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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why are political discussions not allowed?

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

The reason behind the notice board

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further investigation is in progress, said officials.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The court observed that the crime reflected on the State's law and order situation and that the material collected by the investigating agency were insufficient to make out a case against A11.

7 men entered Perumpathu village on March 2 and attacked John Mark, who was standing near a shop, and an Odisha labourer who was passing by, killing them both

The investigating agency did not bother to collect relevant material to link this accused to the offence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The announcement was made during the discussion on the demand for grants for the Home, Prohibition and Excise Department.

In Avadi Commissionerate, the Avadi police district will be bifurcated and a new police district, Poonamallee, will be formed. The Poonamallee range will be bifurcated and a new range, Thirumazhisai, will be formed.

"Due to rapid urbanisation in areas under Avadi City Commissionerate and rise in population density, it is imperative that the law and order be strengthened for public safety," an official note said.

In Tambaram Commissionerate, the Tambaram police district will be bifurcated and a new police district, Kilambakkam, will be formed. Further, the Guduvanchery police range will be bifurcated and Kilambakkam range will be formed.

Officials will be posted to the newly formed districts and ranges in the coming days.

Avadi and Tambaram Police Commissionerates, which were formed after the trifurcation of Greater Chennai Police, were formally inaugurated on January 1, 2022, by the then chief minister MK Stalin. Apart from over a dozen police stations from Greater Chennai Police, the police stations from Tiruvallur district were attached to Avadi Commissionerate, and stations from Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram districts were attached to Tambaram City Police.

Before the latest announcement, both Avadi and Tambaram Commissionerates were divided into two police districts. The move was aimed at strengthening law and order and traffic management in the expanding areas.

On September 2, as many as 67 employees were suspended for three months, followed by more than 100 employees being suspended the next day. The department had earlier warned that repeat violators would be dismissed.

"Over hundreds are suspended today across all regions including Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchy, Salem, and Madurai. We can expect more in the following days," said an official source from the State-run corporation that has the monopoly over liquor retail sales in the State.

The Prohibition and Excise Department has not yet given out the exact number of employees suspended as part of the disciplinary action.

The action comes after Tasmac announced a 25 per cent hike in their salaries on July 7, and a second round of hike that was announced a few days ago. Speaking during the Assembly discussion on the demands for grants for the Prohibition and Excise Department, Minister K Vignesh had said the government decided to hike the salaries after taking into account the concerns of Tasmac employees, many of whom have been working in the corporation's outlets for nearly 23 years.

Under the revised pay structure, Tasmac supervisors will earn Rs 33,033 a month, while salesmen and assistant salesmen will receive Rs 30,284 and Rs 28,680, respectively. The government held four rounds of discussions with trade union representatives before finalising the revision. The new salaries will be applicable from September 1, and will entail an additional expenditure of Rs 486.96 crore to the exchequer.

While announcing the hike, and also additional benefits like festival bonus, rotational weekly off, and 8-hour duty period, the minister had warned employees against selling liquor above the maximum retail price (MRP), warning that violations would invite strict disciplinary action.

The deceased, identified as Gokila, was from Konasamudram village in Konganapuram. She was unmarried and had been staying at home after completing her college education.

On August 20, Gokila complained of severe abdominal pain and was taken by her family to a nearby Primary Health Centre. A medical examination revealed that she was seven months pregnant.

Following a complaint from her family, police from the All Women Police Station (AWPS), Sankagiri, questioned M Ammasi (26) from the same locality.

“During the inquiry, Ammasi agreed to marry Gokila after the ongoing temple festival. He subsequently took her to his residence,” police said.

However, on August 31, Ammasi informed Gokila’s parents that she had gone missing from his house. After a futile search, her family lodged a missing complaint with the Konganapuram police. A search was subsequently launched.

On Thursday, a woman who owns a farm in Vellalapuram village noticed a sack floating in her well after detecting a foul smell emanating from it. She alerted the police, who rushed to the spot and retrieved the sack, which had the decomposed body of Gokila.

Police sent the body for post-mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death. Salem Superintendent of Police S. Kuthalingam visited the scene and reviewed the investigation.

The Konganapuram police have registered a case and are conducting further inquiries to identify and trace those responsible for the murder.

