The temple, revered as the second among the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, witnessed the arrival of thousands of devotees who gathered to observe fasting and participate in the festivities.

The celebrations began at 1.30 a.m. with Viswaroopa Deepa Aradhana, followed by Udaya Marthanda Abhishekam at 2 a.m.

At 5 a.m., the processional deity, Lord Jayanthinathar, was taken to the Yagasalai, where special prayers commenced at 7 a.m. The day’s rituals include special abhishekams, Deepa Aradhana and ceremonial processions featuring Lord Jayanthinathar accompanied by Valli and Deivanai.

The deity will be taken to the Shanmugavilasa Mandapam and subsequently to the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam Sashti Mandapam for special worship before being carried in a golden chariot along the temple’s circumambulatory route.

The festival’s principal attraction, Soorasamharam, will take place on November 15, when Lord Murugan’s symbolic destruction of the demon Soorapadman will be enacted on the seashore at 4 p.m.

The celebrations will conclude on November 16 with the celestial wedding of Lord Kumaravidanga Peruman and Goddess Deivanai at 6 p.m.

Temple authorities anticipate around one lakh devotees during the initial five days and nearly six lakh visitors on Soorasamharam day.

Extensive arrangements have been made to accommodate the crowds, including free meals for approximately 15,000 devotees daily and drinking water facilities at 10 locations. Authorities have also arranged six lakh drinking water bottles for devotees waiting in queues and 300 temporary toilets across the temple premises.

Security arrangements include CCTV surveillance at 493 locations, a watchtower overlooking the beach and approximately 5,000 security personnel deployed in shifts.

To facilitate transportation, 12 temporary bus stops have been established in Tiruchendur, with additional bus services planned to manage the expected influx.

Twenty-six LED screens have also been installed to enable devotees to watch the festival rituals and processions. Temple authorities said the arrangements were aimed at ensuring safe and orderly celebrations during one of Tamil Nadu’s most important Murugan festivals.

In a statement, CPM state secretary P Shanmugam said the murders, which took place on a single day, had caused widespread shock among the public.

He said the incidents were too widespread to be dismissed as isolated crimes and called for immediate measures to prevent their recurrence. CPI state secretary M Veerapandian also expressed shock over the murders. He said the victims included a special sub-inspector of police, two minors, a young woman and three history-sheeters.

The CPI state executive committee urged the state government and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to pay greater attention to preventing murders, robberies, sexual violence and drug-related activities and maintaining law and order.

"The state government should pay greater attention to ensuring public safety and putting an end to the drug culture," he said, conveying the party's demand on behalf of its state executive committee.

In a representation to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kathirmathiyon K, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, said surplus electricity credits remaining unadjusted at the end of the annual settlement period on March 31 lapsed without any compensation to consumers.

It argued that distribution licensees were receiving electricity generated and exported at the consumer's expense without payment, depriving households of the value of the surplus power.

The organisation said the existing tariff structure effectively penalised consumers for generating more solar power and defeated the government's objective of promoting renewable energy. It also argued that distribution licensees benefited from surplus electricity injected into the grid by using it to meet other consumers' demand.

Citing the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission's provisions, under which consumers are paid for surplus electricity at the approved Average Power Purchase Cost (APPC), the organisation urged Tamil Nadu to adopt a similar mechanism.

The organisation also sought to withdraw network or wheeling charges imposed on domestic rooftop solar consumers under the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission's tariff framework with effect from October 22, 2021. It said consumers had to pay these charges even when their solar generation exceeded household consumption and they exported surplus power to the grid.

As an alternative, it suggested that network charges should not be levied when a consumer's solar generation does not exceed the total electricity consumption during the relevant billing or settlement period.

To illustrate the impact, the organisation cited a domestic consumer whose average electricity consumption was around 500 to 550 units. A 5 kW rooftop solar system generated around 1,500 units per billing cycle, leaving a surplus of 950 units, but the consumer had to pay Rs 484 as network charges every two months. This amounted to Rs 5,808 annually, without receiving any compensation for the surplus electricity.

The consumer subsequently reduced the installed capacity from 5 kW to 2 kW to avoid higher network charges, as the smaller system was sufficient to meet household consumption.

In his representation dated November 5, Kathirmathiyon said the present arrangements contradicted the government's promotion of rooftop solar through subsidies and its stated objective of enabling households to benefit from surplus generation.

The organisation urged the government and regulatory commissions to pay domestic consumers for surplus electricity remaining unadjusted on March 31, as per the APPC approved by the commission, and to withdraw network charges levied on domestic rooftop solar prosumers.

The measures would encourage more households to install rooftop solar systems and help them achieve genuinely zero electricity bills.

The decision follows previous short-term tenders that attracted high quotations, with gas-based power stations among the highest bidders. Bids in the earlier tenders went up to Rs 37 per unit and Rs 41.50 per unit, raising concerns over the cost of procuring power from the short-term market.

The latest tender, issued on November 1, seeks to procure round-the-clock (RTC) power of varying quantities between January 18 and June 15, 2027. TNPDCL has sought 2,000 MW for the second half of January, 3,000 MW for February, 3,500 MW each for March and April, and 2,500 MW each for May and the first half of June. The tender aims to meet peak summer demand without resorting to last-minute procurement by starting the process well in advance.

The power is to be supplied round the clock, with delivery at the Tamil Nadu state periphery. The minimum bid quantum from each source has been fixed at 20 MW. Both interstate and intrastate generators and licensed electricity traders are eligible, provided they source power exclusively from coal-based thermal plants.

This marks a significant change in the procurement conditions compared with the earlier tenders, which allowed participation from different generating sources. TNPDCL has now narrowed the supply source to coal-based thermal stations, seemingly to prevent expensive gas-based generation from pushing up procurement costs.

In another departure from the previous procurement conditions, the latest tender is exclusively for round-the-clock (RTC) power. Earlier tenders required generators and traders to participate in both peak-hour and RTC arrangements, accepting offers only if they offered power under both categories. The quantum offered during peak-hour events was also required to be at least 60% of the RTC quantum.

The first tender, floated for peak-hour and night-time power from October 12 to 31, received bids of up to Rs 37 per unit. The second, seeking 1,000 MW of peak-hour power from November 2026 to May 2027, attracted quotations of up to Rs 41.50 per unit. The third tender, which sought varying quantities of power for peak hours, RTC and night-time supply from November to January, received bids of up to Rs 35 per unit.

The status of the fourth tender, floated to procure RTC and peak-hour power between February and July 2027, is not yet known.

The deceased, Gnanavel, a farmer, was reportedly shot 10 times by Poovarasam (28), who allegedly opened fire using a country-made gun. Raghu (40), a hotel chef and another PMK functionary from the same village, sustained a bullet injury in his right hand.

Police said Poovarasam had a longstanding enmity with Gnanavel. The accused reportedly called Gnanavel and asked where he was. Gnanavel told him that he was near the village bus stop, where he was standing with Raghu.

Around 6 pm, Poovarasam allegedly arrived at the spot and opened fire. With firecrackers bursting across the village for Deepavali and poor visibility in the dark, residents initially mistook the gunshots for cracker bursts. They rushed to the spot after hearing Gnanavel's cries and shifted both injured men to Gudiyatham Government Hospital, where doctors declared Gnanavel dead.

The bullets had pierced Gnanavel's face, neck and chest. Raghu was admitted for treatment.

Poovarasam, who has 13 criminal cases, including murder, attempt to murder, robbery and ganja peddling, against him in various police stations, had also been detained under the Goondas Act several times, police said.

Following the murder, more than 200 PMK cadres, relatives and villagers gathered outside the government hospital. Police personnel from several stations were deployed to maintain order. After party functionaries intervened, the family agreed to allow the body to be shifted to Vellore Government Medical College Hospital for postmortem.

Police said they detained Poovarasam for questioning. Gudiyatham Taluk police have registered a case and are investigating.

House gutted as rocket cracker explodes inside

A house was gutted in fire after a rocket cracker burst inside the premises during Deepavali celebrations, in Sriperumbudur on Sunday.

Gangadharan of Veerasamy Pillai Street was at home when the incident occurred. A group of children were bursting firecrackers on the street near his house. At the time, a rocket firecracker entered Gangadharan's house and exploded, setting household articles, including a sofa, air conditioner and bureau, on fire.

The fire spread rapidly throughout the house, seeing which, Gangadharan and family members rushed out of the house in panic. Neighbours who witnessed the incident immediately alerted the Sriperumbudur Fire and Rescue Services. Firefighters rushed to the spot, doused the fire, and brought the situation under control.

While no one was injured in the incident, all household articles were gutted in the fire, and the house also suffered extensive structural damage.
The Sriperumbudur police have registered the case, and further investigation is on.

Two run over by trains in separate incidents

A guest worker was among two people run over by trains in separate incidents in the late hours on Sunday.

Bijoykumar Behurah (44) of Cuttack, Odisha, involved in construction work in Thanjavur's Papanasam, was run over by a train while consuming liquor with his friends on a track in the Papanasam-Pandaravadai section. His friends had escaped in a fraction of a second.

The Railway police registered a case and are investigating. Similarly, Manikandan (36) of Punnai Nallur near Thanjavur was crossing the railway track between the Thittai-Thanjavur section when the Mayiladuthurai-Sengottai intercity express train hit him. Manikandan died on the spot.

Thanjavur railway police registered a case and retrieved the body for autopsy. Further investigations are ongoing.

3 murdered in Tiruchy on Deepavali night 

Deepavali night in Tiruchy saw three murders, including that of two minors, in separate incidents.

The minors, Rahul from Inam Samayapuram and his cousin R Vishal, both 17,  were riding along the Pullambadi canal near Samayapuram tollgate on a two-wheeler when they were confronted by an unidentified group that had been tailing them, the police said.

They allegedly attacked the duo with lethal weapons, killing Vishal on the spot. Rahul sustained a slit throat and succumbed on the way to the hospital, the police said.

Superintendent of Police Dongare Pravin Umesh ordered three special teams headed by the Lalgudi DSP Rajmohan to nab the culprits. The police secured three suspects by Monday evening.

In another incident, an IT employee, X Christopher (21), from Irungalur near Samayapuram, was killed in front his house after a fight broke out with two-wheeler-bound V Donald (28), who lived in the same area, objected to Christopher bursting crackers on the street.

Wild jumbo tramples man to death in Tenkasi

A 72-year-old retired Highways Department employee was trampled to death by a wild elephant near Puliyarai in Tenkasi district on Sunday morning.

Subbaiah had gone to his farm in Kottavikulam, near Puliyarai, around 7 am on Monday when a wild elephant came charging along the same path. Scared, Subbaiah tried to escape, but the elephant kicked him in the chest, and he died on impact

Kadayanallur MLA TM Rajendran urged the State government and district administration to provide compensation to Subbaiah's family and urged for round-the-clock monitoring by the Forest department as wild elephants and boars are increasingly entering residential and farm areas.

Man hacked to death in Perambalur during Deepavali celebration

A 50 year old man was hacked to death in Perambalur after the Deepavali celebrations turned violent in the wee hours of Monday.

Sources said, R Ravi, a resident from Nochiyam village near Perambalur had reportedly gone out to celebrate Deepavali with his friends. Since he failed to return even on Monday morning, the anxious family members went in search of him and they were shocked to see Ravi was lying dead near Mariamman temple premises with severe cut injuries.

Soon they passed on the information to the Perambalur Town police who rushed to the spot and retrieved the body and sent it to Perambalur GH. Police said that the murder had occurred in the early hours on Monday. The police had also retrieved the CCTV footage’s from the spot and commenced investigation. Finger print experts and sniffer dog squad also visited the spot and conducted investigation.

Based on the complaint by Ravi’s mother Sarasu, a case was registered and investigations are underway.

Gang murders two minor boys in Tiruchy

Two minors were brutally murdered near Samayapuram in Tiruchy in the late hours of Sunday (November 8).

Sources said Rahul (17), a resident of Inam Samayapuram, was staying at a relative's house in the locality after the death of his parents. He was doing odd jobs to earn a living.

On Sunday, around 11.30 pm, Rahul, along with his cousin, R Vishal (17), was walking along the Pullambadi canal near the Samayapuram tollgate when they were confronted by an unidentified gang. The duo were brutally attacked with lethal weapons. Vishal died on the spot, sustaining severe cut injuries to his head and face, while Rahul was left struggling for his life with a slit throat. The assailants fled the scene under the cover of darkness.

