Rajkumar abduction: Erode court acquits 9 men after 18 years

TIMES NEWS NETWORK


Erode:26.09.2018

Eighteen years after Kannada thespian Rajkumar was kidnapped by forest brigand Veerappan and his men, the court hearing the case acquitted nine of the accused on Tuesday.

Third additional district judge (ADJ) of Gobichettipalayam sub-court in Erode district K Mani said the prosecution has failed to prove the charges against the men. The judge stated that there was no evidence provided by the prosecution establishing the link between the accused and Veerappan, who was the prime accused. Giving the benefit of doubt, the judge said he was acquitting the nine men.

While defence counsel Bhavani B Mohan welcomed the verdict, the prosecution is likely to go for an appeal. “We are waiting for the judgment. After reading the judgment we will hold discussion with the senior government officials as well as CBCID and move for appeal,’’ said public prosecutor T Dhanakottiram.

The acquitted were S Maran, 48, S Govindaraj, 46, D Andril, 45, R Selvam, 43, K Amirthalingam, 43, P Pasavanna, 57, R Nagaraj, 47, C Puddusamy, 53, and S Rama, 52. They were charged under several counts of the IPC, including abduction for ransom and criminal conspiracy.

BLAST FROM PAST:Kannada actor Rajkumar was abducted from his farmhouse in Thoddakanjanur village in TN on July 30, 2000, by Veerappan and his aides

Court: Prosecution did not produce evidence

Veerappan abducted Rajkumar on July 30, 2000 from his farm house at Thoddakanjanur near Thalavadi in Erode district. Veerappan kept the actor under his custody for 108 days and released him only after multiple rounds of negotiations by Pazha Nedumaran and Nakkeeran Gopal who were sent as emissaries.

Thalavadi police who registered the case took up the investigation. Later, the case was transferred to the CBCID-Coimbatore in 2011. They submitted a charge sheet with the Gobichettipalayam sub-court in the same year. The case was under trail for 18 years and two months.

A total of 10 judges heard the case, including K Mani.

On September 17, ADJ Mani announced that he would give a verdict in this case on Tuesday. Mani, who pronounced the verdict in the packed court hall, noted in the judgment that there was no material evidence or eyewitnesses to prove that these nine persons were involved in the abduction case. The judge pulled up the prosecution as well as the CBCID for failing to come up with a watertight case. He said the prosecution did not produce even a shred of evidence to prove that the nine accused were linked to Veerappan.

“The judge raised questions on the reason for not investigating Rajkumar and his wife Parvathammal. He asked why the CBCID had not questioned government interlocutors Pazha Nedumaran and Nakeeran Gopal,’’ said defence counsel Bhavani B Mohan.

The accused as well as their relatives who had gathered in the court cheered the verdict and distributed sweets to each other.

The names of 14 persons were registered in the FIR. However, four people including Veerappan and his accomplices ‘Sethukuzhi’ Govindan, Sandhana Gowda and Mallu, were killed in a police encounter on October 18, 2004. Out of the remaining 11 accused, one – Ramesh - is still absconding and one more died leaving the nine to face trial.

A total of 47 persons appeared before the ADJ as witnesses in addition to material evidences. “As far as we are concerned, we have argued the case by producing oral and documentary evidence,’’ said Dhanakotiram.


› Related report, P 9 On September 17, ADJ Mani announced that he would give a verdict on Tuesday. Mani, who pronounced the verdict, noted in the judgment that there was no material evidences or eyewitnesses to prove that these nine people were involved in the abduction case

SASIKUMAR MURDER

Remand can be extended only for spl reasons : HC

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai 26.09.2018

Making it clear that special courts trying cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act have the power to directly extend the remand of accused from 90 days to 180 days, the Madras high court has said that such an order shall be passed

only based on special/specific reasons submitted by the prosecution.

A division bench of Justice S Vimala and Justice S Ramathilagam made the observation while setting aside an order passed by the special court for NIA cases in Poonamallee extending the remand of Mohammed Mubarak, an accused in the murder of Hindu Munnani leader Sasikumar.

