Rejecting the argument that the liquor trade could not be discontinued because it generates up to Rs 60,000 crore annually for the State, he claimed that the government spends Rs 1.08 lakh crore on alcohol-related health problems, while the wider public impact was estimated at Rs 72,000 crore.

He claimed that Tamil Nadu had the highest number of young widows, road accidents and suicides in the country, and alleged that alcohol was a major factor behind these problems. He also cited studies to claim that alcohol was a major cause of domestic violence targeting women.

Anbumani said alcohol consumption was linked to seven types of cancer, heart disease, hepatitis and around 200 diseases. He claimed that more than two lakh people die annually in the State due to alcohol consumption and that nearly 70% of them were primary earners, leaving their families without livelihood. He further claimed that 54 lakh people in the State currently required treatment for alcohol addiction.

He said more than 85% of families of alcohol dependent persons were burdened with debt and warned that continued addiction across generations could make the problem increasingly difficult to address.

Anbumani added that Mahatma Gandhi had strongly advocated a liquor-free India and described alcohol related problems as one of the biggest threats facing Tamil Nadu, citing their social, health and economic impact.

The system, made mandatory from August 17 for the first sale of plots and flats, enables people to submit documents online from anywhere and at any time. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay introduced the system, which has received a positive response from the public, construction companies and land developers.

Following the response, the department made the system mandatory from September 15 for the registration of Deposit of Title Deeds and Receipt Deeds involving banks and financial institutions.

The initiative provides a legally secure registration process and allows applicants to submit documents at their convenience, including on holidays and after working hours. It also facilitates online payment and permits sale and bank-loan documents to be submitted together.

Applicants can review draft documents online, make corrections and submit them after verification. Aadhaar authentication is also integrated into the registration process.

Between August 17 and September 30, 1,00,134 documents were registered under the system, the department said in a statement. It estimated that the initiative had helped save time and avoidable expenses for nearly five lakh people.

The department said the system would be gradually extended to other categories of documents. Software modifications are also being carried out continuously based on suggestions and feedback from the public, construction companies, banks and financial institutions.

For this, the department has directed all Chief Educational Officers (CEOs) to ensure that the details of all non-teaching staff working in sanctioned posts are uploaded and updated in the EMIS portal, ahead of the proposed transfer and promotion counselling.

The exercise assumes importance as compulsory transfers for employees who have served for more than three years in the same office or post, followed by voluntary transfers, district transfers, promotions and transfers on promotion, are proposed to be conducted through the EMIS portal.

According to the proceedings, several staff records were found to be missing even after an earlier deadline of September 25 for uploading the details.

The department also noted instances where the number of employees shown in EMIS was higher than the number of sanctioned posts or staff actually working in certain posts.

For instance, the department pointed out that posts such as Personal Assistant to CEO (HSS and HS) and Personal Assistant to DEO belong to different services.

However, in some districts, five, six or seven employees had been recorded against the PA to DEO post in EMIS, indicating discrepancies in the data.

CEOs have been told to verify details of all office staff and ensure that every employee working against a sanctioned post is brought into EMIS database

The department has therefore instructed CEOs to verify the details of all office staff, from PA to DEO to watchman, and ensure that every employee working against a sanctioned post is brought into the EMIS database.

The department has stressed that there should be no delay in completing the exercise as the upcoming transfer and promotion processes will be carried out through the EMIS portal.

The move comes as the validity granted to 12,000 government vehicles expired on September 30. The government has also permitted the State Transport Authority (STA) and Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) to extend the registration validity annually, up to September 30, 2035, for government vehicles that have crossed 15 years but are yet to be scrapped and replaced.

The order issued by the Home (Transport-IV) Department on September 29 said the Transport and Road Safety Commissioner had identified around 40,296 vehicles whose registration validity would expire. The Commissioner had sought permission to extend their registration validity and allow manual processing of tax and fitness certificates wherever renewal through the Vahan portal was not possible.

Under the latest order, Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) have been authorised to manually collect taxes and grant or renew fitness certificates for vehicles requiring manual renewal from October 1.

The decision follows the Centre's 2023 notification introducing Rule 52A of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, under which government-owned vehicles more than 15 years old were required to be scrapped. The registration certificates of such vehicles covered by government departments were also cancelled through the Vahan portal from April 1, 2023.

Tamil Nadu subsequently issued a series of extensions for such vehicles. In 2024, the government extended the registration validity of 6,247 out of 14,611 government and government undertaking vehicles. In September 2025, the validity of 12,000 vehicles belonging to government departments, State Transport Undertakings, and local bodies was extended up to September 30.

The latest order provides for annual manual extension of the registration certificates of government vehicles that cross 15 years and remain in service pending scrapping and replacement. Such extensions can be granted up to September 30, 2035.

The order covers vehicles belonging to government departments, government bodies, quasi-government bodies, government corporations and statutory boards.

Gujarat followed with 33,084 factories and Maharashtra with 27,379.

The survey estimated 2,66,931 factories and 2,09,96,913 total persons engaged across India in 2024-25, based on results from 86,547 surveyed units.

Its share of India's manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA) also rose to 10.90% in 2024-25, from 10.26% the previous year. It stood at 10.33% in 2022-23. Maharashtra had the highest share of GVA at 15.92%, followed by Gujarat at 14.10%, placing Tamil Nadu third, at 10.9%.

The rise in GVA share came alongside an increase in Tamil Nadu's share of manufacturing output. It rose from 9.97% in 2022-23 to 10.11% in 2023-24 and 10.87% in 2024-25. Tamil Nadu was third on this measure too, behind Gujarat at 16.93% and Maharashtra at 14.36%.

However, in employment, Tamil Nadu remained the State with the highest share of total persons engaged in manufacturing, at 14.99% in 2024-25. But, this was down from 15.24% in the previous year.

Maharashtra accounted for 13.08%, Gujarat 12.99%, Uttar Pradesh 8.72% and Haryana 6.44%. Together, the five States accounted for more than 56% of India's total persons engaged in manufacturing.

Tamil Nadu also accounted for 12.77% of India's total manufacturing input consumption, behind Gujarat and Maharashtra. At the national level, Gujarat had the highest share of input consumption, followed by Maharashtra.

At the national level, the number of factories increased by 2.64%, while factories in operation rose 2.61%.

Fixed capital increased 10.54% and invested capital 11.10%. The number of workers increased 7.31% and total persons engaged rose to 7.19%. Wages to workers increased 13.03% and total emoluments 12.08%.

On the production side, India's manufacturing output grew 7.81%, while GVA grew 9.59%. Net Value Added increased 9.36%, net income 9.68% and net profit 7.73%.

Among industries, basic metals accounted for the largest share of manufacturing GVA at 11.58%, followed by motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers at 9.54%, chemicals and chemical products at 8.45%, pharmaceuticals at 8.08% and food products at 7.87%.

