This brought the total number of arrests in the case to 12. On Tuesday, NTK functionary M Karthika, who contested the Dharapuram by-polls unsuccessfully, was arrested along with eight others, including her husband. They were charged with attempting to attack police personnel when cops removed an NTK banner placed in an unauthorised location.

Police arrested three more people on Wednesday, identified as Venkatesh, Gokul and Mohan Prasad. Cops produced them before the court, where they were remanded to judicial custody and lodged at Coimbatore Central Prison. Meanwhile, Karthika and eight others have moved a bail petition in Dharapuram court.

Vehicular movement was restored around noon on Wednesday after joint teams from the police, forest and highways departments worked through the night to clear the boulders, soil and fallen trees blocking the road. Several tourists were forced to spend the night in their vehicles, while some cooked food along the roadside.

Valparai witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals during the extended holiday period, with many visitors beginning their return journey on Tuesday evening. The heavy traffic on the ghat road coincided with intense rainfall that lashed the region from around 7 pm, triggering rockfalls at the second and third hairpin bends.

Large boulders rolled down the slopes, while landslips and uprooted trees damaged portions of the road. With the rain continuing and darkness hampering clearance operations, traffic between Valparai and Pollachi was completely disrupted.

Government buses, cars and other tourist vehicles were stranded in long queues along the forested stretch. Passengers, including children, women and elderly people, spent the night without adequate food, drinking water, medical assistance or toilet facilities.

The disruption also affected the movement of essential commodities as the hill town has no alternative road connecting it with Pollachi. As part of the restoration efforts, heavy boulders were blasted into smaller pieces, while earthmovers were deployed to remove the debris. The Valparai Municipality, under Commissioner P Venkatalakshmanan, arranged food for stranded tourists on Wednesday morning.

Though landslips occasionally disrupt traffic on the ghat road during the monsoon, the complete shutdown of the stretch for nearly 16 hours was an unusual occurrence in recent years.

Pollachi Sub-Collector R Ramakrishnasamy said the possibility of suspending traffic on the ghat road at night during periods of intense rainfall would be considered in consultation with the district administration.

The wife had filed a petition before the IV Additional Principal Judge, Family Court, Chennai, seeking dissolution of her marriage, solemnised on August 7, 2018, on the ground of cruelty. She alleged that her husband was repeatedly harassing her through emails and phone calls and sought an injunction restraining him from contacting her in any manner.

The husband, who resides in Singapore, contended that he had initiated guardianship proceedings and that an interim order dated November 13, 2025, permitted him to meet the child on alternate Saturdays during specified hours. He alleged that the wife was not complying with the order and was preventing him from meeting the child, leaving him with no option but to contact her to arrange visits and make travel arrangements from Singapore.

Considering the volume of emails and phone calls, the Family Court held that the husband's actions amounted to harassment and allowed the wife's petition on February 23, 2026. Challenging the order, the husband filed a Civil Revision Petition before the Madras High Court.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh observed that the Family Court's order restraining both parties from contacting each other could have enabled them to lead peaceful lives. However, the husband needed to contact the wife to arrange the time and place for meeting the child in accordance with the interim order.

The High Court clarified that the husband could seek a remedy regarding his visitation rights by filing an appropriate application in the guardianship proceedings. It further made it clear that no criminal proceedings should be initiated against him solely based on the Family Court's order dated February 23, 2026, as no criminal element was involved. The court accordingly disposed of the Civil Revision Petition.

Justice B Pugalendhi also directed the Corporation to examine possibilities of providing a safety box to conductors to avoid such incidents in future.

The Court issued the direction on a petition filed by UM Arulkumar of Ramanathapuram, a conductor with the Corporation, challenging the recovery of the face value of unused ticket books from his salary, contending that the settlement under Section 12(3) of the Industrial Disputes Act stipulates that no recovery can be made in cases of theft, robbery or accident.

The petitioner said that on 9th June 2026 ticket books went missing from the bus on which he was working. There was no locker facility inside the bus, he said, adding that he immediately lodged a complaint with the police and reported the incident to higher officials in the Corporation.

Despite this, the Corporation placed him under suspension and issued a charge memo. While the departmental proceedings were pending, the Thoothukudi branch manager ordered recovery of the face value (Rs 77, 855) of the unused ticket books from the petitioner’s salary. Aggrieved by this, the petitioner approached the Court.

After hearing, the Court observed that ticket books appeared to be lost or stolen often. “The petitioners contend that they do not have a safety locker and therefore lose these ticket books when the buses are parked in the bus stand and in the motels,” Justice Pugalendhi said.

The Court noted that similar incidents were reportedly taking place continuously. On the other hand, it said, the settlement under Section 12(3) of the Industrial Disputes Act stipulates that no recovery can be made in cases of theft, robbery or accident.

The Court therefore directed the Corporation to file the report and posted the matter for further hearing on November 2nd.

The deceased, A Akilan, was the son of Ashok Kumar (45) and Kausalya Devi (40), of AT Colony in Peelamedu. Ashok Kumar works at a tea estate in Munnar, and Akilan's 19-year-old sister is pursuing an engineering degree at a college in Coimbatore.

According to the police, some of Akilan’s classmates allegedly mocked him over his caste and eating habits. Distressed by the harassment, he had left home last month and gone to stay with a relative in Alandurai.

His father brought him back and lodged a complaint with the school management. The taunts stopped for a few days but resumed later.

On Wednesday, when Akilan returned to school after the holidays, some classmates allegedly subjected him to caste-based taunts again during the morning prayer assembly. Distressed, he returned home and ended his life while alone.

The incident came to light around 1 pm, when his mother arrived home for lunch and found the door locked from inside. After repeated knocks went unanswered, she broke open the door and found her son hanging. He was declared dead by doctors at a nearby hospital.

Peelamedu police are investigating the circumstances leading to his death, including the allegations of caste-based harassment. A police officer said Akilan’s parents had told investigators that he had been asking them to enrol him in cricket coaching.

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.

The cancellation comes after the TVK government's reported decision to review tenders finalised during the last six months of the previous regime.

The proposed campus was planned to house training facilities, accommodation and research centres to strengthen the institute's capacity to train officials from urban local bodies across Tamil Nadu.

The TNIUS, currently functioning from Coimbatore, provides training to municipal corporation commissioners, municipal commissioners, town panchayat executive officers and town planning officials. Its areas of focus include urban planning, geographic information systems, solid waste management, safe street design and disaster management.

The previous government had proposed shifting the institute to a larger campus near Chennai, with funding reportedly earmarked through the 15th Finance Commission.

A fresh tender is expected to be floated to prepare a revised DPR, incorporating improved facilities and green-building features, said municipal administration sources.

The protests resumed after the State government's deadline to announce the waiver lapsed without an announcement. The farmers’ associations decided to intensify their agitation after the government failed to meet assurances given by ministers during peace talks held when the farmers were on an indefinite protest in Tiruchy.

