Red sanders smugglers launder loot through tribals; Rs 10 cr deposit in Jawadhu Hills in 10 days

Red sander smugglers outsourcing Jawadhu tribals to legitimise their black money

J Shanmugha Sundaram

Tiruvannamalai 

Red sander smugglers and agents are hunting for ways to legitimise the unaccounted money accumulated by felling and smuggling the precious wood. They have literally outsourced the job to tribals of Jawadhu Hills, and are depositing the ill-gotten money into banks through them.

 

Sources in the Hills said ever since the government demonetised Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes, many smugglers and agents have been approaching neighbours, relatives and friends at Jawadhu Hill, asking them to deposit their illegal money into their respective bank accounts. 

 

In fact, the price is being paid for the job. In return for their help, the tribals are receiving a few thousands from the agents and smugglers.

 

“They (red sander smugglers/agents) have been giving Rs 10,000 to Rs 49,000 to each person, asking them to pay in their respective accounts. They have also promised a few thousand rupees for helping them legitimise the black money earned through smuggling of red sander logs,” said a source familiar about the activities of the red sander smugglers in the hills.

 

In fact, cash flow to Indian Bank, the sole bank on the hill, in Jamunamaruthur has been not only non-stop but surpassing all records. Since November 10, crores of rupees have been credited in the Indian Bank.

 

 “So far, the tribals have credited over Rs 10 crore and the footfalls are  also on the increase day after day to credit Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currencies. Over 60 percent of the amount credited in the bank here is amassed through red sander smuggling activities,” said a government employee in the hill. 

 

On November 13 alone, the customers of the Indian Bank have credited Rs 2.57 crore. “On regular days, the inflow of cash will not exceed Rs 12 lakh. Now, it is more than 10 times. We are wondering why they have not utilised the bank service all these years,” said an official.

 

A man familiar about the activities of red sander mafia and agents, who supply wood cutters from Jawadhu Hills, said that it was a tip of the iceberg. “The smugglers have promised 5,000 to Rs 10,000 to many in the hills and plain areas to legitimise their lakhs and lakhs of rupees,” said the 30 year-old man in Mel Kubsanavur, who is privy to the illegal activities. 

 

They are also crediting the black money in banks in Polur, Chengam and Kannamangalam in Tiruvannamalai district and Vaniyambadi, Alangayam and Vellore City in Vellore district. “The smugglers are like bees in turning the black money into white. Smugglers comes in a group to Kanamangalam and are crediting the money with the help of locals,” claimed the source in Amirthi.

 

Going by the regular financial activities of the tribals, the amount of currencies credited in the bank is clearly example of money earned through illegal activities. “It should be probed by revenue intelligent and IT department to unearth the source of such the money,” said a senior police officer

 

Amount credited in bank in Jamunamaruthur (according to details availed from the Bank) 

November 10 – Rs 74.33 lakh

November 11 – Rs 27.13 lakh

November 12 – Rs 1.30 crore

November 13 – Rs 2.57 crore

November 14 – Rs 98.57 lakh

November 15 – Rs 1.06 crore

November 16 – Rs 1.28 crore

November 17 – Rs 1.75 crore

 

Dalits of Namandi ends age-old practice set their foot inside century old village temple

After decades of oppression, Dalits set their foot inside temple

 

J. Shanmugha Sundaram

 

Tiruvannamalai: There was nothing special about October 25 for 32-year-old Sudhakar, a Dalit in Nammandi colony, until the sun began its downward journey. It was a short walk from home that made a difference to his life as it was on a path not tread before. 

 

After years of being denied entry into Arulmigu Thulukanathamman Temple, which is just a few yards away from their dwelling, a group of 60 Dalits of Nammandi colony set their foot in the temple with the help of revenue officials on Tuesday. The Vanniyars of Hariharapakkam where the temple is located have been discriminating against the Dalits for several decades.

 

As the temple doors were opened, the extreme feelings of joy and anger took over the village. While the Dalits were short of words to express their happiness, the Vanniyars turned furious.

 

Even as an uneasy calm prevailed in the village, Sudhakar stood rapt in the wonder of the moment that was forbidden for his father and grandfather. His feet turned chill, like the cold floor of the temple on which he was standing for the first time in his life. “I have no words to explain how I feel right now. It is a divine experience,” he exclaimed.

 

For Dass, an auto driver, this was like the festival of harvest. “Pongal is months away but today is Pongal for me. We have not been allowed to enter the temple for several decades. Why, even my grandfather has not stepped inside, and I never thought I would,” he said.

 

But this experience that left them in awe did not come easy. It was a result of a seed sown by a group of youngsters – Sudhakar, Aruldass, Pandiyaraj, Prakash, karthick and Parthiban - of the colony. Unable to withstand the oppression, the youngsters appealed to the district administration to take steps to put an end to this discrimination three months ago. After a series of peace talks were of no avail, officials closed the temple two months ago.