Refusing to concur with the contentions of the petitioner that the trial court cannot directly extend the remand to 180 days, the bench said, “Section 43-D (2)(b) of the Act employs the term ‘up to’ for extending the period of remand from 90 days to 180 days. This clearly means that the maximum period up to which the remand can be extended is up to the period as specified under the Act. Had the intention of the legislature been otherwise, then the word ‘up to’ would not have found place in the said provision. The usage of the word clearly shows the intention of the legislature, which thought it fit to leave it to the wisdom of the court to extend the period of remand, however, subject to the limitations as envisaged under the second limb of Section 43-D

(2) (b) of the UAP Act.”

However, in the present case, pointing out the report of prosecution, the bench said, the report is mere indicative of the progress made in the investigation and the phases in which investigation needs to be made.

Senior citizens get tips on ageing gracefully

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:26,09.2018

When you touch 60, breathe in the morning air, roll out the yoga mat and stretch yourself for the recommended asanas every day. Also, make it a point to go for ayurvedic head and neck massages at least once a year besides meeting your allopathic doctor for a routine master health check.

These and many more were a part of the checklist doctors gave to more than 200 senior citizens who turned up for a public meeting organised on Tuesday by the Tamil Nadu MGR Medical University ahead of the international day for elderly on October 1. “While taking care of yourself, set one target every day and achieve your goals to keep yourself active, happy and healthy. As experienced people, your social contributions will have a positive impact on yourself and on the society,” said university vice-chancellor Dr S Geethalakshmi. The 2018 theme of United Nations International Day for the Elderly this year is “celebrating older human rights champions”.

While senior neurologist Dr A V Srinivasan recommended an active lifestyle combined with healthy eating and exercise, neuropshychiatrist Dr E S Krishnamoorthy endorsed holistic care that combines traditional with allopathic medicines. Seniors should also make informed choices and communicate decisions to their family, he said. “If you are diagnosed with degenerative disease or recommended palliative care, it is important for the family to know the kind of care and treatment you would prefer. Advanced notification to family will make it easy for them to take decisions during tough times,” Dr Krishnamoorthy said.

The lectures were followed by interactive sessions on health insurances, sideeffects of medications for chronic ailments and preventing dementia and other degenerative diseases. And when seniors left the hall, they urged the university to have more such informative meeting through the year.

“It will be good if we have more such lectures throughout the year, not just for the international day,” said Sathiyamurthy K, who attended the lecture along with two of his friends.

Senior university faculty including registrar Dr T Balasubramanian were present.


HALE, HEARTY AND HAPPY

Chennai: Parents of German PIO get Rs 1.8 crore for son’s death 

DECCAN CHRONICLE.

Published Sep 25, 2018, 1:53 am IST

He came to meet his relatives in 2009 and on November 21, 2009 he was proceeding to Dindigul from Tiruchy on a two-wheeler.



The matter was taken up in the permanent Lok Adalat recently. Following negotiations, the counsels of the insurer and petitioners agreed on Rs 1.80 crore as compensation for Selvakumar’s death.

Chennai: Unable to hold back her tears, the mother of an accident victim was overcome with emotion when the Chief Judge, Small Causes court ordered compensation of Rs 1.80 crore for the death of her son under Motor Accident Claim Tribunal.

The Chief Judge R. Selvakumar gave away the order copy to Vinobai, from Germany, on Monday. The mishap occurred when her son L. Selvakumar, 29, also a German citizen who was working in Barclays Bank’s Frankfurt branch in Germany, came to meet his family members in the State in 2009.

According to V . Rameshvel, counsel for the petitioners, Loganathan, a native of Chennimalai, Erode district, had settled in Germany and has been living there for more than three decades.

His son Selvakumar, born and brought up there, was employed as an executive in Barclays Bank, Frankfurt and was receiving a salary of Rs 3 lakh per month. Selvakumar would occasionally visit relatives in Erode, Tirchy and Dindigul.

