Iruttu Kadai Halwa won the Best Sweet Shop of the Year (South) award at the ceremony held in Delhi. The shop's owner, Kavitha Singh, received the honour at the event.

A 110-year-old Tirunelveli legacy

Iruttu Kadai Halwa has been associated with Tirunelveli's culinary identity for more than a century. Founded by Krishna Singh in 1900, the shop began as a modest establishment where he prepared halwa during the day and served it to customers in the evening. The Singh family has since continued the tradition of making and serving the halwa across generations, contributing to its enduring place in Tirunelveli's food culture.

The shop has retained its small, traditional set-up and is located near the Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli town. Its name, ‘Iruttu Kadai’, literally translates to ‘dark shop’, a reference to when the shop used to be lit by just a single bulb. The shop also operates only around dusk, from 5 to 10 pm daily.

In 2021, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the shop's current owner, P Sulochana Bai, in a trademark dispute, holding that no one else was entitled to use the ‘Iruttu Kadai’ name for halwa.

What makes Iruttu Kadai Halwa distinctive?

The Iruttu Kadai halwa is traditionally prepared using wheat milk extracted from whole wheat, along with sugar and generous amounts of ghee. The preparation is a labour-intensive process that takes three days.

The wheat milk is naturally fermented before the halwa is cooked in a copper vessel, a traditional method credited with contributing to its distinctive flavour and texture. Thamirabarani river water is also traditionally associated with the preparation of this halwa and is believed to contribute to its characteristic taste, as per the shop's official website.

The finished halwa is known for its soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and is traditionally served on plantain leaves.

The memorandum pointed out that Ambattur has emerged as a critical residential, IT, and industrial hub, and that the railway station there was used by a large number of daily commuters, including workers, students, senior citizens, and the general public. However, they were facing hardships because of the severe congestion during peak hours due to operational constraints.

Highlighting platform constraints at the station, the delegation demanded expansion and the development of Platform No 4 to handle fast local and express services operating towards MGR Chennai Central railway station.

Due to current infrastructure bottlenecks, several trains, including the Yelagiri Express on its return leg towards the Central station, are not provided with a stoppage. This is forcing commuters to travel to Villivakkam or Perambur, and then return by suburban trains to Ambattur.

To alleviate commuter hardship, MLA Balamurugan urged the Southern Railway to provide one-minute stoppages for key train services, including Arakkonam–Chennai–Arakkonam Fast Local, Garudadri Express, Tirupati Express, and Chennai–Ashokapuram Express.

He also requested augmenting Train No 66021 Fast Local MEMU from 8 to 12 coaches along with an evening halt at Ambattur to benefit outbound commuters travelling beyond Arakkonam.

The delegation requested full platform shelters at the east end of Platforms 2 and 3, dedicated restroom facilities on Platform 2, and an additional bulk reservation counter alongside new ticketing counters or automatic ticket vending machines (AVTMs).

The MLA also pressed for expediting ongoing modernisation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), including establishing a northern entrance from Venkatapuram, a new foot over bridge (FOB) connecting the market side (Venkatapuram) and Canara Bank side (Varadharajapuram) to provide safe crossing during monsoons when the nearby subway faces rainwater stagnation.
Zonal general manager U Subba Rao assured the delegation that the requests would be carefully examined and appropriate action would be initiated. Ambattur Rail Passengers Association president Saravanan and treasurer Venkatesan were also present during the meeting.

The Higher Education Minister P Viswanathan chaired the meeting, along with Higher Education Secretary Dheeraj Kumar, Directorate of Technical Education Commissioner Rathinasamy and representatives of Annamalai University employees.

The employees sought the release of retirement benefits to pensioners and families of pensioners, besides implementation of the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS) for eligible employees.

They also sought the release of pending arrears under the Seventh Pay Commission, which remains a major pay-related issue for the university employees.

Pending promotions for teaching and non-teaching staff were also discussed, with the employees urging the government to take steps to clear the backlog.

The representatives further sought the release of pending PhD incentive amounts for teachers. Other demands included enhancement of the gratuity ceiling and encashment benefits for earned leave.

The government officials discussed the demands raised by the employees and the steps required to address these issues.

The notice stated that the appliances were found during an inspection of the men's hostel premises and listed various electrical appliances and the corresponding fines.

Students found using induction stoves, iron boxes, egg boilers, air coolers and mixers have been asked to pay a fine of up to Rs 5,000. For air fryers, sandwich makers, hair dryers, electric kettles and hair straighteners, a fine of Rs 2,000 has been fixed.

The circular directed students to obtain prior permission from the hostel management before using electrical appliances. It also stated that the issue had been discussed in the College Council and directed students to remit the fines to the account maintained by the hostel authorities.

Students were also told that they would not receive NOC from the college if they fail to pay the fine. Students who are found using these appliances again will be evicted from the hostel, the circular warned.

However, sources said that senior officials of the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) didn't specifically prohibit or regulate the use of electrical appliances on the hostel premises. DME officials were unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts to contact them.

The incident took place on September 22, when the man and the woman from Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu had checked into the lodge near the KSRTC bus stand.

A six-member gang allegedly assaulted the man, leaving him with broken arms and legs before abandoning him outside a hospital near Tiruppur, police said.

Police suspect that the attack was carried out on a "quotation" given by the man's wife, who allegedly tracked his mobile phone location and passed on the details to the gang.

The gang, posing as police officers, allegedly barged into their room, tied their hands and legs, stuffed cloth into their mouths and forcibly took them away in a car, police said.

The man was allegedly brutally assaulted during the journey to Tiruppur, leaving him with multiple fractures in his arms and legs, officials said.

After abandoning him outside a hospital near Tiruppur, two members of the gang allegedly shifted the woman to another car and sexually assaulted her, police said.

Based on the woman's statement, Tamil Nadu Police registered a case and subsequently handed it over to Thrissur City Police.

During the investigation led by the Thrissur Assistant Commissioner, one of the accused was arrested near Nedumbassery airport.

Based on information obtained during his interrogation, three persons were apprehended from Tiruppur, police said.

They were produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody.

Another accused was arrested from Palani, Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday and will be produced before the court on Thursday.

Police said one more person, suspected of being a minor, is yet to be arrested.

According to documents obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, records relating to inspection teams and inspection dates for 74 colleges that applied for affiliation during 2023 and 2025 revealed several discrepancies, the organisation said.

Tamil Nadu has around 590 B.Ed colleges, of which 526 are private institutions, according to Arappor Iyakkam.

Colleges seeking affiliation are required to undergo physical inspections by university-appointed teams to verify infrastructure, faculty strength, student enrolment and other requirements under National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) norms.

However, the organisation alleged that some records showed inspection team members visiting colleges in different districts on the same day, raising questions about whether the inspections were physically conducted as recorded.

For instance, the RTI documents reportedly showed that on March 28, 2023, TNTEU Registrar K Rajasekaran, who headed an inspection team, was listed as having inspected KNR Subbaraj Memorial College of Education in Thoothukudi and colleges in Salem and Karur on the same day.

Similarly, A R S Kannan, principal of Sri Jayajothi College of Education, was listed as having inspected KNR Subbaraj Memorial College along with the Registrar on the same day, while also being associated with an inspection of Indian College of Education in Vellore.

Arappor Iyakkam questioned how inspections could have been completed at colleges located more than 500 km apart on the same day.

The RTI records also allegedly revealed instances of faculty members being listed across multiple institutions.

According to the organisation, the names of 37 faculty members appeared in the records of 222 colleges, raising concerns that the same teachers may have been shown as staff members in several institutions.