 

Nevertheless, the Vanniyars were in no mood to give in and they locked the temple.

 

Following this, T. Prabhu Shankar, sub-collector of Cheyyar along with police officials made arrangements to take the Dalits inside the temple on Tuesday. The officials broke open the lock put by the Vanniyars to let the Dalits enter into the temple. A few days ahead, the revenue officials brought the Vanniyars under a bond to prevent them from obstructing the entry of the Dalits.

 

“We gave them a chance to settle the issue amicably but the Vanniyars failed to give in. So, we decided to take the Dalits inside the temple,” the sub collector said.

 

The Dalits offered prayers and performed poojas for the presiding deity. “It is a life-changing experience. This moment has to be cherished for life long,” said Thirunavukarasu, a class XI student.

 

For elders like 62-year old K Shanmugam, this was possible only because of the efforts of the youngsters.

 

A police team will camp in the village for nearly a week to maintain law and order, he added. /eom/shan/

Solar powered smart colony for Irulas near Cheyyar

First smart colony for Irulas getting ready http://toi.in/jHq8ab/a19li

NGT's expert team to visit Girivalam path

NGT’s expert panel to inspect Tiruvannamalai Girivalam path on full moon day http://toi.in/-46_RY/a19li

Marrying outside their caste is a sin here

Families ostracized for marrying outside caste, violating village orders Shanmughasundaram.j@timesgroup.com Tiruvannamalai Several families, including retired government employees, in Hasanampettai panchayat near Cheyyar in Tiruvannamalai district have been ostracised by village elders for marrying outside their caste and not abiding by their diktat. Marrying outside their community (Senguntha Mudaliyar) is an offence in the village. Many youngsters, who have married girls of other castes, have faced the wrath of the village elders, and have ended up being ostracised along with their families. The village elders (ooru nattamai) are also against persons approaching police and courts against their orders. Those who do so are also ostracised, and this included many government employees. “Over 99 percent of the families in the village are Senguntha Mudhaliyars. Even the panchayat president should follow the orders of the village elders. They have been running the Kangaroo Court and calling the shot in each and every activity in the panchayat,” a government official in the village administrative office told TOI. The village elders had ostracised several families after the sons married women belonging to other sub-class of Mudhaliyar community, said S Chozhan, who was sitting in his deserted tea shop. Until four years ago, he was running a mini tiffin-cum-tea shop and making good business.But things had changed after his son married a girl belonging to the “Agamudai Mudhaliyar” community. “They (village elders) asked me to bring the community certificate of my daughter-in-law. After they learnt that she was not from our community, they asked me to shun away the relationship with my son and pay fine. I refused to do so,” said Chozhan, who was ostracised from the village. Since then, the villagers stopped coming to his shop. P A Ellappan, one of the victims, succumbed to the pressure of the Kangaroo Court and paid a fine of Rs 5000 and fell on the feet the “ooru nattamai” after his two sons married outside their community. “My father died six months ago. The village elders and their supporters ordered that we should not conduct our father’s funeral and said that my brother-in-law should do the final rites. Since we objected to this, the neighbours and the villagers did not attend my father’s funeral fearing the Kangaroo Court,” said E Dhandapani, a government teacher. Retired forest ranger Manickam and retired government school teacher P A Sampath have also been facing the wrath of village elders after they voiced against the “Kangaroo Court. “If anyone approaches the court or deny to follow their diktats, they will humiliate the family. Many left the village unable to withstand the humiliation,” said Manickam, who was outcasted after he refused to obey the “Nattamai” orders over a trivial issue in 2011.

Inflammable substance hurled at Hindu Munnai functionary's house http://toi.in/4R0wHa/a19li

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GPS helps men in khaki to nab carjacker

GPS helps Tamil Nadu, Karnataka police nab car thief http://toi.in/IaYfSZ/a19li

Youths lured with cash turn to red sanders smuggling

Shanmughasundaram J| TNN | Aug 9, 2016, 07.07 AM IST

VELLORE: The tentacles of the international red sander smuggling are spreading from Jawadhu Hills, a prime source of woodcutters, to the plain areas to rope in fresh legs. In the recent past, the agents of the organised crime have been luring several men from the plain areas to accompany the tribes of Jawadhu Hills into red sander rich reserve forest of Seshachalam to plunder the precious wood.

Falling prey to the assured wage of 15,000 to 30,000 within 10 to 15 days, the youth without any hesitation turning into a workforce of the multi-crore red sander mafias. It is a golden opportunity for the men to make quick money. Youngsters aged about 18 years turning into woodcutters. "For every one kg of red sander that they cut and trim into a transportable size of 5 to six feet, the woodcutters will be paid between 500 and 700. They will be handed over to them once they reach their native village," said a police recollecting a red sander's confession statement.

Of the 32 men arrested a couple of days ago in Renigunda in Andhra Pradesh for allegedly trying to sneak into the forest smuggle red sander logs, 30 were natives of Polur Taluk in Tiruvannamalai district and two were from Vellore district.

