The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has decided to apply to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for site clearance, the initial approval required for establishing an airport at the selected location.

The proposed airport is planned on approximately 600 acres at Manikaneri. The site was finalised in January this year following inspections by a team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Rameswaram attracts tourists and pilgrims visiting the Ramanathaswamy temple, Dhanushkodi, Arichalmunai and the memorial of former President APJ Abdul Kalam.

However, visitors currently depend on road and rail transport to reach the destination. The State government announced the airport proposal in 2025, citing the need to improve connectivity, encourage economic activity and support the development of tourist attractions in and around Rameswaram.

Five locations in Ramanathapuram district were initially identified for consideration: Palankulam, Devipattinam, Kumbaram, Kalari and Manikaneri. Following a preliminary selection process, Kumbaram and Manikaneri emerged as the two shortlisted options.

At the State government’s request, an AAI team inspected both locations to assess their suitability. Based on that exercise, Manikaneri was selected as the location for the proposed airport.

The government has allowed the Rameswaram airport proposal to proceed, and land acquisition work is progressing.

TIDCO’s proposed application to the Civil Aviation Ministry represents the next step in securing the approvals needed to take the project forward.

The development comes after the State government recently cancelled the proposal for Chennai’s second airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.

That project had been announced during the previous DMK administration. Despite the cancellation of the Parandur proposal, the government has given permission to continue implementing the airport project at Manikaneri.

The proposed airport is intended to provide an additional transport option for people travelling to Rameswaram, while improving access to nearby destinations.

Site clearance will be an early regulatory milestone for the project. The application concerns approval of the chosen location; the information available does not specify a construction schedule, project cost or a date for commencing flight operations.

For now, the proposal is moving forward through land acquisition and preparations for the clearance application.

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday launched the expanded facility for women and transgender persons. However, the announcement to extend 100% fare-free travel to persons with disabilities in a wider range of government buses is yet to be implemented.

Social Welfare Minister K Jegadeshwari had announced that persons with 40% or more disability holding a Unique Disability ID (UDID) card would be allowed free travel in Express, LSS, and Deluxe buses operating in urban and city areas. The facility would also cover Mofussil Ordinary and Ghat Ordinary buses on hill routes beyond 40 km. Those unable to travel independently would be allowed to take one attendant.

The expansion is expected to require an additional Rs 114 crore annually, over and above the existing allocation of Rs 95 crore which benefited 21,727 persons.

Persons with disabilities said the delay was particularly significant for those dependent on public transport to reach educational institutions, workplaces, and hospitals for rehabilitation treatment.

Under the existing scheme, persons with more than 40% disability are permitted point-to-point free travel from their residence to a hospital, educational institution, or workplace. One attendant is permitted for persons with intellectual disabilities.

For visually impaired persons with 40% to 69% disability, the concession is restricted to point-to-point travel, while those with 70% to 100% disability can travel on all routes, except AC buses.

"The existing facility does not adequately serve persons with reduced mobility, as it is largely confined to ordinary buses with steep steps and point-to-point travel. The proposed expansion would allow them to use low-floor buses and travel to destinations beyond the existing restrictions," said Sathish Kumar of the Disability Rights Alliance.

He said low-floor buses were introduced following a prolonged legal battle to ensure universal accessibility. Though officials had initially indicated that low-floor buses would operate under the ordinary fare category, they are being operated under the Deluxe category, while electric LF buses attract AC fares.

Sathish urged the Differently Abled Welfare Department, headed by the chief minister himself, to issue the government order immediately to enable transport undertakings to implement the expanded concession.

Transport Department Secretary L Nirmalraj said the expansion would be implemented once the concerned department issued the government order.

The arrested individuals, S Naveen Kumar and S Muthuselvam, were taken into custody on September 29 under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the ED’s Chennai Zonal Office-II, said. The Special Court for PMLA cases remanded them in judicial custody.

The ED’s money laundering probe stems from an FIR registered by the District Crime Branch, Erode, under money laundering and the Tamil Nadu Protection of Interests of Depositors Act.

According to agency officials, the duo, along with their associates, floated fraudulent investment schemes under the business names of M/s Unique Exports, East Valley Agro Firms, and other connected entities.

Investors were lured with the promises of lucrative returns from agricultural export profits.

However, financial analysis revealed that the firms undertook virtually no substantial export business, a release said on Thursday.

Around Rs 1,417.86 crore was mobilised from approximately 35,759 gullible investors across the region.

The five fishermen Sorna Joshua and Alex Ravi of Keezha Muttom, Robin George and Thomas Arul of Kovalam, all in Kanniyakumari district, and Mariappan Jetli of Ramanathapuram district had travelled to Oman after an agent based in Kovalam allegedly promised them a monthly salary of Rs 1 lakh.

“The agent, Pithalis, was a boat captain. We believed his words and went to Oman on January 21 on a tourist visa,” said Robin George (49) of Kovalam.

Pithalis allegedly promised to convert their tourist visas into work visas within a month. However, after they started working on a private fishing boat in Oman, he did not fulfil the promise, the fishermen alleged.

"Pithalis made us work nearly 15 hours a day, from 7 am. I had gone to Oman hoping to earn enough money to conduct the marriages of my two sisters,” Joshua said.

When the fishermen repeatedly demanded that Pithalis arrange work visas for them, he allegedly collected their passports and handed them over to the boat owner, according to George.

“From then on, life became hell for us. We could not leave the harbour because we feared that the Oman police would arrest us as we did not have valid documents,” he said. “We struggled even for food and lived literally like slaves,” said Sorna Joshua.

When they continued to press Pithalis for work visas, he allegedly forced them to leave the job. With the help of other Tamil fishermen in the harbour, the five managed to get food and later found work on other boats.

The fishermen also subsequently helped them contact P Justin Antony, president of the International Fishermen Development Trust (INFIDET), who immediately wrote to the Indian Embassy in Oman, Prime Minister Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs on August 16.

Later, the Indian Embassy intervened and provided accommodation for the fishermen for two months before arranging for their return to Tamil Nadu.

The Oman authorities had imposed a fine of around Rs 1.20 lakh on each fisherman for their illegal stay, Antony said. The Indian Embassy subsequently negotiated with the Omani authorities and the fines were waived, he added.

After returning to Kanyakumari, the five fishermen submitted a petition to the District Collector seeking action against the agent, whom they alleged had not paid them the promised salary and similarly cheated several other fishermen. They noted that only around Rs 2 lakh was deposited into an account that their families in India could access.

The joining is significant, as Tagore earlier rejected any possibility of a Vijay-led TVK presence in the bloc, claiming the alliance is for parties with MPs, apparently keeping the door open for the DMK at the national level. Their latest development seems to be a reaction to DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi meeting non-Congress INDIA bloc leaders, in what is being speculated as the formation of a third force.

The alliance meeting adopted five resolutions, including one formally welcoming TVK and its leader and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for coming forward to work with the INDIA bloc. The leaders congratulated Vijay on his decision and said TVK's participation would strengthen the alliance.

The meeting also focused on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The INDIA bloc parties announced a series of protests across Tamil Nadu, alleging that the revision could affect the voting rights of eligible voters.

One resolution condemned the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR exercise and demanded his removal. The parties also alleged that the BJP-led Union government was using the Election Commission to undermine democratic institutions. The alliance made these political allegations in its resolution.

