The division bench comprising Justices GR Swaminathan and MD Sumathi passed the order on a husband's appeal against the Sivaganga family court that had refused to dissolve his marriage.

The couple got married in September 1992 and have four children. The husband had filed for divorce, alleging adultery by the wife.

Though Section 13(1) (i) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, states that adultery is a ground for seeking divorce, before granting relief, the court must be satisfied that the petitioner is not taking advantage of his or her own wrong.

However, the family court judge had his own interpretation of the provision. The High Court noted that when adultery is pleaded, the paramour must be made a party to the proceedings, and failure to do so by the family court is fatal.

Instead, the family court reasoned that the husband had contributed to his wife's alleged adultery by leaving her behind in Sivaganga to take up a job in Mumbai.

The High Court disagreed with this reasoning. “It may not always be feasible to take the wife along. Suppose the husband is a soldier, it is not possible to set up a marital home in the army barracks. The wife could be gainfully employed. She cannot be expected to conduct herself like the pug in the unforgettable Vodafone ad,” the court observed.

The bench held that long separation, absence of cohabitation, complete breakdown of meaningful bonds and existing bitterness between the parties could be read as cruelty under Section 13(1)(ia) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and granted divorce to the couple.

“...We are satisfied that there is much bad blood that there is simply no possibility of a reunion,” the court observed.

It also directed the husband to pay Rs 7 lakh as alimony to the wife.

After his meeting with the TVK ministers, the CPM state secretary posted on X that they (the ministers) had said the actions of the Chief Secretary and the Gujiliamparai tehsildar were mistakes by officials, that the matter had not come to the government's attention, and that they expressed regret over the incident. This was against his previous stance of questioning the role of the Chief Minister and demanding action against the Chief Secretary. TVK minister R Nirmalkumar reportedly assured him that such an incident would not be repeated.

The ruling TVK is set to formally expand its political front on September 9 and is also expected to unveil its name as it seeks to bring more parties into its fold. Sources said discussions were also underway on the alliance's leadership and organisational structure. Vijay is being considered for the top leadership role, while Vaiko could be entrusted with a coordinating or organisational responsibility, given his political experience. The final arrangement is expected to be decided after consultations with the alliance partners.

TVK ministers N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, R Nirmalkumar and Rajmohan on Friday met CPI state secretary M Veerapandian, CPM state secretary P Shanmugam and MDMK general secretary Vaiko at their offices and residence, respectively, and invited them to the September 9 meeting on behalf of Chief Minister and TVK president C Joseph Vijay.

The CPI and CPM have yet to decide on formally joining the TVK-led front. TVK leaders, however, hope that both Left parties will come on board at the September 9 meeting. The Left parties had stayed away from the first consultative meeting held at Kovalam on July 1.

"We will meet the VCK and Congress in the coming days and invite them to the meeting. Both are already our allies. The alliance will be expanded in the coming days," a source told DT Next.

The September 9 meeting is also expected to clarify the structure of the front. Several names, including Secular Vettri Alliance, are under consideration, with "Vettri" likely to figure in the final name.

The police received information that a gang was peddling drugs at Keezhavasal in Thanjavur.

Rushing to the spot, police spotted a history-sheeter D Prakash alias Maadu Prakash (26) from Vannarathurai near Keezhavasal, who had a huge quantity of sedative pills.

Upon inquiry with Prakash, the police team found that his friends H Mohammed Abbas (25) from Keezhavasal, S Subash (24) from Sunnambukara street and M Sanjay Sampath (23) were also involved in selling drugs.

Subsequently, the police team arrested all four and seized 6,000 pills worth Rs 60,000 and a car from them.

Further inquiry found that Mohammed Abbas had a connection with a drug trading firm in Nagpur and was in the habit of making online purchases from the firm.

After purchasing the drugs he used to distribute the pills to the other friends, who sold them in the local markets.

In a statement, Tagore alleged that the Sri Lankan Navy had been repeatedly arresting Tamil Nadu fishermen who venture into the sea for their livelihood and subjecting them to imprisonment and hefty fines.

Questioning the Centre's handling of the issue, Tagore asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had failed to raise Indian fishermen's rights with Sri Lanka.

Tagore also criticised the BJP-led government over its economic policies, alleging that the Centre had provided tax concessions worth several lakh crore rupees to corporate houses while failing to protect the interests of poor fishermen.

He demanded that the Centre immediately bear the Rs 5.76 lakh fine imposed on the fishermen and take responsibility for securing their release.

Tagore further urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka to intervene immediately and take steps to end such arrests.

He also demanded that the Centre initiate measures on a war footing to bring back the arrested fishermen and their boats to India without any conditions.

He said the recurring arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities required a permanent solution and urged the Union government to take immediate diplomatic action to protect their livelihood and ensure their safety.

According to police, the deceased were students of an engineering college in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, and were travelling from Guruvayur towards Kodungallur along NH-66.

Police have identified six of the deceased. Four of them—Surya, Yuvasanjith, Vishva and Johua—were from Dindigul, while Santhosh and Prasanna were from Madurai.

Police said the identities of two others are yet to be confirmed.

The accident occurred at around 11.40 pm on Friday, police said.

The car, which had a Tamil Nadu registration, collided with a Maharashtra-registered lorry parked on the highway at Panambikkunnu in Kaipamangalam near here.

Six students died on the spot, while two others were declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital, police said.

