The escape took place at the prison, located near Andipatti, which houses remand prisoners awaiting trial. The incident has triggered a major search operation, with police intensifying checks across Theni district to trace the escapees.

DGP (Prisons) Sandeep Rai Rathore ordered the suspension of nine prison personnel for security lapses which resulted in the inmates escape.

Theni prison escape: How the inmates fled

A group of inmates allegedly attacked the prison guards before escaping from the facility. Prison staff alerted the office of Theni District Superintendent of Police KS Praveen Goutham, following which police personnel were deployed to the area.

Police launched a search operation, covering locations within a 10-km radius of the prison. Vehicle checks were intensified across the district, while surveillance was stepped up at bus stands and other crowded public places.

Four prisoners recaptured

One of the escapees, identified as Praveen, was arrested first. Police subsequently apprehended three more inmates — Silambarasan, a native of the Devaram area, Rajkumar and Raja Sikandar.

With these arrests, four of the 17 escapees have been brought back into custody. Police are continuing their search for the remaining 13 inmates and are gathering information about their native places and the cases they face to narrow down the search.

Search teams expanded; guards suspended

The police have expanded the operation, increasing the number of special teams from 17 to 25. The teams are led by six Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and 20 inspectors, and are conducting searches across villages in the district.

Following reports that some of the escapees hail from Madurai and Viluppuram districts, police in those areas have also been alerted to assist in tracing them.

Meanwhile, nine prison personnel who were on duty at the time of the escape have been suspended on the orders of Sandeep Rai Rathore, Director General of Police for the Prisons Department. Further details about the circumstances of the escape and the security lapses are being examined.

Political leaders condemn Theni prison escape

Former Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin criticised the TVK government over the escape of 17 prisoners from Theni district jail, referring to the recent escape of two inmates from Puzhal prison. He posted on X, “Following Breaking Bad, Prison Break has now begun in Tamil Nadu!”

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss described the incident as a serious security lapse and questioned the delay in informing the police about the escape. He said, “The escape of 17 prisoners from the district jail in the Thekkampatti area of Theni district last night, after allegedly assaulting prison guards, is shocking.”

AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran also criticised the TVK government over the incident, raising questions about prison security, CCTV surveillance and the availability of adequate guards. He said the escape “exposes the TVK government’s incompetence in maintaining law and order.”

(With inputs from Bureau)

The Crime Branch-CID (CB-CID) is probing the matter after the case was transferred from the local police.

The detained man was identified as Rajadurai from Parasanthangal area near Gingee and he was picked up based on suspicion.

The suspect was reportedly a repeat offender involved in assault cases. He had previously been jailed and police are probing if he abducted and sold the girl, they added.

The disappearance of the child near Gingee for the last 16 days has prompted frantic search by the police and relatives of the girl.

The child had celebrated her seventh birthday recently and has been missing since the subsequent day. She remains untraceable since October 11.

Five special teams have been formed and the search has been expanded across a 20 km radius.

Police said that there is a 90 per cent chance that the girl is alive and it is expected that she will be rescued soon.

Accusing the previous DMK regime of widespread corruption, NirmalKumar, while addressing reporters in Coimbatore, said several other files involving irregularities were under investigation.

“The DMK’s Udhayanidhi Stalin was asking to open the files. The Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has opened only one file and a former minister has got arrested. Schools run by non-governmental organisations and Christian missionaries had been threatened into paying money to obtain a certificate issued by the School Education Department for the safety and security of school children,” he said.

Taking a dig at DMK leader M.K. Stalin for terming the arrest ‘shamelessly’ as an act of political vendetta, the Minister said the DMK should be ashamed for collecting money from educational institutions.

Referring to videos purportedly showing supporters of Anbil Mahesh and former minister V. Senthil Balaji raising slogans that they should have finished him off that day in Karur, Nirmal Kumar said the DMK’s drama in the Karur stampede issue has been exposed.

Claiming that documentary and video evidence was available against Anbil Mahesh in the corruption issue, NirmalKumar urged schools who had been forced to pay money to come forward and lodge complaints. He said all irregularities would be investigated and none would be spared. The minister also said efforts are on to nab 13 of the prisoners who escaped from jail break in Theni district.

Missing 7-year-old found dead in Madurai's abandoned house

A seven-year-old boy who went missing while playing near his house at Thaniyamangalam near Melur in Madurai district yesterday was found dead in an abandoned house nearby on Monday.

