Though the police have managed to recapture 13 of the 17 prisoners who escaped from the Theni District Jail on Monday night, the sequence of events that DT Next managed to stitch together after speaking to multiple sources and those in the know reveals a story of a series of lapses that are alarming, and embarrassing for the Prisons and Home Department – and in turn the State government itself.

The police have launched a massive hunt, including using drones to trace the remaining prisoners, as the Western Ghats forest lies close to the prison. The State police are also in touch with their counterparts in Kerala and have shared photographs of the remaining escapees to keep vigil along the inter-State border in Theni.

Meanwhile, Director General of Prisons Sandeep Rai Rathore, who inspected the prison, suspended nine prison personnel for dereliction of duty.

It all began at around 10 pm, when a group of inmates in Block III raised an alarm, claiming that one of them was suffering from epileptic seizure. Believing it to be true, Stalin Prabhu, the Grade II guard on duty in the block, went into the overcrowded cell, which houses around 92 inmates. “They covered his head with a bed sheet and attacked him before leaving the cell with the key,” said a senior police officer requesting anonymity.

Hearing the commotion, another staff, Madan Mohan, entered the cell, but by then the situation had gone out of control. Thangapandi, a guard posted on the second security layer, tried to stop the inmates as they came out of the cell, but they hit him with a large ladle, overpowered him and moved towards the main gate. The guard on duty there, who was supposed to be armed with a gun, could not stop them, the officer said.

The prison has nine watch towers, but reportedly none was manned by a guard. “If even one guard had been on the tower close to the main entrance of the jail, this incident could have been avoided,” said another official source, adding that the main gate was also left open at the time of the incident.

“The preliminary investigation also revealed that only six prison personnel were on duty on Monday night, though nine were supposed to be there,” said an official source.

Of these six, the prison superintendent had left the jail, while another guard had gone out to buy food, leaving just four personnel to man the jail that houses 334 inmates against its sanctioned capacity of 200.

“It was the police personnel attached to the PC Patti police station, Theni, who had come to the jail to remand an accused, who alerted the higher officials about the incident,” said a police source.

One of the escapees, T Praveen Kumar from Madurai, returned to the prison on his own, fearing repercussions. Residents of a village caught two other inmates after the news spread like wildfire and handed them over to the police in the morning.

In all, police have secured 13: M Karuppasamy alias Madan, P Nisanth, M Muthu Ilangovan, R Karthik Raja, A Raja Sikkandar, K Rajkumar, P Prasath alias Linga and N Solaimugileswaran from Madurai; S Silambarasan from Theni; S Pandiselvam from Ramanathapuram; P Sabarinathan from Salem; C Dharunkumar from Sivaganga; and Praveen Kumar.

The incident occurred even though the Judicial Magistrate, Theni, had reportedly conducted a security audit of the prison recently. “This is the second such incident after two prisoners escaped from the Puzhal prison. It clearly shows a failure of intelligence and security procedures in the prison,” said a senior police officer requesting anonymity.

Three injured guards were admitted to the Theni Government Medical College Hospital for treatment. Thangapandi sustained grievous injuries, while the other two, Madan Mohan and Stalin Prabhu, sustained minor injuries. The Kandamangalam police registered a case under Sections 121(1), 296(b), 115(2), 118(1), 309(4), 109, 262 and 353(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Although the police teams, supervised by IG (South Zone) Vijayendra Bidari, secured 13 inmates by Tuesday evening, the incident shows the failure of the prison administration in the State, said a retired senior prison officer.

As per the prison manual, prison staff are required to examine physical, procedural and dynamic security on a daily basis. “Procedural security demands that the prison staff physically verify the inmate cells, including their belongings, while dynamic security involves intelligence gathering to assess the mindset of the prisoners, their background and case histories, and to act accordingly. This incident shows they have failed on both counts,” said the retired officer. He added that prison escapes do not happen all of a sudden, and that they are planned after assessing weaknesses in the jail’s security system.

The immediate trigger, described in official parlance as a contingent factor, was the recent escape of two prisoners from the Puzhal central prison, the officer said. It may have emboldened the inmates to make an attempt because there was no deterrence.

KR Raja, a prison activist and High Court advocate, said because the jails lack enough staff for cooking, sanitation and maintenance work, prison staff engage inmates for these tasks. Inmates, use this as an opportunity to build a close nexus with the authorities, which weakens the security system, he said.

“If 17 inmates are leaving in one go, there is a greater chance of such a nexus, so senior officials need to seriously investigate that aspect,” Raja added.

Raising another important point, Raja said the overcrowding in this jail suggests the prison authorities might be lodging accused persons from other districts in the jail. “As per the prison manual, district jails, which house only remand and undertrial prisoners, should lodge only persons facing criminal charges in that district, or those sent there on court directions,” he said, adding that officials need to examine this aspect too because 17 escaped inmates, 11 are from Madurai.

The talks surfaced after Udhayanidhi issued a three-paragraph statement following Anbil Mahesh's arrest. His initial reaction triggered speculation about differences between the two leaders. However, within a few hours, Udhayanidhi visited Puzhal prison, where Anbil Mahesh is lodged, and presented him with books during the meeting.

Udhayanidhi expressed confidence that Anbil Mahesh would overcome the situation through legal means. He also condemned the TVK-led government, alleging that the arrest was intended to divert public attention from the government's failures.

The visit gains significance amid speculation that the two leaders' relationship has soured, which some claimed reflected the former minister's arrest. Udhayanidhi's meeting with Anbil Mahesh seemed to address the speculation, as he publicly backed his colleague and reiterated that he would fight the case through legal channels.

After inspecting 10 development projects worth Rs 823.86 crore in Karur, Saravanan said the committee reviewed the progress of ongoing works in the district and directed officials to complete the barrage project by the end of December.

Of the estimated cost of Rs 495 crore, Rs 345 crore has been spent so far. He added that the committee is considering a revised estimate of Rs 545 crore.

The committee also reviewed other projects, including strengthening the Amaravathi river banks at Aravakurichi, Pugalur, and Manmangalam. The work has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs 4.75 crore, while desilting work has been initiated to ensure water reaches the river's tail-end areas, Saravanan said.

The panel also inspected a wedding hall under construction on land belonging to the Kalyana Venkataramana Swamy temple under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, costing Rs 5.30 crore. The work would be completed soon, and the facility would open for public use shortly, he said.

Earlier, the committee visited the government poultry research station, which distributes chicks, turkey chicks and quail chicks to farmers.

The ceremony will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium here from 3 pm to 5 pm. The competitions, which commenced on October 15, are being conducted across Tamil Nadu in 45 sports, with around 32,000 athletes participating.

Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna announced the Chief Minister's plans to meet and congratulate the para-athletes while felicitating them at the Nehru Indoor Stadium complex on Tuesday. Tamil Nadu won 15 medals — three gold, five silver and seven bronze — in Japan. Of the 13 athletes from the state who participated, nine secured medals.

Thulasimathi Murugesan led the state's medal winners in badminton with a gold and two silver medals, while Naveen Sivakumar clinched a gold and a bronze. Long jumper Solai Raj Dharmaraj won gold in the T64 category.

The other medallists were Nithyasree Sumathy Sivan, Manisha Ramadass, Sivarajan Solaimalai, Jehan Dorab Madan, Kasturi Raja Mani and Baby Sahana Ravi.

"The next dream is the Olympics, and we will stand by you in achieving your goals," Aadhav Arjuna told the athletes, stressing that their achievements demonstrated the importance of mental strength.

He said the government planned to establish a dedicated facility for para-sports as part of the proposed Olympic City, adding that work on the initiative was under way. He also called for greater awareness of para-sports in rural areas and assured athletes of the government's support.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said no loss of life has been reported so far following Cyclone Arnab, crediting advance precautionary measures taken by the administration for preventing casualties.

Speaking during a teleconference with 32,000 personnel, including district collectors, the Chief Minister directed officials to minimise property damage and restore normalcy in cyclone-affected areas at the earliest.

"No loss of life has been reported so far due to Cyclone Arnab. The advance precautionary measures taken by the administrative machinery helped prevent casualties," said Naidu in an official press release.

Very severe cyclone Arnab crosses Andhra coast, weakens into severe cyclonic storm

Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on Wednesday morning before weakening into a severe cyclonic storm.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the landfall process is complete with the weather system moving entirely over land.

Peak wind speeds reached up to 135 kmph and gusts of up to 150 kmph.

Schools closed in parts of J'khand till Oct 29 in view of cyclone 'Arnab'

The Jharkhand government has ordered the closure of schools till October 29 in several districts in the wake of rainfall triggered by cyclone 'Arnab', which made landfall in the Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours of Wednesday, officials said.

Ranchi, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum and Simdega district administrations said schools will remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Cyclone Arnab's landfall process continues along Andhra coast

The landfall process of “very severe” cyclonic storm Arnab was continuing along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said with the storm’s centre remaining very close to the coastline.