The youth were pulled out of the car during a rescue operation carried out by residents, fire and rescue personnel and police. Their bodies were taken to the mortuary of Thrissur Medical College, police said.

Kaipamangalam police have registered a case against the lorry driver under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for culpable homicide.

The lorry driver went into hiding soon after the accident, police said.

According to the FIR, the lorry was illegally parked on the right side of the highway, and the car rammed into its rear.

Police said the lorry was parked near a barricaded section where traffic had been diverted as part of ongoing construction work.

The car was travelling at high speed, and the driver apparently failed to notice the diversion barricade before hitting the rear of the lorry, police said.

Police contacted the families of the deceased using the student identity cards recovered from the bodies. Some of the families were unaware that their children had travelled to Keralam, police said.

Postmortem examinations will begin after the families of the deceased reach Thrissur Medical College, police said.

Searches at 19 Chennai locations

The searches began in the morning and were carried out at locations in Chennai, including Mylapore, Adyar, Thiruvanmiyur, Anna Nagar and Abiramapuram. Searches were also conducted at Nehru’s residence and other premises in Thillai Nagar, Tiruchy.

A team of DVAC officials arrived at Nehru’s Thillai Nagar residence in four vehicles. Nehru later reached the residence after learning about the searches. Former minister Anbil Mahesh and other DMK functionaries gathered outside the house, leading to tension in the area.

Stalin alleges political motive

Reacting to the searches, DMK president and former Chief Minister MK Stalin alleged that the action against Nehru was politically motivated.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, Stalin said the searches were being conducted even as a case was pending before the High Court and the Assembly session was underway.

Stalin alleged that the ruling TVK government had resorted to the action for “purely political reasons”. He also accused the government of having allegedly induced legislators from other parties to resign and join the ruling party on the Assembly premises, and alleged that the DVAC had not registered an FIR on complaints relating to the alleged horse-trading.

Stalin further accused the government of using the searches as a diversionary tactic and described them as a continuation of what he termed the “dark side” of Indian democracy.

“Nehru and the party will not be intimidated by such threats from the new government. We will face everything through legal means and emerge victorious,” Stalin said.

What is the case against KN Nehru about?

The case stems from allegations of irregularities in appointments and tender allocations during Nehru’s tenure as MAWS minister. The Enforcement Directorate had alleged that bribes amounting to several crores were collected in connection with the appointment of 2,538 officials, while also alleging irregularities worth around Rs 1,020 crore in recruitments and tenders.

The Madras High Court, in February, directed the DVAC to register a case based on materials supplied by the ED, observing that they prima facie disclosed cognisable offences.

The DVAC subsequently registered an FIR in June under Section 7(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, naming Nehru, the DMK's principal secretary, his brothers and several officials.

Nehru currently represents the Tiruchirappalli West Assembly constituency and is the DMK's deputy floor leader in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. He is also a prominent DMK leader in central Tamil Nadu.

(With Bureau inputs)

The ruling, passed by Judicial Magistrate N Moorthy, relates to animals seized during a forest department inquiry into the possession of exotic wildlife at the farmhouse of SK Keshavanathan (53). He had two Lar gibbons, seven cats and two tufted capuchins.

An investigation was launched after a video of actor Vikram with a Lar gibbon surfaced on social media. Following the inquiry and examination of the documents submitted by him, the Forest Department registered a case against Kesavanathan under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act.

The court has directed Keshavanathan to execute a surety bond agreeing to produce the animals whenever required. He has also been prohibited from selling, gifting, transferring, relocating or otherwise changing ownership of any of the animals. The forest department can inspect the animals periodically at their place of residence. A qualified veterinarian must examine the animals every month and submit a report to the court.

The order provides for further action if the investigation establishes that the animals were obtained unlawfully or that the farmhouse owner was involved in illegal trade. In such circumstances, the forest department may initiate steps to move the animals to the zoological park at Vandalur. Any birth or death among the animals must be reported immediately to the forest department.

With 43,384 boats accounting for nearly 19 per cent of the 2,24,985 boats operating across the country’s coastal states and Union Territories, according to data from the Union Fisheries Ministry, TN stands tall in the fishing industry.

A large fishing population is concentrated in coastal districts such as Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram and Kanniyakumari, which have major fishing harbours and fishing communities. This concentration helps explain why issues faced by Indian fishermen operating in waters close to Sri Lanka affect a large number of families dependent on the sector.

Chennai is also among Tamil Nadu’s important fishing centres. Tamil Nadu’s 1,068 km coastline and historic seafaring capabilities have led to immense growth in the sector, often at odds with neighbouring countries and states over allegations of poaching. If a large section of fishers from Nagai and Ramnad face issues with Lanka, their brethren from Kanniyakumar

face issues with Kerala, while Chennai-based fishers have been accused by neighbouring Andhra Pradesh of poaching in its waters. Incidentally, Andhra is the second-largest state in terms of the number of fishing boats.

Andhra Pradesh ranks second with 30,315 fishing boats. It is followed by Gujarat with 28,073 boats. Fishing forms the backbone of the fisheries sector, which contributes around 6.72 per cent to India’s agricultural GDP. The sector provides livelihoods, directly and indirectly, to more than 2.8 crore fishers.

Hitesh Kumar and Imran Basha were arrested on September 3 in the cryptocurrency fraud case and were subsequently remanded to five days’ ED custody by a special PMLA court.

The ED’s Chennai Zonal Office-II had searched 11 premises on September 1 as part of its probe into the Hashpe cryptocurrency fraud case. The investigation was initiated based on an FIR registered by the Puducherry Cyber Crime Police.

