At a review meeting held at Aavin Illam in Nandanam, the minister assessed milk procurement and sales with general managers and deputy registrars from all districts.

She sought details of district-wise procurement targets and achievements and reviewed the functioning of primary milk producers’ cooperative societies newly registered or revived in 2026.

The direction comes amid recent complaints from milk dealers over reduced Aavin supplies.

The Tamil Nadu Milk Dealers Employees Welfare Association has alleged that Aavin’s distribution had been reduced in Chennai and several districts, resulting in shortages for consumers.

Vijayalakshmi directed officials to ensure that payments to milk producers were made without delay through the Electronic Clearing Service (ECS) and that incentive payments reached them without interruption.

She also ordered officials to ensure proper milk-quality testing and issue acknowledgement receipts to producers at procurement points.

She reviewed the functioning of Aavin veterinarians, artificial insemination services, cattle insurance and cattle-feed supply, besides directing officials to take measures to increase milk procurement and sales.

After reviewing the shortage, she instructed officials to resolve it immediately.

She also ordered action against those found selling products of other companies at Aavin parlours.

Later, the minister handed over appointment orders to 14 candidates selected through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission for the Tamil Nadu Milk Producers’ Cooperative Federation.

In a statement, Anbumani said the PMK had already decided not to contest the two bypolls.

Following consultations with the party's state functionaries and district-level leaders from the districts covering the two constituencies, the party had decided not to extend its support to any political party in the elections.

"The decision has been taken after consultations with the state office-bearers and the district-level functionaries of the two constituencies, " Anbumani said.

In earlier sources said the PMK was unhappy with the AIADMK for announcing its bypoll candidates without consulting the party. This is understood to be one of the reasons for the delay in announcing its stand.

With the latest announcement, the PMK has clarified that it will maintain a neutral position in both constituencies instead of backing any of the parties contesting the bypoll; political observers see this as a setback for AIADMK in by poll.

Speaking after a review meeting at TNEB headquarters, Nirmalkumar said that a BSNL repair work in the RK Nagar Stand area had damaged a main power line.

Though supply was restored through an alternative line from the Stanley substation, the additional load caused the equipment to overheat and catch fire, resulting in further disruption.

“There is no shortage of electricity. The problem was due to such failures. We’ve asked officials to lodge a police complaint against BSNL. Wherever cables are damaged during excavation, complaints will be filed,” he said.

The Minister said that agencies including corporations, contractors, BSNL and private cable-laying companies were being instructed to coordinate with the power utility before taking up excavation works. “One agency’s mistake should not affect thousands of consumers for several hours,” he added.

“TN is purchasing additional power from outside sources to meet demand. The reduction in wind generation earlier than usual this month had created a shortfall,” he explained. “Arrangements have already been made to meet the requirement from October 1 through power purchase agreements.”

Nirmalkumar stated that Minnagam, the consumer grievance centre, had witnessed a sharp increase in calls. “A zone that received around 6,000 calls during the corresponding period last year was receiving between 10,000 and 15,000 calls now,” he pointed out.

A customer management tool is also being developed to enable consumers to track complaints, new connections and pending applications at different levels. “The system is expected to be implemented within two months,” he said.

Nirmalkumar also denied allegations of political interference in arrangements for the recent temple consecration. “I did not get even a single pass for anyone in my family. Nobody from my family participated on my behalf,” he said. “Around 9,000 passes are issued by HR&CE through its prescribed process, while members of the public are provided passes online.”

Anbalagan, who was Personal Assistant (Land) to the Ramanathapuram Collector, was suspended following his arrest by the CCB on August 4, based on a complaint alleging that 19 persons had conspired to transfer trust property through fraudulent patta mutation, document registration and mortgage.

After the trial court rejected their bail petitions, Anbalagan and Arasan filed petitions before the Madurai Bench seeking bail. However, the court on Friday dismissed their bail petitions.

The State informed the tribunal that it would instead examine the feasibility of creating temporary artificial ponds at suitable locations across the city to facilitate idol immersion without polluting natural waterbodies.

The development follows earlier observations by the tribunal emphasising the environmental vulnerability of

Pattinapakkam and Neelankarai, which have long served as primary designated immersion points in Chennai. The NGT was hearing a petition filed by Hariharan seeking directions to prevent environmental degradation caused by ritual immersions.

Reaffirming its commitment to ecological protection, the State assured that orders and guidelines issued by the Supreme Court, Madras High Court, and the NGT would be strictly implemented.

Necessary approvals will also be obtained from the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) before setting up alternative immersion facilities.

Though the Private Universities Bill has been reserved for Presidential consideration, the governor gave his nod to 12 Assembly Bills, including MLA vehicles, VAT on Tasmac liquor, TNPSC recruitment for Urban Local Bodies, another related to amendments to the DTCP, besides the Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Commission

Under the scheme, children born in government hospitals from June 22, 2026, will be eligible for a one-gram gold ring. The first tranche of 1.28 lakh gold rings has been procured. Each ring will have a unique serial number and be supplied in tamper-proof packaging.

Under the scheme, children born in government hospitals from June 22, 2026, will be eligible for a one-gram gold ring. The first tranche of 1.28 lakh gold rings has been procured. Each ring will have a unique serial number and be supplied in tamper-proof packaging.

Eligible newborns will receive the ring before leaving the hospital.

The house belongs to Poongodi, who lives with her two daughters and runs a fancy store in the locality. Her husband, Manikandan, works in Dubai.

Police said Poongodi locked her house on Thursday morning and left for her shop. Returning two hours later, she found the front door and the bureau broken open, with the valuables missing.

The Magaral police visited the spot and conducted an inquiry. Fingerprint experts and a sniffer dog were brought in to gather clues. Police registered a case and are examining CCTV footage from the area to identify the suspects.

