1. Nadigar Sangam to Form Panel for ‘Safety’ of Artists
Against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement, the South Indian Artists Association (Nadigar Sangam) announced that it would be setting up a committee to ensure the safety of theatre and cinema artists and to prevent gender-based harassment or threats at the workplace.
When asked if the committee would be restricted to the members of the Nadigar Sangam or would cover other film associations and bodies, Nasser, President of the association said that it was too early to comment. “We, however, do acknowledge the need for the whole industry to have a committee like this and redressal mechanisms in place. Through the committee, we will try and protect women working as a part of our industry in any corner of the world and hope that it brings about a big change,” he added.
(Source: The Hindu)
2. Me Too: Listen to Victims, Urge Directors Vetrimaaran, Jananathan, Writer Jeyamohan
Multiple women have come forward with their stories of sexual harassment or assault. Several noted personalities have been “outed” in India’s ‘MeToo’ storm which has struck many major industries, notably film and media. While most have stayed silent, Tamil film directors Vetrimaaran and Jananthan, along with writer Jeyamohan, have spoken out in support of the women who have detailed their experiences of harassment in the industry.
“You don’t question the victims, when you actually should be questioning the perpetrators,” told director Vetrimaaran. While several directors and producers have not spoken out on the issue, Jananathan says that people should not remain silent, at least when questioned. "The male members of the film fraternity should definitely come forward and voice their support for victims," said writer Jananathan.
(Source: The News Minute)
3. Transporters to Hike Freight Charges by 25%
Freight transporters in the city have decided to increase freight charges by 25% from Monday, following escalating diesel prices and toll charges. BV Reddy, president, Chennai Parcel Lorry Owners’ Welfare Association said: “We have decided to hike freight charges as we are suffering severe loss due to increasing operation and maintenance cost. We don’t have any choice other than to increase the charges to transport goods, as insurance premium and labour costs have also gone up by 20-30% in the last one year,” Reddy added.
On an average, lorries operate nearly 2,000 trips daily to transport goods in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Freight charges are being hiked after nearly five years. The cost of transporting parcels would go up to ₹1,250 for one tonne.
(Source: The Hindu)
4. Constable Held After Wife Kills Self
A 25-year-old armed reserve constable was arrested by the Otteri police on Saturday in connection with the alleged suicide of his wife. The accused, Vignesh, from Krishnagiri joined the police service one-and-a-half years ago. He was recruited into the armed-reserve wing.
He married Lakshmi, an engineering graduate, and the couple have a one-year-old daughter. “As he was undergoing training in Vellore, Lakshmi, was staying in her parent’s house. Recently, Vignesh handed over the child to his parents and moved to Chennai with Lakshmi,” a police officer said. The police say that Lakshmi ended her life unable to bear the separation from her child. Based on a complaint from her father, Vignesh was arrested and remanded in judicial custody.
(Source: The Hindu)
5. Kancheepuram temple idols to be handed over to police
Sri Ekambaranathar temple authorities performed the balalayam ritual in Kancheepuram on Sunday before the Sri Somaskandar and goddess Yelavarkuzhali Amman idols were handed over to the Idol Wing CID for investigation into the complaint that the temple authorities embezzled gold while making the panchaloka idols.
After conducting certain tests using advanced technologies, the Idol Wing CID concluded that there was no trace of gold in the newly made idols. In connection with the case, the police arrested M Kavitha, Additional Commissioner (Thiruppani), Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board [since suspended] in April this year.
(Source: The Hindu)
6. Inspector Suspended over Woman’s Death
Following the murder of a 40-year-old woman in Royapuram, who along with a group of neighbours admonished a youth for teasing a minor girl on Saturday, AK Viswanathan, the City Police Commissioner, has suspended the Inspector of Police, Rayapuram.
According to the police, Mary, the victim, had scolded Vinodhkumar, 26, who teased her neighbour Premkumar and Parameshwari’s 16-year-old-daughter recently. Parameshwari lodged a complaint however, Vinodhkumar was let off with a warning by the police. Later, he along with his friends confronted Mary, Premkumar and Parameshwari. They then stabbed Mary to death. “The murder would not have taken place had the Royapuram Law and Order inspector Raja Robert arrested Vinodhkumar. Hence, we have placed him under suspension,” said a senior police officer.
(Source: The Hindu)
7. Two Arrested in Chennai as Residents Face off Against Town Panchayat Officials
Following an Express’ report on tender discrepancies in Chitlapakkam Town Panchayat’s Rs 5 crore cut-and-cover project, Panchayat officials allegedly resorted to intimidating residents who demanded a work order from the contractor. An engineer is alleged to have snatched the phone of a resident who was videographing the confrontation. While residents filed a case of mobile snatching against the engineer, officials filed a case against residents alleging the latter had not allowed them to discharge their duties. Two residents were detained by police.
Residents claimed Panchayat executive officer and Assistant Executive Engineer arrived and told the contractor not to worry about showing the work order.
(Source: The New Indian Express)
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