Together, the five industries accounted for about 45.5% of India's manufacturing GVA.

The court quashed the chargesheet against Surjith’s parents, citing a lack of material evidence to establish their alleged involvement.

Kavin, an engineering graduate belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, was in a relationship with S Subhashini, a Siddha doctor from Palayamkottai who belongs to a dominant caste. Kavin was murdered in Tirunelveli on July 27, 2025. Surjith, Subhashini’s younger brother, was arrested in connection with the murder. Later, police charged Surjith’s cousin Jayapal and his parents in the case.

Chandrasekar and Tamilselvi, staged a sit-in protest in front of their house in Arumugamangalam. They held a photograph of their son and said they would continue their protest until justice was delivered.

“Should my son have been killed merely because he loved a woman? As a mother, only I know how much I struggled to raise my son. We do not want another Kavin to become a victim of such an incident,” said Tamilselvi.

Questioning the court’s observation that there was insufficient evidence, Kavin’s father Chandrasekar said, “If there was no evidence, how were arrests made in the first place? Since the CBCID conducted the investigation, it should have been allowed to collect further evidence and continue the investigation. We want an explanation as to why the charges were quashed without allowing the investigation to be completed.”

“We respect the court’s verdict. At the same time, we want proper answers to our doubts and questions,” Chandrasekar said.

Meanwhile, the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, urged the Tamil Nadu government to challenge the order before the Supreme Court and effectively pursue the case.

“The primary purpose of Section 528 of the BNSS is to determine whether a prima facie case exists against the accused or not,” R Murali, president of PUCL, said in a statement.

“To examine the evidence in depth and arrive at a conclusion is a function that falls within the jurisdiction of the trial court. The High Court undertaking such an exercise amounts to encroachment upon the jurisdiction of the trial court,” he said.

The PUCL also questioned the High Court’s assessment of the applicability of provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. And for not considering electronic evidence, including a recorded telephone conversation from seven years ago in which Saravanan allegedly threatened Kavin over the phone and warned him to end his relationship with his daughter.

The newly installed signboard carried the names of places in Tamil and English, along with Hindi.

After the presence of the Hindi lettering came to the government’s notice, it was immediately removed, according to a government press release issued on Friday (October 2).

The government said the inclusion of Hindi on a State Highways Department signboard was against the two-language policy followed by Tamil Nadu.

Following the incident, the Assistant Divisional Engineer and Assistant Engineer of the Highways Department responsible for the signboard were placed under suspension.

The government has also initiated departmental action against the officials concerned.

The government further warned that strict action would be taken against officials who violate Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy.

The decision was formalised through a Government Order issued by the Commercial Taxes and Registration Department on October 1, following an Assembly announcement on September 7. The order said the change was being implemented in view of the reduction in workload arising from the department’s reforms.

Under the arrangement, the 100 identified SR offices will function only on weekdays. Registration personnel at these offices will no longer be required to attend duty on Saturdays, enabling them to use the day for other official work.

The move forms part of a wider reform package aimed at making document registration faster and less dependent on physical visits to government offices. The department has announced 25 Model Registration Hubs, additional infrastructure for 25 high-volume SR offices, and rationalisation of office jurisdictions to distribute workload more evenly.

The reforms also include the phased expansion of presenceless registration and paperless registration for specified documents. The department has said the measures are intended to streamline services while reducing the administrative burden on registration officials.

The Government Order, issued after consideration of the Registration Department’s 2026-27 policy announcement and the views of the department head, said the Saturday-duty system at the 100 offices would be withdrawn from November 1.

The revised schedule will apply to the identified offices from that date thereafter.

In a symbolic gesture marking the launch, Vijay issued free tickets to women passengers on 76B, plying between Koyambedu and Kancheepuram, operated by TNSTC ( Villupuram), at the CMBT bus terminus.

The extended free ride covers Express, LSS and Deluxe government buses operating in urban and city areas, besides Mofussil Ordinary buses and Ghat Ordinary buses on hill routes exceeding 40 km.

The new extension builds on the existing ‘Vidiyal Payanam’ zero-fare travel scheme for women.

Under the scheme, women can travel free of cost in Ordinary Town buses operated by the seven state transport undertakings and Ordinary Ghat buses operating on routes of up to 40 km.

The scheme covers 7,537 Ordinary Town buses and 173 Ordinary Ghat buses.

During 2026-27, an average of 71.70 lakh women travelled daily under the existing free travel scheme.

Transport Minister Vijay Tamilan Parthiban said the scheme was aimed at ensuring that bus fares did not become a barrier to women’s education, employment, livelihood and economic progress.

Addressing the gathering, Parthiban said 12,695 buses out of the 18,413 buses operated by the seven state transport undertakings had been brought under the ‘Vetri Payanam’ scheme. Around 85 lakh women are expected to benefit from the scheme every day, he said.

He said the scheme would enable a student to travel towards education, a working woman towards employment and economic advancement, and a mother to meet the needs of her family.

For rural women, the scheme would provide access to new opportunities, while for self-employed women it would help connect their work with markets, he said.

Parthiban said the scheme was being launched on Gandhi Jayanti to give practical expression to the ideals of social justice and women’s advancement.

He said the scheme would open up pathways to new opportunities in the lives of women across Tamil Nadu.

Athletes Vidya Ramraj, TK Vishal, Abinaya Rajarajan, G Kamalini and Baranica arrived at the airport and were felicitated by the minister, who placed ceremonial crowns on them and congratulated them on their achievements.

More than 100 athletes from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) also gathered at the airport with banners and raised slogans to welcome the medallists.

Vidya Ramraj won three medals in athletics. She secured gold in the women’s 4x400m relay, silver in the mixed 4x400m relay and bronze in the women’s 400m hurdles.

Vishal won bronze medals in the mixed 4x400m relay and the men’s 4x400m relay. Abinaya won bronze in the women’s 4x100m relay, while Baranica secured bronze in pole vault.

Kamalini was part of the Indian women cricket team that won gold at Asian games in Japan.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Maria Wilson said he had attended the reception not merely as a minister but as a sportsperson to welcome athletes who had achieved success at the Asian Games. He congratulated them and wished them continued success.

Vidya Ramraj said athletes from other countries were highly skilled and that the Indian contingent had gone to prove its capabilities. She credited the Tamil Nadu government’s schemes for encouraging athletes and said she would not have reached this level without government support.

The 28-year-old said she hoped to surpass the achievements of legendary athlete PT Usha and win gold medals, inspiring more youngsters to take up sports.

Vishal said he had visited the airport several times in the past as an athlete supported by SDAT, and was delighted to return as a medallist. He thanked the government for supporting his development from a young age and said continued encouragement would help him win more international medals. He also urged youngsters to take up athletics.