Two other houses in Kancheepuram district were burgled just two days earlier, with around 15 sovereigns of gold jewellery stolen.

The higher education department had announced on June 29 that online general counselling for the 2026-27 academic year would be held for teachers working in government arts, science and educational colleges. As per the announcement, eligible teachers were allowed to apply for transfers through the online portal from June 30 to July 7.

Teachers' representatives said the counselling was conducted following directions from the higher education minister with the objective of facilitating transfers for eligible staff. However, despite around 300 teachers applying during the counselling period, transfer orders have not been issued so far.

They said the delay had left teachers who applied for transfers in uncertainty and was also causing difficulties for colleges and students. With the counselling process remaining pending for nearly three months, teachers are unable to plan their academic and personal arrangements, they said.

The teachers' representatives appealed to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and the higher education minister to intervene and expedite the process.

They urged the government to complete the counselling process and issue the transfer orders at the earliest, saying this would provide clarity to teachers and help ensure the smooth functioning of government colleges.

Members of the Dalit community and caste Hindus have been celebrating Vinayagar Chaturthi separately. Normally, Dalits do not take the idol in procession near the temple. However, this year, they took the Vinayagar idol in procession close to the temple, which the members of the other community opposed. The clash led to tension in the region.

Madurai Superintendent of Police N Devanathan rushed to the spot and held talks with the villagers.

Police sources said the statements of the newly identified survivors have been recorded before the Pocso Special Court.

On Wednesday, Pocso Special Court Judge Padma Shanmugasundaram sent Veeramani to three days of police custody.

Considering his age and health condition, the Central Crime Branch’s Anti-Vice Squad interrogated him inside the Puzhal Central Prison campus. The questioning was video-recorded and authorised until September 20.

Veeramani, chairman of the Gem Group, was arrested on August 29 after police received a USB drive containing a video clip purportedly showing a minor girl being sexually assaulted at his guest house in Teynampet.

The Anti-Vice Squad had initially registered the case on October 5, 2025.

After police initially sought to close the case citing difficulties in identifying the victim and suspect, the court rejected the closure report and ordered a fresh probe.

SC/ST Act also invoked as police identify more victims sexually abused over years by Gem Granites owner Veeramani

A special team headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police subsequently identified the survivor, established that she was a minor at the time of the offence in 2019, and recorded her statement.

Veeramani was arrested alongside Shanti, 60, and her husband Mahendra Simhan, 63. Further probe revealed that several other girls had been subjected to sexual abuse over time.

As one of the identified survivors belongs to a Scheduled Caste, provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have been added to the case.

Meanwhile, CWC sources clarified that while a formal report from the police is awaited, direct intervention by the Child Welfare Committee is not required as the survivor has since attained adulthood.

Under the court order, police interrogated Veeramani between 10 am and 5 pm daily during the custody period under ACP supervision. Further investigation is underway.

The Health and Family Welfare Department issued the GO on September 16, implementing Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's August 19 announcement under Rule 110 of the Assembly.

The six new colleges will be established at Government Medical Colleges in Namakkal, Tiruchy, Dharmapuri, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai and Tirunelveli, with an annual intake of 100 students (BSc Nursing) each.

The GO permits the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University to establish the colleges at a total cost of Rs 270.26 crore, or Rs 45.04 crore per college.

The expenditure will be met entirely from the university's self-generated funds, with no financial liability accruing to the state government.

The GO stipulates that manpower for the new colleges will be engaged only on a temporary or contract basis and that no permanent posts or additional pensionary liabilities will be created.

The 1,925 additional seats comprise 1,290 Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM), 440 BSc Nursing, 75 MSc Nursing and 120 Post-Basic BSc Nursing seats.

According to the GO, a seventh nursing college with 60 BSc Nursing seats will also be established at Coimbatore Government Medical College and ESI Hospital.

It said the 600 seats in the six colleges would be offered during 2026-27 using existing facilities, subject to statutory approvals and affiliations.

While the public rescued two alive, a search is on for the other in Tiruchy on Friday.

As many as seven students from Government ITI in Thiruverumbur were taking a bath at the Kambarasampettai check dam at around 3 pm.

Three students went to the deeper portion of the check dam and drowned. Their friends raised an alarm, and the public rescued two students. But they could not trace S Parthasarathy (17) from Kallukuzhi.

On the information, Jeeyapuram police rushed to the spot. The search was on for Parthasarathy when the news came in.

The prevalence of myopia among children has increased considerably after the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was just 4% before COVID-19. Within six years, the percentage has increased to 14% among Indian children, which is a serious concern as it will affect their eye health and quality of life,” he said.

Globally, the prevalence of myopia among children in China and Japan has already reached 40%, he said. “But the good news is that it is preventable if children are exposed to sunlight,” said Ravindran.

Aravind Eye Hospital is addressing the issue through its outreach programme in schools. “Regular exposure to natural light significantly reduces the risk of children developing myopia. That is why we insist that school managements and teachers encourage children to spend more time outdoors and take part in sports activities,” said Dr G Nachiar, Director, Aravind Eye Care System.

Moreover, even if teachers insist on these measures, parents need to cooperate to bring about behavioural changes in children, Nachiar stressed. Ravindran further said the government should take policy decisions on the issue.

Aravind Eye Hospital, which will celebrate its 50th year of service in “sight” on September 20 (Sunday), has been providing eye care to everyone irrespective of their economic background.

The journey, which started in Madurai in 1976 with just 11 beds under its founder, Dr G Venkataswamy, has grown into the Aravind Eye Care System, providing quality eye care to millions of people in India and across the world.

Since its inception, the hospital has stressed outreach programmes in rural areas, with the aim of eliminating needless blindness, as many people are unaware of eye-related problems. According to data up to March 2026, Aravind Eye Hospitals have recorded 9.07 crore outpatient visits and 1.16 crore surgeries since their inception.

