The school has around 50 students.

On August 31, a teacher, who was carrying out the quality check of food prepared for students, noticed that the sambar was unusually yellow.

She informed the headmistress Kumudha, who then quizzed the cook Ponnamma on the quantity of turmeric used in the sambar.

When the cook insisted she used only the usual required quantity, Kumudha sensed something amiss.

School authorities started making inquiries among students, and a Class 8 girl revealed she had mixed cow-dung powder in a portion of the sambar, as directed by Arumugam, the husband of a former school cook.

According to the police, the school had fired Arumugam’s wife over complaints about the quality of food she prepared.

This angered Arumugam. He gave the girl Rs 10 and instructed her to purchase the powder and mix it in the sambar.

The girl spent Rs 5 on snacks and used the remaining money to purchase the cow-dung powder.

However, she mixed it only into a portion of sambar that was kept aside for teachers to taste as part of the regular quality check.

She left the bulk of the sambar meant to be served for students untouched, the police said.

The Sathyamangalam police registered a case and arrested Arumugam on Thursday night.

He has been remanded in judicial custody.

The body parts were found inside the suitcase which was carrying on the Tamil Nadu Express to Agra, and have since been kept under the protection of authorities at a government hospital there.

The police are now planning to bring the body parts to Chennai for further examination and DNA testing as part of efforts to formally establish the identity of the victim and gather crucial evidence in the murder case. Also, the red suitcase, an important piece of evidence in the investigation, is required to be produced before the court as part of the case records.

The victim, Nisha (38), a woman from north India, had been staying in a rented house in Guduvanchery and working at a private company in Tambaram. She was murdered on August 3. The accused, Manik Uddin Laskar (22) and his wife, Bagamathi Maji (20), both from north India, were arrested by the special police team from Manipur and brought to Guduvanchery for interrogation.

During the investigation, the police took the accused to the house where the murder took place and made them recreate the crime. The investigators also seized weapons, including scissors and a large knife used for cutting meat.

The accused were taken to MGR Chennai Central railway station, where they were made to recreate how they carried the suitcase onto the Tamil Nadu Express and left it on the train.

Officials said the accused had watched YouTube videos to learn how to carry out the murder. Meanwhile, the police had been searching for Nisha's severed head for several days but were unable to locate it.

With the next phase of the investigation now under way, officials are expected to transport the suitcase and the dismembered remains to Chennai within the next couple of days and hand them over to the Guduvanchery police special team for further investigation and DNA analysis.

Two others who were also among the attackers escaped, and a hunt is on to nab them.

It is said that a police team from Thennilai station, led by the head constable Ganesan (34), was on night patrol in the jurisdiction on Thursday.

When they were proceeding to Nallipalayam, the adjacent village, a group of five guest workers who were standing near a Tasmac outlet in the late hours picked up a quarrel with Ganesan, attacked him and escaped in the darkness.

The injured Ganesan was rushed to the Karur Medical College Hospital, and a case was registered.

On Friday, the Thennilai inspector Kandasamy, who conducted the investigation, identified the gang as Ravindra Gadia (21), Sahadev Parik (26), Gudsek Nayak (24), Uthavkumar Gadia (21) and Shakthar (24), all from Odisha.

Subsequent investigation found that they were working at a windmill at Nallipalayam.

Soon, the police rushed to the spot and arrested Ravindra Gadia, Sahadeve Parik and Gudsek Nayak and produced them before the Karur Judicial Magistrate Court and lodged them in prison. The search is on for the other two.

The disturbing incident came to light when the Coimbatore rural police were scrutinising the CCTV footage in connection with another case related to unidentified persons setting fire to a petty shop at NGGO Colony near Thudiyalur.

The CCTV visuals recorded at night recently near the deserted Ashokapuram railway overbridge showed a mentally challenged woman, who was sitting by the roadside, being approached by the youth.

He asked whether the stray dogs barking at him belonged to her. He then picked up a stone and threw it in a bid to chase them away.

As he then attempted to sexually assault the woman, she raised an alarm. Soon, the dogs began to bark furiously and also bit him. Unable to face the fury of the dogs, the offender fled away from the spot.

Based on the CCTV footage, the police traced and nabbed the accused, who is a juvenile and lodged him in an Observation Home.

The flamingos have begun visiting the region as part of the winter migration. The saltwater reservoirs and abundant food resources found in the salt pans have created an ideal environment for the birds, providing them with suitable conditions for feeding and resting during their seasonal movement.

Meanwhile, a large number of waterbirds have arrived at the wetlands and water bodies of Perungulam village in Thoothukudi district, with several migratory species, including birds believed to have come from Siberia, making an early appearance this year.

The early arrival has drawn the attention of birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and residents, who have observed several species gathering around the water bodies. The wetlands of Perungulam provide the birds with food, water, and suitable resting habitats during their migratory journey.

According to bird researcher Thomas Madhibalan of Muthu Nagar Nature Trust, Perungulam is distinct from several other wetlands in Tamil Nadu because its bird season begins much earlier.

"Perungulam is unique in Tuticorin district. Here, the bird season starts only from July to October, whereas in all the other ponds all over Tamil Nadu, the season starts only from October. That is why this place became unique and attracts more birds," Madhibalan said.

He said Perungulam continues to retain water even as several other tanks in the region have dried up, making it an important refuge for birds from neighbouring districts.

"All the other tanks are dried up except Perungulam. So, all the birds from all three districts come gathered in this pond for food and shelter," he said.

Madhibalan added that early migratory birds have also been arriving since mid-August, with several wader species already sighted in the area.

"Already godwits, sandplovers, common sandpipers, wood sandpipers, and several other small migratory birds have arrived," he said.

However, he raised concerns over the deteriorating shoreline of the water body, which he said could make it difficult for small wading birds to feed.