The deceased, Muthuchelvan, a Class 3 student, had left home around 11 am on Sunday to play and did not return. His relatives and villagers searched for him with police assistance. Police recovered the body and sent it to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for a post-mortem examination. Senior police officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

College student killed in clash over wastewater

A 20-year-old college student was hacked to death on Sunday night following a clash between two families over wastewater flowing in front of their houses at Alwarkarkulam near Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi district.

The deceased, Isakkiraja, son of Mariappan, was a second-year student at an arts and science college near Srivaikuntam. The families of Mariappan and Sundararajan had reportedly been at loggerheads for a long time over the issue, the police said.

During an argument on Sunday night, both parties took to weapons and Isakkiraja was killed during the clash. The police have booked over 10 people in the issue.

Man held after pregnant wife dies by suicide in Otteri

Police have arrested a man on charges of abetment to suicide after the death of his pregnant wife in Otteri. The arrested man was identified as Santhosh (29), who worked in a mobile phone accessories shop.

Santhosh had married Kokila (26) on March 6 this year after being in a relationship with her. The couple lived in a rented house in Pudhu Vazhai Nagar.

Police said differences had developed between them within months of their marriage and the duo had frequent arguments. The couple had an argument on Saturday too after which Santhosh left the house. Kokila had video-called Santhosh on Saturday night and threatened to kill herself.

When Santhosh reached the house, he found her unconscious and rushed her to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital. Doctors declared her brought dead after which Otteri Police rescued her and sent the body for a postmortem. 

Meanwhile, Kokila’s family filed a complaint alleging that she had been subjected to dowry harassment by Santhosh’s family and protested demanding his arrest.

After investigations, police arrested Santhosh. As the couple had been married for less than a year, the police have recommended an RDO inquiry.

Man held for sexual assault of toddler in Ennore

Avadi City Police on Monday arrested a 32-year-old man for sexually assaulting a two-and-half-year-old girl child in Ennore. The arrested person was identified as D Ranjithkumar, a fisherman, a neighbour of the victim.

Police said that he was separated from his wife and lives alone, and that he had lured the child to his house twice last week and had sexually abused her.

The child’s parents, who noticed injuries on her body, took her to the Institute of Child Health in Egmore. The incident came to light on October 23, when doctors examining the child suspected sexual abuse and alerted the authorities. 

Based on the information received from the hospital and a complaint filed by the child’s mother, the Ennore All Women Police Station registered a case and launched an investigation on the same day. After investigations, Police arrested the accused under the Pocso Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences).

The child is undergoing treatment. The accused was produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody. 

Techie flees after running over sleeping senior citizen in Chengalpattu; nabbed

An elderly man was killed after a techie who was reversing his car from a marriage hall reportedly ran over him, unmindful of the man sleeping on the roadside in Chengalpattu on Saturday.

Visuals showed the victim's friend sitting beside the body, holding an umbrella over it to protect it from the rain while they waited for an ambulance to arrive.

The deceased was identified as Kumar (77), who lived in a thatched hut in the neighbourhood. According to local residents, Kumar was sleeping along the roadside when a car reversing from a nearby marriage hall ran over him, killing him on the spot.

Police sources said the techie, who was behind the wheel, got down to check on the man but drove off upon seeing a mob gathering at the scene, as his wife and child were inside the vehicle.

The elderly man was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Meanwhile, the Chengalpattu police traced the car using CCTV footage and arrested the driver, G Saravanan (43), an employee with a private IT firm.

Bizman held under Pocso in Tirunelveli

A 52-year-old real estate businessman was arrested under the Pocso Act at Panagudi in Tirunelveli district for allegedly sexually harassing a six-year-old girl on Sunday.

According to police the accused was found committing the sexual offence after examining the CCTV footage. The accused was sitting in front of a church in the area on the night of October 23 when the girl walked alone on the road, said the police, adding that he allegedly called her over and sexually abused her.

The girl went home crying and told her parents, who lodged a complaint. The police registered a case under the Pocso Act and arrested him.

Special Sub-Inspector transferred to Armed Reserve on bribe charges

Tirunelveli District Superintendent of Police Viswesh Sastri on Saturday transferred a Special Sub-Inspector attached to the Seethaparpanallur police station to the Armed Reserve following a complaint that he accepted a bribe in a sand smuggling case.