One of them was identified as C Appaswamy, 24, of Vettagiripalayam in Tiruvannamalai. He was a neighbour of M Murugan, A Sasi Kumar and K Perumal, who were gunned down with 17 others in April last year inside Seshachalam RF by the Red Sander Anti-Smuggling Task Force.

"The men are ignoring the risk involved in it even after the brutal killing of 20 men. They look only the money part," said a villager.

A relative of R Alagesan of Perungatur village in Koilur panchayat, Jawadhu Hills said that his uncle left the house on Thursday last. "He is not involved in red sander smuggling. We don't know how he landed in the police net in Renigunta," he said.

Sources in Jawadhu Hills said that nexus between the law enforcing agencies in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh (forest and police departments) and smugglers have been growing strong. Hence, getting men from the hills or the plain areas in large number has never been a problem for the smugglers.

In fact, Andhra Pradesh minister Gopala Krishna Reddy, during his recent visit to Vellore, admitted that the forest personnel is hand in glove with the smugglers. He said that "there was nexus between forest department personnel and smugglers".

Though the police personnel in Tiruvannamalai and Vellore district in TN well aware about the network of the multi-crore illegal business, they preferred to remain silent as their needs were taken care. "Though the police know each and every activity of the smugglers, they failed to act against them. The police are not showing interest in arresting the smugglers and agents exploiting the youngsters in the hills," claimed a man in Nammiyampattu village in Jawadhu Hills. He was once a police informer.

These Vellore villages have given birth to more soldiers than farmers
Shanmughasundaram J| TNN | Jul 27, 2016, 07.17 AM IST
VELLORE: For more than 70 years now, men from Kammavanpettai and neighbouring villages in Vellore district have been defending the country's far-flung borders. From World War II to Kargil, they have fought pitched battles to defend the country, many dying in the line of duty.

"There are more ex-servicemen in these villages than farmers," says deputy director of Ex-servicemen Welfare Board, Vellore, major (retd) D Prakasam who has fought the Kargil War. Vellore has 39,173 ex-servicemen and majority of them are from Kammavanpettai panchayat and neighbouring Penathur and Kattupudur panchayats, he says.

Kammavanpettai, which was nicknamed Ranuvapettai (Army village), has more than 1,500 war widows, war veterans and ex-servicemen and an equal number of men in the Army.

Soldiers like Narayanan, martyred during the Kargil War, and Vijay Kumar, who died in 2007 fighting insurgents in Assam, are today an inspiration for young school-goers. "Joining the forces is a tradition here. More than 90% of the families have their men folk in the Army, Air Force and Navy. A few have also joined CRPF and BSF," says Elumalai, an ex-serviceman and a resident of Kammavanpettai. As an example he cites one Vala Goundar. "Vala Goundar served in the British Army and fought the second World War. After Independence, he served the Indian Army. He died a few years ago. His son and grandson followed his footsteps and joined the Army to serve the country," he adds.

To ensure that they are eligible to join the defence forces, youngsters in the village train hard and keep themselves physically fit. "We seldom think about any other job. We train for two to three hours a day. We also run for 6km to 7km in the morning hours to improve our stamina. The soldiers are our source of inspiration," said 26-year-old Kumaresan, who made it to the CRPF at a recruitment drive in Avadi.

Kumaresan's elder brother is in the Army, while his two other brothers are in police and the CRPF.

Farm labourer held for taking bribe for vote

In a first, farm labourer held for taking money for vote in TN

Shanmughasundaram J | TNN | May 13, 2016, 12.15 AM IST

Vellore: In the first-ever action taken against a voter for receiving money from candidates or their representatives in the state, a farm labourer was arrested in Katpadi on Thursday for receiving Rs 1,000 allegedly from some DMK functionaries.
 

By the time a flying squad swung into action, the party functionaries managed to escape, but the beneficiary, I Munusamy of Melkattur village in Katpadi, was arrested. He was later released on bail. 

On Wednesday, Vellore collector Rajendra Ratnoo had warned that not only those who distribute money, but even those who receive money for casting votes would be arrested and remanded.
 

Surprisingly, there aren't many reports of arrests from other districts in the state.

Chief electoral officer Rajesh Lakhoni said his office had sought reports from all district election officers on the measures taken so far to curb money distribution. 

Chief Election Commissioner Nazim Zaidi told TOI, "Hundreds of additional flying squads with central police force personnel are being pressed into service for the next four nights. The relentless efforts of the ECI will continue".

Meanwhile, the EC officials seized some campaign material of AIADMK candidate 'Mafoi' Pandiarajan with currencies stuffed inside it in Avadi constituency on Thursday.

Four AIADMK functionaries were arrested from K V Kuppam area in Vellore while they were bribing voters. EC officials seized 7,500 from them.

