TN This Week: Kallakurichi Schoolgirl’s Family Finally Receives Her Body

After being discharged from hospital for COVID-19, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin cast his vote at the 16th Presidential election in the Secretariat, Chennai, on July 18. He was followed by Speaker M Appavu, MPs and MLAs.

Out of the 234 MLAs in Tamil Nadu, NDA’s presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu polled 75 votes, while Yashwant Sinha, the candidate put forth by the opposition parties, polled 158 votes.

The Centre has thrown the controversial NEET Exemption Bill back in the Tamil Nadu government’s court on July 19, seeking explanations on comments submitted by the Union Health and AYUSH ministries.

After the Erode girl, a 22-year-old Chennai woman was forced to sell Oocytes, City police arrested a couple in this regard.

A total of 23 Indian fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly poaching in the country's territorial waters were released by the authorities on July 22.

NewsClick brings you a round-up of the happenings this week in Tamil Nadu.

RIOT IN KALLAKURICHI

Massive violence broke out on the premises of a private school in the Kallakurichi district on July 17. Thousands gathered there, fuelled by social media content accusing the school administration of foul play in the death of a Class XII girl. Read more

Over 300 people have been arrested in connection with the riot. The state government transferred the district collector and superintendent of police two days after the violence.

Upon appeal from the deceased’s parents, a second autopsy was conducted on July 17. However, the court turned down the girl’s father’s request to have a doctor of his choice on the panel.

After an order from the Madras High Court to collect the body no later than July 23, the girl’s body was handed over to the family, and the final rites were conducted in Cuddalore.

GUV ANNOUNCES I-DAY FEST

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, on July 18, announced that he is organising a state-level essay competition for school and college students to commemorate 75 years of India's Independence.

State Platform for Common School System (SPCSS) alleged that he was trying to canvas support for his ideas. Read more

ELECTRICITY TARIFF TO GO UP

After a gap of five years, the State-run Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd (TANGEDCO) is set to hike the electricity tariff. Among domestic consumers, those who consume up to 200 units of electricity will see their bills go up by Rs 27.50/month. Those consuming 300 units bi-monthly will see a Rs 72.50 hike/month.

This comes at a time when the 5% GST on essential commodities has recently increased the burden on the poor. Read more

PREPARATION FOR CHESS OLYMPIAD

The 44th Chess Olympiad event will be hosted by India for the first time, and it will be held south of Chennai in Mamallapuram from July 28 to August 10. Tamil Nadu government sanctioned Rs 92 crore for the event.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin invited his Telangana counterpart K Chandrashekhar Rao to attend the event. PM Modi will inaugurate the Olympiad.

MOST VIOLENCE AGAINST SC, ST

Tamil Nadu has been identified as the state where most dalits and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are subjected to various kinds of violence.

Data revealed by the Ministry of Home Affairs said that an overwhelming 345 villages in 37 out of Tamil Nadu’s 38 districts had been identified as ‘atrocity prone’ for crimes against the oppressed SC and ST communities.

Moreover, a group of villagers from Ayyampalayam at Mettupalayam alleged that a 300-feet-long untouchability wall was constructed by the dominant caste in 2015. The villagers said the wall has made it difficult even for ambulances to reach their houses.

Meanwhile, Thalaivanvadali, a village in Authoor town in the Thoothukudi district, has set a model for communal harmony after caste groups came forward and removed caste flag masts.

AIADMK: MORE CONTROL TO OPS

The Madras High Court ruling on July 20 said only AIADMK interim general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami, and not expelled leader O Panneerselvam, is entitled to take possession of the party headquarters in Chennai.

Moreover, former Chief Minister Panneerselvam, who was ousted from the AIADMK, was removed from his position of deputy floor leader in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on July 19. Former Minister RB Udhayakumar has replaced him.

Palaniswami informed the Lok Sabha Speaker that expelled Parliamentarian and Panneerselvam’s son OP Ravindranath Kumar is no longer with the AIADMK, and he should not be considered as one representing the party. He is the only parliamentarian from AIADMK at present.

GOVT HOSPITAL WORKERS PROTEST

Demanding better working conditions, minimum wages and job security, workers employed on a contract basis in government hospitals held a demonstration in front of the Chennai Collectorate on July 18. Read more