As part of the agitation, the Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, affiliated to the CPI and CPM, organised road block protests on state highways on Wednesday. The protesters warned they would intensify their agitation if the government failed to announce the waiver immediately.

They also demanded that the State government take steps to secure Karnataka’s due share of water for Delta irrigation. Further, they urged the government to declare the Delta region drought-hit, citing prolonged dry weather attributed to the intensifying Super El Niño effect and its impact on samba cultivation.

In Tiruchy district, protesters held demonstrations in Lalgudi, Tiruverumbur and Manapparai, disrupting traffic on several State highways, including the Tiruchy-Thanjavur and Tiruchy-Dindigul stretches. Police arrested more than 1,000 farmers and farm labourers.

Similar protests were held in several areas of Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam districts.

In detailed guidelines issued by Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Additional Chief Secretary to the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, officials have been instructed to focus on rejuvenation and restoration of existing rainwater harvesting structures and the creation of new facilities.

The guidelines stated that new rainwater harvesting structures should be established through rooftop rainwater collection and groundwater recharge systems.

Bedi said rainwater harvesting structures in government offices, schools, hospitals and other public institutions, as well as residential and commercial premises, should be monitored regularly. Officials have been directed to repair and restore damaged or non-functional structures.

In instructions to urban and rural local bodies, Bedi urged maintaining basic records of existing structures, those that have been rejuvenated or repaired, and newly created facilities.

To encourage healthy competition and public participation, the government has proposed recognition and awards for outstanding performance in rainwater harvesting.

Awards will be considered for the best-performing district, local bodies at the district and state levels, the best school and college at the district level, the best government institution at the district level, and individual resident welfare associations, it said.

The guidelines also direct urban and rural local bodies and government departments to identify suitable locations to harvest surface runoff from roads, public spaces, institutional premises and other areas.

Depending on local conditions, officials have been advised to adopt measures such as recharge trenches, recharge shafts, percolation pits, recharge wells and storage structures to improve rainwater conservation and groundwater recharge.

The government has also called for a comprehensive state-wide awareness campaign involving government departments, local bodies, educational institutions, resident welfare associations, self-help groups, voluntary organisations, industries and community-based organisations.

The initiative aims to improve maintenance of existing rainwater harvesting facilities, expand coverage and encourage wider public participation in conserving water resources.

The Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, one of the Arupadai Veedu (six abodes of Lord Murugan), is a prominent pilgrimage centre that attracts thousands of devotees every day. Hundis are found at several points on the premises, including the Shanmuga Vilasa Mandapam, the inner prakaram and near the copper flagstaff opposite the presiding deity.

According to police sources, temple officials found the collection from a permanent hundi opposite the presiding deity to be lower than usual. On examining the CCTV footage, they found that a temple priest, Murugan alias Mukundan (74), had allegedly been using pieces of cloth and paper to take money from the hundi, the police said.

A further check of the CCTV footage from other hundis showed that another person had allegedly stolen money from the hundi near the copper flagstaff in a similar manner.

The temple administration then lodged a complaint. After examining the CCTV footage, the police arrested the priest and Thirumurugan (56) of Ariyankuppam in Puducherry on 19 October. During interrogation, the police found that around Rs 10,000 had been stolen from the hundi

• Stay away from electric poles, transformers, distribution boxes, power lines and stay wires.

• Avoid walking through stagnant rainwater near electrical installations.

• Inform the EB department about damaged infrastructure.

• Do not touch or remove snapped power lines on roads or in water

• Maintain a safe distance, warn others, particularly children, and alert the department

• Tree branches on power lines should not be cut or removed by the public.

• During thunderstorms and lightning, take shelter in safe buildings and avoid open spaces, isolated trees, electric poles and overhead wires.

• Stay away from open windows and metal grills.

• Avoid using electrical appliances and telephones during lightning.

• Do not operate electrical appliances with wet hands or touch damp switches and water-leaking walls.

• If any electrical leakage, disconnect power supply but only if it’s safe to do so.

• Do not tie cattle to electric poles or wires

• Do not dry clothes on those wires or use them to support banners and temporary structures.

• Install Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) through qualified electricians

• Do a periodic check of your home wiring and protective devices

• RCCBs alone cannot guarantee complete protection without proper insulation.

For power outages, snapped wires, electrical leakage and damage to electricity infrastructure, call Minnagam 94987 94987 by phone or WhatsApp

EB staff must obtain the necessary permission before undertaking electrical work, verify that the power supply has been disconnected and follow prescribed safety procedures, including earthing, before carrying out repairs.

Use appropriate personal protective equipment, including helmets, insulating gloves, safety footwear and safety belts.

Repair work in waterlogged areas should begin only after a proper safety inspection.

Field staff must respond promptly to snapped wires, leaning electric poles, damaged transformers and tree branches obstructing power lines.

Barricades and warning signs must be installed around hazardous locations to prevent public access.

Priority should be given to restoring power to drinking water supply installations, hospitals, telecommunications facilities and crowded public places.

Staff must keep poles, wires, transformers, repair equipment, protective gear and vehicles ready for emergencies.

Avoidhazardous work during heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.

Repairs should be undertaken only after ensuring the safety of personnel, with prompt coordination among field teams to address emergency complaints.

In a statement, Venkatesan said the government should have at least suspended Balachander, who was the Tambaram Corporation commissioner when the alleged irregularities occurred. He questioned the rationale for appointing an officer accused of tender manipulation to a power utility already facing corruption allegations.

He also questioned the action taken on Arappor Iyakkam's complaint regarding the alleged irregularities in Tambaram Corporation and asked whether Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's assurance that those responsible would not be spared was being implemented.

Venkatesan also raised concerns over the appointment of Additional Chief Secretary Rajesh Lakhani as chairman and managing director of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB), citing alleged transformer and conductor procurement scams during his earlier tenure that are under CBI investigation.

He said the two appointments had undermined confidence in the government's commitment to ensuring accountability in the electricity sector.

Alleging that Balachander's appointment could further affect the utility's functioning, Venkatesan sought an explanation from the Chief Minister and Electricity Minister, R Nirmalkumar.

"Justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done," he said, urging the state government to withdraw both appointments immediately.

Police are taking steps to summon the YouTuber, Jason Samuel, who was named in the complaint by Harish’s family. Police said that the roles of others involved in the alleged abetment would also be probed. 

Meanwhile, a video recorded by Harish before his final moments stating that his efforts were belittled was widely shared on social media by his friends. Harish ran a Instagram channel, ‘Finance with Harish’, and gave investment advice. His channel with over one million subscribers was taken down last month. After this, he launched a new channel which was also mass reported and blocked. 

Police sources said that his body was recovered from a villa on ECR on Tuesday and moved to Chengalpattu GH for autopsy. Social media was abuzz with discussions about the cause of death, with some of his friends alleging cyberbullying.Some other pointed out that Harish’s unfortunate decision should not be pinned on those who pointed out the genuine shortcomings with his ‘influencing’.

