legs. He then wrapped a cloth around her neck and strangulated her. He further claimed that when he saw blood coming out of her nose, he took her to the father, Arul, and relatives denied Bhaskar's claims and said that Bhaskar used to physically assault Sasikala and constantly fought with also claimed that Bhaskar had taken a dowry of Rs 14 lakhs and constantly fought with her. Sasikala had allegedly suspected her husband of having an extra-marital affair which led to frequent arguments between the used to beat her, and we admitted her to the hospital twice before and filed a complaint with the police. This time I thought he was joking', he said.'He gagged her, tied her hands and legs, killed her and called me from the hospital saying that my daughter had died," Arul couple have two children, aged two and four.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ex-top cop honoured at International Women's Day event, shares journey breaking barriers in the force
KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 – Former Selangor deputy police chief Datuk Sasikala Devi Subramaniam, was recognised for her contributions to law enforcement at an International Women's Day event hosted by Varnam Malaysia in collaboration with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development and Yayasan Bank Rakyat. The event, held at the Shangri-La Hotel on Sunday, centred on this year's theme, Invest in Women: Accelerate Action. It aimed to highlight women's resilience and achievements while advocating for greater gender equality. Sasikala received the SHEro Leadership Icon Award in recognition of her role in shaping law enforcement and public safety. During the forum, she shared her experiences of rising through the ranks in a male-dominated force, reflecting on the challenges she faced and the resilience required to break barriers. Head of Varnam Malaysia, Sumitra Venugopal gave the welcome speech at the event. She was among several outstanding women honoured, including entrepreneur Vigneswari Naraja, known as Vyna, who received the SHEro Entrepreneurship Icon Award for her success in the baking and culinary industry, and actress Sangeetha Krishnasamy, who was named SHEro Cinematic Icon for her contributions to film and television. A panel discussion featuring women leaders such as Sasikala, businesswoman Datin Sri Shaila V, lawyer Kokila Vaani, and academic Thyivya Kalaiselvan offered insights into their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Datuk Anbumani Balan, Senior Private Secretary to the Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development, officiated the event. He highlighted the ministry's commitment to empowering Indian women through economic participation and entrepreneurship support. Now in its third year, Varnam Malaysia's International Women's Day celebration continues to serve as a platform for recognising and uplifting women in various fields. Varnam Malaysia is a leading digital media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of the Indian community in Malaysia. Committed to empowering and celebrating Indian women, the platform has become a key advocate for recognising their contributions across various sectors, from entrepreneurship to the arts. Since its inception, Varnam Malaysia has worked to provide a space where Indian women can share their achievements, challenges, and aspirations.