As part of the protest programme, the INDIA bloc decided to organise demonstrations at district headquarters across Tamil Nadu on October 13 and 14. A major demonstration has also been planned in Chennai on October 15, with leaders and cadres of alliance parties expected to participate. TVK is also set to join the Chennai protest.

The alliance appealed to like-minded political parties, voluntary organisations, and civil society groups to join the protests against the SIR exercise.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Tagore said the INDIA bloc had welcomed Vijay's decision to work with the alliance and respectfully invited TVK.

Asked about the DMK's absence from the meeting and whether the INDIA bloc had invited the party, Tagore said invitations had been extended to parties opposing the BJP. He added that there was no need to discuss absent parties at the meeting.

Tagore also said TVK's participation in the protests against the Chief Election Commissioner would broaden the campaign.

The development comes after TVK, which formed the government following the 2026 Assembly election, had maintained a distinct political position while also forming the Secular Social Justice Vettri Alliance. Saturday's meeting marked the party's first formal participation in a Tamil Nadu-level INDIA bloc meeting. Aadhav Arjuna described it as a formal declaration of TVK being part of the alliance.

The State-level meeting was chaired by TNCC president Manickam Tagore and attended by leaders of various INDIA bloc parties, including MDMK general secretary Vaiko, CPM state secretary P Shanmugam, CPI state secretary M Veerapandian and VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan.

In a statement, the Chief Minister conveyed his wishes and congratulations to Sundar, saying that his achievement would give confidence and new energy to youngsters.

He also wished Sundar and his teammates success in the upcoming cricket tournaments and hoped that they would continue to perform well and achieve more victories.

India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs to successfully defend its Asian Games men's cricket gold medal and claim its second consecutive title in the competition.

Addressing a campaign meeting in Madurantakam, Stalin said he had been told by ruling party functionaries that the party could win the by-election even if it fielded a dog as its candidate. He urged voters to restrain what he described as the ruling party’s arrogance.

“Chief Ministers never campaign during by-elections. But Chief Minister Vijay has campaigned twice in each constituency. Because of electoral fear, he has no confidence in his own government. The government is being run by somebody behind the screen,” he alleged, adding that he liked the fear he had over any defeat in the bypolls.

Explaining the reasons for the DMK’s defeat in the Assembly election, Stalin said the party had fought its ideological opponent (referring BJP and its allies in the State). He described the TVK as a group of "clowns" and said the DMK had not considered it a serious opponent during the election.

But he rejected the notion of any TVK wave, saying that any such trend would have helped them secure 150 plus seats. "But it could not even secure a majority. The party did not have confidence in the alliance parties supporting the government. The TVK has planned to increase its MLA strength through horse-trading,” Stalin alleged.

Raising issues including the law-and-order situation and price rise in the State, Stalin questioned whether the TVK-led government could be called a “thooya sakthi” government and instead described it as a “government of grief sakthi”.

Questioning the TVK leadership, Stalin asked why the ruling party had not spoken about the demand for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. He alleged that the TVK leader had a secret alliance with Delhi and would eventually abandon all its alliance partners.

Appealing to voters, Stalin said punishing the TVK would prevent horse-trading by the ruling party in the future.

“Voters should give shock treatment to Chief Minister Vijay, who has brought his cinema fame into politics and is now indulging in horse-trading and diverting the people,” he said.

"Why are ministers who had never visited these villages earlier now camping in the streets? If they have come for campaigning, they should speak about politics. They should explain how the Union and State governments and their parties function. That is what strengthens democracy," Veerapandian said, addressing a press conference in Dharapuram.

Veerapandian said the presence of large convoys and expensive vehicles, even in small hamlets, had raised questions among residents. He alleged that groups accompanying the campaigners were collecting voters' details, including mobile phone numbers and information needed to make payments through digital platforms such as GPay and PhonePe.

He alleged that ministers were taking up long-pending demands of villages during the campaign and promising to fulfil them.

"Putting a price on an entire village is different from asking for votes. If a village has a demand for a temple or a school and you promise to fulfil it during the bypoll, why was it not done earlier?" he asked.

Veerapandian also alleged that cash was being distributed to voters in the bypoll constituencies and criticised the Election Commission for failing to prevent such practices. He said the poll panel was responsible for ensuring a level playing field in the two constituencies.

He said CPI cadres were campaigning by meeting people in their homes and discussing political and livelihood issues, including price rises, the concerns of construction workers and sanitation workers, and the demands of government employees.

On CPI's decision to contest the bypolls independently, Veerapandian said the party respected the people's mandate and would support the TVK government from outside. He clarified that CPI was not part of the ruling alliance.

According to a Maalaimalar report, the arrested men have been identified as Dineshkumar (32), son of Chandran of Santhapettai, Kadaiyampatti, and Surya (26), son of Subbu of Santhapettai Kattuvazhu.

Police trace accused through stolen jewellery

The victims, Jayaraman (85) and his wife Amaravathi (70), were living in a house near the Olakkur tamarind tree bus stop on the road connecting Jodukuli and Chinnathirupathi. The couple was engaged in making coconut-leaf products.

On July 19, their grandson Navaneethan, who regularly brought them food, went to their house around 8 pm and found them dead with severe injuries to their heads.

The Theevattipatti police registered a murder case and launched an investigation. A sniffer dog was pressed into service and tracked the route towards the Salem-Bengaluru National Highway for about 500 metres. Police subsequently examined CCTV footage along the route and formed more than five special teams to trace the suspects.

Meanwhile, a series of burglaries reported in the Omalur sub-division helped police make a breakthrough. A three-sovereign gold chain was stolen from the house of Suman in Kadaiyampatti while his family had gone to Velankanni. In another burglary at Jodukuli Pudur, 1.5 sovereigns of gold jewellery and silver anklets were stolen.

In a separate incident, the house of Retired Army personnel Selvaraj in Thoppur, where he lived with his wife Shenbagavalli and son Nandakumar, was burgled while the family had gone to a temple in Tiruvannamalai. The burglars allegedly stole eight sovereigns of gold jewellery and Rs 14,000 in cash.

During the investigation, police traced some of the stolen jewellery to a jewellery shop in Kadaiyampatti. The documents and CCTV footage obtained from the shop helped investigators identify Dineshkumar and Surya as the suspects.

Accused surrender before VAO

Police went to the suspects' houses but found them missing. After learning that police were looking for them, the duo surrendered before Kadaiyampatti South Village Administrative Officer (VAO) Sudhakar. The VAO subsequently handed them over to the Theevattipatti police.

During interrogation, police said Dineshkumar had been working at a beauty salon in Nachinampatti, where he became friends with Surya. According to police, Dineshkumar, who allegedly wanted to lead a lavish lifestyle, had previously been involved in assault and robbery cases.

Police said Surya was in need of money as marriage talks were underway for him. The duo allegedly decided to commit burglaries together and targeted several houses.

According to the police, they attacked and killed Jayaraman and Amaravathi before stealing their gold jewellery. They later allegedly burgled the houses of Suman, another house at Jodukuli Pudur, and the residence of Dineshkumar's aunt Shenbagavalli and her husband Selvaraj.

Police said about 14 sovereigns of gold jewellery, silver articles and cash allegedly stolen by the duo were recovered.