Abinaya, who began training six years ago, said SDAT had supported her when she was 19. Coming from a village, she had faced criticism from people who questioned how far a young woman could go in sports. She said her achievements had changed their perception and that people in her village were now proud of her.

Baranica described her pole vault medal as a achievement for India in the event. She thanked the government and her coaches, adding that the medal would motivate her to pursue further success at international competitions.

Badminton medallist Harikaran said it was a matter of pride to win a medal for Tamil Nadu in the sport at the Asian Games. He thanked the State government and his coach for their support and said he would continue training for upcoming international competitions.

Kamali, a member of the Indian women’s cricket team that won gold, thanked the Tamil Nadu government and the Chief Minister for their continued encouragement. She said consistent hard work and parental support could help athletes succeed, adding that age should not be a barrier to achievement.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the Nature Cure Fest organised by the World Veg Council in association with the Government Yoga and Naturopathy College and the Rotary district 3233 at Rajarathnam Stadium in Chennai.

Around 3,000 students from 22 yoga and naturopathy colleges across Tamil Nadu participated in the event. Food stalls and exhibitions showcasing various treatment methods were also set up as part of the festival.

Speaking at the event, Justice Venkatesh said vegetarianism was not merely a matter of food preference but also reflected one's relationship with other living beings.

He said vegetarian food offered peace of mind and a sense of satisfaction from knowing that one's food had not come from the suffering of another living being. He added that the link between vegetarian food and peace of mind was also supported by science.

Observing that food had a significant influence on a person's thoughts and mental state, he said, "Food creates thoughts and food becomes the mind itself."

Referring to changing food habits, Justice Venkatesh said eating out had become part of contemporary culture. He noted that while many people earlier consumed non-vegetarian food only once a week, often on Sundays, some now ate it three times a day.

He also referred to the Thirukkural, Buddhism and Jainism, which emphasise avoiding harm to living beings. Vegetarianism, he said, reflected the relationship people shared with other living beings.

However, he stressed that choosing a vegetarian diet should not be seen as a mark of superiority or a reason to reject others.

Justice Venkatesh also said the Tamil Thai Vazhthu should be sung with devotion, describing the anthem as a representation of the identity of people born in Tamil Nadu.

The festival aimed to create awareness about vegetarian food, yoga, naturopathy and natural approaches to health and well-being.

Referring to clippings of highway name boards carrying Hindi letters, he said Tamil Nadu had long faced attempts by the Union government to impose Hindi. “Now, the State government itself is imposing Hindi. Is this the change they spoke about?” he asked.

"Was it an another attempt for TVK led government which is always U Turn after opposition raises on various issues?" he asks.

Describing the TVK government as a Reels government and alleging that it was running the administration for North Indian social media influencers, Stalin urged the government to change its approach.

He also warned the government not to play with Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy, describing it as the oxygen of the State.

Joshna Chinnappa, Shamina Riyas, Velavan Senthilkumar and Abhay Singh, who won bronze medals at the Asian Games.

He said the State government would give Rs 30 lakh each to the four players in recognition of their achievement.

The duo of Joshna and Senthilkumar lost (2-1) 11-10 2-11 11-10 after an intense three gamer at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena.

It is the sixth Asian Games medal for 40-year-old Joshna. She already has a haul of two silver and three bronze medals at the continental event.

With PTI inputs...

The welfare scheme’s name is derived from the ruling party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to mean “victorious journey” (Vettri payanam) for women.

The free travel was previously restricted to ordinary city buses and the government later announced to expand the scheme to include express, limited stop services and deluxe buses in corporation, municipal and town panchayats and hill areas across Tamil Nadu.

There’s no income limit or ceiling on the number for the beneficiaries to avail the daily services.

The expansion is expected to benefit about 8.4 million women daily, facilitating over 1.6 million one-way trips.

Accusing the TVK of “rebranding” the DMK initiative of ‘Vidiyal Payanam Thittam’, DMK leader TKS Elangovan said the core concept of free bus travel for women was originally introduced by the DMK government.

The agency registered the case based on an FIR filed by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Greater Chennai Police and initiated its investigation a few weeks ago, sources said, adding that the central agency would dig deep into the financial activities of the former minister, and his family members and friends.

The development comes days after Arasakumar was granted default bail by the Special Court for Prevention of Corruption Act cases in Chennai on Tuesday (September 29).

The court granted bail after the CCB failed to file its final report within the stipulated 90-day period.

The case originated from a complaint lodged by DC Elangovan, secretary of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools in Tamil Nadu.

He alleged that Arasakumar, who headed an unregistered organisation called the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association, collected around Rs 100 crore from school managements by promising permanent recognition, upgradation, DTCP approvals and, other statutory clearances using his connections in the political and bureaucratic circles.

However, he failed to secure the promised approvals or return the money collected from school managements.

The agency registered the case based on an FIR filed by the CCB and initiated its investigation a few weeks ago, sources said, adding that it would dig deep into the financial activities of former minister, and his family members and friends

The CCB arrested Arasakumar on June 27 and detained him under the Goondas Act on July 13, which was quashed later.

On September 16, the CCB booked Anbil Mahesh under the Prevention of Corruption Act and conducted searches at premises linked to him and his aide in Chennai and Tiruchy, including the DMK leader’s residence in Thennur.

The agency subsequently conducted searches in Kallakurichi at locations linked to Muthukumar, another key accused who is absconding.

The ED's investigation is expected to focus on the alleged movement of funds and the possible proceeds of crime in the case.

In a statement, he said the five personnel — Superintendent of Police of Tiruvallur district V V Sai Praneeth, Tiruchy Special Branch Inspector J Raman, Vikravandi Sub-Inspector K Shanmugam, Thirupapuliyur Head Constable E Carounagarane of Cuddalore district, and Head Constable P Selvam of the Prohibition Enforcement Wing in Kallakurichi — would receive the Gandhi Adigal Police Medal during the ensuing Republic Day celebrations.

He said each award comes with a cash prize of Rs 40,000 and a medal.

A memorandum of understanding was recently signed by HWA general secretary Rajni Kant and IIT-M Dean (CSR) Prof Manu Santhanam in the presence of IIT-M Director Prof V Kamakoti, and project coordinators Prof M Manivannan and Prof John Augustine.

The collaboration will focus on digital authentication, product traceability, documentation, and technology-based interventions for GI-tagged products. The solutions are expected to help artisans and producer communities establish product authenticity, enhance consumer confidence, protect cultural identity, and access sustainable livelihood opportunities.

"Artisans form India's second-largest population; empowering them with technology can drive transformative impact," said Prof Manivannan, Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering.

Prof Augustine, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, said buyers valued authenticity but lacked reliable means to verify it.
"Our goal is to build a shared trust infrastructure that lets anyone verify an artisan's identity and a product's origin, and thereby enable India to leapfrog on trust, and on the consumer engagement that follows from it," he said.