It further alleged that five principals with identical names and initials were listed as principals of 10 colleges.

The organisation questioned whether the colleges had the required teaching staff during inspections or whether faculty details had been included only on paper to fulfil affiliation requirements.

M Radha Krishnan of Arappor Iyakkam said the organisation had submitted a complaint to the Chief Minister seeking action over the alleged irregularities. He urged the State government to conduct fresh physical inspections of all 74 colleges.

He said the organisation had been seeking the information from the university under the RTI Act since 2023 but had initially been unable to obtain the details.

The records were secured only after the change of government, he added.

Radha Krishnan also expressed concern that discrepancies in faculty strength and infrastructure could affect the quality of teacher education and, consequently, the quality of teachers entering schools.

When contacted, TNTEU Registrar Dr K Rajasekaran said he could not have visited three colleges in different districts on the same day, as indicated in the documents, and could have inspected only one college.

He said the university was examining the RTI documents released by Arappor Iyakkam and would look into the allegations.

In a statement issued on Thursday ahead of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, the Chief Minister said the day was an occasion to remember the history of the country’s freedom struggle, simplicity, self-confidence and humanity.

“If we buy khadi clothes and products, it gives recognition and respect to handloom weavers. Using local products will boost home-based production. To encourage this, Khadi shops run by the Tamil Nadu government are offering a 30 per cent discount on all dress materials,” the Chief Minister said.

Appealing to the public, including school and college students, government employees and youth, to wear khadi clothes and use Gramodyog products, he said the move would help improve the livelihoods of weavers and handicraft workers.

The move comes as the validity granted to 12,000 government vehicles is set to expire on September 30, 2026.

The government has also permitted the State Transport Authority (STA) and Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) to extend the registration validity annually, up to September 30, 2035, for government vehicles that have crossed 15 years but are yet to be scrapped and replaced.

The order issued by the Home (Transport-IV) Department on September 29 said the Transport and Road Safety Commissioner had identified around 40,296 vehicles whose registration validity would expire up to 2035.

The Commissioner had sought permission to extend their registration validity and allow manual processing of tax and fitness certificates wherever renewal through the Vahan portal was not possible.

Under the latest order, Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) have been authorised to manually collect taxes and grant or renew fitness certificates for vehicles requiring manual renewal from October 1, 2026.

The decision follows the Centre's 2023 notification introducing Rule 52A of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, under which government-owned vehicles more than 15 years old were required to be scrapped.

The registration certificates of such vehicles covered by government departments were also cancelled through the Vahan portal from April 1, 2023.

Tamil Nadu subsequently issued a series of extensions for such vehicles. In 2024, the government extended the registration validity of 6,247 vehicles that were on the road out of 14,611 government and government undertaking vehicles.

In September 2025, the validity of 12,000 vehicles belonging to government departments, state transport undertakings and local bodies was extended up to September 30, 2026.

The latest order provides for annual manual extension of the registration certificates of government vehicles that cross 15 years and remain in service pending scrapping and replacement. Such extensions can be granted up to September 30, 2035.

The order covers vehicles belonging to government departments, government bodies, quasi-government bodies, government corporations and statutory boards.

A blood donation camp was organised by the Health Department at the Government Arts College in Ooty, Nilgiris district, on Wednesday, with several students participating.

According to reports, a member of the Union government's Mera Yuva Bharat initiative, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, distributed separate forms to students attending the camp.

The form reportedly sought details including the students’ names, ages, courses and phone numbers, along with their caste.

Some students objected to the inclusion of caste details and questioned why such information was being sought at a blood donation camp. A few students recorded videos of the incident and shared them on social media, asking, “Will you take blood based on caste?”

The case stems from a complaint lodged by N Elaiyaraja, an MLA of the ruling TVK, alleging that he was offered Rs 35 crore to vote against the Speaker during a proposed no-confidence motion. The whole operation was orchestrated by former minister and DMK leader V Senthilbalaji, the TVK had alleged.

Based on the complaint, the Triplicane police registered a case and arrested 14 people. Among them, three people, including one Ramesh, moved the High Court seeking transfer of the probe from the State police to the CBI, contending that they would not receive a fair and impartial investigation.

Following this, the court stayed the entire proceedings and the investigation by the Triplicane police in the alleged horse-trading case.
Meanwhile, the DVAC booked another case over several transactions between 2020 and 2025, including bar tenders across six districts, transport tenders for 45 depots, demand drafts, dealings between bottle suppliers and distilleries, brand approvals, and transfers of Tasmac officials. Senthilbalaji, Ramesh, and 5 others are among the seven people against whom the DVAC registered the FIR.

Following his arrest, Ramesh filed a quash petition in the DVAC case, too. After hearing the plea, the court had stayed further proceedings and the investigation against him.

When the matter came up before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan, the government informed the court that it would file an appeal before the Supreme Court and that the matter would come up for hearing in October.

Following that, the bench posted them to November 23 and extended the interim order.

Speaking to reporters in Tiruchy, Christopher Tilak pointed out that the Karnataka Chief Minister Shivakumar had convened an all-party meeting to discuss the Mekedatu dam and Cauvery water issues. “In a similar way, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also should convene a meeting and get the suggestions of all the political parties. All political parties from Tamil Nadu should join together and fight against the Mekedatu dam," he stressed.

He further said the Chief Election Commissioner of India has taken unilateral decisions against the SIR, which had a huge impact on the Assembly elections in several states. The Congress has been raising this issue continuously and would continue to fight against this. “We have already raised it in the parliament, and we have been reaching out to the public against SIR," Christopher Tilak noted.

Stating that the TVK would certainly win in bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, the Congress MP said the alliance partners of TVK have been campaigning far and wide across the segments. Further referring to complaints that the alliance partners were not informed about any events, he said Congress minister S Rajesh Kumar discussed the issue with the TVK leaders and has sorted it out.

The Assembly election results were announced on May 4, with Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) winning 108 seats. DMK candidate and former Minister S Regupathy, who contested from the Thirumayam constituency in Pudukkottai district, was declared winner by a margin of 1,492 votes.

Challenging his victory, TVK candidate C Chinthamani filed an election petition before the Madras High Court. Regupathy subsequently filed a petition seeking dismissal of the election petition.

Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan, who heard the petition, allowed Regupathy's plea and dismissed the election petition filed by C Chinthamani. Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan also dismissed a similar election petition filed by constituency voter Pon Panneerselvam earlier as not maintainable, observing that Panneerselvam had filed it through a lawyer without appearing in person.

According to an order issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department on September 17, the total amount comprises Rs 190.90 crore released by the Union government as the second instalment and Rs 127.27 crore as the State government's 40 per cent matching share. The funds will be routed through the SNA-SPARSH platform.

The allocation is meant for the Flexible Pool for Reproductive and Child Health (RCH), Health System Strengthening, National Health Programme and Urban Health Mission.

Of the total sanctioned amount, Rs 230.52 crore has been earmarked under the general component, while Rs 79.33 crore has been allocated under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP). Another Rs 2.75 crore has been sanctioned under the Scheduled Tribe Sub-Plan (STSP).

Under the general component, the Central share is Rs 138.31 crore, with the State contributing Rs 92.21 crore. Under the SCSP, the Centre's share is Rs 47.60 crore, and the State's share is Rs 31.73 crore. Under the STSP, the Centre will provide Rs 1.65 crore, while the State will contribute Rs 1.10 crore.

The order also includes allocations under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA).

The government has further stated that Rs 5.56 crore in additional funds will be provided through the Revised Estimate/Fund Management Arrangement for 2026-27, subject to availability of funds.