Passersby who noticed the incident alerted the police, who rushed to the spot, retrieved Vishal’s body and shifted the injured Rahul to hospital.

However, Rahul too succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital. Subsequently, both bodies were sent to Tiruchy Government Hospital (GH) for post-mortem examination.

A case has been registered, and an investigation is under way.

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Dongare Pravin Umesh, who visited the spot, conducted an inquiry and ordered the formation of three special teams to nab the culprits.

Trio robs couple at knifepoint

The city police arrested three men for allegedly threatening a young couple at knifepoint and robbing them at the Elliots Beach in Besant Nagar during the early hours of Friday. Officials said the trio decamped with two mobile phones and a gold chain weighing two sovereigns.

The complainant, a 23-year-old man working as a marketing executive, had come to the beach with his girlfriend around 2 am. They were sitting on the beach talking, and when it started raining at about 3.30 am, the couple moved towards a shop on the beach to take shelter.

That was when four men approached and threatened them. One of the suspects held a knife to the man’s throat while the others took two mobile phones and the woman’s gold chain. Based on the man’s complaint, the Shastri Nagar police registered a case and launched an investigation. The police identified the suspects as Arya (35) from Kerala, and Ashwin Kumar (33) and Raj (21) from Chennai.

Investigators found that the three men rode horses at Elliot’s Beach. All three of them were arrested and remanded in judicial custody. Search is on for another suspect who is at large.

Man held for abusing 3 boys he lured with Deepavali gifts

A 38-year-old man was arrested by the Kasimedu police for allegedly sexually abusing three 12-year-old boys after luring them to a hotel room on the pretext of buying them Deepavali gifts.

The boys were playing in their neighbourhood when the accused, identified as Vikram, approached them and offered to buy them festival gifts. He took them to a hotel and confined them in a room.

The probe revealed that Vikram forced the boys to massage him, touch him inappropriately and consume alcohol. He also allegedly burnt them with cigarette butts before leaving them near their homes that night.

After the parents alerted the police, investigators examined CCTV footage from the areas where the children had been taken and traced Vikram. He was produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody.

Tiruvallur: Guest worker from Bihar stabs 45-year-old to death over drunken brawl

A 22-year-old guest worker from Bihar was arrested for allegedly stabbing a 45-year-old construction worker to death at his house in Ayanambakkam near Tiruverkadu, on Friday night. The attack was triggered by a drunken brawl the previous night, police said.

The deceased was identified as Kamalakannan. He is separated from his wife and after she moved away with their two sons, his mother lived with him.

The accused, Arvind Kumar of Muzaffarpur district in Bihar, worked as a cook at a hotel in Thiruverkadu.

On Thursday, they were drinking at Kamalakannan's house when an argument broke out and Kamalakannan assaulted Arvind, leading to an enmity. To exact revenge, Arvind went to Kamalakannan's house on Friday night while under the influence of alcohol.

They entered into a fresh altercation, following which the Bihar man took out a knife and stabbed Kamalakannan repeatedly in the abdomen. He suffered fatal injuries and died on the spot.

On receiving information, the Tiruverkadu police reached the house and sent the body to Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Arvind initially went into hiding but was arrested from a hideout on Saturday morning.

The police produced him before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody. Further investigations are on.

Debt-saddled IT manager turns to chain-snatching, caught by public in Tambaram

After facing a huge loss in online trading, which left him saddled with a sizeable debt, a 46-year-old project manager with an IT company took to chain-snatching to pay off his loans – only to be caught by the public, who gave him a sound thrashing before handing him over to the police in Tambaram.

Chennai: Horse-rider trio robs couple at knifepoint on Besant Nagar beach, arrested

The city police arrested three men for allegedly threatening a young couple at knifepoint and robbing them at the Elliots Beach in Besant Nagar during the early hours of Friday. Officials said the trio decamped with two mobile phones and a gold chain weighing two sovereigns.

The complainant, a 23-year-old man working as a marketing executive, had come to the beach with his girlfriend around 2 am. They were sitting on the beach talking, and when it started raining at about 3.30 am, the couple moved towards a shop on the beach to take shelter.

That was when four men approached and threatened them. One of the suspects held a knife to the man's throat while the others took two mobile phones and the woman's gold chain.

Based on the man's complaint, the Shastri Nagar police registered a case and launched an investigation. The police identified the suspects as Arya (35) from Kerala, and Ashwin Kumar (33) and Raj (21) from Chennai.

Investigators found that the three men rode horses at Elliot's Beach. All three of them were arrested and remanded in judicial custody. Search is on for another suspect who is at large.

Youth detained after molestation bid on school girl on bus

Ariyalur police secured a youth who reportedly misbehaved with a Class 12 girl on a moving TNSTC bus on Thursday late evening. School students were returning home after class on Thursday evening by a TNSTC bus bound from Ariyalur via V-Kaikatti.

When the bus was proceeding from Ariyalur, a youth who was said to be in an inebriated condition attempted to misbehave with one of the girls.

As the girl raised the alarm, the co-passengers secured the youth and handed him over to the Ariyalur All Women police. He was identified as Arun, a driver from Ponparappi Kudikadu village near Sendurai.

NIT Tiruchy student kills self in hostel

A final-year student from NIT, Tiruchy, committed suicide by hanging in the hostel room here on Friday, frustrated over a relationship failure.

A Shirthick (21), a resident from Chrompet in Chennai, was pursuing BTech at NIT, Tiruchy. As his hostel room remained shut for a long time, his classmate Prassanna opened the window to check. He found Shrithick hanging dead.

Soon, the institute alerted the Thuvakudi police, who sent his body to Thuvakudi GH. The police found that Shrithick was in love with his senior.

The police also retrieved letters written to his lover and family members. Further investigations are on.

Man held for land records tampering in Tiruvarur

A man was arrested for allegedly tampering with official land records at a Sub-Registrar office in Tiruvarur to facilitate the illegal transfer and sale of properties, police said on Thursday.

Based on a complaint lodged by the District Registrar, Tiruvarur, the CB-CID registered a case on August 21 against the accused Sasikumar, along with officials of the Tiruvarur Joint Sub-Registrar Office and other private individuals.

Sasikumar conspired with officials to erase existing particulars in official records and insert fabricated details to illegally obtain 'pattas' for properties belonging to the Virudhachalam Kumara Devar Mutt, the Tiruvarur Dakshinamurthy Mutt, certain temple lands, and private lands located in Adiyakkamangalam Village. The accused subsequently sold these properties. Sasikumar was arrested on November 3.

Woman arrested for stealing gold, cash in Chennai

A 51-year-old domestic help was arrested for allegedly stealing gold jewellery and cash from her employer’s house in Mylapore. The police recovered around 53 sovereigns of jewellery and Rs 15.5 lakh in cash from her.

The complainant, V Padma (85), a retired government official lives with her daughter on Karaneeswarar Koil 2nd Street in Mylapore. The arrested woman, Manimekalai of Mandaveli, has been working as a domestic help at her house for the past 15 years.

Prisoner dies at Stanley Hospital, probe on

The police are investigating the death of a prisoner who died while undergoing treatment at the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital on Thursday.

R Ramesh Kumar (49) of Selvalakshmi Nagar near DNK Puram in Tirupur was convicted in a case registered at the Tirupur North police station in 2021 and was serving his sentence at the Coimbatore Central Prison.

According to prison officials, he was recently diagnosed with jaundice. As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Puzhal Prison on October 28 for further treatment.

He was admitted to Stanley Hospital, where he was receiving intensive care.

Despite treatment, he died on Thursday. The Puzhal police have registered a case and begun an investigation. Officials said the body has been sent for autopsy to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Chennai: Domestic help arrested for stealing 53 sovereign jewellery, Rs 16 lakh from 85-yr-old employer

A 51-year-old domestic help was arrested for allegedly stealing gold jewellery and cash from her employer's house in Mylapore. The police recovered around 53 sovereigns of jewellery and Rs 15.5 lakh in cash from her.

The complainant, V Padma (85), a retired government official lives with her daughter on Karaneeswarar Koil 2nd Street in Mylapore. The arrested woman, Manimekalai of Mandaveli, has been working as a domestic help at her house for the past 15 years.

On Wednesday, Manimekalai allegedly stole a box containing the cash and gold jewellery from the house. Based on Padma's complaint, the Mylapore police registered a case and began investigations.

A police team conducted a detailed inquiry at the spot and detained Manimekalai for questioning. Investigation revealed that she had access to all parts of the house and had stolen the box containing the cash and jewellery when the elderly woman was in another room.

After investigations, the police arrested Manimekalai and recovered the stolen valuables. She told the investigators that she stole the valuables to repay debts she had incurred. Officials said that she would be produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody.

15 school students injured in beetle attack in Kumbakonam

As many as 15 students from Kumbakonam were admitted to the GH after being stung by swarms of beetles on the premises of a government school on Thursday.

A swarm of beetles from a tree on the Government Girls Higher Secondary School premises in Tirunaraiyur stung students.

A few sustained injuries. On hearing them screaming, the teachers rescued them and rushed the injured to the Nachiyarkoil GH, where they underwent treatment till evening. Later, they were sent to their houses.

Based on the complaint by VAO Thiyagu, the police registered a case and conducted an inquiry. Meanwhile, the fire and rescue personnel removed the beetle nest from the particular tree.

Unemployed Kerala youth turns to smuggling, caught by Chennai Air Customs with 5 kg hydroponic ganja

A 27-year-old youth from Kerala, who was struggling to find a job after completing his graduation, turned to drug smuggling for an international ring, only to land in the Puzhal Central Prison after being nabbed by the Air Customs officials at the Chennai international airport for ferrying 5 kg of high-quality hydroponic ganja from Thailand via Kuala Lumpur.

The officials who were monitoring passengers arriving from Thailand via Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday became suspicious of the flyer who had returned to Chennai after visiting Thailand as a tourist. When questioned, he reportedly failed to cooperate properly with the officials. He was taken to the Customs office for further questioning, and his luggage was thoroughly checked.

During the search, officials found packets of processed food items in his luggage. Hidden between these packets were several other packets containing high-quality hydroponic ganja. A total of 5 kg of hydroponic ganja was seized from him.

Following this, the officials arrested the youth and seized the drugs. During further questioning, officials found that the young man was a graduate who had been unable to find a job. He had allegedly agreed to work as a drug courier for a smuggling gang. The arrested youth was produced before a court and remanded in Puzhal Prison.

The officials are now investigating further to find out the members of the smuggling ring who lured the youth.

Kumbakonam man held for illegal cracker manufacturing

Kumbakonam police on Thursday arrested a man on charges of illegally manufacturing and selling country crackers ahead of Deepavali.

Vijayapandian (37), a resident of Muppakovil in Kumbakonam, is a construction worker.

Acting on a tip-off that Vijayapandian has been illegally selling crackers to regular customers and making varieties of crackers for the past few weeks, the Kumbakonam East police conducted a surprise search in his house late Wednesday,

They seized 50 gunny bags full of country crackers and around 500 kgs of raw material from the house. The police registered a case and arrested Vijayapandian early Thursday.

Woman cop dies of cardiac arrest on way to work in Thanjavur

A woman head constable died of a sudden cardiac arrest while commuting from her home to work in Thanjavur on Thursday.

According to sources, S Muthu Nachiyar (39), a resident of Keezhavastha Chavadi in Thanjavur, was working as a head constable in Kallaperambur police station.

On Thursday, while Muthu Nachiyar was on her way to work, she suddenly suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed. Soon, the passersby rushed her to the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital.

However, the doctors declared her dead upon arrival. She is survived by her husband, Sankar, an Armed Reserve personnel, a son and a daughter. 

Burglars plunder 10 sovereigns of gold from retired teacher's house in Tiruvarur

Miscreants decamped with 160 sovereigns of gold jewellery belonging to a retired teacher in Tiruvarur in the early hours of Thursday. The police have retrieved CCTV footage and are searching for unidentified persons.

The incident occurred when Govindaraj (65), a retired teacher, residing at Karuppukilar village in Tiruvarur, had gone to Bengaluru with his family members to give ‘Deepavali seer (gift)’ to one of his daughters. They had left on November 2 and returned on Thursday.

Upon returning home, they were shocked to see the front door of their house broken. Govindaraj found the almirah in one of the rooms damaged and 160 sovereign gold ornaments and cash of Rs 10,000 missing. The value of the gold ornaments was said to be around Rs 2 crore.

