The deceased was identified as U Rajesh Kumar (15), a resident of MGR Nagar, Vyasarpadi. Officials said Rajesh is a school dropout.

A week ago, Rajesh allegedly broke into the house of a woman in Kodungaiyur and stole Rs 32,000. Following a complaint, the Kodungaiyur police examined CCTV footage from the locality and identified the boy as a suspect.

As he was a minor, police called his parents and asked them to return the stolen money.

When his parents questioned him about the money, Rajesh took them to a 13-storey building in DD Block, Mullai Nagar, around 10.20 am on Tuesday, claiming that he had hidden the cash there.

After taking his parents to the 13th floor, Rajesh went to the terrace and suddenly fell from the building. He suffered severe head injuries and died on the spot.

The MKB Nagar police rushed to the spot, recovered the body, and sent it to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. The police registered a case and are investigating.

The arrested trio was Mohammed Azharudeen (29), Sara (22) who works as a makeup artist, and a 20-year-old college student whose identity has been withheld. Officials said they were arrested from near the Gengu Reddy subway in Kilpauk, and added that they have recovered about 50 grams of methamphetamine from the accused.

Preliminary probe indicates that the group procured the narcotic in bulk from Bengaluru and Hyderabad and sold it in Chennai at higher rates, targeting gatherings in star hotels and affluent circles.

All three were produced before a court and sent in judicial custody. The police said a hunt is on for three more persons, linked to the supply chain, who are currently absconding.

In a separate case, a 46-year-old man was arrested for possession of 22 kg of opium in Chennai. Based on a tip-off, a special team found a man loitering in a suspicious manner near Prakasam Salai and detained him for questioning. On searching, police found 22 kg of opium concealed in a bag he was carrying.

The accused was identified as Asuram of Madhavaram. Investigation revealed that he had procured the opium from Rajasthan and brought it to Chennai for sale.

The Highways Department has completed 94% of its work, while the Railways is widening the existing bridge on both sides. A senior Highways official said that the remaining road works will begin after the railway portion is completed.

The project will widen the existing three-lane RoB and narrow approach roads to match the IRR’s dual five-lane configuration. The stretch between Padi junction and the bridge is a traffic bottleneck, with the road narrowing to two lanes near Padi railway station on the Villivakkam side. Sharp curves beyond the bridge approach also make the stretch accident-prone.

“We’ve completed 94% of the work. The railway work is at the substructure stage. Once it’s completed, the widened carriageway will be opened to traffic,” the official said.

The department is also planning U-turn service roads beneath the RoB on the Padi and Red Hills sides, for which the state government sanctioned Rs 14.5 crore in July 2025. Highway department officials said that the new service roads would let residents of Villivakkam, Kolathur, Thathankuppam and nearby areas on the right side of the IRR reach Korattur, Red Hills and other localities on the left side without relying on the congested Korattur North junction.

Vehicles heading towards the proposed Greater Chennai Corporation amusement park at Villivakkam tank would also benefit, as they would no longer need to travel up to the Korattur North signal to take a U-turn. Industries in the corridor, including Wheels India, Lucas TVS and Sundaram Clayton, are expected to gain from improved freight movement.

The proposed service roads will range from 354 metres to 424 metres, with 75-metre sections passing beneath the railway span. The design provides more than 5.5 metres of vertical clearance beneath the railway girders. Continuous footpaths are also planned to improve pedestrian safety.

“I don’t particularly follow trends. I love to play with colour. It’s just an extension of expression and feeling,” says Uthara, whose work spans television commercials and feature films across industries.

Uthara began her career styling television commercials before moving into feature films. Her association with filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon, who is also her brother, began with a commercial he directed, eventually opening the door to cinema. Although she has worked on several of his films, including Yennai Arindhaal and Enai Noki Paayum Thota, her work extends beyond that association, with credits across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada cinema.

For Uthara, costume design involves much more than selecting outfits. She develops character concepts and sketches, explores colour palettes and works with the production designer and cinematographer to ensure that the costumes complement the film’s visual language.

“The whole idea is every frame should be seamless. Nothing should stand off or look garish or suddenly disturb your eye,” she explains, adding that the aim is to keep the audience focused on the character and the dialogue.

One of her memorable approaches was styling Trisha’s character in Yennai Arindhaal, who is established as a Bharatanatyam dancer. Uthara gave the character a Bohemian sensibility with a classical touch, using vibrant colours and Indo-western styles.

Her work on period films has offered a different creative challenge. For the Telugu film Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, she developed styling concepts for the cast, including Amitabh Bachchan and Chiranjeevi, drawing on historical references to recreate the clothing of an earlier era. She also recalls the extensive concept-art work involved in Kathanar, which required the team to imagine how people from a distant historical period might have dressed.

It is this freedom to research, sketch and bring an imagined world to life that excites her. The same instinct to experiment with colour, silhouette and detail now finds expression in her independent clothing collection.

At Under the Mango Tree, Uthara brings together everyday wear, party outfits, festive clothing and Indo-western styles, alongside the soft launch of her heritage sari collection, B’less braless everyday wear and Bloom post-mastectomy recovery garments. The collection reflects her preference for pieces that feel distinctive rather than mass-produced or trend-based.

The pop-up also marks the launch of her heritage sari collection, a venture she is developing to revive vintage styles that she believes deserve a place in contemporary wardrobes.

“I am very old school. I love the classic vintage styles and have always tried to take a leaf out of the old,” she says.

She feels that fashion can sometimes be driven by peer pressure and the desire to be seen, rather than by an appreciation of what one genuinely enjoys wearing. Her answer is to bring back styles that are timeless, tasteful and beautiful.

Her eye for fashion was also shaped at home. Uthara credits her mother, whom she describes as a fashionista, for teaching her the importance of tailoring and putting an outfit together. That attention to detail, combined with her own instinct for colour, continues to influence her designs.

The collection experiments with textiles and colour, with dresses crafted from banana silk and hemp silk, alongside flaxseed cotton and natural dyes. Kanchi cotton finds its place in the mix, too, while the heritage sari collection brings vintage weaves into focus. The idea is to bring together varied fabrics, traditional textiles and contemporary silhouettes, reflecting Uthara’s preference for classic styles with an individual touch.

Two of Uthara’s clothing initiatives address specific needs that can be overlooked in mainstream fashion: B’less, her braless everyday-wear line, and Bloom, a functional garment collection for women recovering from mastectomy surgery.

B’less emerged from personal experience. Having lived with neck and shoulder pain, Uthara wanted to explore an alternative that could be comfortable enough for everyday use.

“I just wanted to share my relief with everyone,” she says. The line features form-fitting garments designed to provide a snug fit. For Uthara, the idea is not simply about a different style of dressing, but about making comfort an everyday possibility.

Bloom came from witnessing a more specific and vulnerable experience. Someone close to Uthara was reluctant to be seen in public with the drain bags and tubes required during post-mastectomy recovery. Uthara realised that a simple clothing solution could help conceal them and restore a sense of confidence.

“It was a simple fix of concealment, and it really brought a smile to her face,” she recalls.

The garments are designed to accommodate the practical needs of recovery while allowing women to move around more comfortably instead of feeling confined to their homes. Uthara uses soft, breathable cotton fabrics, mindful of the need to avoid irritating sensitive skin.