The Mission Director, NHM-Tamil Nadu, has been directed to implement the programmes through the SNA-SPARSH mechanism and ensure that expenditure does not exceed the sanctioned amount. The order also permits revision of targets among approved components based on requirements.

D Ambayiranathan has been appointed as the Special DRO for the airport expansion project. He was serving as a Land Acquisition Officer in the Highways Department in Villupuram. The official is likely to be provided with a separate office at Tambaram or Pallavaram to oversee the land acquisition process, said official sources.

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had announced the government's decision to drop the proposed airport at Parandur and identify alternative sites for a new second airport for Chennai. Making a suo motu statement in the Assembly, he said a new terminal, Terminal 5, would be developed in the north-western area of Chennai airport in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), along with an approach road and a flyover.

Following the announcement, the government initiated steps towards land acquisition for the Chennai airport expansion.

The first attempt to develop a new airport to cater to Chennai's growing requirements came soon after the DMK came to power in 2006.

Sriperumbudur, around 50 km from Chennai, was surveyed as a possible location. However, the proposal did not progress. In 2011, after the AIADMK came to power, there were renewed discussions on the project, but no significant progress was made.

In separate statements, state secretaries P Shanmugam (CPM) and M Veerapandian (CPI) demanded that the government should withdraw the move and implement the projects through the respective local bodies with full government funding and control.

The Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL) has invited bids to select a consultant to examine the feasibility of implementing the two projects under the PPP model and prepare the project report and contractual documents. Detailed project reports for the projects have already been prepared, according to the tender notice.

The Madurai project, estimated at Rs. 2,377.48 crore, involves upgrading the existing underground sewerage and wastewater systems, extending sewage collection networks to newly added corporation areas and establishing sewage treatment plants.

The Rs 189.82-crore Nagercoil project includes laying about 111 km of sewer pipelines, providing household connections and constructing around 19.93 km of sewage pumping mains and pumping stations in areas without underground sewerage facilities.

Shanmugam said sewerage was an essential public service linked to public health and alleged that handing it over to private companies could lead to higher user charges and affect the job security of sanitation workers and temporary local-body employees.

Veerapandian alleged that the TVK government was facilitating private participation in essential services, including water supply, sewerage, healthcare, education, roads and power, in the name of PPP. He also alleged that such arrangements were being pursued under pressure from the Union government and the World Bank.

Shanmugam cited the privatisation of Coimbatore's water supply during the AIADMK regime and opposition to the proposed privatisation of the Salem water project during the previous DMK regime. He also pointed out that a tender to privatise sanitation work in 12 municipal corporations had been withdrawn following opposition

The police identified the deceased as Rajsekar (50), his wife Sathya (40) and another woman, Ponmalar, all from the same neighbourhood of Pandamangalam in Namakkal district.

Even though some residents in the neighbourhood claimed that six people were involved in the manufacture of fireworks at the time of the blast, the police said the exact number of casualties could be established only after the search operation.

According to the police, Rajsekar was engaged in the manufacture and sale of fireworks. The explosion, which occurred at around 4 pm on Wednesday, was so intense that it brought down the upper floor of the house, the police said. Thick smoke enveloped the neighbourhood, and houses in the vicinity reportedly felt the impact of the blast.

On receiving information, the police from Paramathi Velur Station rushed to the spot, while fire and rescue personnel from Namakkal fought to contain the blaze.

With crackers continuing to explode inside the damaged structure, the firefighters were forced to maintain a safe distance while directing water jets towards the building. By around 7 pm, the firefighters brought down the blaze and began removing the debris. The bodies of the trio were then recovered from the wreckage. An investigation is under way to determine the circumstances that led to the explosion.

Speaking at the 36th convocation of Dr MGR Medical University in Chennai, Arlekar said books could provide education, while educational institutions helped students develop the wisdom to understand society and people.

“Students may become graduates in different fields, but the nation can be built only when they first develop good character,” he said, stressing that education should be a tool for character-building.

Referring to youngsters taking part in protests, the Governor said those lacking good character could be misguided and take to the streets, raising slogans such as “Zindabad” and “Murdabad”.

He said a trend had emerged among youngsters of asking what the country had done for them, instead of thinking about what they could do for the country. Students should move away from such an approach, he said.

During the convocation, degrees were conferred on nearly 4,200 undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD graduates who had completed their respective programmes. Degrees were awarded in disciplines including Engineering and Technology, Humanities and Sciences, Arts and Commerce, Management Studies, Computer Applications, Education and PhD.

University Chancellor AC Shanmugam participated in the convocation and delivered the keynote address. President ACS Arun Kumar welcomed and honoured the chief guest.

A Ravikumar, Secretary, ACS Medical College and Hospital, university executives, faculty members and students attended the programme.

He particularly congratulated Tamil Nadu athlete Vithya Ramraj for setting a new record in the women's 400m hurdles by completing the event in 54.75 seconds.

Udhayanidhi said the Dravidian Model government had recognised Vidya's sporting talent and provided her necessary support through the ELITE programme and the Tamil Nadu Champions Foundation (TNCF).

Udhayanidhi also congratulated Tamil Nadu athletes Abinaya, Vishal, Rajesh Ramesh, Abhay Singh, Joshna Chinappa, Velavan Senthilkumar, Baranika, Hariharan and Kamalini for winning medals for India at the Asian Games and bringing laurels to Tamil Nadu.

He expressed confidence that the government would continue to provide necessary support and encouragement to sportspersons to develop their skills and achieve more milestones.

The decision comes contrary to the Union government's move to block ration cards that have not been used to purchase commodities for the past six months.

"We do not have any numbers on ration cards under the Priority Household category that have not been used for purchasing commodities. The government has taken a decision not to block any ration cards in the State," a senior government official said.

Meanwhile, the State government has asked Priority Household and AAY ration cardholders to complete e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) when they visit ration shops to purchase commodities.

In a statement, the government said 96.96 per cent of Priority Household and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration cardholders had completed e-KYC. It added that 4.49 lakh beneficiaries had benefited from seven special camps organised by the State government.

The State government has issued an order to all Taluk Supply Officers (TSOs) and Assistant Commissioners in Chennai district stating that no ration cards should be blocked. It has also directed officials to ensure that people can purchase essential commodities from all ration shops.

The Union government had issued a circular to all States stating that ration cards that had not been used for six months would be blocked from Thursday. However, the Tamil Nadu government clarified that no ration cards would be blocked in the State.

In Tamil Nadu, around 2.28 crore ration cards are used by 7.01 crore beneficiaries. The State government has allocated Rs 17,068 crore to the Food and Cooperation Department in the current fiscal year.

The Civil Supplies Department has issued five categories of ration cards: PHH-AAY, PHH, Non-PHH, Non-PHH-Sugar and Non-PHH-No Commodity.

Paranur will become the first user fee plaza in Tamil Nadu to shift to fully automated fee collection on National Highways, with the system using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and FASTag-linked RFID technology.

The rollout comes ahead of the long weekend, with Gandhi Jayanthi falling on Friday, and is expected to provide relief to motorists heading to southern districts. Paranur is among the busiest toll plazas in the State, handling traffic on NH-45, the key road link between Chennai and southern Tamil Nadu.

Under MLFF, vehicles will no longer have to slow down or stop at toll booths. High-performance RFID readers will detect the vehicle's FASTag while AI-enabled ANPR cameras capture and read its registration number. The system will match the FASTag and vehicle details in real time and automatically deduct the applicable toll from the linked account.

NHAI officials said the dual-layer system would improve the accuracy of toll collection and help prevent revenue leakage. ANPR would serve as a backup where FASTag detection fails.