"The main problem is that the shoreline is fully ruptured. Small wading birds find it difficult to feed on the banks of this Perungulam," Madhibalan said.

He stressed the ecological importance of the wetland and called for greater government attention and protection.

"Perungulam is a very, very special place. It deserves all the government's attention and protection," he said.

Environmental activists and bird enthusiasts have also urged authorities and residents to protect the wetland from pollution, encroachments, and other disturbances. The continued availability of water, aquatic vegetation, and prey makes Perungulam a crucial habitat for migratory birds and an important site for birdwatching and wildlife documentation.

In the video, the woman – identified as Vanitha from Tamil Nadu – appealed to the authorities in her home state to help her return to India.

Responding to a question on the issue during his regular press briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the embassy has extended her a helping hand.

"As soon as our embassy became aware of this issue, it offered assistance," Jaiswal said.

"She is currently at our embassy. We remain committed to doing our best for the well-being, safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad," he said.

The woman from Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district alleged torture, starvation and non-payment of wages by her employers.

She said she travelled to Kuwait three months ago through an employment agent.

In the video, in which she is seen with her head covered with a scarf, the woman alleged that she had been denied proper food for more than 50 days and not paid her salary for the past two months.

"They are torturing me... I request the Collector madam and the Superintendent of Police madam to somehow rescue me and help me return to my motherland," she said with folded hands.

Jaiswal also responded to a separate question on certain remarks reportedly made by Birmingham Mayor Zaker Choudhry on the Kashmir issue.

"The whole of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India," Jaiswal said.

The HC further observed that every day the police maintain CCTV footage for even a minute less than the period directed by the Supreme Court, they would be in breach of the Supreme Court order.

The case concerns the petition filed by Sakthivel alleging corruption and the accused cops' counter-plea to preserve CCTV footage at the Salem and Coimbatore DVAC offices. A resident of Salem district, he lodged a complaint with the Salem DVAC, alleging that he was asked to pay a bribe of Rs 15,000 to permit the smuggling of ration rice. The complaint was against Salem Civil Supplies CID Inspector Ramarajan, Sub-Inspectors Saravanakumar and Ramakrishnan, among others.

Meanwhile, Sub-Inspector Saravanakumar approached the Madras High Court seeking a direction to secure and preserve the CCTV footage from inside the DVAC office in Coimbatore for the period from September 15, 2025, to October 15, 2025, to prove that a false complaint of corruption had been lodged against him and to disprove the prosecution's charges. He also sought the preservation of the CCTV footage from the Salem DVAC office, claiming it was necessary to bring out the truth in the case.

When the matter came up for hearing, DVAC counsel submitted that the Digital Video Recording Systems (DVRS), as they exist, record and retain data only for 15 days.

Petitioner's counsel argued that the DGP had issued a direction to maintain CCTV footage for 18 months.

The court directed the DGP to file the report before the next hearing and adjourned the matter to September 10.

Due to the shortage of storage of water in Mettur, the release of water for delta irrigation was delayed resulting in kuruvai failure. However, the Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on September 1, released water from Mettur when it stood at 92 feet. As the inflow was 8,456 cusecs, 7000 cusecs of water was released which reached Mayanur barrage in Karur on Thursday.

Sources said that the flow was very low and Mayanur could get only 2,737 cusecs initially and later it reached 4,081 cusecs. Subsequently, 2,050 cusecs of water was released from Mayanur to Upper Anicut.

On Friday at around 6 am, the water released from Mayanur reached the upper anicut. Despite there was 777 cusecs of water already which was utilised for drinking purpose, the upper anicut could receive only 1,500 cusecs out of the 2,050 cusecs from Mayanur.

Though the officials predicted the flow would be increased, they released 1,500 cusecs as received into the Cauvery. Officials said that the water released from the upper anicut would reach Grand Anicut (Kallanai) on Saturday and it would be released for irrigation on Sunday.

Meanwhile, irrigation experts said that the water release should be above 16,000 cusecs only when it could be utilised for irrigation. The present flow could only flow into the main river and the branch rivers and canals from where the water is diverted for irrigation could have no water.

While the farmers have already been fighting for the release of water into the irrigation canals, the meagre quantum of water could fail to satisfy the irrigation needs, stressed irrigation experts.

According to the TNEA schedule, candidates can fill and submit their preferred choices of colleges from 11 am on September 4 to 5 pm on September 5.

Of the 18,548 eligible applicants, 13,484 are academic general candidates, 205 are vocational general candidates, 4,798 are academic government school candidates, and 61 are vocational government school candidates.

The 56,530 seats available for allotment include 53,668 under the academic general category, 2,731 under vocational general, 31 under academic government school and 100 under vocational government school categories.

The tentative allotment will be released on September 7, with candidates required to confirm their allotment by 7 pm the same day. The provisional allotment list will be released on September 9.

The supplementary counselling follows the earlier rounds of TNEA counselling, through which 1,44,295 students have already secured engineering seats in colleges across Tamil Nadu. The supplementary round gives eligible candidates another opportunity to secure seats from vacancies left after the general counselling process.

With 56,530 seats being offered in the supplementary round alone, a substantial number of seats are still vacant in engineering colleges. Officials and colleges expect that more than 40,000 engineering seats could remain vacant after this year's admission process.

The accused, M Ammas (26) from Kanniyampatti, murdered Gokila (23) from Konasamudram village in Konganapuram by strangulation, stuffed her body in a sack and dumped it in a farm well. She was unmarried and had been staying at home after completing her college education.

Her pregnancy was known to family members when she was taken to a Primary Health Centre for examination after she complained of severe stomach pain. Following an inquiry by the All Women Police Station (AWPS), Ammasi agreed to marry Gokila and took her to his residence.

However, on August 31, Ammasi informed Gokila’s parents that she had gone missing. Her decomposed body was then recovered from a sack floating in a farm well at Vellalapuram village.

