The Surpeme Court-appointed Empowered Committee indicated on Tuesday that it would submit a report on the Mullaperiyar dam to the court in February third week. At a meeting here, it discussed various technical reports on the dam's safety and strengthening measures.
The former Chief Justice of India, A.S. Anand, heads the committee. The other members are: Justice K.T. Thomas, retired Supreme Court Judge representing Kerala; Justice A.R. Lakshmanan, retired Supreme Court Judge representing Tamil Nadu; the former Secretary to the Ministry of Water Resources, C.D. Thatte; and D.K. Mehta, retired Chief Engineer, Central Water Commission.
The committee considered the reports of the studies and investigations conducted by various agencies it had constituted to go into the dam's safety. It also discussed the report of the two technical members who inspected the dam after Kerala raised apprehensions about its safety following mild tremors in the area. The committee discussed the applications filed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu and took their submissions on record.
The former Chief Justice of India, A.S. Anand, heads the committee. The other members are: Justice K.T. Thomas, retired Supreme Court Judge representing Kerala; Justice A.R. Lakshmanan, retired Supreme Court Judge representing Tamil Nadu; the former Secretary to the Ministry of Water Resources, C.D. Thatte; and D.K. Mehta, retired Chief Engineer, Central Water Commission.
The committee considered the reports of the studies and investigations conducted by various agencies it had constituted to go into the dam's safety. It also discussed the report of the two technical members who inspected the dam after Kerala raised apprehensions about its safety following mild tremors in the area. The committee discussed the applications filed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu and took their submissions on record.
The big fight between the film employees federation of south India (Fefsi) and Tamil film producers council (TFPC) does not seem to be reaching an end with both bodies trading charges.
The producers council slammed the Fefsi members for stopping the shooting of 16 films on Tuesday over the wage dispute despite assuring earlier that they would cooperate.
An official statement of the council said, “At a time when we are ready for a dialogue to revise the wages of federation members, obstructing the shooting of 16 films despite promising that they would not boycott any shooting, is condemnable.”
“Fefsi has neither a president nor a system at this moment. In a bid to achieve power, a few men with vested interests have been cheating and misguiding the members on the pretext of doing good to them and getting them a huge wage hike.
Truth will come out one day,” said the release. TFPC had resolved to pay a hike of `100 to all employees belonging to various crafts of Fefsi and was ready to sign an agreement immediately. The Tamil industry is going through a rough patch now.
Of the 150 films releasing every year, only 15-odd movies make profit. Despite our loss, we producers still pay judicious salary to the workers besides providing good food, stay and transportation, added the statement.
Actor/director Cheran’s film Moondru Per Moondru Kaadhal was one of the films hit by the wage issue. He said, “We did not have problems during the first few days of shooting.
After that, the workers started pestering for a wage hike failing which they threatened to stop working. The producer had no choice but to cough up the payment.”
When the council felt that Ameer went overboard at the Fefsi meeting, Cheran promised that a proper inquiry will be made into the issue.
S.A. Chandrashekar requested Tamil Nadu chief minster J. Jayalalithaa to intervene immediately and sort out the issue.
The producers council slammed the Fefsi members for stopping the shooting of 16 films on Tuesday over the wage dispute despite assuring earlier that they would cooperate.
An official statement of the council said, “At a time when we are ready for a dialogue to revise the wages of federation members, obstructing the shooting of 16 films despite promising that they would not boycott any shooting, is condemnable.”
“Fefsi has neither a president nor a system at this moment. In a bid to achieve power, a few men with vested interests have been cheating and misguiding the members on the pretext of doing good to them and getting them a huge wage hike.
Truth will come out one day,” said the release. TFPC had resolved to pay a hike of `100 to all employees belonging to various crafts of Fefsi and was ready to sign an agreement immediately. The Tamil industry is going through a rough patch now.
Of the 150 films releasing every year, only 15-odd movies make profit. Despite our loss, we producers still pay judicious salary to the workers besides providing good food, stay and transportation, added the statement.
Actor/director Cheran’s film Moondru Per Moondru Kaadhal was one of the films hit by the wage issue. He said, “We did not have problems during the first few days of shooting.
After that, the workers started pestering for a wage hike failing which they threatened to stop working. The producer had no choice but to cough up the payment.”
When the council felt that Ameer went overboard at the Fefsi meeting, Cheran promised that a proper inquiry will be made into the issue.
S.A. Chandrashekar requested Tamil Nadu chief minster J. Jayalalithaa to intervene immediately and sort out the issue.
A new website dedicated to the superstar Rajinikanth runs 'without an internet connection'! . www.allaboutrajni.com runs on Rajini Power no internet connection is reequired to enter the website. Only when the web is disconnected, one is allowed to explore the site.
