At a meeting at the Secretariat, Vijay reviewed the progress of the DPR, the proposed facilities and preparations for inviting global tenders to ensure international technical expertise and standards in the restoration exercise.

The move comes after the State government announced in the 2026-27 Budget that Chennai’s river restoration projects would receive priority, with a DPR to be prepared for the Cooum.

As part of the initial planning, three-km stretches of the river have been identified for detailed study. The proposed interventions include pedestrian and cycling tracks, riverside walkways, viewing decks, green spaces, community facilities and nature-based environmental improvement measures.

The government’s approach is broader than routine maintenance, with the restoration plan seeking to bring together ecological improvement, public amenities and riverfront development. The government had earlier announced that global consultants would be engaged for feasibility and project reports for the Cooum and Adyar, with the proposed exercise also focusing on sewage interception, water quality, recreational spaces and flood-mitigation infrastructure.

The immediate focus will now be on firming up the DPR and concept and action plans before moving towards global tendering and phased implementation. Vijay has directed officials to adopt an integrated and sustainable approach to restore the Cooum to its natural state and improve Chennai’s river environment and public spaces.

The development also comes as the Water Resources Department continues maintenance and desilting-related works along the Cooum ahead of the northeast monsoon.

Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar and senior officials attended review meeting.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, Nirmalkumar said the DMK’s over-reaction to the issue raised questions. He also sought an explanation from former minister S Regupathy, who had claimed that the video in question was unclear, asking whether he had personally seen it or was speaking based on what others had told him.

Nirmalkumar alleged that R Veeramani, whom he described as a businessman with assets worth hundreds of crores, could have approached a power centre to evade action. He further alleged that only a party such as the DMK could have enabled him to escape the consequences.

Drawing a parallel with the Anna University sexual assault case, the minister alleged that the FIR in that case was released, exposing and intimidating the survivor, and that an attempt was subsequently made to suppress the investigation. He alleged that the DMK was now attempting to suppress the Veeramani case in a similar manner.

Nirmalkumar said the Chief Minister was personally monitoring the case to ensure that no one involved escaped action and asserted that strict and impartial action would be taken against all those found connected with it.

Kalaimathi of Kampayanpatti and Vidya of Chennaiyakudi gave birth to two babies consecutively at the hospital, according to a Maalaimalar report.

The nurses initially handed the babies over to their respective relatives.

Later, the nurses took back the two babies, stating that they had mistakenly exchanged them. They reportedly said that Kalaimathi had given birth to a girl, while Vidya had delivered a boy.

Why did the relatives protest?

Refusing to accept the explanation, the relatives got into a heated argument with the hospital staff and staged a protest on the hospital premises.

How will the dispute be resolved?

Minister Mohammad Parvez and District Collector Aruna held peace talks with the relatives. As the relatives refused to accept the explanation, medical officials said that the truth could be established through DNA testing. The relatives agreed.

The relatives also demanded action against the nurses, alleging negligence in handling the newborns.

Talking to reporters at Anna Arivalayam, Regupathy said the case had not been deliberately kept pending and that investigators initially lacked sufficient evidence to establish the identity of the persons in the video.

Regupathy said the DMK would support action against anyone found guilty. “Whoever is involved in the case, and whoever supported them, must be brought before the law and punished. No accused should escape,” he said.

Rejecting allegations that the party had favoured Veeramani, he said, “We have no need to take money from Veeramani to prevent his arrest.” He maintained that the video available at the initial stage did not clearly establish the identity of the persons involved.

Regupathy also attacked the four-month-old TVK government over law and order, governance and alleged sexual offences, accusing Chief Minister Vijay of focusing on “reels” instead of administration. He said the forthcoming Madurantakam and Dharapuram bypolls would provide voters an opportunity to respond to the government’s record.

DMK legal wing secretary N R Elango has similarly said the investigation was not closed but kept pending for further evidence, while the TVK government has alleged that the previous regime failed to act despite the case being registered in 2025.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the directive was issued during a review meeting chaired by Natural Resources Minister TK Prabhu at the Directorate of Geology and Mining in Chennai.

What instructions were issued to district officials?

District Collectors were instructed to take prompt action on pending lease applications, identify new areas and bring them under electronic auction. They were also directed to operationalise new quarries and revive inactive quarries to achieve the set revenue target.

What was discussed with road contractors?

A consultation meeting was also held with contractors seeking permission to extract soil for national highways and other road works.

During the meeting, the government said the difficulties faced by contractors in obtaining lease permissions for such projects would be examined and appropriate steps would be taken to resolve them.

R Ramesh, Minister for Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR & CE), met the Chief Minister in Chennai on September 21 and presented the sacred `prasadam' to him.

On receiving the prasadam, the Chief Minister conveyed his greetings and appreciation for the successful conduct of the ceremony, according to an official release.

The Kumbabhishekam was held on September 17 after a gap of 17 years. The previous consecration at the temple was held on April 8, 2009.

The consecration of the 12 main gopurams and the golden vimanas of Meenakshi Amman and Sundareswarar was performed simultaneously amid the chanting of Tamil and Sanskrit hymns.

The State government had also made arrangements for 24 Tamil Oduvars to recite Thiruvasagam and Thirumurai hymns at the kalasams of the gopurams during the consecration.

The arrest followed the registration of a POCSO case against Veeramani and his associates Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan after a video showing Veeramani allegedly engaging in an obscene act with a minor girl was found on Ganesan's mobile phone.

Police said Ganesan was arrested for allegedly failing to report the matter to the authorities.

A man and his wife, identified as Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan, and said to be associates of Veeramani, have also been arrested in connection with the case.

The three accused were produced before a court, which remanded them to judicial custody, police said.