The initiative will be supported by IIT-M’s Artisan Empowerment Lab, which is developing innovative and scalable technological approaches to address challenges faced by artisans, producer groups and other stakeholders in the GI ecosystem.

HWA founder Rajni Kant, popularly known as the 'GI Man of India', said: "Millions of artisans, weavers, producers, farmers, and women will benefit in the long run once this project is scaled up nationally.”

The partnership will bring together researchers, artisans, farmers, producer communities, industry partners, government bodies and social-development organisations to develop practical models for authentication, traceability and sustainable growth of India's diverse craft and agricultural heritage.

“This Court is not inclined to disrupt the relationship arising out of the ceremony undergone by the petitioner with J Arun Kumar. However, this Court is inclined to grant them a period of 60 days from the date of the order to regularise their relationship by solemnising a valid marriage under any of the applicable statutory forms, namely, the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 or the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872 or the Special Marriage Act, 1954,” Justice C Saravanan said.

The petitioner, K Pavithra Ketheeswaran, a Sri Lankan national, arrived in India on May 14, 2026, on a tourist e-visa valid for one month, until June 13. The counsel for the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) submitted that she had overstayed her visa and should be deported.

However, her counsel informed the court that she was eight weeks pregnant and required treatment at a government hospital as she and her husband could not afford treatment at a private hospital.

The petitioner and Arun Kumar had undergone a marriage ceremony on June 4 in the presence of his family members at Konnaikudi village in Lalgudi taluk, Tiruchirappalli district. Her counsel submitted that the marriage could be registered under Sections 15 and 16 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

The court had earlier directed the Medical Officer of the Government Primary Health Centre, Anbil, to admit the petitioner for pregnancy-related treatment and submit a report. The report dated September 28 confirmed her pregnancy and stated that her expected date of delivery was March 2, 2027.

After examining the medical report, Justice Saravanan observed that several complications had arisen as the petitioner had breached the conditions of the tourist visa.

The court also observed that the ceremony undergone by the petitioner and Arun Kumar on June 4 did not, strictly speaking, amount to any recognised form of marriage ceremony.

However, the court granted the couple 60 days from September 30 to regularise their relationship by solemnising a valid marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act, the Indian Christian Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act.

The court ordered that the petitioner should not be deported during the 60 days. If the marriage is solemnised and registered within this period, she can continue to stay in India, subject to applicable law.

The court also directed the medical officer to provide her with necessary medical assistance whenever required.

On September 29, the SIU team headed by the DSP Charles searched the houses of the persons identified as Zakir Hussain (50), a resident of SNM Nagar near Keezhavasal; his brother Abdul (49), J Yasar Abdul (25), his brother Umar Mukthar (29) from the Cauvery Nagar near Keezhavasal; his brother Yasal Abdul, N Samsudeen (27), a resident of Ramasamy Pettai; and A Sheik Fareed (38), a resident from Rahman Nagar in Keezhavasal.

The team had reportedly seized more than 20 books, mobile phones, laptops and pen drives.

The investigations found that the persons had been involved in brainwashing youth to join the Khilafat movement.

Subsequently, the Thanjavur East police registered a case under four sections and arrested all six persons.

On information about the arrest, the relatives of the arrested persons assembled in front of the police station and police security has been intensified around the police station premises.

While political parties have stepped up their campaigns, several voters DT Next spoke to expressed little enthusiasm for the contest. Some questioned the need for another election, while others said they were yet to decide whom to support.

A journey from Kilambakkam to Madurantakam highlighted one of the constituency's recurring civic concerns—public transport. Passengers said they often face difficulties boarding certain express buses, with some conductors allegedly refusing to allow them to board unless they purchase tickets up to the next major stop, Melmaruvathur.

Residents said the issue raises questions over access to intercity public transport in Madurantakam, despite its proximity to Chennai.

Political activity, meanwhile, was visible along the route, with vans carrying flags of various parties ferrying workers and supporters to meetings and campaign programmes. However, locals said a sizeable portion of the crowds at such events came from outside the constituency and, in some cases, from other districts.

This has made campaign crowds an unreliable indicator of the actual support parties enjoy among local voters.

Another major concern emerged at the bus stop on the bypass along the Chennai-Trichy National Highway, near the historic Madurantakam Lake. The bus stop does not appear to have a dedicated space for buses to move away from the main carriageway while picking up or dropping passengers.

Instead, buses stop along the highway, leaving passengers close to fast-moving traffic. Those getting down have to cross the busy highway to reach Madurantakam town, with no elevated pedestrian crossing at the stretch.

The arrangement has raised safety concerns, particularly for elderly passengers, children and those carrying luggage. A flower seller operating along the highway told DT Next that accidents are common there.

"People we know, friends and relatives, have been involved in accidents here, suffering fractures and, in some cases, losing their lives. It has become almost a daily occurrence. Even police personnel are not regularly present here to regulate traffic and help pedestrians cross the road," she alleged.

In Madurantakam town, the Arignar Anna Bus Stand is used primarily by town buses. Commuters said most Chennai-bound buses do not enter the town, despite a sizeable section of the population depending on Chennai for employment and other livelihood needs.

As a result, residents must rely on buses that stop along the highway, adding to the difficulties faced by daily commuters.

These transport concerns are especially significant given the constituency's changing character. Madurantakam has a mix of rural villages, established towns and increasingly urbanised areas, with Melmaruvathur and Achcharapakkam among the important semi-urban centres. Its proximity to Chennai and its location along the NH corridor have strengthened its links with the metropolitan region.

Water and agriculture remain other key concerns. The Madurantakam Lake, the largest artificial lake in Chengalpattu district and the second-largest in Tamil Nadu, spans roughly 2,400 acres and was built by Uttama Chola.

Farmers, however, say silt accumulation continues to affect the lake. Farmer Ramesh claimed that nearly 10 feet of silt had accumulated in parts of the lake over the years.

He alleged that although the government sanctioned more than Rs 120 crore and undertook works over three years from 2022, it had not completely removed the silt deposited inside the lake. "Speed was shown in works such as strengthening the bunds and modernising the sluices, but the same attention was not given to deepening the water-holding area," he said.

The lake's condition remains important for farmers dependent on irrigation, as well as the constituency's wider water ecology.

Madurantakam, reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates, has largely remained a contest between the two major Dravidian parties, the DMK and AIADMK. Congress has won the seat only twice so far.

The constituency has a sizeable Scheduled Caste population, while areas such as Muthuvankani and Achcharapakkam also have a significant Vanniyar presence. The PMK's absence from the bypoll has consequently become a talking point, particularly amid recent speculation about a possible political understanding between the PMK and TVK.

TVK candidate Maragatham Kumaravel appears to have an established personal presence in the constituency. During interactions in the area, several residents appeared familiar with her, giving her campaign a local face beyond the party's wider political appeal.