According to the ED, Kumar, Basha and Syed Usman alias Babu allegedly floated a fraudulent investment scheme in the guise of a cryptocurrency trading platform and lured investors by promising lucrative returns through a purported token called TCX.

The accused allegedly used promotional events, celebrity endorsements and social media campaigns to attract investors, while artificially inflating the value of the token.

Withdrawals were subsequently blocked, and around Rs 40 crore collected from investors was allegedly diverted through shell entities, associates and relatives, the agency said.

Separately, the ED’s Madurai Sub-Zonal Office searched six premises in Nagapattinam on September 3 in a money-laundering case linked to alleged methamphetamine and ganja trafficking.

The agency said M Alex, a repeat offender, was intercepted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in April 2025 with methamphetamine. The proceeds allegedly generated through drug trafficking were subsequently invested in properties, shrimp farms and vehicles in Nagapattinam, Velankanni and Thaliyamadi, it said.

Digital devices and documents were seized during the searches in both cases, the ED said.

Principal Secretary TN Venkatesh inspected the cooperative spinning mill at Kundagavayal village near Aranthangi in Pudukkottai on Friday as part of the exercise.

Venkatesh said the inspection was being carried out following Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s instruction to distribute free dhotis and sarees through PDS outlets for Pongal. The cooperative spinning mills at Andipatti, Ettayapuram, Aralvaimozhi, Ramanathapuram and Pudukkottai are being inspected to assess their yarn production, he said.

The yarn produced at these mills would be transported to handloom and powerloom centres in Erode, Thiruchengodu, Coimbatore and Srivilliputhur, where dhotis and sarees would be woven before being distributed to the respective districts, Venkatesh said.

He said the state government had allocated Rs 12 crore to renovate six spinning mills across Tamil Nadu, which would facilitate the production of yarn for dhotis, sarees and school uniforms.

The Pudukkottai mill, under the control of the state government, is spread over 23.47 acres and provides employment to people from the district and surrounding areas, he said.

The society, which was started with a capital of Rs 7.50 crore, was renovated at an estimated cost of Rs 34.58 crore and resumed operations with a capital fund of Rs 15.58 crore, Venkatesh said.

The Pudukkottai spinning mill has the capacity to produce 7,000 kg of yarn a day, he added.

TIDCO's outreach offers flexible spaces ranging from 9,000 to 20,000 sq ft, targeting startups, MSMEs, large enterprises, and multinational companies.

The facility has covered parking, 100 per cent power backup, round-the-clock security and a food court.

The move follows the inauguration of the Chennai Aerospace Park Ltd (CAPL) AeroHub by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay at the Vettri Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave last month.

Developed by TIDCO and TIDEL Park, the Rs 250 crore facility has 3.04 lakh sq ft of built-up space across eight floors.

The project is intended to support aerospace and defence activities, including engineering design, avionics manufacturing and repair, advanced prototyping and defence technology development.

TIDCO is now pitching the facility as a platform for companies seeking a foothold in Sriperumbudur. Its campaign describes AeroHub as a place "where businesses take flight."

The business push comes as Tamil Nadu seeks to build a stronger aerospace and defence ecosystem around the industrial corridor.

TIDCO has said two Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme facilities at AeroHub, an electronic warfare testing facility and an electro-optics testing facility, are ready for inauguration.

The NIA registered a case in August after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs directed it to take up the investigation, considering the matter to have national security ramifications.

The case has been registered under Sections 13(1)(a) and 13(1)(b) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and Sections 152 and 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The original FIR, registered by Tiruverambur police on February 4, named Thamizharasan alias S Narayanan of Tiruverambur, besides other unidentified persons.

According to the NIA, the case pertains to several Instagram accounts and a Facebook page allegedly disseminating content supporting the LTTE and TNLA. The accused is alleged to have called upon like-minded individuals to work towards a separate sovereign Tamil nation comprising Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka (Eelam).

The investigation also concerns allegations that the social media accounts propagated secessionist ideology aimed at reviving the defunct TNLA and promoted a new organisation called the Tamil Nadu Youth Organisation through posts, images and videos.

Noting that the case involves the alleged indoctrination of youth towards secessionism by invoking the ideology of the LTTE and TNLA, and the implications for the security, sovereignty and integrity of India and the possibility of a larger conspiracy, the Union government directed the NIA to take over the investigation under the NIA Act, 2008.

“Questions related to various departments could be replied to by the concerned ministers. Even during the previous DMK regime, ministers have responded to questions on behalf of the then Chief Minister MK Stalin,” he said.

On the criticisms surrounding the announcement made under Rule 110 in the assembly, Sengottaiyan said it was a practice already in vogue, and successive Chief Ministers had followed it.

Regarding the proposal to construct a new Assembly building, the minister said that governments in the past had also explored establishing dedicated buildings for this purpose.

“An Assembly complex built during the DMK regime has become a hospital, while former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa explored the possibility of shifting the Assembly to the Queen Mary’s College premises,” he said, adding that considering the growing requirements, Tamil Nadu desperately needs a new assembly building.

Replying to a query on the prevailing law and order situation, Sengottaiyan said various measures were being taken to maintain the law and order situation and curb the circulation of narcotic substances.

Meanwhile, Sengottaiyan ducked a question on TVK ministers demanding CM Vijay as PM candidate. "Please do not ask me another question and get me into trouble."