Visitors can trace the story of the legend from the beginning, read inside scoops from his films and get a glimpse of behind-the-scenes action, while browsing through famous Rajini jokes about impossible feats only he can achieve.
The site has been developed by Desimartini.com.
Visitors can trace the story of the legend from the beginning, read inside scoops from his films and get a glimpse of behind-the-scenes action, while browsing through famous Rajini jokes about impossible feats only he can achieve.
The site has been developed by Desimartini.com.
In an alleged attack by Sri Lankan naval personnel at the International Maritime Boundary Line in Palk Strait, Nine fishermen from Rameshwaran were missing and more than 200 boats damaged as per officials.
More than 600 boats were fishing near the International Maritime Boundary Line when they were allegedly surrounded by Sri Lankan Naval personnel and attacked with stones, forcing them to return to the shores, fisheries officials said quoting the fishermen.
This is the first attack on Tamil Nadu fishermen allegedly by the Srilankan Republic's navy after External Affairs Minister S M Krishna raised the issue with authorities in Colombo during his four-day visit last week.
According to fisherman Justin, whose boat was pelted with stones, the Lankan Navalmen attacked them with big stones damaging the windscreen of many boats. They also cut off the fishing nets and took them away.
More than 200 boats suffered damage in 'the heavy shower' of stones, said another fisherman Jagadheesh, who suffered cut injury in his leg.
More than 600 boats were fishing near the International Maritime Boundary Line when they were allegedly surrounded by Sri Lankan Naval personnel and attacked with stones, forcing them to return to the shores, fisheries officials said quoting the fishermen.
This is the first attack on Tamil Nadu fishermen allegedly by the Srilankan Republic's navy after External Affairs Minister S M Krishna raised the issue with authorities in Colombo during his four-day visit last week.
According to fisherman Justin, whose boat was pelted with stones, the Lankan Navalmen attacked them with big stones damaging the windscreen of many boats. They also cut off the fishing nets and took them away.
More than 200 boats suffered damage in 'the heavy shower' of stones, said another fisherman Jagadheesh, who suffered cut injury in his leg.
Villagers in Theni district celebrated Col John Pennycuick's 171st birth anniversary by preparing pongal in 999 pots to signify the number of years of lease agreement signed by the erstwhile Travancore princely state and Madras presidency over the Mullaperiyar waters.
Several villages in Theni offered prayers to Pennycuick and took out processions holding his portraits on Sunday to mark his birth anniversary. A large number of villagers from Thambinayakanpatti, Lakshminayakkanpatti, Kombai, Pannaipuram in Thevaram assembled at V O C Grounds on Sunday morning and prepared pongal in 999 pots. The dish was placed in front of a portrait of Pennycuick, as an offering before the villagers broke into celebrations.
At Palarpatti near Bodi, "Thevarattam" - a folk dance - marked the beginning of the celebrations. After watching an enthralling performance, the villagers took out a procession with a huge portrait of the royal engineer from the main road to the "Pennycuick mandapam," a community hall, where they offered prayers to him.
After preparing pongal in front of the mandapam, the villagers set out to watch a cock fight organised as part of the celebrations. Later in the day, a debate titled "Which is stronger? - Pennycuick's determination or Mullaiperiyar dam?" was held at Palarpatti.
Palarpatti was one of the foremost among the villages in Theni district that recognised the contribution of Pennycuick and started celebrating his birth anniversary in a grand manner. "This is the 13th year that we are celebrating his birth anniversary. This year, we wanted to celebrate it in a grand manner," said C Andi.
In various other villages like Kulayanur, Kamayagoundanpatti, Surulipatti, Narayanathevanpatti and Kulappagoundaptti too, villagers paid tribute to Pennycuick.
At the state public works department office in Uthamapalayam, the bust of Pennycuick was adorned with garlands and pongal was prepared in front of it. Villagers, irrespective of political affiliations joined hands to honour the royal engineer.
Employees and former employees of the public works department also joined the villagers in celebrating the birth anniversary. At Uthupatti village near Chinnamanur, "milk abishekam" was performed to Pennycuick.
Several villages in Theni offered prayers to Pennycuick and took out processions holding his portraits on Sunday to mark his birth anniversary. A large number of villagers from Thambinayakanpatti, Lakshminayakkanpatti, Kombai, Pannaipuram in Thevaram assembled at V O C Grounds on Sunday morning and prepared pongal in 999 pots. The dish was placed in front of a portrait of Pennycuick, as an offering before the villagers broke into celebrations.
At Palarpatti near Bodi, "Thevarattam" - a folk dance - marked the beginning of the celebrations. After watching an enthralling performance, the villagers took out a procession with a huge portrait of the royal engineer from the main road to the "Pennycuick mandapam," a community hall, where they offered prayers to him.