For the DMK, Parandhamen is contesting after having represented the Egmore constituency in Chennai in the previous Assembly election. Though he has now been fielded in Madurantakam, some residents and local political observers view him as an outsider and question his ability to establish a strong connection with the constituency's electorate.

AIADMK candidate Kanitha Sampath is seeking to regain political space in a constituency where she was previously considered an influential local figure. Her campaign has gained importance as she seeks to rebuild her position in the local political landscape.

The CPM's Sugandhi is also campaigning actively, with party leaders, including state secretary Shanmugam, visiting the constituency.

Total votes: 1,98,251

2026 results:

AIADMK: 69,284 votes

TVK: 62,090 votes

DMK: 59,838 votes

It is said that there were a series of complaints against smuggling river sand in the Melattur area.

A police team headed by the SSI Muthuvel went to the Kodukili village late Wednesday and found that a gang had been dredging river sand and loading it in a tractor.

When the police team went near them, the driver of the tractor attempted to move the vehicle. But still, Muthuvel stopped the vehicle, and soon, the driver attempted to run the vehicle over him. Muthuvel sustained severe injuries to his leg.

The police personnel Raman, who was in the team, took timely action and rescued Muthuvel, which saved his life.

While the driver of the tractor escaped in the vicinity of darkness, the police took Muthuvel to a private hospital, where he has been undergoing treatment for his fractured leg.

The Melattur police registered a case and are searching for the gang.

The police found that the local gangs were in the habit of smuggling sand by two-wheelers and tractors during the late hours from the riverbed and storing it in secluded places for illegal sale. The police have intensified the night vigil.

“The life of a youth cannot be laid to waste because of his brother’s love story, that turned ugly at a later stage,” the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court observed while dismissing an appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB) against a single judge’s order in favour of a police aspirant.

The Division Bench of Justices M Dhandapani and N Dileep Kumar held that no material established that the petitioner, P Manikandan, knowingly suppressed his involvement in a criminal case while applying for recruitment as a sub-inspector of police.

“The present case also brings into sharp focus a larger issue concerning the future and livelihood of the younger generation. A criminal case may commence with the registration of an FIR on the basis of an allegation, but the registration of an FIR by itself cannot be treated as proof of guilt or as a conclusive determination of the character and suitability of the person against whom such allegation is made,” the judges observed.

Upon completing the investigation, the local police station found that the petitioner was not involved and deleted his name from the array of accused. But the delay cost the youth a polic job.

The TNUSRB issued a notification on March 8, 2022, for recruitment to various posts, including that of sub-inspector of police. Manikandan cleared the written examination, certificate verification, physical measurement test, endurance test, physical efficiency test and viva voce.

But his candidature was rejected after the department alleged that he had suppressed his involvement in a criminal case, crime no. 32 of 2022, registered at Dhalavaipuram police station in Virudhunagar district.

However, the DSP of Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar district, after completing the investigation, filed a final report on April 29, 2022, exonerating Manikandan from the charges, and since he was staying in Chennai and preparing for his exams, he had no knowledge about the registration of the criminal case against him, the court noted.

The judges further observed that the objective should not merely be to determine whether a person was technically involved in a pending criminal case, but to ensure that a young citizen who had not been found guilty was given a fair opportunity to build his life and participate meaningfully in society.

The law must protect the legitimate interests of public administration while preventing the criminal process, particularly a prolonged or ultimately unfounded criminal proceeding, from becoming an instrument that permanently destroys the career, livelihood and future prospects of the youth, the court said.

The measures, announced in the latest Budget session by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister Ramesh, have been implemented through amendments to the Hindu Religious Institutions Employees (Conditions of Service) Rules, 2020.

They were among several measures announced for the department, covering temple renovations, restoration of 1,000-year-old temples, conservation of dilapidated temples without altering their heritage character, repair of temple chariots, rejuvenation of temple tanks, improvement of basic amenities for devotees, development of educational institutions, expansion of the Annadhanam scheme and employee welfare.

Under the amended rules, retiring temple employees can surrender earned leave for up to 240 days and receive the corresponding monetary benefit, bringing the provision on a par with that available to government employees.

Women employees working in temples will now be entitled to 12 months of maternity leave, up from the existing nine months, also on par with government employees.

The department said the measures were intended to improve the service conditions, family welfare and social security of temple employees and would benefit personnel working in temples across the State.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Archana Patnaik on Thursday said that as per the commission's guidelines, a special drive would be undertaken across Tamil Nadu.

"The ECI has directed that in States and Union Territories where the SIR process has already been completed, a special drive shall be undertaken by the Chief Electoral Officer, District Election Officers (DEOs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs)," she said.

During the drive, people whose names were missing from the electoral rolls, including young and first-time eligible voters, can apply for inclusion.

The CEO also clarified that applicants need not attach the declaration form used during the SIR process and can submit applications with valid documents. Applications can also be made for corrections in names and addresses.

The SIR exercise in Tamil Nadu had resulted in 97.37 lakh names being removed from the draft electoral roll. The draft roll, released on December 19, 2025, had 5.43 crore electors, compared with 6.41 crore before the revision.

According to the data released by the ECI, 66.44 lakh voters were categorised as shifted or absent, 26.94 lakh were identified as deceased and around 3.9 lakh were found to be enrolled at multiple places.

The exercise subsequently triggered political debate in Tamil Nadu. Minister and ruling party functionary Rajmohan claimed that the ruling party would have secured a majority in the Assembly if the SIR had not been implemented.

VCK leader D Ravikumar also attributed the DMK's electoral performance to the SIR process. These were political claims and have been disputed in the wider debate over the revision.

Voter S Kanthimathinathan filed an election petition before the Madras High Court seeking to declare Esakki Subaya's election invalid.

Justice PB Balaji heard the petition and refused to reject it, dismissing Esakki Subaya's plea.

However, accepting Esakki Subaya's request, the court directed that certain paragraphs containing allegations be struck off from the election petition.

Esakki Subaya, who contested the recent Assembly election from the Ambasamudram constituency on behalf of the AIADMK, defeated his Congress rival VP Durai by a margin of 10,245 votes.

He later resigned as MLA and joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Subsequently, Esakki Subaya filed a petition seeking dismissal of the election petition filed against him.

The officials were alerted about a stolen metal idol of Thirugnanasambandar being transported near Vandiyur, after which the Idol Wing personnel conducted surveillance near Madurai-Tirumangalam four-way junction.

Around 2 am on Tuesday (September 29), the police team intercepted an SUV.

When they checked the vehicle, they found an antique metal idol of Thirugnanasambandar, measuring approximately 3 feet in height and weighing 52.180 kg.

Officials said the idol belongs to the 15th century and Vijayanagara period, and is estimated to be valued at approximately Rs 1 crore.