Asked at Chennai airport about TVK leaders, including ministers, seeking Vijay's projection for the top post, the veteran minister said the Chief Minister's priority was to lead Tamil Nadu towards greater progress and make the State a guide for the country across sectors.

"His objective is to ensure that Tamil Nadu advances in all fields and serves as a guide to the country," he said.

Asked about the Congress opposing Vijay's projection and backing Rahul Gandhi for the Prime Minister's post, Sengottaiyan said: "I have clearly stated what the Chief Minister's thoughts are. Please do not ask me another question and get me into trouble."

He then left without taking further questions.

Due to the low storage level in Mettur, the release of water for the Delta irrigation was delayed, resulting in kuruvai failure. However, the Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on September 1 released water from Mettur when it stood at 92 feet. As the inflow was 8,456 cusecs, 7,000 cusecs of water were released, which reached Mayanur barrage in Karur on Thursday.

Sources said that the flow was very low and Mayanur could get only 2,737 cusecs initially, and later it touched 4,081 cusecs. Subsequently, 2,050 cusecs of water were released from Mayanur to Upper Anicut.

On Friday at around 6 am, the water released from Mayanur reached the Upper Anicut. Despite there being 777 cusecs of water already, which was utilised for drinking purposes, the Upper Anicut could receive only 1,500 cusecs out of the 2,050 cusecs released from Mayanur.

Though the officials predicted the flow would increase, they released 1,500 cusecs as received into the Cauvery. Officials said that the water released from the upper anicut would reach Grand Anicut (Kallanai) on Saturday and it would be released for irrigation on Sunday.

Meanwhile, irrigation experts said that the water release should be above 16,000 cusecs only when it could be utilised for irrigation. The present flow could only flow into the main river, and the branch rivers and canals from which the water is diverted for irrigation could have no water.

While the farmers have already been fighting for the release of water into the irrigation canals, the meagre quantum of water could fail to satisfy the irrigation needs, stressed irrigation experts.

The case concerned an incident on January 20, 2026, when the Judicial Magistrate No V was conducting proceedings in an open court. The advocates allegedly insulted the Magistrate and disrupted the proceedings.

The trial Court had fined them Rs 100 each and ordered one week’s simple imprisonment if they failed to pay the fine.

The advocate filed an appeal. Allowing the appeal, the Additional District and Sessions Judge I, S John Sundarlal Suresh, set aside the conviction and sentence imposed on the four advocates under Section 267 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The court also directed the refund of the fine.

The Sessions Judge examined the CCTV footage of the proceedings and held that there was no evidence to establish that the advocates had intentionally insulted the magistrate or caused interruption to the judicial proceedings. The judge also noted that one advocate had apologised in open court and all four had expressed regret through separate affidavits.

The school has around 50 students.

On August 31, a teacher, who was carrying out the quality check of food prepared for students, noticed that the sambar was unusually yellow.

She informed the headmistress Kumudha, who then quizzed the cook Ponnamma on the quantity of turmeric used in the sambar.

When the cook insisted she used only the usual required quantity, Kumudha sensed something amiss.

School authorities started making inquiries among students, and a Class 8 girl revealed she had mixed cow-dung powder in a portion of the sambar, as directed by Arumugam, the husband of a former school cook.

According to the police, the school had fired Arumugam’s wife over complaints about the quality of food she prepared.

This angered Arumugam. He gave the girl Rs 10 and instructed her to purchase the powder and mix it in the sambar.

The girl spent Rs 5 on snacks and used the remaining money to purchase the cow-dung powder.

However, she mixed it only into a portion of sambar that was kept aside for teachers to taste as part of the regular quality check.

She left the bulk of the sambar meant to be served for students untouched, the police said.

The Sathyamangalam police registered a case and arrested Arumugam on Thursday night.

He has been remanded in judicial custody.

In the video, the woman – identified as Vanitha from Tamil Nadu – appealed to the authorities in her home state to help her return to India.

Responding to a question on the issue during his regular press briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the embassy has extended her a helping hand.

"As soon as our embassy became aware of this issue, it offered assistance," Jaiswal said.

"She is currently at our embassy. We remain committed to doing our best for the well-being, safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad," he said.

The woman from Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district alleged torture, starvation and non-payment of wages by her employers.

She said she travelled to Kuwait three months ago through an employment agent.

In the video, in which she is seen with her head covered with a scarf, the woman alleged that she had been denied proper food for more than 50 days and not paid her salary for the past two months.

"They are torturing me... I request the Collector madam and the Superintendent of Police madam to somehow rescue me and help me return to my motherland," she said with folded hands.

Jaiswal also responded to a separate question on certain remarks reportedly made by Birmingham Mayor Zaker Choudhry on the Kashmir issue.

"The whole of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India," Jaiswal said.

The HC further observed that every day the police maintain CCTV footage for even a minute less than the period directed by the Supreme Court, they would be in breach of the Supreme Court order.

The case concerns the petition filed by Sakthivel alleging corruption and the accused cops' counter-plea to preserve CCTV footage at the Salem and Coimbatore DVAC offices. A resident of Salem district, he lodged a complaint with the Salem DVAC, alleging that he was asked to pay a bribe of Rs 15,000 to permit the smuggling of ration rice. The complaint was against Salem Civil Supplies CID Inspector Ramarajan, Sub-Inspectors Saravanakumar and Ramakrishnan, among others.