On access-controlled highways, the technology can also calculate tolls based on the actual distance travelled by using vehicle entry and exit data.

The system is expected to remove queues at toll plazas and allow uninterrupted movement of traffic, reducing travel time, fuel consumption and vehicular emissions. It is also expected to lower the operational and maintenance costs associated with conventional toll plazas.

Following Paranur, NHAI is likely to introduce MLFF at Nemili near Sriperumbudur and Chennasamudaram near Wallajah on the Chennai-Bengaluru highway after trial operations.

NHAI has also invited bids for replacing the existing toll plazas on the Chennai Bypass, connecting Tambaram and Puzhal through Maduravoyal, with an MLFF system.

The cross sectional study, conducted between 2023-2025, analysed data from 2,254 animals and 579 farmers involved in small-scale dairy farming in Coimbatore, Erode, Tirupur and Dindigul.

The study, published on May 20 in the peer-reviewed journal Tropical Animal Health and Production, was conducted by researchers from Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and Science, Kumaraguru College of Technology, the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, and KCT Business School.

Of the 1,318 animals assessed specifically for infertility, 589 (44.7%) were classified as infertile. Separately, 246 of 1,207 animals assessed for repeat breeding (20.4%) were repeat breeders. Repeat breeding refers to failure to conceive despite regular oestrous cycles and no detectable clinical abnormality of the reproductive tract.

Such reproductive problems can prolong calving intervals, reduce lifetime milk production and increase the cost of maintaining dairy animals. Researchers considered repeat breeding a component of the broader infertility category.

The study found significant associations between infertility and farmer type, breed type and species. Buffaloes recorded a higher infertility prevalence than cows, at 56.34% and 43.65%, respectively. At the breed level, cross-bred buffaloes recorded the highest infertility prevalence at 62.5%, followed by Holstein-Friesian cross-bred cattle at 46.9%, Jersey cross-bred cattle at 42.29% and indigenous cattle at 41.09%.

Repeat breeding was also more prevalent among buffaloes than cows, at 30% and 19.87%, respectively. Researchers found significant associations between repeat breeding and species, age and milk yield.

Animals producing up to four litres of milk a day recorded a repeat-breeding prevalence of 25.82%, compared with 18.43% among animals producing 4.1–8 litres and 17.11% among those producing more than eight litres a day. Researchers said that reproductive inefficiency could have economic as well as environmental consequences. Longer calving intervals and reduced lifetime milk production can affect farm returns, while lower reproductive efficiency can increase methane-emission intensity per unit of milk produced.

Researchers cautioned that the findings should not be interpreted as a state-wide infertility estimate for Tamil Nadu, as the study was based on the animals and farmers covered by the survey

The study recommends evidence-based reproductive management, digital herd monitoring and systematic farmer training to improve fertility and productivity. It also highlights the importance of balanced nutrition, timely detection of oestrus, reliable artificial insemination services and digital tools for herd management.

Researchers cautioned that the findings should not be interpreted as a state-wide infertility estimate for Tamil Nadu, as the study was based on the animals and farmers covered by the survey and has limitations in geographical generalisability.

Speaking to DT Next, Dr R Anilkumar, Director of Clinics, TANUVAS, said, “Infertility in animals at around 20-25% is considered within the normal range, but a rate of around 45% is certainly alarming and calls for immediate attention. Infertility and reproductive disorders can be caused by several factors, including nutritional deficiencies, poor reproductive management and other health-related issues. TANUVAS is taking various measures to address these challenges, strengthen reproductive management and improve fertility among dairy cattle and buffaloes across the State.”

Officials at TANUVAS also stated that the university was undertaking several measures to tackle infertility and reproductive problems among cattle and buffaloes. These include providing mineral mixtures to address nutritional deficiencies, improving reproductive management, promoting timely detection of oestrus and facilitating appropriate breeding interventions.

“We’re also extending these technologies and veterinary services to farmers through our field-level programmes. The focus is not merely on treating infertility after it occurs, but on improving the overall reproductive efficiency of animals, reducing repeat breeding and helping farmers achieve timely conception and better productivity,” added a senior official.

INFERTILE FIGURES

• 589 of 1,318 animals (44.7%) classified as infertile

• 246 of 1,207 animals (20.4%) were repeat breeders

• Buffaloes recorded 56.34% infertility, compared with 43.65% among cows

• Cross-bred buffaloes had the highest breed-level infertility prevalence at 62.5%

• HF cross-bred cattle recorded 46.9%, Jersey cross-bred cattle 42.29% and indigenous cattle 41.09% infertility

• Repeat breeding was 30% among buffaloes, 19.87% among cows

• Repeat breeding significantly associated with species, age and milk yield

• Infertility significantly associated with farmer type, breed type and species

On Tambaram – Tenkasi – Sengottai route: Train 06123 Tambaram – Tenkasi express special will depart Tambaram at 11:55 pm on October 1 (Thursday) and reach Tenkasi at 12:15 pm the following day. Train 06124 Sengottai – Tambaram express special will leave Sengottai at 5:40 pm on October 4 (Sunday) and arrive in Tambaram at 4:30 am the following day.

On Chennai – Podanur route: Train 06023 Dr MGR Chennai Central – Podanur express special will depart Central station at 11:55 pm on October 1 (Thursday), and reach Podanur at 9:15 am the next day. Train 06024 Podanur – Chennai Beach express special will leave Podanur at 6:15 pm on October 4 (Sunday) and reach Beach station at 4 am the following day.

Tambaram – Manamadurai unreserved MEMU: Train 06159 Tambaram – Manamadurai unreserved MEMU special will leave Tambaram at 4:30 am on October 1 (Thursday) and reach Manamadurai at 1:20 am the next day. Train 06160 Manamadurai – Tambaram unreserved MEMU special will depart Manamadurai at 2:45 pm on October 4 (Sunday) and reach Tambaram at 11:45 pm the same day.

Ernakulam – Egmore services: Train 06056 Ernakulam Junction – Chennai Egmore express special will leave Ernakulam Junction at 11:10 pm on October 4 (Sunday) and arrive at Egmore at 11:30 pm the next day. Train 06055 Chennai Egmore – Ernakulam Junction express special will depart Egmore station at 2:30 pm on October 5 (Monday) and reach Ernakulam Junction at 4:30 am the next day.

Booking for all the trains will be open on 1 October 8 am.

On Bengaluru – Thiruvananthapuram route: Train 06585 (SMVT Bengaluru – Thiruvananthapuram North express special will leave SMVT Bengaluru at 4:50 pm on October 1 (Thursday) and arrive in Thiruvananthapuram North at 10 am the next day. Train 06586 Thiruvananthapuram North – Bengaluru Cantonment express special will depart Thiruvananthapuram North at 12:40 pm on October 3 (Saturday) and reach Bengaluru Cantonment at 6 am the following day.

Bengaluru – Chennai special trains: Train 06587 Bengaluru Cantonment – Dr MGR Chennai Central Express Special will operate two services, departing Bengaluru Cantonment at 7:30 am on October 1 (Thursday) and October 4 (Sunday), reaching Central station at 3:00 pm on the same day. Train 06588 Dr MGR Chennai Central – Bengaluru Cantonment Express Special will also run two services, leaving Central station at 4:10 pm on October 1 (Thursday) and October 4 (Sunday), reaching Bengaluru Cantonment at 11:30 pm on the same day.

Addressing a campaign gathering in Dharapuram, Vijay said the AIADMK has become a branch of the DMK as it merely followed the DMK's toolkit and, in every respect, including in issuing similar statements.