Soon, he passed on the information to the Kottur police, who registered a case. The information about the theft was also passed on to the Tiruvarur SP, V Satish Kumar. The SP, along with a police team, visited the spot and conducted an inquiry with the retired teacher Govindaraj.

Fingerprint experts were also deployed while the police retrieved CCTV footage near Govindaraj's house. Further investigation is on, and a search is under way for the culprits.

Class 10 boy severely injured after leaping off school building

A Class 10 boy leapt from the second floor of his school after exam invigilator found him exchanging papers during a model exam on Wednesday.

According to reports, CBSE students in Class 10 and 12 were now involved in preparing for model examinations. On Wednesday, while an examination was going on, a Class 10 boy reportedly exchanged his paper with a classmate, which was found by the invigilator. He was caught red-handed and the invigilator inquired with him.

While the invigilator was talking with him, the boy suddenly ran out of the classroom and jumped from the second floor of the school.

On impact, he sustained severe fractures in his hand and hip. The school authorities rushed to his rescue immediately and moved him to a private hospital. He is currently undergoing treatment.

The E-Pudhur police registered a case and are investigating.

DMK man hacked to death over financial dispute

A DMK functionary, identified as Lakshmanan, was hacked to death by a gang near Kodaikanal in Dindigul district.

Police suspect that a dispute over money between Lakshmanan and one Ajith of Meenatchipuram led to the murder. According to the initial information, the gang had first attacked Lakshmanan's son in an attempt to murder him.

However, he escaped and lodged a complaint with the police. The assailants subsequently targeted his father, Lakshmanan, and hacked him to death. Following the incident, police have launched a search for Ajith and other suspects who fled the scene.

Dindigul Superintendent of Police Jayakumar is conducting an intensive investigation into the murder.

14-yr-old boy succumbs to fever after falling unconscious in school

A Class 8 boy who fell unconscious on his school premises died after undergoing treatment in the hospital in Tiruchy on Wednesday.

Sources said that on October 31, S Mohammed Yasin (14), studying in a private school near Pullambadi in Tiruchy, fell unconscious on the school premises after vomiting. Soon, the school authorities took him to a private hospital for treatment. The boy reportedly developed a fever for a couple of days, and the temperature failed to subside.

He was shifted to another hospital at Kallakudi near Lalgudi, but his condition had worsened. The boy was shifted again to the Tiruchy Government Hospital to continue treatment. Unfortunately, the boy's treatment failed, and he succumbed.

Based on the complaint by Mohammed Yasin's father, Seit Mohammed, the Kallakudi police registered a case and are investigating. The police also conducted an inquiry at the school and with the doctors who treated him.

Man gets triple life term for wife's murder

Karur Mahila Fast Track Court on Wednesday awarded a triple life sentence to a man who murdered his wife over a domestic quarrel and burnt the body to destroy evidence.

On November 9, 2023, Sivakumar of Kulathupalayam quarrelled with his wife, Palaniammal, and later took her on a drive in their car to pacify her. Sivakumar later severely assaulted her, and she died on the spot. He then burned her body to destroy evidence.

After a few days, Palaniammal's parents lodged a missing person complaint with the Aravakurichi police. Subsequently, the police arrested Sivakumar following a probe.

The Mahila court judge Thangavel, who heard the case, awarded triple life term and a fine of Rs 10,000 to Sivakumar. He has been lodged in Tiruchy Central Prison.

History sheeter hacked to death in Madurai

A notorious history-sheeter was hacked to death by an unidentified gang near Samayanallur in Madurai district in the wee hours on Monday, police said.

The deceased, identified as Surya alias ‘Kuttisaku’, a resident of Sadachiamman Nagar in Samayanallur, had over 10 pending criminal cases against him, including charges of murder and assault. According to the police, the incident occurred when Surya was consuming alcohol at the old panchayat office complex located on the Madurai-Dindigul National

Highway around 2 am. An armed gang confronted him and attacked him with lethal weapons. His face was severely disfigured in the attack, and he died on the spot before the assailants fled the scene.

Upon receiving information, the Samayanallur police rushed to the site, recovered the body, and sent it to the Madurai Rajaji Government Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Preliminary investigations suggest that prior enmity and retaliation could be the motive behind the murder.

The police have launched an intensive investigation and are currently on the lookout for the absconding gang members, officials added.

VCK man’s murder: DMK cadre among 5 held

Five people, including a DMK functionary, have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a VCK functionary at a petrol pump here, police said on Monday.

The Police apprehended all five suspects within six hours of the incident after reviewing CCTV footage from the fuel station. The deceased, Balamurugan (40), was a former VCK union secretary for Ottapidaram who ran a vegetable shop and worked as a van driver.

According to the police, the murder was the fallout of a dispute over the placement of flex banners on the Sottaiyan Thoppu main road. The fatal attack occurred around 6 am on Sunday. Balamurugan had gone to a fuel outlet on Sethupathi Road to refuel his two-wheeler when a five-member gang arriving on two motorcycles surrounded him. They hacked him with sickles, and he died on the spot.

The Thalamuthunagar police recovered the body and sent it to the Thoothukudi Government Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Based on a complaint filed by Balamurugan’s wife, Sudha, a case was registered at the Thalamuthunagar police station.

The incident triggered tension in the highly populated area. Hundreds of locals and relatives of the victim staged a road blockade on the Sottaiyan Thoppu main road, disrupting traffic and demanding immediate action against the killers. The protest was withdrawn after senior police officials held talks and assured them of swift arrests. Over 200 police personnel have been deployed in the area as a precautionary measure.

Woman smuggles 800g gold, held in Coimbatore airport

A woman passenger from Sharjah was arrested for smuggling 808.27 grams of gold, valued at around Rs 1.15 crore, at the Coimbatore International Airport on Monday. Acting on a tip-off, officials of the Customs Intelligence Unit intensified surveillance and screened over 200 passengers. During the checks, they found that the woman had concealed gold in paste form inside her garments. The officials recovered 808.27 grams of gold, valued at approximately Rs 1.15 crore, from her possession. The woman was detained, and the seized gold was confiscated. An investigation is ongoing to ascertain whether others were involved in the smuggling operation.

Ennore: Week after son's arrest in Pocso case, father held for similar offence

Days after his 32-year-old son was arrested for alleged sexual assault on a two-and-a-half-year-old girl child in Ennore, his 61-year-old father was arrested in a similar complaint.

The arrested person was identified as Desingh. He had allegedly behaved inappropriately with a 7-year-old girl in June, according to the police. The police said the two families had earlier tried to resolve the matter through a local community meeting, and no complaint was filed at that time.

The matter came to light again after the accused's son was taken into custody last week in a separate case registered under the Pocso Act concerning a toddler from the same locality.

Following the recent arrest of his son, the mother of the 7-year-old survivor approached the police and lodged a formal complaint. Based on her complaint, Ennore police registered a case and arrested Desingh on Saturday. He was produced before the court and remanded in judicial custody.

Earlier, Desingh's son, Ranjithkumar, was arrested on October 26 after he allegedly lured a child to his house twice last week and had allegedly sexually abused her.

63-yr-old woman killed as tanker rams bike near Pallikaranai

A 63-year-old woman died on the spot, and her husband was injured after a private water tanker hit their two-wheeler from behind near Pallikaranai on Saturday.

The victim was identified as Indumathi (63) of Radha Nagar, Perumbakkam. She was riding pillion with her husband Balachandar (67).

According to the Pallikaranai Traffic Investigation Wing, the couple was heading home on Velachery Main Road when the tanker rammed their bike near Mayilai Balaji Nagar.

Due to the impact, both fell on the road. Indumathi was run over by the tanker and suffered fatal injuries. Balachandar escaped with minor injuries.

Residents rushed them to a nearby private hospital, where Indumathi was declared brought dead. The police sent the body to Tambaram Government Hospital for post-mortem examination. The police registered a case and arrested the driver, Chinnarasu (31) of Tiruvarur

5 held for circulating counterfeit notes in Vellore

The Vellore police arrested five people for circulating counterfeit currency notes.

Rafiq Ahmed (46) of Gudiyatham had paid for a Flipkart delivery using two counterfeit Rs 500 notes.

The delivery agent tipped off the police, and Rafiq was arrested. He told the police he acquired the notes from Zubair Ahmed (52), who in turn revealed that Gopal (47) and Kamaraj (48) were his suppliers.

The duo named Babu (65) as their supplier. Further probe revealed that Babu had been arrested in counterfeit currency cases in West Bengal around 10 years ago and had served a prison term.

Police have seized counterfeit currency notes worth Rs 1.50 lakh and are Babu's connections in West Bengal.

Chennai: 26-year-old Siddha medical student dies by suicide

A 26-year-old postgraduate Siddha medical student dies by suicide at the girls hostel of the National Institute of Siddha in Tambaram on Thursday. The deceased was identified as T Shenbagavalli, who was pursuing her third year of postgraduate Siddha medicine at the institute and was staying at the college hostel along with two other students.

Police said that Shenbagavalli was also preparing for central government recruitment examinations. The question papers were difficult, and she was worried about whether she would clear the exam and secure a government job.

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12-year-old FSC detainee accused of sexually abusing infant in Tiruchy

 A 12-year-old Bangladeshi boy, lodged as an alleged illegal immigrant at the Foreigners Special Camp (FSC) in Tiruchy, has been accused of sexually abusing a one-year-old girl inside the facility.

Sources in the Centre said the incident occurred because the boy, who should have been housed in the men’s block, was instead allowed to stay with his mother in the women’s block. The child he allegedly abused belongs to another Bangladeshi family lodged in the women’s block, they said.

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Thanjavur: 3-yr-old girl sexually abused; mother, lover held

Thanjavur police arrested a man for sexually abusing a three-year-old child.

The police also arrested the child’s mother for supporting the accused on Friday. Yogaraj (32), a collection agent in a finance firm in Kumbakonam, had an extramarital affair with a 24-year-old woman whose husband was said to be working abroad.

On October 26, Yogaraj, who went to the woman’s house, had reportedly sexually abused the woman's three-year-old child. Yogaraj had also bitten the baby in several places.

When neighbours inquired about it, the mother gave an evasive response. Based on the alert, the Natchiyarkoil police found that the child was sexually abused and arrested Yogaraj and the baby’s mother.

Tamil Nadu: 3 assault cop and HG personnel, held

A gang of three arrested for attacking a policeman and a home guard personnel after being warned against consuming alcohol in a public place in Ariyalur in the wee hours of Friday.

When Raja Kannan (37), a policeman from Thalavai station near Sendurai, along with home guard personnel Venkatesan (47), were on routine patrol in the late hours of Thursday, a gang of three were consuming alcohol at a shed along the main road.

Both personnel urged them to leave the spot immediately. However, they picked up a quarrel and hurled abusive words at the personnel.

Soon, the police constable Raja Kannan contacted the Thalavai police station and passed on the information. Suddenly, the trio attacked the duo and escaped.

However, the police secured the trio, identified as Mathivanan, Thamaraikannan and Elamparithi, all from Silappanur village.

Tiruchy: 3 held in separate ganja peddling cases

Three persons, including a woman, were arrested for peddling ganja across Tiruchy City.

Based on a tip-off, the City Commissioner of Police Rupesh Kumar Meena ordered an elaborate raid across the city.

When a team from E-Pudhur police were searching at Panjapur, they found one Pavithran (22) from Ramji Nagar selling ganja.

Soon, the police arrested him and seized ganja packs. Similarly, another team found Sakthivel (24) from Ramji Nagar selling ganja in Rettamalai and arrested him.

A 35-year-old woman selling ganja was arrested from a house in Ariyamangalam.

Jewellery dealer cheated of 7.3 kg gold; man arrested in Triplicane

A 30-year-old man was arrested for allegedly cheating a jewellery dealer of 7.30 kg of gold ornaments worth several crores of rupees in Triplicane.

The accused, Masook Jain of Vepery, was arrested by the Triplicane police on Wednesday and remanded in judicial custody.

According to the police, the complainant, Seerak (25), runs a jewellery shop and workshop on Irulappan Street in Sowcarpet. Jain had reportedly been collecting gold ornaments from him on a commission basis, claiming that he would sell them to jewellery shops operated by his contacts.