Meanwhile, Sub-Inspector Saravanakumar approached the Madras High Court seeking a direction to secure and preserve the CCTV footage from inside the DVAC office in Coimbatore for the period from September 15, 2025, to October 15, 2025, to prove that a false complaint of corruption had been lodged against him and to disprove the prosecution's charges. He also sought the preservation of the CCTV footage from the Salem DVAC office, claiming it was necessary to bring out the truth in the case.

When the matter came up for hearing, DVAC counsel submitted that the Digital Video Recording Systems (DVRS), as they exist, record and retain data only for 15 days.

Petitioner's counsel argued that the DGP had issued a direction to maintain CCTV footage for 18 months.

The court directed the DGP to file the report before the next hearing and adjourned the matter to September 10.

Due to the shortage of storage of water in Mettur, the release of water for delta irrigation was delayed resulting in kuruvai failure. However, the Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on September 1, released water from Mettur when it stood at 92 feet. As the inflow was 8,456 cusecs, 7000 cusecs of water was released which reached Mayanur barrage in Karur on Thursday.

Sources said that the flow was very low and Mayanur could get only 2,737 cusecs initially and later it reached 4,081 cusecs. Subsequently, 2,050 cusecs of water was released from Mayanur to Upper Anicut.

On Friday at around 6 am, the water released from Mayanur reached the upper anicut. Despite there was 777 cusecs of water already which was utilised for drinking purpose, the upper anicut could receive only 1,500 cusecs out of the 2,050 cusecs from Mayanur.

Though the officials predicted the flow would be increased, they released 1,500 cusecs as received into the Cauvery. Officials said that the water released from the upper anicut would reach Grand Anicut (Kallanai) on Saturday and it would be released for irrigation on Sunday.

Meanwhile, irrigation experts said that the water release should be above 16,000 cusecs only when it could be utilised for irrigation. The present flow could only flow into the main river and the branch rivers and canals from where the water is diverted for irrigation could have no water.

While the farmers have already been fighting for the release of water into the irrigation canals, the meagre quantum of water could fail to satisfy the irrigation needs, stressed irrigation experts.

According to the TNEA schedule, candidates can fill and submit their preferred choices of colleges from 11 am on September 4 to 5 pm on September 5.

Of the 18,548 eligible applicants, 13,484 are academic general candidates, 205 are vocational general candidates, 4,798 are academic government school candidates, and 61 are vocational government school candidates.

The 56,530 seats available for allotment include 53,668 under the academic general category, 2,731 under vocational general, 31 under academic government school and 100 under vocational government school categories.

The tentative allotment will be released on September 7, with candidates required to confirm their allotment by 7 pm the same day. The provisional allotment list will be released on September 9.

The supplementary counselling follows the earlier rounds of TNEA counselling, through which 1,44,295 students have already secured engineering seats in colleges across Tamil Nadu. The supplementary round gives eligible candidates another opportunity to secure seats from vacancies left after the general counselling process.

With 56,530 seats being offered in the supplementary round alone, a substantial number of seats are still vacant in engineering colleges. Officials and colleges expect that more than 40,000 engineering seats could remain vacant after this year's admission process.

The accused, M Ammas (26) from Kanniyampatti, murdered Gokila (23) from Konasamudram village in Konganapuram by strangulation, stuffed her body in a sack and dumped it in a farm well. She was unmarried and had been staying at home after completing her college education.

Her pregnancy was known to family members when she was taken to a Primary Health Centre for examination after she complained of severe stomach pain. Following an inquiry by the All Women Police Station (AWPS), Ammasi agreed to marry Gokila and took her to his residence.

However, on August 31, Ammasi informed Gokila’s parents that she had gone missing. Her decomposed body was then recovered from a sack floating in a farm well at Vellalapuram village.

On suspicion, police detained Ammasi, who then confessed to having murdered Gokila following an argument. He assaulted her and strangled her to death with a dupatta. Police said Ammasi wrapped her body in a sack and took it to a nearby well by a two-wheeler and dumped it inside.

Police said he then misled the police and family members that Gokila had gone missing. Following his arrest, the police produced him in a court and remanded him to judicial custody on Friday.

The body parts were found inside the suitcase which was carrying on the Tamil Nadu Express to Agra, and have since been kept under the protection of authorities at a government hospital there.

The police are now planning to bring the body parts to Chennai for further examination and DNA testing as part of efforts to formally establish the identity of the victim and gather crucial evidence in the murder case. Also, the red suitcase, an important piece of evidence in the investigation, is required to be produced before the court as part of the case records.

The victim, Nisha (38), a woman from north India, had been staying in a rented house in Guduvanchery and working at a private company in Tambaram. She was murdered on August 3. The accused, Manik Uddin Laskar (22) and his wife, Bagamathi Maji (20), both from north India, were arrested by the special police team from Manipur and brought to Guduvanchery for interrogation.

During the investigation, the police took the accused to the house where the murder took place and made them recreate the crime. The investigators also seized weapons, including scissors and a large knife used for cutting meat.

The accused were taken to MGR Chennai Central railway station, where they were made to recreate how they carried the suitcase onto the Tamil Nadu Express and left it on the train.

Officials said the accused had watched YouTube videos to learn how to carry out the murder. Meanwhile, the police had been searching for Nisha's severed head for several days but were unable to locate it.

With the next phase of the investigation now under way, officials are expected to transport the suitcase and the dismembered remains to Chennai within the next couple of days and hand them over to the Guduvanchery police special team for further investigation and DNA analysis.

Two others who were also among the attackers escaped, and a hunt is on to nab them.