The accused were produced before the Omalur court and remanded in Salem Central Prison.

Based on a tip-off, a team led by Inspector Venkatesh of the Crime Intelligence Unit, Tirunelveli Range, conducted an intensive vehicle check on the highway from Vilathikulam to Keezhavaippar beach on Friday night. The team lay in wait and began checking vehicles. At midnight, a mini container fish lorry bearing an Andhra Pradesh registration number was travelling through Puliankulam between Vilathikulam and Kulathur, followed by a luxury car. The police surrounded both vehicles.

During the inspection, police found empty plastic tubs used to transport fish stacked in the front section. When they removed the tubs, they discovered gunny bags behind them. Further search revealed 338 kg of ganja packed into 169 bundles weighing 2 kg each. The consignment was valued at Rs 3 crore.

The Crime Intelligence Unit police handed over the contraband, the container lorry, the luxury car and the three detainees to the Prohibition Enforcement Wing police station at Kovilpatti

The police immediately detained three people -- the container lorry driver and two men travelling in the luxury car that was following it. During questioning, the police identified them as Joshua Kanaraj Adhi (47), Thanavel (51), and Srinivas Kalyan (24), from Kakinada of Andhra Pradesh. The investigation revealed that the ganja had allegedly been brought from Andhra Pradesh under the guise of fertiliser bags and was intended to be smuggled to Sri Lanka by sea through Keezhavaippar, near Vilathikulam.

The Crime Intelligence Unit police handed over the 338 kg of ganja, the container lorry, the luxury car and the three detainees to the Prohibition Enforcement Wing police station at Kovilpatti. A case was registered, and the police questioned the trio.

The three arrested men were subsequently taken to Thoothukudi for further investigation, along with the seized 338 kg of ganja, luxury car and mini container fish lorry. The incident, in which an attempt was allegedly made to smuggle ganja worth Rs 3 crore from Andhra Pradesh to Sri Lanka via Thoothukudi, has caused a stir.

A post on X from the government's Information Integrity Desk (IID) clarified that the road, identified as NH-744A, is not under the control of the State Highways Department. The NH-744A link road, connecting the Madurai-Dindigul (NH-44) and Madurai-Tiruchy (NH-38) national highways, is under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

It also said Hindi information boards are not used on roads under its control, as reported by Daily Thanthi.

The clarification followed the image showing a signboard on the road with place names, including Vadipatti, Madurai and Alagar Kovil, written in Tamil, Hindi and English.

Earlier Hindi signboard controversy led to suspension of Highways officials

The clarification comes a day after the Tamil Nadu government suspended the assistant divisional engineer and assistant engineer involved in installing a Hindi signboard on the Sathankulam-Nazareth State Highway (SH-93) in Thoothukudi. Departmental action has also been initiated against them.

The signboard, installed near the Karumeni River bridge, carried the names and directions to places including Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur, Alwarthirunagari and Tirunelveli in Tamil, Hindi and English.

The clarification comes a day after the Tamil Nadu government suspended the assistant divisional engineer and assistant engineer involved in installing a Hindi signboard on the Sathankulam-Nazareth State Highway (SH-93) in Thoothukudi. Departmental action has also been initiated against them.

The signboard, installed near the Karumeni River bridge, carried the names and directions to places including Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur, Alwarthirunagari and Tirunelveli in Tamil, Hindi and English.

After the inclusion of Hindi triggered criticism and gained attention on social media, the government said the use of Hindi on a State Highways Department signboard was contrary to Tamil Nadu's two-language policy. After the government's intervention, the Hindi lettering was removed immediately.

The department's latest clarification, however, concerns the NH-744A link road shown in the viral images, which it said is not under the State Highways Department.

Thomas Korosken Sky (60) is from Vienna, Austria. He had recently arrived in India as a tourist and had been staying in Kanniyakumari district for the past 10 days, visiting various tourist spots. He was staying at a lodge in Nagercoil.

On Friday, Thomas Korosken Sky went to Anna Bus Stand in Nagercoil to travel to Kanniyakumari. When a government bus bound for Kanniyakumari arrived, he immediately boarded it.

The foreigner and the bus conductor got into an argument. Babu, a former army personnel from the Vilavancode area who was travelling on the same bus, intervened and questioned the dispute. Subsequently, an argument broke out between Thomas Korosken Sky and Babu, which escalated into a physical altercation.

Enraged, Babu allegedly assaulted Thomas Korosken Sky repeatedly. In the impact, Thomas fell against the bus window glass and sustained injuries, bleeding profusely. After getting off the bus, the foreign tourist arrived at Kottar police station with blood streaming from his injuries.

The police immediately rescued him and took him to Asaripallam Government Medical College Hospital for treatment. The police subsequently questioned him. He lodged a complaint with the police. Based on the complaint, the police conducted an investigation and arrested Babu. Further probe is under way.

The FIR was registered on September 24 based on a complaint filed by Arappor Iyakkam before the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on August 14, 2026.

According to the FIR, the conference was held on December 14, 2025, at Kalaignar Thidal in Malappambadi on about 124.56 acres owned by Kumaran. Velu, then the Highways, Minor Ports and Public Works minister, DMK northern zonal in-charge, and Tiruvannamalai (South) district secretary, allegedly supervised the arrangements.

The FIR alleges that soil was excavated from Malappambadi lake bed between November and the first week of December 2025 and transported to the conference venue. It further alleges that Velu misused his official position to facilitate the excavation without obtaining permission from the revenue, corporation or geology and mining departments.

The alleged roles of these departments' officials are also under investigation. The DVAC has registered the case under Sections 61(2), 316(5), 318(3) and 324(5) read with Section 49 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, besides Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Section 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act has also been invoked against private individuals and others for alleged abetment.

In their petitions, Velu and Kumaran contended that the FIR was baseless. They said its pendency would affect their duties and obligations as MLAs and their rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

They also sought an urgent hearing of their petitions and requested the court to dispense with the requirement of producing a certified copy of the FIR.

The petitions are expected to be listed shortly before Justice V Lakshminarayanan.

According to a Maalaimalar report, residents from Panchetty, Neduvaram Pakkam, Chennivakkam, Agaram and other areas walk nearly 2 km to reach the tunnel before taking buses or autos to their workplaces and educational institutions.

Similarly, residents of Natham, Pandi, Kavanur, Thangal, Ernavakkam, Dharmapuri and neighbouring villages travelling towards Chennai and Chengundram face difficulties crossing the highway.

Medical emergencies among major concerns

The lack of a convenient crossing has also created problems during medical emergencies, residents said. Patients and pregnant women travelling to the government primary health centre are among those affected, while ambulances reportedly face difficulties reaching some surrounding areas.

Residents said the narrow tunnel is particularly inconvenient for those dependent on public transport and autos.

Transporting bodies also poses difficulties

Residents also pointed to difficulties in transporting bodies to the crematorium near the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway Integrated Court building. Since the tunnel is reportedly too narrow, bodies are taken through an underpass near Athipedu village, adding around 5 km to the journey, they said.

People also claimed that more than 10 individuals have died while crossing the highway. They also allege that stones placed in the middle of the road are removed using JCB machines when bodies need to be transported across, before the gap is closed again.

