“They found it very different from the regular flavours they were used to. That made me realise that not many people know about these flavours and I wanted to introduce more people to Bohri food,” says Nargis.

The Dawoodi Bohra community traces its foundational religious and historical roots to Yemen. Its food, too, carries influences from different places the community has travelled to. “There are influences from the places we have been to. You have Mediterranean flavours along with Indian spices.”

At the heart of Jumjo is the traditional thaal, where a meal is shared by everyone seated around it. “The essence of the thaal is sitting together and sharing food. Usually, six or eight people sit around a thaal (a large plate). It is about eating together, having conversations and building connections,” says Nargis.

At the recently held pop-up, guests were served a traditional Bohri food across eight courses, bringing the experience of a communal thaal to the city. Among the dishes was Dal Chawal Palida, a vegetarian staple in Bohra households. “It is a flavourful and wholesome dish and is completely vegetarian. We add minced lamb on top, which brings in a Mediterranean influence. It is usually something you make for a celebration.”

The samosas came in two versions. “We have a lamb samosa made with smoked lamb and spring onion. The vegetarian one is a dal samosa with smoked dal and spring onion.”

Then there is the raan, which was among the most popular dishes at the pop-up. “We take the lamb leg, marinate it with spices, slow cook it and serve it with a thick sauce. It is also something we usually make for celebrations or festivals.”

The raan was such a hit that some guests even asked if they could take it home later. Nargis is now planning to take limited orders through Jumjo’s Instagram. For Nargis, the thaal is also closely tied to the way Bohri food is prepared. “Bohri food is best when it is made in large quantities. That is why the thaal works so well. At least six or eight people eat together. It is about sharing the food rather than serving everything individually," concludes Nargis.

Residents said that the transformer on Perumal Koil Street occasionally emitted smoke as the equipment installed was old, and has also catches fire at times.

Any fault in the transformer could be difficult to identify immediately, making maintenance work challenging. The overgrown creepers surrounding the transformers also make it difficult for maintenance workers to access the equipment.

The creepers around the transformers on Perumal Koil Street and NT Patel Street have grown tall and are now extending towards the road. In particular, the vegetation surrounding the transformer on NT Patel Street has grown up to the roadside, making the transformer difficult.

Saravana, a resident of the area, said, “Plants around the transformer have not been properly maintained for the past eight months, allowing the creepers and bushes to grow densely. For the past week, smoke-like fumes have been coming from the transformer. This has caused concern among residents living nearby as well as members of the public who use the road.”

Kutty, a shopkeeper in the area, said, “There are street food shops near the transformer, and customers frequently visit the shops. This has caused concern among some people. Smoke is occasionally seen coming from the transformer, and there is a fear that the overgrown vegetation around it could catch fire.”

TNPDCL officials said that the smoke was caused by a loose clamp. “Maintenance workers have replaced the faulty clamp and secured the connection to prevent the issue from recurring. Such problems can occur when old clamps become worn out due to prolonged use,” an official added.

The programme will provide foundational and hands on training in Amazon web services, Microsoft azure and Google Cloud, following a vendor neutral approach to help learners understand common cloud concepts across the three major platforms. 

The curriculum covers cloud computing and multi-cloud concepts, compute, storage and networking, identity and access management, database services, cloud cost management and multi-cloud architecture. The security component includes threat detection, incident response, encryption, compliance and security monitoring. 

The programme will be delivered through live online sessions, with learners getting opportunities to interact with faculty. It will also include an immersive experience on the IIT Madras campus, combining online learning with practical exposure. The programme is aimed at students, graduates, working professionals and aspiring technology professionals. 

First batch will begin on September 10, with applications closing on September 9. The top 5% of performers will receive placement support.

Police said Swathi was riding the two-wheeler with her mother seated pillion. The duo had left their house and were heading towards Urapakkam.

When they were nearing Karanai Padur village, Swathi attempted to overtake a government bus, when a private school bus coming from the opposite direction collided with it. On impact, both were grievously injured, and Devi died on the spot. 

Swathi who was rushed to a private hospital in Potheri was declared ‘brought dead’ by the arrival. The Guduvanchery Traffic Investigation Wing sent the bodies for post-mortem to the Tambaram GH. 

Police said there were no students inside the school bus at the time of the accident. Only the driver and his assistant were travelling in the vehicle.

The police have registered a case and are questioning the bus driver. It is learnt that Swathi had recently been engaged and was scheduled to get married next month.

According to reports, one litre of petrol is being sold at Rs 107.77, while diesel costs Rs 99.55 per litre in Chennai on Thursday.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The increase took cumulative hikes since May 15 to nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

Until May, fuel prices had largely remained unchanged since April 2022, except for a Rs 2 per litre reduction announced in March 2024 ahead of the national elections.

Why have fuel prices been increased?

Global crude oil prices had surged more than 50 per cent since late February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

State-run retailers had delayed passing on higher input costs for weeks, a move the government said was intended to shield consumers from inflation. Opposition parties, however, accused the administration of holding back price increases until after key state elections.

The May 15 increase came after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expanded its electoral footprint by winning three of five state and UT elections, including West Bengal.

Retail fuel prices were first raised by Rs 3 per litre on May 15, followed by a 90-paise increase on May 19 and another hike on May 23, when petrol prices rose by 87 paise and diesel by 91 paise per litre.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The cumulative increase since May 15 stands at nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

The increase varies across cities due to differences in local taxes.

Petrol rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

September 2- Rs 107.77

September 1- Rs 107.77

August 31- Rs 107.77

August 30 - Rs 107.77

August 29 - Rs 107.77

Diesel rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

September 2 - Rs 99.55

September 1 - Rs 99.55

August 31 - Rs 99.55

August 30 - Rs 99.55

August 29 - Rs 99.55

The initiative was launched at a press conference in Chennai in the presence of Dr Geetha Haripriya, chairperson-Prashanth Group of Hospitals, Parthipan J, CEO-Prashanth Fertility and Dr Samhitha Moturi, director-Prashanth Group of Hospitals. Actor Khushbu Sundar was the chief guest.

