A well-known social media activist, Arun Kumar from Theni, was brutally attacked and is currently receiving medical treatment for the injuries sustained. The attack followed an Instagram post by Kumar titled “Vannakamuda Mappillai” (Pranams to Son-in-Law), in which he criticised Vidhuthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) founder Thol Thirumavalavan’s alleged hypocrisy regarding secularism. In his video, Kumar also condemned Tamil Christian singer Isaivani for insulting Bhagwan Ayyappa in her song “I’m Sorry Ayyappa.”
The incident has sparked controversy, highlighting a growing intolerance towards criticism from certain political figures and individuals. Thirumavalavan and his associates, known for their outspoken views against Hindu figures and politicians such as PM Modi and Amit Shah, have faced backlash for their response to the criticism. Arun Kumar’s attack has brought renewed attention to the increasing tensions on social media over religious and political discourse.
This is not acceptable. 🤬🤬🤬
What is this Mr. .@thirumaofficial உண்மையை உரக்க சொன்னால் உங்க ஆளுங்களுக்கு பிடிக்காதா?
தேனிக்காரர் பேசியதில் என்ன தவறு கண்டார்கள் உங்க ஆட்கள்? Its been addressed to you and you are responsible for this Goonly Manhandling Murderous… https://t.co/wKplFOUZi1
— Kalyan – #வந்தேமாதரம் 🇮🇳 (@JKalyanaraman) November 25, 2024
In a video posted on Instagram, Kumar condemned Thirumavalavan for making disparaging remarks about the temple idols, including stating that “Vinayagar is ugly” while praising Bhagwan Murugan’s beauty. Kumar argued that such comments were disrespectful to Hindu beliefs and should not have been made by someone who sought blessings at the temple.
Kumar went on to compare the situation to religious tolerance in other faiths, stating, “If you visit a church and criticize the cross, or go to a mosque and mock the wall where prayers are offered, would you dare to do so?” He further challenged Thirumavalavan by asserting that if he truly embraced the ideals of Periyar EV Ramasamy and rejected God, he should publicly declare that he does not seek votes from religious believers. Kumar added, “If you say that Periyar is the only truth and that you don’t want the votes of those who pray to Allah, Jesus, or Hindu gods, then I’ll vote for you.”
The comments have sparked controversy, with critics accusing Thirumavalavan of hypocrisy and insensitivity towards religious sentiments. The incident has added fuel to ongoing debates about religious tolerance and political rhetoric in Tamil Nadu.
A social media influencer expressed his opinion against the recent song on ayyappa and these goons go up to threaten him . Who gave them this right ? Apparently he is hospitalised now.
Vanakkam da mapla from theni , we are with you! pic.twitter.com/WpXLj7os1U— karthik gopinath (@karthikgnath) November 25, 2024
In a tweet on X, Tamil Nadu BJP functionary Karthik Gopinath condemned the recent attack on social media influencer Arun Kumar, who had expressed his opinion against a song about Bhagwan Ayyappa. Gopinath questioned who had given the attackers the right to threaten and harm Kumar, who is now hospitalised. He ended the tweet with, “Vanakkam da maple from Theni, we are with you!” showing solidarity with the injured influencer.
A social media influencer expressed his opinion against the recent song on ayyappa and these goons go up to threaten him . Who gave them this right ? Apparently he is hospitalised now.
Vanakkam da mapla from theni , we are with you! pic.twitter.com/WpXLj7os1U— karthik gopinath (@karthikgnath) November 25, 2024
In a fiery post, social media handler Sanghi Prince criticised the attack on YouTuber Arun Kumar, accusing a Muslim individual and a casteist VCK member of assaulting him after he voiced concerns about a song insulting Lord Ayyappa. He further lashed out at the state government, stating, “Law and order are jokes when Stalin is the CM,” implying a failure in governance under Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister.
Imagine being beaten down by a Muslim and a casteist VCK dog as a YouTuber when you voiced your concerns about the abuse of your god by a DMK suppoter dog.
Law and order is a joke when Stalin is the CM. pic.twitter.com/hBjBL93HFp
— Sanghi Prince 🚩 (@SanghiPrince) November 25, 2024
In a viral video, social media activist Arun Kumar criticized Chennai-based Gana singer Isaivani for her song “I Am Sorry Ayyappa,” in which she mocked Lord Ayyappa. Kumar, expressing his disapproval, said, “This girl claims to be the granddaughter of the bearded man (referring to Periyar), who married at 80. Be like him if you want, but why bring Ayyappa into everything? I don’t care about your grandfather, but don’t drag Ayyappa into your issues. If you have a problem with a god, go to a mosque or a church and try the same.” He stressed that people should not defame any god and that Isaivani should focus on her own fan base with Christian songs rather than mocking Hindu deities like Bhagwan Muruga and Ayyappa. Kumar further suggested, “Sing about your grandfather, Periyar, and his pride, but don’t insult other gods.”
Arun Kumar’s only “crime,” according to some netizens, was his criticism of Isaivani’s song. Despite being a devotee on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala, Kumar was attacked for speaking out, drawing attention to the increasing intolerance towards those who criticize certain figures or ideologies.
சபரிமலை ஐயப்பன் சுவாமியை பற்றி கொச்சையாக பாடல் பாடிய மதமாற்ற தெருபாடகி @GIsaivani என்ற கிருத்துவ பெண்ணை எதிர்த்து நியாமான கேள்விகளை முன்வைத்த தேனியை சேர்ந்த "வணக்கமுடா மாப்பிளை" என்ற நண்பரை அவர் சபரிமலைக்கு மாலை போட்டு இருக்கிறார் என தெரிந்தும் கொலை வெறி தாக்குதல் நடத்திய pic.twitter.com/egWmsSZMQR
— Kshatriyan (@Kshathriyan8264) November 25, 2024
Speaking to the media from his hospital bed, Arun Kumar shared his side of the story following the brutal attack he endured. “I did not say anything wrong. I only stated that all Gods are the same,” he said. “But these VCK members, around 20 of them, came and attacked me without any provocation. They beat me up. If it had been just one person, I could have managed, but 20 people attacked me together.”
In the wake of the attack, complaints have been filed with the police, accusing singer Isaivani of inciting hatred against Hindus and attempting to create a communal rift with her controversial song. The complaints call for Isaivani to be charged under relevant laws, including the National Security Act (NSA), for her actions.
ஆக்சுவலா ! இந்த பொண்ணு மதக்கலவரத்தை தூண்டுற செயலை செய்துருக்குதுங்க …
கண்டிப்பாக தேசிய பாதுகாப்பு சட்டத்தில் கைது செய்ய வேண்டும் !! pic.twitter.com/ch82lntWRI— 🚩 #சங்கி Mahesh M 🚩 (@mahesh74391485) November 24, 2024
Former Telangana Governor and Tamil Nadu BJP functionary Tamil Isai Soundar Rajaj has called for immediate legal action against singer Isaivani for her controversial song. Speaking to the media, he stated, “Isaivani should be tried under the appropriate sections of the law. We urge the police to take swift action against her.”
ஐயப்ப சாமி குறித்து பாடல்.. “இசைவாணி மீது உடனடி நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும்”.. தமிழிசை காட்டம்!#AyyappaSwamy #AyyapaSong #Isaivani #TamilisaiSoundararajan #BJP #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/aqONyZlotD
— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) November 25, 2024
Critics have raised concerns over the inaction of the DMK-led police in responding to protests from the public, BJP Sangh Parivar, and Ayyappa devotees regarding Isaivani’s controversial song. “Even if the police take action, the FIR will likely not progress or reach a logical conclusion,” they allege.
