Kerala #MeToo: Malayalam actor Mukesh was arrested and released on bail on Tuesday (Sep 24), while his colleague Siddique is absconding as police seek to nab him, as the law catches up with those in Kerala's movie industry accused of rape and sexual harassment in the wake of the Hema Committee report that shook the south Indian state.

Mukesh, who is also a state lawmaker from the ruling Communist party, was formally arrested before being released as he had secured anticipatory bail from a Kerala court. But Siddique was not so lucky. His bail plea was rejected by the Kerala High Court earlier in the day. He reportedly approached the Supreme Court and is absconding as police in Kochi city are trying to locate and arrest him.

Watch:&nbsp;#Metoo haunts Malayalam cinema: Actor Mohanlal breaks silence on sex scandal

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The complaint against Mukesh was filed by a former actress, who claimed that the Kollam Assembly constituency lawmaker raped her in 2010 at his flat in Kochi. He had promised to give her a membership in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA),&nbsp;the actor's organisation now mired in controversy.

The actress had also complained against Edavela Babu, another long-term office bearer of AMMA.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/swara-bhasker-shares-her-thoughts-on-hema-committee-report-showbiz-is-patriarchal-and-feudal-754146">Also read:&nbsp;Swara Bhasker shares her thoughts on Hema Committee report: 'Showbiz is patriarchal and feudal'</a>

The crime branch of the state has ordered the arrest of Siddique and a lookout circular has been issued against him at airports and other places, to prevent him from fleeing the country.

An actress had filed a complaint against Siddique, alleging that he had raped her in a government-owned hotel in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram in 2016. She had gone there after being promised a role in a Tamil film, claimed the woman.

The woman had made allegations against Siddique on social media in the past, but came forward in the wake of the Hema Committee report, which looked into systemic abuse of women in the Malayalam film industry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/khushbu-sundar-on-being-abused-by-father-amid-hema-committee-report-shouldve-spoken-earlier-754316">Also read:&nbsp;Khushbu Sundar on being abused by father amid Hema Committee report: 'Should've spoken earlier'</a>

After the new allegations, Siddique resigned as the general secretary of AMMA in August, just days after being elected to the post.

The executive committee of AMMA, chaired by superstar Mohanlal, resigned subsequently.

Both Mukesh and Siddique had denied the allegations made in the complaints.

Since the Hema Committee report was made public, several women came forward with allegations against some of the prominent names in the Kerala movie industry.

At least 11 FIRs or first information reports have been registered. Those accused include actors like Nivin Pauly, Jayasurya and Maniyanpilla Raju, as well as directors like Ranjith and Prakash.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Kerala #MeToo: Malayalam actor Mukesh was arrested and released on bail on Tuesday (Sep 24), while his colleague Siddique is absconding as police seek to nab him, as the law catches up with those in Kerala's movie industry accused of rape and sexual harassment in the wake of the Hema Committee report that shook the south Indian state.

