The rain is unlikely to provide water for irrigation, but might help in slightly recharging groundwater levels. However, the rains provided respite from soaring temperatures.

While the entire Delta region was affected by heat due to El Niño impact and the failed southwest monsoon, there was a little hope that the IMD had predicted heavy downpour during September. But that too failed to a certain extent, and so the farmers waited for rainfall, as the Mettur storage had started to decline and the release of water was fixed for just 45 days.

Though the sky used to be overcast every day in the past couple of weeks, there was no rain.  However, in the late hours of Sunday, the Delta region started to receive widespread rainfall. 

Among the districts, Tiruchy received the maximum rainfall, with a total of 344 mm and an average of 14.35 mm. Tiruchy Junction received the maximum rainfall of 87 mm, while Tiruchy town received 62 mm of rainfall.

Since the urban parts of the Delta region received moderate to heavy rainfall, districts like Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai received little rainfall, and the farmers said that their expectations proved futile.

With Cauvery flowing moderately,  the farmers are still waiting for a favourable situation for undergoing the samba cultivation.

At the historic Kapaleeswarar Temple, festivities began with an early morning Ganapathy Homam. The Narthana Vinayagar idol was anointed with holy water, milk, sandalwood, and honey before being dressed in a glittering gold kavacham (armour), drawing thousands to the flower-lined Mada streets.

The city joined the festival celebrations with traditional devotion blended seamlessly with local pop culture. Around 5,500 public installations across Triplicane, Kolathur, and other parts of the city unveiled eye-catching idols showcasing creative themes ranging from mythological epics to popular cinema characters.

Organisers confirmed that public idols, crafted primarily by traditional artisans in Ernavur, strictly utilised eco-friendly natural materials in compliance with environmental regulations.

To maintain public order and safeguard the coastal ecosystem, the Greater Chennai Police deployed 16,500 personnel alongside 500 Home Guards to oversee the 1,562 officially approved public idols in the capital.

The grand immersion processions are scheduled for the upcoming weekend, peaking on September 19 and 20. Following directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to protect marine ecology, traditional drop-offs at Pattinapakkam and Neelankarai beaches remain restricted. Instead, authorities have mapped out 17 strict procession routes leading to designated water bodies including Kasimedu Fishing Harbour, Tiruvottiyur and Srinivasapuram.

Meanwhile, TN Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and leaders of various political parties greeted the people on festival day.

Elsewhere, Dindigul’s Sree Mukeshwaran put on a show with a 97, the best batting display of the round. Tenkasi’s Giriharan too scored an unbeaten 78.

Brief Scores (Quarterfinals):

Thoothukudi 141 in 43.5 overs (Vairam Sarath Kumar 60 no, TM Kavin 4/25) lost to Kancheepuram 143/2 in 21 overs (Om Ainesh 67 no);

Tirupur 160 in 43.2 overs (L Abinandhan 4/17, M Dhivakar 3/38) bt Namakkal 116 in 40.3 overs (Vigneshwar 4/15, R Sree Shivaji 3/10);

Dindigul 227 in 40 overs (Sree Mukeshwaran 97, Deeban 52) lost to Tenkasi 228/9 in 44.3 overs (KK Giriharan 78 no, KK Shanmugarajan 60, Sree Mukeshwaran 4/32);

Coimbatore 250/8 in 50 overs (Hari K Pandya 67, Thasish Kannan 52) bt Thiruvallur 116 in 31.3 overs (Thasish Kannan 5/13)

The largest commitment came from Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd (SMIL), which, along with its European and UK-based joint venture companies, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Guidance Tamil Nadu for an investment of approximately Rs 11,000 crore.

The proposed projects, spanning design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, and logistics, are expected to create around 7,000 jobs in the State, said a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office on Monday.

The State government also secured two agreements related to global capability centres (GCC), including one with Sweden-based Sigma Technology Group. The company plans to expand its global capability centres in Chennai and Tiruchy through its Indian entity, Sriya Solutions, creating 600 high-value jobs in embedded systems, digitisation and industrial digitalisation, the CMO added.

In another agreement, the UK-headquartered Ernst & Young (EY) signed the deal with GuidanceTN to establish a GCC in Chennai's newly announced GCC Corridor on Mount-Poonamallee Road. The facility is expected to attract an investment of around Rs 1,000 crore and generate more than 2,000 high-value jobs.

Wilson Power Solutions signed an MoU with Guidance Tamil Nadu for a Rs 300-crore electronics manufacturing investment in Tiruvallur district, with the project expected to create 400 jobs.

Meanwhile, Ashok Leyland executive chairman Dheeraj Hinduja, Finolex Industries executive chairman Prakash P Chhabria and director Rita Hinduja-Chhabria met Chief Minister Vijay and briefed him on the progress of the Rs 2,500 crore deal signed during the VETTRI Tamil Nadu Investors Conference held in August.

A leading European automotive components manufacturer has expressed its preference for Tamil Nadu as the destination for a proposed Rs 3,000 crore investment in India, said the CMO, but did not disclose the name of the firm.

These deals came at a time when the State government and the chief minister is under the scrutiny of opposition parties, which criticised the trip as being a personal tour and not for attracting investments as claimed.

The state government had initially released a directive to the idol installation committees to strictly follow the norms and ensure the size is within 10 feet. However, on Sunday late evening, the revenue officials received information that an idol measuring around 18 feet was installed at Kamandi village on the Thuraiyur-Perambalur road.

Soon, a team of officials headed by the Thuraiyur Tahsildar, accompanied by police, rushed to the spot and removed the idol with the support of a large crane. However, the organisers who opposed it argued with the officials. But still, the officials went on with the process of removing it.

The organisers said that the idol makers in Tamil Nadu stick to the government-permitted size of 10 feet, and so they went to the other state and purchased the 18-foot idol, which cost more than Rs one lakh.

Meanwhile, the officials were also alerted that there were five such idols installed in and around Thuraiyur and so they went in to inspect the idols. The officials said that they would remove the idols installed in violation of the norms.

On Monday, during the Vinayagar Chathurthi festival, as many as 1,165 idols, including 233 in the urban areas were installed in Tiruchy district, and they were scheduled to be immersed on September 16 and the traffic was diverted on September 16 and 17 in Tiruchy City.

The issue is continuing to dog the government, despite its claim that the shortage had been resolved after procuring an additional 2,000 MW from Friday evening.

Power went off while Minister Sengottaiyan was speaking to reporters at the Circuit House in Vellore around 11 am on Monday. For a brief while, the journalists had to use camera lights and mobile phone torches to record the interaction.