After preparing pongal in front of the mandapam, the villagers set out to watch a cock fight organised as part of the celebrations. Later in the day, a debate titled "Which is stronger? - Pennycuick's determination or Mullaiperiyar dam?" was held at Palarpatti.
Palarpatti was one of the foremost among the villages in Theni district that recognised the contribution of Pennycuick and started celebrating his birth anniversary in a grand manner. "This is the 13th year that we are celebrating his birth anniversary. This year, we wanted to celebrate it in a grand manner," said C Andi.
In various other villages like Kulayanur, Kamayagoundanpatti, Surulipatti, Narayanathevanpatti and Kulappagoundaptti too, villagers paid tribute to Pennycuick.
At the state public works department office in Uthamapalayam, the bust of Pennycuick was adorned with garlands and pongal was prepared in front of it. Villagers, irrespective of political affiliations joined hands to honour the royal engineer.
Employees and former employees of the public works department also joined the villagers in celebrating the birth anniversary. At Uthupatti village near Chinnamanur, "milk abishekam" was performed to Pennycuick.
A Sri Lankan court on Monday extended by 14 days the remand period of five fishermen from Tamil Nadu, arrested on drug smuggling charges on November 28, by the Sri Lankan navy and lodged in a prison in Jaffna.
On December 5 last, the court extended their remand to December 19 and later again to January 2, this year. Later, the remand period was extended to January 16.
Mechanised boat fishermen had begun an indefinite strike on January 6, demanding immediate release of 13 fishermen, including these five, arrested by the Sri Lankan navy since November 28 and had urged the Centre to take steps to get them released.
They had also urged both Sri Lanka and India not to arrest fishermen if they cross International Maritime Boundary Line.
The Tamil Nadu fishermen often go into the Sri Lankan waters lured by the catch. With the marine wealth eroding in Indian waters due to the use of banned nets, fishermen have no option but to go into Sri Lankan waters for the catch.
Recently, 13 fishermen from Akkaraipatti in Nagapattinam district were captured by the Sri Lankan coast guard sending everyone in the village into a shock. The villagers confirmed the arrest by contacting the Indian embassy, which told them that the captured fishermen were kept in custody in Trincomalee.
However, it could not be ascertained whether they crossed the international border.
On December 5 last, the court extended their remand to December 19 and later again to January 2, this year. Later, the remand period was extended to January 16.
Mechanised boat fishermen had begun an indefinite strike on January 6, demanding immediate release of 13 fishermen, including these five, arrested by the Sri Lankan navy since November 28 and had urged the Centre to take steps to get them released.
They had also urged both Sri Lanka and India not to arrest fishermen if they cross International Maritime Boundary Line.
The Tamil Nadu fishermen often go into the Sri Lankan waters lured by the catch. With the marine wealth eroding in Indian waters due to the use of banned nets, fishermen have no option but to go into Sri Lankan waters for the catch.
Recently, 13 fishermen from Akkaraipatti in Nagapattinam district were captured by the Sri Lankan coast guard sending everyone in the village into a shock. The villagers confirmed the arrest by contacting the Indian embassy, which told them that the captured fishermen were kept in custody in Trincomalee.
However, it could not be ascertained whether they crossed the international border.
The BJP on Saturday made a strong bid to woo the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu with senior leader L K Advani describing it as his party's "natural ally". 
"We regard Jayalalithaa as our natural ally. Although the AIADMK is not formally a part of the NDA yet, our informal cooperation with the party and especially coordination in Parliament has been growing," Advani said in Chennai.
He showered praise on the Jayalalithaa government and said he was happy to see an atmosphere of rapid change and soaring confidence after she won the mandate.
"There are several important issues on which our parties hold convergent views and moreover, these are the very issues on which the principles and practices of the Congress are divergent. Today, our country needs more and more transformational leaders like Jayalalithaa and (Gujarat CM) Narendra Modi," he said, with Modi by his side. They were participating in the 42nd anniversary celebrations of 'Tughlak', a Tamil weekly edited by Cho Ramasamy.
Taking a dig at the media, Advani advised it not to indulge in kite flying. "I am well aware that kite flying has a peculiar connotation in English and our journalists who are present in this hall are particularly prone to indulging in some kite flying after seeing both Modi and me at Cho's event in the state ruled by Jayalalithaa.
Let me assure that there is no need to fly any imaginary kites. Let me state right at the beginning that we regard Jayalalithaa as our natural ally," he said.
Flaying the Congress for its "delusionary" belief that India was "a fiefdom of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty", Advani said, "Those who believe in democracy and healthy Centre-state relations must come together to defeat this arrogant mindset." This was why the BJP and AIADMK have come together on several issues, including the Lokpal Bill, he said.