The arrests came amid a political row in Tamil Nadu over the POCSO case against granite baron Veeramani, who has been arrested for alleged sexual abuse of several minor girls.

On Monday, ministers accused the previous DMK government of a "cover-up" and interfering with the functioning of the police department.

In a social media post, Vijay said the State government would provide the incentive to recognise Kamalini’s achievement. “The Tamil Nadu government will provide a cash incentive of Rs 75 lakh in appreciation of Kamalini’s remarkable achievement,” he said.

Kamalini, a wicketkeeper-batter from Madurai, was part of India’s gold-winning campaign. India defeated Sri Lanka in the women’s cricket final to retain the Asian Games title.

Vijay said the government would continue to support talented sportspersons and that Kamalini’s achievement would provide new inspiration and confidence to the youth and women of Tamil Nadu. He also wished Kamalini success in achieving further milestones in her sporting career.

Citing the trial in the Sathankulam custodial death case, the Judge warned the accused police personnel, including an Inspector, that their properties could be confiscated and included in the case if they attempted to abscond without appearing for the trial proceedings.

The Judge further directed them to execute bail bonds within 20 days, failing which each of them would have to pay a fine of Rs 20,000. The court asked them to appear again on October 9.

According to the prosecution, the six police personnel — the main accused, Inspector Dhilipan, Sub-Inspector P. Mahendran and constables L. Deivendran and B. Palaniyappan — were booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, for allegedly subjecting Scheduled Caste youth Akash Delison to severe torture with the intention of killing him. He died in March 2026.

The CBCID filed a chargesheet before the court on June 18. The chargesheet stated that the six accused policemen, who belonged to a dominant caste, were aware that Akash belonged to the Hindu Devendrakula Velalar (SC) community and assaulted him with the intention of killing him.

“The investigation conducted so far reveals that the accused, fully aware that the deceased Akash Delison belonged to the Hindu Devendrakula Velalar community, took him in a police vehicle on March 6, 2026, around 5.30 p.m. to a secluded, low-lying area full of eucalyptus trees, off the road to Maanambathi village. With the intention of causing his death, all the accused beat Akash below his right knee and above his ankle with an iron rod, inflicting severe fractures. This assault led to fat embolism, which directly caused his death,” the chargesheet states.

Meanwhile, more than 50 police personnel were present when the Special Court heard the case involving the six accused policemen on Tuesday.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the suspect, identified as Prakash, allegedly attacked Sub-Inspector Tamilarasan with a sickle when police attempted to apprehend him at the Ponneri crematorium on Monday (September 21). Inspector Sivakumar then fired at Prakash's leg in self-defence, police said.

Woman suffers severe burns in petrol attack

The incident occurred around 7.30 pm on Monday when Rajeswari, 35, a contract worker at Ponneri Government Hospital, was returning home after completing her duty at the emergency department.

According to police, a man approached her inside the hospital premises, poured petrol on her and set her on fire. Rajeswari ran towards the emergency department, screaming for help, but the man allegedly chased her and set her clothes ablaze.

Hearing her cries, hospital staff rushed to the spot and managed to put out the fire. Rajeswari suffered severe burns across her body and was given first aid before being shifted to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital in Chennai, where she is undergoing treatment.

Suspect in petrol attack attacks SI with sickle

Following the incident, Ponneri police registered a case and launched a search for the suspect. Police later received information that Prakash was hiding at the Ponneri crematorium.

When a police team went to arrest him, Prakash allegedly attacked SI Tamilarasan with a sickle and tried to escape. Inspector Sivakumar then shot him in the leg, police said.

Prakash was taken to the Tiruvallur Government Hospital for treatment. The injured SI is also receiving treatment there. Police are continuing their investigation into the attack on Rajeswari.

Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Dr A Somasundaram held a video conference with health officials across the State and reviewed the dengue situation, directing them to strengthen preventive and control measures.

Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts were identified as areas reporting a high incidence of dengue, while cases were also increasing in Kallakurichi district. The review noted that children were among those affected by dengue fever.

Officials were instructed to exercise particular caution in rural areas and prevent circumstances that could facilitate the spread of dengue. The department also stressed the need to identify and address potential mosquito-breeding sources in such areas.

Joint Directors of Public Health working across the State were directed to visit villages in their respective jurisdictions and identify the sources from which dengue mosquito larvae were emerging.

They were asked to determine how such breeding sources could be controlled and eliminated and to initiate immediate measures to contain the spread.

The officials were also instructed to closely monitor the situation in areas reporting higher incidence and intensify field-level interventions wherever cases were increasing.

The officials were directed to ensure that preventive measures were implemented promptly at the ground level and that the dengue situation was continuously monitored across the State.

The meeting at the Secretariat reviewed precautionary and disaster-management measures in Coimbatore, Dindigul, Erode, Karur, Madurai, Nilgiris, Sivaganga, Tenkasi, Theni and Virudhunagar districts, besides steps to prevent dengue and fever cases.

Vijay directed collectors to take precautionary measures based on the vulnerability of each location, with special attention to rainfall-prone areas in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Dindigul and Theni districts. He cautioned that heavy rain could lead to landslides, soil slips and road disruptions in these areas.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to continuously monitor landslide-prone areas, particularly vulnerable slopes and locations already identified as dangerous. Such areas should be inspected before and during heavy rain, and immediate action taken if signs such as soil cracks, slope movement or water seepage are detected, he said.

He also directed officials to expedite landslide-prevention and slope-stabilisation works, including soil-nailing works undertaken in Kodaikanal, and keep key roads and transport links under constant watch. Machinery, personnel and equipment required to clear fallen soil, rocks and debris should be kept ready in advance to restore connectivity without delay, he said.