“Our founder always emphasised showing compassion and understanding the socio-economic and cultural background of each patient while providing treatment,” said Nachiar.

“Since our inception, we have been performing surgeries free of cost for poor people or at subsidised rates. For instance, in 2025-26, we performed eight lakh surgeries, of which 48% were free of cost or performed at subsidised rates,” said Ravindran.

Over 3,000 free eye screening camps are conducted every year to reach people directly. The hospital has also played a significant role in empowering rural girls who could not pursue higher education after Class 12. “We have trained nearly 20,000 rural girls as paramedical staff over the years and provided them with employment opportunities at the hospital,” said Nachiar.

The Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department is the nodal department for implementing the ASS scheme.

In his Assembly announcement, the Chief Minister had said the scheme will initially be launched with a subsidy for three LPG cylinders, and eligible families, with an annual income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh, will receive the cost of three LPG cylinders every year under a reimbursement model.

"The department is preparing the Government Order to implement the scheme. The government is exploring the rules and guidelines of the KMUT scheme, which seem to be similar to those of the Annapoorni Super Six scheme," an official said.

"The scheme will be implemented through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method, under which the subsidy amount will be credited to the beneficiaries' bank accounts. Around 1.30 crore families are expected to benefit from the scheme. The government will allocate Rs 4,000 crore for the scheme," the official added.

Targeting 1.31 crore women across the State, the DMK government had implemented the KMUT scheme under which Rs 1,000 per month was paid to beneficiaries.

"In the same way, the cost of three gas cylinders will be credited to 1.30 crore beneficiaries in intervals," an official said.

The reported rethink follows a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay after his return to Chennai on Thursday, where the growing resistance to the Rs 1,200-crore project was discussed.

The proposed complex was to come up on 25.55 acres at Pattinapakkam, with a built-up area of around 20 lakh sq ft. The government had granted in-principle approval for the project earlier this month and constituted three committees to select an architectural consultant and finalise preliminary and detailed designs.

However, the choice of the coastal site in the heart of the city triggered sustained opposition from fishing communities, residents, and political parties. Fishermen from several coastal hamlets warned of intensified agitation if the government did not withdraw the proposal, citing concerns over their livelihood, access to the sea, and impact on fishing activities.

The opposition over the proposal cut across party lines. The DMK, AIADMK, BJP, PMK, and allies of the ruling TVK, including Left parties and VCK, questioned the choice of Pattinapakkam, with demands ranging from shifting the project to another location to reconsidering the need for a new complex.

The government had justified the proposal by citing space constraints at the existing Secretariat in Fort St George and the need for a modern integrated administrative complex.

While sources said the government has decided to move away from Pattinapakkam and examine alternative sites along the East Coast, no formal order withdrawing the existing site selection was issued till Friday. Further consultations are expected before the government takes a final call.

IN MAKING

Sept 3: CM Vijay announces Rs 1,200-crore Secretariat-cum-Assembly complex

Sept 8: Govt identifies 25.55 acres at Pattinapakkam as the proposed site

Sept 11: Opposition grows, with parties demanding that the site be reconsidered

Sept 15: Fisherfolk from over 10 hamlets protest, set Sept 21 deadline to drop plan

Sept 18: Govt sources indicate a rethink; alternative sites along ECR explored

The deceased, N Thowshik (15), son of a daily-wage couple, Nagaraj and Vijayalakshmi, from Kottaimedu near Elampillai, was studying Class ten at KR Thoppur Government School.

He was friends with V Sivaraj (24), a weaver from Chittanur near Edanganasalai. On Thursday evening, Sivaraj took Thowshik in his two-wheeler.

As they did not return home for a long time, their parents lodged a missing complaint with the Magudanchavadi police. On receiving information that a boy was found dead in the Mettukadu area along KR Thoppur Road, a police team rushed to the spot and identified him as Thowshik.

An examination revealed that the boy was strangled to death. While a search was on to trace Sivaraj, the Tharamangalam police received information that a youth was hanging in a tree at Periapatti graveyard area. The police later identified him as Sivaraj.

The police sent the body of Sivaraj to Omalur Government Hospital and Thowshik to Salem Government Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The Superintendent of Police visited the crime scenes and conducted an inquiry.

The Magudanchavadi police registered a case of murder while Tharamangalam police registered a case of suicide. “The murder could have been a fallout of a quarrel between them two days ago over some issue. Sivaraj might have ended his life out of fear,” the police said.

Responding to continued criticism over the NTK's crowdfunding campaign, Seeman said that the party had not received funds through electoral bonds. He said the party's financial details were submitted to the Election Commission and Income Tax Department.

Seeman said several political movements, including Communist organisations and the DMK in its early days, had raised funds from the public. "Whether it is votes, strength or money, a political movement should receive it from the people, " he said.

Taking a swipe at those criticising NTK's crowdfunding, Seeman questioned the election, social media and influencer-related expenditure of political parties. He also questioned claims by actors entering politics that they had given up salaries running into hundreds of crores of rupees.

"If there are doubts about how we use crowdfunding, those in power can conduct searches at our offices or residences. Repeatedly saying 'crowdfunding, crowdfunding' without evidence is not a political argument, " he said.

Seeman claimed that NTK used public contributions for the party's basic expenses and disaster relief activities, including assistance during floods. He said the party did not use its funds for personal luxury.

He also urged his cadres to treat criticism as a source of strength, while dismissing what he termed defamatory attacks.

This comes after, Bharathidasan, who is pursuing medical research in Malaysia under the Annual Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship, alleged that delays in releasing scholarship funds had stalled his research and put him at risk of being removed from the university over unpaid fees.

He also accused the Social Justice Department of blocking financial assistance after he submitted bills and documents towards academic and accommodation expenses.