Modi, on his part, also praised Jayalalithaa saying Tamil Nadu will march on the path of good governance under her leadership. While the two leaders were scheduled to meet Jayalalithaa, their tight schedule, which included a visit to the family of state BJP leader Sukumaran Nambiar who passed away recently, did not permit it.
Cho Ramasamy, who is increasingly being perceived as Jayalalithaa's close confidante and adviser, strongly mooted her candidature for the post of prime minister. "Advani is the main person in the BJP, but we see Modi also as a prime ministerial candidate, and the BJP is sure to win the next elections. But if issues like secularism crop up, then at least a BJP supported government should come to power and so BJP should consider supporting Jayalalithaa as the PM candidate," he said. Making an oblique reference to the expulsions of Jayalalithaa's close associate Sasikalaa and her relatives, Cho said, "It was a surgical operation and Jayalalithaa did it well."
The annual Tuglak function, which provides a forum for readers to interact with Cho and the other guests, threw up some interesting queries with one reader seeking to know if Advani would recommend Modi as the prime ministerial candidate of the BJP. Replying to the question, Advani, who narrated a story about a family which encouraged its young members to grow, said he too was happy about Modi's growth and was not averse to him being propped up as a prime ministerial candidate.
"I know of families where younger people show more talent than elders. The elders don't feel the youngsters are becoming bigger than the family. Instead they feel proud," he said.
"We regard Jayalalithaa as our natural ally. Although the AIADMK is not formally a part of the NDA yet, our informal cooperation with the party and especially coordination in Parliament has been growing," Advani said in Chennai.
He showered praise on the Jayalalithaa government and said he was happy to see an atmosphere of rapid change and soaring confidence after she won the mandate.
"There are several important issues on which our parties hold convergent views and moreover, these are the very issues on which the principles and practices of the Congress are divergent. Today, our country needs more and more transformational leaders like Jayalalithaa and (Gujarat CM) Narendra Modi," he said, with Modi by his side. They were participating in the 42nd anniversary celebrations of 'Tughlak', a Tamil weekly edited by Cho Ramasamy.
Taking a dig at the media, Advani advised it not to indulge in kite flying. "I am well aware that kite flying has a peculiar connotation in English and our journalists who are present in this hall are particularly prone to indulging in some kite flying after seeing both Modi and me at Cho's event in the state ruled by Jayalalithaa.
Let me assure that there is no need to fly any imaginary kites. Let me state right at the beginning that we regard Jayalalithaa as our natural ally," he said.
Flaying the Congress for its "delusionary" belief that India was "a fiefdom of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty", Advani said, "Those who believe in democracy and healthy Centre-state relations must come together to defeat this arrogant mindset." This was why the BJP and AIADMK have come together on several issues, including the Lokpal Bill, he said.
Modi, on his part, also praised Jayalalithaa saying Tamil Nadu will march on the path of good governance under her leadership. While the two leaders were scheduled to meet Jayalalithaa, their tight schedule, which included a visit to the family of state BJP leader Sukumaran Nambiar who passed away recently, did not permit it.
Cho Ramasamy, who is increasingly being perceived as Jayalalithaa's close confidante and adviser, strongly mooted her candidature for the post of prime minister. "Advani is the main person in the BJP, but we see Modi also as a prime ministerial candidate, and the BJP is sure to win the next elections. But if issues like secularism crop up, then at least a BJP supported government should come to power and so BJP should consider supporting Jayalalithaa as the PM candidate," he said. Making an oblique reference to the expulsions of Jayalalithaa's close associate Sasikalaa and her relatives, Cho said, "It was a surgical operation and Jayalalithaa did it well."
The annual Tuglak function, which provides a forum for readers to interact with Cho and the other guests, threw up some interesting queries with one reader seeking to know if Advani would recommend Modi as the prime ministerial candidate of the BJP. Replying to the question, Advani, who narrated a story about a family which encouraged its young members to grow, said he too was happy about Modi's growth and was not averse to him being propped up as a prime ministerial candidate.
"I know of families where younger people show more talent than elders. The elders don't feel the youngsters are becoming bigger than the family. Instead they feel proud," he said.
A woman lodged a complaint against her husband at the all women police station here on Friday accusing him of shooting obscene footage after drugging her. According to the complainant, the husband also threatened her that he would upload the content on
internet unless she gave him 10 sovereigns of gold and Rs 1 lakh. Police have sent a special team to Bangalore to nab the accused.