The northern spiral band of the cyclone has further entered the land and the landfall process is expected to continue for the next three hours, it said.

Andhra, Odisha step up preparations as cyclone Arnab hurtles towards east coast

Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have stepped up preparations, including moving people to safer locations, as "very severe" cyclonic storm Arnab hurtles towards the east coast and is expected to make landfall within the next 24 hours, officials said on Tuesday.

In its latest bulletin, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cyclone was over the Bay of Bengal, about 170 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, at 11.30 am. It is likely to move west-northwestward until evening, before crossing the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by Wednesday forenoon.

The system is expected to make landfall with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, gusting to 150 kmph, the agency said.

According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), the cyclone's impact is being felt, with heavy rainfall expected in the north coastal districts shortly. Srikakulam district is likely to experience heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, while strong winds have already begun in Visakhapatnam and Kakinada.

--- PTI

What is the TN rain status?

According to the latest bulletin by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), light to moderate rain is likely at isolated places in the Western Ghats and southern Tamil Nadu on October 27, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph at one or two places. The rest of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to experience mainly dry weather.

On October 28, the Western Ghats may receive light to moderate rain, while southern Tamil Nadu is likely to see light showers. Light rain is forecast in the Western Ghats on October 29 and 30, followed by light rain at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on October 31.

On November 1 and 2, light to moderate rain is likely in north Tamil Nadu, the Western Ghats, Puducherry and Karaikal, while other parts of Tamil Nadu may receive light showers, the RMC added.

Bengal's coastal districts get rain as Cyclone Arnab advances towards Andhra coast

Coastal areas of West Bengal saw moderate rain on Tuesday afternoon as the very severe cyclonic storm Arnab hurtled toward the Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall expected the next day.

The storm, likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry's Yanam coasts on October 28, will bring moderate rainfall across all districts of South Bengal until October 29, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

It may bring heavy rain in some districts of the state till October 30.

Chhattisgarh on alert for heavy rains due to Cyclone Arnab

The Chhattisgarh government has directed all district collectors to stay on alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall due to Cyclone Arnab, ordering round-the-clock relief camps, uninterrupted medical services and heightened vigilance, with zero casualties as the goal, officials said on Tuesday.

Cyclone Arnab to trigger heavy rains in parts of Jharkhand, govt asks districts to remain alert

Cyclone Arnab, which is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, is set to bring heavy rainfall in parts of Jharkhand for three days, prompting the state government to ask district administrations to maintain vigil, officials said.

A 'yellow' alert (be updated) of heavy rain has been issued for Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Lohardaga, Saraikela-Kharsawan, East and West Singhbhum for 24 hours starting from 8.30 am on October 28, the India Meteorological Department said.

The rain intensity is likely to increase thereafter, with IMD issuing an 'orange' alert (be prepared) for seven Jharkhand districts - Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega and West Singhbhum - for 24 hours till 8.30 am on October 30, according to a weather bulletin.

Heavy rains lash parts of Odisha as cyclone Arnab hurtles towards east coast

Heavy rains, accompanied by strong winds, lashed parts of Odisha on Tuesday as very severe cyclonic storm Arnab moved towards the east coast, with landfall expected along the Andhra Pradesh shore within the next 24 hours, the IMD said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange warning, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall of 12-20 cm, for six districts -- Puri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.

The districts under the yellow warning, indicating rainfall of 7-11 cm, are Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Khurda, Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Nuapada, Balangir and Boudh.

The storm is likely to move west-northwestwards until the evening of October 27, before turning northwestwards and crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28.

31 houses collapsed in Tiruchy after rains

As many as 31 houses collapsed across Tiruchy district on Monday as the North East monsoon rains continued unabated.

The rains had lashed the central region for the past few days, after which water entered several residential areas in the region, particularly in Tiruchy district. Sources said that on Monday, a tiled-roofed house belonging to Muthukumar in Pullambadi collapsed. Similarly, the house of Rasu from Manapparai collapsed after the walls were soaked in the continuous rainfall.

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14 killed in lightning strikes, tourist entry barred to hill stations as rains batter TN

Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister K A Sengottaiyan on Monday said 14 people have died due to lightning strikes since the onset of the Northeast monsoon, even as intensifying rains triggered red alerts and prompted authorities to bar tourist entry to major hill stations.

Detailing the state's monsoon relief efforts, Sengottaiyan said families of the deceased have been provided Rs 4 lakh each as compensation.

He firmly dismissed media reports claiming 35 rain-related fatalities in a single day.

Red alert in Kodaikanal

With the Northeast monsoon intensifying across Tamil Nadu, a red alert has been sounded in Kodaikanal, keeping tourists away and leaving popular spots in the hill station deserted.

The continuous downpour has not only impacted the local hospitality and tourism sectors but has also severely disrupted the daily lives of residents in Dindigul district. In the Moonjikkal-Dobikana (Topikkanal) area of Kodaikanal, over 20 houses were flooded, forcing residents to spend sleepless nights safeguarding their belongings and livestock. - PTI

Cyclone Arnab likely to intensify into severe cyclonic storm by midnight today

Cyclonic Storm Arnab over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on October 26 and a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27.

It is expected to move northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28.

At landfall, the storm is likely to bring maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph.

At 8.30 am on October 26, Cyclonic Storm Arnab was centred over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal.

It was located 580 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha, 610 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 620 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands, 690 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 790 km east-southeast of Machilipatnam and 860 km east-southeast of Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh, according to the IMD.

Cyclone warning: No 1 signal hoisted at 9 ports in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

 Cyclone warning signal no. 1 has been hoisted at nine ports in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as strong winds prevail amid the likelihood of a cyclone forming over the Bay of Bengal, according to officials.

The ports where the warning signal has been hoisted are Chennai, Ennore, Kattupalli, Cuddalore, Thoothukudi, Pamban, Puducherry, Nagapattinam and Karaikal.

Red alert for Theni, Dindigul, Madurai amid heavy rain forecast for TN

A red alert has been issued for Theni, Dindigul and Madurai districts, with the Regional Meteorological Centre forecasting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on Sunday as the northeast monsoon remains vigorous over Tamil Nadu.

The three districts could receive more than 20 centimetres of rain at one or two locations, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.

As deep depression forms, IMD warns of heavy rain in Chennai, across Tamil Nadu from today

A depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a deep depression and further develop into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the next two days.

The system, moving west-northwestwards, is expected to intensify as it approaches the west-central Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28.

The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in Theni, Dindigul and Madurai on Sunday. Heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph is likely in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchy, Karur, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Sivaganga, besides Karaikal.

Over 150 school students rescued after landslide blocks Ooty road

Rescue personnel rescued over 150 school students trapped by a landslide on the Mettupalayam-Ooty road by using ropes. Landslides at more than 10 locations along the Udhagamandalam road have completely disrupted traffic.

Bus driver killed, conductor injured as mudslide, uprooted trees hit TNSTC bus in Nilgiris

A bus driver was killed and the conductor seriously injured after a mudslide and uprooted trees fell on a TNSTC bus near Burliar in the Nilgiris district on Saturday, police said.

The incident occurred in the early hours when the bus was travelling from Coonoor to Mettupalayam amid heavy rain.

The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation bus was driven by Janagaraj, a resident of Kooratty village near Ooty, while Kesavan was the conductor, police said.

The bus had three passengers, who got off at Kurumpadi shortly before it reached Burliar. Only the driver and conductor were on board when the mudslide struck, police said.

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Rain forecast till 1 pm in six Tamil Nadu districts

Light to moderate rain accompanied by light thunder and lightning is likely in six Tamil Nadu districts till 1 pm on Saturday, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai.

The six districts likely to receive rain are the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Erode, Krishnagiri and Salem.

Schools closed in Tamil Nadu's Erode district today

Due to heavy rain, all schools in Erode district (government, aided, and private) are closed today (October 24).

Well-marked low-pressure over Bay likely to intensify into depression today

The low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, reported on Friday, has intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area as of 5.30 am on Saturday, October 24, according to the latest bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system is likely to intensify into a depression on Saturday and further strengthen into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26.

According to the IMD, the well-marked low-pressure area is likely to persist over the same region and intensify into a depression on October 24. It is then expected to move west-northwestwards and strengthen into a deep depression on October 25 before becoming a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26.

Heavy downpours lash Tamil Nadu, roads flooded; Virudhunagar teen killed in wall collapse

Heavy showers caused waterlogging in low-lying areas across Tamil Nadu, and districts such as Madurai and Virudhunagar received bounteous rain, bringing down temperatures in the region.

A 17-year-old girl died, and her mother was injured after a wall of their rented house collapsed due to heavy rains at Mettamalai near Sattur in Virudhunagar district on Thursday night, police said on Friday. Sattur and its surrounding areas had experienced heavy downpours for over five hours prior to the collapse.