TNPDCL said a fuse in the transformer at the Circuit House had failed when the minister was visiting. PWD personnel immediately shifted the premises to an alternate supply, it said.

A day earlier, a similar interruption occurred during a function attended by Thirumavalavan at Veeramahendrakottai camp in Tiruchendur, where he inaugurated an Ambedkar Reading Room and Irattamalai Srinivasan Hall and distributed prizes to high-scoring Class 10 and 12 students. The programme was briefly conducted under mobile phone lights.

According to TNPDCL’s daily power outage abstract report issued on Monday morning, outages were recorded at 62 locations, lasting from 14 minutes to 7 hours. This was higher than the previous day, when outages were reported at 56 locations, with the duration ranging from 10 minutes to 5 hours.

TNPDCL said the Tiruchendur outage occurred at 10.53 pm after a "passing fault" in the 11-kV Town feeder at the Tiruchendur substation. The feeder was recharged at 10.55 pm and supply was restored within two minutes, it said.

The incidents came amid complaints of unannounced power cuts and protests in different parts of the State, despite Electricity Minister R Nirmalkumar’s claim that the problem had been resolved as of Friday evening.

A senior TNPDCL official blamed it on the prolonged summer that is continuing to strain the distribution network. "Power demand has gone up due to increased use of air conditioners. Farmers are also depending on pumpsets for irrigation because of the poor monsoon," he said.

The State’s daily energy consumption touched 404 million units (MU) on Sunday, an unusually high level, the official said. Even in August, the State’s Sunday consumption remained below the 400 MU mark, highlighting the sharp increase in demand.

A submission in this regard was made by Additional Advocate General T Gowthaman before Justice J Mummineni Sudheer Kumar of the Madras High Court, who was hearing a writ petition filed by inspector G Vimala challenging her suspension.

Based on the submission, the court closed the writ petition as infructuous and also closed the miscellaneous petition.

Vimala had moved the court alleging that her suspension was directly linked to the FIR she had registered several months earlier against K Rajalakshmi, an inspector with the Chennai Police's Anti-Vice Squad.

She stated that in December 2025, she had forwarded a vigilance report to the DVAC director based on information collected against Rajalakshmi. Thereafter, she was directed to prepare a draft FIR alleging that Rajalakshmi possessed movable and immovable assets worth Rs. 5.42 crore in her name and in the names of her family members, amounting to assets disproportionate to her known sources of income by 372%.

Earlier, the court had stayed the suspension order, observing that it appeared to be motivated.

According to Vimala, she registered the FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act after obtaining necessary approval. The case was later transferred to another inspector for further investigation. She maintained that she had acted without any personal malice and strictly in accordance with legal procedures and the directions of her superiors.

Claiming that her actions were within the scope of her official duties under the Vigilance Manual, Vimala argued that the suspension order was vague, illegal, and arbitrary.

After hearing the plea, the High Court had earlier observed that the suspension order appeared to be motivated and stayed it.

“I advise DMK president MK Stalin that this would not merely work against the TVK but would create a negative perception of the DMK among the people. He should openly condemn this trend and do so in a manner visible to the public,” said Thirumavalavan while addressing reporters after participating in a memorial event for Malaichamy at Avaniyapuram in Madurai.

Thirumavalavan said it was concerning that the DMK, a movement shaped by Periyar, Anna and Kalaignar, was now witnessing its leaders using indecent and abusive language against political opponents.

Recalling the past, he said that even when political leaders criticised the DMK, Kalaignar’s political approach was to wish them well and he never resorted to insulting or abusing his political opponents.

When Kalaignar’s government was criticised as a 'third-rate government', he responded that it should correct itself and described it as a 'fourth-rate government' run by Shudras.

During Anna’s time, Congress workers had made extremely offensive remarks concerning his mother. Anna responded by saying that a light should be shone on such people and that the public should be allowed to see and understand their character, Thirumavalavan pointed out.

Asked about the VCK’s stand on the by-elections announced in the State, he said the VCK, as part of the Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance, would campaign for and support the candidates fielded by the TVK.

On the Left parties contesting, he said their decision was their political right and freedom. “Even though they are contesting independently, they have made it clear that their support for the continuation of the TVK government would remain,” he said, adding that the Left parties contesting independently should therefore not be seen as taking a stand against the TVK.

Thirumavalavan urged the government to seek people’s views before reclassifying agricultural land and avoid such moves if they went against public sentiment. He also urged the government to reconsider its plan to acquire 20 acres for constructing the Secretariat, respecting the concerns of fisherfolk and other residents in the area.

Thirumavalavan also urged the State government to accept and implement the Gokul Das Commission’s recommendations on the Kallakurichi hooch deaths and take steps towards phased prohibition.

On the demand to conduct the consecration ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Tamil, he said the temple was a symbol of Tamil identity.

“Who is preventing the consecration ceremony from being conducted in Tamil? What is the obstacle? The government should issue an order and implement it,” he urged.

During the DMDK's 22nd annual day celebration on Monday, party general secretary Premallatha Vijayakanth told reporters that, before announcing the candidates' names, DMK leader MK Stalin had held a discussion with her.

She said the DMDK would extend its full support to the DMK candidates, I Paranthamen and S Suganya, during the by-poll campaign. "The DMK will secure a massive victory in the by-polls in the two constituencies. The DMDK will work together with the DMK and its alliance partners," she said.

Reacting to the TVK-led government's mega projects, Premallatha said the government had cancelled the greenfield airport project at Parandur but announced a new Secretariat at Foreshore Estate near the seashore. She said any project should be people-oriented.

Premallatha refused to respond to allegations levelled by the VCK against the DMDK, alleging that it received more seats from the DMK than loyal allies during seat allocation before the Assembly polls. She said that she would address the media on the issue, among other politically pertinent points, after the upcoming district secretaries' meeting.

The announcement comes after 2,48,270 passengers travelled on Tamil Nadu government buses from Chennai to various parts of the State during the Vinayagar Chaturthi consecutive holidays.

To facilitate passengers returning to Chennai, 1,099 regular buses and 2,240 special buses were operated from various parts of the State to the Kilambakkam bus terminus on September 14. On September 15, 1,099 regular buses and 1,325 special buses have been planned, taking the total number of services over the two days to 5,763.

The buses will operate from Tiruchy, Madurai, Dindigul, Vellore, Salem, Krishnagiri, Hosur, Coimbatore, Theni, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi to the Kilambakkam bus terminus.

In addition, 160 special buses have been arranged to the Madhavaram bus terminus and 370 special buses to the Koyambedu bus terminus via the East Coast Road.