According to the police, Special Sub-Inspector Muthupandi (54) is alleged to have received Rs 5,000 from the owner of a lorry linked to a sand smuggling case under investigation.

The money was reportedly transferred through his wife's GPay account.

Guest worker killed over card game in Chennai

A 26-year-old guest worker from Nepal was murdered after an argument during a card game in Perungudi on Saturday. Thoraipakkam police have registered a murder case and launched a search for the absconding suspect.

The victim has been identified as Ganeshkumar, who had been employed at a metal fabrication unit in Perungudi and was staying with his brother-in-law Umesh. The police said the suspect, Saurav (25), also a Nepali national, was working at a private eatery. Ganeshkumar and Umesh had gone to Saurav's house on Friday night. During a card game, a heated exchange between Ganeshkumar and Saurav turned into a physical confrontation. Saurav attacked Ganeshkumar with a knife.

Chennai: Woman dies after pushed to floor while rescuing son

A 62-year-old woman died after she was pushed to the floor while trying to rescue her son, who was being attacked by a group of men during a family dispute in Perungalathur. The deceased, Naseema Bee (62), was the mother of Vasivudeen (43), a resident of Kamarajar Street in Perungalathur.

Vasivudeen lives with his wife, Naseema (40). Police said an argument broke out between Vasivudeen and his wife on Wednesday.

READ FULL STORY HERE

Kancheepuram silk showroom owners arrested in Rs 20 crore fraud case

Two owners of a popular silk saree showroom in Kancheepuram have been arrested by the Kancheepuram District Crime Branch police in connection with an alleged Rs 20 crore fraud involving wholesale saree suppliers from Rajasthan, Chennai and Salem.

Krishnamoorthy (52) and Sathish (50), both residents of George Town in Chennai, jointly operated Murugan and Kalikambal Silks, located near Rangasamy Kulam in Kancheepuram.

READ FULL STORY HERE

Sathankulam man kills teen lover’s mother for opposing relationship

A 23-year-old man launched a sickle attack on a couple in their house, killing the woman and injuring the man and their minor son, and kidnapped her two minor daughters, at Mudalur near Sathankulam early on Friday. The girls were rescued shortly and the man, Gnanaprakash of Anandapuram, was apprehended by the Thoothukudi police after the girls shared their live location with them via WhatsApp.

The father Muthukrishnan (50) and son Pleasant Raja (12) sustained grievous injuries and are in the intensive care unit of the Government Super Specialty Hospital in Tirunelveli. Muthukrishnan’s condition is said to be critical.

2 lorry drivers confess to murder of coworker in Tiruvallur

Two lorry drivers allegedly confessed to murdering their colleague following a drunken quarrel and burying his body in an isolated spot near Alamathi in Tiruvallur district, police said. The police are scheduled to exhume the remains on Saturday in the presence of a Tahsildar.

The deceased, M Gokul (27), a native of Kanniyakumari district, worked as a lorry driver for a private transport company in Alamathi. His younger brother, Rahul, lodged a complaint with Sholavaram police stating that Gokul had been missing since October 7.

Following the complaint, police registered a case and launched an investigation. They examined CCTV footage from the Alamathi area and identified two suspects, Ayyappan (18), and Sathish (33), who worked as lorry drivers.

READ FULL STORY HERE

A detailed investigation revealed that the death was caused accidentally when the child was playing with another boy, whose mother subsequently concealed the corpse to cover up the incident, they said.

The deceased, identified as Muthuvel, went missing around 11 am on Sunday, after leaving his home to play near a local temple. When he failed to return by 4 pm, his mother lodged a missing person complaint at the Keelavalavu police station.

Following the complaint, the Superintendent of Police, Madurai district, visited the site and deployed five special teams comprising 90 personnel for an overnight search.

On Monday, search teams discovered Muthuvel's body inside an unoccupied, abandoned house belonging to a local resident.

Forensic experts and a dog squad were deployed to secure evidence, and the body was transferred to the Government Rajaji hospital here for a post-mortem examination.

Inquiries revealed that while Muthuvel was playing near the temple with a 10-year-old neighborhood boy, the latter playfully tightened a rope around Muthuvel's neck.

As Muthuvel attempted to run, he grew dizzy and collided with the temple wall, injuring his front teeth. He then went to the other boy's house seeking water, where he collapsed and died in the presence of the minor's mother, Sandhiya (32).