It is said that a police team from Thennilai station, led by the head constable Ganesan (34), was on night patrol in the jurisdiction on Thursday.

When they were proceeding to Nallipalayam, the adjacent village, a group of five guest workers who were standing near a Tasmac outlet in the late hours picked up a quarrel with Ganesan, attacked him and escaped in the darkness.

The injured Ganesan was rushed to the Karur Medical College Hospital, and a case was registered.

On Friday, the Thennilai inspector Kandasamy, who conducted the investigation, identified the gang as Ravindra Gadia (21), Sahadev Parik (26), Gudsek Nayak (24), Uthavkumar Gadia (21) and Shakthar (24), all from Odisha.

Subsequent investigation found that they were working at a windmill at Nallipalayam.

Soon, the police rushed to the spot and arrested Ravindra Gadia, Sahadeve Parik and Gudsek Nayak and produced them before the Karur Judicial Magistrate Court and lodged them in prison. The search is on for the other two.

The disturbing incident came to light when the Coimbatore rural police were scrutinising the CCTV footage in connection with another case related to unidentified persons setting fire to a petty shop at NGGO Colony near Thudiyalur.

The CCTV visuals recorded at night recently near the deserted Ashokapuram railway overbridge showed a mentally challenged woman, who was sitting by the roadside, being approached by the youth.

He asked whether the stray dogs barking at him belonged to her. He then picked up a stone and threw it in a bid to chase them away.

As he then attempted to sexually assault the woman, she raised an alarm. Soon, the dogs began to bark furiously and also bit him. Unable to face the fury of the dogs, the offender fled away from the spot.

Based on the CCTV footage, the police traced and nabbed the accused, who is a juvenile and lodged him in an Observation Home.

The flamingos have begun visiting the region as part of the winter migration. The saltwater reservoirs and abundant food resources found in the salt pans have created an ideal environment for the birds, providing them with suitable conditions for feeding and resting during their seasonal movement.

Meanwhile, a large number of waterbirds have arrived at the wetlands and water bodies of Perungulam village in Thoothukudi district, with several migratory species, including birds believed to have come from Siberia, making an early appearance this year.

The early arrival has drawn the attention of birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and residents, who have observed several species gathering around the water bodies. The wetlands of Perungulam provide the birds with food, water, and suitable resting habitats during their migratory journey.

According to bird researcher Thomas Madhibalan of Muthu Nagar Nature Trust, Perungulam is distinct from several other wetlands in Tamil Nadu because its bird season begins much earlier.

"Perungulam is unique in Tuticorin district. Here, the bird season starts only from July to October, whereas in all the other ponds all over Tamil Nadu, the season starts only from October. That is why this place became unique and attracts more birds," Madhibalan said.

He said Perungulam continues to retain water even as several other tanks in the region have dried up, making it an important refuge for birds from neighbouring districts.

"All the other tanks are dried up except Perungulam. So, all the birds from all three districts come gathered in this pond for food and shelter," he said.

Madhibalan added that early migratory birds have also been arriving since mid-August, with several wader species already sighted in the area.

"Already godwits, sandplovers, common sandpipers, wood sandpipers, and several other small migratory birds have arrived," he said.

However, he raised concerns over the deteriorating shoreline of the water body, which he said could make it difficult for small wading birds to feed.

"The main problem is that the shoreline is fully ruptured. Small wading birds find it difficult to feed on the banks of this Perungulam," Madhibalan said.

He stressed the ecological importance of the wetland and called for greater government attention and protection.

"Perungulam is a very, very special place. It deserves all the government's attention and protection," he said.

Environmental activists and bird enthusiasts have also urged authorities and residents to protect the wetland from pollution, encroachments, and other disturbances. The continued availability of water, aquatic vegetation, and prey makes Perungulam a crucial habitat for migratory birds and an important site for birdwatching and wildlife documentation.

In view of these observations, the court directed the IG, South Zone, to consider forming a special team to find out the truth.

Bidari also directed the Superintendent of Police, Tirunelveli, to extend necessary assistance to the SIT and make available the entire case records, necessary police personnel, vehicles and other support for effective further investigation. He also directed that the necessary instructions be issued to hand over all records relating to Nanguneri Police Station Crime No. 143 of 2026 to the SIT.

On completion of the investigation, the head of the SIT has been directed to submit a comprehensive report, along with all the evidence collected, to the Inspector General of Police, South Zone, Madurai, and the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Tirunelveli Range.

The SIT has been tasked with examining the role of each accused, re-examining witness statements, and examining mobile phones, call detail records (CDRs), digital evidence, alleged Instagram groups/chats, CCTV footage, and other relevant materials. “The SIT will conduct further investigation in a fair and proper manner and ascertain the real motive behind the incident,” Bidari said in the order issued constituting the SIT.

Shanmugam, Additional Superintendent of Police, Crime Against Women and Children (CWC), has been appointed as the investigating officer. Deputy Inspector General of Police R Thirunavukkarasu, Tirunelveli Range, will closely supervise the investigation.

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

The court, in its order, observed that the investigation had been conducted casually without even ascertaining the real cause behind the killings. “From the material collected by the investigating agency, I could not find out the real reason for the incident, and even the reasons projected by the investigating agency are illogical and not supported by material evidence,” the court observed. It also condemned the investigating officer for “mechanically” giving a caste angle to the Nanguneri double murder case.