Activist seeks district administration intervention

Local resident and social activist Prakash said residents had been petitioning authorities for a proper underpass for nearly 18 years. “For the past 18 years, despite petitions to the authorities and demands raised at Gram Sabha meetings, no action has been taken. Those travelling to work, school and college are suffering the most,” Prakash said.

Prakash also said the lack of proper access could prove critical during medical emergencies and urged the district administration to conduct an inquiry and provide a permanent crossing facility.

The issue has reportedly been raised 18 times at Panchetty Gram Sabha meetings and before the concerned authorities, but residents claim that no permanent solution has been implemented. In fear that continued inaction could lead to further accidents, they have called for immediate intervention by the district administration and highway authorities.

A total of 115 people are reported to have contracted dengue in the Avadi Corporation limits between January and September this year. Of these, 29 cases were reported in August, while September recorded the highest monthly figure, with 63 cases.

Against this backdrop, the TNMSC chief inspected various locations in Avadi on Saturday. During his inspection at the Zone 2 office in Tirumullaivoyal, he checked the attendance register of workers involved in dengue prevention measures and reviewed their field activities.

Subsequently, he visited the house of a person affected by dengue on 2nd Cross Street in Vaishnavi Nagar and enquired with the family members. He also reviewed the dengue prevention measures implemented in the locality and the work carried out by field staff.

He then inspected the dengue ward, pharmacy, laboratory and other medical and health services provided to the public at the Avadi Government Hospital.

During the inspection, officials concerned, including health officers, health inspectors, dengue surveillance and prevention staff, and other field workers, were instructed to continue implementing dengue prevention measures and steps to control other mosquito-borne diseases in Avadi Corporation areas.

Avadi Government Hospital Deputy Director Porchelvi, Avadi Corporation City Health Officer Saraswathi, sanitation officers Moideen and Kumar, health inspectors and other field staff were present during the inspection.

Chief minister C Joseph Vijay and other TVK leaders slammed Stalin over the "body-shaming" charge, with the former alleging that the DMK president's campaign in the Assembly segment located in the western Tiruppur district was marked by "slander, misogyny and personal abuse."

In a formal complaint submitted to Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam General Secretary for Election Campaign Management and state minister, Aadhav Arjuna, alleged that Stalin blatantly violated the model code of conduct (MCC) during a campaign rally in Dharapuram on Friday.

The petition requested the EC to invoke its statutory powers under the Representation of the People Act to impose a temporary campaign ban on Stalin and direct local election authorities to register an FIR against him under Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Woman Act, 1998.

Campaign to the high-stakes October 6 bypoll in Dharapuram, besides Madurantakam, ends at 6 pm on Sunday.

TVK knocked the doors of the EC with the plaint after a sharp criticism earlier in the day by Vijay, who accused Stalin of indulging in personal attacks and body-shaming Sathyabama under the guise of election canvassing.

Expressing solidarity with his party candidate as a "son and brother to the women of Tamil Nadu," the chief minister asserted that obscenity and vulgarity have become ingrained in the DMK’s political conduct, adding that the electorate of Dharapuram would deliver a fitting response in the upcoming bypoll.

During the DMK's poll campaign, Stalin criticised the TVK candidate ridiculing her for shifting loyalties to the ruling TVK from the AIADMK, and used nicknames like "suitcase" (petti) and "somersault" (balti) implying she switched political camp for financial gain.

In a statement on X, Vijay said: "Under the guise of an election campaign in Dharapuram, the evil force DMK has organised a defamatory and utterly uncivilised meeting under its leader M K Stalin."

He alleged that Stalin "took pleasure in resorting to body-shaming and making highly inappropriate remarks against our party candidate, sister Mrs Sathyabama."

Calling the DMK "anti-democratic," Vijay alleged that vulgarity and hostility were embedded in its ideology and accused Stalin of proudly fostering a toxic political culture in the party.

"The people of Tamil Nadu have long realised that obscenity, malice and vulgarity are intertwined in the DMK's DNA. They specialise in speaking obscenely about women, even in their presence, completely indifferent to their discomfort," he charged.

Expressing confidence that voters, particularly in Dharapuram, located in Tiruppur, a textile hub, would not tolerate such behaviour, he said he conveyed his "strongest condemnation against the DMK for its continuous derogatory language targeting women."

In the complaint, Arjuna said the DMK chief indulged in the worst form of body-shaming, directly maligning the TVK party candidate, wondering how "she is able to perform somersault with such a body, thereby ridiculing her physical appearance which is an affront to not only a lady candidate but also an insult to crores of women all over India."

"The impugned statement does not concern any policy, programme, public record or political position of the candidate. It directly comments upon and ridicules the physical appearance/body of a woman candidate in the course of an election campaign. Such a personal reference is wholly unrelated to any legitimate issue concerning her candidature or public record," he said.

Arjuna, who is minister for Public Works and Sports further stated "these sort of women body-shaming and vulgar words being thrown at the women of Tamil Nadu to prevent them from taking part in the public life has become a regular habit for the DMK party, particularly for M K Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin."

He said the Election Commission should immediately issue a temporary campaign ban, preventing the violators from addressing public rallies, giving interviews or holding shows for a specific duration.

"Hence, with a view to protect the honor and dignity of women in Tamil Nadu, particularly the dignity of our candidate Tmt P Sathyabama, who has been specifically targeted by Mr Stalin to prevent her from canvassing for votes, I request the Election Commission to immediately cancel the star campaigner status given to Mr Stalin," he urged.

Earlier, Energy Resources and Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar accused the DMK leadership of derogatory remarks against women, saying the party was revealing its "true character" out of frustration over impending defeat.

Speaking to reporters in Coimbatore, he said the language used by Stalin and his son, Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi, during their campaign in Dharapuram showed a lack of vision for the future.

"The DMK leadership is in a state of utter desperation because they have nothing positive to offer the electorate. Resorting to inappropriate, derogatory language is their final, desperate tactic," he told reporters here. He claimed the DMK's political influence was declining and that voters would hand it a decisive defeat in the bypoll.

Nirmal Kumar alleged that the father and son had lost their self-control and used offensive language against others, including a woman candidate, to grab attention. He described the DMK as a "harmful force" to society.

Vijay alleged that Stalin had turned an election campaign meeting in Dharapuram into a defamatory and indecent gathering and made objectionable remarks about Sathyabama’s physical appearance.

“Stalin has spoken in a highly indecent manner and taken pleasure in ridiculing the physical appearance of our Dharapuram candidate, sister P Sathyabama,” Vijay said in a statement.

He further alleged that Stalin’s remarks amounted to an admission of his role in what he described as a culture of vulgarity, violence and perversion within the DMK.

“People of Tamil Nadu have long been aware that vulgarity, violence and perversion are embedded in the DMK’s political culture,” Vijay said, accusing the party of being opposed to democratic values.

The TVK leader also alleged that the DMK had repeatedly made vulgar remarks about women, including in their presence, without considering their discomfort. “The people of Tamil Nadu and Dharapuram will give an appropriate response to this force,” Vijay said.

Expressing his strong condemnation of the alleged remarks, Vijay said he was speaking as a son, elder brother and younger brother of the women of Tamil Nadu.