The department, however, said it had released around Rs 36 lakh during his first academic year. Of this, Rs 30,98,362 was transferred to Bharathidasan’s bank account, while the remaining amount was paid towards tuition fees.

It had clarified that expenditure documents for Rs 8,17,962 were found unacceptable. It had asked Bharathidasan on August 20 to provide an explanation regarding the research materials purchased and submit proof of payment. According to the department, it had not received a satisfactory response.

The department subsequently released another Rs 12 lakh for his second academic year, including Rs 5.57 lakh towards tuition fees and Rs 6.65 lakh towards living expenses. Bharathidasan later sought Rs 19.50 lakh towards his second-year research expenses.

Bharathidasan disputed the department’s version, saying the Rs 36 lakh released was assistance for his first year. He said that he had submitted bills worth Rs 37 lakh on June 8 and was also awaiting 6 months’ living expenses.

Speaking to DT Next, Bharathidasan was confident that the issue would be resolved. “I was the only PhD student among the scholarship beneficiaries, while others were pursuing postgraduate courses. As I was not staying at the university hostel, I required additional financial support for living expenses,” he explained.

Minister Vanni Arasu said that the government’s objective was to ensure that Bharathidasan completed his degree. “I became a minister to serve students like Bharathidasan. He’s like my brother. The government will extend all necessary support to enable him to continue and complete his studies,” he added.

The state government also appointed former TNPDCL distribution director AR Mascurnas as member and A Muthusaratha as member (Legal), filling all three statutory posts through an order issued by the Energy Department on Friday.

TNERC had been without any office-bearer since June 25 after chairman R Manivannan resigned. Member (Legal) B Mohan had demitted office on March 9, while member K Venkatesan completed his tenure on June 1.

Manivannan, who remained the lone office-holder from June 2, resigned on June 19 and his resignation was accepted on June 24.

The government had constituted a three-member selection committee on July 1 to fill the vacancies.

The committee, headed by retired Madras High Court judge Justice RMT Teekaa Raman, met on September 15 and recommended panels of two names for each post.

Radhakrishnan, currently additional chief secretary and director of the Anna Administrative Staff College and director general of training, has been appointed chairperson.

TNERC had previously faced periods without the mandatory quorum of two members, but at least one office-holder remained in place on every occasion.

The present vacancy was unprecedented.

The commission regulates electricity tariffs, power procurement and transmission charges, besides framing regulations and adjudicating disputes in the power sector.

The farmers from over 40 associations commenced their indefinite protest at Samayapuram in Tiruchy on Tuesday (September 15), demanding complete loan waiver as per the poll promise. Though the police refused permission to gather, the farmers protested, braving the scorching sun and heavy rains.

On September 15, agriculture minister R Vinoth, cooperation minister V Gandhiraj and HR and CE minister S Ramesh convened a meeting with the leaders at Tiruchy Collectorate. But farmer leaders headed by Easan Murugasamy, founder of Tamilaga Vivasayigal Paathugappu Sangam, refused to withdraw the protest as ministers sought time to fulfil their demands.

Subsequently, the protests continued despite the police denying them permission even for drinking water. As the indefinite protest reached its fourth day, a delegation of farmers including Easan Murugasamy, P Ayyakannu, KV Elankeeran and others were called for a talk in Chennai.

As many as nine ministers, including N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, R Vinoth, V Gandhiraj, S Ramesh and Vanni Arasu, were present in the meeting convened at the Secretariat in Chennai, which commenced at around 3.30 pm and lasted till 4.30 pm.

“The ministers sought 20 days to fulfil demands, citing the poor financial conditions," said Easan Murugasamy after the meeting. He also noted that the farmers were protesting for the complete loan waiver for the past three months and the peace talks by the ministers on August 7, September 1 and September 15 failed as the ministers continued to seek time for fulfilling the promise.

“Today, during the fourth round of talks too, the ministers sought 20 days. So we have asked them to meet the association members who have been protesting in Tiruchy, whose decision would be final," said Easan Murugasamy.

He noted that the ministers Vinoth, Gandhiraj and Ramesh would hold the fifth round of talks with the protesting farmers in Tiruchy on Saturday. “We will decide on our next move based on how the fifth round of talks goes,” Easan Murugasamy added.

Meanwhile, in Tiruchy, the protesting farmers placed flowers on their ears, symbolising the 'cheating' by the TVK-led Tamil Nadu government and continued their protest.

Poyyamozhi, a DMK leader, appeared before the CCB at the Chennai Police Commissionerate in Vepery around 10.30 am, accompanied by his advocates. He was questioned until the evening, and his responses were recorded as part of the investigation.

The CCB registered the case following allegations that money was collected from private schools by promising permanent recognition, upgradation, DTCP approvals and other government clearances. Police have received 177 complaints in the case, with the alleged collections estimated at more than Rs 100 crore. BT Arasakumar and two others have been arrested in connection with the case.

The CCB has booked Poyyamozhi under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. On September 16, police conducted searches at nine locations in Chennai and Tiruchy linked to the former minister and others. Investigators seized property documents, bank records, mobile phones, laptops, computers, pen drives and other electronic devices.

Following the searches, Poyyamozhi was summoned under Section 35 (3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to appear for questioning.

During Friday's inquiry, investigators questioned him about his alleged links with Arasakumar and other accused persons, his interactions with private-school managements, alleged collections described as "party funds", and related bank accounts and financial transactions. Questions were also based on documents and electronic devices seized during the searches.

Sources indicated that he could be called for further questioning.

Poyyamozhi has denied the allegations and said he would cooperate with the investigation.

The CCB is continuing to examine the documents, financial records and electronic evidence seized during the searches to establish the role of each person connected with the case.