On suspicion, police detained Ammasi, who then confessed to having murdered Gokila following an argument. He assaulted her and strangled her to death with a dupatta. Police said Ammasi wrapped her body in a sack and took it to a nearby well by a two-wheeler and dumped it inside.

Police said he then misled the police and family members that Gokila had gone missing. Following his arrest, the police produced him in a court and remanded him to judicial custody on Friday.

The SIT has been tasked with examining the role of each accused, re-examining witness statements, and examining mobile phones, call detail records (CDRs), digital evidence, alleged Instagram groups/chats, CCTV footage, and other relevant materials. “The SIT will conduct further investigation in a fair and proper manner and ascertain the real motive behind the incident,” Bidari said in the order issued constituting the SIT.

Shanmugam, Additional Superintendent of Police, Crime Against Women and Children (CWC), has been appointed as the investigating officer. Deputy Inspector General of Police R Thirunavukkarasu, Tirunelveli Range, will closely supervise the investigation.

According to the prosecution, seven persons, armed with sickles, entered Perumpathu village in Nanguneri on the evening of March 2, 2026. They attacked John Mark, who was standing near a welding shop, and another man, a migrant worker from Odisha, who was passing by on a bicycle. Both succumbed to their injuries.

The court, in its order, observed that the investigation had been conducted casually without even ascertaining the real cause behind the killings. “From the material collected by the investigating agency, I could not find out the real reason for the incident, and even the reasons projected by the investigating agency are illogical and not supported by material evidence,” the court observed. It also condemned the investigating officer for “mechanically” giving a caste angle to the Nanguneri double murder case.

In view of these observations, the court directed the IG, South Zone, to consider forming a special team to find out the truth.

Bidari also directed the Superintendent of Police, Tirunelveli, to extend necessary assistance to the SIT and make available the entire case records, necessary police personnel, vehicles and other support for effective further investigation. He also directed that the necessary instructions be issued to hand over all records relating to Nanguneri Police Station Crime No. 143 of 2026 to the SIT.

On completion of the investigation, the head of the SIT has been directed to submit a comprehensive report, along with all the evidence collected, to the Inspector General of Police, South Zone, Madurai, and the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Tirunelveli Range.

A large fishing population is concentrated in coastal districts such as Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram and Kanniyakumari, which have major fishing harbours and fishing communities. This concentration helps explain why issues faced by Indian fishermen operating in waters close to Sri Lanka affect a large number of families dependent on the sector.

The ministry data covers mechanised, motorised, traditional wooden and country boats. However, it does not provide a district-wise breakup of Tamil Nadu's 43,384 boats. Therefore, the exact contribution of Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, and Kanniyakumari to the state's total cannot be determined from the available data.

Chennai is also among Tamil Nadu's important fishing centres. Fishing-related activities support thousands of families directly and indirectly, while also generating employment in ancillary sectors such as boat building and repair, fish processing, and refrigeration equipment maintenance.

Andhra Pradesh ranks second with 30,315 fishing boats. It is followed by Gujarat with 28,073 boats, Maharashtra with 26,102, Karnataka with 25,812, Kerala with 24,163, Odisha with 18,814, West Bengal with 11,379, Puducherry with 5,815, Andaman and Nicobar Islands with 4,249, Goa with 3,128, Daman and Diu with 2,093 and Lakshadweep with 1,658.

Fishing forms the backbone of the fisheries sector, which contributes around 6.72 per cent to India's agricultural GDP, according to the information provided. The sector provides livelihoods, directly and indirectly, to more than 2.8 crore fishers and fisheries-related workers across the country.

The Union and state governments have been implementing various schemes aimed at supporting the economic development of people dependent on fishing and improving marine production.

More than 100 employees in Ranipet staged a protest at the Tasmac manager’s office, demanding that the scheme to collect empty liquor bottles be scrapped. The protest was organised by the Federation of United Tasmac Trade Unions.

The employees had warned that they would shut all 76 outlets in Ranipet district if the management insisted on continuing the bottle collection scheme. After talks with officials failed to reach an amicable settlement, the employees shut the outlets.

The closure left customers waiting outside the shops for several hours. Some eventually returned home after finding that the outlets remained closed, while others continued to wait, hoping they would reopen.

The employees also demanded that Tasmac bear additional expenses if liquor is to be sold at the maximum retail price and sought job security for staff.

Under the existing system, empty liquor bottles sold through Tasmac outlets are collected upon return.

Speaking at a meeting of DMK functionaries from the Mailam Assembly constituency at Theevanur, Masthan said enrolling the next generation in the party was not only a duty but also a way of expressing gratitude to the party.

"Just as every parent has a duty to raise their children well, it is our duty to enrol our children, descendants and relatives as DMK members and groom them to become branch secretaries," he said.

"More than a duty, this is the gratitude we owe the party. We must all take this as a pledge," he added.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Sekar, Villupuram North district praesidium chairman. Mylam Panchayat Union chairperson Yogeswari Manimaran welcomed the gathering.

Former Union minister Gingee Ramachandran, former MLAs Dr Masilamani and advocate Sethunathan, resolution committee member Gingee Siva, state executive committee member Veedur Ravi Sezhian, district executive committee member Prakash and Belakuppam panchayat president Poonga Bhagyaraj were among those who attended.

Mylam North union secretary Manimaran made arrangements for the meeting.

President of the farmers body, P R Pandian, made this annoucement following a detailed, five-hour meeting between a farmers' delegation and Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar in Gurugram.

Accusing Karnataka's political leadership of pushing the Mekedatu project for political gain despite local opposition, Pandian stated that farmers will seek an audience with the prime minister, if necessary, to press their demands after the campaign that will start at Poompuhar.