The missing girl, identified as Hemavathi, is the second daughter of the couple Vadivelu and Bhavani, who reside on Kulakkarai Street in Alampoondi village near Gingee.

The girl went missing under mysterious circumstances in the early hours of October 12. According to the complaint lodged by her parents, after celebrating her birthday on October 11, she was sleeping inside her house at midnight when she suddenly disappeared.

Based on the complaint, the Villupuram district police registered a case and launched a search operation. To trace the child, eight special teams were formed under the supervision of three Deputy Superintendents of Police.

As part of the investigation, the special teams examined CCTV footage and also analysed nearly 600 suspicious mobile phone call records from the locality and questioned several persons.

Despite extensive search and investigation, police said there has been no breakthrough in the case even after 10 days since the girl went missing.

The case also attracted criticism from political leaders, after which Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Agarwal on Wednesday ordered transfer of the case to the CBCID for further investigation.

The police added that all angles, including suspected abduction, are being probed.

A massive search is under way with more than 200 police personnel, special investigation teams and sniffer dogs deployed across the local terrain.

As part of the search, police personnel are visiting every house in the village, collecting details from residents and thoroughly checking the premises. The police are continuing the search on Alampoondi hill with the help of a sniffer dog. They are also perusing the CCTV footage.

Additionally, a team led by retired forensic science expert Shanmugam from Chennai is also conducting forensic examinations at the girl’s house.

In a statement, Anbumani said the State government's objective of increasing annual employment to 150 days was commendable, in line with the promise made by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in its election manifesto. However, he questioned whether the allocated funds could achieve the target.

According to him, 69.11 lakh households in Tamil Nadu are actively receiving benefits under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission scheme. With the total cost estimated at Rs 532.02 per person per day, providing an additional 25 days of employment would require Rs 9,192 crore, while the current allocation amounts to just 1.08% of the requirement.

He also pointed out that only 38.08 lakh households had received employment so far, averaging 13.37 days per household, while 31.10 lakh households had not received even a single day of work. Anbumani further criticised the Centre's decision to reduce its wage-funding share to 60%, with the State bearing the remaining 40%.

He urged the State government to negotiate with the Centre for adequate funds and allocate Rs 5,515 crore to provide an additional 15 days of employment, besides ensuring 60 days through central funding, to achieve at least 75 days of work this year.

The ECI has sent official communication to 12 recognised political parties in Tamil Nadu, including the State parties AIADMK, DMK, DMDK, Naam Tamilar Katchi, the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). The meeting will be held at the Secretariat's old conference hall.

Political parties in Tamil Nadu have criticised the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

The SSR exercise is scheduled to begin in Tamil Nadu on November 12. During the month-long period, voters can apply to have their names included in the electoral rolls.

Speaking to reporters in Tiruchy, Sengottaiyan said Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was monitoring every department's functioning and providing timely suggestions to improve public services.

On flood preparedness, Sengottaiyan said the Greater Chennai Corporation was divided into 15 zones, with ministers and IAS officers assigned to inspect each zone.

“Due to the preventive measures initiated by the government, Chennai is saved from flooding, and the people are safe,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the government was also examining patta-related issues and had set a target of issuing pattas to at least 20 lakh people by the end of December 2027.

The minister said around 1,500 surveyors had been temporarily appointed to facilitate patta distribution, and they would undergo two months of training before taking up the work.

The services will operate from Monday to Friday on the Chennai Central-Avadi, Chennai Central-Arakkonam, and Avadi-Arakkonam routes.

As per the schedule, the first slow AC EMU will leave Avadi at 6.30 am and reach Arakkonam at 7.45 am, halting at all stations. The return fast service will depart Arakkonam at 8 am and reach Chennai Central Suburban station at 9.30 am, with stops at select stations, including Tiruvallur, Tiruninravur, Villivakkam, Perambur and Basin Bridge.

In the evening, the fast service will leave Chennai Central at 6.30 pm and reach Arakkonam at 7.55 pm. It will stop at select stations, including Ambattur and Tiruninravur, but skip Avadi.

The other two pairs will serve Chennai Central-Avadi and Avadi-Arakkonam. The Chennai Central-Avadi slow service will run from 9.40 am to 10.25 am, with its return leaving Avadi at 5.25 pm and reaching Chennai Central at 6.10 pm. The Avadi-Arakkonam return service will leave Arakkonam at 8.10 pm and reach Avadi at 9.10 pm.

Questioning the decision to skip Avadi on the Chennai Central-Arakkonam fast service, a social media user pointed out that the station serves a large population and is expected to become a major transport hub, with an upcoming bus stand and plans for Metro and suburban rail integration.

"What is so special about Tiruninravur that all fast EMU trains and this AC train is getting a stoppage while Avadi, which is reportedly being developed as a transport hub (a huge population, a corporation on its own), with upcoming bus stand, metro and suburban train integration but still gets ignored!?" Udhay posted on X.

Another user said the morning fast service from Arakkonam would skip nine stations, including Pattabiram, Avadi and Ambattur, after Tiruninravur before stopping at Villivakkam.

The 12-car AC EMU rakes manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, can carry around 5,000 passengers. They feature automatic sliding doors, sealed gangways, stainless steel seating, wide glass windows, GPS-based LED displays, CCTV surveillance and an emergency passenger talk-back system. Regenerative electro-pneumatic brakes can save up to 35% of electrical energy, while air-spring suspension is designed to improve riding comfort.

The first AC EMU service in Chennai was introduced on the Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu section on April 19, 2025, and has recorded encouraging passenger occupancy, according to Southern Railway. The railway said the new service was aimed at improving comfort and reliability for suburban commuters.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NTK chief coordinator Seeman said protests would be held in front of all district collectorates across the State on Saturday.

The announcement follows the arrest of NTK functionaries M Karthiga, a candidate who contested the Assembly election in Dharapuram, and M Santhirakumar, a candidate who contested from Madurai, according to the statement. The party alleged that the government had targeted them through false cases and detained them.

Seeman said the party's district coordinators would lead the protests. He called on party functionaries and cadres to join the demonstrations. The protests will also seek to highlight what the party described as the government's failure to protect Tamil people's rights and its alleged use of police action against political opponents.

Seeman also issued another statement to thank all political leaders who registered their opposition to the arrest of NTK cadres.

Meanwhile, the court remanded all 12 accused to judicial custody for 15 days and ordered them to be lodged at Coimbatore Central Prison.

On October 2, police registered a case against Sanjay Gandhi and Sekar for allegedly putting up an NTK flex banner without permission along the Dharapuram–Udumalpet State Highway, despite repeated warnings from the police to remove it. They allegedly used abusive language against the police.

In protest against the case, NTK candidate Karthika, party functionaries and others allegedly gathered in front of the police station without prior permission, obstructed the public and vehicular traffic, used abusive language and prevented police personnel from discharging their duties. Police registered a case against Karthika and eight others.