The bypolls are expected to witness a five-cornered contest. AIADMK has fielded S Kanitha Sampath in Maduranthakam and K Banumathi in Dharapuram.

The two constituencies were won by AIADMK in the 2026 Assembly elections. P Sathyabama won from Dharapuram, while Maragatham Kumaravel was elected from Maduranthakam, both on the Two Leaves symbol. Both legislators have since joined TVK and are now contesting the bypolls as TVK candidates.

According to the tour programme released by AIADMK, Palaniswami will campaign in Maduranthakam on September 24, 25 and October 3. He will campaign in Dharapuram on September 27, 28 and October 3.

The party has directed its functionaries to make elaborate arrangements for Palaniswami's campaign programmes.

AIADMK had earlier announced a list of 40 star campaigners who will campaign for the party's candidates in the two constituencies.

MDMK general secretary Vaiko and others had filed a petition before the Madras High Court seeking the removal of Prosopis juliflora trees, also known as Seemai Karuvelam trees. The matter came up for hearing before a special bench comprising Justices N Sathish Kumar and K Rajasekar.

Vaiko, who was present in court, requested the court to direct the government to file district-wise reports to ascertain whether the High Court's directions were being implemented seriously.

He further submitted that Seemai Karuvelam trees had been completely removed in Kerala and that not a single tree remained there. He said Tamil Nadu should learn from Kerala. He added that the removal work had commenced in eight districts of Tamil Nadu.

While eradicating the trees was a Himalayan task, he said the commencement of removal of Seemai Karuvelam trees from the Thamirabarani and Vaigai rivers was a great achievement.

The bench observed that there was no bar on using mineral funds to remove Seemai Karuvelam trees and directed the funds to be released within two weeks without citing rules for delay. It also directed that priority be given to removing the trees from water bodies and adjourned the hearing to October 9.

The deceased, R Valli (40), was residing with her father-in-law M Sivasami (64) and mother-in-law Malarkodi (60) at Puthur near Ammapettai in Thanjavur.

On September 16, Malarkodi brought temple prasadam for Sivasami. But Valli took it and gave it to her pet dog, which triggered an argument between her and Malarkodi.

The quarrel snowballed into an assault in which Malarkodi had reportedly assaulted Valli.

In such a backdrop, on Thursday (September 17) night, Sivasami who came to the house under the influence of alcohol, took a crowbar and attacked Valli in which she sustained severe head injury and died on the spot.

Upon receiving information, Ammapettai police rushed to the spot, retrieved the body and sent it to the Papanasam GH.

The police also registered a case and arrested Sivasami. Further investigations are on.

Sharing a video on his social media handle, Nainar Nagenthran said he was shocked after watching a purported video in which two youths allegedly issued the threat in the presence of police personnel. He questioned how the youths had the confidence to make such remarks in front of the police and urged the authorities to investigate their backgrounds and ascertain whether any organisation was behind the incident.

Nainar also referred to reports that the two youths had been taken to the police station for questioning and subsequently released. He urged the police to conduct a detailed inquiry into their alleged extremist views and take appropriate action based on the findings.

BJP chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy alleged that some youths at a mosque objected to percussion instruments being played and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans being raised when the Vinayagar procession passed the mosque. He said six persons — Mohammed Ashraf, Rahul Fayaz, Mohammed Ashik, Nazruddin, Balamastan and Sheikh Mohammed — were arrested as a preventive measure and later released on station bail.

Narayanan Thirupathy further alleged that the Indian Thowheed Jamath and Indian National League had issued a notice seeking action against police officer Rajalingam over the release of the video.

He sought a special investigation into the incident and urged the police to examine whether the organisations or any other groups had any role in activities that could threaten public order.

Nainar also called for enhanced security in Srivilliputhur until the issue was resolved and sought protection for Hindu organisation leaders and Rajalingam.

Speaking to reporters at Anna Arivalayam on Friday (September 16), he said the DMK regime in the past had attracted investments worth Rs 12.50 lakh crore.

He added that DMK president MK Stalin had insisted that party members should not mix politics with investment promotion.

Questioning the ruling party, Rajaa asked when the TVK-led government would bring investments from other countries to Tamil Nadu.

Explaining the difference between assured investments and a Letter of Intent (LoI), the former Minister said an LoI did not amount to investments being made in the State.

"The TVK-led government has announced plans to set up a Formula 1 racing track. Where is the government going to acquire the land for this project? During the Chief Minister's London visit, why were the Industries Minister and Secretary not accompanying the Chief Minister?" Rajaa asked.

He alleged that the meetings in London had not been properly organised and condemned the arrangements. He also questioned why the Chief Minister, Ministers and officials did not meet the media after returning to Chennai.

Recalling investor meetings and press briefings during the DMK regime, Rajaa said Tamil Nadu was the only State in India to conduct the conversion conclave, adding that the principal Opposition party is alerting the government to issues without making allegations against the ruling party.

Vijay will seek votes for Maragatham Kumaravel in Madurantakam and P Sathyabama in Dharapuram, spending two days in each constituency.

He is expected to address public meetings during the first phase and return after October 1 for the second round of campaigning, including roadshows.

Elaborate arrangements are being made for his proposed visits, with the party planning programmes aimed at reaching voters without causing inconvenience to the public, sources said.

During the campaign, Vijay is expected to highlight the TVK government's 100-day performance and make a concerted outreach to different sections of voters.

While the party has a support base among youngsters and women, he is expected to focus on strengthening its appeal among middle-aged and senior voters, the sources said.

According to sources, the Chief Minister is keen to win both constituencies and intends to use the bypolls to demonstrate the TVK's electoral strength.

The sources said the party's objective was also to ensure that the Opposition candidates, particularly those of the DMK and AIADMK, lose their deposits.

They further said Vijay's campaign would be aimed at building momentum ahead of bypolls expected in five other Assembly constituencies and creating a situation where Opposition parties would be reluctant to enter those contests.