He came to meet his relatives in 2009 and on November 21, 2009 he was proceeding to Dindigul from Tiruchy on a two-wheeler. A lorry, which came from behind, was being driven in a rash and negligent manner and rammed against his vehicle near Kamatchipuram cross road at Ottanchathiram.

In the impact, Selvakumar was thrown off the bike and sustained head injuries and died instantly. His body was flown to Germany and cremated there. In the petition, Loganathan and Vinobai sought a compensation of Rs 2 crore from th einsurer of the vehicle, Shriram General Insurance Company for death of their son. The aged couple came from Germany thrice to depose before the Small Causes court in Chennai.

The matter was taken up in the permanent Lok Adalat recently. Following negotiations, the counsels of the insurer and petitioners agreed on Rs 1.80 crore as compensation for Selvakumar’s death.

On Monday, Chief Judge, Small Causes court, R.Selvakumar issued the order copy to Vinobai and directed the insurance firm to give the amount to the couple within four weeks.

In the petition, Loganathan and Vinobai sought a compensation of Rs 2 crore from the insurer of the vehicle, Shriram General Insurance Company for death of their son. The aged couple came from Germany thrice to depose before the Small Causes court in Chennai.

The matter was taken up in the permanent Lok Adalat recently. Following negotiations, the counsels of the insurer and petitioners agreed on Rs 1.80 crore as compensation for Selvakumar’s death.

On Monday, Chief Judge, Small Causes court, R.Selvakumar issued the order copy to Vinobai and directed the insurance firm to give the amount to the couple within four weeks.

Chennai: App on snake bites and treatment to be launched 

DECCAN CHRONICLE. | R LENIN

Published Sep 25, 2018, 4:48 am IST

Sources said that snake bite cases are often reported particularly in rural areas.

Since most people, bitten by such venomous snakes, are getting panic and they often approach ‘native doctors’, who treat them with herbal medicines and such treatment many a time leads to fatalities.

Chennai: In order to create awareness about snake bite treatment and management, the Chennai Snake Park, located inside the Guindy National Park, is all set to develop an ‘app’ system, which has elaborate details on snake bites.

Sources said that snake bite cases are often reported particularly in rural areas. Since most people, bitten by such venomous snakes, are getting panic and they often approach ‘native doctors’, who treat them with herbal medicines and such treatment many a time leads to fatalities.

“Taking stock of the situation, we have planned to create app-based system, in which all the photos of venomous snakes will be updated. Further, the app will also have details like first aid after snake bite. Most importantly, the app will have Global Position System (GPS), through which the patients can identify nearby government health institutions like Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and even private hospitals,” said G. Kannan, Education Officer, Chennai Snake Park.

The application would have facilities to upload photos so that people, who notice snakes every nook and corner, can film them and upload in the app, as it will be helpful to survey the snakes every year, he noted.

“The snake park has been associated with a non-government organisation, which will provide funds for such initiative. Further, we will start geo-coding process across the state for providing GPS connection,” said another official. They were preparing detailed blue-print, after which the public would come to know about this application, the staff added.

Herpetologists have welcomed the move. “It is a good initiative, however, the staff should create strong awareness on this before they launched such system. Since snake bites are often reported in the rural areas, I am at a loss to understand the fact that how such system will work,” said Subramanian, a city based herpetologist.

As far as state health officials are concerned, they are sure that all the government health institutions have enough stock for providing anti-venom treatment. They also claimed that unlike in the past, people are well aware that they should approach nearby hospitals after snake bites.

Rajiv Gandhi assassination: Perarivalan's mother meets Governor Purohit, seeks son's release

Arputhammal, the mother of Perarivalan alias Arivu, said she met Governor Purohit at the Raj Bhavan here and presented a petition and exuded confidence he will accept her demand.
 