On October 4, police registered a case against Karthika and 57 others for allegedly disrupting Chief Minister Vijay's roadshow during his election campaign without permission. Another case was registered against Karthika and 12 others for allegedly using abusive language against police personnel during the incident.

On the same day, a case was also registered against Karthika and three of her supporters for allegedly assaulting and verbally abusing a man wearing a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party scarf on his head and his wife.

Speaking to reporters in Pudukkottai, the minister said inadequate rainfall and reduced Cauvery water flow have affected cultivation in the Delta region, which could reduce paddy arrivals this year.

The Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) had procured 7.60 lakh MT of paddy during the previous procurement year and 3.50 lakh MT so far this year. The government expects to procure another 3 lakh MT in the coming days, limiting the shortfall in procurement to around 20%, he said.

Saying the State had adequate paddy stocks to supply rice mills, Venkatramanan ruled out any rice shortage in Tamil Nadu. He said the price rise was temporary, as arrivals from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka had declined, and assured that the government would take steps to stabilise prices.

The minister said Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had instructed officials to reduce the distribution of mutta rice and increase the supply of fine varieties through Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets. He added that the Chief Minister had also directed officials to prevent rice hoarding, artificial demand and smuggling.

Earlier, the minister inaugurated a covered godown for TNCSC at Thulaiyanur in Tirumayam, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 2.65 crore, and another at Konnaiyur, built at a cost of Rs 1.70 crore.

Minister J Mohamed Farvas, District Collector M Aruna and others were present.

A low-pressure area has formed over the Southwest Bay of Bengal off the Tamil Nadu coast and it will trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall across the State. Under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation, the system developed on Wednesday and continues to persist over the same region. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places over Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai and the Karaikal area on Thursday.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Monsoon safety advisory for public, EB staff

The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has issued a set of safety guidelines for the public and electricity department employees during the northeast monsoon, warning of the risk of electrical leakage, accidents and fatalities caused by heavy rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning.

• Stay away from electric poles, transformers, distribution boxes, power lines and stay wires.

• Avoid walking through stagnant rainwater near electrical installations.

• Inform the EB department about damaged infrastructure.

• Do not touch or remove snapped power lines on roads or in water

• Maintain a safe distance, warn others, particularly children, and alert the department

• Tree branches on power lines should not be cut or removed by the public.

• During thunderstorms and lightning, take shelter in safe buildings and avoid open spaces, isolated trees, electric poles and overhead wires.

• Stay away from open windows and metal grills.

• Avoid using electrical appliances and telephones during lightning.

• Do not operate electrical appliances with wet hands or touch damp switches and water-leaking walls.

• If any electrical leakage, disconnect power supply but only if it’s safe to do so.

• Do not tie cattle to electric poles or wires

• Do not dry clothes on those wires or use them to support banners and temporary structures.

• Install Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) through qualified electricians

• Do a periodic check of your home wiring and protective devices

• RCCBs alone cannot guarantee complete protection without proper insulation.

For power outages, snapped wires, electrical leakage and damage to electricity infrastructure, call Minnagam 94987 94987 by phone or WhatsApp

EB staff must obtain the necessary permission before undertaking electrical work, verify that the power supply has been disconnected and follow prescribed safety procedures, including earthing, before carrying out repairs.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment, including helmets, insulating gloves, safety footwear and safety belts.

• Repair work in waterlogged areas should begin only after a proper safety inspection.

• Field staff must respond promptly to snapped wires, leaning electric poles, damaged transformers and tree branches obstructing power lines.

• Barricades and warning signs must be installed around hazardous locations to prevent public access.

• Priority should be given to restoring power to drinking water supply installations, hospitals, telecommunications facilities and crowded public places.

• Staff must keep poles, wires, transformers, repair equipment, protective gear and vehicles ready for emergencies.

• Avoidhazardous work during heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.

• Repairs should be undertaken only after ensuring the safety of personnel, with prompt coordination among field teams to address emergency complaints.

Potholes plague Tambaram-Velachery road

The Tambaram-Velachery Road has been riddled with potholes for several months due to delays in pipeline-laying work for a seawater desalination project. Recent northeast monsoon rains have filled the potholes and excavated trenches with water, making them difficult to spot and disrupting traffic. The stretch, which connects Tambaram and Guindy and passes through several residential areas, educational institutions and commercial hubs, has also witnessed frequent accidents.

Last night, a private hospital ambulance lost control after hitting a water-filled pothole, struck a median and overturned. The driver and a nurse sustained injuries and were taken to Tambaram District Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance. No patient was inside the vehicle at the time. Residents have urged authorities to speed up the pipeline work and restore the damaged road. The Highways Department said repairs could begin only after the pipeline work is completed and the road is handed back to it.

Chennai streets inundated after overnight heavy rain spell

Parts of Chennai were flooded, and streets were inundated after a night of heavy rain. The city recorded an overall average rainfall of 70.25 mm over the 24 hours ending at 6 am on October 21.

Chennai Corporation to spend Rs 21.80 crore on pothole repairs

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is carrying out pothole repair work across all 15 zones at an estimated cost of Rs 21.80 crore as a precautionary measure ahead of the Northeast monsoon.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, Rs 9.25 crore has been allocated for repairs on bus routes and Rs 12.55 crore for internal roads. The work involves filling potholes using concrete and tar mixtures, in line with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's instructions.

So far, 4,691 potholes have been filled and repaired across Zones 1 to 15. The Corporation said the repair work is still under way.

Heavy rain continues in Chennai as rain clouds move towards city, says Tamil Nadu Weatherman

Pradeep John who runs the Tamil Nadu Weatherman handle has warned that rainfall is likely to increase across Chennai as rain clouds move towards the city.

In a post on his X account, Pradeep John said several locations in the Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram (KTCC) region had recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall, putting the region at the top of Tamil Nadu's rainfall chart.

He said more rain clouds were moving towards Chennai and several places in the city could cross the 100-mm mark before 8.30 am. By the time rainfall readings are reset at 8.30 am, some locations could record between 100 mm and 150 mm of rain, he added.

Rainfall likely to increase

The rain clouds moving towards Chennai are expected to increase rainfall across the city. The weather system is bringing rain at a time when many people are returning to Chennai from their hometowns after the holidays.

Puzhal lake storage crosses 5 TMC

Meanwhile, the water storage in Puzhal Lake, one of Chennai's key drinking water reservoirs, has crossed 5 TMC as of October 21, 2026.

Pradeep John said the lake was receiving a good inflow because of its proximity to Chennai. However, more rainfall is needed in the catchment area to sustain the inflow.

He added that light rainfall was expected over the next three days, which could help maintain a steady inflow into the reservoir.