Fearing consequences for her son, Sandhiya hid the body in the vacant structure to destroy evidence, police said.

Police said that the minor in conflict with law will be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, while Sandhiya was arrested for concealing the body and destroying evidence.

According to the latest bulletin by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), light to moderate rain is likely at isolated places in the Western Ghats and southern Tamil Nadu on October 27, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph at one or two places. The rest of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to experience mainly dry weather.

On October 28, the Western Ghats may receive light to moderate rain, while southern Tamil Nadu is likely to see light showers. Light rain is forecast in the Western Ghats on October 29 and 30, followed by light rain at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on October 31.

On November 1 and 2, light to moderate rain is likely in north Tamil Nadu, the Western Ghats, Puducherry and Karaikal, while other parts of Tamil Nadu may receive light showers, the RMC added.

Bengal's coastal districts get rain as Cyclone Arnab advances towards Andhra coast

Coastal areas of West Bengal saw moderate rain on Tuesday afternoon as the very severe cyclonic storm Arnab hurtled toward the Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall expected the next day.

The storm, likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry's Yanam coasts on October 28, will bring moderate rainfall across all districts of South Bengal until October 29, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

It may bring heavy rain in some districts of the state till October 30.

Chhattisgarh on alert for heavy rains due to Cyclone Arnab

The Chhattisgarh government has directed all district collectors to stay on alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall due to Cyclone Arnab, ordering round-the-clock relief camps, uninterrupted medical services and heightened vigilance, with zero casualties as the goal, officials said on Tuesday.

Cyclone Arnab to trigger heavy rains in parts of Jharkhand, govt asks districts to remain alert

Cyclone Arnab, which is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, is set to bring heavy rainfall in parts of Jharkhand for three days, prompting the state government to ask district administrations to maintain vigil, officials said.

A 'yellow' alert (be updated) of heavy rain has been issued for Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Lohardaga, Saraikela-Kharsawan, East and West Singhbhum for 24 hours starting from 8.30 am on October 28, the India Meteorological Department said.

The rain intensity is likely to increase thereafter, with IMD issuing an 'orange' alert (be prepared) for seven Jharkhand districts - Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega and West Singhbhum - for 24 hours till 8.30 am on October 30, according to a weather bulletin.

Heavy rains lash parts of Odisha as cyclone Arnab hurtles towards east coast

Heavy rains, accompanied by strong winds, lashed parts of Odisha on Tuesday as very severe cyclonic storm Arnab moved towards the east coast, with landfall expected along the Andhra Pradesh shore within the next 24 hours, the IMD said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange warning, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall of 12-20 cm, for six districts -- Puri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.

The districts under the yellow warning, indicating rainfall of 7-11 cm, are Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Khurda, Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Nuapada, Balangir and Boudh.

The storm is likely to move west-northwestwards until the evening of October 27, before turning northwestwards and crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28.

31 houses collapsed in Tiruchy after rains

As many as 31 houses collapsed across Tiruchy district on Monday as the North East monsoon rains continued unabated.

The rains had lashed the central region for the past few days, after which water entered several residential areas in the region, particularly in Tiruchy district. Sources said that on Monday, a tiled-roofed house belonging to Muthukumar in Pullambadi collapsed. Similarly, the house of Rasu from Manapparai collapsed after the walls were soaked in the continuous rainfall.

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14 killed in lightning strikes, tourist entry barred to hill stations as rains batter TN

Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister K A Sengottaiyan on Monday said 14 people have died due to lightning strikes since the onset of the Northeast monsoon, even as intensifying rains triggered red alerts and prompted authorities to bar tourist entry to major hill stations.

Detailing the state's monsoon relief efforts, Sengottaiyan said families of the deceased have been provided Rs 4 lakh each as compensation.

He firmly dismissed media reports claiming 35 rain-related fatalities in a single day.

Red alert in Kodaikanal

With the Northeast monsoon intensifying across Tamil Nadu, a red alert has been sounded in Kodaikanal, keeping tourists away and leaving popular spots in the hill station deserted.

The continuous downpour has not only impacted the local hospitality and tourism sectors but has also severely disrupted the daily lives of residents in Dindigul district. In the Moonjikkal-Dobikana (Topikkanal) area of Kodaikanal, over 20 houses were flooded, forcing residents to spend sleepless nights safeguarding their belongings and livestock. - PTI

Cyclone Arnab likely to intensify into severe cyclonic storm by midnight today

Cyclonic Storm Arnab over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on October 26 and a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27.