Thahira raised the issue during Question Hour in the Assembly on Thursday, prompting netizens to point out that no such manufacturing unit exists in Ranipet and to suggest she might have been referring to tyre vulcanising units operating in and around Ranipet. Amid a rebuttal from former minister TRB Raajaa over the issue, pointing out that no such factory functions in Ranipet, Industries Minister S Keerthana issued a clarification on X. However, the damage was already done.

The claim took a turn when the Environment and Climate Change Minister, VK Rajeev, officially responded in the House to the Ranipet MLA's demand, saying the department would take action based on the findings of an official inspection.

Industries Minister S Keerthana also intervened in the debate, saying that the government should provide job opportunities for the youth and ensure that industries remain in the State. However, she said neither industries nor the environment should be affected and that the Environment Department should frame rules for industries. Later on, she issued a clarification on X, stating that her statement was generic and confirming that no such factory operates in Ranipet.

She also recorded on social media that representatives of JK Tyre, which is expanding its investment in the State by signing an MoU at the recent Vettri Conclave, have reiterated that its functional unit, located in Sriperumputhur about 70 km from Ranipet, strictly adheres to pollution norms and other parameters.

In a statement, the Tamil Nadu Government Ration Shop Employees' Association general secretary, P Dinesh Kumar, said the protest aimed to draw the government's attention to the difficulties workers face in implementing the scheme and urged immediate corrective measures.

Among the association's key demands are the introduction of direct scanning via PoS machines instead of the Bluetooth system, and the full implementation of the facility, allowing beneficiaries to receive commodities through authorised representatives.

The association also sought a temporary freeze for cards that have not completed e-KYC, with automatic release upon biometric authentication. Special exemptions should be provided to women, pregnant employees, persons with disabilities and elderly workers, it said.

It requested permission to distribute three months' worth of commodities in a single instalment and to conduct the door delivery after the 15th of every month. It also sought packet-based distribution of rice and other commodities, as well as uniform working hours across the State.

The workers demanded immediate release of pending subsidies to cooperative societies, nearly a year after the Thayumanavar scheme's launch, and sought the filling of vacant salesperson posts or payment of incentives until the vacancies are filled.

The association also urged the government to identify genuine beneficiaries rather than focus on percentage-based targets and remove ineligible names, including deceased persons and those undergoing treatment outside the State.

"Ration shop workers are the ones who can make the scheme a complete success by resolving problems on the ground," added the association.

The students were served eggs along with the regular noon meal. Soon after eating, several students complained of stomach pain and subsequently developed vomiting and dizziness.

As their condition caused concern among the school authorities, the affected students were rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital in Ooty for treatment. On learning that their children had fallen ill, anxious parents rushed to the hospital.

Officials from the Education and Health Departments said all 19 students were in a stable condition and were being kept under observation. Preliminary indications suggested that the illness may have occurred after the students consumed the eggs served with the meal, though the exact cause was yet to be established. An inquiry is under way.

“Court expects a report from the Government as to whether any study has been conducted before taking this policy decision, viz., as to how the Government is going to meet out the vacancies arising out of these maternity leaves,” Justice B Pugalendhi observed while hearing a petition filed by a secondary grade school teacher challenging the denial of her request for maternity leave.

The Court stated that, in the cadre of Personal Assistants to the Judges in this Bench alone, nearly 10 per cent of the sanctioned/working strength was on maternity leave as on date. It wanted to know the percentage of employees on maternity leave in each department.

“Already, there are regular vacancies in every department. The departments are functioning with less force. The efficiency of the departments depends upon the available workforce,” the Court observed.

Hence, the Court sought a report from the Government on the steps taken and the study conducted to meet the exigencies arising from vacancies caused by maternity leave.

The Court had earlier granted an interim order in favour of the petitioner, Suganthi Stella Mary, a Secondary Grade Teacher in Dindigul district, who challenged the Block Educational Officer’s order dated March 5, 2026, denying her maternity leave request. The interim order has now been extended until September 18.

The Court posted the matter for orders on September 18 and directed the Government to file the reports.

In a statement, Tagore said the incident involving students from the Narikuravar community in Rangamma Chathiram, who were allegedly pushed from a government bus and injured, had shocked people across the State. He condemned the alleged discrimination and negligence faced by the girl students while travelling to educational institutions.

Congress team visits affected students

Following the incident, Pudukkottai district Congress president Bennett visited the area on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and met the injured students, their families and local residents to assess the situation, he said.