The service is intended to address disruptions in IVF treatment caused by missed appointments, medication schedules and follow-ups, particularly for working couples. A dedicated team and vehicle will travel across Chennai to provide services including injection support, eligible monitoring, follow-ups and treatment coordination at patients’ preferred locations.

Patients can schedule the services through a dedicated digital interface on the Prashanth Fertility app. The platform also manages appointments, follow-ups and treatment-related medical records while remaining connected with their treating fertility specialists.

Dr Haripriya said, “The initiative is aimed not merely at convenience but at ensuring continuity, confidence and compassionate care for patients.”

Dr Moturi said, “Fertility treatment involves multiple appointments, medication schedules and monitoring, which can be challenging for couples balancing work and family responsibilities. This service helps reduce such disruptions.”

Actor Khushbu said that making fertility treatment simpler and more accessible could provide greater comfort and confidence to couples undergoing the emotionally demanding journey.

Call 24x7 helpline at (044) 28882888 for details on eligibility and scheduling

The two projects, together capable of producing 800 MLD, will take the city’s total desalination capacity to 1,160 MLD, almost matching the 1,160 MLD supplied by Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) to domestic consumers.

On September 2, CMWSSB supplied 1,245.97 MLD, including 1,160 MLD to domestic consumers. Of the total supply, 1,035 MLD came from surface-water sources, 154 MLD from desalination plants, 27 MLD from groundwater and 19 MLD from quarries.

The Minjur plant will cater to North Chennai, Avadi, Ponneri, Minjur and surrounding areas. The Perur plant is expected to be commissioned in October 2027.

With the two projects becoming operational, desalination could emerge as a major pillar of Chennai’s drinking-water supply, providing a dependable source when monsoon rains fail and reservoirs run low.

The CMWSSB has 3 desalination plants at Minjur (100 MLD), Nemmeli (110 MLD) and Nemmeli (150 MLD), with a combined capacity of 360 MLD. The Minjur plant is being renovated and is likely to resume partial production of 20 MLD in October, with full-capacity production expected by the end of this year, a CMWSSB official said.

Chennai depends primarily on surface water stored in the Poondi, Puzhal, Cholavaram, Chembarambakkam and Kannankottai-Thervoy Kandigai reservoirs. Supplies are also supplemented by the Veeranam source in Cuddalore district and the Kandaleru reservoir under the Krishna Water Supply Project.

The city has no perennial water source and its water availability is largely dependent on the monsoon. Delayed or deficient rains can quickly put pressure on reservoirs and force CMWSSB to augment supplies from alternative sources.

The State government has consequently made desalination an important component of its long-term water resource augmentation strategy, aimed at improving drought resilience and ensuring a more reliable source of drinking water.

CMWSSB also extracts around 13 MLD of groundwater from aquifers at Thamaraipakkam, Magaral and Minjur. Borewells in the added areas contribute another 14 MLD, while quarry water provides about 19 MLD.

A senior CMWSSB official said, “Augmentation of water sources through the proposed desalination plant will ensure adequate and reliable water supply to the city and adjoining local bodies.”

SUPPLY FROM METRO WATER

• Total supply: 1,245 MLD

• Surface water: 1,035 MLD

• Desalination plants: 154 MLD

• Groundwater: 27 MLD

• Quarry water: 19 MLD

As mobile phones are not permitted inside these temples, devotees are required to deposit their phones at designated deposit centres located within the temple premises.

During special occasions, weekends and peak hours, the deposit centres witness a large number of devotees, resulting in long queues to deposit and collect the phones after darshan. Devotees lamented this added to the time required to complete their temple visit.

A devotee, Sridhar, said, “There is generally no problem at the mobile phone deposit centres on normal days. However, during special occasions and weekends, when the crowd increases, devotees have to wait for a long time both to deposit and collect their phones. As a result, it takes additional time to enter the temple and have darshan.”

Another devotee, Saravanan, said, “The centres at Parthasarathy Swamy Temple have been arranged well. Paying Rs 5 as deposit charge is a problem, as the centres do not have change. Since there is no digital payment facilities like Gpay and PhonePe, some have to ask others nearby for change. There is also no notice board informing us that digital payment facilities are unavailable.”

Concurring with him was Usha, another devotee, who piped in: “At Vadapalani Temple, we have to wait in long queues to deposit our phones. It also takes considerable time to collect them after darshan. Additional counters will help speed up the process of depositing and collecting mobile phones.”

A temple official told DT Next that around 350 mobile phone lockers were available at Vadapalani Andavar Temple. “Two counters are functioning for depositing phones and two for collecting them. Arrangements are underway to set up two more counters,” he added.

At Kapaleeswarar Temple, around 300 mobile phone lockers are available. Three are functioning for depositing phones and two for collecting them. Parthasarathy Swamy Temple has 280 mobile phone lockers, with four counters each for depositing and collecting mobile phones.

Officials said that the mobile phone deposit centres began functioning from September 1 and digital payment facilities such as GPay have not yet been introduced. “A QR code-based payment facility will be introduced shortly,” he said. they added.

The three species have been named Jatropha livingstonei, Jatropha narasimhanii and Jatropha umashaankeri. Jatropha livingstonei honours C Livingstone, former professor of the Department of Botany at MCC, while Jatropha narasimhanii has been named after D Narasimhan, another former professor of the department. The third species, Jatropha umashaankeri, honours Umashaanker, former professor of the Department of Crop Physiology at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru.

Jatropha is mainly used to make bio-fuels. The research was carried out by U Senthil Kumar, Seema and Varnika of the MCC Department of Botany as part of a study on the cryptic diversity of Jatropha heynei. The team identified three distinct species using an integrated approach involving micromorphological studies, pollen morphology, seed-surface architecture, and nuclear and chloroplast DNA-based phylogenetic analyses.

Speaking to DT Next, Senthil Kumar said the newly identified plants are capable of surviving in extremely arid conditions. They have a tendency to develop tuber-like structures underground and can withstand periods of intense heat, he said, adding that the plants become less visible during the rainy season.

The researchers are now studying the potential commercial applications of the newly identified species. Jatropha plants are of particular interest for their potential use in biofuel production.

The discovery also provides new insights into the evolutionary history, biogeography, distribution and adaptation of jatropha species in southern India, particularly their association with the landscapes of the Deccan Plateau.