City logs 1,212 rain-related complaints in 24 hours, GCC deploys extra pumps

Up to 5 am on October 21, a total of 1,212 complaints were registered. The majority pertained to waterlogging and inundation, alongside over 50 grievances concerning tree falls and non-functional streetlights, commissioner said.  Most waterlogging and tree-falling complaints have already been cleared. Streetlight repairs have been mandated for resolution within 24 hours. Complaints are strictly closed in the system only after field engineers upload before-and-after photographs.

The majority of complaints originated from the Core City region attributed to higher population density and awareness of the 1913 helpline alongside inputs from North Chennai zones like Manali and Madhavaram.

Complaints continue to be tracked across multiple channels, including the 1913 helpline, social media, the online web portal, the PGR mobile app, and media reports, he added.

RMC issues rain alert till 10 am

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) issued an alert valid until 10 am forecasting light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places across Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipettai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagappattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari districts, as well as Karaikal and Puducherry

Overnight heavy rain spell in Chennai

Very heavy rainfall, recorded in three areas, led by Vadapalani with 132.9 mm, Saidapet with 125.2 mm, and Alandur with 119.4 mm. Heavy to moderate spells at Maduravoyal recorded 112.5 mm, Madipakkam saw 114.6 mm, Valasaravakkam logged 109.6 mm, Nungambakkam recorded 106.8 mm, Adyar registered 104.1 mm, and Korattur hit 96 mm.

TN rain forecast: Here are the details

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), widespread rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal today (October 21) and tomorrow (October 22), followed by isolated to scattered rainfall between October 23 and October 26.

Heavy to very heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph is likely to occur at isolated places over Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanniyakumari districts on Wednesday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue in Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, and Ramanathapuram districts on Thursday.

Under similar wind conditions, heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning is expected at one or two places over the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Namakkal, Karur, Theni, Dindigul, Tenkasi, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Sivagangai, and Ramanathapuram, as well as the Karaikal area.

In Chennai, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius, with the minimum temperature dipping to 25 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Holidays declared in schools in 5 Tamil Nadu districts on Wednesday (October 21)

CHENNAI: Schools in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Ranipet districts will remain closed on Wednesday (October 21) following heavy overnight rain, with district collectors announcing a holiday.

Heavy rain lashed several parts of Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts through the night, while the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast further rainfall.

Meanwhile, the upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast persists, with a low-pressure area likely to form over the same region within the next 12 hours, according to the Indian Meteorological Department's bulletin on Tuesday night.

Another upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Thailand and adjoining areas of Thailand and Myanmar is likely to move into the north Andaman Sea by today morning. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal around October 23 and intensify over the following three days.

Due to the twin weather systems, heavy to very heavy rain is likely to continue across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26, the RMC has forecast. Thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph, are likely at one or two places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26.

Addressing a public welfare assistance distribution event here in Pudukkottai district, Sengottaiyan pointed to Vijayabaskar, who was seated on the dais, and said, "There is no need to elaborate on his capabilities as the former minister continues to work actively for the people".

"There is no need to tell anyone about your Dr Vijayabaskar; he knows all the tricks," Sengottaiyan said. "That is why he has brought us all together under the spotlight to stand in the field. He will not merely stand in the field, but he will also secure victory and stand firmly behind our Thalapathi," he added.

Vijayabaskar, who previously served as the state's health minister, represented AIADMK and won from the Viralimalai constituency in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

A by-election is due for the constituency in Tamil Nadu after he vacated the seat on June 16. He defected to the TVK. The Election Commission has not yet issued a notification or scheduled a date for the by-poll.

Speaking at the function, which saw welfare assistance distributed to 1,354 beneficiaries, the Revenue Minister also touched upon government initiatives.

Responding to remarks made by the Pudukkottai District Collector highlighting a rising prevalence of cancer in the district, Sengottaiyan said the government was initiating multiple measures through the health department to combat the disease and safeguard public health.

On the land administration front, the minister announced a target to issue 20 to 25 lakh land pattas (deeds) across the state by December next year.

To overcome the shortage of personnel in the department, he noted that 1,500 surveyors have been appointed. Following a two-month training program, a comprehensive land survey will be conducted, and the state aims to digitise all land records within two years, enabling citizens to access property details online from anywhere, he said.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places over Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai and the Karaikal area on Thursday.

On Friday, heavy to very heavy rain is likely over Kanniyakumari, Nilgiris and Coimbatore, while heavy rain is expected at isolated places over several other districts, including Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchy, Madurai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Tirupur, Perambalur and Puducherry.

VR Durai, Director and Senior Atmospheric Scientist at the RMC, said, “The rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, will continue across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry until October 26. A red alert is unlikely, as the present system is weak with low chances of intensifying.”

He added that another low-pressure area is expected to form over the southeast and east-central Bay of Bengal on October 23 and intensify into a deep depression and move west-southwestwards. A separate system over the southwest Arabian Sea is moving west-northwest towards the Somali coast.

“For Chennai, moderate rainfall is expected over the next three days, with heavy rain likely on October 25 as the current system moves northwards. Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu are likely to receive moderate rain on Thursday,” added Durai.

On Wednesday, the city recorded its highest rainfall of 15.4 cm at MGR Nagar, followed by 13.7 cm at Vadapalani, 12.9 cm at Saidapet, 12.8 cm each at Alandur and Chennai Airport, 12.6 cm at Kolapakkam and 12.4 cm at Meenambakkam. Winds of 35-45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, are expected, and fishermen have been advised to exercise caution in coastal areas for the next two days.

Over the past five years, the northeast monsoon has extended up to mid-January. El Niño tends to increase rainfall intensity rather than extend the seasonal duration. The monsoon rainfall for the State is normally 44 cm between October and December. From October 1-21, the State recorded 11.1 cm against the normal 10 cm, a 12% surplus.

Speaking to the media in Dharmapuri, the AIADMK leader said the two Dravidian parties have deep-rooted organisational structures and strong cadre bases that cannot be easily dismantled. “More youngsters were joining the AIADMK due to its appeal among the youth,” he said.

Questioning the TVK government's functioning, Munusamy said government officials had been inactive for the past five months. Targeting Minister Aadhav Arjuna, the AIADMK leader criticised him for acting like a shadow Chief Minister.

Defending the party’s general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami, Munusamy said electoral victories and defeats depended on the prevailing political circumstances and could not be attributed to a leader’s capabilities.

DMK Spokesperson Committee president TKS Elangovan said the previous DMK regime carried out most flood-mitigation work, adding that several areas where such work was completed did not experience waterlogging. "During the DMK regime, we made several plans to address waterlogging. More than 70 per cent of the work had been completed," Elangovan said.

He questioned whether the present government had allocated funds and taken steps to complete the remaining works after assuming office.

Elangovan also alleged that the government was not adequately prepared despite forecasts of heavy rainfall this year. Referring to predictions of intense rainfall linked to El Niño and other factors, he said the administration should have taken precautionary measures.