Kerala #MeToo: Malayalam actor Mukesh was arrested and released on bail on Tuesday (Sep 24), while his colleague Siddique is absconding as police seek to nab him, as the law catches up with those in Kerala's movie industry accused of rape and sexual harassment in the wake of the Hema Committee report that shook the south Indian state. Mukesh, who is also a state lawmaker from the ruling Communist party, was formally arrested before being released as he had secured anticipatory bail from a Kerala court. But Siddique was not so lucky. His bail plea was rejected by the Kerala High Court earlier in the day. He reportedly approached the Supreme Court and is absconding as police in Kochi city are trying to locate and arrest him. Watch: #Metoo haunts Malayalam cinema: Actor Mohanlal breaks silence on sex scandal × The complaint against Mukesh was filed by a former actress, who claimed that the Kollam Assembly constituency lawmaker raped her in 2010 at his flat in Kochi. He had promised to give her a membership in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), the actor's organisation now mired in controversy. The actress had also complained against Edavela Babu, another long-term office bearer of AMMA. Also read: Swara Bhasker shares her thoughts on Hema Committee report: 'Showbiz is patriarchal and feudal' The crime branch of the state has ordered the arrest of Siddique and a lookout circular has been issued against him at airports and other places, to prevent him from fleeing the country. An actress had filed a complaint against Siddique, alleging that he had raped her in a government-owned hotel in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram in 2016. She had gone there after being promised a role in a Tamil film, claimed the woman. The woman had made allegations against Siddique on social media in the past, but came forward in the wake of the Hema Committee report, which looked into systemic abuse of women in the Malayalam film industry. Also read: Khushbu Sundar on being abused by father amid Hema Committee report: 'Should've spoken earlier' After the new allegations, Siddique resigned as the general secretary of AMMA in August, just days after being elected to the post. The executive committee of AMMA, chaired by superstar Mohanlal, resigned subsequently. Both Mukesh and Siddique had denied the allegations made in the complaints. Since the Hema Committee report was made public, several women came forward with allegations against some of the prominent names in the Kerala movie industry. At least 11 FIRs or first information reports have been registered. Those accused include actors like Nivin Pauly, Jayasurya and Maniyanpilla Raju, as well as directors like Ranjith and Prakash. (With inputs from agencies)

Malayalam actor-MLA Mukesh arrested; Siddique likely to be held soon - Kerala #MeToo latest

The Supreme Court on Monday decided to hear actor Dileep`s plea on December 11; he had approached the top court seeking a copy of the digital evidence of the alleged assault of a noted south Indian actress, in which he is facing trial. 
 
A bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar and Hemant Gupta said they will see if the memory card, containing the clip, is "material or document" which is part of police report under the Evidence Act. The bench said it will also consider provisions under the Information and Technology Act. 
 
During the hearing, the apex court asked senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Malayalam actor, whether the memory card of a mobile is "document" under section 207 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and if it can be supplied to Dileep. Rohatgi sought time to prove that the memory card is a document under section 207 of CrPC, after which the court posted the matter for December 11. 
 
The top court also expressed agreement with Kerala High Court`s observations, that the video of the alleged assault is too sensitive to be let out. The actor claimed that he has the right to access the memory card, which is considered as crucial evidence in the case. 
 
In defence of his client, Rohatgi told the court that the actor was not named in the original charge sheet and was framed by the alleged victim as an afterthought, due to enmity. He added that his client has the right to obtain the clip. 
 
Earlier, the actor had moved a lower court in Kerala and the state`s High Court seeking access to the memory card, but did not get a favourable outcome. The courts had agreed with the police contention that evidence cannot be handed over to the accused. 
 
As per the police, the conspiracy to abduct and assault the actress in a moving car was hatched by Dileep. The actor was arrested on July 10, 2017 and was granted bail on October 3.The actress, who has worked in Tamil and Telugu films, was abducted and allegedly molested inside her car by a group of men, who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017 and later escaped. &nbsp;

(With ANI inputs)

The Supreme Court on Monday decided to hear actor Dileep`s plea on December 11; he had approached the top court seeking a copy of the digital evidence of the alleged assault of a noted south Indian actress, in which he is facing trial.