The occupants in the car, S Jeyavelan (48), M Pandiyarajan (37) and J Akbar (52) from Madurai, were arrested and produced before a magistrate, who sent them in judicial remand until October 13.

D Jeyakumar, inspector, Idol Wing CID, Madurai Range, has been nominated as the investigating officer in the case.

Further investigation is in progress to ascertain the origin and provenance of the idol, identify the temple from which it was stolen, and trace the other persons involved in the idol smuggling network, an official statement said.

State police chief DGP Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal and ADGP D Kalpana Nayak, who heads the Idol Wing CID, appreciated the efforts of the team.

Seva Trust had approached the court seeking formulation of the SOP in accordance with animal welfare and safety standards, based on its representation dated July 29, 2026.

People For Cattle In India (PFCI) and Suparna Ganguly had sought to be impleaded as party respondents and also sought directions to refer the proposed inter-state transfer and transportation of five captive elephants Durga, Hiralal, Shiva, Rupsing and Bijuli from Assam to Tamil Nadu to the High-Powered Committee (HPC) constituted under the directions of the Supreme Court. They also sought to restrain their transportation pending the HPC's decision.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan dismissed the impleadment pleas filed by PFCI and Suparna Ganguly, observing that the Seva Trust petition was limited to formulating a policy/SOP for the regulated participation of temple elephants in religious ceremonies. The bench held that PFCI and Suparna Ganguly were not necessary parties to the proceedings.

The court said elephants have a significant place in the State's cultural, historical, and religious traditions, but the use of captive animals in religious ceremonies must comply with constitutional values, statutory safeguards, and Article 51A(g) of the Constitution.

The court directed the constitution of a Joint Working Group comprising the Chief Wildlife Warden, the Commissioner of HR&CE and expert veterinary officers to draft a State-wide SOP.

The bench also clarified that the applicants could pursue independent statutory or judicial remedies before the appropriate forum. The State government and officials were directed to place the draft SOP on record within four weeks.

The banks are insisting that they repay the loan amount, and the farmers have now declared to resume the protest all over again.

After the members of around 40 farmers' associations commenced an indefinite protest in Tiruchy demanding a fresh announcement of a total crop loan waiver, the ministers who met them at the protest venue in Samayapuram had assured them and asked them to wait for 20 days as the bypolls were in progress.

The ministers also assured that the bank officials would not force the farmers to make any repayment until the new announcement.

However, it is said that the farmers are being contacted on their mobile numbers by the bank officials asking them to immediately clear the dues.

“Now, the cooperative society secretaries have been contacting the farmers and insist they repay the loans. We are confused. When we point out the assurance by the ministers, the bank officials pay no attention but are keen on collecting the dues,” said Punganur S Selvam, TMC (Farmers Wing) District President.

The ministers had assured that the bank officials would not force the farmers to make any repayment until a new announcement comes

Selvam said the farmers across the region are being contacted by the officials on an everyday basis, which leads them to a state of frustration.

“Even some farmers have complained to me of taking extreme steps, but we have convinced them. If the banks continue to torture us, we have no option but to resume the protest,” Selvam stressed and added that the association leaders are in discussion about the issue.

On October 13, 2003, the priest of Arulmigu Sudha Rathineswarar Temple in Oottathur, Lalgudi taluk found that the lock of the temple door had been broken and four metal idols of Iyyanar, Chelliyamman, Mariyamma, and Angalamman were stolen.

A case was registered in Siruganur police Station and four persons were arrested. The arrested persons were identified as Justin, Kaathan, Sasikumar, and Arokkiyam. The stolen metal idols were subsequently recovered.

Later, two other accused, Thirugnanam and Jayaprakash, were also arrested. After completion of investigation, the case was charge-sheeted and taken on file before the Judicial Magistrate, Lalgudi, and then to the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kumbakonam, in 2020.

A team under G Balamurugan, Additional SP, Central Zone, was constituted to coordinate and monitor the trial. On Wednesday (September 30), the court held three accused guilty.

The police said the prime accused, Justin (51), and his associates, Sasikumar (55) and Arokkiyam (57), were sentenced to six years simple imprisonment and also fined Rs 7,000.

ADGP (Idol Wing CID) D Kalpana Nayak appreciated the successful prosecution and expeditious conduct of the trial by the team.

Vijay, who has already addressed public meetings in both constituencies on separate occasions, is scheduled to hold a roadshow in Madurantakam on Friday.

The campaign aims to consolidate support for TVK candidates P Sathyabama and K Maragatham Kumaravel, who quit the AIADMK to join the TVK and have been fielded by the party in their respective constituencies.

Stalin, meanwhile, will commence his campaign with a roadshow from the Amaravathi statue in Dharapuram on Friday, followed by a public meeting at Udumalai Salai. He will move to Madurantakam on Saturday to campaign for DMK candidate I Paranthamen.

The DMK has also deployed senior leaders, including Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin and Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, to campaign in the two constituencies, underscoring the party's effort to mount a broad-based campaign against the TVK.

The two constituencies fell vacant after AIADMK MLAs P Sathyabama and K Maragatham Kumaravel resigned from the Assembly and joined the TVK. Their return to the electoral contest as TVK nominees has added a direct political dimension to the by-polls.

The by-elections have attracted 49 candidates after nominations were withdrawn, with 27 in Madurantakam and 22 in Dharapuram. The TVK, DMK, AIADMK, CPI and CPM are among the parties contesting the polls.

Polling in both constituencies is scheduled for October 6, with counting on October 9. The campaign will conclude on October 4.

The facility was inaugurated by K Vignesh, TN minister for Prohibition and Excise in the presence of OGS leadership, employees and guests.

 OGS supports agencies and clients worldwide through expertise spanning technology, data, media, creative and business support services. Today, OGS employs more than 1,000 professionals across TN, with operations in both Chennai and Coimbatore.

Designed to support OGS's continued growth in the region, the new office offers seating capacity for up to 200 professionals, more than doubling the capacity of the previous facility.

Through OGS Pro, its graduate development program, OGS has hired more than 700 graduates over the past five years.

Vishal Srivastava, CEO, OGS India-Philippines, said "Coimbatore has emerged as a strong talent destination, supported by a rich education ecosystem, entrepreneurial spirit and highly skilled workforce. This facility reflects our confidence in the region's exceptional talent pool and long-term potential."

Vignesh, in his address, said "TN continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for knowledge-driven industries, technology and talent. We welcome organisations such as Omnicom Global Solutions that are investing in talent development and creating opportunities for young professionals."

It is said that A Mohan Kumar (70), a resident of Kalkulam near Nagercoil, along with his wife Suleka (61), son Varun Mohan (38), daughter-in-law Anjana (37), grandson Siddarth (17) and daughter Aishwarya (28) were proceeding to Nagercoil from Chennai by a hired car (TN 31 7785), and K Abdul Kalam from Pudukkottai was driving the car.