The researchers said the study demonstrates how modern molecular phylogenetic techniques, when combined with conventional morphological methods, can help reveal previously undocumented aspects of plant diversity.

The Department of Botany and Madras Christian College described the discovery as a matter of pride for the institution and acknowledged the contribution of the research team.

IN THE HONOUR OF

• Jatropha livingstonei, honours C Livingstone, former professor at the Department of Botany at MCC

• Jatropha narasimhanii, named after D Narasimhan, former professor of the department

• Jatropha umashaankeri, honours Umashaanker, former professor of the Department of Crop Physiology at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru

The X user, named Kumar, had earlier posted a video showing right-turning vehicles blocking lanes meant for straight-moving traffic at the junction. Following the intervention by the traffic police, the user recorded the junction again and posted a video showing smoother traffic movement.

The user said most vehicles were now keeping the straight-moving lanes clear, with the improvement particularly noticeable among MTC buses.

The traffic police officer on duty reportedly thanked the Kumar and said the intervention had helped reduce congestion, according to the post. The officer was also surprised to see most MTC buses following the designated lane.

Kumar also said an MTC official had earlier contacted them to appreciate the video. The official said the video had been used to help drivers understand the issue and advised them to follow the designated lane.

The passenger arrived in Chennai from Kuala Lumpur on a private airline flight the day before yesterday morning. He was travelling to Chennai on a medical visa and, after declaring that he was not carrying any dutiable goods, attempted to leave through the green channel.

However, customs officials, who found his movements suspicious, intercepted him and searched his baggage. During the inspection of his suitcase, officials found four packets concealed inside. On opening them, they discovered 3.5 kg of high-grade hydroponic cannabis.

The passenger was subsequently arrested and the contraband seized.

During interrogation, officials reportedly found that the Malaysian national had allegedly acted as a courier for an international drug trafficking network. Customs officials are continuing their investigation to identify the intended recipient of the consignment and trace other members of the smuggling network.

Alexander was staying at a hotel. When an acquaintance came with a young woman, Alexander allegedly made lewd comments and attempted to touch her inappropriately after which her friend, another woman who was nearby, came to the hotel and questioned him.

Police said that Alexander abused and threatened her too after which the women left the scene and alerted the authorities. Police personnel reached the scene and conducted an enquiry after which Alexander was arrested. He was produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody.

Identified as R Rohith (26), a native of Maharashtra, he was a daily wage labourer at a new building being constructed on St Mary’s Road, Mandaveli, and had been staying at the site for the past 3 months.

According to police, Rohith was sleeping on the outer edge of the second floor of the building on Monday night. Around midnight, he reportedly rolled over in his sleep and fell down from the second floor.

Other workers at the site rushed him to the Royapettah GH. However, doctors who examined him declared that he was already dead on arrival. Abhiramapuram police have registered a case and are investigating.

Police said the incident occurred on August 25 when Madhavi was lighting a lamp in the pooja room of her house. Her saree accidentally caught fire from the lamp. The fire spread rapidly before she could notice it, and within seconds engulfed her completely.

Hearing her screams, her family members rushed to the spot, doused the fire and rescued her. She was immediately taken to the Kilpauk Government Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Madhavi, who had suffered extensive burns, died at the hospital on Tuesday. Pattinapakkam police have registered a case and are investigating.

The CMDA Administrative Officer formally communicated the appointment in a letter dated August 31.

The statutory body’s composition includes the Housing and Urban Development Minister as Chairman, the department’s Principal Secretary as the Vice-Chairman, senior officials from the Housing, Finance, Industries and Transport departments, Corporation Commissioner and heads of various urban development agencies. It also provides for two Members of the State Legislative Assembly.

Reacting to the appointment, the MLA thanked Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for the trust and responsibility placed on him. He said he would work with “utmost commitment and dedication”.

Which vegetable prices increased today ?

Raw magoes – Rs 150 per kg, up by Rs 30 (compared to August 30)

Drumstick – Rs 50 per kg, up by Rs 20

Green chillies – Rs 70 per kg, up by Rs 10

Garlic – Rs 260 per kg, up by Rs 20

Which vegetable prices decreased today ?

Lemon – Rs 220 per kg, down by Rs 10

beans – Rs 60 per kg, down by Rs 10

What are the prices of essential vegetables ?

Onion: Rs 58 per kg

Small onion: Rs 80 per kg

Potato: Rs 35 per kg

Tomato: Rs 20 per kg

What are the prices of other vegetables ?

Yam: Rs 40 per kg

Ooty carrot: Rs 70 per kg

Beetroot: Rs 60 per kg

Ginger: Rs 180 per kg

Bitter gourd: Rs 50 per kg

Capsicum: Rs 50 per kg

How much do herbs cost today ?

Coriander: Rs 7 per bunch

Mint: Rs 6 per bunch

Curry leaves: Rs 25 per bunch

The yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,11,600 per sovereign and Rs 13,950 per gram, after a decrease of Rs 225 per gram.

Earlier, on September 1, the yellow metal was priced at Rs 1,15,080 per sovereign and Rs 14,385 per gram.

Silver price decreased

Meanwhile, silver prices decreased by Rs 5, selling for Rs 250 per gram (Rs 2,50,000 per kg) on September 2.

On September 1, silver was priced at Rs 255 per gram.

Gold rate today vs gold rate on this day, last year

Gold remains significantly higher compared to last year. Prices have increased from Rs 77,800 per sovereign (Rs 9,725 per gram) on September 2, 2025, to Rs 1,11,600 per sovereign (Rs 13,950 per gram) on September 1, 2026, marking an increase of Rs 33,800 per sovereign or about or about 43.44%.

Gold price (22-carat) over the last five days:

September 1, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,15,080 | 1 gram - Rs 14,385

August 31, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,14,960 | 1 gram - Rs 14,370

August 29, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,16,040 | 1 gram - Rs 14,505

August 28, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,17,200 | 1 gram - Rs 14,650

August 27, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,17,800 | 1 gram - Rs 14,725

Silver price over the last five days:

September 1, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

August 31, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 260

August 29, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 260

August 28, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 265

August 27, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 265

According to reports, one litre of petrol is being sold at Rs 107.77, while diesel costs Rs 99.55 per litre in Chennai on Wednesday.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The increase took cumulative hikes since May 15 to nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

Until May, fuel prices had largely remained unchanged since April 2022, except for a Rs 2 per litre reduction announced in March 2024 ahead of the national elections.