In a complaint submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, TVK general secretary (election campaign management) and Minister Aadhav Arjuna alleged that Stalin made the remarks while addressing a campaign meeting in Dharapuram on Friday. The complaint said Stalin questioned how Sathyabama could perform a 'somersault with such a body', which the party described as a disparaging reference to her physical appearance.

The TVK contended that the alleged remark was unrelated to Sathyabama's political position, public record or candidature and instead directly commented on her physical appearance. It alleged that the statement violated the Model Code of Conduct and amounted to harassment of a woman candidate.

Aadhav further alleged that such remarks could discourage women from participating in public life and referred to Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998.

Seeking action, the TVK leader urged the Election Commission to cancel Stalin's star campaigner status and direct the District Returning Officer to register an FIR against him under the State law. He also sought steps to ensure Sathyabama's free and fearless participation in the election campaign.

Police are preparing to deploy around 2,000 personnel along his route, with large crowds expected as the Chief Minister’s convoy passes through several busy areas of the city on a holiday.

Unlike the route generally used by leaders travelling from Coimbatore airport to other destinations, CM Vijay’s convoy will pass through prominent city neighbourhoods before joining the bypass road towards Dharapuram.

Vehicles leaving the airport usually travel through Goldwins, Chinniampalayam and Neelambur to reach Avinashi Road.

For Sunday’s visit, arrangements have been made for the Chief Minister to take a different route through Chitra, Kamarajapuram, Singanallur and Ondipudur.

The convoy will then enter the bypass road and proceed towards Dharapuram.

Police expect substantial crowds along this stretch, particularly because parts of the road are narrow and Sunday is a holiday.

Officials said approximately 2,000 police personnel would be deployed for security. The anticipated turnout along the revised route has made crowd management a key consideration in preparations for the visit.

Vijay’s journey comes as campaigning enters its final phase in Dharapuram, where TVK candidate Sathyabama is contesting the bypoll.

Voting in Dharapuram and Madurantakam is scheduled for October 6.

The Chief Minister had earlier campaigned for Sathyabama in Dharapuram on September 30, addressing supporters at a large venue in the Maruthi Nagar–Kondarasampalayam area.

That campaign featured QR-code entry passes, LED screens and a stage arranged on a bus.

The venue covered around 54 acres, with arrangements made to accommodate supporters attending the programme.

During his earlier address, CM Vijay appealed to voters to regard him as their son and a member of their family. He also stressed his government’s opposition to corruption and attacked the DMK and AIADMK, portraying the two parties as alike.

His return to Dharapuram places renewed attention on the constituency ahead of polling, while the passage through Coimbatore is expected to draw supporters along the city route.

For police, the immediate focus will be securing the Chief Minister’s movement through the narrow stretches and managing the crowds expected before the convoy reaches the bypass and continues to the campaign destination on Sunday afternoon.

"Why are ministers who had never visited these villages earlier now camping in the streets? If they have come for campaigning, they should speak about politics. They should explain the functioning of the Union and State governments and their parties. That is what strengthens democracy," Veerapandian said addressing a press conference in Dharapuram.

Veerapandian said the presence of large convoys and expensive vehicles in even small hamlets had raised questions among residents. He alleged that groups accompanying the campaigners were taking down details of voters, including their mobile phone numbers and information required to make payments through digital platforms such as GPay and PhonePe.

He alleged that ministers were taking up long-pending demands of villages during the campaign and promising to fulfil them.

"Putting a price on an entire village is different from asking for votes. If a village has a demand for a temple or a school and you promise to fulfil it during the bypoll, why was it not done earlier?" he asked.

Veerapandian also alleged that cash was being distributed to voters in the bypoll constituencies and criticised the Election Commission for failing to prevent such practices. He said the poll panel had a responsibility to ensure a level playing field in the two constituencies.

He said CPI cadres were conducting their campaign by meeting people in their homes and discussing political and livelihood issues, including price rise, the concerns of construction workers and sanitation workers, and demands of government employees.

On recent campaign remarks by DMK leader MK Stalin targeting a woman politician, Veerapandian said political discourse should not descend into comments on a woman's appearance or personal life. He said Stalin had maintained a dignified tone in the past.

"Commenting on a woman's appearance or making personal remarks is not acceptable. Communist parties will oppose such remarks irrespective of which side they come from," he said.

Veerapandian said political leaders, particularly those holding public office, should set an example by maintaining dignity during election campaigns. He added that personal attacks did not constitute political debate.

On CPI's decision to contest the bypolls independently, Veerapandian said the party respected the people's mandate and would support the TVK government from outside. He clarified that CPI was not part of the ruling alliance.

He also said a request by students to include beef in the menu of a government hostel would be considered, with the final decision resting with the Chief Minister.

Speaking to reporters at Chennai Airport on Saturday (October 3), Vanni Arasu claimed the PMK's decisions were aligned with the wishes of the BJP and that there was no room for independent decision-making by the party on joining the alliance. “All decisions taken by the PMK align with the wishes of the BJP; the BJP effectively acts as the owner of the PMK. The PMK simply does whatever the BJP dictates,” he alleged.

On the upcoming October 6 by-election in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, Vanni Arasu said the prospects of victory for the TVK-led Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance (SSJVA) were "very bright”, adding that alliance leaders and VCK cadres were actively campaigning in both constituencies.

He attributed the alliance's confidence to the Tamil Nadu government's performance over the past four months and the Chief Minister's schemes.

Responding to criticism that the intense campaigning indicated fear of defeat, he said extensive campaigning was normal during by-elections as leaders had more time to focus on specific constituencies than during a general election.

Vanni Arasu: 'DMK, VCK on the same ideological path'

Vanni Arasu said the DMK and VCK were movements travelling on the same path based on social justice, State rights, opposition to Sanatana Dharma and Dravidian ideology. “Though we have changed alliances due to circumstances and the electoral situation, we continue to travel together on the basis of ideology,” he said.

He also said the VCK was not an artificially created group but had grown organically as a collective of people over generations. He claimed that young people, including members of Generation Z, were joining the party in large numbers. According to Vanni Arasu, the affection shown by VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan towards party cadres and the way he guides them were among the key reasons for the party's growth among young people.

Vanni Arasu: 'Beef request in hostel menu will be considered'

Speaking to reporters, Vanni Arasu reiterated his earlier remarks on a request from students at a government hostel to include beef in their meals instead of mutton. He said he had told the students that the request would be considered, while the final decision rested with the Chief Minister.

He alleged that the RSS and its affiliated organisations were attempting to use the issue of food choices and beef to fuel religious politics in Tamil Nadu. Such communal politics, he said, would not gain a foothold in the State.

Stalin alleged that the CM was busy with purchasing MLAs instead of addressing the issues faced by the people. During his by-election campaign in Dharapuram, Stalin had visited a grocery shop and enquired about the prices of essential commodities.

In a statement, he said the prices of essential goods had increased considerably over the past four months, placing an additional burden on households across the State.

“With families across Tamil Nadu struggling to manage their household expenses because of the price rise, will people’s stomachs be filled by watching reels,” he asked.

Stalin also compared the economic performance of the previous ‘Dravidian Model’ government with the present administration.

He claimed that the economic growth had continued to rise under the previous government even when the national economy was witnessing a slowdown.