When the car was nearing Thuvarankurichi on the Tiruchy-Madurai bypass, a steel rod-laden lorry bound from Tiruchy to Natham, which was proceeding ahead of the car, took a right turn suddenly, and the car driver, Abdul Kalam, lost control, and it collided with the lorry, in which Mohan Kumar and Anjana died on the spot while the four others and the driver sustained severe injuries.

On information, the Thuvarankurichi police rushed to the spot and retrieved the bodies and sent them to the Thuravarnkurichi GH.

The injured were also rushed to the GH. A case was registered, and the lorry driver, K Mani (54) from Lalgudi, was arrested. Further investigations are ongoing.

The blast occurred during the afternoon lunch break, when most of the workers had gone out for lunch.

Only around 20 employees were inside the unit at the time, helping avert what could have been a major accident.

The unit, owned by Gowtham Sam (45), of Sherif Colony in Tirupur, employs several hundred workers, including women from Tirupur and northern States.

Following the explosion, nine women workers who were inside the unit fainted due to the shock of the loud blast.

Their co-workers immediately rushed to their aid, brought them out of the premises and shifted them to a private hospital in Palladam, where they are undergoing treatment.

On receiving information, Palladam police visited the unit and conducted an inquiry into the incident.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a seminar on the seasonal forecast for the Northeast monsoon held at the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Pallikaranai, Mohapatra said heatwave forecasts were being issued with an accuracy of 88%.

The accuracy in predicting the location and time of cyclone landfall had reached a level of zero error. This had helped reduce deaths during cyclones from thousands to almost zero, he noted.

The infrastructure for weather forecasting is also being strengthened in southern states, including Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Four new radars are to be installed in Tamil Nadu, Mohapatra said.

He elaborated that the IMD would provide technical assistance for automatic weather stations and rain gauges to be installed by the State government.

Using these data, accurate weather forecasts and hazard assessments would be provided at panchayat, taluk and village levels.

Mohapatra said that with an increase in the quality and quantity of data, weather forecast accuracy was expected to improve by another 10% over the next two to three years.

On El Nino, he said it was currently in a strong phase and was expected to remain strong or very strong during the Northeast monsoon period, which would continue until December.

Its intensity was expected to decline thereafter.

He said El Nino generally did not have a major negative impact on Northeast monsoon rainfall. However, the relationship between El Nino and rainfall had changed over time.

In an El Niño year, the number of cyclones formed is likely to be lower, while their intensity, lifespan and travel distance are also expected to be lower.

Cyclones could form over the southern Bay of Bengal or southeastern Bay of Bengal and move in a west northwest direction.

This could increase the possibility of cyclones moving towards the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, southern Andhra Pradesh and Sri Lanka.

Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department Commissioner Chandramohan and weather scientists also participated in the seminar.

Chandramohan said the State government had conducted detailed review meetings chaired by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to prepare for the monsoon.

Waterlogging prone locations across Tamil Nadu had been identified and categorised based on the extent of water accumulation, such as high and very high.

"We have created an Integrated Flood Warning System. It will provide advance information about possible flooding and identify the locations likely to be affected three days in advance, enabling authorities to take precautionary measures. For now, this system has been established in Chennai city," he said.

Chandramohan said rain gauges were currently available at around 1,400 locations across the State.

An additional 1,000 rain gauges would be installed to enable authorities to easily assess the amount of rainfall received in different locations.

Veeramani, Mahandra Simhan (63), and his wife Shanthi (60) were arrested by the city police in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act case.

Meanwhile, the special investigation team that the State police chief had set up has so far received five actionable information through the mobile phone number (9345319676) that it had set up for the public to lodge complaints or share any information, facts, documents, or other important details related to this case either directly or through WhatsApp.

The police are also investigating Veeramani's financial transactions in the recent past, said officials.

Veeramani, who owns GEM Granites and group of companies, and his associates have been in prison since August 29. The police have filed at least four cases so far against Veeramani.

A pendrive with a video of an elderly man sexually abusing a child was sent to the city police's Immoral Trafficking Prevention Unit (ITPU) in October 2025 and a case was registered on October 7, 2025.

However, the city police filed a closure report in February stating that the video is unclear, which was rejected by the special court judge after which police began investigations again.

Later, the police identified the elderly man in the video as Veeramani and began probe. Investigations revealed that he had rented a house in Teynampet where he sexually exploited several minor girls and women.

The investigators also found that Veeramani had entrusted the management of the rented property to his associates, Mahendra Simhan and his wife, Shanthi.

Subsequently, the police arrested a fourth accused, Veeramani’s former employee Ganesan (42), who was in allegedly possession of a video of Veeramani sexually abusing a minor.

The case was eventually transferred to an all-women special investigation team (SIT), supervised by Commissioner Amalraj.

It is said that M Ramkumar, DMK Srirangam Branch Secretary, had reportedly usurped 7.515 sq ft of land located on Gandhi Road in Srirangam, land belonging to Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple, in 2022 with foisted documents.

After TVK formed the government, the HR&CE Minister S Ramesh, who inspected the documents, found that the particular piece of land was registered with fake documents.

Subsequently, the minister instructed the Joint Commissioner (HR&CE) Siva Ramkumar to lodge a complaint.

Based on the suggestion, the Joint Commissioner lodged a complaint with the City Crime Branch, and the police registered a case against Ramkumar and six others, including the sub-registrar.

Against such a backdrop, on Thursday, the CCB team headed by Inspector Shanmugavel arrested Ramkumar at Panjapur while he was proceeding to the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court.

Meanwhile, the anticipatory bail plea filed by Ramkumar with the Madurai Bench was rejected, and later Ramkumar was remanded under judicial custody.

Speaking to reporters after staging a demonstration seeking resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar here, Shanmugam said that while campaigning in several villages in Madurantakam, voters approached CPM workers seeking cash and told them that other parties were distributing money.

“They told us that others were giving money and asked why we were giving only pamphlets. When we asked which parties had given money, voters said TVK had given the highest amount,” he said.

Referring to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s campaign projection of itself as a “Thooya Sakthi” (clean force), Shanmugam said Vijay had campaigned during the previous election and was also campaigning now that the party would not give money in return for votes.

“This is what voters themselves told us,” he said.

He said voters even bargained with CPM workers, asking them to give at least some money if they could not match the amount allegedly being offered by other parties.

“We told them that the strength of the CPM is its struggles and its support among working people. Neither the CPM nor the Left parties will ever give money to secure votes,” Shanmugam said.

He said the party would lodge a complaint with the Election Commission regarding the alleged distribution of cash. Shanmugam said he returned from Madurantakam only on Wednesday night and would file the complaint on Thursday.

He further criticised a statement made by a TVK candidate at a campaign meeting in Dharapuram on Wednesday that she had resigned from her earlier position and joined TVK to do good for her constituency.