Why have fuel prices been increased?

Global crude oil prices had surged more than 50 per cent since late February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

State-run retailers had delayed passing on higher input costs for weeks, a move the government said was intended to shield consumers from inflation. Opposition parties, however, accused the administration of holding back price increases until after key state elections.

The May 15 increase came after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expanded its electoral footprint by winning three of five state and UT elections, including West Bengal.

Retail fuel prices were first raised by Rs 3 per litre on May 15, followed by a 90-paise increase on May 19 and another hike on May 23, when petrol prices rose by 87 paise and diesel by 91 paise per litre.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The cumulative increase since May 15 stands at nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

The increase varies across cities due to differences in local taxes.

Petrol rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

September 1- Rs 107.77

August 31- Rs 107.77

August 30 - Rs 107.77

August 29 - Rs 107.77

August 28 - Rs 107.77

Diesel rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

September 1 - Rs 99.55

August 31 - Rs 99.55

August 30 - Rs 99.55

August 29 - Rs 99.55

August 28 - Rs 99.55

Chaired by DMK Mayor Vasanthakumari, 344 resolutions were passed at the Corporation office.

Councillors said that despite funds being allocated for vaccination and sterilisation of stray dogs, the measures had failed to control their numbers. They demanded effective implementation of sterilisation and vaccination programmes.

They also said that many SWD had been damaged, silted up or encroached upon, and warned that residential areas could face waterlogging during the monsoon season if immediate restoration works were not taken up.

Councillors lamented facing irregular or non-existent piped water supply despite residents being charged water tax. They alleged that residential areas along Major Mukund Varadarajan Road in Selaiyur had not received piped drinking water for nearly 5 years.

They also complained about the government primary health centre in Ward 51, where medicines were often unavailable and doctors were not present during several working hours, leaving nurses to attend to patients. They also claimed that basic diagnostic facilities were not being provided properly.

The Opposition leader raised questions over the delay in extending the underground sewerage to areas that had been left out of the existing network and newly added areas. He pointed out that the previous government had announced an allocation of Rs 750 crore for the expansion and sought to know why the works had not commenced and what had happened to the funds.

Corporation officials said that efforts were underway to obtain a loan from the World Bank. Opposition councillors questioned why external funding was being sought when the government had already allocated funding. Later, AIADMK councillors staged a walkout.

The QR-based system was launched at a TASMAC outlet in Egmore in June, using a reverse vending machine (RVM). The pilot has since been extended to two more locations.

According to Recykal’s data, return instances increased from 6,964 on July 9 to 46,992 on August 24. Refunds rose from Rs 6.30 lakh to Rs 25.26 lakh during the same period.

Successful QR-bottle authentications increased from 63,444 to 2,56,580.

Glass bottles sold at the store increased from 1,22,921 to 4,64,474, while the number of unique consumers using the return system rose from 659 to 1,096.

The returned bottles are collected by authorised scrap vendors for further processing. The pilot is being used to assess the deposit-return mechanism before any wider expansion.

As part of the ongoing CMRL phase-2 works, rectification works of the 900 mm diameter sewer pipeline will be carried out on the incoming carriageway of Rajiv Gandhi Salai, in front of the Elnet Office, police said.

To facilitate the works safely, GCTP has announced traffic changes from Tuesday (September 1) to Saturday (September 5) between 11 pm and 5 am.

Accordingly, the stretch of Rajiv Gandhi Salai from Tidel Park Junction to Indira Nagar Signal in the incoming direction will be closed for general traffic during the above-mentioned night hours. Entry will be permitted only for Tidel Park- and Elnet-bound pick-up/drop-off vehicles.

At Tidel Park Junction, incoming vehicles will be diverted onto the outgoing carriageway of Rajiv Gandhi Salai and will proceed up to Indira Nagar Signal, where they will rejoin the incoming carriageway.

Vehicles bound for Ramanujam IT City may access the area via the U-turn at Indira Nagar Signal. The new flyover on Sardar Patel Road near Madhya Kailash will remain closed to traffic during the work period.

Heavy vehicles, including MTC buses, coming from Guindy will not be permitted to take a right turn at Madhya Kailash Junction towards Rajiv Gandhi Salai. They will be diverted via Adyar Junction – LB Road – Shastri Nagar 1st Avenue – 11th Cross Street – 10th Cross Street – MG Road, and thereafter rejoin LB Road towards ECR/OMR.

Light vehicles coming from Guindy will be permitted to take a right turn towards Rajiv Gandhi Salai. At Indira Nagar Signal, they will be diverted via Indira Nagar 2nd Avenue - 3rd Avenue – Kalakshetra Junction, and thereafter join LB Road towards ECR/OMR.

The resto-bar in Chennai’s Nungambakkam, where Pint of View Chennai organised its third lecture of the month, turned strangers who awkwardly yet curiously entered into people leaving with brains full of new knowledge and hearts full of friends and conversations. Pint of View Chennai, inspired by its namesake in Bengaluru and founded by friends Sumyuktha Anand and Barkavi Magheshkumaar, organises lectures throughout the month on varied topics covering science, business, art, economics and everything else under the sky. Sumyuktha is a neuroscientist, science communicator and educator with experience spanning research, scientific publishing and public engagement, while Barkavi is an entrepreneur and Executive Director at V Group of Companies. Pint of View has 14 chapters across the globe.

“We thought that there was a missing third space in Chennai where people could simply come and hang out and form a community,” they say as they begin to explain how the club came to be. Their first lecture was in November 2025, and since then, there has been no looking back. The crowd on August 27 was filled with people taking notes, people young and old, people with friends and those who were there to make some. “Most of our audience is either between the 25 to 30 age range or older people. And around 70 per cent of our people come alone,” says Barkavi.

