Latest news with #Thoothukudi
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
World Refugee Day: Stalin for supporting those affected by wars
On the occasion of the World Refugee Day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday called for supporting those who have been severely affected by wars. In a social media post, Mr. Stalin said there were persons that were Stateless only because of wars. He recalled it was under his government that the 'refugee camps' housing the Sri Lankan Tamils were renamed as 'rehabilitation camps'. The UNHCR along with various NGOs organised an event to commemorate the World Refugee Day in Chennai on Friday. Minister of Minorities and Non Resident Tamils Welfare S.M. Nasar underlined the steps being undertaken by the welfare of Sri Lankan Tamils in camps in the State. Chief Guest and Thoothukudi Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said her party would continue with its steps to get all the willing Sri Lankan Tamils the Indian citizenship. UNHCR India's Deputy Chief of Mission Margriet Veenma, said: 'In a time of growing needs and limited resources, it is more urgent than ever for governments, corporates and civil societies to unite, develop innovative solutions for refugees, and be catalysts for change in solidarity with them.' Commissioner of Rehabilitation and Non-Resident Tamil Welfare M. Vallalar said 3,000 of the 10,000 housing units planned for the benefit of Sri Lankan Tamil nationals have been completed. Member of the State government's constituted committee Govi. Lenin said a total of eight individuals from the camps have obtained Indian citizenship through the courts. Senior journalist R.K. Radhakrishnan moderated a panel discussion on solidarity and resilience. CEO of Startup TN Sivarajah Ramanathan, author A.C. Vijidharan, film and theatre actor Shanmugarajan, lyricist Parvathy Meera, assistant director Johnson and artist Neha took part in the discussion.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- New Indian Express
AIADMK councillor cheats sister of Rs 17cr, held while trying to flee country
CHENNAI: Thoothukudi corporation opposition leader S Raja (35) was arrested at Chennai airport on June 10 while attempting to flee to Malaysia on charges of cheating his sister of `17 crore. Acting on a Look Out Circular, a special team intercepted the AIADMK councillor and produced him before the CCB & CBCID Court, which remanded him in judicial custody. According to the police, the AIADMK leader was arrested following a complaint by A Ponnarasi, who is the daughter of former AIADMK minister SP Shanmuganathan and a resident of Iyyappanthangal in Chennai. She alleged that her younger brother Raja, along with his wife Anusha, convinced her to invest in their firm, Ommeena Pharma Distributors, by promising her a 16% stake in the company. She paid him Rs 11 crore after taking a loan by mortgaging her 2-acre property in Nandambakkam, Sriperumbudur. Without her knowledge, Raja diverted a part of the funds to his other firm, Ashun Exim, for personal use, the police said. Furthermore, Raja took 300 sovereigns of gold from Ponnarasi, promising shares in his proposed stone quarry, Golden Blue Metals, and used the proceeds to buy 40 acres of land in Thoothukudi in his name, the police said. They also forged her signature, fabricated her resignation, removed her as director, and transferred the shares to Raja. When Ponnarasi found out that she was cheated, she lodged a police complaint, based on which Raja was arrested.
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
‘Ideal location, talent pool and govt. support drove VinFast's decision to set up plant in T.N.'
Thoothukudi's strategic location, Tamil Nadu's talent pool, and government support were the key factors behind VinFast's decision to set up its manufacturing plant in the State, VinFast Asia CEO Pham Sanh Chau said. The Vietnamese carmaker is set to begin the production of its VF7 and VF6 models at the Thoothukudi plant in July, while bookings will open in June. During the Global Investors Meet in Chennai last year, VinFast inked an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government for an investment of ₹16,000 crore in multiple phases for manufacturing EVs in Thoothukudi. Speaking to The Hindu in Hanoi recently, Mr. Chau said, 'We visited six States and inspected 15 locations before we decided to select Thoothukudi. Since we want to serve not only the domestic market, but also the external market, we need to be located very close to a seaport and an airport. Thoothukudi satisfies these requirements.' Mr. Chau said Tamil Nadu had an impressive pool of talent. VinFast Vietnam employed a large number of Indian engineers, the majority of whom were from Tamil Nadu, he said, adding that the State was also a hub for suppliers. 'The government of Tamil Nadu has been extremely helpful. Whenever we propose anything, they make the effort and satisfy our requirements. We cannot build a factory in 15 months without the kind, continuous and generous support from the government of Tamil Chief Minister M.K. Stalin himself, his Cabinet, and especially Minister for Industries T.R.B. Rajaa. So, that is why…[though] we were approached by many State governments, we made a final call to invest in Tamil Nadu,' he said. Responding to Mr. Chau's comments, Mr. Rajaa said, 'VinFast's integrated factory in Thoothukudi has laid the foundation for a new green industrial cluster in south Tamil Nadu. Along with the solar cell and green hydrogen projects, this factory will bring renewed economic vigour to the region.' According to him, the VinFast project is creating high-quality jobs for local youth through targeted upskilling under Naan Mudhalvan, while also enabling a thriving MSME ecosystem to support the EV value chain. 'This cluster approach is focused on sustainability and inclusivity. It aims to transform Thoothukudi into a next-generation manufacturing and export hub. With its proximity to the port, the region is set to become a gateway for exports,' he added. According to him, Tamil Nadu's focus remains on equitable industrial development, and VinFast's investment stands as an example of how the government is creating global opportunities across the State, ensuring distributed growth. (The writer was in Hanoi on the invitation of VinFast).