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Chennai man, Bangladeshi mother-in-law held for serial robberies

Thanjavur police arrested a Chennai man and his Bangladeshi mother-in-law for stealing 30 sovereigns of gold jewellery from a house. The duo were habitual offenders involved in a series of theft cases across the state, targeting houses locked for a long period.

On October 23, K Karthi, who runs a finance firm at Pillayarpatti near Tiruvidaimaruthur in Thanjavur, returned home in the evening after work, and he found the front door of his house broken and 30 sovereigns, 250-gram silver articles and Rs 2.50 lakh cash were missing. A complaint was filed.

During a vehicle check, on suspicion, the police secured B Gunasekar (40) from Choolaimedu in Chennai and his mother-in-law Hannah Begam (59) from Bangladesh. The probe found that the duo had been involved in the robbery at Karthi's house, and valuables were recovered. The duo was lodged in prison.

Further investigation revealed that Gunasekaran had befriended Hannah Begum's daughter on social media and managed to go to Bangladesh illegally and married her. He returned with his mother-in-law and they targeted several locked houses in a similar manner in Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Tiruchy.

Villupuram man strangles 14-year-old daughter to death for having a relationship

A 14-year-old Class 10 student was allegedly strangled to death by her father following an argument over her relationship with a young man in Villupuram district's Vanur on Thursday night (October 29).

According to a Maalaimalar report, the accused, identified as Sivasastri (40), a lorry driver, later surrendered before the Vanur police and was arrested.

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Poverty drives Panruti woman to sell newborn boy for Rs 4.5 lakh; auto driver arrested

A three-day-old baby boy allegedly sold for Rs 4.5 lakh by his mother, who was struggling with poverty, was rescued by the police from a woman in Tiruchy.

An auto driver, identified as Zafar Khan (41), who allegedly acted as a middleman in the transaction, has been arrested.

Fatima (30), from Thattanchavady near Panruti, gave birth to the boy at the Panruti Government Hospital on October 19. Already having two daughters and living separately from her husband, she reportedly struggled to raise the children.

Taking advantage of Fatima's financial difficulties, Zafar Khan, an auto driver from Panruti, allegedly persuaded her to sell the baby. Through him, the child was handed over to Renuka Devi of Tiruchy for Rs 4.5 lakh on October 22.

Zafar Khan allegedly took a major portion of the money, leaving Fatima with only a small amount. This led to a dispute between the two. Fatima later asked Renuka Devi to return the baby. However, Renuka Devi allegedly refused.

Fatima subsequently lodged a complaint at the Panruti police station on October 28. The police registered a case and formed a special team, which went to Tiruchy, rescued the baby from Renuka Devi and safely handed him over to Fatima. The police have arrested Zafar Khan in connection with the case.

Two arrested in separate Pocso cases in Ambattur, Guduvanchery

Two men were arrested and remanded in judicial custody on Thursday in separate cases involving the alleged sexual assault of minor girls in Ambattur and Guduvanchery.

In the first case, the Ambattur All-Women Police arrested Mohammad Rafeeq alias Sarphul Dewan (40), a native of Jharkhand, for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl who had gone to a mosque to attend Quran classes.

According to the complaint lodged by the girl’s father, the accused had assaulted the child while she was returning from the mosque after her classes. The girl later informed her parents, who approached the police.

In the second case, Kilambakkam All-Women Police arrested Manoharan (50), a financier, for sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl at her house near Guduvanchery in Chengalpattu. Police said Manoharan, a resident of Thailavaram, runs a small chit fund business.

On October 24, he visited the house, located two streets away from his residence, to collect money. The child was alone at the time, and he sexually assaulted her. Following a complaint from her parents, police registered a case, arrested Manoharan and produced him before a Chengalpattu court, which remanded him in judicial custody.

20-year-old son beats woman to death after quarrel in Dharmapuri

A 20-year-old construction worker, who was released on bail three days ago, beat his mother to death with an iron rod following a quarrel at their house in Dharmapuri district on Thursday night.

The police identified the accused as Devaraj of Old Indur village. Earlier on August 3, the Indur police had arrested him for creating a public nuisance while wearing a police cap and brandishing a knife. He had chased passers-by on the road and attempted to attack a man identified as Veeramani, according to the police. After a complaint, police arrested him and remanded him in judicial custody at Salem Central Prison. On October 28, he secured bail and returned home.

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Villupuram man argues with wife, then throws six-year-old son into well; arrested

A 40-year-old man was arrested for allegedly throwing his six-year-old son into an agricultural well following an argument with his wife over money near Senji in Villupuram district.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the deceased boy, identified as Sanjay, was the couple's only son. His father, Selvaraj, allegedly threw him into a well behind the government hospital in the area after a prolonged argument with his wife, Devi, over the spending of borrowed money.

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Two arrested for murdering 19-year-old, burying body near Pulicat

Two men from Cuddalore were arrested for murdering a 19-year-old youth at Thirupalaivanam near Ponneri and burying his body on Sathankuppam beach near Pulicat. The arrested men were identified as G Dinesh (23) and S Devarasu (18), both from Siruvathur village in Cuddalore.

The body was exhumed on Friday following their confession, police said. The deceased, Prashanth (19), was working as a tile layer along with his maternal uncle Ramesh in Cuddalore. He is the son of Ezhilarasi, a domestic help working at actor Radhika Sarathkumar’s house in Chennai.

On October 27, Prashanth informed his uncle that he was travelling to Chennai to meet his mother. The following day he went missing. Based on a complaint lodged by Ramesh, Cuddalore police registered a missing person case and launched an investigation.

During the probe, police found that Prashanth was in a relationship with Devarasu’s wife. During interrogation, the accused confessed to assaulting Prashanth to death at Thirupalaivanam before burying his body at Sathankuppam beach near Pulicat.

Following the confession, Cuddalore police, with the assistance of Thirupalaivanam police, exhumed the body on Friday. It was subsequently sent to the Ponneri GH for a postmortem examination.

Kancheepuram: Three, including school student, killed in accident

CHENNAI: Three people, including a school student, were killed and three other school students injured in two separate road accidents in Kancheepuram district on Wednesday night.

In the first incident, four school students — Sanjay (16), Joshua (15), Jaswanth (14) and Chandru (14) from Echur near Sriperumbudur — were travelling on a bike towards Panrutti near Sunguvarchatram on Wednesday night. 

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Rashly driven MTC bus kills woman on way to hospital near Puzhal

CHENNAI: A 49-year-old woman who was on her way to a hospital for a health check-up was killed in a road accident at Kathirvedu near Puzhal on Wednesday after a rashly driven MTC bus hit the two-wheeler she was travelling on.

The deceased woman was identified as K Savithri, a resident of Sholavaram. On Wednesday, Savithri, along with her husband, Kumar, were on their way to a hospital, police said.

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22-yr jail for kidnap, assault of minor

CHENNAI: The Tiruvallur Pocso court on Wednesday sentenced a 22-year-old man to 22 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 2018. Police said that the incident occurred on Dec 28, 2018.

The accused, Peter (aged 21 at the time) lured a 13-year-old girl on the pretext of marrying her and sexually assaulted her. Based on a complaint from the victim’s mother, a case was registered at the All Women Police Station, and the accused was arrested and remanded. After investigation, a charge sheet was filed before the Pocso Court.

Retired Warden killed inside CSI school in Sivaganga

A woman was murdered by unidentified persons who allegedly broke into her house inside the premises of the CSI School in Manamadurai, Sivaganga district, on Thursday evening. Vasantha Mallika, wife of Easwaran, was killed, and the assailant snatched the jewellery she was wearing before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred while the school was functioning. The deceased had worked as a warden at the school. The incident came to light only after her husband found her dead upon his return home. Sivaganga Superintendent of Police Abhishek Gupta inspected the spot. Further probe is under way.

5-member armed gang robs car dealer of Rs 1 crore in Erode

A five-member armed gang robbed a used-car dealer of Rs one crore at knifepoint near Perundurai in Erode on Thursday.

The police said Arun Kumar (55) of Rajendra Prasad Street in Perundurai was engaged in the used-car business and was also overseeing the construction of a temple on a 55-cent plot on Kanjikovil Road through receiving donations.

The police said a businessman from Tirupur had donated Rs one crore towards the temple's construction. On learning about the cash, some unidentified persons contacted Arun Kumar over the phone and offered to give him Rs 1.15 crore through online transfer in exchange for Rs one crore in cash.

Tempted by the prospect of making an additional Rs 15 lakh, Arun agreed to the deal and asked them to come to Perundurai. “Arun Kumar was counting the cash using a currency-counting machine at a house on Kanjikovil Road when five men arrived armed with knives and iron pipes on Thursday. When he attempted to raise an alarm, the gang threatened to stab him to death. The assailants then fled with the Rs one crore kept in a suitcase,” the police said.

Following the robbery, Arun Kumar lodged a complaint with the Perundurai police, who registered a case and special teams have launched a search for the accused.

Theni jailbreak: Last four inmates nabbed, all 17 back in custody

The police on Wednesday recaptured four more inmates, bringing all 17 inmates who escaped from the Theni District Jail on Monday night after assaulting three prison staff back into custody. The inmates had pretended that one of them was suffering from an epileptic seizure to trap the guards and carry out their escape plan.

On Wednesday morning, around 100 police personnel intensified their search in the Amachiyapuram hills to trace four inmates: Rejin from Kanyakumari, and Tirupathi, Meenatchisundram and Ponmuthuselvam from Madurai.

The police team recaptured Rejin and Ponmuthuselvam from the hills. The other two, Tirupathi and Meenatchisundram, who are brothers, allegedly fled after learning that police had entered the area where they were hiding. They allegedly assaulted a motorist who was passing by on a motorcycle, seized his bike and escaped, a police source said.

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Trio snatches gold chain from home alone woman

An unidentified trio robbed a home alone woman of a 2.5-sovereign gold chain in Tiruchy on Wednesday after gaining entry into the house and locking it from inside.

The victim, a 41-year-old woman, lived alone in KK Nagar and works as a domestic helper. On Monday evening, while the woman was cooking, three unidentified persons had reportedly gained entry into the house and locked the doors from inside.

On seeing them, the woman raised an alarm, but one of them gagged her. They snatched her 2.5-sovereign gold chain and fled. She immediately ran out of the house, raising an alarm, but the trio had escaped. She lodged a complaint with the KK Nagar police, who registered a case and are searching for the culprits.

Thanjavur ganja peddler nabbed in Ariyalur

A notorious peddler from Thanjavur was arrested in Ariyalur while attempting to smuggle ganja from Odisha on Wednesday evening.

A police team led by Jayankondam inspector Balaji conducted a vehicle check following a tip-off and suspected a youth, who fled. After a chase, the man was caught and identified as R Shanmuga Ganapathi (29) of East Street, Thanjavur.

They found 6 kg of ganja concealed in his belongings and arrested him. Further probe revealed that the accused sold to regular customers in the neighbouring districts and procured the contraband from Odisha. He faces several pending cases in Thanjavur.

Two murdered in Otteri, Avadi

Two people were murdered in separate incidents in Chennai and Avadi on Tuesday night. In one incident in Otteri, an elderly man was beaten to death after an argument with a neighbour.

The deceased has been identified as S Ponnurangam (69), a resident of Rettaimalai Srinivasan Street in Otteri. Police said there was an existing enmity between Ponnurangam’s family and the family of his neighbour, Subramani.

A few days ago, Ponnurangam’s daughter-in-law was cleaning the entrance of their house when Subramani’s sons – Sathish (27) and Santhosh (25) – allegedly spat near the spot, which triggered an argument between the two families. On Tuesday night, an argument broke out between Ponnurangam’s son Kandhan and Sathish and Santhosh.

Hearing the commotion, Ponnurangam came out of the house and reprimanded the brothers after which they attacked him and pushed him to the ground. Ponnurangam was severely injured, and collapsed after which he was rescued and rushed him to the Kilpauk Government Medical College Hospital.

Doctors who examined him declared him brought dead. The Otteri police have registered a case and are searching for the duo, who fled after the incident.

In another incident in Thirumullaivoyal in Avadi city police limits, a 30-year-old man was hacked to death by his friend during a drinking session in the victim’s house on Tuesday night. The deceased was identified as Gokul.

Police said that Gokul and the accused, Rajesh (25) lived in the same neighbourhood and would argue often. On Tuesday, Rajesh made fun of Gokul, which had infuriated him and both of them argued and left.