Based on a tip-off, authorities raided the house of Vaniyambadi AIADMK candidate Nilofer Kafeel and seized Rs 14.08 lakh, which was hidden under a sofa. Income Tax officials have started an inquiry against Kafeel. 

In a similar raid conducted at a DMK functionary's house in Anaicut, Rs 7.59 lakh was seized. "It was the third major seizure of money from political party leaders in the district," said Ratnoo, adding that cases would be filed against Kafeel and the DMK functionary. Disciplinary action would be initiated against government employees who receive cash for votes, he said.

Murugesan, an AIADMK municipal councillor in Ranipet constituency was arrested with Rs 1 lakh while trying to bribe voters. In Cheyyar constituency in Tiruvannamalai district, eight people - five AIADMK cadres, two DMK cadres and a Congress man - were arrested for distributing money. The officials seized Rs 1.83 lakh from them.

Meanwhile, the PMK candidate contesting from Cuddalore constituency, Pazha Thamaraikannan, and his supporters staged a protest at Cuddalore collectorate demanding stringent action to prevent money distribution. They spotted a gang distributing money and seized the cash from them, but the gang managed to escape. 

The candidate and his supporters took the money to the collectorate and staged a protest there displaying the seized money. Police detained them when they refused to give up the stir.

Vijay's admirers asked to back DMK by fan club chief

May 06 2016 : The Times of India (Chennai) Vijay's admirers asked to  back DMK by fan club  chief Shanmugasundaram J   Supported AIADMK in '11, But His Films Ran Into Trouble Later When elections are here, die hard fans of actors Rajinikanth and Vijay anxiously  wait to see if their icons come out with their stand.This time, `Illayathalapathy' Vijay  might not have declared his stand openly , but his fan clubs across the state have  received oral instructions from the state president to extend their support to the DMK.  In the 2014 election, his fans are said to have beefed up BJP's numbers following the  actor's diktat.Vijay and his father S A Chandrasekar supported the AIADMK in 2011 election at  a time when the film fraternity was alleging that Karunanidhi's family was trying to dominate the industry . But, in the last five years, many of his movies like `Puli', `Thalaiva' and `Thuppakki' ran into rough weather. Income tax officials conducted  a surprise check at Vijay's residence before the release of `Puli', in which the actor  takes on a queen possessed by an evil spirit to free the people of the kingdom. Vijay fans say the actor and his father felt slighted by the AIADMK. Given the multi-cornered fight in the upcoming elections, the support of the fans clubs that often stretch across the state can influence the outcome. “We have been  asked to vote for the DMK in the assembly election. We received communication from  state president Anand. Similar messages have been communicated to the registered  fan clubs across the state,“ said a district-level functionary of Vijay fans clubs in Vellore. Vellore District Vijay Fans Clubs president Velmurugan met DMK Vellore central district secretary and Anaicut candidate A P Nandhakumar on Wednesday. They  extended their  support to the party in the assembly election. “We along  with our family will vote for the DMK, but we will abstain  from campaigning,“ said one of Vijay's fans. Of the young voters in the age group of 18 to 35, 3% can be considered hardcore fans  of Vijay, said Sairam, a social media expert.“If Vijay gives an open statement, the fans  will vote for the party that he announces,“ he continued.By making his decision  informally , the `Theri' hero may have wanted to play it safe, just in case the poll  outcome went against his wishes, he said.

AIADMK say 'No' people over 50 yrs

May 03 2016 : The Times of India (Chennai)

Over 50? AIADMK won't let you attend meetings

Shanmughasundaram J





Attacked by opposition parties for the deaths of five people at Jayalalithaa's rallies, AIADMK has said people over 50 should not attend their public meetings. On Monday, the National Human Rights Commission sought a report on the deaths, reportedly due to exposure to the sun, from the police and chief secretary within two weeks.The party has sent instructions to all district-level organisers to stop bringing elderly people for election campaign meetings. For the upcoming meeting on May 10 at Vedal village near Arakkonam, for instance, party leaders expressly told organisers not to bus senior citizens in to swell the audience.

“We have also been instructed to provide food and water to people coming to the campaign meeting. We have been strictly told not to assemble the cadres at the venue before 3 pm. Amma (as party chief Jayalalithaa is known) is scheduled to arrive at the venue between 5pm and 5.30pm,“ said an AIADMK member in-charge of organising the programme. The AIADMK has issued these instructions after five people died while waiting for Jayalalithaa in the sun at public meetings in Cuddalore, Virudhunagar and Salem districts. Several others suffered heat-related illnesses.
The DMK and the PMK took immediately took up the issue and sought the intervention of NHRC. They alleged that the AIAMDK transported thousands of people to the meeting venue and forced them to wait in the scorching heat for several hours. They were neither provided with drinking water nor allowed to move out of the venue to use toilets, they said. “The opposition is trying to take advantage of these incidents. We believe our leader took the decision to negate the opponent's charges,“ said another party member in Vellore.