Relief camps near vulnerable areas should be inspected and kept ready for immediate use, while VHF equipment and satellite phones should remain functional in areas where communication could be disrupted. Mock drills and evacuation exercises should also be conducted at critical locations, Vijay said.

On dengue prevention, he directed officials to identify areas witnessing a rise in cases, intensify door-to-door field inspections, identify and eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding sites, strengthen mosquito-larval control and step up public awareness campaigns.

He further ordered government hospitals and primary health centres to remain prepared for early detection of dengue, timely referral, fluid therapy, treatment of severe cases and continuous medical monitoring.

Thirumavalavan attended the event at EVP Film City near Poonamallee. Images and videos of the VCK leader arriving in a Tesla displaying the number TN 07 CM 2031 have since been widely shared online. The number has led to speculation about its possible political significance ahead of the 2031 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Thirumavalavan's car number draws comparison with GOAT

The number has also drawn comparisons with the car used by actor-turned-Chief Minister Vijay in the 2024 film The Greatest of All Time (GOAT). In the film, Vijay is seen driving a car with the registration number TN 07 CM 2026. The number was interpreted by viewers as a reference to the 2026 Assembly elections and Vijay's political ambitions.

Following the appearance of Thirumavalavan's car with CM 2031, social media users have similarly linked the number to the next Assembly election and speculated about a possible chief ministerial role for the VCK leader.

VCK leader's 2031 number sparks speculation

Some reports have also raised questions about the registration. A few outlets have claimed that the *TN 07 CM 2031* registration is associated with a two-wheeler rather than the car in which Thirumavalavan was seen. This claim has added another layer to the discussion surrounding the viral images.

Vijay launched the expanded scheme at the Chennai Middle School in Thiruvanmiyur and had breakfast with the students.

The expansion will cover 7,537 additional government and government-aided schools across Tamil Nadu and entails an additional allocation of Rs 217.63 crore in the current financial year. With the expansion, the scheme will benefit around 34.64 lakh students studying in Classes 1 to 8 in 44,984 schools. The total allocation for the scheme has been fixed at Rs 724 crore.

At the Thiruvanmiyur school, 199 students from Classes 1 to 5 were already benefiting from the scheme. Another 127 students from Classes 6 to 8 will now be covered following the expansion.

The government said the expansion was aimed at improving the nutritional status of schoolchildren, ensuring that they attend classes without hunger and enabling them to concentrate better on their studies.

In Chennai, breakfast will be prepared through integrated kitchens operated by the Greater Chennai Corporation. In other urban areas, the Directorate of Municipal Administration will oversee the arrangements. In rural areas and adjoining town panchayats, self-help group members will prepare breakfast at schools through the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women.

The government said the expanded scheme would strengthen students’ health, nutrition, attendance and learning, besides reinforcing the foundation of school education.

A senior police officer with the city police will probe the allegations while the Immoral Trafficking Prevention Unit (ITPU) will continue the sexual abuse probe based on complaints from multiple survivors.

After Veeramani and his two associates were arrested on August 29 for the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl, the police reached out to several survivors who were allegedly sexually abused by the businessman over the years.

A pen drive with the video of an elderly man sexually abusing a minor girl was sent to the ITPU in October 2025 and a case was registered, but action was delayed for several months. Later, stating that they could not identify or locate the girl, the police had sought to close the case. But a special Pocso court rejected the closure report on August 19 and ordered further investigation.

Meanwhile, the case assumed political undertones after the change of government after the recent Assembly elections, with the ruling TVK leaders alleging that the previous DMK regime helped the prominent businessman escape the law. Fuelling the controversy, rumours began spreading that Veeramani spent a large amount, running to tens of crores, to influence the investigation. The opposition party strongly denied the allegations.

During the fresh probe, the police identified the elderly man in the video as Veeramani and began the probe. The city police have also identified the survivor in the video and have further found over nine survivors. Investigations revealed that he had rented a house in Teynampet where he sexually exploited several minor girls and women though video evidence is available for only one instance of sexual abuse.

This led to the arrests of Veeramani and his associates, Mahendra Simhan (64) and his wife Shanthi (60), to whom Veeramani had entrusted the management of the rented property.

It is said that Abimannan (47), a farmer from Lalgudi in Tiruchy, had a long dispute with a few people from the locality over an altercation resulting from the influence of alcohol.

On Monday morning, Abimannan was found dead with severe stab injuries. Based on the complaint by his family members, Kallakudi police registered a case, retrieved the body and sent it to Lalgudi GH.

The initial investigation found that a resident from the village was killed a few months back after an altercation while consuming alcohol, and Abimannan was also one of the accused; the police suspected that he was killed in revenge for the earlier murder.

The police suspected a few persons who had quarrelled with Abimannan recently and are in the process of arresting them.

He urged the Union government to prevent Karnataka from constructing the dam and the Tamil Nadu government to initiate steps to build a dam at Rasimanal, claiming that even neighbouring state's farmers agree to the alternate proposal.

Pandian, who led the Vedaranyam-Rasimanal rally against the Mekedatu dam and demanded that the dam be built within Tamil Nadu to protect the state's rights, reached Tiruchy via Thanjavur on Monday. Farmers gave a rousing reception to the rally at Thanjavur and Tiruchy.

Speaking to reporters, Pandian said the groundwater level across the Delta region had declined and the current storage in Mettur was inadequate for irrigation, leaving farmers facing a looming crisis. He said that despite the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee ordering Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka had failed to comply and stopped releasing water to Mettur a couple of days ago.

“While the Cauvery Delta farmers have faith in the judiciary, the adamancy of Karnataka leads the Delta into a parched land. Farmers are left without livelihood, and the state government should influence the Union government to stop Karnataka from constructing the Mekedatu dam and initiate steps to build a dam at Rasimanal instead,” Pandian said.