"Both the AIADMK and DMK are just the same. There is one owner for them both (a hint at the BJP). Whatever conspiracy you may plan, God and people are with us," Vijay said.

Asserting that iconic leaders MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa had opposed the "evil force" DMK tooth and nail, he wondered if it was not an insult to such stalwarts if a "conspiracy was hatched to form a government by joining hands with the DMK."

That was the reason why an anguished Sathyabama quit her MLA post and resigned from the AIADMK and joined the TVK.

Claiming that the DMK and AIADMK colluded to topple the TVK government through shortcuts, Vijay said, “When we have people’s support, why should we have to involve ourselves in horse trading? “Like MGR and Jayalalithaa, the people have known that only Vijay is opposing the DMK with brevity,” he said.

Reiterating the TVK’s position on religion, Vijay said the party followed a secular approach and respected all faiths. “We will extend greetings for Krishna Jayanthi, Bakrid and Christmas alike without discrimination,” he said, contrasting the approach with that of the DMK.

Responding to attacks by MK Stalin and other DMK leaders, Vijay said the more they attempted to lower his dignity, the higher the people would raise him.

“After by-polls, Stalin would issue a statement saying that he respected the people’s verdict, as he did after the 2026 Assembly election. But such an acknowledgement doesn’t mean he respects the people’s mandate, as he would only attempt to disturb, conspire and forge alliances for political reasons,” he said.

Vijay also accused the DMK of retaining a monarchical mindset, saying it had failed to accept that voters had rejected the party and voted the TVK to power. “We do not have that monarchical mindset,” he said.

Hitting back at criticisms that actors were accustomed to perform before cameras, Vijay said MK Stalin had rather become accustomed to acting on stage, which is why people didn’t vote for him in the Kolathur constituency.

After complaints that the Pamaniyaru, the branch river of Vennar that flows along Tiruvarur, was polluted due to the release of untreated waste directly into the river, a public meeting was held at Mannargudi municipality, chaired by the Mannargudi RDO.

Around 500 persons, including farmers, residents, environmental activists and traders, participated. The residents appealed to the officials to immediately rectify the issue and prevent the discharge of sewage into the river. The farmers also highlighted groundwater pollution. They also handed over a petition to the RDO and Municipal Commissioner, the Executive Engineer of the TWAD Board and the Executive Engineer of the Pollution Control Board.

The officials assured action, but the farmers demanded swift action with an immediate order. The officials refused it, triggering an altercation, and the meeting ended up without any proper decision.

“The officials are not ready to assure us in writing. All they wanted was to prevent any protest. As the meeting didn't arrive at a final decision, we have decided to boycott the gram sabha meeting on October 2 and hold a massive protest and down shutters across the district," said PR Pandian, the coordinator of the struggle committee and president of the coordination committee of all farmers' associations.

Seeman criticised Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's reported remarks that approval for the Rs 16,745 crore project would be secured soon. He said Karnataka's continued efforts to obtain clearances from the Union government were a matter of concern and alleged that the Centre's failure to respond to the remarks was against the principles of federalism.

Seeman said the Cauvery was not the sole property of Karnataka and argued that the proposed dam could affect Tamil Nadu's water rights and the livelihood of farmers in the Cauvery delta.

He pointed out that the Tamil Nadu Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution in June opposing any technical or environmental clearance for the Mekedatu project and urging the Union government not to permit the Central Water Commission to consider Karnataka's detailed project report.

Seeman asked what political and legal pressure Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had exerted on the Centre to protect the State's Cauvery water rights. He said Karnataka was continuously pressing the Centre in support of the project and urged the Tamil Nadu government to demonstrate similar urgency in opposing it.

Seeman maintained that Mekedatu was not merely a dam issue but was linked to Tamil Nadu's water rights, food production, farmers' livelihoods and the water security of future generations.

Judge S Padma of the Special Court for Pocso Act cases dismissed the petitions filed by Shanthi, her husband Mahendra Simhan, and Veeramani's assistant Ganesan.

The petitioners’ counsel argued that the two accused had not been properly arrested or produced before the court within 24 hours. As the police had completed their interrogation, there was no need for their continued custody, the counsel argued.

The State police opposed the bail petitions, saying that the accused could influence witnesses, threaten the minor girls and their families, or flee abroad if released. The police also said that the investigation was at an initial stage and sought dismissal of the bail petitions.

The case came to light after a pen drive containing a video clip purportedly showing an elderly man sexually assaulting a minor girl was sent to the Intelligence and Technology Police Unit (ITPU) in October 2025. The police identified the man in the video as Veeramani.

The Central Crime Branch's Anti-Vice Squad registered a case on October 7, 2025, based on a complaint by a social activist. However, no immediate action was taken, police sources said.

The case was subsequently transferred to the ITPU, which arrested Veeramani, Mahendra Simhan and Shanthi on August 29 under provisions of the Pocso Act, IPC, and Information Technology Act in connection with the alleged sexual assault of minor girls.

Shanthi, Mahendra Simhan, and Ganesan later moved the Pocso court seeking bail.

“I was subjected to personal attacks and criticism on social media after resigning as an AIADMK MLA and joining the TVK,” she said, while addressing a campaign meeting in Dharapuram on Wednesday. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who was standing beside her, attempted to comfort her as Sathyabama struggled to continue her speech.

Claiming that she was deeply shocked by AIADMK's plan to forge an alliance with the DMK following the assembly polls, Sathyabama said, “That was unacceptable to me as I am a loyal follower of former chief ministers MGR and Jayalalithaa. I therefore resigned as an MLA and joined the TVK.”

Pointing out that Dharapuram continued to face several basic problems, which could be resolved only by the TVK government, Sathyabama became emotional while referring to the criticism directed against her during the campaign.

Further, she said, “If I had betrayed the people, how could I have the courage to stand before you and seek votes?” she asked, breaking down in tears.

Earlier, ministers KG Arun Raj, KA Sengottaiyan and N Anand addressed the gathering. Ahead of the meeting, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay led a spirited road show, which witnessed an overwhelming turnout of people.

Vijay arrived in Coimbatore by flight from Chennai and reached Dharapuram by a campaign vehicle. Large crowds of party workers and the public, including women, children and youth, lined up on both sides of the road to greet the actor-turned-politician.

Semmalai, who had stayed away from political activity since the Assembly election, met Minister and TVK's Salem Central district secretary A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban in person on Wednesday before formally joining the TVK.

In May, Semmalai had announced that he would retire from politics after the Assembly election. At the time, he had said the AIADMK had weakened and alleged that the party leadership had not taken adequate steps to strengthen it. He had also called for the AIADMK General Council to be convened after the election to analyse the reasons for the party's electoral defeat.

Semmalai was not allowed to contest the last Assembly election. He had been associated with the AIADMK since the MGR era and was elected MLA four times. He served as a Minister in former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's Cabinet in 2001 and had also been elected to the Lok Sabha once.

His entry into the TVK comes amid the movement of several former AIADMK ministers and leaders into the ruling party. Semmalai is a native of Salem, which is also the home district of AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami.

In a statement here, he called on oil marketing companies to abandon their profit-driven approach in favour of public service for essential commodities.

Anbumani alleged that Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum have suspended the issuance of new domestic LPG connections, leaving applications pending since June.

"Instead, oil companies are reportedly offering two temporary 10 kg cylinders for an upfront payment of up to Rs 9,250 comprising Rs 6,000 as a refundable security deposit and Rs 3,250 for the gas itself", he claimed.

Calling the pricing structure exploitative, the PMK leader pointed out that existing consumers pay Rs 936 for a 14.2 kg cylinder, which translates to Rs 65.91 per kilogram.