The same night, the duo gathered again for a drink when Gokul questioned Rajesh about his comments and took a knife from the kitchen and attempted to attack him. Rajesh dodged the attacks, managed to retrieve the weapon from Gokul and stabbed him to death. On information, Thirumullaivoyal Police arrested Rajesh.

Man arrested for kidnap, murder of a Chennai woman

A 45-year-old man was arrested for kidnapping and murdering a woman from Aminjikarai and dumping her body in a farm well in Sirunagalur village near Melmaruvathur in Chengalpattu district.

Police said the murdered woman had failed to repay the loan which she had borrowed from him. The deceased was identified as Manimegalai (41), wife of Gurunathan, and a resident of Aminjikarai in Chennai.

Two days ago, the body of an unidentified woman with a slit throat was found in a private farm well in Sirunagalur village near Melmaruvathur. The Melmaruvathur police recovered the body and sent it to the Chengalpattu GH for a postmortem.

During the investigation, the police found that Manimegalai had borrowed money at interest from Jani Anbu Das (45), a resident of Egmore. He had allegedly threatened to kidnap her when she failed to repay the loan.

A special police team from Melmaruvathur detained Das for questioning. During interrogation, he confessed to kidnapping Manimegalai and murdering her by slitting her throat over the unpaid debt. Police said that the accused also allegedly removed the gold earrings and silver anklets worn by the woman, along with her mobile phone, before dumping her body in the farm well and escaping from the spot.

Following that, the Melmaruvathur police arrested Das for the murder, and he was remanded to judicial custody and sent to Puzhal prison.

Kanniyakumari: Four arrested for murdering panchayat staffer after he refused to steal lotuses from ponds

Four people, including Cyrus (32), have been arrested for allegedly murdering Kavin (27), a temporary electrician with the Alagappapuram Panchayat, after he refused to help them steal lotus flowers from local ponds, according to a Daily Thanthi report.

According to the police, Cyrus, a resident of Alagappapuram, had been illegally cultivating lotus flowers in ponds in the area. He allegedly asked Kavin, who hailed from Achankulam near Kottaram, to switch off the lights to facilitate the theft. Kavin’s refusal reportedly led to a dispute, following which Cyrus allegedly plotted to kill him.

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Man hacked to death by friend following argument in Thoothukudi market

A man was allegedly hacked to death with an axe by his friend following an argument at a daily market in Tittangulam near Kovilpatti in Thoothukudi district in the early hours of Tuesday (October 27).

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the deceased, identified as Kaliraj, was employed as a load lifter at a private daily market in the area. According to the available information, Kaliraj and his friends were talking at the market premises when a light-hearted exchange of jokes and teasing reportedly escalated into an argument. One of his friends, identified as Ayodhya, allegedly attacked him with an axe, killing him on the spot.

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Newborn rescued from pvt clinic toilet succumbs, cops mull altering case to murder

A newborn girl rescued from a private clinic's toilet succumbed on Tuesday. Police are contemplating altering the case based on postmortem findings.

A 19-year-old girl who was in a relationship with a lorry driver went to a private clinic on October 24 after experiencing labour pains. Despite her parents' knowledge of her pregnancy, she went alone.

She told the clinic staff that she had diarrhoea and locked herself in the toilet for nearly two hours. When the staff checked in on her, they found she had given birth there and shifted both of them to Government Stanley Hospital.

The girl is undergoing treatment; however, the newborn succumbed and was taken for autopsy. The reports indicated injuries, following which officials are considering altering the case to murder. The girl has not been arrested yet. The lorry driver has married another woman. Further probe is ongoing.

Woman arrested for allegedly setting husband on fire after domestic quarrel in Virudhunagar

VIRUDHUNAGAR: A 35-year-old construction worker, Shankar Guru, died after his wife, Sankareswari, allegedly poured kerosene on him and set him on fire following a domestic quarrel at their house in VVR Colony in Allampatti, Virudhunagar, in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to police, Shankar Guru frequently returned home intoxicated and quarrelled with his wife. The couple had divorced in 2022 but later reunited and resumed living together.

On Monday night, Shankar Guru returned home after consuming alcohol and picked up a quarrel with Sankareswari in the early hours of Tuesday. In a fit of anger, Sankareswari allegedly poured kerosene on her husband and set him on fire, said the police source. She subsequently surrendered at the nearby Virudhunagar East police station.

The police recovered Shankar Guru's body and sent it to the Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Virudhunagar SP Gautham Goyal conducted an inquiry.

History sheeter hacked to death in Indira Nagar

Chennai: A 22-year-old history sheeter was murdered in broad daylight in Adyar's Indira Nagar on Tuesday. The police identified the victim as Maithreyan, originally from Mylapore and currently residing in Tiruvanmiyur.

According to officials, Maithreyan was listed as a C-category history sheeter with multiple criminal cases. Last week, he had secured bail in a case with a condition to report at Mylapore police station every day. Around 11 am on Tuesday, he was returning from the station in his autorickshaw when he was intercepted by a gang.

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Missing 7-year-old found dead in Madurai's abandoned house

A seven-year-old boy who went missing while playing near his house at Thaniyamangalam near Melur in Madurai district yesterday was found dead in an abandoned house nearby on Monday.

The deceased, Muthuchelvan, a Class 3 student, had left home around 11 am on Sunday to play and did not return. His relatives and villagers searched for him with police assistance. Police recovered the body and sent it to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for a post-mortem examination. Senior police officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

College student killed in clash over wastewater

A 20-year-old college student was hacked to death on Sunday night following a clash between two families over wastewater flowing in front of their houses at Alwarkarkulam near Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi district.

The deceased, Isakkiraja, son of Mariappan, was a second-year student at an arts and science college near Srivaikuntam. The families of Mariappan and Sundararajan had reportedly been at loggerheads for a long time over the issue, the police said.

During an argument on Sunday night, both parties took to weapons and Isakkiraja was killed during the clash. The police have booked over 10 people in the issue.

Man held after pregnant wife dies by suicide in Otteri

Police have arrested a man on charges of abetment to suicide after the death of his pregnant wife in Otteri. The arrested man was identified as Santhosh (29), who worked in a mobile phone accessories shop.

Santhosh had married Kokila (26) on March 6 this year after being in a relationship with her. The couple lived in a rented house in Pudhu Vazhai Nagar.

Police said differences had developed between them within months of their marriage and the duo had frequent arguments. The couple had an argument on Saturday too after which Santhosh left the house. Kokila had video-called Santhosh on Saturday night and threatened to kill herself.

When Santhosh reached the house, he found her unconscious and rushed her to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital. Doctors declared her brought dead after which Otteri Police rescued her and sent the body for a postmortem. 

Meanwhile, Kokila’s family filed a complaint alleging that she had been subjected to dowry harassment by Santhosh’s family and protested demanding his arrest.

After investigations, police arrested Santhosh. As the couple had been married for less than a year, the police have recommended an RDO inquiry.

Man held for sexual assault of toddler in Ennore

Avadi City Police on Monday arrested a 32-year-old man for sexually assaulting a two-and-half-year-old girl child in Ennore. The arrested person was identified as D Ranjithkumar, a fisherman, a neighbour of the victim.

Police said that he was separated from his wife and lives alone, and that he had lured the child to his house twice last week and had sexually abused her.

The child’s parents, who noticed injuries on her body, took her to the Institute of Child Health in Egmore. The incident came to light on October 23, when doctors examining the child suspected sexual abuse and alerted the authorities. 

Based on the information received from the hospital and a complaint filed by the child’s mother, the Ennore All Women Police Station registered a case and launched an investigation on the same day. After investigations, Police arrested the accused under the Pocso Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences).

The child is undergoing treatment. The accused was produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody. 

Techie flees after running over sleeping senior citizen in Chengalpattu; nabbed

An elderly man was killed after a techie who was reversing his car from a marriage hall reportedly ran over him, unmindful of the man sleeping on the roadside in Chengalpattu on Saturday.

Visuals showed the victim's friend sitting beside the body, holding an umbrella over it to protect it from the rain while they waited for an ambulance to arrive.

The deceased was identified as Kumar (77), who lived in a thatched hut in the neighbourhood. According to local residents, Kumar was sleeping along the roadside when a car reversing from a nearby marriage hall ran over him, killing him on the spot.

Police sources said the techie, who was behind the wheel, got down to check on the man but drove off upon seeing a mob gathering at the scene, as his wife and child were inside the vehicle.

The elderly man was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Meanwhile, the Chengalpattu police traced the car using CCTV footage and arrested the driver, G Saravanan (43), an employee with a private IT firm.

Bizman held under Pocso in Tirunelveli

A 52-year-old real estate businessman was arrested under the Pocso Act at Panagudi in Tirunelveli district for allegedly sexually harassing a six-year-old girl on Sunday.

According to police the accused was found committing the sexual offence after examining the CCTV footage. The accused was sitting in front of a church in the area on the night of October 23 when the girl walked alone on the road, said the police, adding that he allegedly called her over and sexually abused her.

The girl went home crying and told her parents, who lodged a complaint. The police registered a case under the Pocso Act and arrested him.

Special Sub-Inspector transferred to Armed Reserve on bribe charges

Tirunelveli District Superintendent of Police Viswesh Sastri on Saturday transferred a Special Sub-Inspector attached to the Seethaparpanallur police station to the Armed Reserve following a complaint that he accepted a bribe in a sand smuggling case.

According to the police, Special Sub-Inspector Muthupandi (54) is alleged to have received Rs 5,000 from the owner of a lorry linked to a sand smuggling case under investigation.

The money was reportedly transferred through his wife's GPay account.

Guest worker killed over card game in Chennai

A 26-year-old guest worker from Nepal was murdered after an argument during a card game in Perungudi on Saturday. Thoraipakkam police have registered a murder case and launched a search for the absconding suspect.

The victim has been identified as Ganeshkumar, who had been employed at a metal fabrication unit in Perungudi and was staying with his brother-in-law Umesh. The police said the suspect, Saurav (25), also a Nepali national, was working at a private eatery. Ganeshkumar and Umesh had gone to Saurav's house on Friday night. During a card game, a heated exchange between Ganeshkumar and Saurav turned into a physical confrontation. Saurav attacked Ganeshkumar with a knife.

Chennai: Woman dies after pushed to floor while rescuing son

A 62-year-old woman died after she was pushed to the floor while trying to rescue her son, who was being attacked by a group of men during a family dispute in Perungalathur. The deceased, Naseema Bee (62), was the mother of Vasivudeen (43), a resident of Kamarajar Street in Perungalathur.

Vasivudeen lives with his wife, Naseema (40). Police said an argument broke out between Vasivudeen and his wife on Wednesday.

READ FULL STORY HERE

Kancheepuram silk showroom owners arrested in Rs 20 crore fraud case

Two owners of a popular silk saree showroom in Kancheepuram have been arrested by the Kancheepuram District Crime Branch police in connection with an alleged Rs 20 crore fraud involving wholesale saree suppliers from Rajasthan, Chennai and Salem.

Krishnamoorthy (52) and Sathish (50), both residents of George Town in Chennai, jointly operated Murugan and Kalikambal Silks, located near Rangasamy Kulam in Kancheepuram.

READ FULL STORY HERE

Sathankulam man kills teen lover’s mother for opposing relationship

A 23-year-old man launched a sickle attack on a couple in their house, killing the woman and injuring the man and their minor son, and kidnapped her two minor daughters, at Mudalur near Sathankulam early on Friday. The girls were rescued shortly and the man, Gnanaprakash of Anandapuram, was apprehended by the Thoothukudi police after the girls shared their live location with them via WhatsApp.

The father Muthukrishnan (50) and son Pleasant Raja (12) sustained grievous injuries and are in the intensive care unit of the Government Super Specialty Hospital in Tirunelveli. Muthukrishnan’s condition is said to be critical.

2 lorry drivers confess to murder of coworker in Tiruvallur

Two lorry drivers allegedly confessed to murdering their colleague following a drunken quarrel and burying his body in an isolated spot near Alamathi in Tiruvallur district, police said. The police are scheduled to exhume the remains on Saturday in the presence of a Tahsildar.

The deceased, M Gokul (27), a native of Kanniyakumari district, worked as a lorry driver for a private transport company in Alamathi. His younger brother, Rahul, lodged a complaint with Sholavaram police stating that Gokul had been missing since October 7.