Shanmugam said the statement appeared to suggest that constituencies represented by Opposition MLAs would not receive government support.

The Chief Minister should clarify whether he endorsed such a position, Shanmugam said, stressing that the Chief Minister was responsible for all constituencies irrespective of which party represented them.

The CPM leader also stepped up his attack on the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and reiterated the Left parties' demand for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

He alleged that the SIR exercise had deprived eligible voters of their voting rights and accused the Election Commission of failing to ensure free and fair elections.

Shanmugam welcomed the DMK's decision to support the INDIA bloc's move seeking the removal of the CEC. He said DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan had made it clear that although the DMK did not attend the INDIA bloc meeting, the party supported the demand and would back a resolution in Parliament seeking the CEC's removal.

“We welcome the DMK's announcement. The DMK should also participate in the next phase of protests to protect voting rights and ensure free and fair elections,” he said.

On TVK's position on the issue, Shanmugam criticised the party for not taking a clear stand on several issues.

He also rejected TVK minister Rajmohan's contention that a particular individual should not be held responsible for issues concerning the Election Commission, saying the CEC had greater responsibility as its head.

The scheme, which was earlier implemented as ‘Magalir Vidiyal Payanam’ under the previous DMK government, has now been renamed and expanded to cover additional categories of government buses, extending the benefit beyond ordinary town buses.

Vijay is scheduled to inaugurate the scheme at the Koyambedu bus terminus in Chennai.

Vettri Payanam free bus travel scheme: How far can women travel for free?

Under the expanded scheme, women can travel free of cost on government express buses covering distances of around 30 to 100 km, while LSS services generally operate over 30 to 40 km and Deluxe buses cover approximately 30 to 50 km.

Although there is no specified overall distance limit, women can undertake longer journeys by changing buses at designated stops and continuing their travel on eligible services.

For instance, women can travel from Chennai to Nagercoil by changing buses along the route through Chengalpattu, Tindivanam, Villupuram, Virudhachalam, Tiruchirappalli, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Kovilpatti and Tirunelveli. The journey can be extended to Kanniyakumari as well, subject to the availability of eligible services.

Similarly, women can travel between Coimbatore and other districts by using successive express bus services, with the number of transfers depending on the route and bus availability.

Vettri Payanam free bus travel scheme: Key routes covered

The expanded scheme will benefit women travelling on several inter-district routes, including Tiruchirappalli–Dindigul, Thanjavur–Nagapattinam, Thanjavur–Velankanni, Tindivanam–Villupuram, Virudhachalam–Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore–Palani, Palani–Dindigul, Coimbatore–Erode, Erode–Salem, Madurai–Virudhunagar, Virudhunagar–Kovilpatti and Tirunelveli–Nagercoil.

Transgender persons will also be eligible for free travel under the scheme.

Vettri Payanam free bus travel scheme: 84 lakh women to benefit daily

As part of the initiative, free travel will be provided on 12,692 government buses operating across Tamil Nadu, covering Express, LSS and Deluxe services.

The scheme is expected to benefit around 84 lakh women every day and facilitate more than 16 lakh one-way journeys daily, providing greater access to affordable public transport across the State.

The incident took place on September 22, when the man and the woman from Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu had checked into the lodge near the KSRTC bus stand.

A six-member gang allegedly assaulted the man, leaving him with broken arms and legs before abandoning him outside a hospital near Tiruppur, police said.

Police suspect that the attack was carried out on a "quotation" given by the man's wife, who allegedly tracked his mobile phone location and passed on the details to the gang.

The gang, posing as police officers, allegedly barged into their room, tied their hands and legs, stuffed cloth into their mouths and forcibly took them away in a car, police said.

The man was allegedly brutally assaulted during the journey to Tiruppur, leaving him with multiple fractures in his arms and legs, officials said.

After abandoning him outside a hospital near Tiruppur, two members of the gang allegedly shifted the woman to another car and sexually assaulted her, police said.

Based on the woman's statement, Tamil Nadu Police registered a case and subsequently handed it over to Thrissur City Police.

During the investigation led by the Thrissur Assistant Commissioner, one of the accused was arrested near Nedumbassery airport.

Based on information obtained during his interrogation, three persons were apprehended from Tiruppur, police said.

They were produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody.

Another accused was arrested from Palani, Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday and will be produced before the court on Thursday.

Police said one more person, suspected of being a minor, is yet to be arrested.

According to documents obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, records relating to inspection teams and inspection dates for 74 colleges that applied for affiliation during 2023 and 2025 revealed several discrepancies, the organisation said.

Tamil Nadu has around 590 BEd colleges, of which 526 are private institutions, according to Arappor Iyakkam.

Colleges seeking affiliation are required to undergo physical inspections by university-appointed teams to verify infrastructure, faculty strength, student enrolment and other requirements under National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) norms.

However, the organisation alleged that some records showed inspection team members visiting colleges in different districts on the same day, raising questions whether the inspections were physically conducted as recorded.

For instance, the RTI documents reportedly showed that on March 28, 2023, TNTEU registrar K Rajasekaran, who headed an inspection team, was listed as having inspected KNR Subbaraj Memorial College of Education in Thoothukudi and colleges in Salem and Karur on the same day.

Similarly, ARS Kannan, principal of Sri Jayajothi College of Education, was listed as having inspected KNR Subbaraj Memorial College along with the registrar on the same day, while also being associated with an inspection of Indian College of Education in Vellore.

Arappor Iyakkam questioned how inspections could have been completed at colleges located more than 500 km apart on the same day.

The RTI records also allegedly revealed instances of faculty members being listed across multiple institutions.

According to the organisation, the names of 37 faculty members appeared in the records of 222 colleges, raising concerns that the same teachers may have been shown as staff members in several institutions.

It further alleged that five principals with identical names and initials were listed as principals of 10 colleges.

Some records show inspection team members visited colleges in different districts on the same day, according to Arappor Iykkam

The organisation questioned whether the colleges had the required teaching staff during inspections or whether faculty details had been included only on paper to fulfil affiliation requirements.

M Radha Krishnan of Arappor Iyakkam said the organisation had submitted a complaint to the Chief Minister seeking action over the alleged irregularities. He urged the State government to conduct fresh physical inspections of all 74 colleges.

He said the organisation had been seeking the information from the university under the RTI Act since 2023 but had initially been unable to obtain the details. The records were secured only recently, he added.

Radha Krishnan also expressed concern that discrepancies in faculty strength and infrastructure could affect the quality of teacher education and, consequently, the quality of teachers entering schools.

When contacted, Rajasekaran said he could not have visited three colleges in different districts on the same day, as indicated in the documents, and could have inspected only one college.

He said the university was examining the RTI documents released by Arappor Iyakkam and would look into the allegations.