"At that rate, two 10 kg cylinders should cost Rs 1,318.30, whereas oil companies are charging more than two and a half times that amount," he said.

The former Union Health Minister also questioned how 10 kg cylinders remain readily available if a genuine shortage exists.

He urged oil companies to immediately resume providing standard new connections or, as a temporary measure, supply the 10 kg cylinders at a fair price of Rs 659 to consumers providing proof of domestic use.

They claimed that they are facing severe water scarcity for the ongoing Samba paddy cultivation.

"Since water is unavailable, we request the Tamil Nadu government to declare this district as drought-hit and provide a subsidy of Rs 15,000 per acre to the farmers without any conditions," Mayiladuthurai district farmers' president Rajesh told reporters here.

He said cultivators have initiated direct sowing and planting for the Samba season after suffering massive losses during the previous Kuruvai season. Farmers were forced to abandon Kuruvai cultivation across lakhs of acres because water was not released from the Mettur reservoir, he added.

Despite the Mettur dam currently holding 45 TMC of water, agricultural lands in the district remain parched and the fields have developed cracks due to inadequate water supply, he said.

Rajesh urged the state government to secure its rightful share of water as per the directives of the Cauvery Water Management Authority.

He noted that agricultural activity in the region will only be possible if this water is secured.

In an official representation submitted by S Shankar, advocate on behalf of the TVK legal wing, the party accused DMK functionaries and its candidate I Paranthamen of "systematic electoral malpractices".

The complaint, which was shared with the media, alleged that the DMK has been distributing cash and gift articles to voters across the constituency and mobilising people from other districts to intimidate electors who do not support their candidate.

The representation referred to recent reports of seizure of Rs 48 lakh from the residence of a DMK functionary Moonalur Viswanathan at Dharapuram where the by-poll is also scheduled to be held.

TVK further alleged that senior DMK leaders of Madurantakam and Acharapakkam, along with the district secretary, engaged minor children for campaign canvassing on September 25, alleging that no official action has been taken despite prior representations.

To ensure a free and fair poll, TVK has urged the election authorities to multiply flying squads and surveillance teams, install camera and videography coverage outside polling centers, and deploy high-end camera-equipped patrol vehicles throughout the constituency ahead of polling day.

Later speaking to the reporters at the Secretariat, TVK representatives alleged that the DMK is engaging in large-scale cash distribution to influence voters.

They claimed that DMK cadres brought from other districts are posing as local party workers, entering residential areas, and threatening voters in the Madurantakam constituency.

Madurantakam has a predominantly rural landscape and urged the deployment of additional static surveillance teams, flying squads andpatrol units to monitor interior areas wehre it alleged door-to-door cash distribution was taking place.

According to TVK representatives, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Archana Patnaik had assured them of swift action, stating that instructions would be dispatched to the District Election Officer (DEO) and the State DGP to tighten surveillance and enforce strict compliance.

Campaigning for TVK candidate Sathyabama ahead of the October 6 bypoll in Dharapuram, Vijay said he had come to meet the people not as Chief Minister but as “a son and a member of their family”.

“We are committed to eradicating corruption and are implementing our election promises step by step. Some people still think that they are in power and that they are the rulers. I do not have a mindset of monarchy,” he said.

Alleging an indirect alliance between the DMK and AIADMK, Vijay said, “The AIADMK, which was once an offshoot of the BJP, has now become an offshoot of the DMK. The DMK and AIADMK are one and the same. They have the same owner.” He went on to say that this amounted to disrespecting the legacies of former chief ministers MG Ramachandran (MGR) and J Jayalalithaa.

Referring to former minister and DMK general secretary Duraimurugan's remarks about defeating rulers by fielding ordinary people, Vijay said the TVK had also defeated “rulers” by fielding ordinary candidates.

On TVK candidate Sathyabama, who had represented Dharapuram as an MLA, Vijay said she had resigned from the post before joining the TVK and claimed that there had been no political bargaining involved. The Chief Minister was also seen consoling her after she became emotional during her speech. She said online attacks over her resignation as an AIADMK MLA and joining the TVK had led her to avoid using her phone for two months.

Questioning the AIADMK's reaction to his references to the Sarkaria Commission, Vijay alleged that the party was supporting the DMK. “TVK is the only party opposing the DMK,” he said.

Vijay also criticised Chief Minister MK Stalin over his political rhetoric, alleging that he was encouraging a “river of abuse and hatred”. “The more you speak, the more we will rise. The more you speak against us, the more TVK will grow,” he said.

On religion, Vijay said the TVK respected all faiths and would continue to extend greetings on occasions including Krishna Jayanthi, Christmas and Bakrid, despite criticism. “We have faith in God and we are not against anyone's faith,” he said.

Appealing to voters in Dharapuram to support Sathyabama, Vijay said, “The people of Kongu Nadu have always been hard-working. I request the people of Dharapuram to vote for Sathyabama and ensure her victory.”

The Dharapuram Assembly bypoll is scheduled for October 6.

Vijay highlights implementation of poll promises, welfare schemes

He said the government had begun implementing its manifesto promises soon after assuming office, recalling that 717 TASMAC liquor shops had been closed and the all-woman police unit, Singappen Special Force, had been launched. He also said an anti-drug drive was being carried out across 37 districts.

Vijay said the paddy procurement price had been increased. He also referred to the recent launch of the Thaimaaman Gold Ring Scheme, under which newborns in government hospitals are provided a one-gram, 22-carat BIS-hallmarked gold ring.

He further announced that the ‘Vetri Payanam’ programme would be launched across Tamil Nadu from October 3, extending free bus travel for women and transgender persons to additional categories of government buses.

The Annaporani Super Six Scheme, under which the cost of three domestic LPG cylinders would be reimbursed annually, would be introduced during Pongal, he said.

Her remarks come amid reports of a possible political understanding between the PMK and the ruling TVK, with speculation that the PMK could extend support to the government and that Sowmiya Anbumani could be considered for a Cabinet berth.

The reports had suggested that portfolios such as School Education, Environment and Forests could be among those considered for her if an arrangement was reached between the two parties. A Cabinet reshuffle was also being speculated after the October 6 Assembly by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram.

However, Sowmiya Anbumani's response has sought to play down the speculation

PMK's political position under scrutiny

The reported developments come at a time when the PMK's political position has come under renewed attention. The party is currently part of the AIADMK-BJP alliance. At the same time, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss' recent approach towards Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, compared with his earlier criticism, has fuelled speculation about a possible shift in political alignment.

The PMK has also decided not to support any party in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-elections, adding to speculation over its future political course.

TVK's numbers provide backdrop

TVK won 108 of the 234 Assembly seats in the April 23 election, three seats short of the 118 required for a majority. The party subsequently formed the government with support from Congress, VCK and IUML, whose MLAs joined the Cabinet.

The CPI and CPI(M), which won two seats each, extended external support but remained outside the Cabinet. Both parties have since maintained that they are not part of the TVK alliance and are contesting the upcoming by-elections independently.

CPI is contesting Dharapuram, while CPI(M) is contesting Madurantakam.

The two constituencies are among seven Assembly seats that have fallen vacant. Six of these — Madurantakam, Dharapuram, Perundurai, Ambasamudram, Viralimalai and Karur — were held by AIADMK MLAs who resigned and subsequently joined the TVK. The seventh, Tiruchirappalli East, fell vacant after Vijay resigned the seat after retaining Perambur

Even if TVK wins all seven by-elections, its strength would rise to 115, leaving it three seats short of the majority mark.