Campaigning will end on October 4 evening, with polling scheduled for October 6.

Though most posts under the ministerial category are transferable, the government has sought details of staff who have been working at the same station for several years.

In a letter issued to all directorates of government departments, the Tamil Nadu government said officials should furnish the particulars of Administrative Officers, Junior Administrative Officers, Superintendents and Assistants who have been working at the same station for more than five years and 10 years in the prescribed format before September 23.

The government has also asked the Directorates to furnish details of employees who were transferred to another station on promotion but were subsequently diverted back to their previous place of posting.

The TVK-led government has been taking measures to curb corruption across government departments. As part of these measures, the government has sought details of staff who have been working at the same place for several years.

Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar had already issued a circular stating that people would complain if any government employee demanded a bribe by sending a WhatsApp message to 9498180936.

This is among the latest measures taken by the government to fight corruption. The WhatsApp number has been posted on all official government websites along with a link to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) portal.

Justice P Murugan issued the order on September 16, granting a petition seeking to secure and preserve CCTV footage from the office of the Superintendent of Police, Madurai, and other relevant locations for two days — August 28 and 29. The petitioner sought the footage on the ground that his wife, Nachimuthu, had been detained by the police for more than 36 hours without registration of a CSR or FIR before she was subsequently arrested and remanded.

The Government Advocate informed the court that the petitioner’s wife was arrested only on the morning of August 29 and taken to the District Crime Branch (DCB), located near the SP office, at around 10.30 am. On the issue of preserving the CCTV footage, he submitted that some of the CCTV cameras installed at public places with the help of sponsors were shifted to the SP office on the instructions of Mari Raja, Technical Inspector. Moreover, as CCTV footage was preserved only for 15 days, they were unable to preserve the footage at that time.

However, the court directed the SP, Madurai, to preserve all available CCTV recordings from the cameras installed inside the SP office campus, the DCB building and other buildings situated within the campus for two days and produce a copy before the court.

The court also sought a report on how CCTV cameras installed at public places came to be shifted to the SP office and under which rules or GOs such shifting was permitted

Justice Murugan further directed the SP, Madurai, to submit a report regarding the installation of CCTV cameras at the SP office. The report should include details such as who installed the cameras, the number of cameras installed, how many cameras are currently functioning, how many are not functioning, the date on which each non-functioning camera became dysfunctional and the action taken to rectify the non-functioning cameras.

Pointing out that the SP, Madurai, is expected to follow the Supreme Court's directions on the installation, functioning and preservation of CCTV cameras, the court sought a report on how CCTV cameras installed at public places came to be shifted to the SP office and under which Rules or Government Orders such shifting was permitted.

The judge also directed the Government Advocate to produce before the court the relevant Rules, Government Orders and directions of the Supreme Court governing the installation and shifting of CCTV cameras within one week. The SP was also directed to file his report within one week, and the matter was posted after one week for further orders.

“In fact, I had lost my self-respect at Kalaignar Arivalayam in Tiruchy during the meeting ahead of the Lok Sabha election, and the DMK leaders insisted that I contest in their party symbol and continued to demean me for refusing the suggestion,” said Durai Vaiko, while addressing a press conference in Tiruchy on Friday.

Durai Vaiko said that as soon as the Lok Sabha election was announced and the Tiruchy segment was allotted to MDMK, for which he was selected as the candidate, the DMK leaders, particularly KN Nehru, forced him to contest under the DMK party symbol.

“When I went to take part in the meeting, I was wearing a black shirt, but the DMK functionaries asked me to remove the black shirt, and I lost my self-respect there. I had no option but to change the shirt, but still, they continued to demean me,” charged Durai Vaiko.

Durai Vaiko refused Nehru’s claim about his willingness to join DMK after dissolving the MDMK.

“It was a tailored story, and my entry into politics was an accident, and I will continue to stay in politics for the welfare of the party members and for the people who elected me as the Member of Parliament,” he said.

Durai Vaiko recalled Nehru’s statement of ‘incapability’ about the DMK president MK Stalin and the Youth Wing Secretary and leader of the opposition party Udayanidhi Stalin.

“Nehru is noted for destroying the political lives of the rivals in his own party, and even he indirectly worked against a few MLAs for their defeat in the just-completed assembly polls,” Durai Vaiko recalled.

Meanwhile, Durai Vaiko said NHAI has sanctioned a fund of Rs 95 crore and the railways department has allocated eight acres of land for the G-Corner project.

Apart from this, the subway works at Sanjeevi Nagar, Maruthi Nagar and Y-Junction would come up at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore, and a regional office for ESI would come up in its own building, which would serve the employees from nine delta districts including Tiruchy, Karur, Perambalur, Ariyalur and Thanjavur, Durai Vaiko added.

The BJP had removed Muruganandam from all party positions with immediate effect following a complaint by Divya Sheshadri, the party’s state OBC wing secretary. The complaint alleged physical abuse, mental harassment, coercion, intimidation and threats, besides other serious allegations, and sought an inquiry, police protection and disciplinary action.

Muruganandam, however, said his more than three-decade association with the BJP had been without any complaint and alleged that action was taken against him without an inquiry by the party’s disciplinary committee.

He said he had spoken to BJP national general secretary B L Santhosh and state in-charge Aravind Menon, who had assured him that action would follow a disciplinary inquiry.

“Taking action against me solely on the basis of fabricated, AI-generated photographs and a fake complaint, without any inquiry, is completely unacceptable,” he said.

Muruganandam also warned of stringent legal action against those circulating what he described as fake news and rumours.

He added that dengue cases rose from 61 on September 14 to 133 on September 15 and 283 on September 16 (Wednesday), before declining to 244 on September 17. He attributed the fluctuations to seasonal factors and said the Health and Family Welfare department was taking all precautionary measures.