He claimed that the Karnataka government planned to prevent the surplus water usually discharged to Tamil Nadu from reaching the State by constructing the Mekedatu dam.

“Even the Karnataka farmers too are against the Mekedatu dam and expressed their support for our rally, and they would take part during the completion of the rally at Rasimanal,” he said.

Pandian also appealed to political parties not to politicise the Cauvery issue. “It is the matter of our livelihood and the farmers from across the delta region have been fighting against the construction of Mekedatu dam unitedly,” he said.

Markandayan, the DMK MLA elected from the Vilathikulam constituency, was challenged by voter P Vimaladevi, who filed a petition before the Madras High Court seeking to declare his election invalid.

She alleged that Markandayan had concealed several immovable properties owned by him and his wife, M Rebecca Anita, and intentionally suppressed the details despite being an experienced legislator familiar with the election process.

She further stated that the alleged concealment amounted to an electoral offence and that she had submitted representations to the Chief Electoral Officer and the Governor seeking his removal, but no action was taken.

The petitioner urged the court to declare the election of Markandayan from Vilathikulam as null and void.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan observed that the petition was not maintainable, noting that the 45-day deadline to challenge the election had expired, leaving no legal remedy available.

The bench also warned the petitioner that a heavy fine would be imposed. Following this, the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the case and file it as an election petition.

The court thereafter permitted the petitioner to withdraw the petition.

It is said that Vijaya Geetha (28), a resident of Puthu Athur in Perambalur, along with her relative Gunaseelan from Siruvachur in Tiruchy, were proceeding to Kambarasampettai on a two-wheeler. While they were nearing Kambarasampettai, a TNSTC bus bound for Tiruchy hit their two wheeler in which the duo were thrown off the road and died on the spot after severe blood loss due to head injuries.

On receiving information, the Kambarasampettai police rushed to the spot, retrieved the bodies and sent them to Tiruchy GH.

A case was registered against the bus driver Kirubakaran (27) on charges of rash driving. Further investigations are on.

It is said that B Vijaya (55), a resident of Panthanallur in Thanjavur, went out of her house on Monday morning, and her pet dog too followed her. Suddenly, Vijaya and her pet dog touched a snapped electric line which had fallen after a strong wind.

On hearing her screaming, the family members and the neighbours ran to the spot and found that they were electrocuted. Soon, they passed on the information to Panthalur police, who also informed the Tangedco staff.

Subsequently, the Tangedco staff suspended the power supply, received the body and sent it to the Tiruppanandhathur GH. A case was registered, and investigations are on.

DT Next on Monday carried a report on how the Thenpennai River is dying a slow death, based on a study.

Based on the report, Anbumani urged the Tamil Nadu government to approach the Supreme Court to seek compensation from Karnataka for the pollution and to put pressure on the neighbouring state to prevent industrial effluents from entering the Thenpennai.

Anbumani said the study conducted by Chennai-based BioSynk found that the river water contained only 0.1 mg of oxygen per litre, against the normal level of 7-9 mg per litre. He also alleged that the levels of phosphorus and nitrates were more than twice the permissible level.

Anbumani said the low oxygen level was responsible for frequent fish deaths in the river and indicated that the Thenpennai was gradually dying. He criticised the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu governments for failing to act despite repeated directions from the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to prevent the discharge of pollutants into the river.

Recalling his inspection of the Kelavarapalli dam on August 31 last year, he said the oxygen level in the water was then 1.3 mg per litre and had declined by 13 points over the following year.

According to Anbumani, around 132.9 crore litres of untreated industrial waste were being discharged into Thenpennai daily from Karnataka. He said only 29 treatment plants were functioning in Bengaluru and adjoining areas through which 80 crore litres of wastewater could be treated.

He said Karnataka needed 10 new treatment plants in Bengaluru and 12 in other areas, requiring around Rs 5,000 crore. He alleged that the Karnataka government was delaying the projects, citing financial constraints.

Anbumani said water from the Kelavarapalli dam was being used to meet the drinking water needs of Hosur and the requirements of the SIPCOT industrial estate. He added that around 8,000 acres of farmland dependent on the dam were also being affected by polluted water.

Jeevakumar of Budalur in Thanjavur district filed the PIL seeking a direction to appoint a qualified person with expertise in the Modi script to translate the remaining bundles of manuscripts preserved at the library.

In his petition, he said that the special Modi script was used for writing during the Maratha period. Though some documents written in the script were translated between 1970 and 1978, several documents were not translated.

Translation of the documents would reveal details about the history and economy of Thanjavur, submits the petitioner

He submitted that translation of the documents would reveal details about the history and economy of Thanjavur.

Hearing the petition, a division bench comprising Justices CV Karthikeyan and Sakthivel directed the Principal Secretaries of the School Education, Archaeology and Information Technology departments to file their responses and adjourned the case.

"I want to know the comrades’ stand on this case. Do they condemn why such a serious Pocso case was allegedly covered up during the previous government," asked Rajmohan.

The TVK-led government would not spare officials who had acted improperly, he added.

Reacting to this, Shanmugam said the CPM had no hesitation in condemning any failure to act on complaints and insisted that the government should investigate why complaints against Veeramani allegedly did not result in action under successive regimes.

Shanmugam claimed that a similar complaint had been made against Veeramani in 2013, when J Jayalalithaa was chief minister, and questioned what happened to it. He also referred to a complaint allegedly made in 2025, when DMK president MK Stalin was the chief minister, and demanded that the government explain why action was not taken.