The Supreme Court on Monday decided to hear actor Dileep`s plea on December 11; he had approached the top court seeking a copy of the digital evidence of the alleged assault of a noted south Indian actress, in which he is facing trial. A bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar and Hemant Gupta said they will see if the memory card, containing the clip, is "material or document" which is part of police report under the Evidence Act. The bench said it will also consider provisions under the Information and Technology Act. During the hearing, the apex court asked senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Malayalam actor, whether the memory card of a mobile is "document" under section 207 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and if it can be supplied to Dileep. Rohatgi sought time to prove that the memory card is a document under section 207 of CrPC, after which the court posted the matter for December 11. The top court also expressed agreement with Kerala High Court`s observations, that the video of the alleged assault is too sensitive to be let out. The actor claimed that he has the right to access the memory card, which is considered as crucial evidence in the case. In defence of his client, Rohatgi told the court that the actor was not named in the original charge sheet and was framed by the alleged victim as an afterthought, due to enmity. He added that his client has the right to obtain the clip. Earlier, the actor had moved a lower court in Kerala and the state`s High Court seeking access to the memory card, but did not get a favourable outcome. The courts had agreed with the police contention that evidence cannot be handed over to the accused. As per the police, the conspiracy to abduct and assault the actress in a moving car was hatched by Dileep. The actor was arrested on July 10, 2017 and was granted bail on October 3.The actress, who has worked in Tamil and Telugu films, was abducted and allegedly molested inside her car by a group of men, who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017 and later escaped. (With ANI inputs)

SC to hear Dileep's plea on December 11 in the actress abduction case

Ever since the #MeToo movement gained momentum in India, many celebrities have come out spoken in support of the movement. Stars like Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan have categorically refused to work with those who have been accused of sexual misconduct. And while most have spoken in support of the movement, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has called the movement a mere 'fad' with a short lifespan.&nbsp; 
 
“There is no big problem in the Malayalam industry. You shouldn’t think of the #MeToo as a movement actually. It is a fad and it is turning into something of a fashion. Anything like that will have a lifespan for a bit,” Mohanlal was quoted as saying at a press conference in Dubai in a report in Gulf News.&nbsp; 
 
The actor was in UAE &nbsp;to launch his charity fundraiser Onnanu Nammal, which is scheduled to take place on December 7. When Gulf News further prodded him about thoughts on the #MeToo movement, the actor said that he “doesn’t know much about it.”

The actor was quick to add that even men too would have their share of #MeToo stories to recount. The actor then added he will not comment on the matter as he felt that those who have experienced harassment should speak about it. 
 
Incidentally, Mohanlal is the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the primary film body of Kerala which itself has received a lot of flak for reinstating actor Dileep's membership. The move was perceived as anti-women as Dileep is a prime accused in the abduction and molestation case of a Malayalam actress. The actor is currently out on bail.&nbsp;

The Women In Cinema Collective (WCC) has even announced an open revolt against all-powerful AMMA accusing it of failing to protect the interests of its female members. 
&nbsp;

Ever since the #MeToo movement gained momentum in India, many celebrities have come out spoken in support of the movement. Stars like Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan have categorically refused to work with those who have been accused of sexual misconduct.

Ever since the #MeToo movement gained momentum in India, many celebrities have come out spoken in support of the movement. Stars like Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan have categorically refused to work with those who have been accused of sexual misconduct. And while most have spoken in support of the movement, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has called the movement a mere 'fad' with a short lifespan. “There is no big problem in the Malayalam industry. You shouldn’t think of the #MeToo as a movement actually. It is a fad and it is turning into something of a fashion. Anything like that will have a lifespan for a bit,” Mohanlal was quoted as saying at a press conference in Dubai in a report in Gulf News. The actor was in UAE to launch his charity fundraiser Onnanu Nammal, which is scheduled to take place on December 7. When Gulf News further prodded him about thoughts on the #MeToo movement, the actor said that he “doesn’t know much about it.” The actor was quick to add that even men too would have their share of #MeToo stories to recount. The actor then added he will not comment on the matter as he felt that those who have experienced harassment should speak about it. Incidentally, Mohanlal is the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the primary film body of Kerala which itself has received a lot of flak for reinstating actor Dileep's membership. The move was perceived as anti-women as Dileep is a prime accused in the abduction and molestation case of a Malayalam actress. The actor is currently out on bail. The Women In Cinema Collective (WCC) has even announced an open revolt against all-powerful AMMA accusing it of failing to protect the interests of its female members.