H Shemeena, 20, of Ooty in Nilgiris district had married Mohammed Bayas, 25, of RK Nagar of Bangalore on December 5, 2010. Shemeena's parents had given seven sovereigns of gold ornaments and one lakh rupees as dowry to the groom. Later, the couple went to Bangalore.
However, Mohammed Bayas did not have a job and sold off the jewels. Recently, Shemeena fell ill and when she complained of headache, Bayas gave her two tablets. She fell unconscious after taking the tablets and he shot a video of her. According to the FIR, he compelled her to have sexual intercourse with his friends. He threatened her that he would upload the videos on the internet, if she resisted. But Shemeena refused and he harassed her. Whenever, he went out, he would lock her inside the house.
Eventually, Shemeena escaped his custody and came to her brother's house at Nehru Nagar at Kalapatti. Bayas visited her here as well and threatened her. He demanded 10 sovereigns of gold and one lakh rupees from her family and threatened to upload the video on internet if they failed to accede to his demand.
Immediately, Shemeena complained at the all women police station at Ramanathapuram. Munira Begum, inspector at the station, said a special team has been formed to nab Bayas. "We have formed a special team and they have gone to Bangalore to nab the culprit," she said. The police registered a criminal case under sections 498(a)(husband or relative of a husband subjecting her to cruelty), 406 (criminal breach of trust), intimidation, 506(i) (criminal intimidation) and Tamil Women Harassment Prevention Act.
internet unless she gave him 10 sovereigns of gold and Rs 1 lakh. Police have sent a special team to Bangalore to nab the accused.
H Shemeena, 20, of Ooty in Nilgiris district had married Mohammed Bayas, 25, of RK Nagar of Bangalore on December 5, 2010. Shemeena's parents had given seven sovereigns of gold ornaments and one lakh rupees as dowry to the groom. Later, the couple went to Bangalore.
However, Mohammed Bayas did not have a job and sold off the jewels. Recently, Shemeena fell ill and when she complained of headache, Bayas gave her two tablets. She fell unconscious after taking the tablets and he shot a video of her. According to the FIR, he compelled her to have sexual intercourse with his friends. He threatened her that he would upload the videos on the internet, if she resisted. But Shemeena refused and he harassed her. Whenever, he went out, he would lock her inside the house.
Eventually, Shemeena escaped his custody and came to her brother's house at Nehru Nagar at Kalapatti. Bayas visited her here as well and threatened her. He demanded 10 sovereigns of gold and one lakh rupees from her family and threatened to upload the video on internet if they failed to accede to his demand.
Immediately, Shemeena complained at the all women police station at Ramanathapuram. Munira Begum, inspector at the station, said a special team has been formed to nab Bayas. "We have formed a special team and they have gone to Bangalore to nab the culprit," she said. The police registered a criminal case under sections 498(a)(husband or relative of a husband subjecting her to cruelty), 406 (criminal breach of trust), intimidation, 506(i) (criminal intimidation) and Tamil Women Harassment Prevention Act.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a woman professor of the Government Siddha Medicine College in Tirunelveli and her husband for allegedly producing fake documents and obtaining loan for an amount of Rs 89.85 lakh from IOB bank.
In 2009, the CBI had registered a case against 14 persons, including a former AIADMK minster, Dr Ammamuthu Pillai for allegedly cheating the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) Palayamkottai branch for getting various loan facilities.
The CBI said Dr Ramalakshmi, a Siddha practitioner and professor and her husband Raja Samuvel, a government teacher along with one Udaya Raj had approached the bank in 2008 asking to sanction a loan of Rs 1.65 crore towards buying equipment for their proposed hospital - Jaya's Ayush.
Then chief manager of the bank, G Balasubramanian entered into a criminal conspiracy with them with an intention to cheat the bank. In furtherance of the said criminal conspiracy, Balasubramanian by corrupt or illegal means or otherwise, by abusing his official position as a public servant, dishonestly sanctioned and disbursed the loan amount Rs 89.85 lakh to the couple. When senior officials examined the bills and other documents submitted by them, it was found to be fake.
After a thorough investigation, CBI on Thursday arrested the couple in Tirunelveli and produced it before Rajasekar, the CBI special Judge, Madurai. The judge remanded the couple to judicial custody till January 27.
The CBI also arrested another accused S P Shenbagamoorthy for allegedly cheating the bank in Tirunelveli. He was remanded to judicial custody till January 25.
In 2009, the CBI had registered a case against 14 persons, including a former AIADMK minster, Dr Ammamuthu Pillai for allegedly cheating the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) Palayamkottai branch for getting various loan facilities.
The CBI said Dr Ramalakshmi, a Siddha practitioner and professor and her husband Raja Samuvel, a government teacher along with one Udaya Raj had approached the bank in 2008 asking to sanction a loan of Rs 1.65 crore towards buying equipment for their proposed hospital - Jaya's Ayush.