Following the complaint, police registered a case and launched an investigation. They examined CCTV footage from the Alamathi area and identified two suspects, Ayyappan (18), and Sathish (33), who worked as lorry drivers.

READ FULL STORY HERE

At an event held at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister also issued No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to five organisations — Siruthuli, Environmental Foundation of India, Exnora International Foundation, Dhan Foundation and Mega Foundation — which will be involved in water body rejuvenation activities.

In a statement, the government said the existing procedures involved considerable difficulties for NGOs and volunteers undertaking water body restoration works using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. Following representations from these organisations and volunteers seeking a simplified approval process, the ERI portal was launched.

Details of around one lakh water bodies across the State have been uploaded to the portal. NGOs can use the platform to apply for permission to undertake works such as desilting water bodies and strengthening their bunds.

The government said applications submitted through the portal would be processed within 15 days.

The Chief Engineer of the State Water Resources Management Agency (SWaRMA) will serve as the nodal officer and monitor the entire process, including the coordination of applications among various government departments.

Ministers S Ramesh and R V Ranjithkumar, Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar and other senior officials participated in the event.

The meeting, which lasted around 20 minutes, was attended by Chief Secretary Sai Kumar, Home Secretary Karthik, DGP Mahesh Kumar Agarwal, Law and Order ADGP Anbu, Intelligence IG Asra Garg, Chennai Police Commissioner Amalraj and other senior police officials.

The meeting comes amid concerns raised by various political parties and organisations over the law and order situation in the State, particularly following reports of 11 murders, including that of a Sub-Inspector, on Diwali day.

During the meeting, the prevailing law-and-order situation is understood to have been discussed. The Chief Minister is also learnt to have instructed officials to take appropriate measures to maintain law and order across the State.

In a statement, Palaniswami condemned the alleged conduct and said it was concerning that a district collector, who is responsible for maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety, was herself facing harassment from a ruling party MLA.

Referring to another incident in which a Deputy Speaker allegedly assaulted and threatened a member of the public who had approached him, Palaniswami criticised the government for remaining silent when allegations were levelled against members of the ruling party.

He accused Chief Minister Joseph Vijay of hesitating to act against the MLA to protect his government and questioned whether retaining the Chief Minister's post was more important than ensuring public safety.

Palaniswami urged the government to register a case against Arul Vignesh, arrest him and ensure a fair investigation without political interference.

DMK leader and former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was arrested on October 26, 2026, in connection with a case involving allegations of cheating private schools of over Rs. 100 crore by promising to secure recognition and permissions for them.

Seeking bail, Anbil Mahesh filed a petition before the Special Court for cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

During the hearing before Judge L S Sathiyamurthy, senior counsel Abudu Kumar Rajarathinam, appearing for Anbil Mahesh, submitted that the initial complaint alleged that Rs. 100 crore had been collected by falsely claiming that bribes had to be paid to government officials and politicians to secure permissions for private schools.

He questioned the increase in the alleged amount collected from Rs. 100 crore to Rs. 400 crore, Rs. 600 crore and even Rs. 800 crore. He also pointed out that the case against Anbil Mahesh was based on statements given by those who allegedly paid bribes to Arasukumar. However, the police had not arrested them, despite paying bribes being an offence.

The counsel argued that the police could not protect those who had paid bribes and had failed to question the private school managements that allegedly paid Rs. 30 lakh to Rs. 40 lakh about the source of the money.

Opposing the bail plea, State Public Prosecutor R. John Sathyan submitted that Muthukumar had to be interrogated to collect further evidence and that Anbil Mahesh also needed to be questioned in connection with the same. The three-day police custody interrogation had yielded fresh evidence, which required further investigation. Therefore, bail should not be granted, it argued.

Citing the provisions of the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the prosecution submitted that an accused could be taken into police custody for interrogation for up to 60 days. As fresh evidence had emerged during the investigation and further custodial interrogation of Anbil Mahesh was required, granting bail at this stage would affect the investigation, it argued.

After hearing the submissions, Judge L S Sathiyamurthy dismissed the bail petition.

A team of officials scrutinised records relating to the book procurement process, including accounts and financial transactions connected with the purchases. The team conducted the inquiry in the presence of library department officials at the administrative section on the third floor of Block A in the complex.

Despite the inquiry, the library functioned as usual, with no disruption to readers. The inquiry follows allegations that thousands of books containing factual inaccuracies and suspected AI-generated content were procured from certain publishers at inflated prices, potentially causing financial loss to the state exchequer.

The controversy erupted after writer Perumal Murugan questioned the authenticity, quality and pricing of several publications purchased for the library. Subsequently, around 2,000 books published by Agal Vilakku Publications and kept in the Tamil books section on the fourth floor of the building were removed from the library premises.

In a statement posted on social media, Jothimani said reports were circulating that the MLA had sent objectionable text messages to the woman IAS officer and had also behaved in an unwelcome manner when he met her in person. She also referred to reports that the Kallakurichi Collector had formally lodged a complaint over the alleged incident.

Stating that the allegations should be taken seriously, Jothimani said a proper investigation must be conducted and strict action initiated if the claims were found to be true.

"Even if a woman reaches great heights through her knowledge, talent and hard work, we cannot accept a mindset that ultimately views her merely as a woman or as a body. We certainly cannot overlook such a regressive attitude," she said.

Pointing out that nearly 50 per cent of district collectors in Tamil Nadu were women, the Congress MP said this reflected Chief Minister's unwavering confidence in women's hard work, talent and administrative capabilities.

However, such alleged incidents could bring disrepute to both the government and the ruling party, she said, urging the government to take stringent action at the initial stage itself rather than allowing such conduct to continue.

Jothimani also seeking the Chief Minister's intervention in the matter.

The controversy erupted after reports surfaced on social media alleging that Vignesh, who represents the Kallakurichi constituency, sent improper messages to District Collector J E Padmaja.

Addressing reporters here, the minister stated that the state administration under Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, regardless of the accused individual's political affiliation or stature.

"Under our CM's administration, if an allegation is levelled against anyone, a thorough investigation will be conducted, and action will be taken without partiality," Rajmohan said.

He emphasised that formal proceedings will commence upon receipt of an official complaint, and strict legal consequences will follow if the charges are substantiated.

The issue gained traction on Monday when DMK MP Kanimozhi took to social media, accusing the lawmaker of Vijay-led TVK of harassing the district collector via text messages and making an unannounced visit to her residence.

Denying the allegations, Vignesh termed the reports entirely baseless and alleged they were part of a deliberate misinformation campaign orchestrated by the DMK's IT wing.

While acknowledging the Union Government’s record allocation of Rs 7,611 crore for Tamil Nadu in the 2026–27 financial year, the PMK leader noted that increased financial outlays have not yielded tangible progress on the ground.

According to data cited by the PMK chief, 19 railway projects—comprising eight new line projects, eight doubling works, and three gauge conversion projects—remain pending in the state as of April 1, 2026.

"Out of the total estimated outlay of Rs 27,282 crore for these projects, only Rs 8,811 crore (under 33 per cent) has been spent to date, barely covering cost escalations caused by inflation", he said.

The letter draws particular focus to the eight sanctioned new railway line projects spanning 811 km with an estimated cost of Rs 15,653 crore.

Anbumani pointed out that despite some of these projects being announced over two decades ago, cumulative expenditure stands at just ₹1,514 crore—less than 10% of the total budget. "Furthermore, only 24 km (2.95 per cent) of new lines have been completed so far", he claimed.

Attributing the slow pace primarily to two factors, he said inadequate targeted funding for new lines and critical delays in state land acquisition.

To break the deadlock, Anbumani requested the railway minister to set up a dedicated special committee featuring officials and experts from both the Union and State governments alongside district administrations.

"This committee should ensure effective coordination for fund allocation and land acquisition, and be mandated to submit monthly progress reports to identify and eliminate delays promptly", he added.

The PMK leader also stressed that improving rail connectivity to tier-II cities is indispensable for Tamil Nadu's economic progress.

According to rainfall statistics, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry received 25.4 cm of rainfall between October 1 and November 9, against the seasonal normal of 24.3 cm, registering a four per cent surplus.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds at isolated places in Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi districts on Tuesday.

Moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds is also expected in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts, besides Karaikal.

The prevailing atmospheric circulation over the Comorin Sea and adjoining areas is influencing rainfall activity across southern Tamil Nadu.

On Wednesday, moderate rainfall is likely at isolated places in several coastal and southern districts, including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari. Other parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry may experience light rainfall.

The weather department has indicated that rainfall activity could continue across the state until November 15.

Meanwhile, attention is turning towards a fresh low-pressure area expected to develop over the southeastern Bay of Bengal around November 12. The weather officials are forecasting a system that could gradually intensify and move towards adjoining Sri Lanka by November 15. They suggested that favourable atmospheric conditions could allow the disturbance to strengthen further and potentially develop into a cyclonic storm.

Tamil Nadu could experience another spell of substantial rainfall between November 15 and 20 as the weather system approaches the coast. If the system develops into a cyclone, it could potentially cross the Tamil Nadu coastline around November 19 or subsequently, the officials indicated.

However, the possibility of cyclone formation, its eventual intensity and landfall location remain uncertain and will depend on the system's evolution over the coming days. The forecast has heightened attention on weather developments along Tamil Nadu's coastal districts as the northeast monsoon enters an active phase.

In a post on X, Keerthana outlined the government's response and immediate relief measures, emphasising that the district administration has been directed to extend all necessary support to the affected families. " by the tragic loss of three precious lives in the incident at Tata Electronics' facility in Hosur.

My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for strength and courage for them during this difficult time. I have spoken to the district administration and directed them to extend all necessary support to the affected families and ensure that the situation is addressed with utmost urgency," she said.

Emphasising that industrial growth must prioritise employee security, Keerthana assured that strict measures will be undertaken to prevent such tragic incidents in future.

"The safety and dignity of every worker must remain paramount. This tragic incident will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.

We must ensure that every necessary measure is put in place to prevent such tragedies from recurring," she said. The contract workers lost their lives after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a wastewater storage tank at the facility. An investigation is underway, and further details are awaited. (ANI)

A consultative meeting is expected to be held on November 11 at the party headquarters in Panaiyur, led by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay and Minister N. Anand.

The meeting is expected to discuss the two issues in detail, with the party leadership likely to issue strict instructions to all MLAs on handling the situation and maintaining discipline.

This development came after a man who was allegedly assaulted by Tamil Nadu Deputy Speaker Ravi Shankar was admitted to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital in Tiruchirappalli for further treatment.

The victim has alleged that he was threatened and forced to record a video denying the assault. Karthik Kumar, a resident of Kannabiran Colony in Thuraiyur, Tiruchirappalli district, said he had repeatedly approached the municipal administration regarding the lack of basic amenities in his locality, but no action had been taken.

The alleged incident happened yesterday evening, on the occasion of Diwali, when Karthik Kumar visited the Mannachanallur area for urgent personal work.

On noticing the car of Deputy Speaker Ravi Shankar parked there, he approached him to raise complaints about the problems in his locality. According to Karthik Kumar, Deputy Speaker Ravi Shankar got out of his car, verbally abused him using obscene language, assaulted him repeatedly, kicked him and chased him away.

Following the incident, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan criticised the alleged assault and suggested that the man may have approached the Deputy Speaker to raise a local issue that should have been addressed by the minister or the area's MLA.

"He likely asked, 'What are you doing about this?' He probably raised an issue that should have been addressed by the minister or the MLA of that region. But how could he possibly question a TVK MLA? He couldn't—he has no right to question a TVK MLA. They are kings, not democratically elected representatives. Perhaps that is why he was beaten," Elangovan said. (ANI)

The deceased were identified as Sarathikumar (25) and Akmal Babu Bhai (28) of Dharmapuri district, and Kaveri (32) of Hosur. They were cleaning the tank when they reportedly lost consciousness and collapsed after inhaling the gas.

Other workers rescued them and rushed them to a private hospital in Hosur. However, all three died on the way to the hospital. Their bodies were sent to the Krishnagiri Government Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination.

The Rayakottai police rushed to the manufacturing unit and launched an investigation. The incident occurred at the Marigold plant of Tata Electronics Ltd in Vanniyapuram, which employs around 18,000 people from Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States.

Krishnagiri Superintendent of Police GS Anitha visited the unit and conducted an inquiry.