Against this backdrop, any formal decision by the PMK to extend support to the government could have implications for the ruling dispensation's legislative strength. For now, however, speculation over Sowmiya Anbumani's reported Cabinet entry has been publicly played down by the PMK MLA herself.

Image of constable Raja firing at protestors caused outrage

Raja gained public attention following a photograph taken during the May 22, 2018 protest. The image showed a policeman standing on top of a police vehicle and firing his weapon at protesters. The policeman, seen wearing a yellow T-shirt and black trousers, was later identified as Raja, a member of the Thoothukudi District Armed Reserve. The photograph and other visuals from the incident circulated widely on social media and triggered widespread outrage.

13 people killed in 2018 firing

The incident occurred on May 22, 2018, when protests against the Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi entered their 100th day. Protesters marched towards the District Collector’s office, demanding the closure of the plant.

Tensions escalated between the protesters and police, following which the police opened fire. Thirteen people, including two women, were killed, while several others were injured and required medical treatment.

The protests were triggered by allegations that the plant had illegally dumped large quantities of hazardous copper slag and gypsum at unauthorised open-air sites, obstructing natural waterways and causing local flooding.

Aruna Jagadeesan Commission recommended action against cops, officials

The Tamil Nadu government subsequently appointed the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan Commission to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the police firing and the deaths. Photographs and videos recorded during the incident, including the visuals showing Raja on top of the police vehicle, were examined during the inquiry.

The Commission had held 17 police personnel, including senior IPS officers Shailesh Kumar Yadav and Kapil Kumar C Saratkar, former District Collector N Venkatesh and three Deputy Tahsildars, responsible for the incident. It termed the police firing unprovoked and disproportionate, rather than an act of self-defence, and recommended criminal and departmental action against them.

Legal proceedings continue

The legal proceedings relating to the Thoothukudi firing are still under way. The charge sheet in the case was filed before the Madras High Court. Raja's death comes more than eight years after the firing.

Earlier this month, the TVK-led state government had refused to reconsider the previous DMK regime's decision to drop disciplinary action against senior government officials, for whom the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan Commission had recommended action in connection with the 2018 police firing.

The Advocate General appearing for the State government had informed the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court that there was no statutory obligation on the government to implement the Commission's recommendations in their entirety.

The AG had also submitted that Rs 25 lakh had already been paid to the families of those killed in the firing in accordance with Government Orders and indicated that the government would not pay the remaining Rs 25 lakh recommended by the Commission.

(With inputs from Bureau)

Baalu moved the court seeking directions to summon and question TVK leaders, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, and ministers Aadhav Arjuna and R Nirmalkumar, and collect the material evidence allegedly in their possession.

When the matter came up for hearing before Justice V Lakshminarayanan, senior counsel J Ravindran argued that the party wanted those responsible, however high their position, to be held accountable. He said that if the chief minister or ministers had any material suggesting a cover-up, it should be submitted to the SIT.

Ravindran said the allegation that the party protected child abusers was serious and should not be made for political purposes. "This is not a matter to play politics. This has to be looked into. It's a matter of humanity," he said.

The court said the SIT should be allowed to work without interference and adjourned the hearing by four weeks to enable it to proceed with the investigation.

Meanwhile, in a plea by Tulir, an NGO working to prevent child sexual abuse, that sought a direction to stop media houses and others from publishing child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM), the court directed the parties to file their counters and posted the hearing to October 6. The court said such material should be taken down and told the NGO that it could seek legal action if anyone continued to publish or broadcast it.

In his petition, Baalu had said a day after the State police chief constituted the SIT on September 25, the TVK leaders made public statements alleging the involvement of the DMK in the case and claimed that they had material evidence to substantiate it.

Baalu contended that those who had publicly made such claims had a duty to appear before the SIT and produce the evidence in their possession to facilitate an effective investigation. However, they had not submitted any such material to the SIT so far, he said.

Given that the case involved minor victims, preservation of evidence and maintaining the integrity of the investigation were of particular importance, he submitted.

Baalu said he had submitted a representation to the Central Crime Branch (CCB) on September 27 seeking that the persons concerned be summoned and questioned and that relevant material in their possession be secured as part of the investigation.

Justice V Lakshminarayanan said the State government had constituted an SIT to probe the offence and that it should be given time to collect all the evidence. The police did not have a crystal ball or magic wand to gather all evidence at once, said the judge, adding that the team should be allowed to continue its investigation.

The SIT was formed only four days ago, on September 25, and investigation takes time, especially in a sensitive case like this. As the SIT has already commenced its probe, seeking a CBI investigation without giving it breathing space would not be proper, the court said.

The judge said this while hearing a plea filed by Varaaki, a journalist, who moved the court seeking transfer of the probe from the SIT to the CBI. He argued that high-ranking officials were involved and expressed apprehension that the special team might not conduct an independent and effective investigation.

The petitioner said an independent investigation was necessary to ascertain whether there was any interference, improper influence, or financial or other consideration affecting the probe, whether the pen drive containing a video of one of the alleged sexual abuse was properly preserved and forensically examined, and whether any relevant investigative lead was omitted, disregarded, or prematurely abandoned.

During the hearing, the court observed that the case was sensitive as it involved children, some of whom belonged to the Scheduled Caste community. "I'm more concerned about the children. You can't politicise it. You're not understanding the seriousness of it. Please don't use this for publicity," the court remarked.

When the petitioner expressed apprehension that an independent probe would not be conducted and that the investigating team was silent on evidence against some high-ranking officials, the court questioned how such allegations could be made without giving the SIT time to investigate.

"We can transfer it to the FBI, an entirely independent agency outside India. How can you claim that they are remaining silent? This appears to be a publicity-driven PIL. Four women officers have been appointed. Why interfere without allowing them an opportunity to investigate? I suspect this is at the instance of the accused. You seem to have some grievances against the previous regime. Do not use children for that," the court remarked.

When the petitioner's counsel said he had materials showing the involvement of some persons, the court asked him to submit them to the SIT. State Public Prosecutor John Sathyan said anyone was at liberty to approach the SIT with relevant materials and assured the court that they would be examined and taken to their logical conclusion.

The court then directed Varaaki to appear before the SIT on October 1 and submit all materials in his possession related to the case.

Semmalai, who has stayed away from active politics for the past few months, met Minister Thamizhan Parthiban in person on Wednesday ahead of his induction into the TVK.

In May, Semmalai had announced that he would retire from active politics after the Assembly election. At the time, he had said the AIADMK had weakened and that its leadership had failed to take adequate steps to strengthen the party.

He had also called for the AIADMK General Council to be convened after the election to analyse the reasons for the party's electoral defeat.

Semmalai was not given an opportunity to contest the recent Assembly election on an AIADMK ticket.

A veteran AIADMK leader who has been associated with the party since the MGR era, Semmalai served as a minister in former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's Cabinet in 2001. He has been elected as an MLA four times and has also served as a Member of Parliament once.

His move comes at a time when several former AIADMK ministers and functionaries are joining the TVK.

Semmalai hails from Salem district, which is also the home district of AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami.

The reported development comes ahead of the October 6 Assembly by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram. The report also mentions speculation of a possible Cabinet reshuffle after the bypolls, with the PMK potentially securing a ministerial position if an understanding with the ruling party is reached.

Sowmiya Anbumani may enter Cabinet

PMK's Assembly floor leader Sowmiya Anbumani is reportedly being considered for a ministerial post if the PMK extends support to the TVK-led government. School Education, Environment and Forests are among the portfolios mentioned as possibilities. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has reportedly also given the go-ahead for the proposed arrangement.