She is also exploring ways to extend the usefulness of these garments beyond the initial recovery period. Since they may be needed for only a few weeks, she hopes to repurpose suitable pieces for regular wear or pass them on to women who cannot afford them, potentially through charitable institutions. She is working towards building awareness and connecting with hospitals and medical professionals to take the initiative further.

“I’m a sucker for classic,” she says. In a fashion landscape that often moves at the speed of the next trend, Uthara’s approach is to look back, think differently and create clothes that find a place in real life.

Under the Mango Tree is on at Vinyl and Brew, Alwarpet, Chennai, until October 24. For clothing options, orders and further details, visit utharamenon.com.

The Industry Conclave on AI Governance 2026, organised by the Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI), will focus on ‘AI Measurement and Governance’, bringing together researchers, industry representatives and policy experts.

“Governance that isn’t grounded in measurement remains a statement of intent, not a practice,” said Prof Balaraman Ravindran, head of WSAI and CeRAI, emphasising the need for rigorous evaluation to ensure AI systems are fair, safe and robust.

The conclave will feature keynote addresses by Prof Gopal Ramchurn, University of Southampton professor and CEO of Responsible AI UK, and Prof Mohan Kankanahalli, Provost’s Chair Professor of Computer Science and director of the NUS AI Institute at the National University of Singapore.

Prof Ramchurn said, “The spread of agentic AI raises urgent questions about accountability for autonomous systems, tracing their actions and mitigating risks.” Prof Kankanahalli cautioned that rapid advances in AI capabilities could render benchmarks obsolete, complicating reliable evaluation.

A fireside chat between Ravindran and Rahul Matthan, partner at Trilegal, will explore AI measurement and governance. A panel on AI and consumer rights will feature representatives from Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group, Razorpay, the National University of Juridical Sciences and Google India.

The programme will also showcase startups working on AI evaluation, observability, compliance and governance, alongside CeRAI research, open-source tools and hands-on workshops on responsible AI frameworks. A new research initiative will be launched and a paper announced at the conclave.

The downpour concentrated heavily in the central and southern suburbs, while northern and remaining pockets experienced moderate to light spells.

Very heavy rainfall, recorded in three areas, led by Vadapalani with 132.9 mm, Saidapet with 125.2 mm, and Alandur with 119.4 mm. Heavy to moderate spells at Maduravoyal recorded 112.5 mm, Madipakkam saw 114.6 mm, Valasaravakkam logged 109.6 mm, Nungambakkam recorded 106.8 mm, Adyar registered 104.1 mm, and Korattur hit 96 mm.

Whereas in northern pockets, areas like Ennore recorded 39 mm, Kargil Nagar logged 30 mm, and Thiruvottiyur received 22.8 mm.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) issued an alert valid until 10 am forecasting light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places across Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipettai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagappattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari districts, as well as Karaikal and Puducherry.

Addressing the media, GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran announced that schools in Chennai have been declared holiday due to the persistent rains, with additional water pumps mobilised near school zones as a precautionary measure.

"The weather department has announced that this spell of rain will continue for the next few days. People are advised to avoid entering inundated or high-water areas, and not to enter flooded regions to take videos or watch the water. Stay away from electrical installations, including transformers and pillar boxes, and exercise extreme caution with electrical appliances and installations inside homes," the Commissioner stated.

Acting on directives from the Chief Minister to ensure safe public transport and prevent waterlogging hardships,additional teams and high-horsepower pumps were deployed. Subways were closely monitored to avert morning traffic disruptions, while ministers and senior officials conducted round-the-clock inspections. Authorities are also keeping a close watch on warnings regarding a low-pressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal, said Commissioner. 

AGS Colony emerged as the primary location experiencing standing water, where three 100 HP motors were actively deployed to pump out rainwater.

Up to 5 am on October 21, a total of 1,212 complaints were registered. The majority pertained to waterlogging and inundation, alongside over 50 grievances concerning tree falls and non-functional streetlights, commissioner said.  Most waterlogging and tree-falling complaints have already been cleared. Streetlight repairs have been mandated for resolution within 24 hours. Complaints are strictly closed in the system only after field engineers upload before-and-after photographs.

The majority of complaints originated from the Core City region attributed to higher population density and awareness of the 1913 helpline alongside inputs from North Chennai zones like Manali and Madhavaram. Officials noted that these grievances serve as an essential feedback loop, working alongside Automatic Weather Stations to gauge real-time public impact, he said. 

Complaints continue to be tracked across multiple channels, including the 1913 helpline, social media, the online web portal, the PGR mobile app, and media reports, he added.

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:

October 20 - Rs 107.77

October 19 - Rs 107.77

October 18 - Rs 107.77

October 17 - Rs 107.77

October 16 - Rs 107.77

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

October 20 - Rs 99.55

October 19 - Rs 99.55

October 18 - Rs 99.55

October 17 - Rs 99.55

October 16 - Rs 99.55

The Chennai Rivers Transformation Company Ltd (CRTC) has sought consultancy services through the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Ltd (TNUIFSL) for preparing the DPR and tender documents for the proposed works, excluding plantations. The consultant is required to complete the assignment within 30 days of the Letter of Award.

The three pilot stretches identified are Napier Bridge to the Cooum river mouth (0.5 km), Swami Sivananda Salai to Periyar Bridge (1.2 km), and Link Road to Dams Road (2 km). The terms of reference require the consultant to assess river conditions, encroachments, sewage outfalls and surrounding land use, besides preparing detailed engineering designs, drawings, cost estimates and maintenance plans. Concept plans for all three stretches are already being prepared.

The Greater Chennai Corporation has prepared and tendered the plantation plan for the first two stretches, while the plan for the Link Road–Dams Road stretch is to be tendered shortly. Plantation works are excluded from the present consultancy assignment. The project seeks to improve the riverfront and its interface with surrounding urban areas, which have been affected by rapid urbanisation, encroachments, untreated wastewater and solid-waste accumulation.

The proposed DPR will establish the technical and financial framework for implementing the riverfront works across the three pilot stretches in central Chennai. The initiative is envisaged as part of a broader effort to improve the Cooum’s environmental condition and create accessible public spaces along the waterway.

In 1994, shortly after graduating, a group of 10 to 15 painting students came together for an exhibition at the Madras Museum. Though they went their separate ways afterwards, pursuing different careers and interests, the connection they shared through art remained.

“After college, we did a show in 1994. We all went our separate ways, but after 32 years, we decided to come together again,” says Anbu, one of the participating artists and a photographer.

This time, the reunion brings together artists working across painting, ceramics, sculpture and visual communication. Many have pursued other professions alongside their artistic practices, making the exhibition an opportunity to reconnect with their creative roots.

Unlike their first exhibition, which featured only paintings, Unbound Juncture explores different mediums, materials and social themes. The works reflect the artists’ individual journeys, offering a glimpse of how their perspectives and practices have evolved over the years.

“The exhibition has come together very well. We have received positive feedback from visitors, especially about how we have come together after so many years and how our work reflects a more mature perspective,” Anbu says.

The inauguration was a special occasion for the participating artists, who welcomed visitors and exchanged thoughts about their works. Eminent artist and film art director Thota Tharani also visited the exhibition, spending time with the artists and engaging with their creations. For the participants, Unbound Juncture is more than a group exhibition. It is a reunion shaped by decades of individual experiences, a chance to revisit shared beginnings and an opportunity to see how their artistic journeys have unfolded. Unbound Juncture is on view at Lalit Kala Akademi until October 22.