A police officer said a chemical powder was used to prevent foul odour from emanating from the sewage in the nano-filtration feed tank. "We suspect that the chemical may have triggered the release of toxic gas inside the tank," the officer said.

Police are investigating possible lapses in industrial safety procedures, particularly the precautions required before workers enter confined spaces for cleaning. Security has been strengthened at the unit as a precaution.

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has approved the release of funds to install AIS 140-compliant Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) in 13,490 buses operated by eight state transport corporations and 13,776 panic button units.

The devices will be connected to a Central Control Centre, enabling officials to monitor the real-time location and speed of buses, track whether they are operating on designated routes and receive emergency alerts. This is expected to improve operational monitoring and help authorities respond quickly to emergencies.

Passengers requiring assistance during a journey can press the panic button to alert the control centre. Officials will be able to identify the vehicle's location immediately and coordinate with the police and other departments to provide assistance.

The system is aimed at improving passenger safety, particularly for women and children, besides strengthening the monitoring of bus operations.

The project was announced by Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban in the Assembly on September 8. The government has now sanctioned Rs 17.99 crore to implement the scheme and directed officials to expedite the work.

The previous DMK government had floated a tender for installing AIS 140-compliant tracking devices and panic buttons in State-run buses. However, the tender was cancelled in June after the TVK government assumed office. The latest allocation signals the government's decision to take forward the project with a fresh funding approval.

The reports, available to view and download in PDF format, are on the Assembly portal (tnlas.digital.tn.gov.in). They include the latest report of the High-Level Committee on Union-State Relations and the MM Ismail Committee report, which examined the escape of prison inmates from Chennai Central Prison in August 1990.

Visitors can search for reports using the Assembly session number, tabling date, the name of the commission or committee chairperson, and the report title.

"The website is now fully equipped to provide access to Assembly debates and commission reports. The documents can be viewed and downloaded in PDF format by youngsters and research scholars for reference and academic purposes," an Assembly official said.

Among the notable documents is the 23-page report of the Ganapathi Pillai Committee, which the then DMK government constituted to examine the problems faced by agricultural labourers in East Thanjavur. The report was submitted to the Chief Minister and subsequently tabled in the Assembly.

The digital facility will let research scholars access historical records on their mobile phones without visiting the Assembly library, the official added.

As part of the digitisation initiative, the Assembly has created a separate portal to host its records and documents. The digital system also includes other services, including access to Assembly debates and visitor pass applications.

Officials said the accused, who was in an extra-marital relationship with the woman, suspected her of having affairs with other men and murdered her.

The deceased, Manimegalai, was a resident of Sengakarai village. She had married Rajesh, a native of Karani village near Uthukkottai, few years ago. Manimegalai got acquainted with the accused, Durga Prasad when they worked together at a factory and developed a relationship. After learning about the relationship, Rajesh separated from Manimegalai and she returned to her grandmother's home in Sengakarai.

Meanwhile, Durga Prasad, too, doubted Manimegalai for her talking for hours with other men and suspected her of having affairs with them. On Saturday, Durga Prasad took Manimegalai to the Senrapalayam reserve forest area to discuss their relationship. During the discussion, the woman allegedly asked him to return the money she had given him in the earlier occasions, which infuriated him further. He then took a knife and slit her throat and fled the scene, leaving her to die.

The Pennalurpet police who were proving a missing complaint found that she was last seen with Durga Prasad and traced him. The woman's body was recovered after which the body was moved to a hospital for post-mortem examination. The accused was produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody.

In a statement, Kanimozhi said social media reports alleged that Kallakurichi TVK MLA C Arul Vignesh had sent an obscene message to the District Collector and visited her residence, allegedly in an inebriated state.

She further said reports indicated that the police had to appoint special cops to protect the Collector, apparently because of the ruling MLA's alleged misbehaviour.

Alleging that the State's law-and-order situation had deteriorated, Kanimozhi questioned the safety of a senior district-level official amid alleged harassment by a ruling-party legislator.

"How can the Chief Secretary ensure the safety of the District Collector merely by providing a separate security officer? Chief Minister, what is your answer to this issue?" she asked.

In a statement, Anbumani said the Supreme Court had not granted Karnataka permission to build the dam across the Cauvery. He pointed out that the court's orders on November 13 last year and May 21 this year had only directed the Cauvery Management Authority to decide on the project by following due legal procedures. Tamil Nadu could approach the Supreme Court if it was dissatisfied with the decision, he added.

Citing the 1892 and 1924 agreements between the erstwhile Madras and Mysore provinces, the 2007 Cauvery Tribunal's final award and the 2018 Supreme Court verdict, he argued that Karnataka could not implement projects affecting downstream irrigation without Tamil Nadu's consent.

He alleged that Shivakumar was raising the Mekedatu issue ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections, expected in 15 months, to consolidate the Congress's support in 11 Cauvery basin districts.

Claiming that Karnataka had failed to release Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water for decades, Anbumani questioned its assurance that it would ensure water supply after storing an additional 70 TMC through the proposed dam.

He urged the Centre to condemn Karnataka's statements and not grant permission for the project without Tamil Nadu's written consent.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence received a tip-off that a large quantity of gold was being smuggled from the United Arab Emirates, following which, officials kept a close watch at the airport on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, Rajeev Ibrahim Shah (42), a passenger who landed by Abu Dhabi, completed all the mandatory checks and exited through the green channel, declaring that he had no goods to declare for customs duty.

When the officials intercepted Shah and questioned him on suspicion, he argued with them, questioning why he was being stopped again after completing all the formalities. Undeterred by his antics, the officials took Shah away to question him and check his hand baggage.

During the search, the officials found a parcel wrapped in black paper inside the bag. Inside, they discovered 1.60 kg of 24-carat gold paste, valued at Rs 2.30 crore.

The officials arrested Shah and seized the gold paste. He was taken to the DRI office in T Nagar, where further interrogation is under way to identify the people involved in the smuggling operation and the network operating behind him.

When they examined his passport, the officials found that he had previously travelled to Chennai by air from several countries, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait, Singapore, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.

Following this, the DRI is investigating whether he had previously smuggled gold paste from foreign countries in a similar manner, and whether he is part of an international gold smuggling syndicate.

"As the elephant's internal organs had completely decomposed, it was difficult to establish the cause of death. Samples of the organs were collected and sent to a laboratory for further examination," a forest official said. The cause of death is expected to be known only after the laboratory test results are received. The latest death comes close on the heels of two female elephants being found dead last week in the Masinagudi and Singara forest ranges of the MTR, raising concerns over the consecutive elephant deaths in the reserve.

The family had been staying in a makeshift tent near the railway gate at Thailavaram, near Guduvanchery. On Saturday evening, the child was playing on a folding cot inside their tent. Suddenly, the cot collapsed and she fell in boiling water that had been kept nearby after cooking rice, leaving her with severe burn injuries. The family immediately rushed the child to the Chengalpattu Government Medical College Hospital, where she was admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment. Despite intensive medical care, Avanthika succumbed to her injuries on Monday morning.

The controversy erupted after a video showing Ravisankar allegedly raining blows on Karthik Kumar went viral on social media. In the video, Karthik Kumar is heard repeatedly saying he voted for CM Vijay and approached the MLA to complain about a drinking water shortage and garbage accumulation in his locality.

The footage sparked widespread outrage, prompting questions about whether residents should feel safe approaching elected representatives with grievances. Several social media users also demanded action against Ravisankar, including his removal from the constitutional post of Deputy Speaker.

However, another video soon surfaced in which Karthik Kumar was seen sitting beside Ravisankar and claiming that he had not been assaulted and that he fell down in a melee, even though the actual video of the attack didn't contain any crowd. He said someone in the crowd had accidentally pushed him and denied any involvement by the Deputy Speaker, describing the allegations circulating on social media as false.

In a dramatic reversal, Karthik Kumar later told the media he was forced to record the second video after police and Ravisankar's supporters threatened him. He claimed the ruling MLA and cops shot 6 takes to make a perfect clarification video.

"After the Deputy Speaker assaulted me, I went to the Thuraiyur GH for treatment and explained that Ravisankar had attacked me. However, the hospital staff neither recorded his name nor provided treatment. Suddenly, a police inspector arrived and threatened to arrest me for creating a ruckus in front of the Deputy Speaker. The inspector then asked me to accompany him to Ravisankar's house, where I was forced to speak as though nothing had happened after he threatened me and my family with dire consequences," Karthik Kumar alleged.

He said he approached Ravisankar after learning the MLA was at his residence, intending to raise complaints about the drinking water shortage and garbage accumulation.

"As soon as he heard my complaints, he started abusing me and manhandled me while a few of his supporters stood around," Karthik Kumar recalled.

He further alleged that the police refused to entertain his complaint and instead sided with the Deputy Speaker. Karthik Kumar was admitted to the Tiruchy GH on Monday evening and is undergoing treatment.

The consultancy packages include the GCC and seven town panchayats in the Chennai region under Package V, and Avadi and Tambaram municipal corporations, Maraimalai Nagar and Tiruverkadu municipalities under Package III. The seven town panchayats are Tirumazhisai, Naravarikuppam, Minjur, Gummidipoondi, Tirukalukundram, Tiruporur, and Uthiramerur.

The plans are intended to identify gaps in existing infrastructure and municipal services, estimate future requirements and draw up projects for short-, medium- and long-term implementation.

Earlier, GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran had told DT Next that the CIDP would provide a common framework for planning, financing and implementing urban infrastructure projects, with priorities based on service needs, future growth, climate resilience, financial viability, and citizens' requirements.

The exercise will cover water supply, sewerage and sanitation, stormwater drainage, solid waste management, roads and mobility, urban water bodies, parks and green spaces, public health, social infrastructure, safety, digital governance, and municipal finance. The assessment must cover the entire service chain, from the source of a service to its delivery to households, including individual household connections.

The consultants must also assess population growth, economic activity, land-use patterns and future urbanisation trends while identifying infrastructure requirements. The assignment also requires preliminary environmental and social screening of proposed projects, including risks relating to land acquisition, displacement, livelihoods and vulnerable communities.

Each urban local body is to receive a separate CIDP and an implementable action plan. The exercise is funded through the Project Development Grant Fund under the Chief Minister's Integrated Urban Development Mission (CMIUDM).

The party’s Disciplinary Action Committee is expected to inquire into the allegations against the two legislators. In an ironic twist, Ravisankar himself was part of the committee the party constituted in 2025 and now faces scrutiny from the same body.

Party sources said general secretary and Minister N Anand and Minister C Vijayalakshmi are expected to conduct the inquiry.

Ravisankar could also be asked to relinquish the Deputy Speaker’s post, with sources indicating that the party leadership is considering the move. However, any formal removal from the constitutional office would require a separate process under Article 179(c) of the Constitution, including a resolution passed by a majority of all the members of the Assembly after 14 days’ notice.

The controversies surrounding the two legislators surfaced on social media, triggering widespread condemnation from opposition parties, particularly the principal Opposition DMK. The TVK leadership’s move toward disciplinary action comes after mounting criticism of its initial response to the allegations.

The controversy involving Ravisankar, who represents Thuraiyur, erupted after a video purportedly showing him assaulting a man who had approached him with complaints about drinking water shortages and garbage accumulation went viral. The complainant subsequently alleged that he was threatened and forced to record a video absolving the legislator of wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, sources said Anand reportedly intervened personally in the Kallakurichi episode and warned Arul Vignesh after the allegations surfaced.

The latter controversy also surfaced in official-level discussions because it involved an IAS officer. Senior bureaucrats, including the Chief Secretary, reportedly pressed the party leadership to address the issue, according to insiders.

The trend has raised questions about the availability of skilled graduates and researchers who can contribute to developing advanced technologies such as AI.

Experts point out that using existing AI platforms and developing new AI technologies are two entirely different things. While AI tools are increasingly being used across industries, education, healthcare and other sectors, creating and improving these technologies requires a strong foundation in Mathematics.

Mathematics is central to developing AI technologies, with subjects such as algebra, calculus, probability and statistics forming the basis of computer programming, AI model training and accuracy enhancement. Emerging fields such as Machine Learning, robotics, computer vision and data science also rely heavily on mathematical concepts.

Developing an AI tool requires researchers to understand how the underlying technologies function and identify ways to improve them. This calls for expertise in Mathematics, along with computer science and engineering.