The probe should not be confined to Veeramani if evidence pointed to the involvement of others, said CPM State secretary P Shanmugam. "If several children were taken at different points of time and subjected to such sexual exploitation, it indicates that a larger sexual exploitation network may have existed. It cannot be assumed that Veeramani alone was involved," he said.

Shanmugam demanded that police officers who received complaints, those who allegedly exerted pressure to prevent action, and anyone who helped suppress the alleged offences be brought within the scope of the investigation.

He also defended the CPM's intervention in the case, saying the party and the All India Democratic Women's Association had consistently taken up cases involving crimes against women and children.

"Wherever children have been affected, the CPM and AIDWA have been on the ground and fought for justice. We have never compromised on cases involving violence against women or sexual crimes against children," he said.

Shanmugam urged the government to examine the entire history of complaints against Veeramani and conduct a detailed investigation to bring all those found involved within the ambit of the case and ensure legal action.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a district-level education loan mela in Madurai, Viswanathan said that the Ministers and MLAs had been asked to visit educational institutions in their respective jurisdictions, oversee disinfection measures and initiate mass cleaning drives to prevent students from contracting dengue and other vector-borne diseases.

Asked about the delay in appointing Vice-Chancellors to State universities, the Minister admitted that the Vice-Chancellor plays a crucial role in the functioning of universities. “The CM is holding a series of meetings with the Tamil Nadu Governor in this regard,” he said. “Unlike the previous DMK government, which had an uneasy relationship with the Governor, the ruling TVK government was maintaining a cordial relationship with him.”

Viswanathan further clarified that the delay in appointing Vice-Chancellors was due to cases pending before the High Court and Supreme Court. “However, the government has appointed senior professors to run the institutions until the appointments are made,” he said.

Stalin made the demand after representatives of fishermen's associations met him at Anna Arivalayam and sought the DMK's support for their protests against the proposed project. He said the party would stand with the fishing community until the government withdrew the proposal, pointing out that the ruling government refuses to withdraw the GO despite opposition from the Left supporting the government from the outside.

"There are several places where the Secretariat can be built. The Omandurar Government Estate, constructed during the tenure of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi for use as the Secretariat, is already available," Stalin said in a statement, suggesting that the hospital functioning there could be shifted elsewhere and the premises restored for administrative use.

Referring to reports that an astrologer had advised the Chief Minister to have his office facing the sea, Stalin said, "The destruction of the livelihood of thousands of fishermen for one person's desire cannot be accepted."

He also pointed to the presence of several schools and heavy traffic congestion in the area, saying a Secretariat complex there would cause hardship to students and the public.

Stalin said 12 residential settlements, including Mullikuppam, Srinivasapuram, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Bhavani Kuppam, Irudhayapuram, Selvarajapuram, Duming Kuppam, Nochchi Nagar and Nochikuppam, were located within about a kilometre of the proposed site.

He said 1,356 Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board tenements in Srinivasapuram were in dilapidated condition, along with around 1,000 huts, and recalled that the previous DMK government had built new housing for fishermen.

Stalin alleged that the government had issued an order for the Rs 1,200 crore project, while its ministers claimed that no decision had been taken.

He demanded that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay publicly announce the withdrawal of the proposal and instead provide housing for fishermen. "If the government proceeds with the project, the DMK will join hands with fishermen and launch a major agitation," he warned.

Addressing the centenary celebrations of the United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI) in Coonoor, Radhakrishnan said India, one of the world's major tea-producing countries, needed to leverage its strengths to enhance the value and global visibility of Indian tea.

“Competition in the international tea market had intensified, with Sri Lanka emerging as a strong competitor despite being a relatively small country, " he said. To remain competitive, the industry must reduce production costs, improve quality, introduce new technologies and strengthen training for tea growers,” Radhakrishnan said.

He stressed the need for the industry to move away from an excessive reliance on bulk sales and focus on building strong brands capable of securing a greater share of international markets. “Strong brands can help the industry secure greater value, better prices and more stable markets,” he said.

Radhakrishnan also called for the establishment of modern research centres equipped with advanced technologies to support innovation and address emerging challenges in the tea sector. While emphasising the importance of plantation workers’ welfare, the Vice-President said the growth of the tea industry should go hand in hand with better healthcare and working conditions for its workforce.

He proposed establishing healthcare centres equipped with medical consultation and diagnostic facilities for plantation workers in each of the four southern States. Radhakrishnan said the Tea Board, the Union Ministry of Commerce and other Central government agencies were prepared to extend assistance to strengthen the tea sector.

He urged UPASI and other plantation-sector stakeholders to jointly prepare a comprehensive project report and approach the government for support for research, technological development, branding and worker welfare initiatives. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar was also present at the event.

But the stoppage of the free LPG cylinder supply she had been receiving for years has now made it difficult for her to keep her humble kitchen running.

A resident of Vadivelampalayam near Thondamuthur, Kamalathal has been selling idlis for Rs one for nearly 30 years. She began her business using a firewood stove and switched to LPG cooking around 10 years ago.

Despite rising prices and the increasing cost of cooking, she has continued to sell the idlis at the same price. Her service has won her the affection and support of people from different sections of society, with several individuals helping her with assistance.

For the past several years, she was given free LPG cylinders by a gas company. However, the supply was stopped two months ago, leaving Kamalathal struggling to continue her service. Seeking help, she visited the Coimbatore Collectorate on Monday and submitted a petition to the district administration, requesting that the free LPG supply be restored.

“I was being provided LPG cylinders free of cost, but I do not know why the supply was stopped. I have come to submit a petition requesting that the cylinder be provided again,” she said.

The earlier list included MDMK general secretary Vaiko, VCK president Thirumavalavan, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore, Indian Union Muslim League national president Kader Moideen, and MP Durai Vaiko, as well as TVK functionaries.