Mohanlal on #MeToo movement: It is a fad with a limited lifespan

While Bollywood is trying to take cohesive steps at providing a safer environment for women to work in, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has been shielding actor Dileep who has been accused of planning the abduction and molestation of a Malayalam actress. &nbsp;The incident took place in February 2017.&nbsp; 
 
At a meeting held on Saturday by the women's body Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a few members had pointed out recent cases and examples to show how other film industries are reacting to sexual harassment allegations against one of their own. They pointed out that AMMA continues to defend Dilip despite growing protests among actresses in the Malayalam film industry. To this, AMMA secretary Siddiqui stated that exclusion of Dileep from AMMA was not a solution untill he was proven guilty. He stated that one shouldn't deny a person his profession based on mere accusations, reports a website. &nbsp;

“They wanted Dileep banned from movies. Who has the rights to deny a person his profession based on allegations?” asked Siddiqui as he addressed the press at a conference held on Monday by AMMA.&nbsp; 
 
Actress Rima Kalingal, a member of WCC, pointed the striking difference in the way other film bodies and AMMA were reacting towards cases of sexual harassment while director Anjali Menon cited CINTAA's action in the Alok Nath-Vinta Nanda row.&nbsp; 
 
Siddiqui responding to the examples cited said, “They gave examples of Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan. They said the actors decided to walk out of movies. But what Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan did was wrong. How could they do so based on allegations?”&nbsp; 
 
Both <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/housefull-4-sajid-khan-steps-down-as-director-akshay-kumar-says-wont-work-with-proven-offenders-171068">Akshay Kumar</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/metoo-aamir-khan-to-not-produce-gulshan-kumar-biopic-mogul-170858">Aamir Khan have refused to work</a> with Sajid Khan and Subhash Kapoor- both accused of sexual assault and harassment by actresses.&nbsp; 
 
"Let’s say, on the other hand, if Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan were accused of sexual harassment, do you think they would have walked out of the said projects?” Siddiqui reasoned.<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-dileep-wont-return-to-amma-till-name-gets-cleared-after-top-malayalam-actresses-complain-147791"> Also read:&nbsp;Won't return to AMMA till name gets cleared, says Dileep after top Malayalam actresses complain</a> 
 
Incidentally, the survivor of sexual assault in the February 2017 case, in her resignation letter to AMMA had stated that Dileep had blocked a lot of work opportunities that came to her. “When I complained to AMMA, no serious measures were taken then,” stated the survivor, adding, “When I recently had a bad experience, the organisation, of which I am also a part of, went on to protect him,” she had said.

While Bollywood is trying to take cohesive steps at providing a safer environment for women to work in, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has been shielding actor Dileep who has been accused of planning the abduction and molestation of a Malayalam actress.

While Bollywood is trying to take cohesive steps at providing a safer environment for women to work in, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has been shielding actor Dileep who has been accused of planning the abduction and molestation of a Malayalam actress. The incident took place in February 2017. At a meeting held on Saturday by the women's body Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a few members had pointed out recent cases and examples to show how other film industries are reacting to sexual harassment allegations against one of their own. They pointed out that AMMA continues to defend Dilip despite growing protests among actresses in the Malayalam film industry. To this, AMMA secretary Siddiqui stated that exclusion of Dileep from AMMA was not a solution untill he was proven guilty. He stated that one shouldn't deny a person his profession based on mere accusations, reports a website. “They wanted Dileep banned from movies. Who has the rights to deny a person his profession based on allegations?” asked Siddiqui as he addressed the press at a conference held on Monday by AMMA. Actress Rima Kalingal, a member of WCC, pointed the striking difference in the way other film bodies and AMMA were reacting towards cases of sexual harassment while director Anjali Menon cited CINTAA's action in the Alok Nath-Vinta Nanda row. Siddiqui responding to the examples cited said, “They gave examples of Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan. They said the actors decided to walk out of movies. But what Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan did was wrong. How could they do so based on allegations?” Both Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan have refused to work with Sajid Khan and Subhash Kapoor- both accused of sexual assault and harassment by actresses. "Let’s say, on the other hand, if Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan were accused of sexual harassment, do you think they would have walked out of the said projects?” Siddiqui reasoned. Also read: Won't return to AMMA till name gets cleared, says Dileep after top Malayalam actresses complain Incidentally, the survivor of sexual assault in the February 2017 case, in her resignation letter to AMMA had stated that Dileep had blocked a lot of work opportunities that came to her. “When I complained to AMMA, no serious measures were taken then,” stated the survivor, adding, “When I recently had a bad experience, the organisation, of which I am also a part of, went on to protect him,” she had said.