“Now, the situation is the reverse. The State’s SGST revenue is declining,” he said, adding that Tamil Nadu was witnessing a decline in economy, energy, industries, healthcare and dairy development. “The government thinks that pasting Vettri stickers on everything is enough, but people are suffering because of an uncaring government that is failing to address vital issues,” he said.

Sources said that the Tamil Nadu Mines Department has permitted the construction of a crusher unit at Rettamalai near A-Thoppupatti in Manapparai. The works commenced right away, which the residents from the village had been opposing, citing adverse impacts on agriculture.

They have been staging a series of protests, including a road block urging cancellation of the license. However, officials failed to pay heed to their demands. Subsequently, the residents met the Minister for Mines TK Prabhu and the Manapparai TVK MLA R Kathiravan and submitted a petition against the crusher unit, but in vain.

In such a backdrop, the gram sabha meeting was held on Friday in which the residents from A-Thoppupatti and Rettaimalai Karadu demanded that a resolution be passed against the proposed crusher unit.

The residents put forth a series of questions before the Manapparai MLA Kathiravan, who was also present in the meeting. However, initially, the MLA had reportedly argued with the residents that the voters from the particular village had not supported TVK during the assembly polls. This reportedly triggered a heated argument between the MLA and the residents.

Later, the MLA agreed to pass the resolution citing that it would affect the environment and the agricultural activities of the people from the villages. Subsequently, the resolution was passed unanimously.

Chief Minister and TVK president C Joseph Vijay camped in Madurantakam on Friday and conducted a roadshow in support of his party candidate Maragatham Kumaravel. He is also scheduled to conduct a roadshow in Dharapuram.

Before the roadshows, Vijay addressed public meetings in both constituencies as part of the campaign. The entire Cabinet has also been engaged in the by-poll campaign, with ministers campaigning for the party candidates.

On the Opposition side, leaders of the DMK and AIADMK are also campaigning in the two constituencies and seeking votes for their respective candidates.

DMK Youth Wing secretary Udhayanidhi is scheduled to campaign in Dharapuram on Saturday. Party Deputy General Secretary Kanimozhi is also campaigning for the party candidates in both constituencies.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has been touring the two constituencies frequently and campaigning for the party candidates. Leaders of the Left parties and Naam Tamilar Katchi are also campaigning for their respective candidates.

The campaign will end at 6 pm on Sunday, following which the constituencies will enter the 48-hour silence period ahead of polling.

With the campaign entering its final phase, political parties are intensifying their door-to-door campaigns, public meetings and roadshows to mobilise votes ahead of polling.

The campaign will end at 6 pm on Sunday, following which the constituencies will enter the 48-hour silence period ahead of polling.

According to senior officials, Tamil Nadu's post-settlement State GST (SGST) revenue rose to Rs 7,320 crore in September 2026 from Rs 6,270 crore in the corresponding month last year. During April-September, the revenue increased 16% to Rs 44,266 crore from Rs 38,119 crore in 2025-26.

The clarification comes amid criticism from the Opposition over the decline in gross GST collections. After increasing 4.4% in April, gross collections declined 15.1% in May, 1.9% in June, 1.2% in July and 1.4% in August. In September, collections fell 5% to Rs 10,188 crore from Rs 10,670 crore in the year-ago period.

Former Finance Minister and DMK leader Thangam Thennarasu had criticised the decline, questioning the TVK government's handling of the State's finances and economic activity.

Officials, however, said gross GST collections should not be treated as the State's actual GST revenue as they include IGST collected on inter-State transactions, which is subsequently settled among the States. Post-settlement SGST, comprising the SGST component and Tamil Nadu's share of IGST settlement, represents the revenue actually realised by the State, they said.

They also attributed the decline in gross collections to GST rate rationalisation implemented on September 22, 2025, under which tax rates for major sectors were reduced from 28% to 18%.

The officials said the 17% growth in post-settlement GST revenue in September and the 16% cumulative growth during April-September indicated an increase in Tamil Nadu's consumption-based GST revenue.

In a social media post, the AIADMK said it was natural for doctors, particularly those working night shifts, to take a short rest when there were no emergencies. The party questioned the need for the MLA to record and publicly post a video of the incident.

The AIADMK also questioned whether the MLA would show the same level of concern by visiting Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's residence after 5 pm and similarly questioning him. The party asked Health Minister Arunraj whether he would condemn the MLA's conduct.

Referring to a previous criminal case involving Saravanan, the AIADMK said the matter had ended in his favour.

The AIADMK also criticised what it described as a practice among TVK MLAs of visiting schools, hospitals and other public offices for shooting reels.

In a symbolic gesture marking the launch, Vijay issued free tickets to women passengers on 76B, plying between Koyambedu and Kancheepuram, operated by TNSTC (Villupuram), at the CMBT bus terminus. The extended free ride covers Express, LSS and Deluxe government buses operating in urban and city areas, besides Mofussil Ordinary buses and Ghat Ordinary buses on hill routes exceeding 40 km.

The new extension builds on the existing ‘Vidiyal Payanam’ zero-fare travel scheme for women. Under the scheme, women can travel free of cost in Ordinary Town buses operated by the seven state transport undertakings and Ordinary Ghat buses operating on routes of up to 40 km. The scheme covers 7,537 Ordinary Town buses and 173 Ordinary Ghat buses.

During 2026-27, an average of 71.70 lakh women travelled daily under the existing free travel scheme.

Transport minister Vijay Tamilan Parthiban said the scheme was aimed at ensuring that bus fares did not become a barrier to women’s education, employment, livelihood and economic progress.

Addressing the gathering, Parthiban said 12,695 buses out of the 18,413 buses operated by the seven state transport undertakings had been brought under the ‘Vettri Payanam’ scheme. Around 85 lakh women are expected to benefit from the scheme every day, he said.

Parthiban said the scheme was being launched on Gandhi Jayanti to give practical expression to the ideals of social justice and women’s advancement.

A college student, Suba, who received a free travel ticket from the chief minister at the CMBT terminus, said Vijay autographed the ticket and wished her a pleasant journey.

“I told him ‘all the best’ in return. The free travel will be very useful for me to commute to and from college. With the extension, women will now be able to benefit from free travel in Deluxe and other buses as well,” she said.

Parthiban said the scheme would enable a student to travel towards education, a working woman towards employment and economic advancement, and a mother to meet the needs of her family. For rural women, the scheme would provide access to new opportunities, while for self-employed women it would help connect their work with markets, he said.

RIDING HIGH

• Women can travel free of cost on Express, LSS and Deluxe government buses in urban and city areas; Mofussil Ordinary buses and Ghat Ordinary buses on hill routes exceeding 40 km

• The scheme covers 7,537 Ordinary Town buses and 173 Ordinary Ghat buses

• 12,695 buses out of the 18,413 buses operated by the seven state transport undertakings had been brought under the ‘Vetri Payanam’ scheme

• Around 85 lakh women are expected to benefit from the scheme every day

The order was passed on a petition filed by Mahendran, president of Sri Madura Kaliyamman Public Charitable Trust, seeking police protection for the Kumbabishekam of temples managed by the trust.

The trust manages Sri Madura Kaliyamman Temple, Sri Karuppanna Swamy Temple, Sri Periyasamy Temple and Parivara Thevathai Temple at Sathanur. According to the petitioner, the trust began construction of these temples in 2018, and the works were nearing completion. The trust proposed to conduct the Kumbabishekam on October 25.