Officials have been instructed to operate additional buses immediately if passenger numbers increase, while coordinating officers have been asked to continuously monitor the services, according to a Tamil Nadu government press release.

Additional Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses have also been arranged for passengers arriving at Chennai Central, Egmore and Tambaram railway stations. Additional buses will also be operated on alternative routes at places where large numbers of passengers gather.

According to the release, 6,212 buses were operated from Kilambakkam to various parts of Tamil Nadu between September 11 and 13. Of the total passengers, 57,650 travelled on State Express Transport Corporation buses, 99,960 on Villupuram transport corporation buses, 79,620 on Kumbakonam transport corporation buses, 7,200 on Madurai transport corporation buses and 3,840 on Tirunelveli transport corporation buses.

The arrangements were discussed at a review meeting held at the Kilambakkam bus terminus, chaired by Transport Minister Vijay Tamizhan Parthiban, on operating special buses for the forthcoming Ayudha Puja and Deepavali festivals.

The government also said legal action had been ordered against those spreading false information on social media.

Speaking to reporters at Chennai airport, Palaniswami said the AIADMK had already won both constituencies and was well placed to secure victory in the bypolls.

Asked about Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s visit to London, Palaniswami said it would be appropriate to comment on the trip only after the Chief Minister returned and the government disclosed details of the investments secured during the visit.

Palaniswami had earlier raised doubts about Vijay’s London visit, saying photographs from the trip suggested it had deviated from its announced objective of attracting investment.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, teams are conducting rigorous inspections of cars, vans and other vehicles entering the constituency to prevent the transportation of cash, gifts or other materials that could violate election regulations.

The Model Code of Conduct has come into effect in the constituency ahead of the by-election.

Following this, officials have been removing posters, banners and wall advertisements put up by political parties. Party flags and flagpoles have also been removed as part of enforcement measures.

Madurantakam bypoll: Teams inspect vehicles for cash, gifts and other inducements

Flying squad personnel are maintaining strict surveillance at various points and thoroughly checking vehicles entering the Madurantakam area.

Officials are examining vehicles to determine whether cash, gift articles or other inducements meant for voters are being transported.

During the checks, political party flags fixed to some cars were removed before the vehicles were allowed to proceed, officials said.

The flying squad teams have been instructed to continue vehicle inspections and surveillance across the constituency until the election to ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.

Officials said the intensified checks were aimed at preventing the distribution of cash, gifts and other inducements to voters and ensuring a free and fair election in the constituency.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, around 2.31 lakh people travelled from Chennai to various parts of Tamil Nadu through State Transport Corporation buses on September 11 and 12.

With the holidays coming to an end, officials expect a significant number of passengers to return to Chennai on September 14 and 15.

To facilitate the return journey, 2,240 special buses will be operated in addition to regular services on September 14. These include 255 buses from Trichy, 300 from Madurai and Dindigul, 200 from Salem, 195 from Krishnagiri, Hosur and Vellore, and 50 each from Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi.

Another 225 buses will operate from Kumbakonam, 325 from Tiruvannamalai and 185 from Villupuram, while 305 buses will be operated from other towns.

More buses on September 15

On September 15, a total of 1,325 special buses have been planned for services to the Kilambakkam bus terminus. These include 105 buses from Trichy, 75 each from Madurai and Dindigul, 75 from Salem, 200 from Krishnagiri, Hosur and Vellore, and 20 from Coimbatore.

The plan also includes 10 buses each from Tirunelveli, Nagercoil and Tenkasi, 15 from Thoothukudi, 125 from Kumbakonam, 175 from Tiruvannamalai and 85 from Villupuram. Another 420 buses will operate from other towns.

Together, 3,565 special buses have been planned for services to the Kilambakkam bus terminus on September 14 and 15.

Furthermore, a total of 4,095 special buses are planned, including 160 special buses to the Madhavaram bus terminus and 370 special buses to the Koyambedu bus terminus via the East Coast Road.

The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has also made arrangements to facilitate passengers arriving at Kilambakkam and ensure their onward travel to Chennai and its suburbs.

Accordingly, 400 additional trips using 50 special buses will be operated from Kilambakkam to various destinations in Chennai during the evening and night of September 14. Another 150 additional trips will begin in the early hours of September 15.

Additional city bus services have also been arranged from Chennai Central, Egmore and Tambaram railway stations to various parts of the city and suburbs.

The meeting of the two biggest stars of Tamil cinema had created much enthusiasm among their fans. At the event, Ajith was seen teaching the chief minister how to ride a racing vehicle, while he also suited up in racing gear.

The Chief Minister's gift carried the message, “To my dear brother Ajith, with love, Vijay.” In return, Ajith gifted Vijay a helmet.

Vijay's week-long official visit aimed at attracting investments to Tamil Nadu and strengthening ties with British companies. His visit to the race ground is linked to the State's proposed Motor Sports City. Ahead of his visit, Ajith had thanked the Chief Minister for accepting his invite and for working towards strengthening motor sports in the State.

Addressing the wedding of a DMK Youth Wing functionary here, he alleged that the ruling regime had failed to deliver on any of its election promises during its initial four months in office. “The victory in these by-elections must mark the beginning of the fall of this regime and teach a fitting lesson to this dummy chief minister,” he said.

He claimed that people across the State are grappling with daily crises, from frequent power cuts and surging prices of essential commodities like rice and pulses to worsening law and order.

“When questioned on these issues, the CM is unable to answer and instead resorts to spreading slander against our party and leadership,” he claimed.

He charged that the current administration was simply rebranding and “pasting stickers” on public welfare schemes initiated during the previous DMK government rather than introducing new initiatives.

“In Tamil Nadu’s history, we have never witnessed such an uncouth and dummy Chief Minister,” Udhayanidhi said, alleging that the government came to power by luring MLAs from other parties.

While acknowledging the party’s setback in the Assembly elections, he asserted that the DMK continues to function as an effective opposition, standing firmly with the public.

If the Chief Minister had travelled to London to attract investments, he should explain whom he met and the investments secured during the visit, Nainar Nagenthran told reporters in Tirunelveli.

“How many investors can be met in just three days is a major question,” he said, adding that there was nothing wrong with the Chief Minister undertaking the visit.

Nainar Nagenthran said it was unclear whether Vijay had travelled to London for personal work or as part of an official visit. He also questioned who had accompanied the Chief Minister and whether anyone had travelled with him at government expense.

“If he has gone for personal work, nobody can object. But if he has gone to attract investors, he should explain the details of the investor outreach after returning,” he said.