Heavy rain lashed several parts of Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts through the night, while the Regional Meteorological Department has forecast further rainfall.

The Regional Meteorological Department has said that yesterday’s upper air cyclonic circulation over Southwest Bay of Bengal off North Tamil Nadu coast now lay over Southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast extending upto 5.8 km above mean sea level.

A low-pressure area is likely to form over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Tamil Nadu coast on Wednesday. Due to this weather system, heavy to very heavy rain is likely to continue across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26.

Thunderstorm and lightning with gusty winds speed reaching 40-50 kmph is likely to occur at one or two places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal area till October 26.

The awards ceremony, held on Vijayadashami, recognised educators from government and private schools associated with Rotary Clubs across the district for their contributions to education and student development.

The Vocational Service Team screened more than 300 nominations before a distinguished jury shortlisted 113 teachers for the honours. The selection criteria included professional qualifications, a minimum of 20 years of teaching experience, positive contributions to students’ academic and personal growth, ethical standards and commitment to professional development.

Rotary District Governor Shriram Duvvuri led the initiative, with the support from Aasaan Awards 2026 chairman Arulkanth Jayakanthan and district director for vocational service R Balasubramanian. State Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Digital Services, R Kumar, was the chief guest, while Anna Nagar MLA V K Ramkumar was the guest of honour.

More than 750 guests, including education officials, school principals, educationists, Rotarians and the awardees’ families attended the event. The initiative aimed to promote public appreciation of the teaching profession and recognise educators’ contributions to shaping future generations.

The accused was identified as Kumarasan (30), who is alleged to have harassed three boys housed in the facility last week and forced them to indulge in a sexual act in his presence.

According to the police, the matter surfaced on October 17 after the children reported the incident to their parents. The parents allegedly manhandled the warden on October 18, following which the Social Welfare Department was alerted and a formal complaint was filed.

The complaint was initially received by the Kasimedu police and later forwarded to the Royapuram All Women Police Station for further action.

Based on the complaint, police booked Kumarasan under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act and arrested him. He was produced before a magistrate and was granted bail.

Meanwhile, the Social Welfare department has suspended the warden and initiated departmental proceedings. Child welfare authorities have also begun a separate inquiry to verify if any other staff were aware of the incident and failed to report it.

The 505-bed hospital receives around 1,500 to 2,000 outpatients daily and serves as a referral centre for Southern Railway and other railway zones.

Sathiyabalan, former Telecom advisory committee member, has written to Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, urging him to direct Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to improve mobile connectivity across the hospital premises. He stated that repeated requests from the hospital to BSNL had gone unanswered.

According to the letter, patients visiting the outpatient departments face difficulties registering through mobile applications due to poor network connectivity, particularly in the new outpatient department complex. Lab investigations that require one-time passwords (OTPs) generated through online systems and delivered via SMS are also delayed.

The connectivity issue affects doctors and other hospital staff as well, given the large area covered by the campus. Poor network coverage makes it difficult for staff to contact colleagues during emergencies, the letter stated.

“The hospital’s Medical Director had written to the BSNL Chennai Circle twice, in November last year and September this year, seeking improvements in network connectivity. However, no response had been received, even at the Chief General Manager (CGM) level,” Sathiyabalan alleged.

He urged the Union Minister to direct the BSNL Chairman and Managing Director to instruct the Chennai Circle CGM to resolve the issue and ensure reliable mobile connectivity throughout the hospital complex.

On Tuesday, School Education Minister Raj Mohan visited Jothi Venkatachalam Road in Ward 58 to oversee the trimming of hazardous tree branches. He also inspected rainwater clearance on Alagappa Road, where 100 HP high-capacity suction pumps were in use, and reviewed the Integrated Command and Control Centre at Ripon Building.

Corporation Commissioner GS Sameeran inspected safety works at the Puzhal surplus canal on Madhavaram Red Hills Road. He reviewed completed stormwater drain works and instructed officials to ensure continuous monitoring.

The GCC has removed 78,161 branches across all zones as of October 20. In the Central Region, covering Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Ambattur, Anna Nagar, Teynampet and Kodambakkam zones, workers cleared branches from 731 trees at 50 locations on October 20 and 21. Medical camps are also being held across the city.

Metro Water has deployed 580 machines, including 289 desilting machines, 73 high-speed suction vehicles, 43 jetting-cum-sucker machines and 173 jetting machines, for drainage clearance. To safeguard public health, daily drinking water quality tests have been doubled to 1,800 samples across 15 zones. It has also floated tenders under the CM Perambur Constituency fund for four desilting machines, two 2,000-litre jet rodding machines, four 9,000-litre jet rodding machines and three 8,000-litre Super Suckers.

An official told DT Next, “Vehicles are usually procured based on need, on completion of sewer lines in added areas, and to replace old ones. After assessment, the department plans to procure 13 additional machines.”

A 24/7 control room is operational at headquarters, along with IoT-enabled monitoring at all sewage pumping stations.

For complaints, call 1916 or WhatsApp 8144930308

The ritual, held between 7.30 am and 10 am, was organised for children aged between two-and-a-half and three-and-a-half years. Their fingers were gently guided as they traced the first letter, symbolising the beginning of their educational journey.

L Adimoolam, publisher of Dinamalar’s Coimbatore edition and director of operations; actor Y Gee Mahendra; IIT-Madras Director V Kamakoti; and singer-lyricist Ravi Murrugaiah were among those who participated in the ceremony and helped children write the letter on rice. The occasion drew families seeking the blessings of Vadapalani Andavar for their children’s education.

Vidyarambham, traditionally observed on Vijayadashami, is considered an auspicious initiation into learning, with elders guiding children as they write their first letters. The ceremony followed the Navaratri celebrations, during which the Goddess was adorned in special forms each day as part of the traditional Sakthi Golu.

On Tuesday, the concluding day of the festivities, the deity appeared in Saraswati alankaram, honouring the Goddess associated with knowledge, learning and the arts. Special pujas and deeparadhana were held in the morning and evening, followed by Sahasranama chanting, Vedic recitations, Thevaram hymns and devotional songs.

Thousands of devotees visited the temple during the festivities. Daily competitions for children, with prizes for participants, were also organised to nurture their interest in spirituality and encourage them to visit the temple.

However, the resulting supply surplus offers consumers an opportunity to purchase essential vegetables at lower costs.

Speaking to DT Next, president of the Koyambedu Semi-Wholesale Vegetable Traders Association said, “Due to intermittent rain and low customer footfall during the festival period, stock that arrived at markets across districts and State could not be sold properly. A similar trend prevailed on Tuesday, as conditions remained unchanged. An aggregate of nearly 10,000 tonnes of vegetables arrive daily from various parts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.”

Out of that supply, an overall calculation shows that over 2,000 tonnes, including brinjal, ladies finger, carrots, and other produce, go to waste. “As a direct result, wholesale prices for most vegetables have gradually dropped by around Rs 5. Compared to October 16, vegetable prices on October 20 have dipped. While items like carrots saw a sharper reduction of Rs 10, onion prices remained completely unchanged,” he noted

A kilo of onions cost Rs 58 since October 16, shallots were priced at Rs 100, green chillies at Rs 55, ladies finger at Rs 15, brinjal at Rs 25 per kg, and cabbage at Rs 10 per kg.