The deceased was identified as Muthuchelvi, a Class 12 student. Her mother, Solaiyammal, who sustained injuries in the incident, was admitted to the Sattur GH.

Meanwhile, the water level in the state's 89 reservoirs stood at 27.9% of their total capacity as on October 22, retaining 62.53 TMC against a capacity of 224.3 TMC. The storage rose by 1.02 TMC in the last 24 hours, but remained 134.4 TMC below the corresponding period last year, sources said.

The IMD said that a low-pressure area formed over East Central and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal at 5.30 am on Friday is most likely to persist over the same region and intensify into a depression on October 24. Thereafter, it is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify further into a deep depression on October 25 and into a cyclonic storm over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal by October 26 morning.

Heavy rain leaves Madurai under water, hundreds of homes flooded; Rs 23 crore drainage projects planned

Heavy rain that lashed Madurai district for more than four to five hours from Thursday evening inundated hundreds of houses, flooded major roads and severely disrupted traffic, leaving residents struggling to access essential services.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, several low-lying areas, including Sellur, Mattuthavani Vegetable Market, Koripalayam, Anna Nagar and Periyar Bus Stand, were submerged in knee-deep water following the downpour. In Sellur, floodwaters entered hundreds of houses along the 50-foot and 60-foot road stretches, causing considerable hardship to residents overnight.

Meanwhile, the Corporation has announced plans to undertake drainage projects worth ₹23 crore to address recurring waterlogging near Madurai Railway Station and along the Masi streets. Officials said the projects would be launched soon to improve rainwater drainage in these flood-prone areas.

What is the current TN weather status?

The low-pressure area that formed over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday morning persisted over the same region, with its associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its Friday afternoon bulletin. 

The system is likely to intensify into a depression on October 24, a deep depression on October 25 and a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26, the IMD added. 

The system is then expected to move west-northwestwards towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts over the following two days. If it develops into a cyclone, it will be named Arnab, as suggested by Bangladesh.

The IMD also reported that the low-pressure area over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep region persists, with a trough extending across Kerala to the north coastal Tamil Nadu coast.

Red alert for extremely heavy rain in Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli today (October 23)

The Regional Meterological Centre (RMC) has issued a red alert for Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli districts, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on Friday (October 23). Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated places in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore and Theni districts.

Heavy rain is forecast in Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Tenkasi, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Cuddalore, Villuppuram, Tiruppur, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai and Kallakurichi districts, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal.

Very heavy rain forecast in several districts

The RMC has forecast very heavy rain (11.6–20.4 cm in 24 hours) at isolated places in Kanniyakumari, Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts on Friday (October 23), warranting an orange alert, while a yellow alert has been issued for heavy rain (6.5–11.5 cm) in several other districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Erode and Tiruppur, besides Puducherry and Karaikal.

On Saturday (October 24), very heavy rain is likely in Kanniyakumari, Coimbatore, Nilgiris and the Ghat areas of Tirunelveli district.

On Sunday (October 25), very heavy rain is forecast in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Pudukkottai, Madurai, Dindigul, Sivaganga and Theni districts. Heavy rain is likely in several other districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Madurai and Tiruppur.

On Monday (October 26), very heavy rain is likely in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram and Pudukkottai districts.

Bay Of Bengal low-pressure area may intensify into cyclone by October 26

With widespread rainfall continuing across Tamil Nadu, a new low-pressure area that formed over the Bay of Bengal at 5.30 am on Friday (October 23) is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 26, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The system has formed under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. It is likely to intensify into a depression on Saturday (October 24), a deep depression on Sunday (October 25), and a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday (October 26).

The system is expected to move west-northwestwards towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts over the following two days. If it develops into a cyclone, it will be named ‘Arnab’, as suggested by Bangladesh.

Under the influence of this system, further heavy rain is likely across Tamil Nadu. The RMC has forecast very heavy rainfall of 11.6–20.4 cm at isolated places in Kanniyakumari, Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts on Friday.

Meanwhile, another low-pressure area that was over the Comorin region and adjoining parts of south Tamil Nadu and Kerala has moved over the southwest Arabian Sea, off the south Kerala coast, on Friday morning, according to the IMD.

Schools closed in four Tamil Nadu districts today

Schools in Villupuram, Kallakurichi and Vellore districts have been declared closed on Friday (October 23) due to heavy rain. In Tiruvannamalai district, Collector Vandana Garg has declared a holiday for both schools and colleges.

Several parts of Tamil Nadu have been experiencing widespread heavy rain since Thursday night, prompting the respective district administrations to announce the closures.

Several parts of Tamil Nadu continued to receive rain on Thursday (October 22) as the northeast monsoon remained active, swelling waterfalls and boosting reservoir levels across the State. Heavy overnight showers caused waterlogging in parts of Chennai and several southern districts, with Sankarankoil among the worst-affected areas.

Key updates from TN districts on October 22:

-- Kanniyakumari: Schools closed after heavy overnight rain, thunder and lightning. Homes inundated in Kollamcode.

-- Tirunelveli and Tenkasi: Rain holidays already announced for schools.

-- Madurai: Heavy rain has submerged over 140 acres of newly planted paddy fields. Farmers blame undredged irrigation canals for crop damage and are seeking compensation from the State government.

-- Cauvery delta: Farmers said initial showers were sporadic and insufficient to sustain the samba paddy crop.

-- Reservoir storage: Northeast monsoon rains have boosted inflows into drinking water reservoirs and irrigation dams. Chennai’s six key reservoirs have reached 37% of their combined capacity. Vaigai dam stands at 44.88 feet, Mullaperiyar at 116.90 feet, Papanasam at 48 feet and Perunchani at 44.35 feet.

---- PTI

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• Heavy to very heavy rain: Forecast in 17 districts, including Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam, over the next 24 hours.

• Heavy rain: Expected in 10 districts, including Tiruvallur, Villuppuram, Cuddalore and Tiruppur.

• Chennai: Moderate rain likely over the next two days, with heavy downpours possible on October 24 and 25.

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What is the current TN weather status?

An official told PTI that the low-pressure area remained active over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast since October 21 evening. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and under its influence a low-pressure area is likely to form over Southeast and adjoining East central Bay of Bengal around October 23. Then it is likely to move northwestwards and intensify further.

Meteorologists are also tracking a secondary upper-air cyclonic circulation over the North Andaman Sea. This separate system is forecast to move west-northwestward and likely consolidate into a second low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal around Friday.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over the next 24 hours in districts including Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai.

Low-pressure over Bay to bring heavy rain to Tamil Nadu; Chennai to get moderate showers for 3 days

A low-pressure area has formed over the Southwest Bay of Bengal off the Tamil Nadu coast and it will trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall across the State. Under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation, the system developed on Wednesday and continues to persist over the same region. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places over Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai and the Karaikal area on Thursday.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Monsoon safety advisory for public, EB staff

The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has issued a set of safety guidelines for the public and electricity department employees during the northeast monsoon, warning of the risk of electrical leakage, accidents and fatalities caused by heavy rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning.

• Stay away from electric poles, transformers, distribution boxes, power lines and stay wires.

• Avoid walking through stagnant rainwater near electrical installations.

• Inform the EB department about damaged infrastructure.

• Do not touch or remove snapped power lines on roads or in water

• Maintain a safe distance, warn others, particularly children, and alert the department

• Tree branches on power lines should not be cut or removed by the public.

• During thunderstorms and lightning, take shelter in safe buildings and avoid open spaces, isolated trees, electric poles and overhead wires.

• Stay away from open windows and metal grills.

• Avoid using electrical appliances and telephones during lightning.

• Do not operate electrical appliances with wet hands or touch damp switches and water-leaking walls.

• If any electrical leakage, disconnect power supply but only if it’s safe to do so.

• Do not tie cattle to electric poles or wires

• Do not dry clothes on those wires or use them to support banners and temporary structures.

• Install Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) through qualified electricians

• Do a periodic check of your home wiring and protective devices

• RCCBs alone cannot guarantee complete protection without proper insulation.

For power outages, snapped wires, electrical leakage and damage to electricity infrastructure, call Minnagam 94987 94987 by phone or WhatsApp

EB staff must obtain the necessary permission before undertaking electrical work, verify that the power supply has been disconnected and follow prescribed safety procedures, including earthing, before carrying out repairs.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment, including helmets, insulating gloves, safety footwear and safety belts.

• Repair work in waterlogged areas should begin only after a proper safety inspection.

• Field staff must respond promptly to snapped wires, leaning electric poles, damaged transformers and tree branches obstructing power lines.

• Barricades and warning signs must be installed around hazardous locations to prevent public access.

• Priority should be given to restoring power to drinking water supply installations, hospitals, telecommunications facilities and crowded public places.