Tagore alleged that marginalised communities, including tribal people and Scheduled Castes, continue to face social and psychological discrimination, said a Daily Thanthi report.

He also accused the RSS ideology of promoting such discriminatory attitudes and called for efforts to counter caste-based prejudice and protect social justice and equality.

Calls for additional buses, dedicated transport

The students reportedly depend on bus services to travel the four to five kilometres between Rangamma Chathiram and Pudukkottai for school and college. Tagore said there were allegations that government buses did not regularly stop at the designated bus stop.

He alleged that students attempting to board buses had been humiliated and that incidents such as knocking away their hands from the grab rail and operating automatic doors while they were boarding had put them at risk.

Tagore further alleged that a special vehicle facility arranged earlier by the district administration had been discontinued due to a dispute between the School Education and Revenue departments over which department should bear the expenses.

“The lack of coordination between government departments has contributed to the situation in which 10 students are now undergoing treatment for injuries,” he said.

Demands action under SC/ST Act

He held the district Collector responsible for the alleged administrative lapses and urged the authorities to take immediate steps to resolve the issue. He called for additional buses to be operated on the Rangamma Chathiram route during school and college hours or for the dedicated transport facility for students to be restored without delay.

Tagore also demanded an impartial investigation against those responsible under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with quality medical treatment and compensation for the injured students.

While acknowledging the Tamil Nadu government's welfare measures for marginalised communities, Tagore urged the administration to strengthen monitoring and preventive measures to ensure that such incidents of discrimination and administrative negligence do not recur.

An omni bus from Chennai going to Madurai was proceeding with around 50 passengers. When the bus was nearing the three-road overbridge in Perambalur, the bus driver S Saravanan (44), a resident of Tiruvarur, lost control and rammed into the concrete platform-laden lorry which was proceeding in front.

P Paldruai (52) from Tirupattur and K Thirunavukkarasu (32) from Tiruvallur were crushed to death, while the driver Saravanan, passengers K Abishek (18) from Madurai, M Arjunan (31) from Kanyakumari, B Aswidh (31) from Chowkarpettai in Chennai, S Abdul Rahman (21) from Melur, Madurai and S Vennila (38) from Alanganallur, Madurai sustained injuries.

Perambalur town police, along with the highway patrol police, rushed to the spot, retrieved the bodies and sent them to the GH along with the injured.

A case was registered, and investigations are on. Traffic was disrupted on the Chennai-Tiruchy bypass for more than an hour.

Intervening during a debate, the Chief Minister requested Speaker J C D Prabhakar to elicit a firm promise from the DMK members that they would remain in their seats throughout his address.

Assuring a comprehensive response, Vijay said he would provide a clear and point-by-point explanation to every question raised by the Opposition during the ongoing session.

The exchange came amid a heated debate on state administration's handling of law and order, where the Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin sought to corner the ruling TVK government.

Leading the charge, Udhayanidhi Stalin questioned the TVK's frequent critiques of the previous DMK administration's handling of drug proliferation.

Pointing to current administrative decisions, the DMK leader argued that if the previous regime's drug control efforts had truly been ineffective, the present government would not have promoted two senior police officers who headed those very departments during the DMK’s tenure. He specifically named the two IPS officials.

He alleged that there was a rise in POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases in the state, and also an increase in crimes, and highlighted that his government established special committees and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support victims and ensured swift justice.

Regarding drug enforcement, he questioned why certain police officers who served during the previous DMK rule were promoted to high-ranking positions by the current TVK government if their previous efforts were allegedly insufficient.

Immediately, the Chief Minister got up from his seat and remarked "Honourable Speaker, for all the questions raised by the honourable members, I will provide a clear explanation when I come on Monday. Even if I am not here, I will receive information about who is asking what questions. I will provide a clear answer to everything. I have one request through you - no one should get up and run away."

• 29,108 personnel to be inducted in Tamil Nadu Police in a phased manner in the next five years.

• Women representation in police force to be increased to 30% from the existing 22%

• Drug Free Tamil Nadu: Every year, 50 Village panchayats in the state that successfully curb drug abuse to get Rs 10 lakh cash reward.