Opposition parties had strongly objected to the inclusion of the names of leaders from other parties in the campaigner list.

Earlier, the ruling TVK was under fire from the main opposition DMK and the AIADMK for naming leaders from newfound allies in its star campaigner list submitted to the Election Commission.

After the AIADMK questioned the legitimacy of such a demand, the DMK and the saffron party had sought clarification from Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik over its legality.

DMK organising secretary and former MP RS Bharathi, after meeting Patnaik on Monday, questioned the inclusion of other party leaders in the TVK star campaigner list.

"Have the Congress and VCK lost their recognised-party status, or have they joined the TVK?" he asked, questioning the basis on which leaders of other parties had been included in the ruling party's list. He also urged the EC to take campaign expenditure incurred by such leaders in the candidates' election expenses, wherever applicable.

Bharathi also questioned the deployment of police personnel for candidates, alleging that the security arrangements were intended to address opposition faced by TVK nominees. He said the DMK did not require such protection.

He alleged that the bypolls were necessitated by the purchase of two MLAs and claimed that Congress leaders had been brought into the TVK fold after being offered ministerial berths.

Bharathi said DMK president MK Stalin's campaign schedule would be announced in the next two or three days.

BJP state secretary 'Karate' R Thiagarajan has also sought clarification from the poll panel on the issu

In its counter-affidavit filed before a division bench of the Madras High Court, comprising Justices CV Karthikeyan and R Sakthivel, the Deputy Secretary to the Government, Home, Prohibition and Excise Department, Chennai, argued that the manufacture of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), confined to a limited number of licensed manufacturing units, could be closely monitored.

The Tamil Nadu Government has promulgated various rules under Section 54 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937, permitting the manufacture, stocking, distribution, sale and consumption of IMFL, beer, etc., as their manufacturing units are capable of being monitored. On the contrary, no such rules have been framed for the manufacture, retail and consumption of fermented toddy, as adulteration could occur at any stage.

“There is no discriminatory approach; rather, the differential treatment rests on an intelligible differentia — monitorability and public health risk,” said the deputy secretary, adding that though toddy has a low alcohol strength, it is adulterated with substances such as chloral hydrate and Datura (Atropine) to increase its intoxicating effect.

It is against this background that the government subsequently banned toddy tapping, while retaining the manufacture and sale of IMFL by licensed manufacturers.

However, the government has permitted tappers to freely tap Neera/Pathaneer in the case of coconut and Padani in the case of palm trees. These can be sold without further conversion and are marketed through the Tamil Nadu Palm Products Development Board.

Countering the petitioner’s argument seeking removal of the ban on toddy by citing toddy regulations in Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa and Puducherry, the deputy secretary said the States had adopted approaches suited to their respective circumstances and public health concerns.

The government also pointed out various welfare measures implemented for palm tappers, including issuing licences for tapping Neera to 1,495 persons during 2025-26, and providing training and financial support through the Palm Development Board.

The State rejected the allegation that Palmyra trees were being neglected. It said palm saplings had been planted across approximately 120 hectares in coastal districts, along with other coastal species, and that mangrove restoration had covered approximately 700 hectares.

The state government relied on the Supreme Court judgment in Khoday Distilleries Ltd. v. State of Karnataka (1995) and an earlier Madras High Court judgment that upheld the State’s position on prohibition.

Hence, it requested the court to dismiss the PIL filed by advocate Theeran Thirumurugan alias Thirumurugan of Ramanathapuram. The petitioner had also sought a direction to the State Government to formulate an appropriate policy permitting the regulated tapping, manufacture, transportation and sale of natural palmyra and coconut toddy in Tamil Nadu in accordance with law.

The court, however, granted two weeks for the government to present its arguments.

Speaking to reporters, Rajmohan said the existing menu would provide variety without repeating dishes, with items such as ven pongal with sambar, wheat kichadi and upma being served on different days. The government has also constituted a committee of subject experts to examine ways to introduce more protein-rich and nutritious food. "The Chief Minister has asked us to constitute a committee. It will have culinary experts, a chef known nationally, educationists and doctors. We will test new menus through pilot projects before introducing them," Rajmohan said.

He said the government was looking at increasing the protein content of the meals instead of relying heavily on carbohydrates. The minister also said green gram and sundal preparations would be continued with modifications to make them more palatable to children, without using artificial flavour enhancers.

The expanded Kamarajar breakfast scheme is set to cover Classes 6 to 8, with the government expecting an additional 15.30 lakh students to benefit.

He was speaking to the media on Monday after attending a video-conference review meeting chaired by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay from Chennai to assess preparations for the approaching monsoon,

Elaborating further he said, “Erode has reported 329 dengue cases compared with 462 cases last year. To prevent further spread, people should ensure that rainwater does not stagnate in and around their houses.” he said.

On the upcoming by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, Arunraj said the TVK had a strong chance in the two constituencies. “A political party was deliberately orchestrating protests targeting TVK candidates during their campaign,” he said.

Earlier on way to the meeting venue the minister and senior officials were briefly trapped in a malfunctioning lift at the Erode Collectorate.

The minister and senior officials, including District Revenue Officer S Shantha Kumar, entered a lift in the new Collectorate building and selected the second floor. However, the lift developed a technical snag soon after it began moving and failed to stop at the selected floor.

Instead, it reached the seventh floor, where the doors failed to open. The lift then began moving downwards, prompting officials to alert the technical staff.

Before the technicians could reach the lift, it stopped at the sixth floor, and the doors opened, allowing the minister and the officials to exit safely. Arunraj subsequently used the staircase and another lift to reach the meeting venue.