political parties ropes in children for election campaigns

May 03 2016 : The Times of India (Chennai) They cost less, demand no liquor, and  their nimble hands pass on pamphlets  shanmughasundaram.j@timesgroup.com   Though Violation Of Model Code, Kids Are Used In Campaign Throwing the Election Commission's warnings to the wind, many political  parties have been eng aging children in campaigning in Vellore.For political parties and their campaign managers, the energetic young boys  are a whole package. They distribute pamphlets, and whistle and dance to the  tunes of songs to keep the campaigns lively. They are also not as demanding  as the party cadres and adults, and therefore considered cost-effective campaign tools. “The young boys are a vital cog to propel the final phase of the election campaign. They enjoy every bit of the action and never complain like the adults (party cadres). They easily draw the attention of the public,“ said a campaign manager. Campaign managers say that some children volunteer to take part while a few accompany their relatives. “I had come with my uncle,“ said Naveen, who  is under 12 years, waving the BJP's saffron flag. He was spotted campaigning with a group of boys aged between 14 and 16 years at Palar Garden, a residential area oppo site the district police office in Sathuvachari. For many boys hailing from poor  families, it is a win-win situation.  They  enjoy the school holidays  by going around the city with their  friends, travel in  autos, and distribute pamphlets in the residential areas and to  passers by. At the  end of the fun-filled day, they will get between `75 and `150,  apart from lunch and soft drinks. “I came with my friends in twowheelers in a rally with party flags. Though it was a hot day and tiring, I enjoyed it. It is a jolly trip for us. We have also got `100 each,“ said a boy, aged about 14.His friends seconded what he  had to say. These boys came along with PMK cadres on Friday when the party's candidate was filing his nomination papers. A campaign manager said they have to pay between `200 and `300 and provide biriyani for lunch for the cadres coming for the campaign. Many demand liquor at the end of the day. “Young boys are less of a hassle. They cost only one third,“ he said. When questioned whether having children is a violation of the model code of  conduct, he tersely replied that they did not compel them (young boys) to come  for the campaign.  

More paramilitary forces sought in Vellore for poll

Apr 30 2016 : The Times of India (Chennai)

SENSITIVE ISSUE - More paramilitary forces sought in Vellore for poll

Shanmughasundaram J





Based on their assess ment of threats to law and order in Vellore district from caste, community and religious factors, state and central intelligence agencies have asked for a strong contingent of paramilitary forces stationed in the district during election.

Sixteen companies of paramilitary forces, each having 80 and 100 personnel, are expected to be deployed in Vellore district. “We will have reinforcements if the situation demands for more.In 2011 election, 12 companies were deployed here,“ said a senior police officer.
Police sources say they have taken measures anticipating trouble but would need more legs on the ground to secure the area.

Among the major areas of concern is the PMK going alone in the election, which could affect community relationships in northern districts of the state. Vanniyardominated areas such as Sholinghur, Arcot and Anaicut and pockets like Ambur, Arcot and Vaniyambadi towns that have a high Muslim population have been classified as vulnerable areas in the district. Recollecting the June, 2015 riot following the death of a Muslim youth, police officials said that “fundamentalists“ might try to instigate hatred now for political mileage. 

The BJP has fielded its candidate in Ambur constituency in which nearly 50 policemen and women were seriously injured in the riot. The party has taken up the riot as a campaign theme.

The district witnessed brutal murders of BJP leader Dr Arvind Reddy in October 23, 2012 and Hindu Munnani leader S Vellaiyappan on July 1, 2013. A six-member gang tried to bump off BJP's state vice president of endowment cell Sivaprakasam, 60, on January 1 this year in Vaniyambadi Town.Sivaprakasam sustained grievous injuries in the attack. The police are yet to identify the perpetrators.

Similarly , there were incidents when a group of unidentified men pelted stones at the vehicle of VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan near Walajapet last year. Superintendent of Police of Vellore P Pakalavan said that they have identified 71 locations as vulnerable areas in 13 constituencies.





