Actors Sarath Kumar, Radha Ravi permanently removed from the Nadigar Sangam

The 63rd annual general body meeting of the South Indian Artistes Association (SIAA), also known as the Nadigar Sangam took place at Habibullah Road yesterday. The day-long event that ended with an annual general body meeting, saw actors Sarathkumar and Radha Ravibeing served with permanent dismissal orders. (The two had earlier been temporarily suspended over alleged charges of misappropriation of the guild's funds). This was followed by an outbreak of violence between supporters of the dismissed members and the current office bearers (President Nasser, Vice-President Karunas, General Secretary Vishal, Treasurer Karthi) at the said venue.

An expected mud-slinging followed the decision which led to the following claims by both the parties:

Radha Ravi : At least one-third members of the sangam have to be present in order to pass a resolution to dismiss members. Besides, the meeting invitation did not mention any agenda related to our dismissal.

Karthi : More than 3000 members are registered with the Nadigar Sangam and about 2000 participated in the meeting. 

Allegation : The General body meeting is invalid due to the change of venue a day prior to the meeting.

Vishal: Necessary approvals have been granted by the police, the city corporation and registrar of societies (Saidapet).

Claim : Sarath Kumar and Radha Ravi are lifetime trustees of the Nadigar Sangam Charitable Trust.

Karthi : Sarath Kumar and Radha Ravi made amendments in 2008 to the association bylaws, enabling them to become lifetime trustees. Such an amendment leads to the question who is in charge of the trust coffers after their terms have come to an end. We have cancelled the amendments.

Final Word: 

Sarath Kumar : Has said that his removal from the Nadigar Sangam is legally invalid and he would face it in the court. 

Radha Ravi : Has said that he could not be dismissed legally as he has already attained a stay on the earlier suspension order served on him by the sangam.