While speaking to reporters, he strongly objected to the proposed dam across the River Cauvery, terming the Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted by Karnataka to the Central Water Commission (CWC) as "fraudulent" and legally invalid. He noted the DPR lacks the requisite consent from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

Urging the Central government to deny any environmental or forest clearance for the project, Pandian warned that the dam would be detrimental to farmers in both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. He stated that Karnataka farmers acknowledge that the dam would offer them no benefits due to its location deep in forested areas downstream of the Krishnarajasagara (KRS) dam. "Building a dam at Mekedatu to store water under the guise of drinking water requirements during scarcity periods is unacceptable and will only ruin agriculture," he stated.

As an alternative, Pandian proposed the construction of a dam at Rasimanal in Tamil Nadu. He claimed that during a joint meeting in 2024, farmers from both states reached a consensus on the Rasimanal site, and he urged the Central government to grant permission for its construction.

During the talks with Khattar, Pandian urged the Union government to enact legislation guaranteeing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) and to implement the M S Swaminathan Committee's recommendations in this regard. He called for the withdrawal of the Electricity Regulatory Commission Act, an end to the mandate for installing smart meters, and amendments to the Land Acquisition Act. The minister assured the delegation that the issues would be discussed with relevant departments and taken to the prime minister's attention, Pandian told reporters.

Pandian also strongly condemned the recent detention of Punjab farmers at the Haryana border during a march to Delhi organised by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political).

Highlighting the severe impact of the El Niño phenomenon on agriculture in Tamil Nadu, he also urged the Centre to allocate additional financial assistance under the disaster management fund. He appealed for funds to desilt water bodies in order to maintain groundwater table and to harness the upcoming northeast monsoon rains effectively.

The driver was identified as Praveen who had fled after the accident. Police registered a case under various sections, including those relating to rash driving and causing death, and remanded him in custody, according to Daily Thanthi.

The deceased were identified as Subitha Kalaiselvi (19), a second-year BSc student at Thiruvalluvar Government Arts College in Rasipuram; her sisters Nivetha (17), a Class 11 student, and Thanusree (12), a Class 7 student; and their relative Abinaya (11), a Class 6 student.

Nivetha, Thanusree and Abinaya were students of the Government Higher Secondary School in Elachipalayam. The three sisters were the daughters of daily wage labourers Shekar and Amudha of Sankarampalayam. According to the police, former district collector S Uma Shekar had sponsored Subitha’s education, considering the family’s financial status, as the father had been suffering from an ailment.

According to the police, Subitha, who had returned home from college on Thursday (September 3) evening, was returning after picking up the sisters from school on a two-wheeler.

While they were travelling on the Rasipuram-Tiruchengode road, they attempted to cross the road near a private petrol pump at Chakkarampalayam. At the time, a private college bus travelling from Rasipuram towards Sankagiri collided with the two-wheeler.

In the accident, Subitha and Abhinaya died on the spot, while Nivetha and Thanushree suffered critical injuries. They were taken to Tiruchengode Government Hospital, but both died on the way in the ambulance.

Police rushed to the scene and launched a search for the bus driver, who had allegedly fled after the accident. On Friday, he was arrestedunder various sections, including those relating to rash driving and causing death, and remanded in custody.

"It is reported that an aircraft testing and integration facility worth Rs 5,000 crore has been lost to neighbouring state," the senior AIADMK leader said, slamming the 112-day-old administration for its impulsive policy decisions.

In a video statement, he alleged that the cancellation of the Rs 27,400-crore Parandur greenfield airport project threatens to stall the state’s economic growth and slide the economy back by a decade.

"Due to this cinema-style decision of CM Vijay, it is estimated by economic experts that there will be a direct loss of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 crore in taxpayers' money, and indirectly, losses of several thousands of crores," Udhayakumar stated.

Noting that 48 per cent of the 5,369 acres required for the project has already been acquired at a cost of Rs 680 crore by November 2025, he highlighted that compensation for 1,702 acres has been disbursed.

Echoing questions raised by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami in the Assembly, Udhayakumar asked: "Will you return the 1,702 acres of land to the farmers now? Or will you use it for another project? Will you take back the compensation amount from the farmers? The government must explain".

Instead of abandoning the project, he said the AIADMK leadership had suggested identifying uncultivable, arid lands without water bodies for a secondary international airport to retain global investments.

Udhayakumar further alleged that the ruling alliance was operating on shaky ground, with Communist allies making their support conditional and the Congress deeply unsettled by ruling party MLAs projecting Vijay as prime ministerial candidate for the next Lok Sabha election.

Accusing the government of stalling major electoral promises citing fiscal deficits, despite announcing a Rs 1,200-crore new secretariat under Rule 110, Udhayakumar remarked: "They are giving more importance to 'reels' than 'real'. They prioritize the 'likes' they get over the 'life' of the people".

The woman, who said she travelled to Kuwait three months ago through an employment agent, appeared in a widely circulated video from a cramped room with her head covered.

She alleged that she had been denied proper food for more than 50 days and not paid her salary for the past two months.

"They are torturing me and treating me very cruelly... I request the Collector madam (JE Padmaja) and the SP madam (Shahnaz I) to somehow rescue me alive and help me return to my motherland," she said in the video with folded hands.

"Please save me and take me back somehow. I am unable to bear this. I am afraid they will kill me," she alleged.

In another video, the woman's mother, identified as Vennila, appealed to the district administration for immediate intervention.

She alleged that an employment agent had misled the family about the job conditions and said her daughter, a mother of two teenagers, was in distress.

While unveiling plans to establish a new Assembly-cum-Secretariat integrated complex for Rs 1,200 crore in Chennai, Chief Minister Vijay informed the Assembly on Thursday that the state government would set up Tamil Nadu Olympic City, and Motor Sports City, in Chennai.

The various initiatives being taken by the state government to attract the youth of Tamil Nadu towards the sports sector, identify their talents and create opportunities to develop them properly are highly commendable, Kumar said in a statement.