Inmates make liquor within high walls of Vellore central prison

Apr 24 2016 : The Times of India (Chennai) Thirsty prisoners devise way to make  own liquor, caught Shanmughasundaram J Vellore   A group of four inmates of the Vellore Central Prison for Men here may or may not  know the popular saying of Greek philosopher Plato necessity is the mother of  invention, but they demonstrated it.Though they are cut off from the outside  world, they have found ways and means to quench their thirst for liquor. The four, including Ramu and Murugan, habitual offenders, and lodged in the remand prisoners block succeeded in brewing their own brand of liquor with fruits and jaggery  given to them by relatives during their visits to prison. But, prison staff soon sniffed  out the brew doing brisk business on the prison campus. On Tuesday , a chief head warder noticed the inmates acting weirdly when he was on  a routine check of the block. Growing suspicious, he checked them and was shocked to see a bucket with more than 10 litres of liquor made of fruits and sugar. With limited resources, the prisoners had managed to make the brew. The remand  prisoners, lodged in prison in connection with robbery and theft cases, have ventured into brewing the spirit for the last two weeks. “The four inmates used fruits, particularly pomegranate and orange, wheat and jaggery to make the liquor,“ said a senior prison official on condition of anonymity . Explaining their modus operandi, the official said the inmates stocked the fruits  brought by their relatives, friends and family members and fermented it. They sourced wheat and jaggery discreetly from the prison kitchen and mixed it with the  fermented fruits and added water to it. They stirred them together and filled it in a bucket, which was buried near their block, said a reliable source in prison. The inmates were caught in the act, said the official and added that the department has taken disciplinary action against them under the provision of the Prison Manual Rules. “We have suspended interviews of the prisoners for two months. They will be  not allowed to meet their relatives and friends during this period,“ he added.

Gang tries to kill men who sheltered inter-caste couple

Apr 20 2016 : The Times of India (Chennai)

Gang tries to kill men who sheltered inter-caste couple

Shanmughasundaram J

KancheepuramVellore:





Girl's Family May Be Behind Attack

The family members of a 21year-old vanniyar girl, who married a dalit youth, allegedly assaulted the members of Makkal Mantram, an NGO in Kancheepuram, for sheltering the couple. After running for more than 5km through fields on Monday , Bala Murugan and Thanjai Tamil, both 29 years old, escaped from a six-member gang that followed them with deadly weapons. Tamil sustained injuries on his forehead and mouth, while Murugan escaped with minor injuries.The two were targeted by the gang for apparently sheltering K Santhiya, daughter of N Kirubanandham, and her husband C Sivaraman, who is a dalit. Fearing for their lives, the couple approached the NGO seeking protection from caste fanatics, alleged Geetha of Makkal Mantram.
Tamil and Murugan were on a bike heading towards Orikkai village around 7.30pm from the NGO's cam pus in Mangalapadi.
“When we were nearing Vandavasi bypass road, two men waved at us showing an empty bottle. We stopped thinking that their bike was out of fuel,“ said Murugan.
“They questioned us about the whereabouts of Santhiya and her husband. And then from nowhere other people ran towards us shouting `hack them, hack them',“ said Murugan. They ran towards a field to save themselves.
The Kancheepuram police recorded their statements and launched an inquiry .

Rebellion continues: DMK cadre to fight as independent in Polur

Apr 18 2016 : The Times of India (Chennai)

Rebellion continues: DMK cadre to fight as independent in Polur





Facing a virtual rebellion over selection of candi dates in some constituencies, the DMK has replaced a few of its original nominees.On Sunday, the party announced that Bhavani would contest from Sholavandan constituency instead of Sri Priya.However, it faces another challenge in Polur After the party denied him a ticket for the May 16 poll, DMK Chetpet union secretary C E Elumalai has decided to contest in Polur constituency as an independent candidate.
Elumalai has also taken out a rally with his supporters in Polur Town on Saturday to express his displeasure over the party's candidate selection for the constituency . After garlanding Arignar Anna statue, he said he would contest the election as an independent candidate. He was confident of defeating the party's official candidate K V Manoharan and other candidates in the fray .
Bowing to the demands of irate party men, the DMK last week announced that N Rajkumar would contest from Arakkonam (reserved) seat in place of S Bhavani and M Ramachandran in place of S S Rajkumar at Orathandu in Thanjavur district. On April 15, a band of DMK workers staged a protest outside party chief M Karunanidhi's residence.
In Vellore, the cadres in Vaniyambadi have also protested against the party's decision to allot the constituency to the alliance party -IUML. The party cadres said that the party high command relook into its decision and field one of the functionaries the constituency. They also raised slogan against the IUML.
On the other hand, party's Anaicut Union (West) secretary M Babu and party candidate for Anaicut A P Nandhakumar have buried the hatchet and commenced the election campaign in the constituency on Sunday . A few days ago, Babu's supporters picketed the party office in Vellore City for fielding Nandhakumar, an outsider. They have also assaulted Nandhakumar and T A Mohammed Saqhy , party's district presidium chairperson and former MP , when they came to the office on Thursday . Sources said party leader M K Stalin intervened and ended the animosity .





Big men do cry -- for votes

Big men do cry -- for votes

Shanmughasundaram J





Crying and singing and showing excessive emotion has always been part of Tamil culture. The roots of this can be traced to ancient texts and epics in which crying and singing wasn't relegated to just women alone.It does seem that Tamil men are hardwired to cry in public. And during elections, they cry more often.
On Sunday , faced with dissension within the Vellore DMK party over ticket distribution, Duraimurugan started addressing a party volunteers meeting by responding to al legations by dissidents. Then he listed the development projects implemented in Vellore during his tenure as minister.Duraimurugan said that he wanted to establish a government medical college in the constituency , but then AIADMK minister Pandurangan, who won from Anaicut constituency in 2006, took the project to his constituency . Then with his voice breaking, he said: “Death will come to me one day . When my mortal remains are taken out on a procession, the people should remember what I did for them.“
The eight time MLA said that he was determined to bring the multi-specialty hospital this time and establish an arts and science college in the constituency . “Won't you say that this is the man who brought court buildings, university (Thiruvalluvar University) and built bridges when my mortal remains are carried in procession?“ he said, wiping his tears.
The cadres also started crying and shouted out, “nothing will happen to you“.