• Staff must keep poles, wires, transformers, repair equipment, protective gear and vehicles ready for emergencies.

• Avoidhazardous work during heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.

• Repairs should be undertaken only after ensuring the safety of personnel, with prompt coordination among field teams to address emergency complaints.

Chennai rains: Waterlogging, uprooted trees, battered roads greet denizens after overnight showers

Heavy overnight rainfall on Tuesday damaged the city’s main and interior roads, severely disrupting the morning commute. Waterlogging was reported in several areas, which were drained only by 11 am.

In AGS Colony, 3rd Main Road and the interior streets of Velachery, stagnated water took much longer to recede. Similarly, in Subramania Nagar 2nd Street and adjoining streets in Kodambakkam, trees were uprooted in several places and removed later.

In the morning, Bazullah Road in T Nagar, Taramani-Velachery Road, OMR, Aziz Nagar, Subramaniyan Nagar and School Road in Valluvar Kottam were waterlogged. Trees were also uprooted on Police Quarters Road in T Nagar and on 11th Street, TNHB Colony, Korattur, and later it was cleared.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Potholes plague Tambaram-Velachery road

The Tambaram-Velachery Road has been riddled with potholes for several months due to delays in pipeline-laying work for a seawater desalination project. Recent northeast monsoon rains have filled the potholes and excavated trenches with water, making them difficult to spot and disrupting traffic. The stretch, which connects Tambaram and Guindy and passes through several residential areas, educational institutions and commercial hubs, has also witnessed frequent accidents.

Last night, a private hospital ambulance lost control after hitting a water-filled pothole, struck a median and overturned. The driver and a nurse sustained injuries and were taken to Tambaram District Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance. No patient was inside the vehicle at the time. Residents have urged authorities to speed up the pipeline work and restore the damaged road. The Highways Department said repairs could begin only after the pipeline work is completed and the road is handed back to it.

Chennai streets inundated after overnight heavy rain spell

Parts of Chennai were flooded, and streets were inundated after a night of heavy rain. The city recorded an overall average rainfall of 70.25 mm over the 24 hours ending at 6 am on October 21.

Chennai Corporation to spend Rs 21.80 crore on pothole repairs

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is carrying out pothole repair work across all 15 zones at an estimated cost of Rs 21.80 crore as a precautionary measure ahead of the Northeast monsoon.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, Rs 9.25 crore has been allocated for repairs on bus routes and Rs 12.55 crore for internal roads. The work involves filling potholes using concrete and tar mixtures, in line with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's instructions.

So far, 4,691 potholes have been filled and repaired across Zones 1 to 15. The Corporation said the repair work is still under way.

Heavy rain continues in Chennai as rain clouds move towards city, says Tamil Nadu Weatherman

Pradeep John who runs the Tamil Nadu Weatherman handle has warned that rainfall is likely to increase across Chennai as rain clouds move towards the city.

In a post on his X account, Pradeep John said several locations in the Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram (KTCC) region had recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall, putting the region at the top of Tamil Nadu's rainfall chart.

He said more rain clouds were moving towards Chennai and several places in the city could cross the 100-mm mark before 8.30 am. By the time rainfall readings are reset at 8.30 am, some locations could record between 100 mm and 150 mm of rain, he added.

Rainfall likely to increase

The rain clouds moving towards Chennai are expected to increase rainfall across the city. The weather system is bringing rain at a time when many people are returning to Chennai from their hometowns after the holidays.

Puzhal lake storage crosses 5 TMC

Meanwhile, the water storage in Puzhal Lake, one of Chennai's key drinking water reservoirs, has crossed 5 TMC as of October 21, 2026.

Pradeep John said the lake was receiving a good inflow because of its proximity to Chennai. However, more rainfall is needed in the catchment area to sustain the inflow.

He added that light rainfall was expected over the next three days, which could help maintain a steady inflow into the reservoir.

City logs 1,212 rain-related complaints in 24 hours, GCC deploys extra pumps

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

The majority of complaints originated from the Core City region attributed to higher population density and awareness of the 1913 helpline alongside inputs from North Chennai zones like Manali and Madhavaram.

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

RMC issues rain alert till 10 am

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

Overnight heavy rain spell in Chennai

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

TN rain forecast: Here are the details

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), widespread rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal today (October 21) and tomorrow (October 22), followed by isolated to scattered rainfall between October 23 and October 26.

Heavy to very heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph is likely to occur at isolated places over Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanniyakumari districts on Wednesday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue in Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, and Ramanathapuram districts on Thursday.

Under similar wind conditions, heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning is expected at one or two places over the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Namakkal, Karur, Theni, Dindigul, Tenkasi, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Sivagangai, and Ramanathapuram, as well as the Karaikal area.

In Chennai, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius, with the minimum temperature dipping to 25 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Holidays declared in schools in 5 Tamil Nadu districts on Wednesday (October 21)

CHENNAI: Schools in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Ranipet districts will remain closed on Wednesday (October 21) following heavy overnight rain, with district collectors announcing a holiday.

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

Meanwhile, the upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast persists, with a low-pressure area likely to form over the same region within the next 12 hours, according to the Indian Meteorological Department's bulletin on Tuesday night.

Another upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Thailand and adjoining areas of Thailand and Myanmar is likely to move into the north Andaman Sea by today morning. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal around October 23 and intensify over the following three days.

Due to the twin weather systems, heavy to very heavy rain is likely to continue across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26, the RMC has forecast. Thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph, are likely at one or two places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26.

Eligibility: Applications are open to students of Class 11, 12, ITI, Diploma, graduation, or postgraduation (in General Fields, Medical, and Engineering) below the age of 30 years. Applicants must have an income up to ₹4,00,000 (for salaried employees) and up to ₹2,50,000 (for others)

Prizes & Rewards: An award that covers their tuition fees and other benefits.

Last Date to Apply: Round The Year

Application mode: Online Applications only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/dtnt/SJFSE2

Eligibility: Open to Indian nationals studying in Classes 1 to 12 or pursuing diploma, ITI, polytechnic, undergraduate or postgraduate courses in general or professional streams. Applicants must have secured a minimum of 55% marks in their most recent qualifying examination. The annual family income from all sources must not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh. Preference will be given to applicants who have experienced a personal or family crisis in the past three years that has significantly affected their ability to continue their education.

Prizes & Rewards: Scholarship of up to Rs 75,000, depending on the level of education.

Last Date to Apply: October 31

Application mode: Online applications only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/dtnt/HDFC63

Eligibility: Students with Disabilities who meet the following criteria can apply:

• For CUET: Class 12 students aspiring to pursue undergraduate studies through CUET.

• For JEE: Class 11 or 12 students from the Science stream aspiring to pursue engineering or technical education.

• For CAT: Undergraduate students, particularly those in their third or final year, planning to pursue an MBA and prepare for CAT.

• For CLAT: Class 11 or 12 students aspiring to pursue undergraduate law programmes through CLAT.

• For all programmes: Applicants must have a valid UDID (Unique Disability ID) card.

Prizes & Rewards: An award that covers their tuition fees and other benefits.

Last Date to Apply: Round The Year

Application mode: Online Applications only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/dtnt/SJFSE2

Eligibility: Open to Indian students studying in Classes 11 and 12 or pursuing undergraduate, diploma or ITI courses at recognised institutions. Applicants must have secured a minimum of 60% marks in the previous academic year. The annual parental income must not exceed Rs 4 lakh.

Prizes & Rewards: Financial assistance covering 80% to 100% of tuition or course fees, whichever is less, up to Rs 15,000 for students in Classes 11 and 12 and up to Rs 18,000 for undergraduate, diploma and ITI students.

Last Date to Apply: November 15

Application mode: Online applications only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/dtnt/TCPS37

Eligibility: Open exclusively to meritorious girl students currently enrolled in Classes 9 to 12, Polytechnic Diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate courses at recognised government schools, colleges, or institutions across India. Applicants must have secured a minimum of 60% marks in their most recent academic year The annual parental income of the applicants from all sources must not exceed Rs 6,00,000

Prizes & Rewards: Rs 60,000

Last Date to Apply: October 30

Application mode: Online applications only

Short URL: www.b4s.in/dtnt/ABCC18

The militants, who had been detained at the fort since 1990, escaped through a 153-ft-long tunnel they had dug beneath the ground. They then crossed a 50-foot-wide moat and fled.

A retired Director General of Police (DGP), who was part of the Intelligence wing at the time, said that the incident had indicated a failure on the part of officials responsible for monitoring the detention facility and conducting routine inspections.

The escape came to light amid a series of events that further embarrassed the authorities. On August 15, 1995, a suspected LTTE militant consumed cyanide when confronted by the police in Mambalam, Chennai, and died. Another LTTE cadre, Gunaseelan, reportedly identified in media reports as the mastermind behind the escape, was allegedly allowed to leave by a policeman.