A large fishing population is concentrated in coastal districts such as Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram and Kanniyakumari, which have major fishing harbours and fishing communities. This concentration helps explain why issues faced by Indian fishermen operating in waters close to Sri Lanka affect a large number of families dependent on the sector.

The ministry data covers mechanised, motorised, traditional wooden and country boats. However, it does not provide a district-wise breakup of Tamil Nadu's 43,384 boats. Therefore, the exact contribution of Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, and Kanniyakumari to the state's total cannot be determined from the available data.

Chennai is also among Tamil Nadu's important fishing centres. Fishing-related activities support thousands of families directly and indirectly, while also generating employment in ancillary sectors such as boat building and repair, fish processing, and refrigeration equipment maintenance.

Andhra Pradesh ranks second with 30,315 fishing boats. It is followed by Gujarat with 28,073 boats, Maharashtra with 26,102, Karnataka with 25,812, Kerala with 24,163, Odisha with 18,814, West Bengal with 11,379, Puducherry with 5,815, Andaman and Nicobar Islands with 4,249, Goa with 3,128, Daman and Diu with 2,093 and Lakshadweep with 1,658.

Fishing forms the backbone of the fisheries sector, which contributes around 6.72 per cent to India's agricultural GDP, according to the information provided. The sector provides livelihoods, directly and indirectly, to more than 2.8 crore fishers and fisheries-related workers across the country.

The Union and state governments have been implementing various schemes aimed at supporting the economic development of people dependent on fishing and improving marine production.

The protesting employees, who assembled in front of the Tasmac Managers’ Office near the SIDCO complex in Thanjavur, said the department had instructed them to collect the empty bottles and take responsibility for their storage.

They said the additional duty was affecting their routine work and causing frustration. They appealed to the government to withdraw the order and allow private parties to handle the collection of empty bottles.

The employees also alleged that they faced punishment when they collected additional amounts as instructed by officials. They further demanded that the State government bear the rental costs of Tasmac shops and other facilities, saying this would help them avoid collecting additional charges for bottles.

The strike greatly affected tipplers who waited for hours in front of closed liquor shops, hoping they would open soon. In Ranipet, customers waited for hours despite being informed about the strike. In Tiruvarur, tipplers rushed to places where liquor was available, scaled walls to enter recreational clubs, leading to traffic chaos. Police ultimately had to shut down the clubs as it disrupted normalcy.

Speaking at a meeting of DMK functionaries from the Mailam Assembly constituency at Theevanur, Masthan said enrolling the next generation in the party was not only a duty but also a way of expressing gratitude to the party.

"Just as every parent has a duty to raise their children well, it is our duty to enrol our children, descendants and relatives as DMK members and groom them to become branch secretaries," he said.

"More than a duty, this is the gratitude we owe the party. We must all take this as a pledge," he added.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Sekar, Villupuram North district praesidium chairman. Mylam Panchayat Union chairperson Yogeswari Manimaran welcomed the gathering.

Former Union minister Gingee Ramachandran, former MLAs Dr Masilamani and advocate Sethunathan, resolution committee member Gingee Siva, state executive committee member Veedur Ravi Sezhian, district executive committee member Prakash and Belakuppam panchayat president Poonga Bhagyaraj were among those who attended.

Mylam North union secretary Manimaran made arrangements for the meeting.

President of the farmers body, P R Pandian, made this annoucement following a detailed, five-hour meeting between a farmers' delegation and Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar in Gurugram.

Accusing Karnataka's political leadership of pushing the Mekedatu project for political gain despite local opposition, Pandian stated that farmers will seek an audience with the prime minister, if necessary, to press their demands after the campaign that will start at Poompuhar.

While speaking to reporters, he strongly objected to the proposed dam across the River Cauvery, terming the Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted by Karnataka to the Central Water Commission (CWC) as "fraudulent" and legally invalid. He noted the DPR lacks the requisite consent from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

Urging the Central government to deny any environmental or forest clearance for the project, Pandian warned that the dam would be detrimental to farmers in both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. He stated that Karnataka farmers acknowledge that the dam would offer them no benefits due to its location deep in forested areas downstream of the Krishnarajasagara (KRS) dam. "Building a dam at Mekedatu to store water under the guise of drinking water requirements during scarcity periods is unacceptable and will only ruin agriculture," he stated.

As an alternative, Pandian proposed the construction of a dam at Rasimanal in Tamil Nadu. He claimed that during a joint meeting in 2024, farmers from both states reached a consensus on the Rasimanal site, and he urged the Central government to grant permission for its construction.

During the talks with Khattar, Pandian urged the Union government to enact legislation guaranteeing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) and to implement the M S Swaminathan Committee's recommendations in this regard. He called for the withdrawal of the Electricity Regulatory Commission Act, an end to the mandate for installing smart meters, and amendments to the Land Acquisition Act. The minister assured the delegation that the issues would be discussed with relevant departments and taken to the prime minister's attention, Pandian told reporters.

Pandian also strongly condemned the recent detention of Punjab farmers at the Haryana border during a march to Delhi organised by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political).

Highlighting the severe impact of the El Niño phenomenon on agriculture in Tamil Nadu, he also urged the Centre to allocate additional financial assistance under the disaster management fund. He appealed for funds to desilt water bodies in order to maintain groundwater table and to harness the upcoming northeast monsoon rains effectively.

The driver was identified as Praveen who had fled after the accident. Police registered a case under various sections, including those relating to rash driving and causing death, and remanded him in custody, according to Daily Thanthi.