The court directed the HR&CE Fit Person of Arulmigu Karuppaiyaswamy Temple to inspect the temples and submit a report to the Inspector of Police on whether their construction had been completed in all respects

The petitioner said he had submitted a representation to the Perambalur Superintendent of Police seeking protection for the ceremonies, but it was not considered, prompting him to approach the High Court.

When the matter came up before Justice V Lakshminarayanan, the counsel appearing for the police submitted that residents have been opposing the ceremony because construction is yet to be completed.

The respondents also alleged that the petitioners were seeking to exclude members of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities from participating in the function. They contended that the request for police protection was intended to use the police force to prevent members of communities other than that of the petitioners from participating in the ceremony.

The court directed the Inspector/Fit Person of Arulmigu Karuppaiyaswamy Temple to inspect the temple and submit a report to the Inspector of Police on whether its construction had been completed in all respects.

Ordering police protection for the Kumbabishekam slated on October 25, the Court also made it clear that people of all castes, creeds or colours should be permitted to participate in the function. The court disposed of the criminal writ petition with these directions.

Observing that the present government claims to have zero tolerance towards corruption and is committed to creating a corruption-free society, Justice B Pugalendhi said that prompt action against government servants who violate conduct rules and engage in corrupt practices would send a strong message against corruption and discourage others from indulging in such acts.

“Therefore, this court expects the government to take a call on this issue and bring in necessary amendments to the service rules,” the judge observed.

The court made this observation while disposing of writ petitions filed by four government servants facing corruption cases and suspension following traps conducted by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). Three petitioners challenged their prolonged suspension and the delay in disciplinary proceedings, while the fourth challenged the rejection of his request for revocation of suspension.

The court noted that in the case of a police Sub-Inspector, disciplinary proceedings were initiated only in 2023, about 10 years after the criminal case, and the officer was ultimately removed from service in August 2026. In the other three cases, disciplinary proceedings had not even been initiated despite their prolonged suspension.

Observing that the Supreme Court had consistently made it clear that there was no legal bar to conducting simultaneous disciplinary proceedings during the pendency of criminal cases, the court said that the authorities could also seek appropriate clarification from the judicial forum, if required.

“But, by keeping the disciplinary proceedings in abeyance merely because the criminal case is pending, and thereby permitting such delinquent officers to continue in service and receive benefits, the very purpose of the conduct rules would be defeated,” the judge observed.

These cases are not isolated instances. In the past one month alone, this court found several trap cases in which disciplinary proceedings had been kept in abeyance for years by referring to Clause 21 of GO (Ms) No 66, the Court observed.

The court further observed that the directions for simultaneous proceedings issued through Government Orders, circulars and instructions from 1973 onwards appeared to be insufficient, as disciplinary authorities were not complying with them.

Hence, the court suggested that the government amend the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules and relevant conduct rules to give statutory backing to the directions for conducting simultaneous departmental and criminal proceedings.

While disposing of the petitions, the court directed the respective disciplinary authorities to initiate and conclude the disciplinary proceedings against the three government servants within six months from the date of receipt of the order. The court said that the eligible subsistence allowance should continue to be paid during the period of suspension.

Campaigning at Dharapuram, Palaniswami said this government is a reels government and there is nothing real. “The bypoll has been forced on the people through horse trading after P Sathyabama resigned AIADMK and joined the TVK. She had betrayed voters who elected her by a margin of 16,000 votes. People should teach a fitting lesson for betrayal,” he said.

Further, Palaniswami asked whether forcing an elected MLA to resign and fielding her again amounted to good governance. He also targeted Vijay over his prolonged absence for 72 days following the Karur stampede.

Recalling the projects implemented during his tenure as Chief Minister, Palaniswami promised to revive the Annamalaiyar-Nallar scheme, combined drinking water projects and ensure proper water supply through PAP canals.

Addressing a campaign meeting in Dharapuram in support of DMK candidate S Suganya, Stalin said not only the DMK but also parties in the TVK-led alliance were asking Vijay to speak on the issue.

“If you cannot open your mouth on an issue being raised across the country, what is the reason, Chief Minister? Are you afraid of the BJP?” Stalin asked.

Stalin launched a broadside against the TVK government, alleging that it was not functioning as a political party but as a 'corporate mafia' intent on ruining Tamil Nadu.

He alleged that the government was adopting new methods of corruption, including closing tenders within six hours, executing works at Kavignar Namakkal Maaligai even before tenders were finalised and spending Rs. 5 crore on barricading arrangements along the Chief Minister’s route during his visit to Mettur.

Stalin also accused the TVK of engineering the poll by inducing former AIADMK MLA P Sathyabama to resign and join the party.

“Even before the indelible ink on the fingers of voters had dried, P Sathyabama betrayed democracy and sold herself to another party without respecting the people’s verdict,” Stalin said, urging voters to “teach a befitting lesson” for betrayal of their mandate.

Stalin further said Vijay, after becoming Chief Minister, had focused on bringing MLAs from other parties into the TVK instead of concentrating on governance.

“Is this the change people asked for? He acted as a hero in a film called Jananayagan, but became a villain for jananayagam (democracy) by bringing about by-elections through horse trading,” Stalin said.

Stalin claimed that TVK candidates were facing protests during their campaign in the two constituencies going to polls. “This should be construed as opposition to Vijay, who came to power by creating an illusion. Not only those who did not vote for him, but even those who voted for TVK are now in pain,” he said.

Claiming that investments were moving towards Andhra Pradesh because of the government’s “U-turns” on several issues, Stalin cited controversy over Hindi on signboards, the appointment of an astrologer to a government post, property tax increases and an alleged order restricting the disclosure of law-and-order information under the Right to Information Act.

Stalin also hit out at the ruling government over frequent power cuts, deteriorating law and order, increasing prices of essential commodities, sexual assaults on women, murders and availability of drugs.

The deceased was identified as Meghaladevi, wife of Jayakumar of Arun Nagar, Pallikaranai. An MBA graduate, she was employed at a private college in Meenambakkam.

Due to work pressure, Meghaladevi had stayed back at the college on Thursday night to complete her work. She was returning home on her moped in the early hours of Friday when the accident occurred.

While she was riding along Velachery Main Road in Pallikaranai, a speeding van allegedly travelling on the wrong side of the road collided with her moped.

Meghaladevi sustained severe injuries in the impact. Members of the public rescued her and rushed her to a private hospital in Kovilambakkam. However, doctors declared her dead on arrival.

The Pallikaranai Traffic Investigation Wing registered a case and arrested the van driver, Selvam (43), a resident of Perumbakkam, in connection with the accident.

The new facility, named TNEB Chatbot, has been developed as part of the board's efforts to make it easier for consumers to report complaints. To access the service, consumers have to send "HI" to 94987 94987 through WhatsApp.

The chatbot will then obtain the details of the complaint using the consumer's mobile number or service connection number and forward it to the concerned official for immediate action.

The facility is intended to enable faster registration and processing of complaints and help ensure that grievances are addressed within the stipulated time. The board said it would continue to take measures to resolve consumer grievances promptly and improve electricity services.

The police identified the deceased as Dinakaran (60), of Alivalam in Tiruvarur; Baskar (45) of Srinivasapuram in Tiruvarur; and Ramachandran from Senthurai in Ariyalur.