With Veerangal Odai blocking access, residents from these localities have no other option but to take a long detour to reach the MRTS Inner Ring Road and thereby access other station entrances. “We’ve appealed to SR so many times. The block, despite being hardly 500 metres away from our neighbourhood, continues to remain shut,” said Geetha Ganesh, secretary, AGS Colony Residents’ Welfare Association.

The block has lifts, escalator, ticketing counter and ample parking space remain deserted with residents using that block just as a shortcut route to reach the MRTS road. “People who have to walk struggle more. Being in interior streets, there is no access to public transport. So there is no other way to either walk around 1.5 km or seek help,” pointed out Saravanan.

Many residents lamented the state of affairs as the opening of the railway station after a decade-long wait had not made any difference to them. For making the block functional, two RWAs’ have appealed to SR to modify a section of the existing railway compound wall and construct a pedestrian-and-cycle passage across Veerangal Odai. “This passage would provide direct connection to the road as well as the station,” they said.

The Velachery West–AGS Colony RWA and Saraswathy Nagar RWA said that the proposed passage would improve connectivity between residential areas on either side of the MRTS Inner Ring Road (IRR). They have sought a joint inspection by railway officials and representatives of both associations to examine the feasibility of the connection. Acknowledging the challenges, a senior official from Southern Railway told DT Next, “We’re looking into the possibilities to open the entrance.”

In a video posted on social media, Priya said she had lodged complaints with the city police commissioner over the circulation of allegedly misleading videos on social media but no action had been taken so far. She said she had filed another complaint on Tuesday after fresh content targeting her appeared online.

Priya alleged that whenever she criticised the TVK government over administrative lapses, edited videos misrepresenting her were circulated on platforms such as Facebook and X. She claimed that the online abuse was not only damaging her public image but also affecting her personal life.

Questioning the government's commitment to women's safety and rights, Priya asked why Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had remained silent despite her repeated complaints. She said the alleged online attacks against women in public life were condemnable and could create fear among women aspiring to enter politics.

Priya also alleged that several civic works undertaken by the Greater Chennai Corporation had been cancelled or kept on hold since the TVK government assumed office in May. She claimed that funds meant for the corporation had not been released and said the DMK had raised objections to these decisions at various forums.

Priya said DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi had reprimanded a DMK woman councillor over remarks made at a public meeting. She also cited the intervention of DMK district secretary P K Sekar Babu at the same event, contrasting their response with what she described as the TVK leadership's failure to condemn alleged misconduct by its functionaries and supporters.

She questioned whether Vijay or any of his ministers had publicly reprimanded TVK functionaries over similar incidents, alleging that online abuse was being used to demean women.

Priya contrasted this with what she described as the TVK government's failure to condemn alleged misconduct by its functionaries and supporters. She asked whether the chief minister or his ministers had publicly reprimanded party members over similar incidents.

Despite the alleged online attacks and lack of action on her complaints, Priya said she would continue her work for the public, adding that she had the support of the DMK leadership and Chennai district party functionaries.

The Police Martyrs Day observance will be held at 8 am at the Martyrs Column in front of the Director General of Police office. In this connection, traffic changes will be enforced from 7.30 am to 9 am.

Vehicles coming from Santhome High Road towards Gandhi Statue will be diverted at Karaneeswarar Koil Street towards Karaneeswarar Pagoda Street, Ambedkar Bridge, and Dr Natesan Road. Vehicles from Labour Statue towards Gandhi Statue will be diverted at Labour Statue junction towards Wallajah Road.

All vehicles from Ice House towards Kamarajar Salai will be diverted at Besant Road junction towards Kannagi junction. No vehicles will be allowed beyond the MRTS-RK Salai junction towards Gandhi Statue.

MTC buses from Mylapore to Parrys will be diverted via Royapettah, Music Academy, TTK Road, and Anna Salai. All commercial and heavy vehicles will be prohibited on Kamarajar Salai from Napier Bridge to Light House.

The accused, Kumari Kala of Malaipattu village near Sriperumbudur in Kancheepuram district, had worked as a senior superintendent at Chennai airport before taking voluntary retirement in 2025.

After retirement, she reportedly operated a goods vehicle rental business under a contract at the Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) in Tambaram Sanatorium. Her work frequently took her to the airport's cargo section at Meenambakkam.

Officials said Kala allegedly claimed she could secure well-paid airport jobs for educated youths from the families of the goods vehicle drivers working under her. She reportedly collected between Rs 1lakh and Rs 2 lakh from each person and issued job application forms.

However, the applicants who paid the money that she demanded did not receive the job even after six months. When they questioned her, Kala allegedly told them their applications had been sent to the AAI headquarters in Delhi and that appointment orders would follow.

It was only later that the drivers learnt that Kala had retired and was no longer associated with the airport. When they asked her to return the money, she went into hiding.

Twelve drivers and their family members subsequently lodged a complaint with the Joint Commissioner of Police (South), following which the Chennai airport police registered a case and formed a special team to trace her. The team arrested her two days ago.

The investigation reportedly revealed that she had allegedly collected money from others on similar promises even while in service, and that the AAI had previously conducted a departmental inquiry against her.

Based on the complaints from the 12 victims, the police registered a case involving Rs 23 lakh, produced her before a court, which remanded her in custody at the Puzhal central prison.

Internationally, air traffic control services began 104 years ago, and World Air Traffic Controller Day is observed on October 20 to recognise the contribution of air traffic controllers to aviation safety. The ATC operations at Chennai airport commenced in 1932 and have completed 94 years.

Addressing the gathering virtually from Delhi, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu noted that the Indian air traffic controllers manage a vast airspace covering approximately 2.8 million square nautical miles, nearly three times the country's land area. They work 24 hours a day and 365 days a year to ensure the safety of thousands of aircraft that fly through this airspace every day.

Apart from ensuring flight safety, air traffic controllers are responsible for maintaining efficient aircraft movements and enabling flights to operate smoothly and quickly, while avoiding unnecessary delays. He added that the responsibilities of air traffic controllers were increasing day by day due to the growing number of aircraft in India, the establishment of new airports, the increasing preference for air travel among passengers, and improvements in aircraft technology.

Naidu also emphasised the importance of ensuring the physical and mental fitness of air traffic control officers. Their physical and mental fitness is assessed daily as well as at specified intervals, which is mandatory to ensure that they remain physically and mentally fit to perform their duties safely whenever they are called upon to work.

Air traffic control has become increasingly important as air travel gains popularity and the number of flights continues to rise, resulting in growing traffic in the skies. The ATC system regulates and coordinates aircraft movements to ensure safe and orderly operations. The system monitors and manages various types of aircraft, including passenger planes, cargo aircraft, medical air ambulances and helicopters, ensuring that they operate safely within designated airspace.

The yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,07,920 per sovereign and Rs 13,490 per gram, a decrease of Rs 80 per gram.

Earlier, on October 19, the yellow metal was priced at Rs 1,08,560 per sovereign and Rs 13,570 per gram.

Silver prices remain unchanged

Meanwhile, silver prices remain unchanged and continue to sell at Rs 240 per gram (Rs 2,40,000 per kg) on October 20.

On October 19, silver was priced at Rs 240 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 95,360 per sovereign (Rs 11,920 per gram) on October 20, 2025, to Rs 1,07,920 per sovereign (Rs 13,490 per gram) on October 20, 2026, marking an increase of Rs 12,560 per sovereign or about 13.17%.