Malayalam Cine Body slams Akshay, Aamir for leaving projects in wake of #MeToo

The two factions of the ruling party of India&#39;s southern Tamil Nadu state have decided on their election symbols, ending the weeks-long impasse.

While Team VK Sasikala has decided on &quot;hat&quot; as their symbol, Team O Panneerselvam will go with &quot;electricity pole&quot; sign, NDTV reported.

The other tweak is that party chief Sasikala will go by the name of AIADMK Amma and the rival bloc&nbsp;has opted for AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma.

The two warring groups were compelled to make the alterations after the Election Commission -- the agency that manages all elections in India -- froze the original party symbol, which is &quot;two leaves&quot;.

Both the groups claimed their legitimacy over the &quot;two leaves&quot; symbol before the Election Commission nixed their claims.

Sasikala said her party had the right to use the symbol while Panneerselvam argued Sasikala&#39;s election as the AIADMK general secretary was &quot;invalid and illegal&quot;.

The changes come days before the bypolls in RK Nagar constituency, the seat lying vacant since the death of Tamil Nadu&#39;s then chief minister J Jayalalithaa in December.

Jayalalithaa&#39;s death triggered a bitter battle between O Panneerselvam and Sasikala in February, 2017.

O Panneerselvam, who was the chief minister of Tamil Nadu at the time, accused party chief Sasikala of forcing him to step down from the post to pave way for her to head the southern state.

What followed was a litany of accusations flying from both sides, eventually culminating in Panneerselvam and his aides&nbsp;being ousted from the party.

The rivalry has escalated to such levels that both factions have fielded their own candidates in the highly-charged RK Nagar constituency.&nbsp;

The Panneerselvam camp has put its money on E Madusudanan while Sasikala has gone with AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran. Today (March 23) is the last day to file nominations for the bypolls.

The election will take place on April 12.

(WION)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Also, Sasikala's bloc will go by the name of AIADMK Amma and the rival group has opted for AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma

The two factions of the ruling party of India's southern Tamil Nadu state have decided on their election symbols, ending the weeks-long impasse. While Team VK Sasikala has decided on "hat" as their symbol, Team O Panneerselvam will go with "electricity pole" sign, NDTV reported. The other tweak is that party chief Sasikala will go by the name of AIADMK Amma and the rival bloc has opted for AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma. The two warring groups were compelled to make the alterations after the Election Commission -- the agency that manages all elections in India -- froze the original party symbol, which is "two leaves". Both the groups claimed their legitimacy over the "two leaves" symbol before the Election Commission nixed their claims. Sasikala said her party had the right to use the symbol while Panneerselvam argued Sasikala's election as the AIADMK general secretary was "invalid and illegal". The changes come days before the bypolls in RK Nagar constituency, the seat lying vacant since the death of Tamil Nadu's then chief minister J Jayalalithaa in December. Jayalalithaa's death triggered a bitter battle between O Panneerselvam and Sasikala in February, 2017. O Panneerselvam, who was the chief minister of Tamil Nadu at the time, accused party chief Sasikala of forcing him to step down from the post to pave way for her to head the southern state. What followed was a litany of accusations flying from both sides, eventually culminating in Panneerselvam and his aides being ousted from the party. The rivalry has escalated to such levels that both factions have fielded their own candidates in the highly-charged RK Nagar constituency. The Panneerselvam camp has put its money on E Madusudanan while Sasikala has gone with AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran. Today (March 23) is the last day to file nominations for the bypolls. The election will take place on April 12. (WION)

