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NTK Leader Seeman Climbs Palm Tree to Advocate for Lifting Toddy Ban

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Defying police orders, Seeman, leader of the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), recently ascended a palm tree to retrieve toddy, advocating for the removal of the ban on this traditional beverage. The NTK, a pro-Tamil party known for its support of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), has been vocal in its campaign against the prohibition of toddy. This protest, organized by the party’s Farmers’ Wing, took place in Periyathaazhai village near Tiruchendur, located in the coastal Thoothukudi district.

Responding to media inquiries after his climb, Seeman questioned, “If toddy is deemed poisonous, then what about the liquor sold through TASMAC?” TASMAC is the sole liquor retailer in Tamil Nadu. He further asked, “Why is toddy banned only in Tamil Nadu when it’s permitted in other states?” Seeman emphasized, “Toddy is the Tamil people’s national drink and part of our cultural heritage, revered in Sangam poetry. Even King Athiyaman shared it with the esteemed poet Avvaiyar.”

As Seeman climbed, NTK activists, along with S. Nallasamy, convener of the Tamil Nadu Toddy Movement, and a large crowd rallied, chanting, “Toddy is our right, Toddy is our food.” This act marks a first for a political leader in Tamil Nadu. Just last month, Seeman participated in a similar protest in Villupuram district and drank toddy.

To prepare for this daring stunt, Seeman received training, with wooden logs attached to the palm tree for easier ascent. He was accompanied by two others during the climb. Once he reached the top, he sourced the toddy before descending.

Traditionally, toddy tapping is practiced by the OBC Nadar community, which holds a significant presence in southern Tamil Nadu. Coconut farmers are also advocating for the ban’s removal, as it could enhance their earnings. The insistence on lifting the ban is tied to the local economy. With over 8% of the vote share in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the recognition from the Election Commission, Seeman is championing this issue, which resonates across Tamil Nadu.

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MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

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New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.

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8 Patients Dead In Jaipur Hospital Fire

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Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.

Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.

Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.

Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.

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75-Year-Old Man Marries 35-Year-Old, Dies Before Honeymoon

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Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.

The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.

The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”

However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.

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Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.

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