"In particular, I am very happy to hear that a dedicated Motor Sports City is to be established in Tamil Nadu. As someone who is currently involved in motorsports, I would like to rephrase the famous words of astronaut Neil Armstrong thus: "one small step by the Tamil Nadu Government, one giant leap for Indian motorsports," he said, and wished Vijay's initiatives, including the Motor Sports City project, "a great success."

The chief minister had announced the three major developmental initiatives to boost the state's infrastructure and global standing.

According to the announcement, the Motor Sports City aims to promote motor sports, host international-standard racing events (like Formula 1, 2, 3, and 4), and provide training to nurture professional racers, thereby boosting sports tourism and the economy.

Vijay had acknowledged Tamil Nadu's status as a leading automobile manufacturing hub.

The affected students reportedly told their parents about the alleged harassment on Wednesday (September 2). Shocked by the disclosure, the parents gathered at the school on Thursday morning to seek an explanation. However, the school administration allegedly did not allow them inside.

The agitated parents then surrounded the school and engaged in a heated argument, as reported by Daily Thanthi.

On receiving information, Samayapuram police, including Inspector Gunasekaran, Sub-Inspector Murali and Special Sub-Inspector Suresh, rushed to the spot and held talks with the parents to calm them down.

Police subsequently entered the school and questioned the principal, teachers and students.

Following the inquiry, police arrested the principal, Jayaraj, 53, of Shasta Nagar on Kalpalayam Road in Mannachanallur, on charges of sexually harassing the students. Further investigation is under way.

More than 500 students from Samayapuram and surrounding areas are studying at the private school.

Why are political discussions not allowed?

During Ramadoss' 88th birthday in July, he had announced, "I am taking a political renunciation. I will not talk about politics or guide anyone." The announcement came after an 18-month-long power struggle with his son and PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss. After the reunion, he handed over the party leadership to Anbumani. Ramadoss had launched the PMK on July 16, 1989.

The reason behind the notice board

Ramadoss has been interacting with PMK and Vanniyar Sangam executives, volunteers, social activists, prominent figures and the public at his residence.

However, those who come to meet him end up trying to discuss politics with him. This prompted him to place a notice board outside his Thailapuram residence stating that he will not discuss politics.

The notice board also mentions that Ramadoss can be visited daily from 10 AM to 12 PM.

The deceased, Sherin of Poonamallee, was pursuing her second year in AI at a private College in Thandalam. Her father is working in Singapore, while her mother works as a professor at a private college in Chennai.

According to the police, her friendship with a male friend led to differences of opinion with her parents, which seems to have affected her. On Wednesday evening, she was found with serious injuries and was rushed to a private hospital, where she died around midnight.

Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. In case you feel distressed by the content or know someone in distress, call --- Sneha, Chennai: 91-44-2464 0050, 91-44-2464 0060; Maithri, Cochin: +91 239 6272; Sumaitri, New Delhi: 2338 9090; Aasra, Mumbai: 9820466726; Fortis MentalHealth: 8376804102.

According to sources, Chinnadurai, a resident of Jayankondam in Ariyalur, had been living on a pavement at Old Palakkarai in Kumbakonam on the Palakkarai-Chennai road. Late on Wednesday, a few passersby saw a severely injured Chinnadurai and contacted the 108 ambulance service. The ambulance soon reached the spot and rescued the old man and rushed him to Kumbakonam GH.

The Kumbakonam taluk police later reached the spot from where Chinnadurai was rescued and retrieved CCTV footage covering the spot. The police said they were shocked to see the old man being attacked by more than 10 dogs for a few minutes.

Chinnadurai, who was feeble due to his advanced age, could not fight back or escape from the ferocious dogs. He sustained severe injuries in his face, hands, belly and legs, they said.

Early on Thursday, Chinnadurai succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The Kumbakonam police have registered a case and are trying to contact the relatives of the deceased.

Speaking to reporters, he said the restriction on mobile phones was extended across temples in Tamil Nadu following a case concerning the Tiruchendur temple in December 2022. However, phones could be permitted inside temples on festival and other special occasions, he said, and added there was no need to introduce a system to collect and deposit devotees’ phones on such days.

Defending the Rs 5 fee collected from devotees, Ramesh said it was not a new practice and was followed in several states, including Kerala and BJP-ruled States. The amount would be used for temple employees’ salaries and facilities such as providing food to poor devotees, he said.

Rejecting criticism of the fee, he said those making such allegations were among those who wanted the HR&CE Department itself abolished.

Two police personnel were reportedly injured while trying to prevent the protesters. The incident occurred around 10.01 am when the Chief Minister's convoy was arriving at the Secretariat. According to police, more than 100 people had gathered near the in-gate to meet the Chief Minister, and eight of them suddenly crossed the barricade and ran towards the convoy.

The group, including parents of the victim, reportedly said Aakash died in police custody at the Manamadurai police station in March. Though cases had been registered against six police personnel in connection with the death, they alleged that no further action had been taken. CB-CID, which probed the case, had filed a chargesheet confirming that the police personnel had tortured him to death. So far, no policeman has been arrested in the case.

During the commotion, constable Muthuganesan, part of the lead vehicle security team, fell while trying to stop the protesters and suffered an elbow injury as the convoy stopped. Another constable, Ramkumar, was allegedly manhandled and later received first aid at a hospital after complaining of chest pain, police said.

The Chief Minister's convoy reached the Secretariat portico safely at 10.02 am. The eight protesters were detained and are being questioned.

An amount of Rs 212 crore has been allotted for the modernisation of the police department with a focus on digital forensics, real-time surveillance, and modern communication and command centres.

Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS) department will receive 50 scuba suits, 25 surveillance drones and 10 payload drones at a combined cost of Rs 4.20 crore. Five air compressors for breathing apparatus will also be provided at Rs 65 lakh. Apart from this, two scuba-diving teams will be formed in the first phase at a cost of Rs 80 lakh, while 10 fire-safety inspection teams will be created at a cost of Rs 3.20 crore.

For the Forensic Sciences Department, two new DNA testing facilities will be established at the regional forensic science laboratories in Salem and Villupuram at a cost of about Rs 14 crore. New cyber-forensic divisions will also be set up at Salem and Tirunelveli at a cost of Rs 18.73 crore. The ballistic division of the Chennai forensic laboratory will get an Automated Ballistic Identification System at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore.

The exchange came during a heated debate on law and order, with Udhayanidhi demanding that Vijay respond directly to the Opposition’s allegations rather than leaving the task to his Ministers.

Vijay intervened during the debate and assured the House that, when he responded on Monday, he would give a clear, point-by-point reply to every question raised by the Opposition.

“Honourable Speaker, for all the questions raised by the honourable members, I will provide a clear explanation when I come on Monday. Even if I am not here, I will receive information about who is asking what questions. I will provide a clear answer to everything. I have one request through you — no one should get up and run away,” Vijay said.

Udhayanidhi, however, seized on the remark and questioned why Vijay should wait until Monday if he was already prepared to respond. “You have three days before the Chief Minister’s reply. Come well prepared,” Udhayanidhi had earlier told the treasury benches. When Speaker JCD Prabhakar said Vijay was attentively following the proceedings and appeared prepared to respond, Udhayanidhi retorted: “If he is already prepared, let him answer now. We have no objection.”

Resuming his attack, Udhayanidhi said the Opposition had expected the Chief Minister to respond, but Vijay had said he would reply on Monday and left the House.

Udhayanidhi sought to corner the TVK government over its handling of law and order and questioned its frequent criticism of the previous DMK regime’s record on drug control.

He argued that if the previous government’s efforts to curb drug proliferation had been ineffective, the present government would not have promoted two senior police officers who had headed departments dealing with the issue during the DMK regime.

Udhayanidhi also alleged an increase in Pocso cases and crimes in the State and said the previous DMK government had constituted special committees and framed standard operating procedures to support victims and ensure swift justice.

He also criticised the government’s handling of democratic protests and student dissent, referring to the anti-NEET demonstrations at Marina Beach and alleging political interference.

Public Works and Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna hit back at the DMK, questioning its record on law and order and citing crime figures in the previous government's policy notes.

He alleged that the previous regime had attempted to conceal crime statistics, while claiming that the present administration was ensuring greater transparency in reporting incidents.

The exchange grew noisier when Opposition members protested. Arjuna said the Opposition was afraid of the truth being revealed, prompting further protests.

Earlier, Udhayanidhi had said several Ministers were responding on subjects handled by the Chief Minister and added that he was speaking on the assumption that the police department was still under Vijay’s control.

He claimed that 550 criminal incidents, eight custodial deaths and 10 honour killings had been reported in the 116 days since the government assumed office and said the Chief Minister should give a detailed reply.

Udhayanidhi also said the government should answer the Opposition’s questions instead of posing counter-questions and demanded that Vijay respond without “reels, cameras, retakes or diversions”.

Speaker Prabhakar intervened several times to restore order. He later invited School Education Minister S Rajmohan to respond to the DMK’s criticism of his political loyalty.

Rajmohan acknowledged that he had been a television debater who had supported the DMK in the past, but said his current position as a Minister was made possible by Vijay, whom he credited with transforming common people into achievers.

Pointing out the formation of the Singappenn Special Task Force and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), the Chief Minister stated that the TVK government would strive to make Tamil Nadu a safe and drug-free State, and that the induction of new personnel is aimed at strengthening the force.

Earlier this month, the State Government has sanctioned Rs 264.14 crore for the establishment of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) units across the State, comprising 37 units—one for each district in the State and 28 units—one for each police district in nine city commissionerates.

In June, Vijay launched the "Singappen Special Force" and announced that Rs 354 crore will be allotted in the first phase and that about 2,500 personnel will be inducted into the special unit in the future.

He also alleged that several online platforms, including FQL and other apps, were defrauding people through online scams and urged the government to strengthen the Economic Offences Wing to prevent such financial fraud.

Participating in the discussion on demands for grants for the Police and Fire and Rescue Services departments, EPS said that around 15,000 posts were vacant across various police departments and urged the newly elected government to fill them at the earliest. He said the current police-to-population ratio was around one police officer per 675 people and stressed the need to increase the strength of the police force in proportion to the population to help reduce the crime rate.

EPS also alleged that women police personnel were deployed for the Chief Minister's security during his visit to open the Mettur dam at night time. Citing existing rules, he said women police personnel should not be deployed for VIP security and urged the government to ensure that the rules were followed.

Raising the recent FQL scam in the Assembly, EPS said that a large number of people in Sivaganga, Madurai, and Dindigul districts had allegedly lost money to online fraud. He urged the government to strengthen the Economic Offences Wing to prevent such financial scams and protect the public.

He also expressed concern over the increase in Pocso cases in the State and urged the government to provide adequate powers and resources to the Sengapen Sirappu Athiradi Padai (special force) to ensure the safety of women and children.

EPS, while referring to the theft of wires connected to the electric motor pump on his farmland in Siluvampalayam village, attributed the incident to drug addicts and alleged that people who complained to the police about the drug menace had also been targeted by drug mafias. He urged the government to take steps to protect those who provide information about drug-related activities.

Latha raised the issue during AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami’s speech after he used the word “karpazhippu”. She said the term should not be used in the House and pointed out that PWD Minister Aavadi Arjuna had used it a week earlier as well. She said objections had been raised then too.