The concept of their shows is simple. One grabs a drink or a coffee and goes through a lecture by an industry expert on the topic. While the other chapters across the country are primarily bar-based, the duo had to tweak their club a bit by adding cafés too for the Chennai crowd. “We started in a bar, but we noticed that people ended up ordering coffees and juices. And we all learned that some people wanted to attend but were intimidated by the idea of how a bar looked,” says Barkavi. “There have also been requests from our guests to have it at non-alcoholic places, so we decided to do a mix of both,” adds Sumyuktha.

The event follows a lecture, followed by interactive sessions where what is learned could also be applied to one’s own life. In Namrata’s lecture, the audience asked itself questions around what is a classic and the notions of art as one knows it. “In Chennai, we always like an activity, an interactive session. It is more of a conversation than mere passive listening. Sometimes we do digress, but we eventually come back to the topic at hand,” says Sumyuktha.

The duo go around looking for perfect venues for each lecture they want to host. “We have a roster of venues too, and we keep going around looking for new spaces,” says Barkavi. The duo plan, organise and manage everything on their own, from social media marketing to creating the rosters and finding the venue, while managing their daytime jobs.

They choose a guest, work out the logistics with them, and sit in on a demo so that the lecture is not too jargon-heavy. “Our guests are all experts in their fields. We want to make sure that someone who is not related to the industry at all understands what is being spoken about. That is why we have these demos; we work with them. We also have the activity planned,” explains Sumyuktha. The club’s primary aim is to bring together strangers who are on the lookout for similarly minded people through their lectures. They believe this is an extension of education. “In a way, continuing education, but you’re not in college anymore,” they conclude.

The next lectures hosted by Pint of View will be on September 6, 20 and 27.

Police arrested Latha (47) of Chitlapakkam on Monday (August 31).

According to the police, in 2008, Latha, who was running a firm named Jiffy Exports in Nungambakkam had approached Samiullah Khan (40) of Triplicane and promised 4% monthly profit for investments in her company.

Based on his complaint that she had cheated him of Rs 35 lakh, CCB’s Document Fraud Investigation Wing registered a case in 2009, filed a charge sheet, and the case was pending trial.

As Latha failed to appear, the court issued a non-bailable warrant against her in 2016.

Similarly, in another 2009 CCB case, she cheated Iqbal Raja of Anna Salai of Rs 43.5 lakh using the same modus operandi. A warrant was issued in that case also in 2016.

Recently, while reviewing the pending NBWs, top brass of the city police had directed CCB teams to find her, after which a team traced and arrested Latha on Monday (August 31). She was produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody.

The complainant, J Sivaselvan, had applied for an additional single-phase electricity connection on July 9 and paid the prescribed fee.

However, his application was rejected by TNEB Assistant Engineer Chandran on August 6.

Sivaselvan subsequently applied for an upgraded connection and completed the required wiring work.

According to the DVAC, Chandran initially demanded Rs 10,000 to process the connection, later reducing the demand to Rs 7,000.

Unwilling to pay the bribe, Sivaselvan approached the Chennai unit of the DVAC, which registered a case and organised a trap on Tuesday (September 1).

During the trap, Chandran allegedly accepted Rs 7,000 from Sivaselvan and was caught by the vigilance officials.

They also seized Rs 12,540 in unaccounted cash from him. Chandran was arrested and remanded in judicial custody.

Chaired by DMK Mayor Vasanthakumari, 344 resolutions were passed at the Tambaram Corporation office.

Councillors said that despite funds being allocated for vaccination and sterilisation of stray dogs, the measures had failed to control their numbers. They demanded effective implementation of sterilisation and vaccination programmes.

They also said that many SWD had been damaged, silted up or encroached upon, and warned that residential areas could face waterlogging during the monsoon season if immediate restoration works were not taken up.

Councillors lamented facing irregular or non-existent piped water supply despite residents being charged water tax. They alleged that residential areas along Major Mukund Varadarajan Road in Selaiyur had not received piped drinking water for nearly five years, while charges continued to be collected.

They also complained about the government primary health centre in Ward 51, where medicines were often unavailable and doctors were not present during several working hours, leaving nurses to attend to patients. They also claimed that basic diagnostic facilities, including blood tests, were not being provided properly.

The Opposition leader raised questions over the delay in extending the underground sewerage project to areas that had been left out of the existing network and newly added areas. He pointed out that the previous government had announced an allocation of Rs 750 crore for the expansion and sought to know why the works had not commenced and what had happened to the funds.

Corporation officials said that efforts were underway to obtain a loan from the World Bank. Opposition councillors questioned why external funding was being sought when the government had already announced an allocation for the project. Later, the AIADMK councillors staged a walkout from the council meeting.

However, the initiative has drawn criticism from local fishermen, who demanded to be allowed to continue operating along the roadside.

Speaking to DT Next, K Bharathi, president, South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association, said, “The long-time demand of vendors is to be allowed to run their businesses directly on the beachside along the coastal road. Traditionally, fishermen land their catch and work on one side of the road, while women handle the retail sales on the other side.”

Vendors were forced to occupy the newly built market in past. They faced severe financial losses because customers did not visit inside, prompting them to move back to their old roadside spots. They alleged the market lacks basic amenities and has design flaws. The metal roofing increases the heat in the market, and ruins the freshness of the catch. During heavy rains, water splashes directly onto the vendors’ faces.

“Before the elections, P Venkataramanan, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, met the vendors from Nochikuppam to Pattinapakkam and promised they could remain on the Loop Road. But, after assuming office, the administration shifted toward enforcing the Corporation’s plans, with ministers even using cops to pressure vendors to force them from the beachside,” added Bharathi.

Furthermore, vendors alleged corruption. Some individuals paid bribes to the counsellor to secure a front-row shop, creating resistance to relocation. This undermines transparency in allotment. To transform the beachfront into a Blue Flag beach initiative, officials are pushing to clear the road, affecting fishermen’s livelihoods.

S Ethiraj, a fish vendor, said, “The physical alteration work began after the minister’s order. Demolition works started, and then, the GCC paused the process to hold another meeting with the vendors to attempt to reach a mutual consensus before moving forward.”