The women and men cadres started crying and said that “nothing will happen to you”. Mohammed Saqhy, former MP and party presidium chairperson, and others in the dais cajoled him. The speech has given a much needed push for Durai Murugan, who faced a tough fight during last election against AIADMK candidate S R K Appu (alias) S Radhakrishnan. He won the election with a margin of around 2,000 votes.

However, this is not the first time the seasoned politician shed tears in public and party meetings. During the election campaign in Shenbakkam, which was annexed in the constituency in 2008 delimitation process, he shed tears for vote.

He even cried in an election campaign at Latheri, one of his strongholds, asking the people to vote for him in 2001 election. Durai Murugan had then said that he would retire from politics, if his constituency people did not elect him in the election./eom/shan/





DMK cadres up in arms against party candidate

DMK men demand removal of Jolarpet candidate

Shanmughasundaram.j@timesgroup.com

VELLORE:  Ignoring party leader M Karunanidhi’s plea not to oppose the party’s decision but to work for its victory in the May 16 election, the dissenting party functionaries in Vellore district are up in arms against party candidate for Jolarpet constituency.  The party men on Friday staged a protest and one of them attempted to commit suicide to express their displeasure over the selection of the candidate.

The party has fielded Vellore (West) party women wing secretary Kavitha Dhandapani for Jolarpet constituency.  She faced a stiff opposition from a section of the party cadres, who were in no mood to heed to their leader’s plea.

Nearly 150 party men, all believed to the supporters of former DMK MLA of Natrampalli N K R Sooriyakumar, have staged protest demanding to replace Kavitha Dhandapani, in Natrampalli bus stand.

After staging a protest for nearly 30 minutes, they moved to Vaniyambadi party office to register their protest. A group of around 100 party men from Jolarpet have also joined them.  The dissenting cadres reached the party office in Vaniyambadi New Town and raised slogan against Principal Secretary Durai Murugan and party Vellore (West) district secretary Devaraj

Tension flared up in the party office when a party man – Kandasamy of Natrampalli – has doused himself with kerosene and attempted to immolate. However, the police acted swiftly and thwarted his suicide bid.

The party functionaries said that Kavitha Dhandapani was not familiar among the party cadres in the constituency.  She was hailing from Kumberi village in Tirupattur and she has no connection with Jolarpet constituency.

 Sources claimed that former MLA N K R Sooriyakumar had instigated his supporters to protest against the woman candidature.  

On Thursday, over 500 cadres, all supporters of Anaicut (West) Union Secretary M Babu, protested in Vellore party office. A section of them had beaten up party nominee Nandhakumar for Anaicut constituency. They demanded that he be replaced with Babu.

Downplaying the protests in Vellore district, Durai Murugan told TOI, “It is very among political parties in the State. It will settle down within a day or two.”/eom/shan/

Rebel candidate

Denied ticket, AIADMK woman candidate to contest as Independent candidate

VELLORE 

Unhappy over the party’s decision for not giving an opportunity for woman candidate in Vellore Constituency, forty seven year-old AIADMK cadre, M Usha Nandhini, has decided to contest as independent candidate in Vellore constituency in the forthcoming assembly election.

On Friday, she resigned from the party membership and councilor post. “No party has fielded a woman candidate for Vellore Constituency till date. Be it AIADMK or DMK.  So, I have decided to represent the women of the constituency in the election and I am confident to win the election,” said Nandhini after handing over the resignation letter to Corporation Commissioner. She also sent a letter to the party headquarters.

"My mantra is -no money for vote," said Nandhini, who started her campaign in the city. She has been appealing to the women to support her to represent them in the assembly. "I have also promised them that I will work for the constituency development in the next five years."

Nandhini has been running Bharathi Amma Social Service Organisation, an NGO, for over 10 years in Vellore city to provide job oriented training and financial aid to women. “There are around 5000 members in the organisation. Irrespective of their community, caste and religion, they are supporting me and willing to campaign for me. In fact, they encouraged me to contest in the election as independent candidate,” she said.

Nandhini was confident to take on AIADMK candidate P Neelakandan, DMK candidate P Karthikeyan and others in the fray. “People will vote for a candidate who works for their development. I have fulfilled the needs and demands of the people in my ward during my tenure as councilor. I am confident to continue my good work, if the people support me in the election,” she added.