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

October 19, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,08,560 | 1 gram - Rs 13,570

October 17, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,08,280 | 1 gram - Rs 13,535

October 16, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,08,120 | 1 gram - Rs 13,515

October 15, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,08,120 | 1 gram - Rs 13,515

October 14, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,08,720 | 1 gram - Rs 13,590

Silver price over the last five days:

October 19, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 240

October 17, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 240

October 16, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 240

October 15, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 240

October 14, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

The IndiGo flight was scheduled to depart from Chennai domestic airport at 5.40 pm. Passengers had arrived at the airport about an hour before departure and boarded the aircraft after completing the usual security checks.

Chennai airport receives bomb threat ahead of IndiGo flight departure

Just as the flight was preparing for departure, the Chennai airport control room received information claiming that a bomb had been planted on the Goa-bound aircraft and would explode shortly.

Following the threat, the flight was immediately denied permission to take off and was brought back to the parking bay.

Security personnel rushed to the spot with sniffer dogs and evacuated all passengers and crew members from the aircraft.

Bomb squad searches Chennai-Goa flight and passengers' luggage

All baggage, including hand luggage, was unloaded from the aircraft for inspection. Passengers were also checked and moved to a safe area while security teams began examining their belongings one by one.

The search continued for nearly three hours with the help of sniffer dogs. No explosives had been found so far, while 48 pieces of baggage were still being examined.

Bomb detection and disposal squads, security personnel and sniffer dog teams continued their checks at the airport.

The incident caused tension in the departure area of Chennai airport as security officials carried out the inspection.

The accused, Kumari Kala, a resident of Malaipattu village near Sriperumbudur in Kancheepuram district, had worked as a senior superintendent at Chennai airport before taking voluntary retirement in 2025.

After retirement, she reportedly operated a goods vehicle rental business under a contract at the Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) in Tambaram Sanatorium. Her work frequently took her to the airport's cargo section at Meenambakkam.

Police said Kala allegedly claimed she could secure well-paid airport jobs for educated youths from the families of the goods vehicle drivers working under her. She reportedly collected between Rs one lakh and Rs two lakh from each person and issued purported job application forms.

Even after six months, the applicants received no appointments. When questioned, she allegedly told them their applications had been sent to the AAI headquarters in Delhi and that appointment orders would follow.

The drivers later learnt that Kala had retired and was no longer associated with the airport. When they sought refunds, she allegedly went into hiding.

Twelve drivers and their family members subsequently lodged a complaint with the South Chennai Joint Commissioner of Police. Chennai airport police registered a case and formed a special team to trace her.

Kala was arrested two days ago and questioned. The investigation reportedly revealed that she had allegedly collected money from others on similar promises even while in service, and that the AAI had previously conducted a departmental inquiry against her.

Based on the complaints from the 12 victims, police registered a case involving Rs 23 lakh, produced her before a court and remanded her to Puzhal prison.

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:

October 19 - Rs 107.77

October 18 - Rs 107.77

October 17 - Rs 107.77

October 16 - Rs 107.77

October 15 - Rs 107.77

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

October 19 - Rs 99.55

October 18 - Rs 99.55

October 17 - Rs 99.55

October 16 - Rs 99.55

October 15 - Rs 99.55

"We have deployed around 600 pump sets of various capacities—500 mid-level pumps and 150 high-HP capacity pumps. We have also mobilised additional vehicles, including JCBs, and pre-positioned all of them," he said.

Speaking about the Corporation's preparedness, Sameeran said, "This is a year where there is a Super El Niño, where the Pacific is heated up more than three degrees Celsius, and it has an impact all over the globe. This year, we had predictions that this Northeast monsoon is going to be unpredictable—the prediction itself is that it is going to be unpredictable."

"In that case, we have to be prepared for the worst-case scenario and hope for the best. Our priority actions are along those lines," he said. Sameeran said Chief Minister Vijay had inspected the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) and held a briefing meeting with officials on Sunday, emphasising the need to focus on mitigation in the event of extreme weather.

"The Chief Minister inspected and held a briefing meeting with all of us yesterday at our ICCC, the Integrated Command and Control Centre, and emphasised the same: if there is an extreme weather event, we must focus on mitigation. This is how we are focusing our preparedness: First, keeping our infrastructure, workforce, and material ready. Specifically, we have mobilised 15,000 personnel to work through the night, including sanitary workers," he said.

"Crucially, we pre-positioned most of these personnel and materials by the 10th of this month before the event occurred on the 17th. This timely pre-positioning has helped us a great deal," Sameeran added. Yesterday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay visited Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) headquarters on Sunday to review preparedness for the northeast monsoon and assess the city's rain-related situation.

During his visit to the GCC headquarters, the Chief Minister monitored live CCTV camera feeds and reviewed the situation in a control room (war room), focusing on subways, waterlogging-prone roads and other vulnerable areas. The high-level review was to monitor the precautionary measures, waterlogging management, and the monitoring of vulnerable locations across the city. (ANI)

Friends raise alarm after boys disappear

The incident occurred when the two boys went further into the lake and suddenly found themselves in difficulty. Their friends, who were on the shore, raised an alarm and called for help after seeing them disappear beneath the water. The other children later informed their parents about the incident. The parents alerted the police, following which personnel from the Ambattur police station and the fire and rescue services reached the spot.

Fire and rescue personnel recover bodies

Fire and rescue personnel launched a search operation in the lake to locate the missing boys. After searching the water, they recovered the bodies of Akhilram and Tharun Akash. The recovery brought the search operation to an end, leaving the families and friends of the two students devastated. The bodies were subsequently taken for the necessary procedures. The Ambattur police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. Further details are expected to emerge as part of the inquiry.

The price rise brought some relief to fishermen, who had expected higher sales following the end of the Tamil month of Purattasi.

Kasimedu is one of Chennai's major fishing harbours, supplying fish to different parts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. The market usually attracts large crowds on weekends, especially Sundays.

However, despite the beginning of the Tamil month of Aippasi, fewer customers visited the market than expected. Fishermen who returned from the sea also reported catching mostly smaller varieties of fish.

Kasimedu fish market: Latest prices of seer fish, prawns and squid

Speaking about the situation, Kapilan, honorary president of the Chennai Mechanised Boat Fishermen Welfare Association, said many people avoided non-vegetarian food ahead of Ayudha Puja, resulting in fewer customers at the market.

"Despite the low turnout, fish prices have increased compared to October 11, which is a welcome development for fishermen," he said.

According to market rates, an 18-kg basket of Sankara (red snapper) was sold for Rs 5,000, Paarai (trevally) for Rs 5,000, prawns for Rs 4,000 and Kanava (squid) for Rs 5,000.

Vanjaram (seer fish) was sold at Rs 800 per kg, while Kal Eral (rock lobster) was priced at Rs 450 per kg. Ayala (mackerel) was sold for fish oil production.

Fishermen expect a larger crowd at the Kasimedu fish market next Sunday (October 25), with more people likely to return to buying fish after the festival.

It has warned that a few places in Chennai could receive heavy rain, with occasional very heavy spells. The city is expected to remain generally cloudy, with a maximum temperature of 32-33 degree Celsius and a minimum of 24-25 degree Celsius.