Then chief manager of the bank, G Balasubramanian entered into a criminal conspiracy with them with an intention to cheat the bank. In furtherance of the said criminal conspiracy, Balasubramanian by corrupt or illegal means or otherwise, by abusing his official position as a public servant, dishonestly sanctioned and disbursed the loan amount Rs 89.85 lakh to the couple. When senior officials examined the bills and other documents submitted by them, it was found to be fake.
After a thorough investigation, CBI on Thursday arrested the couple in Tirunelveli and produced it before Rajasekar, the CBI special Judge, Madurai. The judge remanded the couple to judicial custody till January 27.
The CBI also arrested another accused S P Shenbagamoorthy for allegedly cheating the bank in Tirunelveli. He was remanded to judicial custody till January 25.
With Connection of the murder of dalit leader Pasupathi Pandian,Two men surrendered in the Valliyoor court on Thursday
Pasupathi Pandian, the leader of the Devandra Kula Vellalar Federation was hacked to death by a gang at his residence in Nandhavanathupatti in Dindigul district, on Tuesday night. Special teams were constituted to nab his assailants. The police also took many persons for questioning including Pandian's bodyguards, who were with him at the time of the murder.
A special team rushed to Tirupur on information that one of Pandian's assailants had taken refuge there, but he managed to escape. Meanwhile, two men one from the victim's native district of Tuticorin and another from the neighbouring Tirunelveli district surrendered in the Valliyoor court in Tirunelveli, on Thursday. The men were identified as Arumugasamy (26), son of Madasamy of Idhayathavanai in Tirunelveli district and Arulanandham (26), son of Jayapandian of Mullakadu in Tuticorin district. The judge remanded them to 15 days custody at the Madurai central prison. The special team is expected to file its petition seeking custody of the two men on Friday.
As Arulanandham hails from Mullakadu, which is near Moolakarai, the native place of Venkatesa Pannaiyar, a local don, who was murdered in Chennai in 2003, police are investigating if Pandian's murder was committed in retaliation for the murders in Pannaiyar's group including Sivasubramania Nadar, grandfather of Subash Pannaiyar (cousin of Pannaiyar), who was murdered in 1990, with Pandian being named as an accused.
Police sources say that enmity within Pandian's family was also not ruled out as his own bodyguards were being grilled by the department.
Meanwhile, Tuticorin, which witnessed heavy violence on Wednesday during Pandian's funeral procession, slowly limped back to normalcy with bus services, which were stopped on Wednesday, resuming late on Thursday morning. Schools too functioned, but rumours of attacks on a school student had anxious parents rushing to the institutions to pick up their wards. Tuticorin SP Rajendran asked the public not to believe rumours and assured that the situation was under control.
However, angry traders who allegedly suffered a loss to the tune of about Rs 1.5 crore when miscreants attacked shops, vehicles and even a petrol bunk during the procession staged a demonstration near the bus stand protesting the attacks. According to U Natarajan, general secretary of Tuticorin City Traders' Association, they are proposing to shut down all shops in the city on Friday to register their protest.
Though the southern districts remained calm on Thursday, police pickets were placed in sensitive places like Paramakudi, Kadaladi, Kamudhi in Ramanathapuram among others. Patrolling was intensified in these places.
Pasupathi Pandian, the leader of the Devandra Kula Vellalar Federation was hacked to death by a gang at his residence in Nandhavanathupatti in Dindigul district, on Tuesday night. Special teams were constituted to nab his assailants. The police also took many persons for questioning including Pandian's bodyguards, who were with him at the time of the murder.
A special team rushed to Tirupur on information that one of Pandian's assailants had taken refuge there, but he managed to escape. Meanwhile, two men one from the victim's native district of Tuticorin and another from the neighbouring Tirunelveli district surrendered in the Valliyoor court in Tirunelveli, on Thursday. The men were identified as Arumugasamy (26), son of Madasamy of Idhayathavanai in Tirunelveli district and Arulanandham (26), son of Jayapandian of Mullakadu in Tuticorin district. The judge remanded them to 15 days custody at the Madurai central prison. The special team is expected to file its petition seeking custody of the two men on Friday.
As Arulanandham hails from Mullakadu, which is near Moolakarai, the native place of Venkatesa Pannaiyar, a local don, who was murdered in Chennai in 2003, police are investigating if Pandian's murder was committed in retaliation for the murders in Pannaiyar's group including Sivasubramania Nadar, grandfather of Subash Pannaiyar (cousin of Pannaiyar), who was murdered in 1990, with Pandian being named as an accused.
Police sources say that enmity within Pandian's family was also not ruled out as his own bodyguards were being grilled by the department.