• Rs 212 crore for Police modernisation

• Rs 1 crore solarium for family of police personnel who for valorous death while on duty

• Ex-Gratia payment for family of police personnel who die on duty increased to Rs 30 lakh from Rs 20 lakh

• Rs 14 crore for new DNA Testing facility at Salem and Villupuram

• Rs 2.5 crore for Automated Ballistic Identification System

• 50 Scuba suits worth Rs 1 crore for TNFRS rescue swimmers; Two Scuba diving teams to be formed

• 25 Surveillance drones worth Rs 2 crore for TNFRS

• 10 Payload drones worth Rs 1.2 crore for TNFRS

• Fireman name changed to "Firefighter"

• Women Firefighters to be inducted into TNFRS

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who moved the resolution, said technological advances, including artificial intelligence-enabled translation, had created a favourable environment for reconsidering the long-pending demand.

Vijay pointed out that Tamil is the official language of Tamil Nadu under the Tamil Nadu Official Language Act, 1956. Sections 4-A and 4-B of the Act provide for the recording of evidence in Tamil and the issuance of judgments, decrees, and orders in Tamil in civil and criminal courts, tribunals, rent courts, and revenue courts functioning under the High Court.

He also referred to Article 348 (2) of the Constitution, which provides for the use of a State's official language in High Court proceedings with the previous consent of the President. Section 7 of the Official Languages Act, 1963, similarly provides for the use of a State's official language, in addition to English, in High Court judgments, decrees and orders, subject to the prescribed authorisation.

The Chief Minister recalled that the Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution on December 6, 2006, seeking the use of Tamil in the Madras High Court, and that it had been forwarded to the Centre.

In a reply in the Rajya Sabha in February 2018, the Union Law Ministry stated that the proposal had been referred to the Chief Justice of India. The Supreme Court's Full Court, after deliberations in October 2012, had decided not to accept the proposal.

Vijay said circumstances had changed significantly since then, with advances in legal Tamil, translation systems, e-Courts, legal databases and technology-enabled translation. He particularly highlighted developments in artificial intelligence, saying Tamil speech could now be simultaneously rendered and heard in English.

The resolution seeks procedures for filing or presenting petitions, documents, and arguments in Tamil. It also calls for all judgments, decrees and judicial orders of the High Court to be made available in Tamil.

The State has further sought training in legal Tamil and translation for judges, advocates and court personnel. It urged the Centre to take the necessary legal measures based on proposals to be forwarded by the Governor under Article 348(2) and Section 7 of the Official Languages Act.

Vijay also emphasised Tamil's antiquity and continuous literary and grammatical heritage. He recalled that the Union government recognised Tamil as a Classical Language on October 12, 2004. After a lengthy debate, Speaker JCD Prabhakar put the resolution to a voice vote. The House adopted it unanimously.

His remarks came amid growing assertions by TVK legislators that Joseph Vijay should be projected for the Prime Minister’s post, while Congress has maintained that Rahul Gandhi would be its choice for the 2029 elections.

“Only our MLAs are expressing their wish and willingness. Anyone can express their wishes. There is time. In the future, the government led by CM C Joseph Vijay will decide and take the right decision as we approach 2029,” Venkataramanan told reporters here.

He stressed that neither the TVK leadership nor its Ministers had endorsed Joseph Vijay as a Prime Ministerial candidate.

“None of the TVK top brass or leaders has said anything like that. Portraying Vijay as the PM candidate is the individual view of our MLAs. It is not the official stand of our party. None of our Ministers has said so,” he said.

The Minister said the legislators were projecting CM Vijay with the objective of extending transparent and corruption-free governance across the country.

“Our MLAs want this transparent, corruption-free governance to be expanded across the nation and that is why they are projecting CM Vijay as PM,” he said.

Venkataramanan said his immediate priority was to make Tamil Nadu transparent and corruption-free. If necessary, he added, he would seek the guidance of Vijay and TVK general secretary N Anand before considering extending the model to other States.

Talking to reporters at the Secretariat, State Minister Ramesh said the State government would follow the directions issued in connection with the consecration of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple and related administrative issues.

The comments came a day after the Madurai Bench of the High Court took exception to the omission of the trustees’ names from the invitation and directed that their names be included in the inscription to be installed after the ceremony.

“Temples are not places for doing politics,” Ramesh said, echoing the observation made by the High Court.

‘Mantras to be recited in Tamil and Sanskrit’

Meanwhile, the temple administration has submitted before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court that both Sanskrit and Tamil mantras would be recited during the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, as was done during previous ceremonies.

The submission was made in response to a petition filed by Tamil Rajendran of Karur.

Rajendran sought a direction from the High Court to use Tamil Vedic mantras on par with Sanskrit mantras during the consecration ceremony.

Recording the submission, Justice C Saravanan dismissed the petition.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister P Venkataramanan and Cooperation Minister V Gandhiraj inaugurated the initiative at a fair price shop in Alwarpet.

The market intervention has been undertaken following Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s directions to check the rising price of onions, an essential commodity, and ease the burden on poor and middle-class families.

The government has procured 1,000 metric tonnes of onions from Nashik in Maharashtra through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF). Each family cardholder can purchase up to one kg at Rs 35 a kg.

The sale has initially been taken up through 8,914 outlets, including urban fair price shops, consumer cooperative outlets, primary cooperative stores, retail outlets of the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation and Farm Fresh shops.

Venkataramanan told reporters that the sale would be expanded to all ration shops and Farm Fresh shops across the State within a couple of days and would help stabilise prices.

“If the market price remains high, we will continue distributing onions through ration shops and Farm Fresh shops,” he said.

The government said the intervention would ensure the availability of quality onions at affordable prices and help contain the impact of the price rise on consumers.

Stalin had approached the court seeking directions to the Election Commission of India to conduct 100 per cent counting of VVPAT slips and verify all 286 EVMs used in the constituency.

Of the 14 EVMs taken up for verification, two stopped working immediately, which, he argued, required technical diagnosis.

He also pointed out lapses in the chain of custody of another EVM. Despite these lapses, the District Election Officer declared that the verification process had been completed successfully and in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

The division bench of Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan observed that Stalin’s plea went beyond seeking verification and directly challenged the victory of the returned candidate.

The court said his prayer to declare Babu’s election void and himself the duly elected candidate from Kolathur amounted to a challenge to the election itself and was barred under Article 329(b) of the Constitution.

The court agreed with the Election Commission of India (ECI) that entertaining such petitions would open a “Pandora’s box”. It held that allowing writ petitions based on such anomalies to unseat elected candidates would render the statutory election petition process meaningless and defeat the purpose of Article 329(b).

The court said that if every such anomaly were made a basis to unseat the returned candidate and declare the second- or third-placed candidate elected, the statutory scheme of election petitions would become wholly illusory.

Every defeated candidate would have an alternative to an election petition, and the finality of elections sought to be secured under Article 329(b) would be lost.

Stalin’s prayer to declare Babu’s election void and himself the duly elected candidate from Kolathur amounted to a challenge to the election itself and was barred under Article 329(b) of the Constitution, the court said

The court noted Stalin’s submission that the verification process was conducted after the 45-day period for filing an election petition had expired.

However, it held that this could not enlarge the court’s jurisdiction under Article 226 when Article 329(b) expressly barred such a challenge.

The court said the extent of the delay, its impact on limitation and any remedy available to Stalin were matters to be considered by the Election Tribunal through an election petition.

The court said that even if there was a genuine difficulty, it could only be raised before the tribunal.

Though it dismissed the plea as not maintainable, the court left it open to Stalin to approach the court through an election petition.

With a built-up area of 20 lakh square feet, the proposed complex is planned to cater to the administrative requirements of the Tamil Nadu government for the next 100 years.

Making the announcement under Rule 110 in the House, Vijay -- the third Chief Minister to announce a new Secretariat complex, after J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi -- did not reveal the location of the proposed facility.

He stated that constructing a new administrative hub was essential to ensure efficient governance and meet the growing requirements of future public administration.

The proposed complex will flaunt world-class facilities, including advanced fire safety systems, barrier-free access for the differently abled, and green building standards.

It will feature extensive vehicle parking lots, spacious conference halls, Common Service Centres for the visiting public, and modern facilities for government officials.

Announcing plans for the existing Secretariat campus at Fort St George, Vijay said the heritage structures within the historical precinct would be carefully preserved as traditional monuments, allowing future generations to appreciate their historical value.

