TN This Week: State Police Conduct Searches at Enforcement Directorate's Madurai Office

The Tamil Nadu government has stopped collecting caste details of women availing the free bus travel in urban areas. The decision follows AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami’s criticism of the 15 parameters of information (such as name, age, mobile number, and caste) collected from women passengers.

The Greater Chennai Corporation, in its council meeting on Wednesday, decided to outsource the Chief Minister’s breakfast scheme. However, after much opposition, CM M K Stalin announced its withdrawal the next day.

NewsClick brings you a round-up of the key developments from Tamil Nadu in the past week.

ED OFFICIAL ARRESTED

The Tamil Nadu Police arrested Ankit Tiwari, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer, in Madurai on Friday for allegedly extorting Rs 20 lakh in cash from a state government employee. As part of the ongoing investigation, police searched the central agency’s offices in the city and the officer's residence, and seized several documents.

This is the first time Tamil Nadu police have arrested an Enforcement Directorate officer.

The state government has alleged persecution by the BJP-led NDA government and accused the Centre of indulging in corruption.

CASTE ATROCITY, 'CULPRITS' NOT ARRESTED

Two youths, Kirubakaran and Navin, belonging to the Arundhathiyar community of Pallakkapalayam village of Erode district were subjected to a violent attack by members of a dominant caste on November 21. The victims are still undergoing treatment in the hospital.

Nearly a week after a complaint was registered under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, the accused have not been arrested. As a result, CPI(M) staged a protest on Friday demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. The police did not provide permission for the protest and more than 100 CPI(M) members were detained.

With the rising incidents of violence against Dalits in Tamil Nadu, the state police have planned to launch an awareness programme for school children to sensitise them about caste-based discrimination.

SC QUESTIONS GOVERNOR'S MOVE

The Supreme Court on Friday questioned the decision of Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi to refer Bills to the President. The bench observed that the Governor cannot refer the Bills to the President after the Assembly has re-enacted them.

The Court also suggested that the Governor and CM Stalin sit together and resolve the issue relating to the Bills passed by the state government.

RAINFALL CONTINUES TO DISRUPT NORMAL LIFE

Intermittent heavy rain in the state led to inundation in several parts along with heavy traffic congestion. Districts most severely affected include Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Peerkankaranai, Perungalathur, and Chengalpet. Many of these districts declared a holiday for schools on Thursday after heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin chaired a review meeting at the state secretariat to review preparedness for Miachaung on Friday. He directed all concerned state departments and district collectors to be on alert and take all precautionary measures. People living in vulnerable regions have been ordered to be moved to relief centres.