A Cabinet reshuffle too is expected after the by-elections, with changes to ministerial positions and portfolios also under consideration, the report suggested.

PMK's reported move comes amid political realignment

The PMK is currently part of the AIADMK-BJP alliance. However, Anbumani Ramadoss’ recent warmer approach towards CM Vijay, compared with his earlier criticism, and reports of his willingness to extend support to the TVK-led government have triggered speculation about a possible shift in the party’s political alignment.

Since the PMK has also decided not to support any party in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram bypolls, it has led to more speculation about its future political course.

TVK's Assembly numbers form the backdrop

TVK won 108 of the 234 Assembly seats in the April 23 election, falling short of the 118-seat majority mark. It subsequently formed government with support from the Congress (5), VCK (2) and IUML (2), all of which joined the Cabinet.

The CPI and CPI(M), which won two seats each, extended external support but stayed out of the Cabinet. Both have since said they are not part of the TVK alliance and will contest the upcoming by-elections independently. CPI will contest Dharapuram, while CPI(M) will contest Madurantakam.

Madurantakam and Dharapuram are among seven constituencies where vacancies have arisen. Of the seven seats, six were held by AIADMK MLAs who resigned and subsequently joined the TVK: Madurantakam, Dharapuram, Perundurai, Ambasamudram, Viralimalai and Karur. The seventh, Tiruchirappalli East, became vacant after Vijay resigned the seat after retaining Perambur.

Even if TVK wins all seven by-elections, its tally would rise to 115, leaving it three seats short of the 118-seat majority mark.

Against this backdrop, the reported PMK support could become a factor in discussions over the government's legislative strength. The outcome of the bypolls and any subsequent announcement on the PMK's position are expected to clarify the next steps.

Through official health channels: Consult a doctor if you develop persistent fever or dengue-like symptoms → get the recommended dengue test based on the illness stage → monitor platelet counts and other blood parameters as advised → seek urgent care if warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or bleeding appear → prevent dengue by eliminating stagnant water and report mosquito-related concerns through the GCC’s 1913 helpline.

CHENNAI: As monsoon-related illnesses increase, fever can often be difficult to identify by symptoms alone. Dengue, seasonal viral infections and other mosquito-borne diseases may initially appear similar. Here are some key questions to help readers understand when to seek testing and medical attention.

What are the common symptoms of dengue?

Dengue commonly begins with a sudden high fever. Other symptoms can include severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and skin rashes.

However, these symptoms can overlap with other viral infections. A doctor may recommend a blood test to confirm dengue rather than relying on symptoms alone.

How can dengue be different from a regular seasonal viral fever?

There is no reliable way to distinguish dengue from every other viral fever based only on symptoms. Dengue may be suspected when high fever is accompanied by intense body or joint pain, headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea or rash.

Persistent or worsening symptoms should be medically evaluated, particularly during periods when dengue cases are circulating.

When should someone get tested for dengue?

The appropriate test can depend on how many days the person has had symptoms. Tests that detect the dengue virus or its NS1 antigen are generally useful during the early stage of illness, while antibody testing becomes more useful later.

A doctor can determine which test is appropriate based on the patient's symptoms and the stage of the illness.

Where can people get free fever testing at government facilities in Chennai?

Government healthcare facilities in Chennai provide services for people presenting with fever, including evaluation for dengue and other infections. The Greater Chennai Corporation's health facilities include Urban Primary Health Centres and diagnostic centres offering investigations.

People should check with the particular government facility for its current testing availability and timings before visiting.

Are dengue tests available free of cost at government centres?

Diagnostic investigations are available free of cost at several Greater Chennai Corporation facilities. Availability can vary depending on the centre and the test required, so patients should confirm the service at the facility.

What platelet count is considered dangerous in dengue?

Platelet numbers are only one part of assessing a dengue patient's condition. A falling platelet count does not automatically mean that a platelet transfusion is required.

A count below 10,000 platelets per microlitre is generally considered a level at which prophylactic platelet transfusion may be considered in dengue patients who do not have bleeding, according to India's national dengue management guidance. Active bleeding and the patient's overall clinical condition are also important factors.

Patients should not attempt to interpret platelet reports on their own. Doctors may monitor platelet counts along with other blood parameters and signs of bleeding or plasma leakage.

Does every dengue patient with low platelets need a platelet transfusion?

No. A low platelet count by itself does not necessarily mean a transfusion is required. Clinical condition, bleeding and other complications are considered when deciding treatment.

This is particularly important because platelet counts can fall during dengue and then recover as the patient improves.

What are the warning signs that require urgent medical attention?

Immediate medical assessment is important if a person with suspected or confirmed dengue develops symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stools, unusual drowsiness, extreme weakness or restlessness.

The period around the time the fever comes down can also be critical, so improvement in temperature does not always mean the illness has passed.

How can residents help prevent dengue in their neighbourhood?

The dengue mosquito breeds in stagnant water. Residents should regularly empty or cover containers that can collect water, including buckets, pots, discarded tyres and other outdoor items.

Keeping surroundings free of water accumulation can reduce mosquito breeding and help protect the wider community.

Where can Chennai residents report stagnant water or mosquito-related concerns?

Residents can report public-health and mosquito-related complaints to the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) through its civic grievance channels, including the 1913 helpline.

Providing the exact location of stagnant water can help civic teams identify and address potential mosquito-breeding sites.

What should someone do if they develop a fever during the monsoon?

Do not assume that every monsoon fever is dengue or, conversely, that dengue can be ruled out because symptoms appear mild. People with persistent fever or symptoms suggestive of dengue should consult a healthcare professional and follow the recommended testing and monitoring schedule.

Self-medication, particularly with medicines that can increase bleeding risk, should be avoided unless advised by a doctor.

Sources

Dengue Symptoms

Clinical Testing Guidance for Dengue

National Guidelines for Clinical Management of Dengue

Clinical Care of Dengue

Dengue management

The decades-old case resurfaced after investigators accessed a text message asking Veeramani (84) if he remembered his involvement in the victim's death, prompting a fresh complaint from the girl's mother alleging that her daughter died by suicide following sexual abuse by Veeramani, founder of Gem Granites.

Already a POSCO case has been booked against Veeramani and now a fresh case has been registered following a complaint from the victim's mother, sources said.

According to police, following the message, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) consisting of senior women police officers was formed to verify its authenticity.

Through extensive inquiries, investigators successfully identified the victim.

The victim's mother subsequently lodged an official complaint alleging that her daughter had been sexually abused by Veeramani before taking her own life in 2004.

She further stated that although a complaint was lodged with local police at the time of the incident, no action was taken.

Meanwhile, a Special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act Court in Chennai on Tuesday reserved its orders on the bail petitions of co-accused Shanthi (60) and her husband Mahendra Simhan (63).

Police alleged that Veeramani kept minor children at Shanthi’s residence to assault them and that Shanthi attempted to destroy evidence.

Investigators highlighted major financial transactions linked to the crime, revealing that Rs 24.63 crore was transferred from Veeramani's account to Shanthi, with Rs 2 crore further moved to Simhan.

Police are also verifying allegations that the accused paid Rs 1 lakh to the 2004 victim's family on two occasions and have initiated steps to freeze suspect bank accounts containing over Rs 20 crore.

Opposing bail before POCSO Special Court Judge S Padma, police expressed concerns over witness tampering and evidence destruction, noting that seized electronic devices are being examined to determine if other minors were targeted.

Defense counsel argued that the couple's arrest was improper and that further custody was unnecessary.

Accordingly, the SIT is expected to file its charge sheet in the designated court soon.