"Because of El Niño and other factors, they have forecast heavy rainfall this year. This government was not prepared for that," he said.

The DMK leader also criticised the Chief Minister for visiting rain-affected areas only after the rainfall had stopped and floodwaters had receded.

"After the rain was over and the water had receded, the Chief Minister visited the areas," he remarked.

The DMK's criticism comes amid concerns over monsoon preparedness and flood mitigation measures in Chennai. The party maintained that the government should complete pending drainage and flood-prevention works to minimise waterlogging during heavy rainfall.

The principal opposition hit back after pro-TVK handles initially claimed the previous DMK government misappropriated Rs 4,000 crore in flood-mitigation funds, then said the ruling government's strong response reduced waterlogging. 

Speaking to reporters at Anna Arivalayam, she questioned the need to arrest Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) candidate Karthika in the early hours.

Kanimozhi alleged that several objectionable comments had been made against women from opposition parties, including Chennai Mayor R Priya, but no action had been taken despite the DMK submitting multiple complaints.

"There have been adverse comments against women leaders from opposition parties, including Chennai Mayor Priya. The DMK has submitted several complaints in this regard, but no action has been taken," she said.

In a sarcastic remark, Kanimozhi questioned the government's response to such complaints and referred to BJP State president Nainar Nagendran, alleging that the government had not taken action against those making objectionable remarks about women.

She also raised concerns over cases involving missing children in the State, alleging that the police had failed to make progress even after several months.

"No man needs to give women safety. The Chief Minister should improve his administrative capabilities so that the police perform their duties," Kanimozhi said, criticising the government's handling of women's safety and law enforcement.

Police Commemoration Day is observed every year on October 21, in memory of ten Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel killed in an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops in Hot Springs, Ladakh, on October 21, 1959. The day also honours police personnel across the country who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

At the commemorative event held at the police headquarters on Wednesday, the Chief Minister laid a wreath at the memorial, observed a moment of silence, and received the ceremonial guard of honour from the police contingent. He also planted a sapling on the premises to mark the occasion.

As part of the state government's welfare measures, the Chief Minister distributed orders sanctioning personal accident insurance under the Government Salary Package Scheme to seven families. The beneficiaries include families of six police personnel who died while on duty and the family of one policeman who is currently in a coma, totalling Rs 5.96 crore.

Officials said 154 police personnel across India, including six from Tamil Nadu, attained martyrdom while on duty this year.

Home Secretary A Karthik, DGP Mahesh Kumar Agarwal, Chennai Police Commissioner A Amalraj, retired police officers and families of martyred personnel were present.

Auto driver Noor Mohammed (51) and bus driver Martin (51), a resident of Singanallur, died.

When the bus bound for Ukkadam from Madukkarai was nearing Sunnambu Kalvai, Martin suddenly developed severe chest pain and slumped over the steering wheel while trying to bring the vehicle to a halt. The bus went out of control, triggering panic among over 50 passengers.

Acting swiftly, conductor Parameswaran managed to apply the brakes. By then, however, the bus had collided with an auto, a car and over 10 two-wheelers.

Police said Noor Mohammed jumped out of his auto in an attempt to escape the oncoming bus but came under its wheels and died on the spot. Two two-wheeler riders sustained severe injuries and were admitted to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital.

In another mishap, a 39-year-old woman was killed, while her husband and two children were injured when their car overturned near Gundadam in Tirupur on Wednesday early morning.

Vijay Raja (42) of Madurai, his wife Kavitha, and their two children Keerthisana (10) and Sai Charan (4) were returning from Madurai by car. Vijay Raja, who was behind the wheel, was employed in a knitwear unit in Mudalipalayam in Tirupur.

As the car overturned into a ditch, leaving the family trapped inside, the Gundadam police rushed to the spot, rescued them, and sent them to a private hospital in Koduvai. They were later shifted to Tirupur Government Hospital. Kavitha succumbed to her injuries.

Justice B Pugalendhi suo motu impleaded the Secretary of the Human Resources Management Department at the Secretariat, while hearing a writ petition in which the respondent, the Chief Educational Officer (CEO), Tirunelveli, apprehended that the petitioner, his personal assistant, might foist a false complaint against him under the Act.

The petitioner, M Jothivel of Tirunelveli, challenged a transfer order passed by the CEO on 9 October 2026, posting him as headmaster of Government Higher Secondary School, Kuvachipatti. He was working as personal assistant to the CEO, Tirunelveli.

The petitioner submitted that the Joint Director of School Education is the competent authority to issue the transfer order.

The Special Government Pleader, appearing for the CEO, submitted that the relationship between the petitioner and the CEO was strained and that if the petitioner continued in the post, he might disturb the administration and even foist a false complaint against the CEO, either himself or through someone associated with him.

After hearing both sides, the Court granted an interim stay of the transfer, as the order was prima facie passed without jurisdiction. However, the Judge restrained the petitioner from performing duties as personal assistant to the CEO until October 26.

The Court directed the Secretary of the Human Resources Management Department to file the report and posted the matter for further hearing on October 26.

In a statement, the PMK leader stated that while the Tamil Nadu government’s objective to provide 150 days of employment annually under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) scheme is commendable, the funds earmarked for the initiative are grossly inadequate.

"Although the initial announcement of providing 150 days of work featured in the TVK election manifesto, the central government recently modified the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to increase guaranteed work from 100 to 125 days per year," he said, adding, "to cover the remaining 25 days, the state government issued an order allocating Rs 100 crore."

Anbumani questioned the feasibility of implementing the poll promise with such a "minuscule" fund.

Stating that 81.08 lakh families in Tamil Nadu have registered under the scheme, with 69.11 lakh families actively seeking and receiving work, Anbumani said the breakdown of daily expenses per worker includes a direct wage of Rs 271.38, material and skilled labour costs of Rs 208.64, and administrative costs of Rs 53.

"Together, the daily cost per beneficiary amounts to Rs 532.02, shared by the central and state governments," he said and claimed that to provide employment for 69.11 lakh active families across the state, the government requires Rs 367.68 crore per day.

Pointing out that since the additional 25 days of employment are a state initiative, the entire financial burden must be borne by the Tamil Nadu government, he said providing 25 days of extra work would require at least Rs 9,192 crore, making the allocated Rs 100 crore merely 1.08 per cent of the required budget, which is a sum insufficient to fund even a single day of work for all beneficiaries.

The former union minister called upon the state government to hold negotiations with the Centre to secure the required funds while simultaneously increasing its own budget allocation to uplift rural livelihoods.

Speaking to reporters here, the Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha member alleged that under the previous regime, tender costs were routinely inflated through kickbacks collected as "party funds" and "family funds."

"Whether laying roads or building bridges, tenders earlier carried a 30 to 40 per cent commission, and in some cases even 50 per cent. When you put an end to such artificial inflation, the government's overall expenditure will drop automatically, which will in turn reduce the need to take on fresh debt," Vaiko claimed.