Police subsequently rearrested 11 of the escapees. The remaining militants reportedly returned to Sri Lanka and rejoined the LTTE’s armed struggle against government forces.

A police officer recalled that the escapees had dug the tunnel about 10 feet below ground, using bathroom pipes and steel plates provided to them to eat their meals. Police had said at the time that the militants progressed at a rate of about one foot a day.

It remains unclear whether they used an existing but disused drainage tunnel or dug the entire passage themselves. Reports suggested that the militants escaped in three batches over three nights, from August 12-14. They reportedly evaded sentries stationed in three watchtowers and more than 20 other personnel assigned to guard them. Rain and a power cut may also have aided their escape.

Vellore Fort, however, was not a conventional prison but a detention camp. Most of those held there were LTTE cadres detained for travelling without the required documents. They were housed in Tipu Mahal within the fort, with guards stationed only outside the building.

Earlier in February 1995, another escape attempt involving LTTE cadres took place at Chennai Central jail, which then functioned opposite Chennai Central railway station before being relocated to Puzhal.

A group of 15 inmates reportedly planned the escape. After seizing a firearm from the guards, they attempted to scale the prison wall. However, only nine managed to escape.

A retired prison official recalled that three inmates were unable to proceed after breaking their legs, while another three got trapped in the Cooum river, which runs near the prison premises.

Tamil Nadu witnessed more than half a dozen prison escapes during the first half of the 1990s, when the AIADMK was in power in the State. Such incidents declined in subsequent years, particularly after security measures were strengthened at prisons and detention facilities.

In a statement, Tagore said the incident was not an isolated case, pointing to several previous instances of prisoners escaping from custody in Tamil Nadu. He cited the escape of Sri Lankan prisoner Riyaz Khan while being transported to Villupuram in 2023, the escape of a life convict from Tiruchy Central Prison and repeated escapes by history sheeter Balamurugan, who was involved in 87 cases.

He also referred to an incident in which a prisoner escaped near Perundurai while being transported from Salem to Coimbatore, as well as the escape of 12 inmates from the Chengalpattu observation home after they allegedly attacked security personnel.

Tagore said the repeated incidents indicated persistent weaknesses in prison infrastructure, particularly in suburban and rural facilities. He called for immediate structural improvements and comprehensive reforms to strengthen prison security.

Demanding accountability, the TNCC president urged the State government to investigate senior officials whose alleged failure to monitor the prison department had contributed to the security lapses and initiate impartial departmental action against those found responsible.

He also called for the immediate recapture of the remaining absconding prisoners and a comprehensive overhaul of the State's prison administration.

Addressing media at a protest by residents of temple and non-temple lands and hill areas, he said people who had lived in their homes for 80 to 100 years should not be denied ownership rights or evicted. He urged the government to talk with the protesters and meet their demands.

Veerapandian also called for a formal government order to drop the Pattinapakkam project, citing fishing communities' concerns. He urged the government to honour its assurance that it would not evict hill residents and to defend their interests through legal means.

On whether repeated protests would yield results, he said constitutional rights had been secured through struggles, not the goodwill of those in power. “This is a struggle for survival. If the protesters do not succeed today, they will succeed tomorrow,” he said.

Condemning the reported midnight arrest of an NTK woman candidate for expressing her views, Veerapandian said the government should not intimidate those holding opposing opinions. He stressed that legal action must follow due process and that constitutional freedoms and the rule of law must prevail.

On the escape of 17 prisoners from a prison in Devakottai, he called for tighter security for serious offenders but urged prison authorities to treat inmates convicted of minor offences with compassion.

Veerapandian also opposed the proposed hike in Aavin milk product prices, calling on the government to keep essential commodities affordable. He said the CPI would continue to protest price increases that affect the public.

According to the official communication, of the 34 teams 4 would be deployed in Tiruchy, while two each in Pudukkottai, Mayiladuthurai and Ariyalur, three teams each in Karur, Nagapattinam and Perambalur, eight teams in Thanjavur and seven in Tiruvarur.

“The teams, in particular, are prepared to safely rescue people stranded in areas affected by heavy rainfall and flooding, evacuate residents from low-lying and flood-prone areas, and carry out other emergency rescue operations whenever required," the IGP said.

Besides, the SPs from all the districts have been instructed to continuously monitor flood-prone areas in their respective districts and coordinate with the Revenue Department, Fire and Rescue Services Department, Health Department, Public Works Department, Electricity Board, and other departments concerned to ensure that necessary assistance is in place.

The IGP appealed to the public to take necessary precautionary measures, requesting them to avoid visiting rivers, ponds, lakes and flood-affected areas and not to attempt to cross flooded roads, causeways or submerged bridges under any circumstances.

The public are also advised not to believe or circulate unverified information, rumours or misleading messages regarding heavy rainfall and flooding on social media platforms.

The people residing in the low-lying and flood-prone areas are advised to cooperate with the Police and District Administration whenever evacuation to safer locations is advised. The IGP appealed to the people to contact the Emergency Helpline Numbers 100 or 112 in case of any distress.

“The watch towers will have armed deployment and the officials deployed there will be instructed to shoot at sight if there is any kind of escape attempt," DGP Rathore told DT Next. As per the existing practice, the guards on watch towers in most prisons in Tamil Nadu do not carry guns.

All prisons will also have working alarms. All other additional security measures will be implemented once the security audit is completed and a revised standard operating procedure is put in place, he added.

Disclosing that there were security lapses on Monday night at Theni district jail, from where 17 inmates escaped, the senior officer noted that the jail staff took the alert of a medical emergency in good faith.

When they unlocked three gates and rushed inside to attend to what they believed was a genuine health issue, the staff failed to lock the gates from inside. “That was a major deviation from the protocol. The inmates used the situation in their favour and escaped after attacking the jail guards," an officer said.

The Home (Transport-I) Department issued the notification in an extraordinary edition of the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette, directing the State Transport Authority and regional transport authorities to implement the revised rates under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Under the new structure, night travel between 10 pm and 5 am will cost 1.5 times the regular fare, while waiting charges have been fixed at Re 1 per minute. For travel involving ghat roads, the notification prescribes a fare of 1.2 times the minimum fare, with a base fare of Rs 60 and an additional charge of Rs 30 per kilometre.

The revision replaces the fare structure introduced in August 2013, when the minimum charge was fixed at Rs 25 for the first 1.8 km and Rs 12 for every subsequent kilometre. The long-pending revision had triggered repeated representations and protests by autorickshaw drivers, who cited rising fuel prices, insurance premiums, maintenance expenses and spare-parts costs.

The Madras High Court had directed the State government in February 2022 to revise fares in line with rising costs while balancing the interests of drivers and passengers.

During consultations this year, drivers’ unions sought a higher minimum fare and increased per-kilometre charges, while consumer representatives pressed for rates that would remain affordable. The government subsequently examined the competing demands before notifying the revised structure.

HIGHLIGHTS

Minimum fare: Rs 50 for the first 1.8 km.

Additional distance: Rs 25 per km.

Night fare: 1.5 times the regular fare between 10 pm and 5 am.

Waiting charge: Re 1 per minute.

Ghat fare: 1.2 times the minimum fare; base fare Rs 60 and Rs 30 per additional km.

Previous rates: Rs 25 for 1.8 km and Rs 12 per additional kilometre, fixed in August 2013.

Backdrop: Drivers’ unions sought a revision citing rising operating costs; consumer groups pressed for affordable fares.

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.

READ FULL STORY HERE

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.

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“We are not going to purchase power at the quoted rates of Rs 37 to Rs 41 per unit. Several vendors quoted very high prices when we opened the tender today. Since we have sufficient power to manage for the next three months and are procuring power in advance for next summer, these prices are unreasonable,” he said.

The tender, floated on October 17, sought to procure 1,000 MW of power every month from November 2026 to May 2027 to meet demand during evening peak hours between 6 pm and midnight. The booking data showed accepted rates of Rs 37.50 per unit for November and up to Rs 41.50 per unit for December 2026 to May 2027. Nirmalkumar said he had instructed officials to cancel the tender and ruled out further gas-based power purchases at high rates.

The State would instead float medium- and long-term power procurement tenders to meet its requirements over the next 20 years, he said.

The proposed procurement at rates of up to Rs 41.50 per unit comes a fortnight after TNPDCL agreed to procure power at rates of up to Rs 37 per unit to meet an anticipated peak-hour shortage in October. The utility had invited bids for 1,500 MW between midnight and 2 am and 3,000 MW between 6 pm and midnight from October 12 to 31. However, Nirmalkumar said that power purchase would be limited as the power demand has come down following the onset of the North East Monsoon on October 15.