He said attracting investments was primarily the responsibility of the Industries Minister and questioned the details of the Chief Minister’s efforts to mobilise industrial investments.

The former Chief Minister pointed to the resignation of two AIADMK legislators that necessitated by-elections. “They took away our MLAs just like luring children playing on the street with candy, solely to retain power through political horse-trading,” the AIADMK chief alleged.

Addressing party workers at a wedding function here, Palaniswami dubbed the TVK government a “borrowed government” that survives entirely on external support rather than on its own mandate.

“This government is not standing on its own legs. It is surviving on borrowed strength. If the alliance partners withdraw their support, this regime will collapse immediately,” he said.

Palaniswami said that while the TVK had promised a full waiver of crop loans for farmers holding up to five acres of land, the scheme rolled out by the administration was heavily curtailed with rigid ceilings and reduced allocations, sparking protests across the state.

He also targeted the government over administrative apathy, alleging that direct procurement centres had failed to procure harvested paddy in time, leaving mounds of grain exposed to unseasonal rains. “Vast quantities of harvested paddy have sprouted and severe damage is seen in open yards across the Delta and other districts. The government has turned a blind eye to the farmers’ plight despite repeated representations raised in the Assembly,” Palaniswami said.

He further flagged issues of frequent power cuts and rising prices of essential food items.

He said it was intolerable that some DMK leaders continued to make derogatory remarks against women, while party cadres cheered such comments.

Shanmugam questioned how the DMK president could remain a silent spectator when the minister's mother was allegedly insulted.

“Anyone who makes derogatory remarks against women in public, irrespective of the party they belong to, should be condemned and disciplined by the respective party leadership,” he said.

He added that some DMK functionaries continued to cross the line of decency and expressed hope that the DMK president would uphold the party's duty to maintain discipline, highlighting the party's three ideals: "duty, dignity, and discipline."

Additional Chief Secretary to the Finance Department, MA Siddique, issued a circular to the Treasury Department stating that if retired government employees are appointed on a contractual basis with remuneration, the amount will be deducted when the interim payout is given to them.

"Government employees should complete 10 years of service under the regular time-scale period to get TAPS. Their service under the special time scale will not be considered for pension and interim payout," said Siddique.

He said the interim payout under TAPS would be given only to government employees working in government departments.

"Officials and staff working in local bodies, boards and universities are not eligible for interim payouts," Siddique said.

The TVK-led government has decided to continue with the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS), introduced during the previous DMK regime, and has issued detailed guidelines for interim pension payments to eligible government employees retiring on or after January 1, 2026.

The Finance Department has already said that the interim payout will be calculated at 30 per cent of the last drawn basic pay or Rs 10,000 per month, whichever is higher. In addition, beneficiaries will receive dearness relief at 60 per cent of the payout amount.

With two of the defectors now being fielded by the TVK against the AIADMK in their former constituencies, the bypolls have become an early test of whether the ruling party can convert the defections into electoral gains and whether Edappadi can retain his voter base with the support of its allies.

Adding intrigue to the AIADMK's efforts, there is speculation that the PMK could instead extend support to the TVK, with reports suggesting that Sowmiya Anbumani could be offered a ministerial berth as part of such an arrangement. AIADMK sources, however, dismissed the possibility, pointing out that the VCK is already part of the TVK alliance and has a place in the government, making any fresh accommodation for the PMK difficult.

AIADMK leaders are expected to meet PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Monday to seek the party's support. The PMK was part of the AIADMK-led alliance in the 2026 Assembly elections but has not announced its position on the two bypolls, despite former ministers meeting Anbumani to convince him.

AIADMK's K Maragatham Kumaravel secured 69,284 votes, while the TVK candidate, who finished second, polled 62,090 in the recently concluded Assembly polls. PMK can certainly tilt the balance if it chooses to support TVK or even abstain from supporting any party.

Like a classic river-crossing problem involving the wolf, goat, and cabbage, VCK's earlier stance of not remaining in an alliance in the presence of PMK makes it tough for TVK to accommodate the Vanniyar party with 4 MLAs. But if CM Vijay manages to convince Thiruma on this issue, AIADMK would be at the receiving end. Well aware of the political consequences, in the backdrop of disgruntled CVe Shanmugam calling AIADMK's win a loss by PMK, Palaniswami's messengers are trying their best to convince Anbumani.

The AIADMK has already secured the support of the BJP, Puthiya Needhi Katchi and other alliance partners for the 2026 Assembly election. The AMMK has also decided to support the AIADMK.

The attempt to bring the PMK on board is thus significant for the AIADMK not merely as an addition to its alliance arithmetic, but as a bid to prevent the TVK from making inroads into its vote base, particularly in Madurantakam.

Electors aged above 85 years and persons with benchmark disabilities will also be eligible to vote through postal ballot in the upcoming by-elections, according to notifications issued by the Election Commission of India and published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette.

The notifications said COVID-19 suspected or affected persons certified by the competent authority could apply for postal ballot voting, subject to verification by the concerned Returning Officer.

Similarly, electors aged 85 and above and persons with benchmark disabilities already marked or flagged in the electoral roll database could opt for the facility.

The postal ballot facility will apply to the bye-elections to the Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC) Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Thattanchavady in Puducherry.

The notifications were published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tamil Nadu held its Assembly election in 2021. At that time, the number of polling stations was increased, and postal ballot facilities were provided to people affected by COVID-19.

The facility continued in subsequent elections, including the Parliament and Assembly elections, and will continue in the ensuing by-elections.

In an exclusive interview to Thanthi TV, Prime Minister Anwar said Vijay’s office had conveyed from the beginning itself that the date was difficult but the chief minister was trying to adjust his schedule.

Anwar said he, too, had a limited window, as he was travelling to Kerala before heading to the Maldives.

Despite efforts to accommodate each other’s schedules, the dates did not match, he said.

“Even then, he tried. We delayed, trying to accommodate, but he was already committed to major programmes, overseas investments, and some other programmes,” Anwar said.

He said he eventually told Vijay: “‘It is okay. I will continue with Kerala and the Maldives, but I cannot proceed to Tamil Nadu.’ He will probably join us in Malaysia.”

Rejecting reports in sections of the Malaysian media that the Tamil Nadu government had failed to reciprocate the gesture, Anwar said: “No, it is not true. Some of this media takes a very negative view, which is not fair.”

Anwar said he would love to visit Chennai and looked forward to its food, culture and people.

He added that Vijay’s popularity among Malaysian Tamils could help strengthen India-Malaysia ties, particularly if he visits Malaysia.