Meanwhile, Tuticorin, which witnessed heavy violence on Wednesday during Pandian's funeral procession, slowly limped back to normalcy with bus services, which were stopped on Wednesday, resuming late on Thursday morning. Schools too functioned, but rumours of attacks on a school student had anxious parents rushing to the institutions to pick up their wards. Tuticorin SP Rajendran asked the public not to believe rumours and assured that the situation was under control.
However, angry traders who allegedly suffered a loss to the tune of about Rs 1.5 crore when miscreants attacked shops, vehicles and even a petrol bunk during the procession staged a demonstration near the bus stand protesting the attacks. According to U Natarajan, general secretary of Tuticorin City Traders' Association, they are proposing to shut down all shops in the city on Friday to register their protest.
Though the southern districts remained calm on Thursday, police pickets were placed in sensitive places like Paramakudi, Kadaladi, Kamudhi in Ramanathapuram among others. Patrolling was intensified in these places.
There is more political excitement on the cards if associates of M Natarajan, Sasikala's husband, are to be believed. Expelled along with his wife and other relatives, Natarajan has threatened to bare all, at least his version of what led to the expulsions that shook AIADMK's power corridors.
Sources say Natarajan will speak on the controversial issue during the three-day Pongal celebrations he holds every year in Thanjavur. This will be the first public appearance for some of Sasikala's family members after their high profile expulsions. Party supremo J Jayalalithaa had expelled at least 15 family members besides her friend Sasikala from the party's primary membership and stripped them of their posts. She also indicated at a party forum that she will not go back on her decision.
Sasikalaa's brother V Divakaran is expected to attend the Pongal festivities. While Natarajan organises such a function every year, this time it gains significance coming as it does in the wake of the expulsions. Natarajan is likely to explain his stand on the final day on January 17, a close aide said. The function is also said to provide a moral boost for members of the Thevar community, from which Sasikalaa hails.
"We expect Natarajan to speak about the sacrifices his wife made for Jayalalithaa and for the party. He himself has criticised some of the expelled family members' role in the past," a close friend of Natarajan said.
Natarajan will organise the 'Tamilar Kalai Ilakkiya Thiruvizha' in a marriage hall owned by him. "He has invited many of his friends and community people for the function," said the friend. The event is touted to be a muscle-flexing exercise for Natarajan to show his strength in the Thevar community.
On the second day, a conference titled "Mullaperiyar: History, Problems and the Solution" will be held. On the final day (January 17), three books written by Natarajan will be released. Pro LTTE leaders Pazha Nedumaran and Kasi Anandan are expected to attend the function.
Sources say Natarajan will speak on the controversial issue during the three-day Pongal celebrations he holds every year in Thanjavur. This will be the first public appearance for some of Sasikala's family members after their high profile expulsions. Party supremo J Jayalalithaa had expelled at least 15 family members besides her friend Sasikala from the party's primary membership and stripped them of their posts. She also indicated at a party forum that she will not go back on her decision.
Sasikalaa's brother V Divakaran is expected to attend the Pongal festivities. While Natarajan organises such a function every year, this time it gains significance coming as it does in the wake of the expulsions. Natarajan is likely to explain his stand on the final day on January 17, a close aide said. The function is also said to provide a moral boost for members of the Thevar community, from which Sasikalaa hails.
"We expect Natarajan to speak about the sacrifices his wife made for Jayalalithaa and for the party. He himself has criticised some of the expelled family members' role in the past," a close friend of Natarajan said.
Natarajan will organise the 'Tamilar Kalai Ilakkiya Thiruvizha' in a marriage hall owned by him. "He has invited many of his friends and community people for the function," said the friend. The event is touted to be a muscle-flexing exercise for Natarajan to show his strength in the Thevar community.
On the second day, a conference titled "Mullaperiyar: History, Problems and the Solution" will be held. On the final day (January 17), three books written by Natarajan will be released. Pro LTTE leaders Pazha Nedumaran and Kasi Anandan are expected to attend the function.
Reviving a more than five-decade-old demand in the light of Kerala’s stand over Mullaperiyar Dam, DMK on Thursday said Devikulam and Peermedu taluks, where the reservoir is located, belonged to Tamil Nadu and urged the Centre to take steps to restore them to the state.
“Kerala government is forcing us to press for retrieval of Devikulam and Peermedu which historically and geographically belonged to Tamils and Tamil Nadu,” DMK chief M. Karunanidhi said in a statement amidst the row over the Mullaperiyar Dam.
While the Supreme Court appointed Committee headed by Justice A.S. Anand was going into the issue, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was insisting on building a new dam in place of the 116-year old reservoir besides settling the issue through talks, he said.
