Probe committee on JU clashes reconstituted, additional judge added

Chennai, July 6 (IANS) In a dramatic turn of events that highlights a deepening rift within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), party founder S. Ramadoss has removed his son and current party president, Anbumani Ramadoss, from the party’s executive committee.

The surprising development comes amidst mounting speculation over internal disputes between the two leaders over the direction and control of the party.

The executive committee, which operated from Tindivanam and played a central role in the party’s decision-making, included several senior leaders such as Anbumani Ramadoss, Thilagapama, Balu, Venkateswaran, and Vadivel Ravanan.

On Sunday, Ramadoss announced the dissolution of the entire executive committee, effectively sidelining all its members, including his son.

While no official reason has been cited for the action, sources within the party suggest growing differences between the father and son on key issues related to leadership style, candidate selection, and alliance strategies ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Anbumani, who has been advocating for a more modern and pragmatic political approach, reportedly clashed with the traditionalist views held by the party’s founding leadership.

Tensions had been simmering over the past year, with party insiders pointing to strained communications and diverging public positions on major political developments.

Anbumani’s increasing assertiveness, particularly his outreach to youth and focus on health, education, and governance reforms, has reportedly not gone down well with some members of the old guard, who felt sidelined. This internal conflict reached a tipping point after a recent high-level meeting held in Tindivanam, where differing visions for the party’s future reportedly led to heated arguments.

The dissolution of the executive committee is being viewed as a decisive move by Ramadoss to reassert control over the party machinery.

The PMK, which has traditionally drawn support from the Vanniyar community, now finds itself at a critical crossroads.

With the 2026 state elections on the horizon, the timing of the leadership shake-up could significantly impact the party’s positioning and electoral strategies.

Party cadres across Tamil Nadu are reportedly shocked by the development, and it remains to be seen how Anbumani Ramadoss will respond to this unexpected political setback.

–IANS

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New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) The Delhi Police Crime Branch on Wednesday arrested another member of a transnational arms racketeering and terror module, identified as Harshpal Singh alias Rubal, and recovered a sophisticated weapon from his possession.

The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into a well-organised international arms trafficking network with alleged links to terror activities. According to officials, Harshpal Singh was an active member of an organised crime syndicate and is facing charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Arms Act.

Earlier, on February 11, the Delhi High Court had granted bail to an accused booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), citing a violation of his fundamental constitutional rights related to delays in his production before a magistrate.

The latest development follows a series of crackdowns by the Crime Branch.

On April 7, Delhi Police arrested two alleged arms suppliers, Imran (37) and Kamran (27), who were linked to the same transnational network. They were apprehended at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on April 2 after Look Out Circulars were issued against them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Police recovered two weapons and 11 live cartridges from their possession.

Investigators revealed that the syndicate operated through a structured cross-border network involving procurement, transit, and distribution channels. Funds generated through illegal arms trafficking were allegedly used to support terror-related activities.

Earlier, on March 25, the Crime Branch had busted a major international arms smuggling network, leading to the arrest of 10 key operatives. A massive cache of foreign-manufactured firearms, intended for a major gangster syndicate across India, was also recovered.

The investigation, led by DCP Sanjeev Yadav had uncovered a deeply entrenched network with links extending across Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Officials stated that the primary supply route originated in Pakistan, with weapons being trafficked through the Indo-Nepal border before reaching Delhi, which served as a central hub for storage and distribution.

The operatives were supplying high-grade weapons to notorious gangs operating across Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and neighbouring states. During the raids, police seized 21 sophisticated firearms and 200 live cartridges, sending shockwaves across security agencies due to the advanced nature of the weapons.

Among the recovered arms were high-precision pistols such as PX-5.7, along with globally recognised brands including Stoeger (Turkey), Shadow CZ (Czech Republic), Beretta (Italy), Taurus (Brazil), and Walther (Germany). Additionally, a PX-3 pistol, commonly seen in cross-border smuggling, was seized.

Notably, a state-of-the-art submachine gun manufactured in the Czech Republic was also recovered a weapon rarely found with street-level criminals highlighting the module’s high level of sophistication and operational capability.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 10 (IANS) As the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, implemented in the run up to the Bihar Assembly elections, is now set to be introduced in West Bengal, Shiv Sena-UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday raised serious concerns, stating if the same process is being adopted there as done in other states, it appears to be a well-planned conspiracy and raises critical questions about the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Talking to IANS, Chaturvedi said: “The manner in which this process was implemented – and the fact that it reached the Supreme Court – proves that pro-opposition voters are being strategically eliminated. In Maharashtra, anonymous voter manipulation also took place, and the fight against it is still ongoing. Similar incidents were seen in Odisha, Haryana, and Delhi, where parties like the BJD and the Aam Aadmi Party were affected. If the same method is being used in West Bengal, it certainly looks like a calculated conspiracy. It raises serious doubts about the impartiality of the Election Commission. At this point, the ECI office might as well be merged with the BJP office; it would save money.”

On the turmoil within the NDA alliance in Bihar, particularly regarding dissatisfaction among some leaders, she said: “What’s happening in Bihar is part of the BJP’s long-standing strategy. They first build alliances, only to dismantle them later. In Maharashtra, our party was allied with the BJP for 25 years. As soon as they lost power, they sabotaged us in a blatant violation of the Constitution – part of a shameful and despicable conspiracy. Similar tactics were used against Ram Vilas Paswan’s party and the Shiromani Akali Dal. This proves that the BJP is interested not in partnership, but in complete dominance.”

Responding to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s condemnation of Prime Minister Modi’s praise for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom Owaisi referred to as “the world’s biggest thug”, Chaturvedi said: “India’s foreign policy has always supported a two-nation approach, maintaining diplomatic ties with both Israel and Palestine. In the midst of a two-year-long conflict in West Asia, any steps towards a peace agreement should be welcomed. Every action taken by Israel should be reviewed by international institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the United Nations. India has consistently provided medical and food aid to the people of Gaza. It’s unfortunate that a negative narrative is being created around peace efforts.”

Chaturvedi also responded to visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s remark that his country sees India as a close friend during a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

“India and Afghanistan have shared a long-standing, cooperative relationship. India has consistently supported the Afghan people, even helping their cricket team. However, the restrictions imposed on women by the Taliban regime are deeply concerning. This government is regressing the country into backwardness. As a nation that upholds democracy, the Constitution, and equality, India must question whether long-term cooperation is possible with a regime that suppresses women’s rights.”

–IANS

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