Excerpts from a chat:

B Siva Prakash (26), and Shiyon Cherian (28), began their arduous journey from Gudalur on August 31 and reached Villupuram on Sunday.

“We decided to fight for the cause after losing two precious lives to tiger attacks over a short span in our neighbourhood,” they said.

The two cover around 35 to 40 km a day, depending on weather conditions. They begin walking as early as 6 am and continue until about 11 am, resuming their journey at 4 pm and walking until around 9 pm.

The duo plan to meet CM Vijay in Chennai to submit a petition seeking his intervention in resolving the problems faced by Gudalur residents

Their journey has also drawn support from people along the route. As the duo post daily updates on social media about the distance covered and their route, members of the public have come forward to provide food and other essentials. Some have also offered them accommodation for the night.

“We generally decline such offers and rest either on the premises of petrol bunks or sometimes at temples,” said Siva Prakash.

The ongoing walk is not Siva Prakash’s first campaign for an environmental cause. He had earlier undertaken a cycling expedition to Ladakh to raise awareness about the need to eradicate plastic waste in the hills and conserve water. For Cherian, however, the march marks his first effort to campaign for a social cause.

The duo have planned to meet Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay in Chennai, once they reach in another three days and submit a petition seeking his intervention in resolving the problems faced by residents of Gudalur. Apart from human-animal conflict, they intend to highlight issues concerning Section 17 land and patta rights, which they say have left many residents without clear ownership of their land.

“There are also many families without electricity supply in our neighbourhood,” Cherian said, adding that the petition would seek government action on these long-pending concerns.

The youngsters hope their long walk from the hills to the state capital will prompt concrete measures to improve their safety and living conditions.

The restrictions by the forest department, following the deaths of two farmers in suspected tiger attacks in quick succession on August 8 and August 21, have come at a steep cost for the residents.

“We understand the danger, but staying at home for so long means losing our only source of income. We have no savings to fall back on. For our daily food, we manage with groceries, vegetables and other essentials given to us by representatives of political parties, traders’ associations and other welfare organisations following the twin attacks,” said Janaki Jayaram (40), a resident of Lauriston.

Most of the villagers work as farmhands, pluck tea leaves or take up odd jobs to make ends meet. The prolonged confinement has disrupted the lives of children as well. Only over the past two weeks, following repeated appeals from residents, has the forest department begun ferrying school children between their homes and schools, providing some relief to families living under the shadow of the tiger.

Janaki described the situation as being similar to the lockdown imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. For her, however, the crisis has been a double blow, as her family was rendered homeless after a wild elephant entered their house the same day when the second suspected tiger attack happened.

“My elderly mother Dhavamani, aged 76, along with my 10-year-old daughter and my two nieces, aged 14 and 16, were fast asleep when a wild elephant broke through the back door and entered our house. The house had a temporary roof, and the elephant emerged through the front door after completely collapsing the structure. Fortunately, they managed to escape. On that day, I was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kerala following surgery,” she said.

Dhavamani, who is the sole breadwinner of the family and works as a caretaker for a baby at a house in Gudalur town, has also been unable to work for the past month because of the restrictions. Janaki herself has been unable to work after undergoing major surgery, while her husband has left the family following differences.

Gudalur Ward 18 councillor Mumtaj said residents were unable to even buy essential commodities from Public Distribution System (PDS) shops located a few kilometres away because of the fear of venturing outside.

“Some arrangements should be made to supply the essentials at their doorstep until the prowling tiger is trapped,” she said.

For Pushpavalli (54) of Manjushree Estate, the tiger attacks have brought an even more personal tragedy. She lost her husband, M Balakrishnan, a daily wage worker, in the first suspected tiger attack on August 8.

“My husband left the house around evening to bring drinking water from a natural spring for our household use, but he did not return. After searching through the night, we were shattered to find his partially consumed remains the next morning,” she said.

Her three sons live elsewhere and work odd jobs, while Pushpavalli herself worked as a tea plucker at an estate.

“Initially, I had doubts whether the animal that killed my husband was a tiger. But my son and brother spotted a tiger consuming the body of a person during the second attack, which happened just a short distance from our house. The villagers gathered and scared it away by shouting,” she said.

It had been more than two decades since villagers had last sighted a tiger in their neighbourhood. “Our entire village has now been confined to our homes. It is really difficult to live like this,” Pushpavalli added.

K Sahadevan, vice-chairman of ‘O’ Valley Panchayat, said residents had sighted the tiger twice in the locality even after the two attacks — once on a road and again in an area barely a kilometre away.

“If the capture efforts do not work out, a special task force should be formed to gun down the tiger to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people. If there is a further delay even after losing two precious lives, we will decide our next course of action and take up protests,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shaji Chelivayal, president of the Federation of Small Tea Growers Association (FESTA), urged the State government to provide financial assistance to families who have been deprived of work for nearly a month.

“These families belong to the lower strata of society. Each family should be given at least Rs 10,000 as compensation. Besides losing their livelihood, many families also have debts and need to pay interest. In the long run, these people should also be provided with permanent concrete houses, as most of them live in structures with asbestos roofing and also lack electricity supply,” he said.

The prolonged absence of workers is also affecting the sprawling estates. “The tea and coffee plantations have become overgrown with bushes because workers have been unable to report for duty, while tea leaves have gone unplucked,” Shaji added.

TIMELINE

August 8: M Balakrishnan was killed in a suspected tiger attack in O’ Valley

August 21: Ravichandran was killed in a tiger attack in O’ Valley

August 27: Traders in Gudalur observed a 48-hour shutdown, demanding the capture of the tiger

August 28: Two kumki elephants from the Mudumalai elephant camp were deployed to assist in the tiger-tracking operation

September 9: A leopard was caught in a cage set up to capture the tiger

September 11: Forest Minister RV Ranjith Kumar met the bereaved families and assured necessary action

September 13: The search operation entered its 24th day, but the tiger remained untraced

In a representation dated September 11, 2026, addressed to the Chairperson of the HPC in New Delhi, Rohit Choudhury, a conservationist in Assam, urged the panel to halt the transfer of elephants and probe into the circumstances of their transfer.

One of the captive jumbos, five-year-old Durga, is already at the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple in Madurai, and four of them are in the transfer process. Two male elephants, Hiralal (8) and Shiva (6), are proposed to be transferred to the Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai. Rupsing, a 13-year-old bull elephant, is set to be moved to the Vaitheeswaran Koil in Nagapattinam. Female calf Bijuli (5) is to be sent to Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Gajashala in Kancheepuram.

