Periyar statue vandalised in Tamil Nadu amid Rajini row
Chennai, Jan 24: A statue of rationalist leader E V Ramasamy 'Periyar' was found vandalised in neighbouring Kancheepuram district on Friday with political leaders in Tamil Nadu condemning it and demanding stern action against the culprits.
The statue at Salavakkam was found damaged on Friday morning, causing a flutter in the locality, police said.
The state police warned of "strong action" against anti-social elements involving in vandalising statues of Periyar or other leaders.
The incident comes in the backdrop of a renewed debate on Periyar in Tamil Nadu, after superstar Rajinikanth last week had made some remarks about a 1971 rally taken out by the Dravidian stalwart.
Taking part at an event held by Tamil magazine 'Thuglak' on January 14, Rajinikanth had alleged: "In 1971, at Salem, Periyar took out a rally in which the undressed images of Lord Sri Ramachandra Murthy and Sita -with a garland of sandal- (were) featured...."
His comments drew the ire of pro-Periyar outfits and political parties, including the ruling AIADMK and DMK, in Tamil Nadu which hold the late leader in high esteem.
The actor, who is expected to float his political party ahead of assembly elections next year, had refused to apologise as demanded by some Dravidian outfits, maintaining what he said was factual.
Condemning the vandalisation, DMK President M K Stalin on Friday said damaging the statue of Periyar who had "strived for Tamils and Tamil Nadu for 95 years was shameful and regrettable."
The state government must take due action, he told reporters here.
Director General of Police L K Tripathy "has warned police will take very strong action against anti-social elements who vandalise statue of Thanthai Periyar or statues of other leaders in the state," a police source said.
PMK founder leader S Ramadoss expressed concern over the incident and said it will harm general peace.
Of late, such incidents have been recurring in the state, he said adding anyone who hold contrarian views to that of Periyar should only express their opinions but not resort to such vandalism which was unacceptable.
He demanded the arrest of culprits behind the act.
CPI state secretary R Mutharasan and AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran also condemned the vandalism and demanded proper action.
Statue of Dravidian icon #Periyar damaged in #TamilNadu amid a row between Dravidian outfits and actor #Rajinikanth . The statue in Chengalpattu was found damaged on Friday morning.#RajiniPeriyarRow #Periyar @DeccanHerald pic.twitter.com/jPSnoF6clP
— Sivapriyan E.T.B (@sivaetb) January 24, 2020
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
India to pursue extradition of Khalistani separatist Arsh Dalla with Canada following his arrest
New Delhi, Nov 14: India on Thursday said it will pursue an extradition request with Canada for Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, following his arrest in that country.
Dalla was designated in India as a terrorist in 2023.
In July 2023, India had requested the Canadian government for his provisional arrest.
"In view of the recent arrest, our agencies will be following up on an extradition request," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
"Given Arsh Dalla's criminal record in India and his involvement in similar illegal activities in Canada, it is expected that he will be extradited or deported to face justice in India," he added.
Dalla was reportedly arrested by the Canadian Police late last month.
"We have seen media reports circulating since November 10 on the arrest in Canada of proclaimed offender Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force," Jaiswal said.
"Canadian print and visual media have widely reported on the arrest. We understand that the Ontario Court has listed the case for hearing," he added.
Jaiswal was replying to media queries regarding the arrest of Dalla.
"Arsh Dalla is a proclaimed offender in over 50 cases of murder, attempt to murder, extortion and terrorist acts, including terror financing. In May 2022, a Red Corner Notice was issued against him," Jaiswal said.
"He was designated in India as an individual terrorist in 2023. In July 2023, the Government of India had requested the Canadian government for his provisional arrest. This was declined," he added.
Jaiswal said India had provided additional information in the case to the Canadian authorities.
"A separate request was also sent to Canada under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to verify Arsh Dalla's suspected residential address, his financial transactions to India, moveable/immovable properties, details of mobile numbers etc - all of which were provided to Canadian authorities in January 2023," Jaiswal said.
"In December 2023, the Department of Justice of Canada sought additional information on the case. A reply to these queries was sent in March this year," he added.
Our response to media queries regarding the arrest of a designated terrorist in Canada:https://t.co/c6CasRuteb pic.twitter.com/XfH4S5UzUr
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 14, 2024