AIADMK poll symbol impasse: Sasikala gets 'hat', OPS gets 'electricity pole'

Tamil Nadu state&#39;s ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party claimed Wednesday that 77 people died of grief over the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.&nbsp;

&quot;77 persons have died of grief and shock after having to come to know of honourable Amma&#39;s (Jayalalithaa) illness and death,&quot; the AIADMK said in a statement.&nbsp;

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77 people died of grief, shock over illness and demise of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jayalalithaa?src=hash">#Jayalalithaa</a>, AIADMK announces Rs 3 lakhs compensation for their families: AIADMK
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The party said compensation of Rs 3 lakh would be given to each to the families.&nbsp;

Compensation of Rs 50,000 will also be given to the party member who tried to burn himself, and to the party member who cut off his finger.&nbsp;

The AIADMK released a list of all 77 people.&nbsp;

The PTI however reported that a &quot;central intelligence estimate&quot; put the death toll at 30, plus four suicide attempts.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from PTI)

Tamil Nadu's ruling party said Rs 3 lakh will be paid as compensation to each of the families

Tamil Nadu state's ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party claimed Wednesday that 77 people died of grief over the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. "77 persons have died of grief and shock after having to come to know of honourable Amma's (Jayalalithaa) illness and death," the AIADMK said in a statement. 77 people died of grief, shock over illness and demise of #Jayalalithaa, AIADMK announces Rs 3 lakhs compensation for their families: AIADMK — ANI (@ANI_news) December 7, 2016 × The party said compensation of Rs 3 lakh would be given to each to the families. Compensation of Rs 50,000 will also be given to the party member who tried to burn himself, and to the party member who cut off his finger. The AIADMK released a list of all 77 people. The PTI however reported that a "central intelligence estimate" put the death toll at 30, plus four suicide attempts. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India: AIADMK says 77 people died of grief over Jayalalithaa's death

Three persons died apparently due to shock and two cases of suicide attempts were reported from the district after the news of Jayalalithaa&#39;s deteriorating health spread last evening, police said today.

In Singanallur, a 65-year-old painter complained of chest pain while watching television news on Jayalalithaa&#39;s health in his house yesterday.

However, he died before being taken to the hospital, police said.

In another incident, Palaniammal (62) of Thudiyalur, died of shock after watching the TV news in her house yesterday afternoon, they said.

Similarly, a 38-year-old load worker, Raja of Erode, collapsed on the chair, while watching the news channel.

Though his wife called for assistance, the 108 crew of emergency service declared him dead on their arrival, police said.

Meanwhile, one Loganathan attempted suicide by jumping down from a 50-foot tall mobile tower in Kuniamuthur in the early hours.

However, police reached the spot and managed to bring him down, before letting him off with a stern warning.

In second such incident, a 45-year-old AIADMK worker, Ramachandran attempted self-imolation near Annur last night.

With 60 per cent burns, he is being treated at the Government Hospital here, police added.

Jayalalithaa passed away at the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai last night after waging a grim battle for life since her hospitalisation on September 22.

(PTI)

Jayalalithaa passed away at the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai last night after waging a grim battle for life since her hospitalisation

Three persons died apparently due to shock and two cases of suicide attempts were reported from the district after the news of Jayalalithaa's deteriorating health spread last evening, police said today. In Singanallur, a 65-year-old painter complained of chest pain while watching television news on Jayalalithaa's health in his house yesterday. However, he died before being taken to the hospital, police said. In another incident, Palaniammal (62) of Thudiyalur, died of shock after watching the TV news in her house yesterday afternoon, they said. Similarly, a 38-year-old load worker, Raja of Erode, collapsed on the chair, while watching the news channel. Though his wife called for assistance, the 108 crew of emergency service declared him dead on their arrival, police said. Meanwhile, one Loganathan attempted suicide by jumping down from a 50-foot tall mobile tower in Kuniamuthur in the early hours. However, police reached the spot and managed to bring him down, before letting him off with a stern warning. In second such incident, a 45-year-old AIADMK worker, Ramachandran attempted self-imolation near Annur last night. With 60 per cent burns, he is being treated at the Government Hospital here, police added. Jayalalithaa passed away at the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai last night after waging a grim battle for life since her hospitalisation on September 22. (PTI)