Questioning the traditional association of chastity solely with women, Latha asked, “When a sexual assault occurs, why is it assumed that only the woman loses her chastity? Do men not lose their chastity too?” She urged the government and members to use “sexual violence” instead of karpazhippu (violation of chastity) while discussing such cases in the Assembly.

Responding to her remarks, EPS said he had not used the word intentionally and requested that it be removed from the Assembly records.

PWD Minister Aavadi Arjuna also expressed regret over his earlier use of the word and assured the House that he would not use such terminology again in the Assembly.

Inbanathi was seated in the visitors’ gallery from noon to 2 pm and closely followed the proceedings as legislators debated various issues concerning the two departments.

The discussion covered several issues, including the State’s law-and-order situation and police administration, with Udhayanidhi participating in the debate.

The searches were conducted under the Drug-Free India drive to trace the proceeds of drug trafficking and identify assets allegedly acquired and funds layered using the illicit proceeds, ED sources said.

In Tamil Nadu, searches were conducted at 16 locations in Chennai, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Nagapattinam, and Velankanni in connection with four cases involving methamphetamine seizures ranging from 950 grams to 54.6 kg.

In one case, 1.47 kg of methamphetamine was seized from two Sri Lankan nationals. Subsequent searches at a premises in Mannady, allegedly linked to a Dubai-based hawala network, resulted in the seizure of Rs 1.29 crore, $30,000, and Sri Lankan currency.

Another case involved the seizure of 5.97 kg of methamphetamine near Kilambakkam, along with cash, gold and silver.

In a third case, 2 kg of methamphetamine was seized from a Sri Lankan national in Mannady, while 54.6 kg was later recovered from an alleged supplier in Ambattur.

The fourth case relates to the seizure of 950 grams from a man. The ED is investigating the alleged layering of drug proceeds through bank accounts, gold loans, properties, shrimp farms, and vehicles.

Further investigation is in progress, said officials.

The court has permitted a maximum of 200 tourist vehicles to travel from Masinagudi to Ooty via the Kalhatti Ghat Road between 10 am and 4 pm.

Restrictions on vehicle movement along the steep and winding Kalhatti-Ooty ghat stretch were first imposed in 2018 after five tourists from Chennai were killed when their car plunged into a deep gorge while negotiating a sharp bend.

However, the restrictions were not enforced consistently in the following years amid pressure from traders and tourism operators whose livelihoods depend heavily on tourist arrivals.

In recent months, shop owners, traders, safari jeep drivers and resort operators had staged a series of protests seeking the lifting of the restrictions, citing a decline in tourist arrivals.

The court's latest order has brought relief to businesses in Masinagudi, which have been affected by the restrictions.

“As our livelihood depends on tourist arrivals, relaxing the restrictions on vehicle movement has come as a big relief for us. Every other measure should be taken to protect us,” said H Arif Ahmed, a trader in Masinagudi.

A permanent check-post is also likely to be established at Mavanalla in accordance with the court's directions to regulate vehicle movement and ensure enforcement of the prescribed norms.

Participating in the debate on the demands for grants for the Home Department, Mustafa took out his mobile phone, held it near the microphone and began reading from a script on the device. Speaker Prabhakar intervened and warned him against using a mobile phone while addressing the House.

Soon afterwards, Mustafa was asked to occupy the Speaker's chair as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker left the House for a tea break. He then presided over the proceedings for a while, in keeping with the Assembly's practice of allowing legislators, usually based on their seniority or experience, to take the chair in the absence of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Though members carry mobile phones inside the House, their use is not permitted during proceedings. Badhurudeen's conspicuous use of the phone to read his speech, followed shortly by his stint in the Speaker's chair, made for an unusual sequence in the day's proceedings.

A sum of Rs 5 crore has been allotted annually for the scheme, and 50 villages will be rewarded each year, according to an official note. The scheme is part of the government's initiatives to fight against drug abuse.

"Tamil Nadu is not only taking a leading role in implementing strict measures against the manufacturing, transportation and sale of illegal drugs but also taking all fruitful efforts to reduce the demand by creating awareness against drug abuse among the public, specifically youth and students," according to the police.

During the DMK regime, Tamil Nadu had established "anti-drug clubs" and "volunteering teams" in educational institutions, an initiative that sought to engage students in anti-drug activities. These clubs were established in every school, college, and educational institution, with their activities monitored and regulated by a district-level committee led by the Collector.

This committee will also include the Superintendent of Police, Chief Educational Officer (CEO), Regional Joint Director (Collegiate Education), District Nodal NSS Programme Officer, Joint Director (Health Department), and Member Secretary, Additional Superintendent of Police (CB-CID).

Around 90 engineering programmes are offered across 418 colleges in Tamil Nadu. Anna University has permitted civil and mechanical engineering programmes to be offered in Tamil medium.

However, these programmes are available predominantly in government engineering colleges, including the College of Engineering, Guindy, and constituent colleges of Anna University.

According to the latest counselling data, several government engineering colleges, barring the College of Engineering, Guindy, have been unable to fill all the seats in Tamil-medium civil and mechanical engineering programmes.

Of the 353 seats available in civil engineering across 11 colleges, 300 have been filled, leaving 53 vacant.

In mechanical engineering, 267 of the 416 seats available across 13 colleges have been filled, leaving 149 vacant seats.

In contrast, more than 80 per cent of the seats in other engineering programmes offered in English medium have been filled in government colleges.

Tamil-medium engineering courses are generally preferred by students from government schools who studied in Tamil medium. The 20 per cent preferential reservation in government employment for students who studied in Tamil medium is also considered a factor influencing their choice.

Educationists have urged the government to introduce special English communication and skill-development programmes for students pursuing engineering courses in Tamil medium

However, professors and educationists have expressed concerns over the English-language skills of students pursuing engineering courses in Tamil medium.

Former government engineering college professor Dr P Vengala Kumar said students pursuing the same courses in Tamil and English medium attend common classes, but Tamil-medium students are not provided with separate training to strengthen their English communication skills.