Speaking to DT Next, IIT (Madras) professor Dr CS Ravindran said strong mathematical foundations and AI engineering skills are essential to contribute effectively to developing the next generation of AI technologies.

"Without a mathematics background, we will struggle to understand how AI models work and how they can be improved. Topics such as probability and statistics, linear algebra, optimisation and differential equations are necessary to understand the functioning of modern AI models," he said.

He said undergraduate AI programmes should incorporate several Mathematics courses with an application-oriented approach. "This is what we have done at IIT Madras in our new BTech programme in AI and Data Analytics (AIDA)," he said.

Ravindran also highlighted the importance of Mathematics for students aspiring to pursue higher studies and research in AI. He said a strong mathematical background was essential to perform well in the GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) paper, which serves as a pathway to higher studies in the field in India. The examination is also a qualifying requirement for several scientific positions in central laboratories and some public sector undertakings.

The declining enrollment in undergraduate Mathematics courses could have implications for higher education and research in the coming years. Fewer students pursuing undergraduate Mathematics may eventually translate into a smaller pool of candidates opting for postgraduate and research programmes in areas such as Machine Learning, mathematical modelling and computer science.

This could affect the availability of researchers capable of developing new technologies at a time when Tamil Nadu is seeking to attract investments in emerging sectors.

The state, which has a large network of higher education institutions and a growing IT industry, needs to ensure that its colleges produce graduates with the academic foundation required by the evolving technology sector.

With the government having a separate ministerial portfolio for AI and IT, experts say strengthening the academic ecosystem should receive equal attention. Attracting technology companies, creating infrastructure and encouraging the adoption of AI tools may not be sufficient without investment in research and developing skilled human resources.

The AI and IT department could work with the Higher Education Department, universities and colleges to revive interest in Mathematics. Colleges could also introduce interdisciplinary courses combining Mathematics with AI, Machine Learning and Data Science to familiarise students with the subject's relevance and career opportunities.

As AI adoption expands, the challenge for Tamil Nadu is to ensure that students are encouraged to study the Mathematics needed to develop these technologies rather than merely become users of existing tools.
The state's long-term ambitions in AI will depend not only on the investments and companies it attracts but also on the quality of students, researchers and technological talent its education system produces.

Interested candidates who have not yet applied have been asked to submit their applications through the AcSIR admission portal by Tuesday.

The programmes include PhD in engineering and the integrated dual degree programme that combines MTech and PhD in engineering, with research opportunities in structural engineering. The research areas include structural monitoring, earthquake and disaster resilient structures, bridge engineering, and life extension, concrete, steel and composite materials, computational mechanics, artificial intelligence and digital twins.

Students admitted to CSIR-SERC will have access to advanced research infrastructure, including large scale structural testing laboratories, advanced sensors, data acquisition systems and high performance computing facilities. They will have opportunities to work with scientists and collaborate with organisations in the railway, highways, Metro, power, nuclear and defence sectors.

Opportunities for fellowship including CSIR, UGC-JRF and other national fellowships will be offered, Admissions will be based on AcSIR eligibility and selection norms.

Apply online at www.acsir.res.in/admissions. For more details, visit www.serc.res.in

He said the report would have been a landmark document, similar to the Rajamannar Committee report, which examined the question of state autonomy. He added that the comprehensive report would have triggered wider debates on federalism.

Stalin said that although the government could dissolve the committee through a Government Order, it could not erase the ideas, questions and knowledge-sharing initiatives that had emerged from its deliberations.

"The TVK-led government has lost an opportunity to strengthen constitutional federalism by discontinuing the committee. The present government may realise its mistake sooner or later, " Stalin said.

Stalin said the government's justification that the committee's functions were equivalent to those of the Tamil Nadu State Law Commission was not convincing. He claimed that most of the work on the second part of the report was already complete and that discontinuing the committee wasted the work undertaken, along with the knowledge, expertise, and experience of its members.

He also expressed anguish and disappointment over the decision, sharing the committee members' concerns.

Talking to reporters after inspecting the Connemara Public Library here, he said the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has commenced an investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement of books published by Akal Vilakku Publications.

The minister said 523 books from the publishing house had been stocked at the Connemara Library alone, with the purchases dating to 2025. He alleged that books bearing the names of Nivedha Paulraj, Nivedha Mohan, Vijay Balu and Vijay Adithan had been procured under questionable circumstances, suggesting that the alleged racket had been operating for several years and predated the present government.

Referring to economist Jean Drèze’s reported denial of authorship of a book purchased for the Kalaignar Centenary Library in 2023, Rajmohan said the controversy had brought global embarrassment to the State.
Alleging that such irregularities could not have occurred without the support of influential politicians or officials, he said the representatives of publishers’ associations have expressed unfamiliarity with Akal Vilakku Publications.

Announcing corrective measures, the minister said the government would cancel pending book procurement orders, including those intended for the Kamarajar Library in Tiruchy, and remove questionable publications from public libraries across the State. “Those who think they can escape by shifting the blame onto us will find that the law will not allow it. Corruption in the name of Periyar cannot be condoned,” he said.

Describing the alleged racket as a conspiracy involving political influence and intellectual power, Rajmohan said the DVAC investigation was only the beginning and that a separate committee could be constituted if necessary. He added that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had directed officials to ensure a swift and impartial investigation.

The deceased was identified as Dhanush, a resident of 62nd block in Sathyamoorthy Nagar in Vyasarpadi. According to the police, Dhanush had three criminal cases registered against him.

Around 10 pm on Sunday, Dhanush's elder brother, Silambarasan, was walking along the 58th block when a man who was in an inebriated state confronted and assaulted him. When Silambarasan came home and informed the family members about the attack, Dhanush got enraged and left home to confront the man, later identified as Appu Kutty. However, Appu Kutty's sons, Surya and Badshah, along with three others, ganged up and attacked Dhanush with sickles.

After they fled the spot, the residents rescued and rushed Dhanush to Stanley Government Hospital, where he died despite treatment.

An investigation by the MKB Nagar police revealed that the two families had an earlier dispute linked to a relationship involving Dhanush's sister-in-law and one of the assailants. The police have registered a case and launched a search for the six suspects.

According to official figures, liquor sales stood at Rs 234.75 crore on November 7, the eve of Deepavali, and Rs 206.63 crore on November 8, taking the two-day total to Rs 441.38 crore.

Among the five Tasmac regions, Tiruchy registered the highest sales at Rs 98.97 crore, followed by Chennai at Rs 95.85 crore. Madurai accounted for Rs 88.38 crore, Salem Rs 87.52 crore, and Coimbatore Rs 70.66 crore.

The festive sales have also brought the newly revised empty-bottle buyback mechanism into focus. Under the system, which came into effect on November 1, a Rs 10 Environmental and Social Welfare Cess is incorporated into the revised maximum retail price (MRP) of liquor bottles. Consumers are entitled to a refund of the amount upon returning eligible empty bottles.

Sources said consumers purchasing liquor in parcels during the two-day festive period had largely not returned empty bottles, resulting in an estimated Rs 38 crore remaining unclaimed under the scheme. The amount, however, cannot be treated as net profit, as the cess is intended for environmental and social welfare purposes and is refundable against eligible bottle returns.

With Monday being a public holiday following Deepavali, TASMAC has projected sales of around Rs 192 crore for the day. If the estimate materialises, the three-day festive sales will total approximately Rs 633.38 crore, officials added.-

The newly formed corporate body aims to execute major state government infrastructure projects valued above Rs 200 crore while driving revenue generation through unused government lands and competitive private-sector tenders, according to a GO issued on Monday.

The initiative stems from a recent announcement made on the floor of the Assembly by the Minister for Public Works and Sports Development.

Driven by the state's expanding infrastructure demands, the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure and Construction Corporation (TNICC) is designed as an agile, self-sustaining institutional mechanism equipped with professional expertise and operational flexibility.

Operating as a Project Management Consultant (PMC), the corporation will centralise project management, implement modern technologies, and provide high-quality architectural designs and quality control services.

Its operational scope encompasses developing modern townships, industrial hubs, technology parks, IT cities, and business parks, alongside optimising underutilised government land parcels to create sustainable state revenue.

Furthermore, the corporation is authorised to participate in competitive tenders floated by national and international private entities.

The government order added that the corporation starts with an authorised share capital of Rs 15 lakh and an initial paid-up capital of Rs 10 lakh.

Stringent governance guidelines have been mandated so that all major works will be assigned through open competitive bidding on the e-procurement portal in strict compliance with the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act, 1998.

Each assigned project will carry independent funding and a designated agency fee from user departments.

By bridging the gap between public infrastructure delivery and commercial competitiveness, the TNICC is poised to redefine the state’s urban landscape, accelerating decision-making processes to meet long-term economic and infrastructural goals.

The victim was a local history-sheeter identified as Prithiviraj, and he was killed in the violent encounter in Reddiachavadi, on Deepavali night, allegedly by Arulasaru, police said.

Upon receiving information, a local police team traced the suspect who was hiding in a cashew grove in Epputhur and tried to nab him. However, he attacked the police with a knife, injuring a Sub-Inspector of Police and attempted to flee.

Immediately, the police opened fire, shooting him in the leg and apprehended him.

Both the suspect and the injured Sub-Inspector are currently receiving treatment at the Cuddalore government hospital, the official said, and added that the murder suspect was successfully apprehended within four hours of the occurrence of the crime. PTI JSP JSP KH

SSI Senthil Kumar was returning home after duty in plain clothes when he noticed a group of youngsters bursting crackers on the road. He advised them to clear the road to avoid inconvenience to the public and attempted to record their activities on his mobile phone.

While trying to apprehend one of the youngsters, an individual allegedly struck him with his elbow, causing him to collapse.

A police patrol team that reached the spot rushed him to a hospital. However, he did not survive.

The Superintendent of Police, Theni district, visited the scene. Police have arrested three persons from the locality in connection with the incident.

Senthil Kumar had a history of heart-related ailments. The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.

The home on Perumbakkam Road in Tiruvannamalai operates under approval from the Social Security department and houses 46 girls. With many returning home for Deepavali, around 10 girls stayed back. Compound wall construction was under way at the home, and Samuthiram lake is located behind it. Following rainfall over the past few days, the lake is currently holding a large volume of water.

On Monday afternoon, more than 11 girls, accompanied by the home's nurse Thenmozhi and a caretaker, went to Samuthiram lake behind the facility to bathe.

Initially, four girls entered the lake with the assistance of Thenmozhi. As they entered the water one after another, the five reportedly got caught in a deep section of the lake and drowned without realising how deep it was.

The other girls raised an alarm, following which residents from nearby areas rushed to the spot and entered the water to rescue them. Meanwhile, they alerted the Tiruvannamalai West police and Revenue Department officials.

The five were pulled out of the lake and found unconscious. They were taken in a 108 ambulance to the Tiruvannamalai Government Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared all five dead.

The deceased were identified as Thenmozhi (29) of Valuthalankunam village; Vijayalakshmi (16), Alli (14) and Bhumika (13), daughters of Venkatesh from Karapattu village near Pudupalayam; and Valliyammal (16) of Nedungampoondi village.

Vijayalakshmi, Alli and Bhumika were dropped off at the children's home on Monday morning after the Deepavali holidays.

The police are investigating whether the girls had obtained permission from senior officials at the children's home before going to the lake or had gone there on their own.

Meanwhile, residents gathered in front of the children's home after learning about the incident. Police personnel were deployed there to maintain security.

The festival commences on Tuesday, with Soorasamharam, the ceremonial enactment of Lord Murugan's victory over the demon Surapadman, scheduled for November 15, followed by Thirukalyanam on November 16. HR&CE Minister S Ramesh said the department expects one lakh devotees on each of the first five days, six lakh on Soorasamharam day and two lakh for the celestial wedding.

Eleven temporary shelters covering 1,02,673 sq ft are being established for devotees observing the fast, alongside 300 temporary toilets. Free meals will be provided to 15,000 devotees throughout the day. The department will also distribute six lakh water bottles, one lakh biscuit packets and refreshments. Four free shuttle buses will facilitate travel for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Security arrangements include 493 CCTV cameras, six surveillance towers along the seashore and more than 5,000 police personnel deployed in shifts. Parking facilities for 10,000 vehicles and temporary bus stops at 12 locations are being established.

Medical camps, ambulances and fire services will remain on standby. Around 400 sanitation workers and 789 outsourced personnel will be deployed. LED screens at 26 locations will relay festival proceedings.