Heavy rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and strong winds of 40-50 kmph is also likely in several other districts of Tamil Nadu, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal.

The rainfall activity is being influenced by an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coast, with a trough extending to the northwest Bay of Bengal, the weather department added.

On Saturday night, the northeast monsoon entered an active phase, with several parts of the city witnessing heavy rains, leaving many localities inundated and causing traffic disruptions. North Chennai bore the initial brunt, recording between 6 cm and 10 cm of rainfall in less than an hour.

Following the overnight downpour, the weather department issued a red alert for Chennai on Sunday but later downgraded it to yellow, while issuing an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places across Tamil Nadu.

What is the rain forecast for Tamil Nadu in the coming days?

October 20: Orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain in isolated places in Theni, Tirunelveli and Madurai districts. Yellow alert for heavy rain in several other districts, including Chennai, Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Salem, Tiruchy and Kanniyakumari, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal.

October 21: Orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Madurai, Theni, Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli and Dindigul districts. Yellow alert for heavy rain in Chennai and several other districts.

October 22: Yellow alert for heavy rain in several districts, including the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari.

October 23: Yellow alert for heavy rain in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Salem, Namakkal, Tiruchy, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Dindigul and Madurai districts.

October 24: Yellow alert for heavy rain in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Erode, Tiruppur, Namakkal, Tiruchy, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thanjavur, Madurai, Pudukkottai, Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.

(The IMD classifies rainfall alerts as yellow for 6–11 cm, orange for 12–20 cm and red for over 20 cm of rainfall within 24 hours)

The yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,08,560 per sovereign and Rs 13,570 per gram, an increase of Rs 35 per gram.

Earlier, on October 17, the yellow metal was priced at Rs 1,08,280 per sovereign and Rs 13,535 per gram.

Silver prices remain unchanged

Meanwhile, silver prices remain unchanged and continue to sell at Rs 240 per gram (Rs 2,40,000 per kg) on October 19.

On October 17, silver was priced at Rs 240 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 59,750 per sovereign (Rs 11,950 per gram) on October 18, 2025, to Rs 1,08,560 per sovereign (Rs 13,570 per gram) on October 19, 2026, marking an increase of Rs 48,810 per sovereign or about 81.69%.

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

October 17, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,08,280 | 1 gram - Rs 13,535

October 16, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,08,120 | 1 gram - Rs 13,515

October 15, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,08,120 | 1 gram - Rs 13,515

October 14, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,08,720 | 1 gram - Rs 13,590

October 13, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,09,480 | 1 gram - Rs 13,685

Silver price over the last five days:

October 17, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 240

October 16, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 240

October 15, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 240

October 14, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

October 13, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 245

Speaking to reporters in Tirunelveli, he said experts had forecast that the northeast monsoon could bring heavy rainfall within short periods, following below-normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon.

“Several countries are facing drought conditions due to Super El Niño. The southwest monsoon rainfall was low, and experts have said that the northeast monsoon could bring heavy rainfall within a short period,” he said.

Shahjahan said water had stagnated in several parts of Chennai after Saturday’s heavy spell but claimed the situation was rectified immediately. He added that precautionary steps were being taken to prevent damage during the northeast monsoon.

Shahjahan said the party was under pressure to strengthen its position, pointing to a decline in its vote share in Dharapuram and Madurantakam, constituencies where it had previously been influential. He questioned whether the party was trying to rebuild its strength by inducting actors, referring to remarks by AIADMK leader KT Rajenthra Bhalaji, who invited actor Dhanush to join the Dravidian major.

“In a democracy, anyone can enter politics. People come into politics with the intention of serving the public, but it is the people who decide who should come to power,” he said. The minister also said the TVK was ideologically opposed to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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 Monday.

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:

October 18 - Rs 107.77

October 17 - Rs 107.77

October 16 - Rs 107.77

October 15 - Rs 107.77

October 14 - Rs 107.77

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

October 18 - Rs 99.55

October 17 - Rs 99.55

October 16 - Rs 99.55

October 15 - Rs 99.55

October 14 - Rs 99.55

Though the work has been completed, only stones have been placed over the excavated portion, leaving the stretch uneven.

With vehicles continuing to use the busy road, the uneven surface and pothole-like portions are causing inconvenience to motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders. Motorists are forced to slow down while crossing the stretch as vehicles shake when passing over the uneven portion.

Residents said the damaged stretch posed a safety risk for both pedestrians and motorists. A resident, Sanjay, said, “The uneven portion is very difficult to cross. In particular, two-wheeler riders struggle as vehicles become unstable while passing over the pothole. Children and elderly people also face difficulty while crossing this stretch. Minor accidents have been occurring occasionally.”

Concurring with him was auto driver Sarath, who added: “At night, there is a risk of accidents as motorists may not notice the uneven portion and fall into it. A ‘Go Slow’ warning board should be placed near the stretch for the safety of motorists, especially those unfamiliar with the road.” A senior TNPDCL official told DT Next that the cable-laying work was completed and stones were temporarily placed over the excavated portion. “The road will be restored and concrete laid over the stretch soon,” he said.

A tribute to the Cholas through Ponniyin Selvan

When visitors look at Ramya Shankar’s Golu, they might recognise a character from Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films before identifying the historical figure behind it. For Ramya, that moment of recognition is what makes her theme worthwhile. “I have always felt that the Chola dynasty deserves so much more recognition than it receives today,” she says, pointing to the dynasty’s contributions to architecture, temple construction, administration, trade and maritime expeditions. Her display is a personal tribute to the Chola kings and their legacy, drawing inspiration from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s celebrated historical novel and the renewed interest generated by its film adaptations.

Ponniyin Selvan offers a compelling entry point into a larger historical world. Ramya wanted her Golu to give visitors a glimpse of that world, including those who may not have read the novel. She finds it amusing when visitors identify a character by the actor who portrayed them rather than by the character’s name. Yet she sees this familiarity as an opportunity to spark conversations about the story and the history behind it.

Translating a richly imagined literary world into a physical display presented its own challenges. The palaces, costumes and settings that readers visualise while reading the novel had to be recreated within the practical constraints of a Golu arrangement. The setup took a day, followed by another day of photographing the display, with adjustments along the way to bring the overall vision together.

For Ramya, Golu need not be restricted to deities and mythology. She believes traditions should evolve and make room for new ideas while retaining their essence. If the display encourages even a few visitors to explore Kalki’s novel or learn more about the Cholas, she considers it a meaningful way to celebrate Tamil literature and history.

Aalayam: A divine temple tour powered by technology

What if a visit to a traditional South Indian temple could be experienced through a Golu display at home? That is the idea behind Vijay Rajan N and his family’s Aalayam: A Divine Temple Tour, an elaborate presentation comprising 35 themes and sub-themes.

Conceived as a journey through temple life, the display takes visitors through a Golu mandapam and temple gopurams to the mada veedhi, theppakulam, goshalai, sannidhis, chariot processions and prasadam seva. Each section represents a different aspect of temple life, bringing together architecture, rituals, spirituality and community life.

The family has also incorporated technology to animate parts of the display. A moving golden chariot, a moving ther veethi ula model and an AI-assisted Kumbhabhishegam presentation add movement and visual interest to the traditional arrangement. For Rajan, however, technology is meant to enhance the experience rather than replace the spiritual essence of Golu.