India Today
27-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
EPS accuses DMK of shielding suspended party leader in sexual assault case
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) has accused the DMK government of shielding the accused and threatening the complainant. Sharing a video clip purportedly of the survivor, in which she claims that the authorities are only 'questioning' people and not taking real action, EPS alleged that the police were trying to intimidate her rather than deliver further pointed out that a DMK councillor was recently arrested in Arakkonam for illegally possessing two firearms without a licence. He criticised the state administration for allegedly allowing the DMK to hold public meetings in support of the accused, while denying the AIADMK permission to protest on behalf of the is DMK protecting Deivaseyal? Is any huge political figure being secured by protecting Deivaseyal? Who is that sir? Our questions will not stop until the affected student gets justice,' EPS declared, demanding accountability from the ruling party. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin responded by accusing EPS of political opportunism. 'Several instances of crime like Thoothukudi and Sathankulam occurred in the AIADMK period,' Stalin said, referring to violent incidents under the previous government's watch. He accused EPS of being 'deliberately involved in slander' and attempting to politicise sensitive issues for personal and party controversy centres around allegations made by a 20-year-old woman against her husband, Deivaseyal, a suspended deputy secretary of the DMK Youth Wing in Arakkonam. She has accused him of sexual and physical abuse and of coercing young women into sexual relationships with political leaders. advertisementThe National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and has called for an immediate, impartial investigation. The NCW has also urged the Tamil Nadu Police to register a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and to submit an Action Taken Report. The complainant has alleged that the police mishandled her complaint by omitting key details from the FIR and pressuring her to sign documents she disagrees with. She also reported that sensitive video evidence she submitted was leaked on social media, and no action has been taken against those responsible. IN THIS STORY#Tamil Nadu
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Thoothukudi sterlite police firing: activists say no action on cops who fired even after seven years
THOOTHUKUDI: Anger against the state government came to the fore on Thursday as Thoothukudi remembered the 15 people who died in police firing on May 22, 2018, when they were marching in a procession towards the collectorate on the 100th day of a protest against the Sterlite copper smelter plant. Activists questioned the government's 'inaction' against the police who opened fire, and for not dismantling the plant. Activists led by Basil Kosta paid homage to the victims at Fatima Nagar. Speaking on the occasion, M Krishnamoorthy, coordinator of Thoothukudi Anti-Sterlite People Federation, said eight demands, including withdrawal of cases against protesters and delisting them from history sheet register, have not been addressed. 'The suspected killers identified by the Aruna Jegadeesan committee have not been punished yet. Even though action has been taken against accused in Sathankulam custodial torture case and Pollachi sexual abuse case, the accused in Sterlite firing have not been brought before the court. Also, the Sterlite plant had not been dismantled', he said. Retired professor Fatima Babu, who paid homage on behalf of Anti-Sterlite People's Movement at Trespuram, said the state is hesitant to dismantle the plant even after the Supreme Court vindicated the permanent closure. Hari Ragavan, an advocate, cited CM Stalin, saying 'The killer police have been let scot free and elevated to higher posts. The smelter has not been dismantled.' Activists said their other demands such as declaring May 22 as environment protection day, and construction of a memorial for the victims have not been fulfilled.