He also claimed that several ongoing infrastructure contracts, including works related to airports, have had their payments frozen by the administration following inquiries into past irregularities and corruption.

He urged the government to resolve the issue swiftly so ongoing projects can be completed without inconveniencing the public.

Turning to the power sector, Vaiko said the state is grappling with a supply deficit of 3,500 to 4,000 MW as current demand touched nearly 21,000 MW against 16,000 to 17,000 MW recorded around the same time last year. Due to a nationwide shortfall, the state has been compelled to purchase power at a high rate of Rs 37 per unit, he added.

Vaiko laid the blame on previous regimes for failing to augment generation capacity over the past 15 to 20 years.

Singling out the stalled Rs 13,000-crore Uppur thermal power project, he alleged that equipment worth Rs 6,000 crore was left abandoned to deteriorate in the sea air over the last five to six years.

"Consulting firm Ernst & Young has been engaged to assess how much of that machinery can still be salvaged or redirected to other power projects," he added.

Touching upon the waterlogging in Chennai, the MP commended the overnight relief efforts of over 15,000 corporation personnel and ministers, but hit out at local elected representatives for their alleged absence.

"Except for a few, neither the Mayor, nor the Deputy Mayor, nor the councillors were seen on the ground. The local body representatives should have been leading from the front alongside officials. The media should question the DMK on why people's grievances are being politicised," he said.

He further alleged that while Rs 4,000 crore was spent on stormwater drains during previous regimes, poor planning left stretches such as a 24-km canal unconnected to downstream outlets.

Asked about speculations regarding actor Dhanush entering politics, Vaiko said in a democracy, anyone has the right to launch a party, but the final verdict rests squarely with the electorate. MDMK is the ally of the ruling TVK.

Candidates permitted to appear for the examination can download their hall tickets from the commission’s official websites, www.tnpsc.gov.in and www.tnpscexams.in.

According to a TNPSC notification, candidates must log in through their One-Time Registration (OTR) dashboard and enter their application number and date of birth to download the hall ticket.

The preliminary examination for Combined Civil Services Examination–II (Group II and IIA services) will be conducted in the forenoon session on November 1.

The recruitment notification (No. 07/2026) was issued on August 11, 2026, and online applications were accepted until September 9. The number of vacancies was subsequently increased to 846, comprising 43 vacancies in Group II posts and 803 in Group IIA posts.

The selection process will be conducted in two stages — preliminary and main examinations.

Candidates have been advised to carefully read and follow the instructions printed on their hall tickets. They should verify their personal details, examination date and time, venue and address in advance. Candidates must also ensure that they do not carry any unauthorised items into the examination hall and comply with the commission’s guidelines.

Santosh Kumar, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Economic Offences Wing, Chennai, has been posted as IGP, Civil Supplies CID, Chennai, in place of Rupesh Kumar Meena.

N Kamini, who was serving as IGP/Commissioner of Police, Tiruchy City, has been posted as IGP, Administration, in the office of the Director General of Police/Head of Police Force, Chennai, replacing A Radhika, who was not given any post. It may be noted that Radhika was questioned by the SIT earlier this month in connection with the Gem Veeramani case.

According to the Government Order dated October 21 issued by the Home Department, the allocation for light police stations has gone up to Rs 30,000 from Rs 3,750, an eight-fold rise. Similarly, medium stations will now receive Rs 40,000, up from Rs 6,000, while the monthly allocation for heavy stations has been raised to Rs 50,000 from Rs 8,250.

This fund is meant to meet expenses like purchasing stationery and even tea for the personnel, which is often paid for by the members of the public. Earlier, senior officers had pointed out that the personnel manning the stations were forced to depend on complainants, victims, petitioners, or members of the public to meet such routine expenses due to insufficient contingency funds.

The enhancement is intended to eliminate such practices and ensure that operational expenses are met through government funds.

There are 1,169 light police stations, including all-women police stations and traffic police stations; 353 medium police stations; and 395 heavy police stations, including Metro-1 and Metro-2 police stations.

The government has sanctioned Rs 71.01 crore towards the additional annual expenditure arising from the enhancement.

According to the order, the existing allocations were inadequate to meet rising costs of stationery and other essential consumables required for the day-to-day functioning of police stations.

The order also lists several special units with police station powers, including the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID), Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Q Branch, Cyber Crime police stations, Coastal Security Group, Idol Wing, Organised Crime Intelligence Unit, and Special Division. At present, these units do not receive any contingency funds.

However, the government has asked the State police chief to submit a separate proposal for sanctioning contingency funds of Rs 30,000 to these special units for further consideration.

The complainant referred to an extra-marital relationship with the AIADMK’s state deputy secretary of the All India MGR Mandram, claiming that they have a child out of wedlock. The complainant has sought action against Kannan and stated that a DNA test could help establish the facts.

Even as police are said to be searching for him, Kannan is reportedly undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Madurai due to ill health. The complainant, a resident of Krishnasamy Street in Sankarankovil, alleged that Kannan, her relative, sexually assaulted her when she was studying in Class 10 and attending tuition at his house.

According to the complaint, Kannan, who is married and has children, subsequently pressured her to have a child with him and threatened to disclose their alleged relationship to her husband if she refused.

The woman also alleged that Kannan persuaded her to seek a divorce from her husband, promising to support her and her son. According to her complaint, he took her to a lawyer he knew and initiated divorce proceedings at the Sankarankovil court.

She further claimed that Kannan arranged accommodation for her and her son in Chennai and sent them money every month for their maintenance. However, after a verdict was delivered in her divorce case, he allegedly told her that he would no longer meet her.

Sensitive sectors like dairy, sugar and some agriculture products have been fully protected. The development is a major boost to Tamil Nadu, a major hub of textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, automobiles and auto components, all sectors that will benefit from the FTA.

The pact becomes India’s 17th operational FTA and the seventh trade pact to come into force in the last five years. The others are agreements with the UAE, Mauritius, the European Free Trade Association bloc, the UK, Oman and Australia.

Signed on April 27, 2026, the agreement follows negotiations launched in 2010, stalled in 2015 and revived in March 2025. New Zealand has committed FDI worth $20 billion in over 15 years.

New Zealand has offered market access in around 118 services sectors and most-favoured nation commitments in about 139 sub-sectors. In new visa rules, Indian youth and professionals will have access to 5,000 temporary employment entry visas and 1,000 working holiday visas annually. There will be no cap on Indian students. Post-study work rights will extend to three years for STEM bachelor’s and master’s graduates and up to four years for doctoral scholars.

In return, New Zealand will receive preferential access to the Indian market for a range of its exports. Tariff reductions will cover products including sheep meat, wool and forestry goods, while certain agricultural imports will be subject to specific quotas and conditions.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, “As of today, our historic Free Trade Agreement with India is in effect. Working closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we’ve delivered a deal that will help grow both of our economies”.