The preparation involved months of conceptualisation and around five months of dedicated work. The family planned the themes, sourced dolls and props, designed the layouts and coordinated the arrangements across multiple floors and rooms. One of the challenges was ensuring that the 35 sections retained their individual identities while contributing to a coherent temple journey.

Beyond the grand deities and illuminated chariot, Rajan says, the smaller details matter too. Scenes depicting prasadam seva and temple administration draw attention to the service, discipline and collective effort that sustain a temple. The family hopes the display will encourage younger visitors to engage with their cultural heritage through a combination of traditional storytelling and technology.

The family’s efforts earned recognition from the India Book of Records in 2024 and World Records India for its 2025 Golu achievement, which was recognised in 2026. Yet Rajan sees the experience primarily as a family endeavour and an opportunity to share traditions with visitors. The display is open to visitors at 43 Sakthi Vinayagar Koil Street, Vinayagapuram, Ambattur.

Bringing the spirit of Golu to a retirement home

At a retirement home, the most meaningful part of Golu may not be the grandeur of the display but the sight of residents dressing up for the festival, joining the puja and recalling celebrations with their families. That is the experience the Mylapore Trio, comprising Amarnath, Aparna and Surendranath, hopes to create through its initiative to introduce thematic Golus at a retirement home.

The trio has created two displays at different locations. At the retirement home, the main theme explores Shaivam and Vaishnavam, presenting their deities, stories, temples and philosophical traditions through carefully arranged dolls. At their own home, the second display explores Dvayam Tattvam, the idea of pairs and dualities, through religious figures and stories.

The initiative is rooted in the cultural and philanthropic values instilled in the trio by their foster parents, Sunkhi and Rajasekaran. Having promoted cultural activities among younger generations, they wanted to extend the experience to senior citizens, many of whom live apart from their children and grandchildren.

Aparna recalls encouraging residents to bring out their traditional sarees and clothes and dress up for the celebrations. Some asked their children to send their clothes so they could participate. The festivities have grown into social gatherings where residents perform puja, receive prasadam, sing and recite slokas, and learn about the stories behind the dolls.

Daily morning and evening aarti, naivedyam and storytelling sessions help recreate familiar festival routines. Residents also call their children to share that they have performed puja that day, bringing their families into the experience even from a distance. Surendranath says residents often sit for half an hour or longer to listen to the stories, despite the discomfort that can accompany age and health concerns.

The shelter roof and some of its supporting pillars are in poor condition, with a few pillars seen leaning. A portion of the structure has also been tied with ropes as a temporary safety measure, prompting the public to fear that it could collapse at any time.

Damaged structure poses safety risk

The shelter is located close to a temple and fair price shop, and with regular movement of residents in the area. Several employees working in nearby IT companies and other shops also use the footpath on this stretch. Residents fear that the damaged structure could collapse any time, posing a risk to pedestrians and motorists.

A shopkeeper, Anand, said, “The shelter may have been damaged after a large vehicle hit it during the night. Since the incident happened at night, it is not clear who hit the structure. People are now hesitant to go near the fair price shop. As a result, many are forced to walk on the road instead of using the shelter area.”

Residents seek immediate removal

Another resident, Suresh, pointed out that vehicles moved in both directions along the stretch from Kodambakkam High Road towards Valluvar Kottam as it’s a two-way road. “At night, visibility is lower, and if any part of the damaged shelter collapses, motorists and pedestrians may find it difficult to notice it in time. This could lead to accidents. The damaged shelter should therefore be removed immediately,” he opined.

Police identify person responsible

A senior Corporation official told DT Next that a case had been registered in connection with the incident and that the police had identified the person responsible for damaging the shelter. “Safety measures have been taken to prevent people from approaching the damaged structure,” he added.

Though the structure was bent due to the impact, it has been temporarily secured with ropes. There is no impact on bus services as buses are not operated on this particular stretch of the road.

Police began investigations after an official with the private firm engaged by the Corporation for cleanliness work in Zone 10 found the fraud and filed a complaint. The supervisor, Karthikeyan, had allegedly marked attendance for one Mahalakshmi as a cleanliness worker, though she never reported for duty.

Her salary of Rs 19,800 per month, totalling Rs 98,930 for five months, was credited to her son's bank account. Her son, Pandian, also works as a cleanliness worker in the same firm.

A police team from St Thomas Mount station verified muster rolls, salary sheets and bank transactions and found that Karthikeyan and Pandian had colluded to execute the fraud. Karthikeyan had been collecting a monthly commission from Pandian for facilitating the fraud.

The police arrested Pandian (29) of Annai Sathya Nagar in Arumbakkam on Saturday and recovered Rs 40,000 cash from him. He was produced before a magistrate and remanded in prison. Police said efforts are on to trace Karthikeyan, who is the main accused and is absconding. Further investigations are under way.

The development comes days after Priya presided over a DMK protest against the TVK government, alleging that elected corporation representatives were being sidelined in monsoon preparedness activities.

Deputy Mayor M Mageshkumar also expressed displeasure over what he described as protocol breaches, communication delays and a lack of response from officials. He said he was not invited to Ripon Building during the Chief Minister’s visit.

Criticising the unavailability of civic officials for field inspections, Mageshkumar said requests for inspections were often met with the response that officials were occupied with meetings with higher authorities. He cited an instance in which a request for a morning inspection received a response only in the evening.

Speaking to the media on Sunday morning, GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran acknowledged that the stormwater drain (SWD) network was functioning. Mageshkumar, meanwhile, pointed out that the existing stormwater drain network had been constructed during the DMK regime.

During inspections around 1 am on Sunday, Mageshkumar visited Broadway, Triplicane, Anna Salai and Egmore. Along General Patters Road, he found plastic waste blocking catchpits, potentially obstructing rainwater flow.

He urged the civic body to temporarily increase the number of workers deployed to clear waste and maintain stormwater drains to improve the city’s response to the ongoing monsoon.

At present, it houses the headquarters of both Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and also the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), and also two MTC depots.

Sources in the government said the MTC campus was among the locations under consideration, but no final decision had been taken. An official announcement on the location of the proposed Secretariat complex is expected within a week, sources said.

"The area has around 13.22 acres of land, along with buildings, and could be suitable for the new Secretariat campus. Secretariat employees would also be able to commute easily by bus, suburban train, and also Metro Rail," an official told DT Next.

Government land offers key advantage

For the government, Pallavan House land offers two key advantages. As the land already belongs to the government, requiring no additional acquisition, it would not lead to evictions and resultant accusations of high-handedness. Thus, it is politically convenient to pick the spot.

Also, for the hundreds of government employees stationed at the Secretariat – and countless others, including members of the public, who have to visit the administrative nerve centre – it would offer convenience in terms of everyday logistics.

Incidentally, the location is close to the Omandurar Government Estate, where the previous DMK regime had constructed a new Secretariat complex over a decade and half ago.

CMBT may house transport headquarters

If the Pallavan House campus is chosen, the government will have to identify an alternative location for the MTC headquarters. Officials said the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) in Koyambedu could be considered for relocating the transport corporations' headquarters, as it would allow bus operations to be monitored from the same premises.

Fisherfolk, Opposition oppose Foreshore Estate plan

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had announced in the Assembly that a new Secretariat and Assembly complex would be constructed at Foreshore Estate at a cost of Rs 1,200 crore, with a built-up area of 20 lakh square feet. The announcement triggered protests by fishing communities, which were strengthened after opposition parties – and also alliance partners like the CPI and CPM – joined them in opposing the proposed location.