The searches were conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, based on an FIR registered by the CBI, EOB, Chennai. The case concerns an alleged fraud of about Rs 116.79 crore involving Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), according to the ED.

The ED said its investigation found that PGC Corporation had availed loan facilities from IOB, with the account classified as a non-performing asset (NPA) in 2013 and declared fraudulent in 2020.

According to the agency, the accused allegedly submitted falsified and manipulated financial statements for 2011-12 to obtain enhanced credit facilities. The loan funds were allegedly diverted to personal accounts and foreign entities, followed by round-tripping of funds.

The agency further alleged that D Prem and Aadith D Vikram, directors of the firm, created a network of domestic and foreign companies and firms and diverted loan funds to them as investments. Some of the funds remitted abroad in the guise of investments were allegedly brought back and used for business expenses in India.

The ED also said inventory belonging to PGC Corporation, valued at more than Rs 235 crore, was allegedly sold to related entities without actual receipt of sale proceeds after the bank initiated loan recovery. The related entities were subsequently allowed to close without lenders' approval.

During the searches, the ED said it found assets and properties held in the names of the spouses and relatives of Prem and Vikram. It also alleged that businesses had been established in the names of spouses and employees, while the two accused ultimately managed and controlled them.

The searches resulted in the seizure of unexplained cash of about Rs 82 lakh, two luxury vehicles, laptops, pen drives, mobile phones, property documents and other incriminating documents, the agency said. Further investigation is under way.

In a statement, Veerapandian said the families had been living on land belonging to the Adhi Chennakesava Perumal Temple for more than 50 years, paying rent. The families were allegedly threatened with eviction, and police were deployed in the locality on September 7 before the houses of the 20 families were razed down, he said.

The CPI said it had joined the affected families in demanding protection of their homes and residential rights. It also urged the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to represent their interests in court and take steps to protect the rights of people who had been living on temple land for a long period after paying rent.

Cases were registered based on a complaint by the HR&CE against CPI district secretary SK Siva, All India Students' Federation district secretary Manikandan, district deputy secretary Abishek, Oppressed People's Livelihood Rights Movement district secretary R Sowmiya and deputy president Kamalakannan, among eight others, Veerapandian said, urging the State government to withdraw the cases immediately.

It is said that the family of N Raja (23), a resident of Arunthathiyar Street at Puthupalayam in Ariyalur, had long-standing enmity with his relative Kannaiyan (57) from the same place over a pathway. On Sunday night, Kannaiyan’s daughter Kavya, who wanted to go to her marital home along with her husband Arivazhagan through the controversial pathway. Kavya’s mother Karthika (48) and brother Vishwa (18) also accompanied them.

On learning that they were crossing the particular pathway, Raja, who was under the influence of alcohol, stopped them and picked up a quarrel.

On receiving information, Kannaiyan and his elder son Vinayagam alias Subramanian went to the spot, and soon, the duo stabbed Raja multiple times while Kannaiyan’s wife Karthika, son Viswa and son-in-law Arivazhagan supported the duo, and Raja died on the spot.

Ariyalur police rushed to the spot, retrieved the body, and sent it to the Ariyalur Government Medical College Hospital. The police registered a case and arrested Kannaiyan, Karthika, Vinayagam, Vishwa and Arivazhagan.

Meanwhile, on Monday morning, the family members of Raja and a few residents of Puthupalayam assembled in front of the Ariyalur district collectorate and staged a protest demanding the arrest of advocate Manimaran, who was the mastermind behind the murder.

Suddenly, they blocked the vehicle movements in Ariyalur-Jayankondam Main Road. A police team headed by Inspector Venkatesan rushed to the spot and attempted to arrest the protesting members. 

However, the people who were protesting besieged the police vehicle and raised slogans demanding the arrest of Manimaran. Later, five persons were asked to meet the district collector, and they submitted a petition to the collector demanding the arrest of the advocate. Upon assurance, they dispersed from the spot. The traffic was disrupted at Ariyalur-Jayankondam road for more than an hour.

Delivering the inaugural address at a district-level Education Loan Mela jointly organised by the district administration at Lady Doak College here on Monday, the minister said Chief Minister Joseph Vijay was taking special care to ensure that all eligible students get education loans.

“The CM has decided to do away with the requirement of collateral security for loans of up to Rs 20 lakh. Instead, he suggested that a parent’s surety would be sufficient to provide the loan so that students could pursue their dreams without facing hurdles,” the minister said.

The minister was responding to Madurai CPM MP Su Venkatesan’s remarks that implementing the Rs 20-lakh loan scheme without collateral this year would be a milestone, though it would require considerable effort.

Viswanathan assured that the CM would definitely implement the scheme soon.

He further urged bankers not to cause difficulties for students and their families when they approached them for education loans. Instead, he requested them to allocate a specific time slot to personally address their needs and treat them with due respect.

Expressing regret that the central government provides educational loans only to students studying in 133 colleges in Tamil Nadu, the minister said this should change to enable students in all colleges, in both professional and non-professional courses, to avail themselves of loans.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Madurai CPM MP Su Venkatesan urged the Madurai District Collector to close the government accounts in private banks that were not providing education loans to students from disadvantaged sections.

A member of the Higher Education Standing Committee, Venkatesan, said it was disappointing that only public sector banks were helping students with education loans. The district administration should take strong action against private banks that are not extending education loans, he said.

In 2020, Maharashtra garnered 35% of the funds sanctioned by the central Government for education loans, while Tamil Nadu received only a single-digit share, he claimed. “Because of our consistent efforts, fund allocation has increased over the years, with Madurai receiving Rs 249 crore last year,” he said. The MP said the target for this year had been fixed at Rs 400 crore.