“People must not panic,” Arunraj said. “Adequate mosquito-control workers had been deployed across all districts. A dedicated dengue treatment protocol has also been prepared and government hospital doctors trained to follow it.”

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had convened a review meeting on dengue and issued directions to ministers and officials, he said. Mosquito-control workers have been conducting house-to-house visits and removing stagnant water.

Industries and construction companies have also been warned against allowing water to accumulate, with fines to be imposed for violations.

“Public cooperation is essential in mosquito-control activities,” the Minister said. “Preventing dengue requires a coordinated effort involving multiple departments and the community.”

Arunraj was speaking after launching the pre-release event of Vizhithirai Kaappom, a State initiative for early detection of retinal disorders, at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital in Egmore here.

The programme will cover 385 block-level government primary health centres, 37 district headquarters hospitals and 150 urban primary health centres, besides government general, district and medical college hospitals.

The Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital will serve as the nodal institution, providing technical support, training and equipment.

The initiative aims to screen people aged above 30 once a year, besides those with diabetes and hypertension, to detect retinal disorders early and facilitate specialised treatment. Arunraj said that public opinion would be sought before making fundus screening mandatory for diabetics.

On medical education, he stated that 6 new nursing colleges would be established in Tirunelveli, Tiruchy, Dharmapuri, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai and Namakkal at a cost of Rs 270.26 crore. Additional seats have also been created in nursing, pharmacy and 12 allied-health courses.

Divya Sheshadri, BJP OBC Secretary, had lodged the complaint seeking a time-bound inquiry into allegations of physical abuse, harassment, coercion, intimidation and threats against Muruganandam. She had also sought his suspension pending the inquiry and appropriate action if the allegations were established.

In her complaint, Divya alleged that Muruganandam had represented that he would marry her, was named as guardian in her wards' school records and had assured her support for her candidature from Srirangam in the 2026 Assembly election. She said she had shifted from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu and had been residing in Tiruchy since 2024.

She further alleged that she became pregnant during their relationship and was coerced into terminating the pregnancy against her wishes. She also alleged physical abuse and threats to kill her and/or her children. Divya said she was prepared to submit electronic evidence and details of witnesses in support of her allegations.

The complaint was submitted to BJP national president Nitin Nabin, national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh, state in-charge Arvind Menon, Nagenthran and other senior leaders. It sought examination of relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, police protection and disciplinary action, including Muruganandam's removal from the post and expulsion from the party if the allegations were established.

Muruganandam's response

When contacted by DT Next, Muruganandam said he was unaware of the complaint.

“I still don’t know what the complaint is. I’m unaware of that. Without knowing the complaint and charges made against me, I couldn’t respond to anything. After I get to know the details, I will issue a clarification,” he said.

Following the complaint, the BJP state leadership removed Muruganandam from all party positions with immediate effect. The allegations made in the complaint remain subject to inquiry.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the deceased was identified as Pandiammal, a resident of Sivakasi. She worked as a cutter at the paperboard manufacturing company.

On Friday morning (September 18), while Pandiammal was working at the factory, her saree accidentally got caught in the cutting machine, which pulled her into it.

Her hand was severed in the accident, and she died on the spot due to excessive blood loss.

Sivakasi East police rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident. They recovered her body and sent it to the Sivakasi Government Hospital for an autopsy.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident

Another case of a factory worker's death in Tamil Nadu

On September 5, a worker named Madasamy (38) was killed in an explosion at a firecracker unit in Othayal village near Sattur, Virudhunagar district. He was preparing a mixture in a chemical mixing room when the blast occurred.

The Chinnathambi Fireworks factory where the blast occurred is co-owned by Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu's sister, Jayashakthi.

Jayashakthi, her daughter Selvamari and son-in-law Muraleeswaran, and factory manager Surya Prakash have been booked under four sections, including causing death by negligence and careless handling of explosives.

While Surya Prakash has been arrested by Sattur taluk police, the other three are absconding, according to a Maalaimalar report dated September 7.

Preparations are under way for grand public meetings in both constituencies, where Vijay will address party cadres and voters. In Dharapuram, a public meeting is planned at Thirumalaipalayam on the Udumalpet Road, according to a Daily Thanthi report.

The by-elections in Madurantakam in Chengalpattu district and Dharapuram in Tirupur district have already begun generating political activity, with the ruling TVK, DMK, AIADMK, Naam Tamilar Katchi and Left parties contesting separately, resulting in a five-cornered contest. The CPI (M) and CPI announced that they would contest as an independent Left front, breaking away from traditional electoral coalitions, placing them in direct opposition to both the DMK and TVK.

This will be the first electoral battle in the state after the TVK formed its maiden government with the help of allies after winning the April 23 Assembly polls.

CM Vijay has nominated former AIADMK MLAs K Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama from Madurantakam and Dharapuram, respectively.

Both Kumaravel and Satyabama had won from their respective constituencies as AIADMK candidates in the April 23 polls, before resigning as legislators and joining the ruling TVK later.

Madurantakam bypoll candidates

In Madurantakam, TVK has fielded former AIADMK MLA and a TVK deputy general secretary K Maragatham Kumaravel, while the DMK has nominated Parandhaman, its legal wing joint secretary and party spokesperson.

The AIADMK has fielded its former Madurantakam MLA Kanitha Sampath.

The CPI(M) candidate is Suganthi, State Committee member and the General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF).

The NTK has fielded K Janakiraman.

Dharapuram bypoll candidates

In Dharapuram, TVK has fielded former AIADMK MLA P Sathyabama who is seeking re-election under her new party banner.

The DMK has nominated advocate and women's wing member S Suganya.

The AIADMK has fielded K Bhanumathi, joint secretary of its Tirupur suburban east district women's wing.