TNPDCL had floated the October tender on October 6 amid a sharp increase in electricity demand. A senior official said the State had been witnessing an unprecedented rise in consumption, driven by the impact of El Niño.

Meanwhile, the utility has floated other tenders to secure power for the coming months and the next summer. On October 8, it invited bids for round-the-clock (RTC) and peak-hour power from February to July, with the proposed procurement ranging from 750 MW to 2,000 MW. Another tender covered RTC, peak-hour and night-time power from November to January, with quantities ranging from 200 MW to 1,200 MW.

Nirmalkumar said the State would focus on medium- and long-term procurement rather than buy power at the high rates quoted in the latest tender.

The Housing and Urban Development department issued the amendments on Monday. The revised provisions govern parking, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, accessibility and development in restricted zones. Under the revised provisions, stilt plus five floors or ground plus five floors are specified for the relevant building categories, subject to applicable conditions.

The government has amended the provisions on commercial use zoning to cover sites abutting and gaining access from roads at least 12 metres wide in the Chennai Metropolitan Area and 9 metres wide in other parts of Tamil Nadu. The qualifying road width must be available continuously for a minimum distance of 250 metres in the Chennai Metropolitan Area and 100 metres elsewhere.

The amendments retain the existing maximum floor space index (FSI) limits of 2.0 on 12-metre-wide roads, 2.5 on 15-metre roads and 3.25 on 18-metre roads. The revised provisions also specify minimum setbacks based on building height, increasing from seven metres for buildings up to 30 metres tall to 16 metres for buildings exceeding 87 metres.

The amendments also introduce parking requirements for offices providing IT services, IT-enabled services and bioinformatics centres. Such establishments must provide one car parking space for every 75 sq metres of floor area, or part thereof, and one two-wheeler space for every 50 sq metres, or part thereof.

Provisions on electric vehicle charging infrastructure have also been revised. For residential buildings outside the specified exemptions, adequate electrical infrastructure must be provided. The notification specifies charging infrastructure for at least 50 per cent of the car and two-wheeler parking spaces earmarked for visitors.

Hotels and lodges must provide dormitory accommodation for drivers based on the number of car parking spaces required for guest rooms. The dormitory must have one bed for every required car parking space, with separate toilet and bathroom facilities for every eight beds or part thereof.

The revised rules also address accessibility provisions for persons with disabilities, elderly persons and children, requiring applicable measures to be completed and verified before the issue of a completion certificate.

Other amendments include provisions permitting open kitchens that open directly into adjoining living or dining spaces under specified conditions, revised requirements for swimming pool decks and setbacks, and changes to building norms for certain assembly halls, cinemas, hotels and recreational facilities.

Following torrential rain triggered by the Northeast monsoon, District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru had advised tourists to avoid visiting the hills for three days and ordered the closure of tourist attractions. Restrictions were also imposed on the entry of vehicles, including government buses, between 6 pm and 7 am, with exemptions for essential services.

With the rain giving way to sunshine, tourist spots reopened on Tuesday. However, several attractions, including the Government Botanical Garden in Udhagamandalam, wore a deserted look.

Restoration work continued along roads damaged by landslips and fallen trees during three days of heavy rain from Friday night. Several locations along the Ooty-Mettupalayam and Kotagiri-Ooty roads were affected by landslips and tree falls. At Burliar, a landslip brought mud and trees down onto a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation bus, killing its driver and injuring the conductor.

With the Mettupalayam-Coonoor road remaining closed to traffic for the fourth consecutive day, vehicles continued to be diverted through Kotagiri, resulting in congestion, particularly during morning and evening peak hours.

Meanwhile, rain on Monday night triggered another landslip between Adderley and Hillgrove railway stations, hampering restoration work on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway track. Train services between Mettupalayam and Udhagamandalam remain suspended until October 29.

In a further development, a five-member team from the Department of Geology and Mining inspected the damaged stretches between Kallar and Katteri to study the causes of the landslips and recommend remedial measures.

In a statement, Chief Minister Vijay said that 2.60 lakh employees would benefit from the Deepavali bonus, with a total outlay of Rs 367.20 crore.

Eligible C and D category workers and staff employed in profit-making public sector enterprises, such as the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation and Tamil Nadu Co-operative Milk Producers' Federation, will receive a bonus of 8.33% and an ex gratia payment of 11.67%.

For C and D category workers and staff employed in public sector enterprises that do not have an allocable surplus, such as the Tamil Nadu Housing Board and the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, a bonus of 8.33% and an ex gratia payment of 1.67% will be disbursed.

Eligible workers of the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board will receive a bonus of 8.33%, while temporary workers of the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation will receive an ex gratia payment of Rs 3,000.

Separate orders will be issued soon for employees of other cooperative and allied institutions.

The government said the announcement would motivate workers and enable them to celebrate the upcoming festival with greater enthusiasm, while reinforcing its goodwill towards the workforce.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan dismissed the petitions, citing the dismissal of a review petition filed by Nehru on October 26.

The matter relates to a communication from the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) alleging that bribes amounting to Rs 634 crore were collected for 2,538 appointments to various posts, including assistant engineers, junior engineers and sanitary inspectors, in the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) department. The alleged illegal gratification ranged from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 35 lakh per post.

Based on the ED's communication, AIADMK MP IS Inbadurai approached the Madras High Court seeking a direction to the Tamil Nadu DGP to register a case. On February 20, a Bench led by the Chief Justice directed the registration of an FIR.

On October 26, the Bench dismissed a review petition filed by former Minister KN Nehru seeking a review of the order.

Following this, Manivannan and Ravichandran, and co-accused D Kaviprasad, D Ramesh, R Narayanan and Thiyagarajan Selvamani, sought permission to file individual review petitions against the court's direction to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to register an FIR.

The Division Bench dismissed their petitions.

The TVK-led government is continuing the scheme introduced by the previous AIADMK government, which announced it in the maiden Budget.

In a statement, the government said the scheme aims to improve rural women's livelihoods and income, increase milk production, and strengthen milk cooperative societies.

Under the scheme, each eligible beneficiary will receive a healthy and productive milch cow capable of yielding eight litres of milk a day. The government said each cow could give birth to three to five calves over five years.

The scheme is expected to provide a regular source of additional income and help improve the economic condition of women beneficiaries.

The government said the initiative would also increase milk production and strengthen the State's cooperative dairy sector. Finance Minister Marie Wilson had announced the scheme in the maiden Budget speech of the TVK-led alliance government. The latest administrative sanction clears the way for the scheme to be implemented during the current financial year, with 10,000 eligible women set to benefit.

Mahesh was arrested in a graft case involving alleged grant of government recognition and other statutory approvals in exchange for money. He was produced before the special court for cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act at 10.10 pm on Monday, following a check-up at a government hospital.

Judge LS Sathiyamurthy heard the arguments. Appearing for Mahesh, senior advocate P Wilson submitted that he was arrested at his office after his anticipatory bail plea was dismissed, while he was consulting his lawyers on the next course of action.

He argued that the arrest did not follow proper procedure, pointed out that he had already undergone eight hours of questioning on September 18, and contended that there was no need to arrest him immediately, stating that he was not a terrorist.

State Public Prosecutor R John Sathyan, appearing for the police, submitted that the police had waited outside the advocate's office for an hour before arresting Mahesh. He said the High Court had cited several reasons for rejecting his anticipatory bail plea, including the need for custodial interrogation and the possibility of witnesses being influenced and evidence being destroyed.

He also pointed to evidence of online transactions indicating financial dealings worth approximately Rs 400 crore and sought judicial custody, stating that the arrest had been made in accordance with due procedure.

Mahesh's counsel argued that permission from the Secretary to the Public Department was insufficient as the prior sanction from the Governor, competent authority to prosecute a former minister, was not obtained.

Contending that the arrest violated the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the lawyers opposed his remand. They also submitted that the case arose from a dispute between two office-bearers of the Private Schools Association, alleging that BT Arasukumar had collected money and purchased properties in his own name. They pointed out that government files required signatures from officials across departments and not just the minister.

The lawyers further argued that the police had cited the need for a comprehensive investigation and the prevention of witness tampering but had produced no new evidence to justify the arrest.

They contended that an arrest could not be made mechanically, that the dismissal of an anticipatory bail plea alone did not warrant remand, and that the prescribed procedures had not been followed. They also alleged that the arrest intimation contained only general statements without specifying the actual grounds for arrest, describing it as illegal and politically motivated.

They also submitted that he had been suffering from a pancreatic ailment since 2024 and was undergoing treatment. They added that he had attended a medical consultation on Monday morning and alleged that the police had failed to properly inform his family about the arrest as required by law.

They urged the court to reject the remand request.

In response, the prosecution submitted that the previous regime had registered cases against 20 former AIADMK ministers and that it had not obtained prior permission from the Governor in any of those cases.