Later, Higher Education Minister Viswanathan distributed education loan sanction letters to 275 students, totalling Rs 30.37 crore. According to an official release, public sector banks sanctioned loans totalling Rs 28.20 crore, while private banks sanctioned loans totalling Rs 2.17 crore.

Tamil Nadu Eyes 25,000 target

State targets education loans for 25,000 students in the current financial year

Plans to relax norms to ensure education loans up to Rs 20 lakh without collateral

Parent’s surety will replace collateral security for eligible loans

Education loans currently available to students in 133 colleges in Tamil Nadu under the central scheme

Higher Education Minister called for extending coverage to all colleges and courses, including professional and non-professional courses

Chairing a review meeting at the Secretariat, Vijay directed officials to identify areas vulnerable to seawater ingress, coastal erosion and flooding and keep details of vulnerable villages and residents ready for evacuation. He also asked authorities to ensure that weather and sea warnings reach fishermen on time and that cyclone shelters and multi-purpose evacuation centres are kept ready.

Schools and community halls should be prepared for use as relief camps when required, with drinking water, food, electricity, sanitation and medical facilities. Emergency response teams should remain equipped with boats, life jackets, ropes, generators and water pumps for rescue operations.

Vijay also directed officials to ensure that SMS and other warning systems reach the public and that satellite phones and emergency communication equipment remain functional. He ordered officials to protect paddy stocks stored in godowns from rainwater and use drones to inspect roads, storm water drains and bridges for maintenance.

At the meeting, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K A Sengottaiyan submitted to Vijay the preliminary report of the Expert Advisory Committee on Disaster Management on El Nino. On dengue, the government said the situation was being reviewed continuously, with district-wise monitoring of dengue and fever cases, areas witnessing an increase in cases, mosquito-breeding sites and the availability of fogging equipment.

The Chief Minister also directed Dengue Breeding Check (DBC) workers to conduct door-to-door inspections, identify and eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding sites, undertake larval control and intensify awareness and surveillance in high-risk areas. He also ordered government hospitals and primary health centres to remain prepared for early diagnosis, laboratory testing, clinical assessment, identification of warning signs, timely referral, fluid management, treatment of severe dengue cases and continuous medical monitoring.

Several ministers, Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar and senior officials attended. Health Minister GK Arunraj and collectors of 14 districts also joined via videoconference.

Manoj Sivakumar from Tamil Nadu and Srisaran Thirugnanasambantham from Puducherry died while they were on their flight training.

The Consulate General of India in Vancouver on Sunday expressed condolences over their death.

"The Consulate General of India, Vancouver, expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of Shri Manoj Sivakumar and Shri Srisaran Thirugnanasambantham, two Indian students from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, who lost their lives in a tragic air accident in Canada during their flight training," the mission said in a post on X.

"Our heartfelt sympathies are with their bereaved families and loved ones during this difficult time. The Consulate stands ready to extend all possible consular assistance to the families in connection with the repatriation of the mortal remains to India. May the departed souls rest in peace," it said.

Sangeetha Arul Lal, who was employed as a counter clerk at the Tirusulam railway station, had travelled to Kottayam to attend a meeting of Southern Railway officials, an official release said.

According to Keralam Police, Sangeetha and her friend, who is also from TN, were returning from a visit to Vagamon, a tourist spot in Kottayam, when the landslide occurred on Sunday evening. “Mud fell onto the road, trapping Sangeetha, who was riding a scooter. Her friend managed to escape with injuries and was shifted to a hospital,” police said.

Local residents rushed to the spot and removed the mud to rescue Sangeetha. She was later taken to a hospital, where she was declared dead, police said. Police said that the condition of the injured woman was stable and her family members had been contacted.

The former chief minister will address a series of election rallies on September 24 and 26 in the constituency scheduled for bypoll on October 6, the party said in a release on Sunday night.

He would address "whirlwind campaign" meetings at Mamandur, Puthur, Devathur and Saravambakkam on September 24 and L Endathur, Ramapuram, Elappakkam and Orathi on September 26, a release said.

The by-election to Madurantakam was necessitated owing to the resignation of former AIADMK legislator Maragatham Kumaravel who defected to the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in May. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK founder C Joseph Vijay has nominated her to contest on the party's "whistle" symbol.

Accusing the TVK of allegedly indulging in horse-trading, Palaniswami has fielded Kanitha Sampath, a former MLA, to take on Maragatham Kumaravel in the latter's home turf in the keenly watched contest where the DMK, Naam Tamilar Katchi and the Left parties are also contesting.

Besides Madurantakam, the bypoll will also be held in Dharapuram, where P Sathyabama, who had won on the "Two Leaves" symbol in the 2026 Assembly polls, resigned less than a month after her victory to join the TVK.

The government bus, operated by the TNSTC, was travelling from Tiruvannamalai to the Kilambakkam bus terminus with around 42 passengers.

At around 7.15 am, the bus was nearing Palaveli near Chengalpattu when an over-speeding sand lorry coming from Mahindra World City Industrial Estate towards Chennai, collided with the bus. Police said the lorry driver lost control of the vehicle, crossed the central median and entered the opposite way.

Upon information, the Chengalpattu Taluk police and Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the spot and began rescue operations with the help of motorists. The lorry driver, Anand (45), died on the spot. The bus driver, Surya (40), and around 16 other passengers were injured.

The injured were rescued and admitted to the Chengalpattu GH and private hospitals for treatment. Following the accident, traffic on the Trichy-Chennai NH was severely affected for more than two hours.

Police and Fire and Rescue Services used cranes to remove the damaged vehicles from the road and restore traffic movement. The Chengalpattu Taluk police have registered a case and are conducting an investigation into the accident.