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

Nivetha, Thanusree and Abinaya were students of the Government Higher Secondary School in Elachipalayam. The three sisters were the daughters of daily wage labourers Shekar and Amudha of Sankarampalayam. According to the police, former district collector S Uma Shekar had sponsored Subitha’s education, considering the family’s financial status, as the father had been suffering from an ailment.

According to the police, Subitha, who had returned home from college on Thursday (September 3) evening, was returning after picking up the sisters from school on a two-wheeler.

While they were travelling on the Rasipuram-Tiruchengode road, they attempted to cross the road near a private petrol pump at Chakkarampalayam. At the time, a private college bus travelling from Rasipuram towards Sankagiri collided with the two-wheeler.

In the accident, Subitha and Abhinaya died on the spot, while Nivetha and Thanushree suffered critical injuries. They were taken to Tiruchengode Government Hospital, but both died on the way in the ambulance.

Police rushed to the scene and launched a search for the bus driver, who had allegedly fled after the accident. On Friday, he was arrestedunder various sections, including those relating to rash driving and causing death, and remanded in custody.

"It is reported that an aircraft testing and integration facility worth Rs 5,000 crore has been lost to neighbouring state," the senior AIADMK leader said, slamming the 112-day-old administration for its impulsive policy decisions.

In a video statement, he alleged that the cancellation of the Rs 27,400-crore Parandur greenfield airport project threatens to stall the state’s economic growth and slide the economy back by a decade.

"Due to this cinema-style decision of CM Vijay, it is estimated by economic experts that there will be a direct loss of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 crore in taxpayers' money, and indirectly, losses of several thousands of crores," Udhayakumar stated.

Noting that 48 per cent of the 5,369 acres required for the project has already been acquired at a cost of Rs 680 crore by November 2025, he highlighted that compensation for 1,702 acres has been disbursed.

Echoing questions raised by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami in the Assembly, Udhayakumar asked: "Will you return the 1,702 acres of land to the farmers now? Or will you use it for another project? Will you take back the compensation amount from the farmers? The government must explain".

Instead of abandoning the project, he said the AIADMK leadership had suggested identifying uncultivable, arid lands without water bodies for a secondary international airport to retain global investments.

Udhayakumar further alleged that the ruling alliance was operating on shaky ground, with Communist allies making their support conditional and the Congress deeply unsettled by ruling party MLAs projecting Vijay as prime ministerial candidate for the next Lok Sabha election.

Accusing the government of stalling major electoral promises citing fiscal deficits, despite announcing a Rs 1,200-crore new secretariat under Rule 110, Udhayakumar remarked: "They are giving more importance to 'reels' than 'real'. They prioritize the 'likes' they get over the 'life' of the people".

The woman, who said she travelled to Kuwait three months ago through an employment agent, appeared in a widely circulated video from a cramped room with her head covered.

She alleged that she had been denied proper food for more than 50 days and not paid her salary for the past two months.

"They are torturing me and treating me very cruelly... I request the Collector madam (JE Padmaja) and the SP madam (Shahnaz I) to somehow rescue me alive and help me return to my motherland," she said in the video with folded hands.

"Please save me and take me back somehow. I am unable to bear this. I am afraid they will kill me," she alleged.

In another video, the woman's mother, identified as Vennila, appealed to the district administration for immediate intervention.

She alleged that an employment agent had misled the family about the job conditions and said her daughter, a mother of two teenagers, was in distress.

While unveiling plans to establish a new Assembly-cum-Secretariat integrated complex for Rs 1,200 crore in Chennai, Chief Minister Vijay informed the Assembly on Thursday that the state government would set up Tamil Nadu Olympic City, and Motor Sports City, in Chennai.

The various initiatives being taken by the state government to attract the youth of Tamil Nadu towards the sports sector, identify their talents and create opportunities to develop them properly are highly commendable, Kumar said in a statement.

"In particular, I am very happy to hear that a dedicated Motor Sports City is to be established in Tamil Nadu. As someone who is currently involved in motorsports, I would like to rephrase the famous words of astronaut Neil Armstrong thus: "one small step by the Tamil Nadu Government, one giant leap for Indian motorsports," he said, and wished Vijay's initiatives, including the Motor Sports City project, "a great success."

The chief minister had announced the three major developmental initiatives to boost the state's infrastructure and global standing.

According to the announcement, the Motor Sports City aims to promote motor sports, host international-standard racing events (like Formula 1, 2, 3, and 4), and provide training to nurture professional racers, thereby boosting sports tourism and the economy.

Vijay had acknowledged Tamil Nadu's status as a leading automobile manufacturing hub.

The affected students reportedly told their parents about the alleged harassment on Wednesday (September 2). Shocked by the disclosure, the parents gathered at the school on Thursday morning to seek an explanation. However, the school administration allegedly did not allow them inside.

The agitated parents then surrounded the school and engaged in a heated argument, as reported by Daily Thanthi.

On receiving information, Samayapuram police, including Inspector Gunasekaran, Sub-Inspector Murali and Special Sub-Inspector Suresh, rushed to the spot and held talks with the parents to calm them down.

Police subsequently entered the school and questioned the principal, teachers and students.

Following the inquiry, police arrested the principal, Jayaraj, 53, of Shasta Nagar on Kalpalayam Road in Mannachanallur, on charges of sexually harassing the students. Further investigation is under way.

More than 500 students from Samayapuram and surrounding areas are studying at the private school.

Why are political discussions not allowed?

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

The reason behind the notice board

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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