After hearing arguments from both sides for an hour and 48 minutes, the judge asked Anbil Mahesh to state his name and whether he had been harassed by the police. He replied that his name was Anbil Mahesh and that he had not been harassed. The judge subsequently remanded him in judicial custody until November 6.

The defence then sought first-class prison facilities for Anbil Mahesh and requested that he be provided with food suited to his medical condition, excluding oil and protein. Accepting the request, the judge directed the Puzhal prison authorities to provide him with first-class facilities and food appropriate to his health condition.

Addressing media on the sidelines of a two-day leadership training programme for legislators at a private hotel in Mahabalipuram, he said that the investigation into Anbil Mahesh was unrelated to political considerations. “There is no political vendetta in the arrest. The people already rejected him in the 2026 Assembly elections. The action has been taken on the basis of evidence.”

Aadhav also accused the previous DMK government of compromising on corruption cases registered against office-holders from the earlier administration.

“We will not touch public money, and we will not spare those who do,” he said, asserting that the government was committed to protecting public funds and pursuing allegations of corruption.

Aadhav said the government was examining alleged irregularities in highway contracts, including tenders worth Rs 2,000 crore for patchwork alone.

“Several tenders were hurriedly issued in the months preceding the 2026 Assembly elections. We are examining the alleged irregularities and will soon release a white paper on the Highways Department,” he said, adding that similar reviews would be undertaken across departments.

He also said that the government would subsequently scrutinise other departments for possible corruption under the previous DMK regime.

The demands include strengthening and adequately funding the Tamil Nadu Domestic Workers Welfare Board, introducing written employment agreements between domestic workers and employers, and providing protection against violence, harassment and exploitation.

The trusts have also called for accessible grievance redressal mechanisms, legal aid and the right of domestic workers to organise themselves and join workers’ organisations. The demand aims to highlight the rights, dignity and contributions of domestic workers, most of whom are women from economically marginalised communities.

The trusts have sought periodic revisions to the proposed minimum wage to account for inflation. They have also called for comprehensive social security coverage that includes part-time, live-in, migrant and elderly domestic workers, ensuring that no category is excluded from welfare benefits.

“Domestic workers play a vital role in caring for children, elderly people and persons with disabilities, while managing household responsibilities that enable millions of families to participate in economic and social life. However, they continue to face low and irregular wages, long working hours, the absence of written employment agreements, harassment, unfair dismissal and limited access to social security,” said a member of TNDWWT.

The trusts have also appealed to employers and the public to recognise domestic workers’ rights and contributions, stressing the need for fair wages, legal protection and social security for this often-overlooked section of the workforce.

The observance of International Decent Work Day on October 24 comes 15 years after the adoption of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, which recognised domestic workers’ entitlement to dignity, equality and social protection.

The Legislators Leadership Programme (LLP) was launched on the initiative of Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar, following instructions from Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. Rural Development and Water Resources Minister N Anand, the MLA representing T Nagar, attended the inaugural session.

The programme aims to strengthen legislators’ leadership capabilities and improve their effectiveness in public service. The sessions cover people-centric governance, legislative responsibilities, constituency development and approaches to resolving public grievances.

Participants will also be familiarised with coordination among government departments, needs-based planning, accountable service delivery and measures to address issues faced by their constituents.

Addressing the gathering, Anand said leadership was not merely a position or an exercise of authority but a responsibility that involved motivating others and helping them realise their potential.

“Elected representatives must work responsibly, placing public welfare and constituency development at the forefront. Serving people and resolving their problems are our primary duties,” he said.

Emphasising service-oriented leadership, the minister said CM Vijay had demonstrated these principles through his actions. He urged legislators to ensure that government schemes reached beneficiaries and that public needs guided their decisions.

Anand also stressed the need to harness artificial intelligence, digital governance and data-driven decision-making to improve administrative efficiency and the quality of public services.

The programme aims to equip elected representatives with practical skills to discharge their legislative and constituency-level responsibilities more effectively, with public welfare at the centre.

Deputy Speaker M Ravisankar, Public Works and Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna, Government Chief Whip R Sabarinathan, Meghalaya Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Sampath Kumar, Assembly Secretary R Shanthi, Additional Secretary and Coordination Officer P Thenmozhi, and retired Justice K Chandru attended the event, along with senior officials.

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.

The murder took place on Saturday (October 24) when Kavin was standing near a fish shop. Cyrus and his alleged accomplices arrived at the spot armed with weapons and attacked him, stabbing him with a concealed knife. Kavin sustained severe injuries and died at the scene, while the attackers fled.

On receiving information, Anjugramam police reached the spot, recovered the body and sent it to the Government Medical College Hospital in Asaripallam for a post-mortem examination.

Following an intensive search, police arrested four people in connection with the murder, including Cyrus and Muthukumar, an executive of the VKC. Further investigation is under way.

It also underscored rising production costs, which it said necessitated the "adjustment."

In a statement, Aavin said it had assessed the prices and production costs of comparable products sold by private dairy companies and cooperative milk federations in other states before revising its rates. It maintained that its products would remain cheaper than comparable offerings from private and cooperative brands even after the increase.

The clarification comes amid scrutiny of the price increase, which marks a significant pricing decision under the TVK-led government.

The revision was necessary to offset rising production costs and maintain Aavin’s competitiveness in the market while preserving the co-operative society's not-for-profit motive, the statement said.

Emphasising the importance of safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods, Aavin said milk production is a major source of income for lakhs of rural families and that the government is responsible for ensuring remunerative procurement prices for producers.

The additional revenue would help improve producers’ incomes and strengthen the cooperative milk procurement network, it said.

Aavin said its primary objectives remained protecting milk producers’ interests and supplying quality milk and dairy products to consumers at reasonable prices.

Aavin said public support was essential to strengthening the cooperative sector and improving milk producers' livelihoods, and appealed to consumers to continue supporting it.

Teasing escalates into argument

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.

Suspect flees after attack

Following the attack, Ayodhya reportedly fled the scene. Police from Kovilpatti West Police Station reached the spot after receiving information about the incident and sent Kaliraj’s body to the Kovilpatti Government Hospital for a postmortem examination.

Police launch search

Police have formed a special team to trace the absconding suspect. They are also questioning people who were present at the scene and other workers in the market as part of the investigation.

The escapee had hitched a ride on an auto-rickshaw at a distance away from the Thekkampatti sub-jail in the district, with the unsuspecting auto driver agreeing to drop him at Kanavilakku. En route, the driver picked up a woman passenger and was proceeding to the destination when a police head constable riding a two-wheeler intercepted the auto, identified the fugitive and asked the driver to take the "passenger" straight to the prison.

As many as 17 undertrial prisoners overpowered guards and escaped from the Thekkampatti sub-jail near Andipatti in this district late Monday night, triggering a massive interstate manhunt and immediate suspension of nine prison officials for gross negligence. Four of them were later recaptured.

Following the arrest of the fifth prisoner, identified as Lingeswaran, 12 fugitives remain at large.

According to police sources, Lingeswaran was spotted attempting to slip past the security perimeter established near the prison complex. He boarded an auto-rickshaw near a local college, where a woman also boarded the vehicle. However, his bid for freedom was cut short when a police officer on a two-wheeler spotted the auto-rickshaw near a medical shop along the route and signalled the vehicle to pull over immediately.

The policeman quickly identified Lingeswaran, took him into custody without resistance, and escorted him back to the prison.

Later, speaking to reporters, the auto-rickshaw driver recounted the unexpected interception, emphasising that he was merely carrying out his routine daily duties.

"I picked up the young man and a woman near the college. He asked me to take him to Kanavilakku," the driver explained.

"During the trip, he sat next to me and was constantly on his phone, talking to someone about transferring money through an ATM or mobile account. He didn't speak to me directly at all," the driver stated and added that he was entirely unaware of his passenger’s identity until law enforcement intervened.

"Near the medical store, a police officer on a bike stopped us. The officer asked the female passenger to step out, took charge of the young man, and asked me to drive straight to the prison. It was only when the police stopped us that I realised he was an escaped inmate," the driver said.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, Saravanan, a councillor from Ward 12 in Vellore, allegedly made the remarks when former DMK minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was brought to Puzhal prison following his arrest in a Rs 100 crore bribery case.

Controversial remarks against Vijay

As police brought Anbil Mahesh to the prison, DMK supporters reportedly blocked the police vehicle and raised slogans against the TVK government.

During the protest, a man allegedly shouted, "Had we finished him (Vijay) off in Karur that day, would we be in this situation?"

The man reportedly repeated the remark to another person standing nearby. A video of the incident subsequently circulated on social media, drawing widespread criticism.

Following an investigation, police identified the man as Teeta Saravanan, who is said to be a close associate and supporter of Anbil Mahesh.

Three special teams formed to trace councillor

Puzhal police have registered a case against Saravanan under four sections, including obstructing public servants from discharging their duties, intimidation and disturbing public peace.