The modernised fish market has 362 stalls; The stall is 6 feet long and 5 feet wide. Following the suggestion, the GCC has conducted a willingness survey with the vendors to return to the market. Now it plans to expand the size of the stall to 10 feet long and 5 feet wide.

A senior GCC official said that alterations were made in a few shops for testing. “Five shops were resized to three. The modification worked, so we have called for tenders on September 7. Work should begin September 10. Shops on the western and southern sides will be altered now, and later, the northern part will be modified,” he explained. “As of now, we’ve not received any suggestions from the 115 vendors who have given their willingness to shift. Modification will be made based on their suggestions.”

The gathering was organised to remember Anitha and highlight the federation’s opposition to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions. Participants, including Anitha's brother S Manirathinam, reiterated their demand for the abolition of NEET and called for greater autonomy for states in deciding admission policies for professional courses.

The federation also demanded that education be brought back under the State List, arguing that states should have greater control over education-related policies.

Anitha, a student from Ariyalur district, had secured high marks in the Class 12 board examinations but was unable to obtain a medical seat through NEET. Her suicide became a major flashpoint in TN’s opposition to the entrance examination.

The Ambattur Rail Commuters Welfare Association has now taken up the issue with TR Baalu, Sriperumbudur MP, seeking his intervention with the Railways for the construction of the platform, more train halts and an upgrade of the station from its present SG3 category to Non-Suburban Group (NSG).

“Seven fast locals arriving in the morning do not stop at Ambattur. After Tirunindravur, they run non-stop to Villivakkam. The situation is different in the evening. Of the 9 fast locals, 8 stop at Ambattur on the return journey. The one exception is a MEMU whose next stop is Perambur because of congestion at Chennai Central,” said L Saravanan, association president.

Commuters opined that additional platforms were crucial for those travelling towards Chennai. Those from the outskirts towards Ambattur Industrial Estate, including IT employees, were affected by the lack of morning halts.

The association has sought stoppages at Ambattur for the Arakkonam–Chennai–Arakkonam Fast Local, Garudadri Express, Tirupati Express, Chennai–Ashokapuram Express and Chennai–Mumbai Express. It has also sought increasing the 66021 Fast Local MEMU from eight to 12 coaches and providing it an evening halt at Ambattur.

The other major demand is an upgrade of Ambattur from SG3 to NSG. “Ambattur recorded more than 10 million passengers in 2022-23, handling around 50,000 passengers daily. Under the SG3 category, the shelter provision is limited to 50 sq m, while an NSG classification would provide for a larger allocation. Seating, a waiting hall and a canteen would also become part of the additional facilities,” Saravanan added.

With Amrit Bharat Station works under way at Varadharajapuram, commuters also demanded a new entrance with ticketing and ATVM facilities at Venkatapuram, along with bulk booking and reservation facilities at Varadharajapuram.

As a pilot initiative, MoUs were signed today (September 1) at Ripon Building in the presence of GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran, Police Commissioner A Amalraj, and private corporate contributors.

These shelters will be funded under CSR to enhance commuter comfort and safety.

Speaking about the initiative, Commissioner Sameeran said that these pilot shelters were part of municipal infrastructure development projects, as per the directive from Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

“With the help of the GCP, high-footfall bus shelters are identified. These facilities aim to provide good waiting facilities for the public who wait at the bus stops,” he added.

Seven firms will construct and maintain 11 bus shelters under CSR funds at different locations across the city.

AC waiting rooms with heat-insulating ‘puff panel’ roofing, toughened and laminated safety glass, CCTV surveillance and enhanced lighting facilities, free Wi-Fi access and USB mobile charging ports, integrated bus route information displays and accessible ramps built into the footpaths for easy wheelchair access.

The bus shelters in the following places will get a makeover: Apollo Hospital in DMS, Anna Salai and Mylapore Bus Stop, Kauvery Hospital at Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Vadapalani, Guru Nanak College at Vijayanagar Bus Terminal in Velachery, SIMS Hospital at Vadapalani stopping, incoming and outgoing access routes, Roche Products India at Little Mount, Guindy and Alandur Metro and Future Station Limited at Egmore North and Egmore South.

A senior GCC official told DT Next that following the success of the first-phase initiative, additional AC shelters will be rolled out across high-footfall locations through CSR partnerships in future. “The firms are allowed to display their company advertisements alone. The firm has to maintain the bus shelters for 3 years. Based on their maintenance, it could be extended. License fee has to be paid and renewed every year.”

Sameeran stated that repair and maintenance work at the bus stop will be undertaken by the firm, along with provision of security personnel.

“Similarly, GCC is working on constructing an AC shelter at Anna Square. Foot-over-bridges in the busy area will be taken up in a public-private partnership model with lifts and escalators,” he added.

The bus shelter has a seating capacity of 45 and measures 9 metres long and 5 metres wide, featuring a 6.24-metre waiting area and 1-metre advertisement panels on both sides, a front area ramp and steps with a width of 2.5 metres, said the official.

It may be noted that three AC bus shelters constructed by CMDA are located at Retteri Junction, Kalmandapam Road in Royapuram and Wall Tax Road.

According to police, a patrol team was conducting rounds near the Rutherfordpuram railway bridge in Mylapore when they noticed the suspects loitering in a suspicious manner.

Upon questioning, the group gave contradictory answers after which the group was detained for further questioning.

During the search, police seized 500 painkiller tablets that were concealed by the group and arrested – S Raguram (18) and J Fayaz (21) of Ice House, V Kishore (20) of Lloyds Road, Royapettah, M Sanjay (20) of Mylapore, and a 17-year-old boy.

Police registered a case and arrested all five.

During interrogation, it was revealed that the gang had been procuring the tablets from another state and selling them in Marina Beach and Mylapore areas.

Police also found that four suspects were working as horse ride operators for tourists at Marina Beach. They reportedly targeted youngsters and visitors in the beach area to sell the tablets.

Police said they were investigating the source of the tablets and whether more persons were involved in the network. Further investigation is underway to trace the interstate suppliers and the distribution chain.

Under the collaboration, UNESCO MGIEP will bring its expertise in SEL, while IIT-Madras will contribute its capabilities in artificial intelligence, Extended Reality (XR), game design, and immersive technologies, the institutions said in a joint statement.