Citing a Supreme Court order in Abir Phukan vs Union of India, Choudhury said the committee was empowered to examine the legality and permissibility of elephant transfers across the country. "The Chief Wildlife Wardens can grant travel permits to elephants only on the recommendation of this Committee," he said, adding that the committee was expected to conduct the necessary inquiries before a final decision.

He also referred to a judgment of the Manipur High Court in Nongmeikapam Victoria vs Union of India and Others, arguing that the HPC's mandate and jurisdiction continue despite the Captive Elephants (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024.

The conservationist questioned why the elephants were being moved so far from Assam when facilities could potentially be available closer to their current location and why the elephants could not be cared for in Assam if their present owners were unable to maintain them.

Speaking to the media, Tamil Nadu Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra said the 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) for Durga's transfer was already received, and applications for elephants proposed to be donated to four other temples and religious institutions are being processed.

Meanwhile, Choudhury urged the HPC to examine the ownership, legality and proposed destinations of the five elephants and ensure that the transfers do not proceed without the required scrutiny and approvals.

The guidelines, issued by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, aim to ensure that children facing proceedings under the POCSO Act receive legal, medical, psychological, educational and rehabilitation support.

A support person will function as a liaison between the child and authorities, helping the child and family navigate the criminal justice process from the registration of a complaint until the conclusion of the trial. The person will also be responsible for ensuring that the child's broader welfare needs are addressed through the concerned departments and agencies.

Under the new guidelines, District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) will invite applications every year for empanelment of support persons and organisations. Applicants will undergo scrutiny by the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO). Authorities will conduct a criminal background check and police verification of applicants and all persons working in an organisation seeking empanelment. Eligible candidates will subsequently be called for an interview and given an orientation on the duties and responsibilities.

Candidates will be assessed on their previous experience in child rights, knowledge of relevant subjects, and commitment to child protection. The final list will be placed before the District Collector for approval, following which the DCPO will empanel the candidates and share the list with the police, Child Welfare Committees (CWC), judiciary and prosecutors.

The empanelment will be valid for three years. Following a performance review, a support person may be empanelled for another three-year term.

The guidelines permit several categories of people to serve as support persons – officials of children’s homes or shelter homes having custody of a child, persons employed by DCPU, individuals or organisations working in child rights or child protection, and persons or organisations chosen by the child or the child’s parents or guardian.

Every victim under the POCSO Act must be informed of their right to have a support person during investigation and trial. The person will/can handle a maximum of 10 cases at any given time. Once assigned, the person will continue assisting the child until the trial concludes. The child attaining 18 years of age will not, by itself, end the assignment, clarify the department’s guidelines.

They will receive an honorarium of Rs 10,000 per case, including travel allowance, subject to satisfactory service. The amount will be paid in 4 installments of Rs 2,500 each after the DCPO verifies completion of prescribed activities.

Government-run child-care institution employees, DCPU employees and Childline 1098 service providers will not be eligible for the honorarium, though they may claim applicable travel allowance.

The two accused, Santhosh (24) and Thavasi (28), were arrested for abducting a 14-year-old girl around 7.30 pm on Saturday and raping her at a house in Kanjikonampalayam by threatening her with a sickle.

Acting on a complaint, the All Women’s Police Station (AWPS-South) registered a case and arrested the duo soon after the incident. During the course of inquiry, Thavasi claimed to have concealed a sickle in a nearby location.

A police team led by Inspector Suvarnavalli took him to the spot to retrieve the weapon. Suddenly, Thavasi took the sickle and attacked the Inspector, causing injury. As he attempted to run away, Sub-Inspector Silambarasan opened fire in self-defence after the accused failed to heed repeated warnings.

Police said Thavasi, who received a gunshot wound in the left leg, was immediately rushed to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), while the injured inspector has also been admitted for treatment. The victim girl was subjected to a medical examination. Further investigation is on.

The police said that a case under Section 189 (unlawful assembly) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered

Further probe is under way.

On Saturday (), the DMK conducted a statewide protest against the remarks made by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay in the Assembly targeting party president MK Stalin and former chief minister M Karunanidhi.

During the protest, several DMK leaders also made personal attacks against CM Vijay and his ministers.

The state-run shipbuilder has received the allotment letter from the VO Chidambaranar Port Authority, according to its investor presentation submitted to the stock exchanges on September 10. Under the proposal, 62.18 acres will be allotted this month, followed by 41.96 acres by April 2027 and six acres by December 2027.

The facility is planned as a brownfield capacity expansion under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme. It will undertake shipbuilding, ship repair and offshore fabrication. The facility is proposed adjacent to the larger greenfield shipbuilding cluster planned at Thoothukudi.

The proposed cluster is being developed through National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park Tamil Nadu Ltd, a 50:50 joint venture between VOC Port and SIPCOT.

The two entities signed an MoU in September 2025 to develop a mega shipbuilding cluster at Thoothukudi.

NSHIP-TN, South Korea's HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and Sagarmala Finance Corporation signed an MoU in April for a proposed 2.5million-gross-tonne annual-capacity greenfield shipyard at Thoothukudi.

After the change of regime, Chairman Justice Kurian Joseph and member K Ashok Vardhan Shetty met Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. However, the delay in restoring staffing levels has left existing personnel shouldering the additional workload.

Sources said two or three of the five research scholars engaged by the committee may leave their assignments due to inadequate administrative support, putting into question the very existence and functioning of the panel. With the committee’s term ending in a few months, the shortage could affect its ability to collect data, undertake research and complete its report.

Though the TVK-led government has approved an allocation of around Rs 1.5 crore for the committee, the staff strength sanctioned during the previous DMK regime expired a few months ago. The committee has written to the government seeking approval for essential staff, but the request is yet to be cleared.

"The government is processing a file seeking approval for the staff strength requested by the committee," a Human Resources Department source said.

"There are five research scholars working in the committee to collect data and undertake research. Some of them have decided to leave the committee due to a lack of adequate support from the government," a committee employee said.

The immediate problem is administrative, but its larger implication could be political. The quality and breadth of the committee’s recommendations will depend on the research and data it can gather. A weakened research team could, consequently, narrow the scope of its second report and dilute the broader exercise on State autonomy.

The Rajamannar Committee, constituted by the DMK government in 1969 on similar lines, served as an ideological catalyst for a greater assertion of state rights. The present version, initiated by MK Stalin, is struggling to meet its second report deadline in May 2027.

The change of regime has already altered the committee, with Professor M Naganathan resigning from the three-member panel. It is now functioning with only its chairman and one member.