Police have formed three special teams to trace the councillor, who is reportedly absconding.

Anbil Mahesh arrested in Rs 100 crore bribery case

The controversy comes after former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was arrested in connection with allegations of collecting more than Rs 100 crore from over 1,000 private schools by promising permanent recognition and statutory approvals, including DTCP and CMDA clearances.

The Chennai Central Crime Branch registered a case against Anbil Mahesh, private schools association president and DMK functionary PT Arasakumar, and others following a complaint from the association.

Arasakumar and his relatives, Arokia Raj and Suresh, were arrested earlier in connection with the case.

Anbil Mahesh subsequently approached the Madras High Court seeking to quash the case and obtain anticipatory bail. After the court dismissed his anticipatory bail petition, he was arrested and lodged in Puzhal prison.

The court also directed prison authorities to provide him with first-class facilities, quality food and medical treatment if required.

The cancelled flights include two departures from Chennai and two arrivals from the Andhra Pradesh cities. An IndiGo flight scheduled to depart Chennai for Visakhapatnam at 4 pm and another bound for Vijayawada at 7.05 pm were cancelled.

Similarly, an IndiGo flight from Visakhapatnam scheduled to arrive in Chennai at 8 pm and another from Vijayawada scheduled to arrive at 10.05 pm were also cancelled.

The cyclone, which has formed over the Bay of Bengal, is also expected to affect Odisha. However, no cancellations have been announced so far for flights between Chennai and Odisha.

The status of flights between Chennai and Andhra Pradesh scheduled for October 28 remains uncertain. Airport authorities are expected to announce further changes depending on the cyclone’s wind speed and movement

A detailed investigation revealed that the death was caused accidentally when the child was playing with another boy, whose mother subsequently concealed the corpse to cover up the incident, they said.

The deceased, identified as Muthuvel, went missing around 11 am on Sunday, after leaving his home to play near a local temple. When he failed to return by 4 pm, his mother lodged a missing person complaint at the Keelavalavu police station.

Following the complaint, the Superintendent of Police, Madurai district, visited the site and deployed five special teams comprising 90 personnel for an overnight search.

On Monday, search teams discovered Muthuvel's body inside an unoccupied, abandoned house belonging to a local resident.

Forensic experts and a dog squad were deployed to secure evidence, and the body was transferred to the Government Rajaji hospital here for a post-mortem examination.

Inquiries revealed that while Muthuvel was playing near the temple with a 10-year-old neighborhood boy, the latter playfully tightened a rope around Muthuvel's neck.

As Muthuvel attempted to run, he grew dizzy and collided with the temple wall, injuring his front teeth. He then went to the other boy's house seeking water, where he collapsed and died in the presence of the minor's mother, Sandhiya (32).

Fearing consequences for her son, Sandhiya hid the body in the vacant structure to destroy evidence, police said.

Police said that the minor in conflict with law will be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, while Sandhiya was arrested for concealing the body and destroying evidence.

The Crime Branch-CID (CB-CID) is probing the matter after the case was transferred from the local police.

The detained man was identified as Rajadurai from Parasanthangal area near Gingee and he was picked up based on suspicion.

The suspect was reportedly a repeat offender involved in assault cases. He had previously been jailed and police are probing if he abducted and sold the girl, they added.

The disappearance of the child near Gingee for the last 16 days has prompted frantic search by the police and relatives of the girl.

The child had celebrated her seventh birthday recently and has been missing since the subsequent day. She remains untraceable since October 11.

Five special teams have been formed and the search has been expanded across a 20 km radius.

Police said that there is a 90 per cent chance that the girl is alive and it is expected that she will be rescued soon.

In a representation, the union sought the government’s intervention to resolve issues related to employee welfare, the functioning of cooperative institutions, and the implementation of administrative procedures in the public distribution system.

The union called for a review of procedures for procuring, assessing the quality of, and distributing essential commodities through ration shops, stressing the need to ensure accountability at every stage and prevent frontline employees from being unfairly held responsible for lapses beyond their control.

The union also highlighted concerns over the financial position and functioning of cooperative institutions, seeking measures to strengthen their operations and safeguard employees’ welfare.

A key demand was a uniform 20 per cent Deepavali bonus for ration shop employees, regardless of each cooperative institution's financial position.

The union further urged Chief Minister Vijay to consider the demands comprehensively and take appropriate measures to improve employees’ service conditions while ensuring the effective functioning of the public distribution system.

The victim, Jerlin Prema (35), sustained severe injuries to the back of her head and is undergoing intensive treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Asaripallam.

Jerlin Prema, daughter of Sundarraj, a labourer from Enjakkode near Kulasekaram, married Vincent Raj, a mason from Eethavilai near Thuckalay, seven years ago. The couple has a four-and-a-half-year-old son.

Vincent Raj allegedly used to consume alcohol and assault his wife frequently, which led to their separation. She moved to her parental home with her son two years ago, a police source said.

As Vincent Raj allegedly continued to harass her, she filed for divorce before the Padmanabhapuram Family Court. During the case hearing on Tuesday morning, Jerlin Prema was walking to the court with her younger brother, Jerin, when Vincent Raj, who had allegedly been waiting outside with a sickle, suddenly attacked her near the main entrance of the Court.

When lawyers tried to apprehend him, he threatened them with the sickle and fled. Lawyers and members of the public chased him for about 500 feet before overpowering him on Palace Road and handing him over to the police.

The police registered a case of attempted murder against Vincent Raj and arrested him. The police said the accused has a few other cases pending against him.

He criticised the government for raising prices when demand for ghee and sweets typically surges during the festival. While traders offer discounts and concessions to attract customers during the festive season, he said the government was acting like a “corporate villain” in a film.

Palaniswami accused the government of seeking to profit from increased consumer demand, knowing that people would buy more Aavin products for Deepavali.

Taking a swipe at Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, he questioned whether the government had raised Aavin prices similarly to the alleged increase in cinema ticket rates during the festival.

"The snacks price hike is part of the TVK regime's Vettri Diwali gift for people celebrating the Deepavali festival. Some ministers may defend this move, saying that sweets and snacks aren't good for health," Palaniswami said.

He urged the government to withdraw the price hike, saying it should be revoked so people can celebrate Deepavali happily.

Addressing the media in Coimbatore, he dismissed allegations of political vendetta. “Former Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin kept demanding that files be opened. The Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has opened just one file and a former minister has been arrested,” he said.

Further, Nirmalkumar said the previous DMK regime threatened schools, including those run by NGOs and Christian missionaries, in the name of party funds, to pay money to obtain a certificate issued by the School Education Department.

He rejected the DMK president MK Stalin's allegation that the arrest was a political vendetta.

Claiming that documentary and video evidence was available against Anbil Mahesh in the corruption issue, Nirmal Kumar urged schools that had been forced to pay money to come forward and lodge complaints. “None would be spared,” he said.

On the escape of 17 inmates from prison in Theni, the minister said an intensive search is underway to trace them out. “Senior police officials have inspected the prison to ascertain whether there had been any security lapse,” he said.

Earlier, the Minister inspected the 24-hour electricity consumer grievance centre and the power management, control and data collection systems at Tatabad in Coimbatore. He also chaired a consultation meeting with rooftop solar vendors and a review meeting on electricity distribution in the Coimbatore region.

The woman later surrendered at Virudhunagar East police station.

The deceased was identified as Shankarguru, who was living with his wife Sankareshwari (32), daughter Sathyavani (12) and son Santosh (7).

What led to the incident?

Shankarguru was addicted to alcohol and frequently returned home drunk after work. He allegedly spent a large portion of his earnings on drinking and subjected his wife and children to abuse.

Following repeated disputes, the couple obtained a divorce through the court in 2022 and lived separately.

Their two children stayed with Sankareshwari, who raised them with help from her parents.

Later, following the advice of her relatives, the couple began living together again for the sake of their children. However, Shankarguru allegedly continued his drinking habit and the abuse.

How did the fire break out?

On Monday (October 26) night, Shankarguru reportedly returned home drunk and argued with his wife before falling asleep. Their children had gone to their grandmother's house.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Shankarguru allegedly woke up and tried to attack Sankareshwari. Angered by this, she allegedly poured kerosene on him and set him on fire before running out of the house.

Shankarguru, whose body was engulfed in flames, ran into the kitchen and fell on a gas cylinder, which exploded.

The resulting fire spread to two nearby houses, damaging all three structures. Household belongings and documents in the houses were reportedly reduced to ashes. The occupants of the neighbouring houses escaped unharmed.

What action have police taken?

Virudhunagar East police reached the spot, recovered Shankarguru's charred body and sent it to the Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Virudhunagar Superintendent of Police Gautam Goyal also visited the scene and conducted an inquiry. Sankareshwari subsequently surrendered at the nearby East police station.