The initiative would focus on developing open-source digital learning tools that could make education more interactive, personalised and learner-centric, and be adapted to diverse educational systems.

The cooperation agreement was signed in the presence of UNESCO MGIEP Director Obijiofor Aginam, IIT-Madras Dean (Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research) Manu Santhanam, and Experiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC) head M Manivannan.

Aginam said UNESCO MGIEP would provide expertise in SEL and help align the initiative with UNESCO’s recommendations on AI ethics and learner-centred education. He said the proposed open-source AI tool was expected to help move SEL from policy aspiration to everyday classroom practice.

The tool was also expected to ease teachers’ workload by helping them incorporate SEL into lesson plans, classroom activities, and assessments, Aginam said, adding that teachers would be able to adapt the content to suit local contexts and that low-cost models designed for low-bandwidth environments could help bridge the digital divide.

Manivannan said a major outcome of the partnership would be AI-powered tools capable of transforming conventional curricula by integrating SEL concepts with gamified and immersive learning experiences.

According to the partners, the proposed AI tool will analyse existing curricula and generate personalised learning pathways incorporating SEL.

The immersive components are intended to promote experiential learning and participation, while providing real-time emotional feedback and developing skills such as self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship-building, and social awareness.

The collaboration will also cover joint research in educational technology, pedagogy, AI and learning sciences, besides faculty and researcher exchanges, workshops, and conferences and seminars.

The initiative is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4.7 on education for peaceful, inclusive and sustainable societies, the institutions added.

The commercial cylinder is now priced at Rs 2,916.50 in Chennai. The price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder remains unchanged at Rs 957.50, according to a Daily Thanthi report.

Prices of domestic LPG were last raised by Rs 29 per 14.2-kg cylinder on June 7.

Rates had gone up by Rs 60 in March after the West Asia crisis led to supply disruptions and a surge in international energy prices.

Public sector oil companies Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum and Indian Oil distribute 14.2-kg cylinders for domestic use and 19-kg cylinders for commercial use across the country.

Delhi sees Rs 9.50 hike in commercial LPG price

In Delhi, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has increased by Rs 9.50, from Rs 2,738 to Rs 2,747.50.

The price of the 5-kg market-priced cooking gas LPG cylinder, known as 5-kg FTL, has also increased by Rs 2, from Rs 762 to Rs 764.

The latest hike follows two consecutive monthly reductions — a Rs 192 cut per 19-kg cylinder on August 1 and a Rs 183.50 cut on July 1.

The reductions in commercial LPG prices on July 1 and August 1 followed the West Asia crisis, which pushed rates to record highs in June.

After the outbreak of the conflict in late February, commercial LPG rates had risen by Rs 1,373 per 19-kg cylinder, from Rs 1,740.50 in February to Rs 3,113.50 in June.

ATF prices rise by 5.46 per cent

The price of Jet fuel, or Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), has been raised by Rs 6.28 per litre, or 5.46 per cent, to Rs 121.28 per litre for domestic airlines, according to state-owned oil firms.

The increase comes after a Rs 5 per litre rise in rates on August 1.

The two consecutive increases will add to the financial burden of airlines, for which ATF accounts for up to 40 per cent of operating costs.

ATF and LPG prices are revised on the first of every month based on benchmark international prices and foreign exchange rates. Rates vary from state to state depending on local taxes such as VAT.

Petrol and diesel prices, which were hiked by about Rs 7.50 a litre each in May, remained unchanged.

(With PTI inputs)

The dismembered body parts of the woman, identified as Hayathunnisha, a native of Odisha, were found packed in a red suitcase, with the head missing, in a rear coach of the Tamil Nadu Express at Agra railway station on August 5.

Hayathunnisha had married Jagur Khan, a Chennai native, in Odisha around 20 years ago. The couple later moved to Chennai and had a son, Yusuf Khan, 19. Following marital discord, the couple separated and Hayathunnisha lived with her son.

When Hayathunnisha later expressed her intention to marry Manikuddin Laskar, alias Rahul (22), Yusuf reportedly left home in anger and rented a separate house in Perungalathur. Hayathunnisha subsequently stayed at the house of Mohammed Rafi near the Guduvanchery mosque.

The investigation subsequently led police to Laskar from Assam, and his wife Bhagavathi Majhi, who were arrested in Manipur on August 30 and brought to Chennai for questioning.

Marriage demand allegedly triggered the conflict

Police said Hayathunnisha had been in a relationship with Laskar, who was married to Majhi. Majhi allegedly came to know about the relationship, leading to conflicts between the couple.

According to police, Majhi also allegedly obtained money and jewellery from Hayathunnisha on several occasions. Hayathunnisha later became pregnant and insisted that Laskar marry her. He allegedly refused, citing the age difference between them.

Police said Laskar and Majhi subsequently visited Hayathunnisha's house near the Guduvanchery mosque under the pretext of holding reconciliation talks. The couple allegedly stayed there for around two weeks before carrying out the murder.

Couple allegedly dismembered body

According to the police, they had purchased knives generally used for slaughtering goats. Hayathunnisha was allegedly attacked while she was asleep at night. Police said an anaesthetic was sprayed on her face before her throat was slit.

The accused allegedly collected her blood in a large vessel used for cooking biryani before suspending the body from a ceiling fan, skinning it and dismembering it, police said. They also shaved her head and gouged out the eyes.

The remains were allegedly packed into bags and placed inside a trolley suitcase. The couple then transported the suitcase by electric train from Guduvanchery to Chennai Central, from where it was placed on the Tamil Nadu Express bound for Agra, police said.

After leaving the suitcase, the couple reportedly stayed at a relative's house in Chennai before fleeing to Manipur.

Police are now planning to take the accused to the alleged crime scene, Guduvanchery railway station and Chennai Central railway station as part of the investigation.

According to CMRL, a total of 1,04,04,098 passengers travelled on Metro trains in August. The highest single-day passenger footfall during the month was recorded on August 14, when 4,01,607 passengers travelled on the Metro network.