The finding is part of the CAG’s Report on State Revenues for the period ended March 2024, tabled in the Assembly on September 8. An analysis of VAHAN data for 2019-20 to 2023-24 found that 4.16 lakh unique mobile numbers were used for allotment of 6.75 lakh fancy numbers. Of these, 53,000 mobile numbers were used more than once to secure 3.12 lakh fancy numbers.

More significantly, in the registration of 3,355 vehicles, individual mobile numbers were used between 11 and 2,008 times each.

The CAG said the repeated use of the same mobile numbers indicated that some individuals or entities "may be acquiring fancy numbers in bulk, possibly for resale or speculation", undermining the allotment process.

Due to the lack of transparency, people have to visit regional transport offices (RTOs) to find out about available unallotted reserved numbers, increasing their dependence on agents or agencies for vehicle registration.

The government, in its reply in August 2025, said fancy number allotment on the VAHAN portal was based on Aadhaar authentication and that it has discontinued multiple allotments using a single mobile number.

The CAG also flagged significant disparities in the fees collected for fancy numbers and a potential revenue loss of Rs 133.15 crore.

An analysis of 62,606 vehicles registered with fancy numbers during 2019-20 to 2023-24 showed that 32,197 vehicles had paid fees below the minimum base amount of Rs 40,000 fixed by the government. In 7,105 cases, the fee or allotment amount was below the prescribed amount, resulting in a potential loss of Rs 133.15 crore.

The audit found that 15,526, or 25%, of the 62,606 vehicles were registered with delays ranging from 1 to 62 months after purchase. Of these, 9,102 vehicles had paid lower fees for the allotment of reserved fancy numbers.
The CAG said the VAHAN database had a loophole that enabled buyers to delay registration until the registration series reached a point where they could obtain their preferred fancy numbers by paying a lower fee, instead of the higher premium prescribed for advance or government-reserved numbers.

The audit also found wide variations in fees charged for the same fancy number at different RTOs on the same date. For instance, the number "0007" was allotted to 1,203 vehicles during the audit period, with fees ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2 lakh. On February 6, 2023, it was allotted for Rs 2,000 at Thuraiyur UO, while a buyer at Chennai South RTO paid Rs 2 lakh.

The CAG also found that 43,799 of 77,028 unallotted reserved fancy numbers had neither been updated on the VAHAN portal nor displayed on notice boards at RTOs, raising concerns over transparency.

The government said the variation in fees between RTOs was due to differences in the closure of current registration series and denied any procedural lapse or revenue leakage. The CAG, however, said it had highlighted the inconsistency in the system and the need for corrective measures.

The government has since issued a draft amendment to the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, proposing e-bidding and revision of fees for fancy numbers.

The CAG recommended that the transport department implement stringent measures to ensure timely vehicle registration and transparency in the allotment of fancy numbers.

"Is it your last weapon to speak in filthy language on stages about me and my leader?" Nirmalkumar asked regarding offensive remarks made by DMK leader A Raja.

Terming the demonstrations by DMK functionaries an "obscenity drama," the minister said people in Tamil Nadu, particularly women, were shocked by the speeches of some DMK functionaries.

He alleged that whenever issues such as corruption, betrayal and lies were raised against the DMK, its functionaries resorted to speeches mixing violence and obscenity.

"Can he show the alleged objectionable speeches of DMK functionaries to their own children and female members of their families?" he said.

Nirmalkumar said the TVK would face the alleged atrocities of the DMK with honesty and claimed that the opposition party has lacked the capacity to tackle the ruling party TVK, which, he said, has the support of women and children.

He said the DMK had no opportunity to correct itself and claimed that the people would write the party's "epitaph."

The controversy erupted during the statewide demonstrations organised by the DMK on Saturday against the TVK government. The main Opposition had accused Chief Minister Vijay and Minister Nirmal Kumar of insulting the sacrifices of DMK leaders and those imprisoned during the Emergency. During his speech, Raja made some indecent remarks about minister Nirmalkumar, dragging his birth into question.

Amid mounting criticism of such uncouth remarks, Raja announced that he was withdrawing them. In a post on X, the former Union minister said he had no hesitation in taking back his words.

However, Raja maintained a combative tone in the post, saying he regretted questioning a person's "identity" as an emotional reaction to the pain caused by the deliberate, repeated ridicule of a leader's "identity" and "truth," a leader who had emerged through sacrifice.

"I have no hesitation in taking back my words. If you do not reform yourself, you will be corrected," Raja said.

Meanwhile, DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi appeared to respond to the controversy indirectly by posting a Tirukkural on X. She quoted "yaakaavaa raayinum naakaakka kaavaakkaal sokaappar sollizhukkup pattu." The couplet advises people to guard their speech, warning that failing to control one's tongue can lead to suffering caused by one's own words. Kanimozhi did not name anyone or make any direct reference to the controversy in her post.

Candidates who had appeared under the old syllabus before 2012 and failed in science can also register, stated a press note

Candidates must approach the office of the District Educational Officer (Secondary Education) concerned in person during the registration period and pay a fee of Rs 125, stated DGE. The application form can be downloaded from the DGE website. 

The department clarified that this registration is only for attending the practical training classes and does not constitute registration for the Class 10 board exams itself. 

Candidates applying for the Class 10 science practical exam will have to attend practical training classes at schools allotted by the respective District Educational Officer. Only candidates who secure at least 80% attendance in the practical training classes will be permitted to appear for the science practical examination.

The hall ticket can be downloaded using the application number provided on the acknowledgement slip issued by the nodal centre. Only candidates who have obtained a hall ticket will be permitted to take the practical exam. 

The operation began at Madurai railway station, where investigators identified the couple on CCTV footage carrying the missing bag and boarding another train. When the train had already passed Virudhunagar, police switched their search to CCTV footage at the next station, traced the couple's onward journey by autorickshaw and finally caught up with them at the bus stand.

The accused were identified as Kaliappan, 66, and his wife Solaiyammal, 62, both from JJ Nagar in Vannarapettai, Chennai. The bag containing jewellery and cash, valued at Rs 8.30 lakh, was recovered from them.

The operation was launched after Mahadevi, wife of Sethu and a resident of Bharathidasan Street in Irumbuliyur, Tambaram, reported that her bag had gone missing while she was travelling on the Tambaram-Madurai Kudal Express to Manamadurai on September 12.

Mahadevi was travelling in the general compartment next to the engine when the bag containing the jewellery and cash went missing. She reported the matter to the station master at Kudal Nagar railway station, who alerted the RPF personnel in Madurai.

When the train arrived in Madurai, RPF head constable Sathyamoorthy searched the compartment, but the bag was not found.