Jayalalithaa's demise: Three deaths, two suicide attempts in Coimbatore

Britain&#39;s request to review United Nations&#39; ruling that Julian Assange is being arbitrarily detained has been rejected, said a statment released in Geneva on Wednesday.

The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said it was not changing course as the British request &quot;did not meet the threshold of a review... and (was) thus not admissible&quot;, news agency AFP reported.

Britain had contested the findings, favourable towards Assange, of the UN group working on arbitrary detention published in February.&nbsp;

Assange has taken refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012 to avoid being sent to Sweden. He faces rape allegations in the Scandinavian country.

&ldquo;Julian Assange has never been arbitrarily detained by the UK, and is in fact voluntarily avoiding lawful arrest by choosing to remain in the Ecuadorian embassy. The UK continues to have a legal obligation to extradite him to Sweden,&rdquo; UK foreign minister Hugo Swire had said in a statement, The Guardian reported.

The WikiLeaks founder is afraid that Sweden would extradite him to the United States where he would face punishment for leaking classified documents in his website.

The UN panel published its findings on Wednesday.

Assange said in a statement: &quot;Now that all appeals are exhausted I expect that the UK and Sweden will comply with their international obligations and set me free. It is an obvious and grotesque injustice to detain someone for six years who hasn&#39;t even been charged with an offence.&quot;

Earlier in November, he was interrogated by an Ecuadorian prosecutor for two days over the rape allegations on him.

The questions were provided by Swedish officials but the answers were confidential.

A sexual assault probe into Assange was dropped last year after the five-year statute of limitations expired. The Swedish prosecutors, however, still want to question him over the 2010 rape allegation, which carries a 10-year statute of limitations.

Assange insists the sexual encounters in question were consensual.

(With inputs from AFP)

Several chief ministers?arrived in Chennai to pay their last respects to the 'leader of the masses'

Britain's request to review United Nations' ruling that Julian Assange is being arbitrarily detained has been rejected, said a statment released in Geneva on Wednesday. The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said it was not changing course as the British request "did not meet the threshold of a review... and (was) thus not admissible", news agency AFP reported. Britain had contested the findings, favourable towards Assange, of the UN group working on arbitrary detention published in February. Assange has taken refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012 to avoid being sent to Sweden. He faces rape allegations in the Scandinavian country. “Julian Assange has never been arbitrarily detained by the UK, and is in fact voluntarily avoiding lawful arrest by choosing to remain in the Ecuadorian embassy. The UK continues to have a legal obligation to extradite him to Sweden,” UK foreign minister Hugo Swire had said in a statement, The Guardian reported. The WikiLeaks founder is afraid that Sweden would extradite him to the United States where he would face punishment for leaking classified documents in his website. The UN panel published its findings on Wednesday. Assange said in a statement: "Now that all appeals are exhausted I expect that the UK and Sweden will comply with their international obligations and set me free. It is an obvious and grotesque injustice to detain someone for six years who hasn't even been charged with an offence." Earlier in November, he was interrogated by an Ecuadorian prosecutor for two days over the rape allegations on him. The questions were provided by Swedish officials but the answers were confidential. A sexual assault probe into Assange was dropped last year after the five-year statute of limitations expired. The Swedish prosecutors, however, still want to question him over the 2010 rape allegation, which carries a 10-year statute of limitations. Assange insists the sexual encounters in question were consensual. (With inputs from AFP)

India: Politicians mourn Jaya's demise, tributes pour in

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