Published: 24th September 2018 01:25 PM 

 

Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict A G Perarivalan (File Photo)

By PTI

CHENNAI: The mother of one of the seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, AG Perarivalan, Monday met Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit seeking her son's release following a cabinet recommendation to him on the matter.

Arputhammal, the mother of Perarivalan alias Arivu, said she met Governor Purohit at the Raj Bhavan here and presented a petition with some accompanying material and exuded confidence he will accept her demand.

The material she presented to Purohit included Judge KT Thomas' reported remarks of some "serious flaws" in the CBI investigation into the case and details on her son's behaviour during his earlier parole and its extension, she said.

Thomas had last year reportedly written to then Congress President Sonia Gandhi, wife of Rajiv Gandhi, to show magnanimity towards her husband's killers and enable remission of their sentences.

Today, Arputhammal said: "Tamil Nadu government had adopted a cabinet resolution (on the seven persons' release) and sent the files here (Raj Bhavan). You all know that their release is waiting for his signature (of approval)," she told reporters.

On September 9, the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu had recommended to Purohit the release of all seven life convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, a move hailed by most political parties in the state barring the Congress.

The cabinet had decided to release the convicts V Sriharan alias Murugan, T Suthanthiraraja alias Santhan, Perarivalan, Jayakumar, Robert Payas, Ravichandran and Nalini, under Article 161 of the Constitution, which relates to the power of the Governor to grant pardons and to suspend, remit and commute sentences in certain cases.

Arputhammal further said the Governor was 'cordial' towards her and went through her petition, and that he even suggested some correction which was done.

"So I am confident he will soon accept the cabinet recommendation and approve my son's release.

He will respect the Cabinet, Supreme Court," she added.

The Supreme Court had earlier asked the Governor to consider the mercy petition of Perarivalan seeking remission or pardon under Article 161 of the Constitution, while disposing of the Centre's petition opposing the state's 2014 decision for the convicts' release.

The dead cannot RIP here!

A senior panchayat official that City Express spoke to said that strict orders have been issued to staff, forbidding them from dumping waste here at the burial ground.
 
Published: 25th September 2018 03:31 AM |

 
 
Chitlapakkam burial and cremation ground  Martin Louis

By Nirupama Viswanathan
Express News Service

CHENNAI: Residents of Chitlapakkam prefer to take their dead to the Sembakkam burial and cremation ground, over five kilometres away, for fear of laying their loved ones to rest among mounds of reeking garbage in their own burial and cremation ground at Chitlapakkam.

According to Chitlapakkam residents, the town panchayat has been using the already poorly maintained burial ground as a garbage dump site from time to time, clearing the garbage temporarily when residents raise complaints but continuing to dump it a few days later. While a large quantum of waste is usually dumped at the Chitlapakkam dump yard across the lake, residents said the panchayat staff uses the burial ground for convenience.

“This has been going on for almost a year now and we have raised several complaints so far. They clean it up when residents insist but they keep dumping it in trucks late in the evenings, and sometimes even during the mornings,” said Lakshmi, a resident.

When Express visited the spot, the burial ground was littered with waste and unkempt bushes. The ground had no gate, offering free access to anyone wanting to gain entry; portions of the wall at the entrance and some headstones lay broken. According to locals, the walls and headstones were damaged when garbage trucks entered and exited the ground.

Sixty-one-year-old K Govindaraj, a resident of Chitlapakkam, who has always lived here, said, “When I was around 15 years old, this space was allotted for burial ground. Now, residents take the bodies to Sembakkam instead because of the lack of maintenance here.”

Residents here including many members of the local Chitlapakkam Rising group, a citizen activist group, are on a vigil, ensuring that complaints are raised everytime garbage trucks enter the space.

B Sivakumar, a resident here for around 38 years, said, “It’s a matter of shame to us here. We hope the authorities clear it up and maintain it to ensure that the residents here are at peace, at least in death.”

A senior panchayat official that City Express spoke to said that strict orders have been issued to staff, forbidding them from dumping waste here at the burial ground. “We will clear the waste in a period of one week,” the official said.