He said that from Tuesday, Kiwi businesses can reach over a billion more customers with significantly reduced tariffs.

Commerce minister Piyush Goyal said the FTA will unlock significant opportunities for MSMEs, farmers, women, youth and labour-intensive sectors.

Gulzar Didwania, partner, Deloitte India, said the deal is expected to support higher FDI inflows into India, but the scale of any increase remains uncertain and will depend on private-sector investment decisions.

The farmers, from around 40 associations, commenced their indefinite protest on September 15 in Tiruchy, demanding a fresh announcement of a crop loan waiver without any conditions as per the promise given by the Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay during the election campaign.

Ministers R Vinoth (Agriculture), V Gandhiraj (Cooperation) and S Ramesh (HR&CE) held talks at the district collectorate on the same day and sought time for the new announcement.

On September 18, delegates of various farmers' associations met in Chennai, but this failed as the government sought 20 days' time.

However, even after 27 days had passed, the government has not so far taken any step for crop loan waiver as promised by the ministers. The farmers claimed that the minister cited the bypolls for the delay in the announcement. The farmers also said that the state government should immediately make a fresh announcement on crop loan waiver and issue loan waiver certificates to the respective farmers, which was in practice in the past. The farmers also urged the government to direct the cooperative banks to issue a regulation to return the jewels pledged by the farmers.

"If the announcement is not made immediately, the indefinite protest by representatives of 40 farmers' associations would resume in Tiruchy from October 22," said Swamimalai Sundara Vimalnathan, secretary of Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers Protection Association and one of the protest coordinators.

The protest call was issued jointly by BS Masilamani, state general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Farmers' Association (CPI), Sami Natarajan, state general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Farmers' Association (CPM), and A Chandramohan, state general secretary of the All India Kisan Mahasabha (CPI-ML).

The unions accused the state government of reneging on its poll promise to waive crop loans taken from cooperative banks in full for farmers owning up to five acres and by 50 per cent for those owning more than five acres.

They said repeated protests since May and talks with ministers had yielded no announcement. At a meeting on August 7 attended by eight ministers, senior IAS officers and representatives of more than 20 farmers' organisations, the government had assured them that the issue would be resolved, but had failed to act, they alleged.

The unions said confusion over the proposed waiver had also prevented farmers from obtaining fresh crop loans. They demanded relief for agricultural labourers who had lost their livelihoods and drought compensation following a government assessment of crop losses caused by deficient rainfall and El Niño.

In the Cauvery delta, farmers had lost the kuruvai crop and faced uncertainty over samba cultivation as the Mettur dam’s water level declined. The unions urged the government to take urgent steps to secure Karnataka's monthly Cauvery water releases in accordance with the Supreme Court's final verdict.

They appealed to farmers across the state to participate in large numbers in Wednesday's protests.

Senior irrigation experts claim that Tamil Nadu has sufficient rainfall and the average rainfall in the state is 925 mm, which can yield around 1,800 TMC. The state's current requirement is only about 1,260 TMC, however, Tamil Nadu has the capacity to store only 1,058 TMC. If the construction of check dams, farm ponds and other structures is complete, 300 TMC of water can be stored additionally.

Meanwhile, farmers claimed that the previous government's 1,000 check dams, two per assembly constituency, announcement was a boon to them. "This would substantially store 10 TMC of water in the delta region during the monsoon days and prevent water flowing waste into the sea, and the present government should step up to realise the project," said Sami Natarajan, general secretary, Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam.

Natarajan said that there were several major irrigation systems in the Delta region and the proposal of check dams can easily store at least 1 TMC water and thus the volume would go beyond our calculation which would make Tamil Nadu self-sufficient in irrigation. "This apart, the groundwater would be recharged, and rain-fed regions could enjoy the benefits," he said.

He urged the state government to implement special schemes for the irrigation system which would solve the water scarcity permanently.

P Viswanathan, state president of Tank and River Ayacutdars Welfare Association, noted that the State government should immediately construct check dams across the Cauvery and the Kollidam so that the unnecessary flooding into the agricultural land could be prevented.

"As per the announcement, as many as 19 check dams would be constructed across the Cauvery and the Kollidam, which would help the farmers during the water crisis," Viswanathan emphasised.

Across 12,450 villages in Tamil Nadu, there are 38,000 waterbodies, according to sources. If these are filled, at least 200 TMC of water could be stored every year, which would be beneficial for both irrigation and recharging groundwater.

In a statement, Seeman said the arrests were linked to a protest Karthika and other NTK cadres organised along the route Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay took during his roadshow on the final day of campaigning for the Dharapuram by-election, after the party was denied permission to campaign.

Describing the arrests of seven NTK functionaries as an act of political repression, Seeman accused the government of misusing the police to target political opponents instead of addressing law and order issues in the State.

He questioned the government's response to alleged incidents involving ruling party functionaries, including a drug smuggling case in Nagapattinam, a sexual harassment allegation against a party district secretary in Ranipet and an attack on journalists involving a sitting MLA. He alleged that the police were acting selectively against opposition party members.

Seeman also criticised Vijay for allegedly repeating the mistakes of previous Dravidian governments, warning that political power was not permanent. He said NTK cadres would not be intimidated by arrests or police action and accused the government of failing to address administrative shortcomings and public grievances.

Claiming the government was focusing on political retaliation while people protested administrative failures, Seeman warned the regime's downfall was not far away.

He demanded the immediate release of Karthika, her husband and the other arrested NTK functionaries, warning the government of consequences if they were not freed. The allegations against the government and the circumstances surrounding the arrests were not independently verified.

While being escorted for a post-arrest medical check-up at the government hospital in Dharapuram, she told reporters that she hasn't smuggled any narcotics to be swooped down on in such a manner, referring to the recent arrest of a TVK functionary, N Boopalan, in a meth case. “Does only the Chief Minister have the right to campaign on the final day of the polls?” she asked, while accusing police of arresting her without allowing her to change out of her nightwear dress, causing inconvenience and humiliation.

On October 4, police booked and detained Karthika and other protesters for staging a roadblock along the route taken by Vijay for the roadshow.

They were booked on multiple charges including unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal intimidation, attempt to assault, and other sections. The NTK functionaries were charged with attempting to attack police personnel when they removed an NTK banner placed in an 'unauthorised' location. A TVK supporter, who was returning home with a child near Kamarajapuram, was allegedly attacked by the police personnel.

In connection with the case, the Dharapuram police arrested Karthika and her husband, Murugan Chandrakumar, at their Coimbatore residence on Tuesday. Following the arrest, the NTK cadres staged a protest in front of the Dharapuram police station.

A heated exchange broke out between the police and NTK functionaries when police brought Karthika back to the station after the medical examination. Selva Nanmaran, a functionary of the NTK’s legal wing, said the party, under the leadership of its chief coordinator, Seeman, would soon organise a major protest condemning the arrest.