According to the police, M Subramanian (61), a resident of Gandhi Nagar in Senthurai, was constructing a house at Vallalar Nagar on the Sendurai-Udayarpalayam main road. A septic tank with a height of 12 feet and a depth of 8 feet had been constructed.

On Friday, Dinakaran and Baskar were removing the wooden boards and poles inside the tank used for support while constructing the tank, while Ramachandran was helping them from outside.

Suddenly, both Dinakaran and Baskar collapsed. Ramachandran found the duo lying unconscious and entered the tank to rescue them. But he too experienced breathing difficulties and fell unconscious.

On receiving information, the building owner Subramanian rushed to the spot and alerted the Senthurai police and the fire and rescue personnel. All three were rushed to the Senthurai GH where the doctors declared them dead. Subsequently, the bodies were sent to Ariyalur Medical College Hospital for the postmortem.

The police questioned Subramanian. The fact that the septic tank was newly built and yet to be used raised eyebrows about the death. The initial investigation found that the septic tank was closed for more than 20 days after construction for curing and the police also found that there was some foul smell emanating from it, which might have caused suffocation resulting in death. A detailed investigation is under way, the police said.

It may be noted that on September 2, exactly a month back, two workers who were involved in cleaning a septic tank in Tiruchy asphyxiated.

Speaking to reporters after the inauguration of the Deepavali Khadi sales in Tiruchy in view of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanthi, Ramesh said TVK is committed to bringing development to the state, and the welfare schemes brought out by the government have a great impact among the people. This would fetch an easy win in the upcoming bypolls. He refused the claim of TVK distributing money to voters. He stressed that there is no need for distributing money as the welfare schemes will speak a lot to the voters, he said.

Stating that the DMK leaders have been losing control while speaking in public and uttering filthy comments, Ramesh said that the DMK leaders should follow the path of Anna and practice the principles he taught. “Otherwise, the people will teach a fitting lesson to everyone in the DMK as was done to the party president MK Stalin in Kolathur constituency,” Ramesh said.

Meanwhile, the minister reinstated that the DMK functionary Ramkumar had usurped the Asrirangam temple land worth Rs 50 crore with foisted documents. He said that Ramkumar was arrested for the land scam and in the similar way, the retired judge from Puducherry who had reportedly sold the land would also be arrested.

In the meantime, Ramesh evaded the query about the TVK’s stand against the Chief Election Commissioner on the SIR issue and said that the Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay only would decide on this.

The TVK founder began the roadshow at Mamandur around 2.30 pm and travelled towards Madurantakam in a campaign vehicle, standing alongside party nominee Maragatham Kumaravel. People lined the roads and stood outside their houses as the vehicle passed, with Vijay waving to them, greeting them with folded hands and seeking votes for the party's Whistle symbol.

TVK workers staged cultural programmes and dance performances at several points along the route as people waited to see the leader.

Vijay also stepped out of the campaign vehicle at a few places. At a small tea shop in L Enathur, he stopped for tea and interacted with elderly residents. Ministers N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna and Maragatham Kumaravel accompanied him.

At Kiliya Nagar, he entered a farmland and spoke to women engaged in agricultural work. Later, at Ramapuram, he drove a farmer's tractor through a field before resuming the roadshow.

The Madurantakam and Dharapuram bypolls were necessitated after AIADMK legislators Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama resigned their seats and quit the party before joining the TVK. Both have been renominated by the ruling party.

Tagore said Congress had followed a consultative process before extending its support to TVK for the 2026 Assembly election. He said state Congress leaders were invited to Delhi on January 17 to discuss the election strategy and convey their views to the party leadership.

"Congress had decided to continue its alliance with the DMK on March 2. Subsequently, considering the political situation, the party decided to support TVK. It is incorrect to say that Congress took the decision without informing anyone, " Tagore said.

He added that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had informed DMK leader TR Baalu about the party's decision to support TVK before further steps were taken.

According to Tagore, several positions announced by Vijay, including power sharing in government and a caste census, were close to Congress' policies. He also recalled that Rahul Gandhi had campaigned nationally for a caste census.

Tagore claimed that Vijay had met Rahul Gandhi as early as 2009, well before launching his political party. He said the two had developed closer political ties over issues including secularism and the caste census.

"Rahul Gandhi was the first political leader to speak to Vijay after the Karur incident. He asked Vijay to overcome the grief and stand by the people who had placed their trust in him, " Tagore said.

He also said Rahul Gandhi had expressed support for Vijay over the controversy surrounding the film Jana Nayagan.

"Vijay is clear about secularism and democracy. Rahul Gandhi firmly believed that Vijay should become the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and would work for the people of the state. He is a democrat who listens to others before taking decisions. Therefore, Congress is firmly supporting Vijay," Tagore said.

Speaking at a protest here on Friday, Selva Karthik, CJP’s chief convenor for Tamil Nadu, added that around 50,000 voters were removed from rolls in Dharapuram constituency, where a by-election is currently under way.

Alleging that the electoral process had been marred by irregularities, the Gen Z outfit demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and called for greater transparency in elections. They added that the SIR exercise had resulted in denial of voting rights to eligible citizens.

Blaming CEC Gyanesh Kumar for the discrepancies in the voter roll revision process, Selva Karthik demanded his resignation, and also called upon the Election Commission to ensure that elections were conducted in a transparent manner and that no eligible citizen was denied the right to vote.

He alleged that the Centre-ruling BJP was undermining the democratic process through the electoral system and appealed to opposition parties to jointly protest against the Election Commission. He also urged opposition parties to boycott elections and instead intensify protests against the irregularities.

The protest was part of the party’s campaign seeking transparency in the electoral process and protection of voters’ rights across the country.

According to police sources, head constable Swarna Raj, attached to the Melapalayam police station, was on duty along with other police personnel at the Melakarungulam check-post on September 29. During the vehicle check, the police team found that the motorcyclist did not have valid insurance.

When a police officer was informed, he advised the motorcyclist and allowed him to leave. However, Swarna Raj allegedly demanded money from the motorcyclist before he left the spot, the sources said.

The motorcyclist then asked the head constable for his GPay number to transfer the money. Swarna Raj allegedly provided a mobile number and asked him to transfer the money to it, the sources said.

The motorcyclist later called the head constable and asked whether he had received the money. Swarna Raj allegedly replied that he had not received it. The motorcyclist recorded the conversation and shared it on social media, where it went viral.

After the matter was brought to the attention of Commissioner Deshmukh Shekhar Sanjay, he suspended Swarna Raj and ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Acting on a complaint, police removed an NTK banner erected in front of a marriage hall along Alangiyam Road. An NTK functionary objected to its removal and entered into an argument with the police over the action. Police subsequently took him to the station.

On learning about his detention, NTK cadres led by party candidate M. Karthika rushed to the police station and demanded his immediate release. They also protested against the removal of the banner by raising slogans outside the station.

The protesters later blocked the road, causing tension in the area. Talks between the police and the protesters failed to immediately resolve the issue.

Meanwhile, NTK chief coordinator Seeman spoke to Dharapuram police over the phone and discussed the issue. The detained functionary was subsequently released, following which the protesting cadres withdrew their road blockade and dispersed.