In fact, she contested as independent candidate in the 54^th ward in the last local body election after she was denied party ticket. She defeated the party’s official candidate and the DMK candidate. After winning the election, she attached herself with AIADMK party.

Palar, lifeline of northern districts, sets course for heated poll debate

Palar, lifeline of northern districts, sets course for heated poll debate

Shanmughasundaram J





Mounting Pressure On Parties To Revive The River

After more than a decade of drought, farmers and environmentalists in the districts of Vellore, Tiru vannamalai and Kancheepuram saw some water in Palar river only last December. It was an aberration caused by an unusually heavy downpour. With no chance of seeing water in the river till another unprecedented monsoon hits the state, people are eagerly waiting to see if parties take up Palar restoration project as part of their election manifesto.The sand mafia has been plundering the riverbed for decades, while indutries have been releasing effluents into the water. Without any water to flush it out into the sea, ground water is being contaminated.
The stakeholdies for attention to ers' cries for attention to revive the river, which is the lifeline for three northern districts and some parts of Chennai, has mounted pressure on parties to come up with schemes to revive the river. It was one of the two perennial rivers -the o t h e r b e i n g Ta m i r ap a r a n i i n Tirunelveli -in the state. The flow became seasonal and scarce in Palar after Andhra Pradesh constructed multiple check dams in the upper reaches of the river.
DMK and AIADMK, which have ruled the state for over four decades, have failed in designing projects to breathe life into the river. “There is no political will to stop sand mining from the riverbed. It has depleted groundwater level,“ said Kanchi Amudhan, an activist.
Chief minister J Jayalalithaa had announced in 2014 that her government would take up a project to link Thenpennai and Palar rivers. It was aimed at diverting flood water from Krishnagiri reservoir at Nedungal to the Palar river basin via Kallaru by digging a 54 km long canal. However, the project is yet to materialise, though it was first proposed in 2008.
“The government did not give con currence to the project report submitted by the National Water Development Agency in July last year. We have lost faith in AIADMK,“ said A C Venkatesan of TN Pasumai Pathukappu Iyakkam.
DMK's election manifesto, released on Sunday, says it will implement Palar-Thenpennai-Cauvery link project. But no party has so far lived up to the expectations of the people of Vellore. “We want a government, which will maintain a cordial relationship with neighbouring states, to succeed in implementing the river linking projects,“ said A Ashokan, an activist.

Roadside trees in Fort City facing threat due to indiscriminate nailing

Roadside trees in Fort City facing threat due to indiscriminate nailing

Shanmughasundaram.j

VELLORE:

 

 The next time you see an advertisement board nailed to a roadside tree, it means the tree is facing a slow death. Display boards nailed to trees are a common sight in various parts of the district. But this indiscriminate nailing on trees, according to environmental activists, acts like ‘slow poison’ to the trees.

 

Several commercial establishments, educational institutions and tuition centres have turned roadside trees into their advertisement spaces. In fact, it is difficult to see a tree free from advertisement boards. Even the age-old trees near the Collectorate, District Police Office, District Combined Court Complex and Corporation Office face the brunt of indiscriminate nailing on to them.

 

The silence of the law enforcing agency and ignorance of the public has given free hand to the commercial establishments to abuse the trees.  The officials have also failed to adopt health management of the trees.  

Two persons were found busy hammering the billboards of a private firm onto the trees in and around Sathuvachari in Vellore City on Tuesday. When inquired, the duo said that they have been asked to put up 100 billboards to promote the new offer of their firm. “The billboards put up on lamp posts are damaged or removed within a couple of weeks. So, we prefer to put up the boards on the trees. We have also obtained permission from officials to nail the billboards on the trees,” said one of them.

 

Cementing around the trees, wiring and erecting lamps on the trees would also amount to abuse of trees. It would prevent the supply of nutrition and water to the roots and subsequently result in the decay of the roots leading to the slow death of the trees.  “Tree abusers should be instructed to plant and grow trees for nailing,” said R Raja Rajan, president of the Rotary Club of Vellore (North).

 

Nailing is a cause of concern. It should be addressed to protect the existing well grown trees and young saplings to preserve the biodiversity, opined trustee and founder member of Nizhal, an NGO based in Chennai, Shobha Menon.

 

Nailing, according to the environmentalists, would cause serious damage to the bark of the tree. It is the first line of its defensive mechanism – compartmentalisation – that seals off the wounded part.  Repeating nailing weakens the protective mechanism to heal the wound to the bark. It will ultimately prevent food and water supply to the branches. The wounds will also turn into an entry point for bacteria, tree borer insects and fungus into a healthy tree.

 

The tree abusers retain the nails. “One can find at least 100 nails on well grown trees due to indiscriminate nailing on the species. It will turn into a slow poison and over a period of 6 months to 1 year, the tree will die,” said Dr T D Babu, trustee of Nizhal.

 

Officials of the Vellore Corporation were not available for comment.