Educationist R Ashwin said students could face difficulties when seeking employment in the private sector, where English communication skills are often given greater importance. He said some private companies also consider the medium of instruction during the recruitment process.

Educationists have therefore urged the government to introduce special English communication and skill-development programmes for students pursuing engineering courses in Tamil medium to improve their employability and prepare them for opportunities in the private sector.

“Two innocent persons have been killed, one of them a migrant worker from Odisha, and four others had been brutally attacked. Since the killings had taken place just prior to the notification for the Assembly elections, it was projected as though there was no law and order situation in the State,” observed Justice B Pugalendhi, while granting conditional bail to the appellant, against whom there was insufficient material to connect him to the offence.

According to the prosecution, seven persons, armed with sickles, entered Perumpathu village in Nanguneri on the evening of March 2, 2026. They attacked John Mark, who was standing near a welding shop, and another man, a migrant worker from Odisha who was passing by on a bicycle. Both succumbed to their injuries.

The court observed that while the initial investigation conducted by the Inspector of Police, Nanguneri police station, from March 3 to March 7, was headed in a particular direction, it took a turn towards the communal clash angle from March 7, after the Superintendent of Police handed over the investigation to the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Nanguneri Division.

“The investigation has been conducted in a casual manner, without even finding out the real cause behind the killings. From the material collected by the investigating agency, I could not find out the real reason for the incident, and even the reasons projected by the investigating agency, are illogical and not supported by material evidence,” observed Justice Pugalendhi.

The court observed that all the eyewitnesses, in their statements before the inspector of police, had uniformly stated that some persons from Manjankulam village committed the offence, but they did not attribute any motive to the crime.

However, when the same witnesses were examined by the DSP, they stated that A1 to A7 belonged to a particular community and that the crime was committed for communal reasons. The dispute over a flex banner was also subsequently introduced as a motive.

However, based on the legal opinion of the Deputy Director of Prosecution (DDP), Tirunelveli region, the provisions of the SC/ST (POA) Act were deleted.

The court cited the DDP's opinion that the Act had initially been invoked after it was ascertained that one of the deceased belonged to a Scheduled Caste, but was later deleted after it was found that the deceased John was a Christian. The DDP also pointed out that there was no mischief at the crime scene to warrant the relevant provision.

The court observed that the crime reflected on the State's law and order situation and that the material collected by the investigating agency were insufficient to make out a case against A11. The investigating agency did not bother to collect relevant material to link this accused to the offence.

“The investigation is not mere recording of statements and filing the final report in a mechanical manner; it is a process of finding out the truth and collecting evidence. The case lacks both,” Justice Pugalendhi observed.

Granting the bail under stringent conditions, the court directed the appellant to furnish a bond for Rs 1 lakh with two sureties for a like sum, to stay put in Tiruppur and report at the Tiruppur Central police station at 10.30 am daily.

He has also been directed against indulging in any offence and to inform the police of any change in his address. The court warned that violation of the conditions would lead to the cancellation of the bail.

The court directed the IG, South Zone, to examine the manner in which the investigation was conducted and, if warranted, constitute a special team to conduct further investigation, find out the real motive behind the occurrence and collect sufficient material.

He urged that the officials should also release water to all the canals or else a protest in a democratic way would be held in the state capital.

Speaking to reporters after the farmers' grievances redressal meet at the Revenue Divisional Office, Tiruchy, Ayyakannu, who welcomed the Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s announcement of withdrawal of cases against the farmers, said that they were protesting for their rights, but the previous AIADMK and DMK governments had registered cases against them.

However, Ayyakannu said that a similar announcement was made by the previous DMK government, and the then Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that the cases against the farmers were booked during the AIADMK rule.

“But the announcement was not realised, and we urge the Chief Minister Joseph Vijay to follow the announcement and ensure the cases are withdrawn,” Ayyakannu said.

Stating that the release of water from Mettur for 45 days would never reach the tail-end regions, Ayyakannu said, the water would be usable only when it is released for at least 110 days.

“The crops, trees and other plants have already withered all along the Cauvery river bed, and so it is essential to release water into the branch rivers and canals for irrigation,” he said.

He warned that the government should come forward to release water for 110 days to support the livelihood of the farmers; otherwise, a series of protests would be held in the state capital.

The deceased were identified as Subitha Kalaiselvi (19), a second-year BSc student at Thiruvalluvar Government Arts College in Rasipuram; her sisters Nivetha (17), a Class 11 student, and Thanusree (12), a Class 7 student; and their relative Abinaya (11), a Class 6 student. Nivetha, Thanusree and Abinaya were students of the Government Higher Secondary School in Elachipalayam.

The three sisters were the daughters of daily wage labourers Shekar and Amudha of Sankarampalayam.

According to the police, former district collector S Uma Shekar had sponsored Subitha’s education, considering the family’s financial status, as the father had been suffering from an ailment.

The police said Subitha, the eldest of the three, had returned from college and gone to pick up her two sisters and Abinaya from school.

On their way home, at the Sankarampalayam junction on the Rasipuram-Tiruchengode Road, Subitha was attempting to cross the road when a private college bus, heading towards Rasipuram, rammed the two-wheeler.

The impact threw all four girls off the vehicle. They sustained severe injuries and died on the spot, the police said.

The Elachipalayam police have registered a case and launched a search for the college bus driver, who fled the scene after the accident.

 In the first incident at Anuppankulam village, a blast occurred under a tree where Easwaran (56) was working in the factory. His body was  shattering into pieces, said the police source.

In a second accidental explosion triggered by chemical friction at a factory near Koonampatti, in which Sakthivel (55) and Kaliraj (50) lost their lives.

The Sivakasi East and Malli police departments have registered  cases against the factory management and are currently investigating the exact cause of the blasts.