Secretariat relocation plans have a history

Proposals to construct a new Secretariat-Assembly complex have faced opposition in Tamil Nadu in the past as well.

In 2003, the then chief minister J Jayalalithaa announced a plan to build a new Secretariat on the Queen Mary's College campus. The proposal, which involved demolishing a portion of the college premises, triggered protests by students, and was eventually dropped amid political and legal opposition. Kotturpuram was subsequently explored as an alternative location in 2004, but that proposal did not materialise.

During the DMK regime led by M Karunanidhi, a new Secretariat-Assembly complex was built on the Omandurar Government Estate on Anna Salai. Though inaugurated in March 2010, it functioned only for a brief while, as Jaya returned to power and shifted the Assembly and Secretariat back to Fort St. George.

The Omandurar complex, built at a cost of more than Rs 1,000 crore, was subsequently converted into a government hospital.

LAND AVAILABLE AT PALLAVAN HOUSE CAMPUS

• MTC depot - 7.55 acres

• Old SETC campus - 3.957 acres

• Pallavan House - 1.701 acres

"I always opt for cash on delivery when booking a cylinder. And I always paid through UPI by scanning the QR code on the delivery person’s mobile phone. However, now they refuse to accept UPI payments and insist on payment by cash, citing the new MDR rule,” said N Anitha, a resident of Kodambakkam.

Gas agencies say they are reluctant to accept digital payments during deliveries due to the MDR fee imposed on UPI transactions.

Agencies have advised consumers to make payments online while booking cylinders to avoid difficulties during delivery. "If consumers pay in advance while booking their cylinders, neither the consumer nor the delivery staff will have to face unpleasant situations at the time of delivery," said Mohan, an employee of a gas agency.

The Union government has fixed a flat fee of Rs 5 on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 in essential services including railways, fuel, telecommunications and insurance. UPI payments remain free for the end consumer, and merchants are prohibited from passing the fee directly to the customer.

For historian Meenakshi Devaraj, Ayudha Pooja, observed on Mahanavami in the state, brings back vivid childhood memories. The day is dedicated to expressing gratitude for the tools and objects used in everyday life, from the traditional aruvalmanai (vegetable cutter) to the uppu jaadi (salt container). “Much like Pongal, I remember how the entire house would be cleaned, and manjal and kungumam would be applied to almost everything possible, including doors, cupboards, the gas stove and more,” she recalls.

As a child, it was one of her favourite festivals. All the books at home would be placed in the pooja room for a day, which meant that the children were not expected to study. “All our books would be placed in the pooja room for a day, and nobody could ask us to take them out and study!” she says. The pooja for the family’s vehicles was another highlight, followed by a small amount of money that made the occasion even more exciting.

Among these memories, one object stands out: a tiny Saraswathi idol in her family home, believed to be more than a hundred years old. It would be placed on top of the books during the pooja. “As a child, I never truly appreciated her beauty. Today, I look at her with a different eye, admiring her beauty and the memories she brings back of Ayudha Pooja celebrations from my childhood,” she says.

After marriage, a Ravi Varma painting of Saraswathi became the centrepiece of Meenakshi’s Ayudha Pooja celebrations. The following morning, on Vijayadashami, a special pooja would be performed early, after which the children would be woken up and asked to sit down to study, marking an auspicious beginning to learning once again.

Celebrating womanhood through golu

For Aruna Anand, Navaratri has always been a celebration of womanhood and community. She believes the festival brings women together regardless of their age or marital status. “Navaratri is an emblematic festival. Irrespective of whether you have Navaratri in your house or are part of a religious tradition, you are always part of the celebration. It was always a festival where you celebrate womanhood. You don’t see the marital status or age; you invite women and celebrate women. That’s always something that I grew up with and something I truly believe in,” Aruna says.

Although the family she married into does not have a golu tradition, her maternal family has preserved it across generations. Many of the dolls in her mother’s collection were inherited from earlier generations and brought from their ancestral village in Chittur, Palakkad. “Navaratri is not only of a religious tone; it is a show and tell of the family as well,” she says.

Heirlooms that tell stories of another era

The collection reflects the artistic influences and tastes of another era. Alongside traditional clay and papier-mâché figures are porcelain dolls depicting mythological characters and animals. Aruna also remembers a porcelain tea set that children would play with. Some of these fragile objects have broken over the years, but the surviving dolls continue to be part of the family’s annual display.

Aruna is particularly fascinated by the colours and proportions of the older dolls. Unlike many contemporary figures, which often feature brighter colours and accentuated cheeks, these dolls have muted pastel shades and delicate features. “In those days, all the colours were very muted. Now, they are much more eye-catching, with brighter colours. The dolls of those days had pastel blues and pastel pinks, which are very different from the colour palette of today,” she says.

She believes the dolls offer clues to the artistic influences of their time, including European paintings and Ravi Varma’s lithographs. The proportions of the figures also interest her, particularly the way women described in classical poetry appear to have been represented in their forms. Her family takes care to preserve the heirlooms with minimal restoration, retaining their original character.

Traditional dolls and changing displays

The marapachi bommai, a traditional pair of wooden dolls, remains another important part of their golu. On Vijayadashami, after the concluding pooja, the dolls are symbolically put to sleep until the next Navaratri. “On the tenth day of Navaratri, after you finish your Vijayadashami pooja, the first two dolls that are put to sleep are the marapachi bommai. You put them to sleep, Navaratri is over, and the dolls go into hibernation till the next year,” she explains.

Other familiar elements include the Dasavataram series and gowri bommai, figures whose body parts can be arranged in different positions and dressed according to the mythological scene being presented. Traditionally, golu displays largely depicted stories from mythology, with families using dolls to recreate familiar narratives. Today, displays increasingly incorporate contemporary ideas, social themes and visual storytelling.

Adding a personal touch to tradition

For Aruna, the festival’s appeal goes beyond the display itself. It is also an opportunity to meet people, dress up in sarees, wear jewellery and enjoy the company of friends and family. “I prepare a mix of sweet and savoury offerings over the nine days, alternating between sundal and sweets such as kesari. Paal boli is another preparation I make at least once during the festival. When you take up traditions, it is nice to add your own personal element. It ensures that it becomes yours as well and you are not just doing it mechanically,” she says.

Gratitude as a lasting lesson

Dr Lakshmi Ramaswamy, a Bharatanatyam exponent and teacher, associates Navaratri with a lesson her parents, Sundari and Jayakrishnan, taught her while growing up: gratitude. Besides setting up the family pooja room in Tirunelveli, visiting golu displays and dressing as Radha and Krishna with her cousins, she remembers the importance her family placed on meeting teachers during the festival. “Amma used to carefully gather things, with personal attention to each of my teachers, like sarees and other auspicious things. Meeting teachers during class is altogether a different set-up. Meeting them on this auspicious day and making them happy was precious,” she says.

For Lakshmi, Mahanavami is a time to pray to Jaganmatha, reflect on the past and cultivate gratitude for the good things in life while looking forward to new beginnings. Seeing her own students express that gratitude brings her a sense of fulfilment. “When some of my students who spend full time in dance, like Jagyaseni Chatterjee, learn to reciprocate the gratitude and greet me with true love, I think life beautifully comes full circle,” she says.