The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)/Singara Chennai Card emerged as the most-used ticketing option, accounting for 52.84 lakh passenger journeys during the month. Single-journey paper QR tickets were used by 20.20 lakh passengers, while ONDC-based ticketing recorded 12.47 lakh journeys.

Other digital ticketing platforms also saw significant usage. WhatsApp ticketing accounted for 4.69 lakh passengers, followed by Chennai One App with 3.10 lakh, Paytm with 3.09 lakh, PhonePe with 2.73 lakh, and static QR tickets at stations with 2.28 lakh passengers. Online ticketing recorded 1.56 lakh passengers, while the CMRL Mobile App recorded 1.04 lakh journeys.

The Metro operator also offers a 20 percent discount on services including the NCMC Singara Chennai Card and digital QR ticketing through WhatsApp, Paytm and PhonePe, as well as the digital Store Value Pass available through the CMRL Mobile App. The discount does not apply to single-journey paper QR tickets purchased at ticket counters.

The yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,15,080 per sovereign and Rs 14,385 per gram, after an increase of Rs 15 per gram.

Earlier, on August 31, the yellow metal was priced at Rs 1,14,960 per sovereign and Rs 14,370 per gram.

Silver price decreased

Meanwhile, silver prices decreased by Rs 5, to sell at Rs 255 per gram at (Rs 2,55,000 per kg) on September 1.

On August 31, silver was priced at Rs 260 per gram.

Gold rate today vs gold rate on this day, last year

Gold remains significantly higher compared to last year. Prices have increased from Rs 77,640 per sovereign (Rs 9,705 per gram) on September 1, 2025, to Rs 1,15,080 per sovereign (Rs 14,385 per gram) on September 1, 2026, marking an increase of Rs 37,440 per sovereign or about 48.22 per cent.

Gold price (22-carat) over the last five days:

August 31, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,14,960 | 1 gram - Rs 14,370

August 29, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,16,040 | 1 gram - Rs 14,505

August 28, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,17,200 | 1 gram - Rs 14,650

August 27, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,17,800 | 1 gram - Rs 14,725

August 26, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,20,080 | 1 gram - Rs 15,010

Silver price over the last five days:

August 31, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 260

August 29, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 260

August 28, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 265

August 27, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 265

August 26, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 265

According to reports, one litre of petrol is being sold at Rs 107.77, while diesel costs Rs 99.55 per litre in Chennai on Tuesday.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The increase took cumulative hikes since May 15 to nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

Until May, fuel prices had largely remained unchanged since April 2022, except for a Rs 2 per litre reduction announced in March 2024 ahead of the national elections.

Why have fuel prices been increased?

Global crude oil prices had surged more than 50 per cent since late February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

State-run retailers had delayed passing on higher input costs for weeks, a move the government said was intended to shield consumers from inflation. Opposition parties, however, accused the administration of holding back price increases until after key state elections.

The May 15 increase came after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expanded its electoral footprint by winning three of five state and UT elections, including West Bengal.

Retail fuel prices were first raised by Rs 3 per litre on May 15, followed by a 90-paise increase on May 19 and another hike on May 23, when petrol prices rose by 87 paise and diesel by 91 paise per litre.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The cumulative increase since May 15 stands at nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

The increase varies across cities due to differences in local taxes.

Petrol rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

August 31- Rs 107.77

August 30 - Rs 107.77

August 29 - Rs 107.77

August 28 - Rs 107.77

August 27 - Rs 107.77

Diesel rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

August 31 - Rs 99.55

August 30 - Rs 99.55

August 29 - Rs 99.55

August 28 - Rs 99.55

August 27 - Rs 99.55

The deceased was identified as Murugaiya of Koyambedu. Police said that had brushed against another car that had been parked by the roadside near Thirunagar signal in Choolaimedu on Friday.

Occupants of the parked car confronted him, and assaulted him. Murugaiya lost his balance and fell to the ground unconscious.

Police reached the scene and took him to KMC, where he died.

Police arrested John Benedict Das of Kodungaiyur and Perumal of Red Hills, and booked them for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

They were produced before a magistrate court and remanded in judicial custody.

School Education Minister Rajmohan confirmed this development in the Assembly on Monday. During Zero Hour, CPI member T Ramachandran raised the demands of cleanliness workers who are staging a protest. Replying to him, Rajmohan, who held two rounds of talks with the protesting workers, said the government would set up toilets with dressing rooms for workers at 107 locations by September 15. Such facilities are already available at 93 locations, he said.

"The government will provide masks and hand gloves to the workers in Zones 4, 7 and 8 of the Corporation. Considering the workers' wishes, the government is considering providing a food allowance instead of morning breakfast," Rajmohan said.

Explaining the salary package for the workers, the minister said the Chennai district Collector had fixed the daily wage for sanitation workers at Rs 832. The government was also considering their demand for a salary hike, he added. "Considering the demands of the workers, biometric attendance will be abolished, and an attendance register will be maintained," Rajmohan said, adding that the workers' demand to meet Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who holds the Municipal Administration and Water Supply portfolio, would also be considered.

The accused was identified as Natarajan. He lived with his wife Ezhila, their children, and his 68-year-old father, Rajendran.

According to the police, Ezhila had returned home after attending the Annai Velankanni church festival and found that Rajendran, who was unable to walk to the bathroom, had soiled the bed. She reportedly chided her husband for failing to take care of his father.

A few moments later, Ezhila, who was sitting outside the house, heard screams and rushed inside to find Natarajan had stabbed his father with a sharp object.

Hearing the cries, neighbours rushed to their aid and shifted the elderly man to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Police secured the body and moved it to a government hospital for post-mortem. The Thiru Vi Ka Nagar police arrested Natarajan on murder charges.

Varun had visited Mylapore to attend a wedding and parked his car on the roadside. After the event, he returned to the vehicle and found that it had been opened with a duplicate key.

A gold chain, a laptop and an expensive wristwatch, together worth several lakhs of rupees, were missing, according to a complaint with the Mylapore police. Police perused CCTV footage from the area and zeroed in on Jalaluddin (49) of Washermanpet, arrested him and recovered some of the stolen valuables.

Probe revealed that Jalaluddin was a serial offender and had targeted several such cars using duplicate keys. He was produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody.