The 49 had travelled through Mahadev Kailash Yatra Agency in Chromepet, and there has been no information about them since the disaster.

Balu, a relative of one of the missing persons, said the families had been waiting for a proper response from the authorities for the past 20 days. Even after DNA samples were collected from relatives, no official announcement has been made so far, he noted.

Balu urged the authorities to expand the search beyond Nepal and look for the missing persons in China as well.

Arundhathi, the wife of a missing pilgrim, said she has not received any information about her husband even after 20 days since he left for Nepal. "I don’t know whether or not I should continue wearing the ‘pottu’. I am waiting for some decision or information," she said, urging the authorities to take immediate action instead of delaying the matter.

The protesting families later met the minister for Non-Resident Tamils Welfare K Thennarasu at the Secretariat. The families said the minister heard their concerns and assured them that efforts were already underway to ascertain the status of the missing persons and that further action will be expedited.

On August 26, an avalanche of ice and rock triggered massive flash floods in Nepal, killing over a thousand people and leaving thousands missing, while causing widespread damage to villages and infrastructure.

These investments are expected to generate direct and indirect employment for more than 10,000 people in the state.

The agreements were inked on September 14 in London between the state’s investment promotion agency, Guidance Tamil Nadu, and the respective companies in the presence of the Chief Minister, said an official press release.

The MoUs cover critical sectors, including auto component manufacturing, research and development, renewable energy, power grid equipment, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

Among the major agreements, multinational firm Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd plans to invest approximately Rs 11,000 crore to expand its design, engineering, manufacturing, integration, and logistics facilities across various locations in Tamil Nadu, a move expected to create about 7,000 jobs.

UK-headquartered Wilson Power Solutions will invest Rs 300 crore for the next phase of its transformer manufacturing operations in the Tiruvallur district, creating 400 new jobs.

In the GCC space, Sweden's Sigma Technology Group signed an agreement to expand its centres in Tiruchirappalli and Chennai, aiming to generate 600 high-value jobs.

Furthermore, Ernst & Young (EY) signed an MoU with Guidance TamilNadu to establish a GCC for an international company under a 'Build-Operate-Transform-Transfer' arrangement. This facility, to be located on the Mount-Poonamallee road GCC corridor in Chennai, entails an investment of Rs 1,000 crore and is expected to create over 2,000 jobs.

Additionally, a leading European auto component manufacturer presented a Letter of Intent to establish its first Indian manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu with a proposed investment of Rs 3,000 crore.

During the visit, top executives of the Hinduja Group, including Ashok Leyland Executive Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja and Finolex Industries Executive Chairman Prakash P Chhabria, called on the Chief Minister.

They briefed him on the progress of a Rs 2,500 crore MoU signed during the 'VETTRI' investors meet in August 2026, and expressed interest in expanding investments in the state's renewable energy sector, particularly wind power.

Discussions also touched upon enhancing the export of commercial vehicles manufactured in Tamil Nadu.

Highlighting the opportunities stemming from the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, Vijay urged businesses to leverage the pact for expanding trade, investment, and raw material sourcing with Tamil Nadu.

He assured investors of the state government's full support in facilitating their business operations.

Alongside the Chief Minister's engagements, Guidance TamilNadu officials held discussions with 10 leading companies across various sectors. These dialogues have paved the way for future developments, including a potential visit by a UK aerospace and defence delegation to Hosur, and a UK Mayoral Commission (NEMSA) team visit to Chennai in October.

The High Commissioner of India to the UK, Kumaran Periasamy, and Minister (Economic, High Commission of India in London, Nidhi Mani Tripathi were present during the events.

DMK general secretary Duraimurugan announced that the event, which was scheduled to be held at Kalaignar Arangam at Anna Arivalayam on Monday evening, has been postponed. Other programmes scheduled for Monday evening have also been deferred, with the fresh date for the Mupperum Vizha to be announced later.

Stalin was also absent from the Anna birth anniversary celebrations held in Chennai earlier in the day, according to a Daily Thanthi report.

The Mupperum Vizha is held annually to mark three significant occasions: the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister and DMK founder CN Annadurai on September 15, the birth anniversary of social reformer Periyar EV Ramasamy (Periyar), and the DMK's founding day on September 17.

Annadurai was born on September 15, 1909, in Kancheepuram. A powerful orator, writer and advocate of social justice and state autonomy, he founded the DMK in 1949 after separating from Periyar’s Dravidar Kazhagam. He became Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister in 1967 and was instrumental in renaming the state of Madras as Tamil Nadu. He died in February 1969.

Periyar was born on September 17, 1879, in Erode. He led the Self-Respect Movement and campaigned against caste discrimination, social inequality, superstition and the denial of rights to women. His rationalist and social justice principles provided the ideological foundation for the Dravidian movement and deeply influenced both Annadurai and the DMK.

The DMK itself was established on September 17, 1949.

The party traditionally combines the three occasions into one major function, during which senior cadres, public figures and contributors to the Dravidian movement are honoured.

The event also features the presentation of the party's Periyar, Anna, Kalaignar, Pavendhar, Perasiriyar and MK Stalin awards.

Party workers and award recipients who had arrived for the celebration were informed about the postponement. The party leadership is expected to announce a fresh schedule after assessing Stalin’s health and availability.

When the matter came up for hearing before Justice Govindarajan Thilakavadi, Senior Counsel P Wilson, appearing for Stalin, sought time to file a counter affidavit. The Court posted the matter to September 22.

TVK Minister Aadhav Arjuna has filed a defamation petition before the Madras High Court over a social media post by the DMK IT Wing allegedly linking him to a drug trafficking case involving the seizure of narcotics worth Rs 258 crore in Chennai and Ramanathapuram.

In his plea, Arjuna stated that the post falsely claimed that the alleged mastermind behind the drug trafficking operation was his close relative.

Arjuna contended that the allegation was false, fabricated and malicious, and that he had no connection with the accused.

He alleged that the post was part of a targeted campaign to tarnish his reputation. He further argued that Stalin, as the party president, exercised control and supervision over the party's affairs, including its IT Wing, and was therefore responsible for the defamatory post.

Arjuna has sought removal of the posts, an unconditional apology in Tamil and English, an order restraining the respondents from publishing similar defamatory statements, and surrender of the electronic devices allegedly used to make the posts. He has also sought Rs 1 crore in damages for loss of reputation, personal injury and mental agony.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, along with party functionaries, paid floral tributes to the statue of former Chief Minister C N Annadurai on Anna Salai on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Jayakumar criticised the proposal to construct the Secretariat at Pattinapakkam, calling it a “foolish” decision.

He said the project would affect the livelihood of fishermen and add to traffic congestion in an already crowded area.

Jayakumar pointed out that several schools with a combined strength of more than 25,000 students were located in the vicinity. He questioned the rationale behind constructing a Secretariat in such a congested locality.

“If the government goes ahead with the proposal despite public opposition, the Secretariat could be converted into a super speciality hospital for south Chennai in future,” he said, citing the multi-speciality hospital on Anna Salai as an example.

On the power situation, Jayakumar alleged that power cuts had been reported across the State, including Chennai.

He said Tamil Nadu’s power demand had touched 21,000 MW in September and alleged that the government had failed to secure an additional 4,000 MW from the Centre.

Referring to the proposed by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, Jayakumar said both constituencies had previously been won by the AIADMK and expressed confidence that the party would retain them.

With only two days left for the Kumbabishekam, Rukmani Palanivelrajan, chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and mother of former Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, told reporters that arrangements for the event were being made without consulting or involving the trustees.

“Beyond the arrangements for the safety of devotees and infrastructure facilities for the Kumbabishekam, it remains a question whether proper guidelines have been issued in a manner that everyone can know and follow,” Rukmani said.

On the issue of passes, she said different figures, such as 9,000 and 11,000, were being reported every day. “We have not been informed whether the invitation has reached the highly respected donors and sponsors,” she said.

She further said that the Board of Trustees had prepared a list of people who should not be left out of the event, but the temple administration had not considered it.

“We had hoped that the festival would be conducted peacefully without any differences. However, the temple administration is taking unilateral decisions without consulting us,” she alleged.

Rukmani further said that her family had a long association with the temple and had never mixed politics with spirituality. “Our family, which traces its lineage to the family of the late P.T. Rajan, who headed the temple’s Kumbabishekam in 1963 and presented a diamond crown to Meenakshi Amman, has never mixed politics and spirituality,” she said.

“We are always conscious that politics should not interfere in spiritual works and ensure that temple renovation and other spiritual activities are carried out in the best possible manner,” she said.

The Tamil Nadu government has declared a local holiday in Madurai district on Thursday to enable devotees to participate in the Maha Kumbabishekam. The Madurai Corporation and temple administration have arranged uninterrupted drinking water supply, mobile and permanent toilet facilities and sanitation workers on a rotational basis to maintain cleanliness.

As the temple city is witnessing extreme heat during the morning hours, the authorities are taking steps to lay coconut-fibre mats on the main streets to reduce the impact of the heat. To meet emergency medical needs, special medical camps equipped with Advanced Life Support (ALS) facilities will be established inside the temple premises, on the rooftop and in the surrounding areas. Around 70 doctors, 108 ambulances and mobile medical teams will be kept ready.

For the convenience of devotees arriving from other districts, temporary bus stands will be established at five locations, while free vehicle parking facilities will be provided at 55 locations. Additional special buses will also be operated. The Food Safety Department is conducting inspections to ensure the quality of food distributed as annadhanam by authorised organisations.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel will station water tankers, rescue equipment and firefighters at key locations. Alternative power connections and generators will be installed to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

A consultation meeting on preparations and security arrangements for the Mahakumbabishekam of the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple was held in Madurai on Tuesday under the leadership of special monitoring officers appointed by the Tamil Nadu government.

The meeting was chaired by special monitoring officers K Veera Raghava Rao, Secretary, Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department; P Madhusudhan Reddy, Director of Municipal Administration; and Dr C Pazhani, Director of the Employment and Training Department. TG Vinay, Commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment and Madurai district collector Nishant Krishna also participated in the meeting.

The officials discussed various arrangements to ensure that devotees visiting the temple for the Kumbabishekam could have darshan without inconvenience. Extensive barricades, seven separate entry routes for colour-coded passes and proper signboards will be installed.

The public can contact toll-free numbers 1800-425-6781 and 1800-425-6782 for any emergency. The monitoring officers asked officials across all departments to work together and ensure that devotees visiting the festival have darshan without any inconvenience.

The special monitoring officers subsequently inspected the final-stage preparations and security arrangements for Kumbabishekam. They inspected the integrated control room at Puthu Mandapam, from where police officials were monitoring the temple and surrounding areas through LED monitors. 

A CCTV network with 241 new cameras and Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras has been installed at 70 locations for intensive surveillance.

Stressing the TVK government to waive crop loans as per the poll promises, as many as 40 farmers' associations announced an indefinite waiting protest in Tiruchy.

While the Tiruchy Collector granted permission, the Tiruchy police refused it, citing law and order issues, and the police even prevented erect makeshift shelters for the protest scheduled at Samayapuram in Tiruchy and stopped the volunteers from even arranging drinking water.

Many farmers were kept under house arrest and prevented from entering the border of Tiruchy district. Despite all these restrictions, the members from all 40 associations converged at the identified location at Samayapuram on Tuesday and commenced their protest even under the scorching sun.

While the farmers continued to protest and demanded the total waiver of crop loan without any conditions, the officials called the leaders of the association for a talk at Tiruchy Collectorate.

Subsequently, the farmer leaders Easan Murugasamy, founder of Tamilaga Vivasayigal Paathugappu Sangam, P Ayyakannu, State President of Desiya Thennidiya Nadhigal Inaippu Sangam, KV Elankeeran, president of Federation of Cauvery Delta Farmers Associations, Pakkiyanathan, president, Tamil Nadu Vaigai Farmers Association and other leaders went to take part in the talks.

The ministers R Vinoth (Agriculture), V Gandhiraj (Cooperation) and S Ramesh (HR&CE) convened a talk with the farmer leaders.

The meeting, which commenced at around 2.30 pm, lasted till 4.30 pm, and the farmer leaders continued to stress the crop loan waiver as per the poll promise and to immediately release a GO in this regard.

But the ministers tried to convince the farmer leaders and stated that the decision would be taken after the arrival of the Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, from London, and asked them to withdraw the protest.

The farmer leaders told the ministers that they would consult with the farmers at the protest venue and make the announcement. Subsequently, the farmer leaders went to the protest spot and consulted with the farmers, but they refused to withdraw the protest and decided to continue the protest until the demand was fulfilled and continued to stay at the spot.

He also mentioned that a control room has been set up at Pudhu Mandapam opposite the East Rajagopuram of the temple to coordinate officials from departments for the kumbabhishekam (consecration ceremony).

The previous kumbabhishekam was conducted on April 8, 2009. As per Agama traditions, the ceremony is to be held once every 12 years.

Following the previous ceremony, repair and painting works were carried out on gopurams and mandapams after obtaining approvals from Archaeology Department experts and expert committees.

A total of 186 works have been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 32.29 crore. Of these, 86 works costing Rs 15.40 crore were funded from temple funds, while 100 works estimated at Rs 16.89 crore were undertaken with donor contributions.

Drinking water and prasadam bags containing biscuits will be provided at entry points. Medical assistance centres staffed by government doctors and nurses have been readied in the temple complex and surrounding streets, with 108 ambulances arranged for emergencies.

LED screens have also been installed at public places. The kumbabhishekam for the parivara deities will be held on September 16 from 5 am to 6 am. On September 17, the golden vimanas and Rajagopurams will undergo kumbabhishekam from 7.40 am to 8.10 am, followed by kalasabhishekam for Meenakshi Amman and Sundareswarar.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the sharp rise has increased export costs, while the availability of coconuts meeting international quality standards has become a challenge.

Tamil Nadu leads coconut exports with 31% share

According to exporter KS Kamaludeen, Tamil Nadu accounts for 31% of India's total coconut exports, making it the leading coconut-exporting State.

Coconuts from Tamil Nadu are primarily exported to Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates. Singapore is another major export destination.

Export-quality coconuts must meet specific size and weight requirements. They should have a circumference of around 13 inches and weigh between 100 and 300 grams. Each sack typically contains 13 kg or 25 coconuts, while a single container can carry nearly 18,000 coconuts.

Poor rainfall impacts coconut production and export supply

Exporters procure coconuts from Kangeyam in Tiruppur district and Peravurani in Thanjavur district.

Kamaludeen said coconut exports have gradually increased following a reduction in tensions affecting the trade. However, prices have continued to rise.

“Coconuts were exported at an average price of Rs 25 per kg two years ago and Rs 40–48 per kg last year. The price has now increased to Rs 70 per kg,” he said.

While coconut export prices generally remained between Rs 25 and Rs 30 per kg, they have now risen nearly threefold. Traders attributed the increase to inadequate rainfall, which has affected coconut production and made it difficult to source sufficient quantities of export-quality coconuts.

A total of 492 government town buses are currently being operated from the Salem depot. The new buses have been brought in to replace town buses that are more than 15 years old.

During the tenure of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, government buses were changed to green. Subsequently, the colours remained unchanged when the DMK and AIADMK alternately came to power.

Following the TVK's victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, the colour of the government buses has now been changed.

After interacting with visiting AIADMK leaders led by KP Munusamy, Dhinakaran assured his full backing. He reiterated his stance that AMMK will support AIADMK candidates in the bypolls.

On Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's foreign trip, Dhinakaran said various comments and opinions were emerging about the visit and urged the State government to explain the investments secured during the Chief Minister's three-day London trip after his return to Tamil Nadu.

Referring to the TVK government completing 100 days, Dhinakaran said its performance had disappointed even those who had voted for the party.

He alleged that instead of fulfilling the promises made to the people, Vijay was focusing on projecting himself before the public. People, however, had begun to realise the government's failures, he said.

On the proposed new Secretariat at Pattinapakkam, Dhinakaran said the location was unsuitable as it was close to the sea and would require permission from the Centre. He also pointed out that fishermen in the area were opposing the proposal.

The State government's plan to construct the Secretariat at Pattinapakkam would not materialise, and the proposal should be stopped at the initial stage itself, he said.

Recalling the rich contribution of Annadurai, who is affectionately called as Anna or Perarignar Anna, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay said the former CM created a new chapter in the state's political history and raised his voice for the rights of the poor and the humble.

"I fondly remember and honour his visionary foresight and service to the people. Through his inspiring speeches and sharp writing prowess, he captivated the hearts of the people, assumed governance with their immense support, named our state -- Tamil Nadu -- out of his boundless love for the Tamil language, laid the foundation for state autonomy, granted legal recognition to self-respect marriages, and left an indelible mark in the social and political history of Tamil Nadu," Vijay said on 'X'.

He said the state government has resolved with determination to let social justice, equality, and fraternity flourish everywhere, and to safeguard the glory of Tamil embracing his lofty slogans like: "Duty, Dignity and Discipline", and "We see God in the smile of the poor."

DMK president MK Stalin hailed Anna as a great scholar who penned the political grammar of Tamil Nadu and one who brought fame to the state through his grand vision.

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami hailed Anna as a leader who sowed a unique sense of self-respect in the minds of every Tamil, and nurtured the principles of the Dravidian movement, enshrining social justice, equality, self-respect, and state rights into people's movement.

"Anna's political life, which prioritised policy over power, people over position, and progress of society over personal fame, is a guiding beacon for generations. Our great scholar and noble-hearted Anna, who shall forever remain as the distinctive voice of the Tamil race - our flag and our ideology - I honour and pay tribute to him on his birth anniversary," the AIADMK general secretary said on 'X'.

He called upon the people to resolve to liberate Tamil Nadu from the delusion of reels politics, entirely opposed to public welfare, and reestablish "Annaism government to build the state's progress."

AIADMK MP M Thambidurai paid floral tributes to the statue of the iconic leader in the Parliament House complex, Delhi.

The state government has announced Anna gallantry medals for 180 police personnel and those from the fire and rescue services department to mark the occasion.

Both the parties, which had previously been in alliance with the DMK, have extended unconditional support to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in government formation in May.

The party leaders have announced to contest independently to prove their strength at the hustings. They would also take on the DMK and the AIADMK-led NDA in the bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly segments.

Both the CPI(M) and CPI have decided to contest byelections as an independent Left front and have already announced that they would not support the ruling TVK, which has fielded two former AIADMK legislators who shifted their loyalty to the TVK hardly a month after the Assembly election results were declared.

While the CPI(M) will contest from Madurantakam, the CPI will seek its electoral fortunes from Dharapuram Assembly constituency. Both the constituencies are reserved for SC.

The TVK has nominated Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama, who defected from AIADMK, as its official candidates for Madurantakam and Dharapuram, respectively.

The AIAMDK last week announced former legislator Kanitha Sampath and K Bhanumathi as its women nominees for the respective constituencies. Kanitha is not new to Mauranthakam. She represented this Assembly constituency between 2011 and 2016.

The DMK has named I Paranthaman for Madurantakam and S Suganya for Dharapuram in the upcoming bypolls.

Actor-politician Seeman-led Naam Tamilar Katchi has already named its candidates - K Janaki Raman and M Karthika - for the two seats respectively.

KA Sengottaiyan won the Gobichettipalayam Assembly constituency by a margin of 16,620 votes in the 2026 Assembly election. He secured 82,612 votes, defeating N Nallasivam of the DMK, who polled 65,992 votes, while VB Prabhu of the AIADMK secured 56,232 votes, followed by MK Seethalakshmi of the Naam Tamilar Katchi with 8,137 votes.

VB Prabhu subsequently filed a petition before the Madras High Court challenging Sengottaiyan's election. After this, Sengottaiyan filed a petition before the Madras High Court seeking to reject the election petition filed against him.

The election petition came up for hearing before Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan. After hearing the arguments of both sides, the judge reserved orders on Sengottaiyan's petition.

Delivering the order on Tuesday, Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan allowed Sengottaiyan's application and dismissed Prabhu's election petition.

“The kumbabhishekam of the Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple will be held on September 17,” Ramesh said, adding that restoration works had been completed.

The previous kumbabhishekam was conducted on April 8, 2009. As per Agama traditions, the ceremony is to be held once every 12 years.

Following the previous ceremony, repair and painting works were carried out on gopurams and mandapams after obtaining approvals from Archaeology Department experts and expert committees.

A total of 186 works have been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 32.29 crore.

Of these, 86 works costing Rs 15.40 crore were funded from temple funds, while 100 works estimated at Rs 16.89 crore were undertaken with donor contributions.

Drinking water and prasadam bags containing biscuits will be provided at entry points.

Medical assistance centres staffed by government doctors and nurses have been readied in the temple complex and surrounding streets, with 108 ambulances arranged for emergencies. LED screens have also been installed at public places.

The kumbabhishekam for the parivara deities will be held on September 16 from 5 am to 6 am.

On September 17, the golden vimanas and Rajagopurams will undergo kumbabhishekam from 7.40 am to 8.10 am, followed by kalasabhishekam for Meenakshi Amman and Sundaraswarar.

North Beach Police registered a case against MLA PK Sekarbabu based on a complaint from a TVK cadre, Jagadeeswari. According to the complaint, Sekarbabu, who presided over a demonstration in his constituency, used derogatory expressions against the Chief Minister and Nirmalkumar while addressing the gathering.

In a separate case, Saidapet police registered an FIR against DMK MP A Raja based on a complaint. The case concerns remarks Raja made about Law Minister R Nirmalkumar. While condemning Minister Nirmalkumar for his Assembly speech questioning former Chief Minister MK Stalin's detention under the MISA, the DMK MP made remarks against Nirmalkumar, which he later retracted, following censure from several quarters.

Apart from Chennai police, Kallakurichi police also registered a case against Rishivandhiyam DMK MLA Vasantham Karthikeyan over remarks made during a similar protest in the district.

Earlier, on Sunday, police had booked over 200 DMK cadres, including DMK deputy general secretary A Raja, former minister Ma Subramanian, RS Bharathi, PK Sekar Babu and Mayor R Priya and other senior functionaries, for allegedly protesting at Saidapet without obtaining permission.

In a statement, Nainar Nagenthran said the idol had been installed as part of Vinayagar Chaturthi celebrations and criticised its depiction in the likeness of Vijay. He alleged that a deity revered and worshipped by crores of people should not be used for individual glorification or political publicity.

“Transforming an image revered and worshipped by crores of people for individual glorification and political publicity demeans their spiritual sentiments,” he said.

The former minister also criticised Vijay for not condemning the alleged act at the outset. He claimed that the Chief Minister’s silence had encouraged TVK functionaries to engage in such acts.

Nainar said the use of religious imagery for political self-promotion was unacceptable and appealed to the government to safeguard the religious sentiments and worship traditions of the people.

He also demanded that those responsible for displaying the idol be arrested, contending that such acts could undermine the sanctity of religious observances.

In a representation to the Chief Minister, the association said private dairy companies had played a significant role in developing Tamil Nadu's dairy sector over the past three decades and claimed that they handled about 75 per cent of milk procurement and sales in the State.

The association said government support extended to Aavin placed private dairies at a disadvantage as they did not receive comparable subsidies. It recalled that the previous government had provided incentives to both consumers and milk producers and said the latest increase in support to Aavin had further widened the disparity.

Aavin's cow-milk procurement price was raised from Rs 38 to Rs 41 a litre on August 19 and subsequently to Rs 44 on August 31, with the government citing rising costs of fodder and other inputs. The latest revision is expected to cost the State an additional Rs 60 crore a month.

The association said private dairies, which receive no equivalent subsidy, were being forced to raise procurement prices to retain milk producers and pass the increased cost on to consumers. Private dairies were already paying higher rates than Aavin in several parts of the State, according to recent reports.

"The private dairy sector and the milk producers associated with it are being squeezed between subsidised cooperative milk and competition from neighbouring States," the association said.

It urged the government to reconsider consumer subsidies and allow retail prices to reflect procurement costs, while protecting farmers dependent on private dairies.

Citing Gujarat's Amul model, the association suggested that cooperatives could distribute a share of profits to milk producers instead of relying on subsidies.

It appealed to the Chief Minister to protect both private dairies and their producers and ensure a sustainable and competitive dairy sector in Tamil Nadu.

In an editorial published on September 14, the DMK’s mouthpiece, Murasoli, cited reports that new investment proposals in Tamil Nadu had declined by about 74.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, while the State’s national ranking in attracting investment had slipped from sixth to 17th.

The DMK said foreign trips to attract investment were normally preceded by several rounds of discussions involving ministers and officials. “But here, the chief minister suddenly took off on his own (for London),” it alleged.

The DMK then delivered its sharpest barb, claiming that Vijay had gone to London not to attract investments but to watch a car race, and questioning why the trip was being presented as an investment-promotion exercise.

It alleged that Tamil Nadu had suffered a setback in industrial investments in the first quarter following the swearing-in of new chief ministers in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and West Bengal, while proposed investments in the other three States increased significantly. “All industrial companies are marching towards Andhra Pradesh,” the DMK alleged.

Against this backdrop, the TVK government’s decision to cancel the Parandur greenfield airport project, “without any visionary thought”, had turned out to be a major advantage for Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana, Murasoli claimed.

It also cited social media jibes that “Vijay is also acting as the CM of Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana.” “If investments worth Rs 67,000 crore had been attracted, all media outlets could have been flown in from Delhi to showcase it, as there could be no greater source of pride for TN, it said.

Kanimozhi’s outreach gathered pace with a meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at his Matoshree residence in Mumbai’s Bandra, followed by separate discussions in Delhi with Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Sharad Pawar and his daughter and Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule.

Uddhav personally welcomed Kanimozhi and honoured her with a ceremonial golden shawl.

The discussions reportedly covered the defeat of the delimitation Bill, the Congress’ approach towards the BJP and the future of the INDIA bloc.

More significantly, the leaders are understood to have discussed the space for regional and smaller parties within the Opposition camp and the possibility of greater coordination among them.

For the DMK, the immediate issue may be delimitation. But the larger question now appears to be whether regional parties can find enough common ground to create political space beyond the BJP-Congress contest.

The impact of delimitation on southern states was a prominent topic, with leaders exchanging views on the need for states and regional parties likely to be affected to coordinate their response.

Kanimozhi’s meetings have fuelled speculation that the DMK is exploring whether regional parties with varying degrees of differences with the Congress can be brought onto a common platform. If the exercise gains momentum, it could lead to a national political formation independent of both the BJP and the Congress.

The leaders are exchanging views on the need for states and regional parties likely to be affected to coordinate their response, but DMK taking the lead sans Congress is fuelling speculations with Kanimozhi likely to meet Punjab Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Bhagwant Mann and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav.

Especially, Kanimozhi’s engagement with Uddhav assumes added significance.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader has had differences with the Congress in Maharashtra, potentially making him a natural interlocutor in any effort to redraw the Opposition’s political equations.

The DMK’s decision to boycott an anti-delimitation meeting convened in Chennai under the leadership of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, while the Congress participated, had already exposed differences among Opposition parties over the strategy on the issue.

(PTI)

On Sunday, the son of the soil, presently the Social Justice Minister, fulfilled a long-pending demand of the villagers: a government bus service.

Minister Vanni Arasu, also the deputy general secretary of the VCK, said residents, including elders, from across all communities gathered together to welcome the inaugural bus service by showering flowers and waving flags, describing the event as a reflection of social harmony where villagers celebrated as though experiencing "another freedom" that came 81 years into India gaining independence.

Reflecting on the personal significance of the occasion, Arasu recalled that his late parents had frequently urged him to contribute to the welfare of their village.

He noted that fulfilling their long-cherished wish in their absence and witnessing the joy of the local community brought him immense solace.

Arasu also conveyed gratitude on behalf of the residents of Ayan Reddiapatti to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban for facilitating the introduction of the bus service.

The Tamil Nadu Government College Teachers' Association (TNGCTA) said GO was passed in 2021 and it was not implemented.

The scheme would place eligible associate professors in the professor level pay scale, association has said.

The earlier GO said associate professors who had completed three years in the post, completed a PhD and secured 110 research points would be eligible for career advancement to the professor post.

However, the association said the Commissioner of Collegiate Education's proceedings issued in May 2021 stated that government guidelines would be obtained before implementing the professor-level advancement.

Despite the GO being completed for five years, the required clarification has not been issued and the benefit remains pending.

The TNGCTA pointed out that CAS had been implemented for teachers in government and aided engineering colleges functioning under the Directorate of technical education, while teachers in arts and science colleges under the Directorate of collegiate education had not been given the same benefit.

The association urged the government to immediately implement the scheme for eligible government college and government-aided college teachers

TNGCTA said the scheme only cost limited expenditure as well as the scheme will increase the number of qualified research guides in colleges through this more professors could also help institutions improve their NAAC and NIRF performance and contribute to higher education

Also the association appeals to implement CAS for the associate professors who has sought time to complete their PHD and sought an extension permitted under the rules.

The clarification came amid political criticism over reports concerning permission for processions planned to mark the birth anniversaries of Periyar and CN Annadurai.

In a press release, the Erode district police said the Dravidar Kazhagam had submitted a petition at the Erode Town police station seeking permission to hold a procession and pay respects to Periyar on his birth anniversary.

"The police have granted permission for the procession and issued the necessary proceedings. Reports claiming that permission was denied are completely false and contrary to the facts," the Erode district police said.

Gudiyatham rally plea rejected

However, a police communication dated September 13 shows that permission was denied for a procession planned in Gudiyatham on September 15 to mark the 118th birth anniversary of CN Annadurai.

The order, issued in response to an application seeking permission for the rally, cited law-and-order concerns. It referred to Vinayagar Chaturthi-related events and processions scheduled around the same period and said granting permission for another procession could affect policing and public order.

The police communication rejected the request for permission to conduct the procession.

The issue triggered political criticism, with Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin questioning the reported denial of permission for the events marking the birth anniversaries of Periyar and Anna.

In a post on X, Udhayanidhi alleged that the police were granting permission for processions by right-wing organisations while denying permission for events marking the birth anniversaries of Periyar and Anna.

AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran also commented on the reports concerning the Erode procession.

In a post on X, he said the reported denial of permission for a procession planned in Periyar's native Erode had exposed the TVK's claim of projecting Periyar as its ideological leader.

"By denying permission for a procession planned to emphasise Periyar's principles in his native place on the birth anniversary of a leader who fought throughout his life for social justice, self-respect, rationalism, abolition of caste and women's advancement, it has been exposed that the TVK has projected Periyar as its ideological leader only for political purposes," Dhinakaran said.

However, the Erode district police subsequently clarified that permission for the Periyar birth anniversary procession had been granted and that reports claiming otherwise were false.

The federation cited the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court's orders in a writ petition and several contempt petitions, including an order dated August 21, 2026, in support of its demand.

In a representation to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department, federation general secretary S Natarajan said the government had ordered the release of Rs 3,637 crore towards DA arrears for retired employees and family pensioners for the period from November 2015 to 2026, through a GO dated August 31, 2026.

The federation said around 98,000 retired employees of state transport undertakings had been denied DA since 2015. Following court orders and protests, the DA was revised on December 31, 2025 from 119% to 262% for those who retired before 2016 and from 5% to 60% for those who retired on or after September 1, 2016.

The government subsequently ordered payment of the arrears in 48 monthly instalments of Rs 75 crore each, followed by a final instalment of Rs 37 crore. The first payment was made on September 5 to retired employees and family pensioners, the federation said.

However, the federation pointed out that some employees who retired between November 2015 and June 2026 had died, and their spouses who later became family pensioners had also died.

It sought an order allowing the DA arrears due to such deceased pensioners to be paid to their sons or daughters, who are their legal heirs.

According to the proposal it submitted, the US-based company said it was seeking to increase hydrocarbon production by planning five more wells within an existing offshore area spread over around 81 sq km.

The extracted hydrocarbons are proposed to be transported from the wells to an existing floating storage and offloading facility through subsea pipelines, said HEPI, adding that as per its estimate, the additional production from the proposed wells is around 3,000 barrels per day.

The joint venture that the company formed along with State-owned ONGC and Invenire Petrodyne Limited has been awarded the PY-3 field. The field was first brought onstream in 1997 but was shut in July 2011, before production revived after the implementation of a multi-phase, revised Field Development Plan (FDP).

Industry reports said the field produces high-quality sweet light crude.
Meanwhile, environmental organisations and political parties opposed the proposal, urging the Centre and Tamil Nadu government not to grant approval.

Poovulagin Nanbargal stated that drilling activity could adversely affect the marine environment and ecosystem, and impact the livelihood of fishermen in the region.

Pointing out that the proposed drilling area falls under CRZ-IVA and hence comes under the purview of the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA), the organisation urged the State government not to grant the required approval.

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss also opposed the proposal, warning that additional oil and gas wells in the Bay of Bengal could severely affect marine resources and fishermen's livelihoods.

He alleged that existing wells in the region had already caused environmental damage and said further drilling could lead to damage on an incalculable scale.

Anbumani said the Cauvery delta districts, including Mayiladuthurai, were declared a Protected Agricultural Zone after the PMK's efforts to safeguard agriculture and the environment from hydrocarbon projects. He alleged that oil companies were now attempting to take up projects just outside the protected zone's boundaries.

He urged both the central and State governments not to permit the proposed wells and called for the closure of existing wells in the area. Anbumani also noted that approval from the Tamil Nadu government and TNSCZMA would be mandatory even if the Centre grants environmental clearance.

In a statement, the government said the Chief Minister had ordered Anna medals for 138 police officers and personnel, ranging from Head Constable to Superintendent of Police (SP).

"Twenty personnel and officers from the Fire and Rescue Services Department, 10 members from the Prison Department, five from the Home Guards, two from the Fingerprint Bureau and four from the Forensic Sciences Department will be eligible for the Chief Minister's Anna Medal," the statement said.

The government announced that the medals would be presented by the Chief Minister at a medal parade.

The State government also announced the Chief Minister's Fire Service Medal for Gallantry for R Rajasekar, who is working as a Fireman Driver at Nagercoil.

Recalling the incident behind his gallantry, the State government said that Fireman Rajasekar was returning home after completing his duty when he received information that a girl, Vaishnavi, and a boy, Sailesh, had been swept away by strong currents at Lemuria Beach in Nagercoil.

"He immediately rushed to the spot and saved Vaishnavi. Sailesh had already been rescued by the public," the statement said.

The government said Fireman Rajasekar had saved the girl's life without worrying about his own safety. His brave act was highly appreciated, and he would be conferred the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Fire Service Medal for Gallantry in 2026.

The temple staff and devotees welcomed Durga by showering flowers at the temple premises.

The Tamil Nadu government has purchased five elephants from Assam for temples under the HR&CE Department, said the official source.

The Meenakshi Amman Temple already has a female elephant named Parvathi.

A camel was also purchased and brought to the temple a few days ago, said the source.

Durga was brought to Madurai after the Forest Department granted permission following a recent High Court order setting aside a single judge's stay on the purchase of elephants or accepting them as donations for temples.

The elephant travelled nearly 3,000 km from the Manas National Park in Assam to reach Madurai, added the source.

In the video, circulated on Facebook and other social media platforms, the general public were asked to contact a WhatsApp number for any financial help, with an intention to cheat innocent people.

The CB-CID’s Cyber Crime cell registered a case on September 1 and wrote to the social media platform, Meta, seeking for information relating to the fake ID and also the logs. Investigations revealed that scammers used these AI-generated videos to defraud multiple people across Madhya Pradesh and other states.

Based on the data obtained from service providers and digital trails, the suspect's movements was mapped out in the hinterlands of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, police said.

Special teams were sent to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and with the assistance of Rajasthan police, a key accused, Shyabu Khan (28) of Lachhmangarh, Alwar was nabbed on Saturday (Sep 12). “The accused has been brought back to Tamil Nadu on transit warrant from Rajasthan and remanded to judicial custody,” an official release stated.

The CB-CID has also obtained testimony and evidence from a fraud victim in Madhya Pradesh. Investigations are under way to find if the accused acted alone or as part of a wider network.

Further, it is also ascertained that many such videos are being shared on purportedly Pakistan based Facebook IDs. Extensive digital probing is underway to identify the foreign perpetrators and expose any local accomplices, police said.

“The crackdown has sent a loud, unmistakable message across TN that no matter how advanced the technology, and no matter how remote the hideout, law enforcement’s reach will always be swifter than the deceit,” the official release stated.

DGP Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, TN’s Head of Police Force, appreciated the officers and team for conducting operation involving advanced technical analysis and effecting arrest of the accused.

The police have appealed to the public to be vigilant about such scams and not respond to the phone numbers / join WhatsApp groups and also educate their kith and kin on this kind of online scams.

Addressing reporters in Tiruchy, Ramesh said democracy gave the Opposition the right to protest but alleged that DMK leaders were using such protests to make filthy comments and spread fake information.

“Speaking filth is in the DMK’s DNA, and the party president MK Stalin has developed the party in such a way,” he charged.

Ramesh also alleged that a former HR&CE Minister had made derogatory remarks against the Chief Minister, the public and women, and said the State government would initiate legal action against him.

The minister also criticised the law-and-order situation during the previous regimes, saying its impact was still being felt. The government was taking all steps to curb the drug menace and ensure the safety of women, he said.

Asked about complaints of frequent unscheduled power cuts during night hours in recent days, including in his home constituency of Srirangam, Ramesh denied that there were power cuts in his constituency or elsewhere in the State. “The power cut complaint is a fake narrative of the DMK,” he said.

Ramesh said former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami’s criticism of Vijay’s London visit was “baseless” and did not merit a response.

“It is not a political or ideological question. The former Chief Minister is making comments by sitting indoors, and it can be considered baseless criticism,” he said.

Ramesh said the TVK government was being appreciated by people from all walks of life and that Vijay had travelled to London with an aim of taking sportspersons from Tamil Nadu to the global arena.

He said the Chief Minister had also inaugurated a car race involving his long-time cine-world friend, actor Ajith Kumar.

“This is a step towards taking the greatness of Tamils to the world,” he said.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), which is investigating the case in which around 8,000 people have allegedly lost several crore rupees, came across the name while questioning K Ranjith of Kattayampatti, the 29-year-old main accused in the fraud case, who alleged that the US national was the mastermind of the whole scam.

Noting that Ranjith has never met the man, or even seen his face, the police suspect that this could be an AI-generated person, and are planning to seek Google’s help in identifying him.

When questioned by the EOW team, headed by its South Zone Superintendent of Police K Saravana Kumar, Ranjith said he had first come into contact with Richard Soros while working in Hungarian capital Budapest, ironically after falling victim to another investment fraud.

Ranjith, an ITI graduate, moved to Budapest in 2022 through a manpower agency in Melur. There, he worked as a daily-wage labourer, earning Rs 50,000 a month. “To earn quick money, Ranjith invested in online trading, but was cheated. He then posted details of the three online trading groups that had cheated him on his Telegram and Facebook accounts,” a senior police officer told DT Next.

As has never met the man, or even seen his face, the police suspect that this could be an AI-generated person, and are planning to seek Google’s help in identifying him

Later, he received a message through Telegram from a person identifying himself as Richard Soros, an online trader from Colorado, USA.

To substantiate his claim of being a legitimate trader, Soros shared with him a certificate purportedly issued by a government organisation in Colorado, similar to the ones issued by the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs in India. The document said he was authorised to conduct FQL investment trading business.

“After gaining Ranjith’s confidence, Soros lured him by stating that if he invested Rs 50,000 in US dollars, he would get double the amount within 45 days. He then shared a link to download the FQL

Exchange app and asked him to install it on his mobile phone,” said the officer.

He then directed Ranjith to upload all his personal details, including his bank account details and Aadhaar card, and instructed him to take a selfie holding his Aadhaar card and upload it to the FQL Exchange app, the officer said.

When it came to converting the deposited amount into dollars, Soros asked Ranjith to first use Binance to convert Indian rupees into USDT (Tether) and then transfer the amount to FQL Exchange.

“It seems Ranjith was not aware at that stage that FQL Exchange was not registered with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in India, whereas Binance is a registered entity. So, it appears that Soros had been running the scam clandestinely from the beginning,” said the officer.

Ranjith then encouraged Priyadharshini (23), then his fiancée, and also his relatives to invest through the app. The scheme subsequently spread like a multi-level marketing (MLM) operation across several parts of the Melur area in Madurai.

EOW to request Google to provide IP address used by accused Ranjith

In 2025, Ranjith returned to his native place, where he arranged weekly training programmes by Soros for agents and investors through BonChat. Priyadharshini, whom he married, a postgraduate, translated Soros’s speech for the audience.

“He turned it into a big business by involving agents, as many villagers lacked knowledge about using mobile phones for investment,” said an officer. Ranjith also addressed agents and investors regularly through YouTube channels, the police said.

“Ranjith has never met Soros. His entire communication with him was through online communication apps such as Telegram and BonChat. So, we doubt whether the person he referred to is real or an AI-generated identity,” said the police.

“Hence, we are planning to request Google to provide the IP address used by Ranjith to conduct the training programme involving Soros through BonChat,” he said.

Investigating officer in the case has so far received 3,000 complaints, while around 4,000 people have filed complaints in Dindigul, and 30 in Virudhunagar

The Madurai EOW team arrested Ranjith and Priyadharshini near Dindigul on September 7 and remanded them in judicial custody. “We will soon seek police custody of Ranjith for further investigation,” said the officer.

Madurai EOW inspector A Kamar Nisha, the investigating officer in the case, has so far received 3,000 complaints, while around 4,000 people have filed complaints in Dindigul, and 30 in Virudhunagar.

“Wives of police personnel were also cheated in the scam. Now, we need to collect the bank details of the victims to find out how much they actually invested and how much they lost. We will try to help them recover their money,” said an officer part of the investigation.

On Sunday, Mithra (12), a resident of Settikkulam in Kancheepuram, was attacked by 2-3 stray dogs while she was returning home after purchasing items from a nearby shop. The dogs chased her for some distance and attacked her, causing her to panic and scream for help.

Hearing her cries, Corporation’s cleanliness workers working nearby rushed to the spot, chased away the dogs, and rescued the girl. By then, however, she had sustained multiple injuries and was bleeding after being bitten by the dogs. Her elder brother Bharath immediately arrived at the spot and took her to Kancheepuram GH, where she has been receiving treatment.

According to reports, around five people were bitten by stray dogs in different parts of Kancheepuram on the same day. Residents lamented the rise of stray dog menace in town lately. They also claim that despite repeated complaints to the Corporation, adequate action has not been taken. 

Residents this reporter spoke to demanded the Kancheepuram Corporation to take immediate and effective measures to control the stray dog population and prevent further attacks. 

When contacted, Corporation officials dismissed such claims, and said, “Stray dogs are being captured through contractors engaged by the Corporation and necessary action is being taken. The overall dog menace in the town has reduced, although isolated incidents may still occur. Immediate action is being taken whenever such complaints are received.”

The Forest Department had flagged recurring elephant deaths caused by contact with transformers, high-tension lines, and other electrical infrastructure, and sought urgent measures to prevent further fatalities.

In a letter to the power utility on June 25, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra said a 25-year-old male elephant was electrocuted at Thadagam South Beat in Coimbatore Forest Division on June 23. A preliminary inquiry found that the elephant had approached a transformer installation near the forest boundary and pulled a conductor connected to a high-tension line, resulting in its instantaneous death. Examination of the carcass confirmed electrocution.

The elephant had been using the Thadagam-Veer­apandi landscape and the forest-agriculture interface for several years. The Forest Department pointed out that it had earlier identified low-hanging power lines in the area and Tangedco had carried out rectification work in January. The latest death, however, showed that transformers and associated electrical structures could continue to pose a risk even when conductor clearances conformed to prescribed standards, he said.

The department also reported an elephant death in the Karamadai section of Coimbatore Forest Division on May 8 after contact with a transformer installation and associated electrical infrastructure.

The records referred to in the communication show nine electrocution incidents since October 2025, including deaths reported in SN Palayam, Mettupalayam, Gobi, Sathy, and Dindigul's Oddanchatram. Five of these occurred within Coimbatore North EDC in nine months.

Following the Forest Department's communication, TNPDCL Director (Distribution) sent a memo dated August 27, instructing officials in seven regions and 14 EDCs covering elephant corridor areas to identify vulnerable electrical infrastructure and take corrective measures on priority.

The assessment will cover distribution transformer structures, transformer yards, stay wires, distribution poles, power lines, and other electrical installations located within or adjoining forests, elephant corridors, elephant habitats, and forest-fringe villages.

The utility asked its officials to examine the feasibility of erecting robust elephant-proof fencing around transformers and transformer yards in elephant-prone areas. Physical barriers are also to be considered to prevent wildlife from accessing electrical installations.

It has also ordered joint inspections with the Forest Department to identify and rectify vulnerable infrastructure. Measures include barbed-wire fencing around poles, re-sagging of power lines, conversion of overhead lines to aerial bundled cables, installation of additional poles on long spans to reduce sagging, replacement of damaged poles, and provision of guarding arrangements.

Officials have also been asked to heighten poles, identify leaning poles, clear tree branches, provide coping for poles, and renew stay sets. Rectification work should be taken up immediately wherever vulnerabilities are identified, the senior official instructed.

Also, the officials must record the date of assessment, location, forest area, latitude and longitude, and details of the work completed. The corporation has also sought circle-wise reports on measures taken to prevent electrical accidents involving wildlife.

Considering the large number of deaths, the Coimbatore North EDC has been given special priority and asked to prepare an action plan covering forest divisions and protected areas falling within elephant landscapes under its jurisdiction.

The directive covers 14 EDCs: The Nilgiris, Udumalpet, Coimbatore North, Coimbatore South, Theni, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Dindigul, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Mettur, and Gobi.

The Forest Department has sought a comprehensive assessment of electrical infrastructure in elephant-use areas, periodic joint inspections and district-wise action plans to identify and mitigate electrocution-prone locations. The latest TNPDCL directive seeks to shift the focus from rectifying individual defects after an accident to identifying and eliminating potential hazards in advance.

ELEPHANTINE TRAGEDY

Date & Location

• Oct 23, 2025 Coimbatore North EDC, SN Palayam

• Oct 29, 2025 Coimbatore North EDC, Mettupalayam

• Dec 4, 2025 Gobi, Bhavan's

• Dec 6, 2025 Gobi, Sathy

• Mar 5, 2026 Gobi, Sathy

• May 8, 2026 Coimbatore North EDC, SN Palayam

• June 23, 2026 Coimbatore North EDC, K Vadamaadurai

• July 17, 2026 Dindigul, Oddanchatram

• July 27, 2026 Coimbatore North EDC, Mettupalayam

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.