Explaining why additional construction could not be taken up inside Fort St George, the Chief Minister pointed out that the remaining vacant land within the campus belonged to the Ministry of Defence and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

"The main Secretariat block at Fort St George covers a built-up area of 2.07 lakh square feet, while the adjacent 10-storey Namakkal Kavignar Maaligai, built in 1978, offers 3.75 lakh square feet. These two buildings are no longer sufficient to accommodate over 6,000 Secretariat staff, department secretaries, ministers, and the Chief Minister's office.

Previous attempts by two former Chief Ministers heading the Dravidian party governments to relocate the administrative seat faced major hurdles.

In 2003, AIADMK's J Jayalalithaa proposed constructing a new Secretariat at the Queen Mary’s College campus.

The proposal, which involved demolishing portions of the college, met with intense protests from students and opposition parties, leading to the plan being dropped.

A fresh attempt in 2004 to build the complex in Kotturpuram also failed to materialise.

During the DMK regime from 2006 to 2010, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi chose the Omandurar Government Estate on Anna Salai for a new Assembly-Secretariat complex.

Built at a cost exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, the complex was inaugurated in March 2010, and the Assembly functioned there briefly.

However, when the AIADMK returned to power in 2011, Jayalalithaa shifted the Secretariat back to Fort St George. The Omandurar complex was subsequently converted into a multi-super-speciality government hospital.

The Olympic City will feature world-class sports arenas, advanced sports equipment and a High Performance Training Centre. It will also have facilities for sports medicine and sports development, besides accommodation for athletes and coaches, the announcement said.

The initiative is aimed at creating an integrated sports ecosystem to provide athletes with advanced training and support facilities. It is expected to help Tamil Nadu sportspersons win more medals at the Olympic Games and other international sporting events.

The government said the project would also help nurture talented athletes capable of winning Olympic medals and further strengthen Tamil Nadu's position in the international sporting arena.

Motor Sports City in the works

The State government will establish a Motor Sports City to enhance sports tourism, encourage motor sports and help Tamil Nadu become a vital centre for the sport, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay said. “The city will have an international-standard track along with modern infrastructure for conducting Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3 and Formula 4 races,” the CM said.

The State currently has two motor sports facilities, at Irungattukottai near Chennai and in Coimbatore, for national-level F-3 and F-4 car races. “The motor racing arenas could boost tourism, industries for race cars and job opportunities,” he said.

In a statement, Nainar Nagenthran said the theft of the precious idol, along with silver articles, had shocked devotees. He alleged that the repeated theft of idols from Hindu temples exposed the failure of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and the police to ensure their security.

He accused the government headed by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay of failing to provide adequate security and modern surveillance systems at temples. Questioning its politics, Nainar asked whether it meant remaining a mute spectator when the worship rights of Hindus were affected.

The former minister also alleged that the government was giving undue importance to Christianity, citing the Speaker’s reading of Bible verses in the Assembly and the Finance Minister wearing a rosary in the House.

He questioned why Hindu temples were not being adequately protected.

The BJP leader demanded that a special team be constituted to trace the stolen idol and bring the culprits to justice. He also urged the government to strengthen security at temples and improve law and order.

“If the government fails to act, the Tamil Nadu BJP will mobilise devotees and hold a major protest,” Nainar Nagenthran warned.

In a statement, association general secretary P Dinesh Kumar said the protest was aimed at drawing the government’s attention to difficulties faced by workers in implementing the scheme and urged immediate corrective measures.

Among the association’s key demands are the introduction of direct scanning through POS machines instead of the Bluetooth system and full implementation of the facility allowing beneficiaries to receive commodities through authorised representatives.

The association also sought a temporary freeze for cards that have not completed e-KYC, with automatic release upon biometric authentication. Special exemptions should be provided to women, pregnant employees, persons with disabilities and elderly workers, it said.

It demanded permission to distribute three months’ commodities in a single instalment and conduct distribution after the 15th of every month. It also sought packet-based distribution of rice and other commodities and uniform working hours across the State.

The workers demanded immediate release of pending subsidies to cooperative societies, nearly a year after the scheme’s launch, and sought the filling of vacant salesperson posts or payment of incentives until the vacancies are filled.

The association also urged the government to identify genuine beneficiaries rather than focus on percentage-based targets and remove ineligible names, including deceased persons and those undergoing treatment outside the State.

“Ration shop workers are the ones who can make the scheme a complete success by resolving problems on the ground,” added the association.