RPF personnel and Tamil Nadu Railway Police Crime Branch personnel then questioned Mahadevi and examined CCTV footage at Madurai railway station.

The footage showed an elderly couple carrying the bag described by Mahadevi and boarding the general compartment of the Chennai-Kanniyakumari special train.

Police immediately alerted RPF and railway police personnel in Virudhunagar. However, by the time officers were informed, the train had already crossed Virudhunagar railway station.

The search then shifted to CCTV footage recorded at Virudhunagar station. Investigators questioned autorickshaw drivers after learning that the couple had left the railway station in an autorickshaw.

The trail led the police to the Virudhunagar bus stand, where the couple was traced and the bag recovered.

Madurai Railway Police registered a case and produced the two accused before the Sixth Magistrate Court in Madurai. The judge granted them bail, considering their age, according to the report.

Senior railway security and police officials appreciated the personnel involved in the operation, which led to the recovery of the valuables within about two hours.

Addressing the wedding of a DMK Youth Wing functionary here, he alleged that the ruling regime had failed to deliver on any of its election promises during its initial four months in office.

"In Tamil Nadu's history, we have never witnessed such an uncouth and dummy chief minister," Udhayanishi said, alleging that the government came to power by luring MLAs from other parties.

He charged that the current administration was simply rebranding and "pasting stickers" on public welfare schemes initiated during the previous DMK government rather than introducing new initiatives.

"Today, people across Tamil Nadu are grappling with daily crises, from frequent power cuts and surging prices of essential commodities like rice and pulses to worsening law and order. When questioned on these issues, the CM is unable to answer and instead resorts to spreading slanders against our party and leadership," he claimed.

Referring to upcoming Assembly by-elections in two constituencies, Udhayanidhi called upon the party cadre to use the polls to deliver a decisive defeat to the ruling dispensation.

"The victory in these by-elections must mark the beginning of the fall of this regime and teach a fitting lesson to this dummy chief minister," he said.

The Election Commission India (EC) has scheduled polling for October 6.

The two seats–Maduranthakam and Dharapuram fell vacant after AIADMK MLAs resigned and joined the TVK.

Udhayanidhi also noted that the DMK was entering its 77th year ahead of the party's Mupperum Vizha celebrations.

While acknowledging the party's setback in the previous Assembly elections, he asserted that the DMK continues to function as an effective opposition standing firmly with the public.

DMK Chennai South district secretary and former minister Ma Subramanian and other party functionaries were present at the event.

The deceased were identified as Muniyandi, 65, of Nadu Pillaiyarkulam, and his grandson, Munees, 17, who was riding the moped.

According to police, Muniyandi was working as a security guard at a private windmill in the area. At around 7 am, he was travelling as a pillion rider on the moped driven by Munees on the Tirunelveli-Sankarankovil main road.

Munees was reportedly turning the vehicle eastwards to cross the main road and reach the windmill located on the other side when a government bus travelling in the same direction collided with the moped.

Muniyandi died at the spot. Munees sustained serious injuries to the back of his head and was taken by a 108 ambulance to the Tirunelveli Government Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

The government bus was driven by Subash, son of Ayyappan, from Pudur-Arumanai in Kanniyakumari district.

Based on a complaint, Manur police have registered a case and are investigating.

Muniyandi is survived by his wife, Vasantha, two married sons and a daughter. Munees was a Class 12 student at a higher secondary school in Tirunelveli.

The bus driver, Sivashakthi, sustained serious head injuries and was referred to the Tirunelveli Government Hospital for further treatment. The remaining injured were taken to the Tenkasi Government Hospital in 108 ambulances.

Kuttralam police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the accident.

The bus had left the Tenkasi new bus stand for Tirunelveli at around 7 am with more than 30 passengers. Sivashakthi was driving the bus, while Isakki Muthu was the conductor.

According to the police, the bus was travelling on the Tirunelveli-Tenkasi four-lane road near Vettaikaran Kulam, adjoining Azad Nagar, when passengers reportedly heard a sound from the vehicle.

The driver lost control of the bus, which broke through the roadside barrier and overturned into the Azhagukanni River.

Motorists and residents of Vettaikaran Kulam rushed to the spot and began rescuing passengers trapped inside the bus.

Kuttralam police, led by Inspector Pachaimmal and sub-inspectors Muthu Thilagar and Chinnathirai, along with personnel from the Tenkasi Fire and Rescue Services, joined the rescue operation.

Police later cleared traffic congestion in the area, while the overturned bus was recovered with the help of a JCB and a crane.

Police are investigating the accident from multiple angles. Some passengers reportedly told investigators that the driver had been speaking on a mobile phone before the accident.

Investigators are also examining whether the driver may have dozed off or whether a mechanical fault in the bus caused the accident.

In Chennai, permission has been granted for the installation of 1,562 idols, compared with 1,519 last year, according to the Chennai city police.

The idols will be installed and worshipped on Monday, while police have permitted processions and immersion on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20. The processions must follow routes approved by the police, and idols must be immersed only at authorised locations.

DGP Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal has directed district superintendents of police and commissioners of police to make necessary arrangements to ensure that the Vinayagar idol processions are conducted peacefully.

In Chennai, 16,500 police personnel and 1,500 Home Guards will be deployed for security duties, according to the Chennai Police Commissionerate. Police Commissioner Amalraj has directed senior officials to make all necessary arrangements for the peaceful conduct of the celebrations and processions.

Police have imposed several restrictions on the installation and worship of idols, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Madras High Court. Idols taller than 10 feet will not be permitted.

Organisers have been directed to ensure the celebrations do not disturb public peace and to follow police instructions. Police said they will take strict action against those installing idols without permission.

Organisers will be responsible for each idol installed for worship. Police patrol teams will conduct regular rounds at the venues, while CCTV cameras must be installed at the locations.

Police have also directed organisers to appoint two volunteers from service organisations as security personnel for each idol.

In Chennai, arrangements have been made for immersion at Palkaalai Nagar in Neelankarai, Srinivasapuram in Pattinapakkam, behind the Popular Weighbridge in Tiruvottiyur, and the Kasimedu fishing harbour.

However, the National Green Tribunal has prohibited the immersion of idols in the sea at Neelankarai and Pattinapakkam Srinivasapuram, raising questions over whether alternative locations would be arranged.

Police sources said discussions were under way on the issue.

Vinayagar Chaturthi will be celebrated across the country on Monday. In Tamil Nadu, Hindu organisations, including Hindu Munnani, and members of the public traditionally install Vinayagar idols at public places for worship after obtaining police permission.