The CPI candidate is P Lakshmanan.

The NTK has fielded M Karthika.

Meanwhile, the nominations of 58 candidates for the Madurantakam and Dharapuram bypolls were accepted on Thursday (September 17), following scrutiny, the EC said.

The final list of candidates for both constituencies is scheduled to be released on Saturday (September 19), which is the last date of withdrawal.

Following this, political parties are expected to intensify their campaigns after September 20, with local functionaries making arrangements for visits by their leaders.

Leaders set to campaign for TN bypolls 2026

DMK president MK Stalin, Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, NTK chief coordinator Seeman and leaders of the Left parties are also preparing to campaign in the two constituencies.

Stalin is expected to campaign for two days across Madurantakam and Dharapuram, while a detailed campaign schedule for Udhayanidhi Stalin is also being worked out.

Security stepped up for TN bypolls 2026

The visits by senior leaders have prompted authorities and party functionaries to step up preparations. Security arrangements are also being strengthened in both constituencies, particularly for Vijay's public meetings.

With this being Vijay's first election campaign as Chief Minister after the TVK came to power, his proposed meetings have generated considerable interest among party workers and supporters.

With several major leaders set to hit the campaign trail after September 20, the electoral battle in Madurantakam and Dharapuram is expected to intensify in the coming days.

So far, nine people have died of dengue, while Chennai alone recorded 87 new cases in a day, as reported by Daily Thanthi.

Which of the districts in Tamil Nadu reported high cases of Dengue?

Dengue cases are reported to be high in districts including Chennai, Coimbatore, Erode, Tirupur, Salem and Krishnagiri.

The department said dengue is prevalent in 10 districts, including Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram. More than 25,000 people are involved in mosquito-eradication work across the state.

The Health Department has intensified prevention measures across the state amid an increase in the number of Aedes mosquitoes due to changing weather conditions.

The health department has also ordered District Collectors to carry out dengue monitoring and coordination work, and has appointed separate 45 special nodal officers for districts. Officials have been ordered to visit districts and monitor the spread of dengue fever, record the daily incidence of the disease, and conduct inspections and studies to prevent mosquito breeding. 

Dengue cases in Chennai

The figures assume significance as the city enters a period of intermittent rainfall, which can create conditions favourable for mosquito breeding. In August, around 4,500 fever cases were reported, including 160 dengue infections.

The Greater Chennai Corporation has deployed about 3,700 mosquito-control workers across its 15 zones. Field teams have been instructed to inspect residential areas and other potential breeding sites, including vacant plots, construction sites and public institutions. Private hospitals have also been asked to share daily information on fever cases to strengthen surveillance.

(With inputs from Bureau)

Divya Sheshadri, BJP state OBC secretary, submitted the formal complaint to the BJP national president Nitin Nabin, national general secretary (org) BL Santhosh, state in-charge Arvind Menon, state president Nainar Nagenthran and other senior leaders, seeking a time-bound inquiry and Muruganandam’s suspension pending the probe.

Divya Sheshadri alleged that Muruganandam represented that he would marry her, was named as guardian in her wards’ school records and assured her support for her candidature from Srirangam in the 2026 Assembly election. She said she shifted from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu and had been residing in Tiruchy since 2024.

She further alleged that she became pregnant during their relationship and was coerced into terminating the pregnancy against her wishes. She also alleged physical abuse and threats to kill her and/or her children, and said she was prepared to submit electronic evidence and witness details.

The complaint sought examination of provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and police protection. It also sought disciplinary action, including removal from the post and expulsion from the party, if the allegations are established.

When contacted by DT Next, Muruganandam said he was unaware of the complaint. “I still don’t know what the complaint is. I’m unaware of that. Without knowing the complaint and charges made against me, I couldn’t respond to anything. After I get to know the details, I will issue a clarification,” he added.

The tiger was trapped in the early hours of Friday in a cage installed in the Silver Cloud forest area. The operation had been launched following the deaths of two villagers in separate tiger attacks on August 8 and August 21. In both incidents, the victims’ bodies were found partially consumed, prompting the forest department to mount an extensive search for the suspected animal.

As part of the operation, 14 cages fitted with bait were placed at strategic locations. The department also deployed 305 automatic and GSM-enabled camera traps to monitor the tiger’s movements and identify its movement patterns.

Several search teams carried out intensive ground-level surveillance across the Gudalur forest division and adjoining areas. The prolonged operation had also drawn criticism from local residents, who had raised concerns over the delay in locating and capturing the tiger following the two fatal attacks.

During the search, two leopards were captured in the traps and released in suitable dense forest habitats. Following the capture of the tiger, the forest department has begun the process of comparing its photographs with images recorded by the camera traps during the search operation to confirm whether the animal caught in the cage is the same tiger suspected in the two fatal attacks.

Citing his age and health condition, the magistrate directed police to question him within the Central Prison, Puzhal. The magistrate also allowed for Veeramani's advocate to be present during the interrogation and directed the investigating officer to videograph the interrogation and submit a copy to the magistrate.

Veeramani (84) and his two associates were arrested by the Greater Chennai Police (GCP) on August 29 for the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl. Police said that the action was taken based on a video evidence submitted by an activist to the city police's ITPU (Immoral Trafficking Prevention Unit), which showed an elderly man sexually exploiting a young girl.

Police sources said that a pendrive with the video was sent to the ITPU in October 2025 and a case was registered, but action was delayed for several months. The police had earlier sought to close the case after they could not identify or locate the girl. A special POCSO court rejected the closure report on August 19 and ordered further investigation. The fresh probe led to the arrests of Veeramani and his associates, Mahendra Simhan (64) and his wife, Shanthi (60).

Meanwhile, Police have also submitted that the survivor in the video has been identified and her statement was recorded before a magistrate.