Mr. Karunanidhi noted that the demand for retrieving Peermedu, where the dam is constructed, and Devikulam, under which the dam’s catchment area falls, was raised by DMK founder and late chief minister C N Annadurai way back in January, 1956 on the eve of harvest festival Pongal.
Tracing the history, the 88-year old DMK patriarch said Mullaperiyar Dam construction site of Peermedu and Devikulam were under the rule of Tamil kings Pandyas in 12th century.
“Despite these facts, by mistake these areas were considered under the Travancore Princely state and an agreement was signed in 1886”, he said.
Mr. Karunanidhi said the Travancore boundary was up to Aroor and Kottarakara but the British annexed Devikulam and Peermedu also with it and entered into an agreement.
“Due to the mistake by the British Governor and the wrong method followed during reorganisation of states on linguistic basis, the Mullaperiyar Dam row is continuing”, he said.
Hence the Centre should come forward at least now to set right the mistakes and the injustice done to Tamil Nadu, he said expressing hope that the Tamil Nadu Government would also take steps in this regard.
Citing safety concerns, Kerala has been insisting on building a new dam, a stand opposed by Tamil Nadu, which controls the existing reservoir that irrigates five southern districts in the state, saying it was as safe as a new one.
“Kerala government is forcing us to press for retrieval of Devikulam and Peermedu which historically and geographically belonged to Tamils and Tamil Nadu,” DMK chief M. Karunanidhi said in a statement amidst the row over the Mullaperiyar Dam.
While the Supreme Court appointed Committee headed by Justice A.S. Anand was going into the issue, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was insisting on building a new dam in place of the 116-year old reservoir besides settling the issue through talks, he said.
Mr. Karunanidhi noted that the demand for retrieving Peermedu, where the dam is constructed, and Devikulam, under which the dam’s catchment area falls, was raised by DMK founder and late chief minister C N Annadurai way back in January, 1956 on the eve of harvest festival Pongal.
Tracing the history, the 88-year old DMK patriarch said Mullaperiyar Dam construction site of Peermedu and Devikulam were under the rule of Tamil kings Pandyas in 12th century.
“Despite these facts, by mistake these areas were considered under the Travancore Princely state and an agreement was signed in 1886”, he said.
Mr. Karunanidhi said the Travancore boundary was up to Aroor and Kottarakara but the British annexed Devikulam and Peermedu also with it and entered into an agreement.
“Due to the mistake by the British Governor and the wrong method followed during reorganisation of states on linguistic basis, the Mullaperiyar Dam row is continuing”, he said.
Hence the Centre should come forward at least now to set right the mistakes and the injustice done to Tamil Nadu, he said expressing hope that the Tamil Nadu Government would also take steps in this regard.
Citing safety concerns, Kerala has been insisting on building a new dam, a stand opposed by Tamil Nadu, which controls the existing reservoir that irrigates five southern districts in the state, saying it was as safe as a new one.
Nakkheeran magazine has expressed regret for carrying a controversial cover story that contained derogatory remarks about Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and was deemed offensive by the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
In its issue dated January 14-17, the biweekly published a note from its editor saying it had published the cover story ,Maattu Kari Saapidum Maami Naan (I am a Brahmin woman who eats beef)' “without any ulterior motive, in the innocent belief that the information contained in it was politically and ideologically in favour of the ruling party and its leadership”.
The magazine further said, “Nakkheeran had no intention of damaging the reputation of late Chief Minister MGR (M.G. Ramachandran) or Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.” Activists of the AIADMK had protested against the magazine by marching on its office here and pelting it with stones. Cases have also been registered against Nakkheeran.
The magazine said senior journalists, lawyers and political functionaries who were interested in the growth of Nakkheeran were of the view that the cover story need not have been carried.
“If our cover story had caused any anguish to the Chief Minister, her party members or anyone else, Nakkheeran expresses its heartfelt regret,” it said.
In its issue dated January 14-17, the biweekly published a note from its editor saying it had published the cover story ,Maattu Kari Saapidum Maami Naan (I am a Brahmin woman who eats beef)' “without any ulterior motive, in the innocent belief that the information contained in it was politically and ideologically in favour of the ruling party and its leadership”.
The magazine further said, “Nakkheeran had no intention of damaging the reputation of late Chief Minister MGR (M.G. Ramachandran) or Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.” Activists of the AIADMK had protested against the magazine by marching on its office here and pelting it with stones. Cases have also been registered against Nakkheeran.
The magazine said senior journalists, lawyers and political functionaries who were interested in the growth of Nakkheeran were of the view that the cover story need not have been carried.
“If our cover story had caused any anguish to the Chief Minister, her party members or anyone else, Nakkheeran expresses its heartfelt regret,” it said.