It is expected to move northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28.

At landfall, the storm is likely to bring maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph.

At 8.30 am on October 26, Cyclonic Storm Arnab was centred over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal.

It was located 580 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha, 610 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 620 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands, 690 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 790 km east-southeast of Machilipatnam and 860 km east-southeast of Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh, according to the IMD.

Cyclone warning: No 1 signal hoisted at 9 ports in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

 Cyclone warning signal no. 1 has been hoisted at nine ports in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as strong winds prevail amid the likelihood of a cyclone forming over the Bay of Bengal, according to officials.

The ports where the warning signal has been hoisted are Chennai, Ennore, Kattupalli, Cuddalore, Thoothukudi, Pamban, Puducherry, Nagapattinam and Karaikal.

Red alert for Theni, Dindigul, Madurai amid heavy rain forecast for TN

A red alert has been issued for Theni, Dindigul and Madurai districts, with the Regional Meteorological Centre forecasting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on Sunday as the northeast monsoon remains vigorous over Tamil Nadu.

The three districts could receive more than 20 centimetres of rain at one or two locations, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.

As deep depression forms, IMD warns of heavy rain in Chennai, across Tamil Nadu from today

A depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a deep depression and further develop into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the next two days.

The system, moving west-northwestwards, is expected to intensify as it approaches the west-central Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28.

The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in Theni, Dindigul and Madurai on Sunday. Heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph is likely in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchy, Karur, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Sivaganga, besides Karaikal.

Over 150 school students rescued after landslide blocks Ooty road

Rescue personnel rescued over 150 school students trapped by a landslide on the Mettupalayam-Ooty road by using ropes. Landslides at more than 10 locations along the Udhagamandalam road have completely disrupted traffic.

Bus driver killed, conductor injured as mudslide, uprooted trees hit TNSTC bus in Nilgiris

A bus driver was killed and the conductor seriously injured after a mudslide and uprooted trees fell on a TNSTC bus near Burliar in the Nilgiris district on Saturday, police said.

The incident occurred in the early hours when the bus was travelling from Coonoor to Mettupalayam amid heavy rain.

The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation bus was driven by Janagaraj, a resident of Kooratty village near Ooty, while Kesavan was the conductor, police said.

The bus had three passengers, who got off at Kurumpadi shortly before it reached Burliar. Only the driver and conductor were on board when the mudslide struck, police said.

READ FULL STORY HERE

Rain forecast till 1 pm in six Tamil Nadu districts

Light to moderate rain accompanied by light thunder and lightning is likely in six Tamil Nadu districts till 1 pm on Saturday, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai.

The six districts likely to receive rain are the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Erode, Krishnagiri and Salem.

Schools closed in Tamil Nadu's Erode district today

Due to heavy rain, all schools in Erode district (government, aided, and private) are closed today (October 24).

Well-marked low-pressure over Bay likely to intensify into depression today

The low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, reported on Friday, has intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area as of 5.30 am on Saturday, October 24, according to the latest bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system is likely to intensify into a depression on Saturday and further strengthen into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26.

According to the IMD, the well-marked low-pressure area is likely to persist over the same region and intensify into a depression on October 24. It is then expected to move west-northwestwards and strengthen into a deep depression on October 25 before becoming a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26.

Heavy downpours lash Tamil Nadu, roads flooded; Virudhunagar teen killed in wall collapse

Heavy showers caused waterlogging in low-lying areas across Tamil Nadu, and districts such as Madurai and Virudhunagar received bounteous rain, bringing down temperatures in the region.

A 17-year-old girl died, and her mother was injured after a wall of their rented house collapsed due to heavy rains at Mettamalai near Sattur in Virudhunagar district on Thursday night, police said on Friday. Sattur and its surrounding areas had experienced heavy downpours for over five hours prior to the collapse.

The deceased was identified as Muthuchelvi, a Class 12 student. Her mother, Solaiyammal, who sustained injuries in the incident, was admitted to the Sattur GH.

Meanwhile, the water level in the state's 89 reservoirs stood at 27.9% of their total capacity as on October 22, retaining 62.53 TMC against a capacity of 224.3 TMC. The storage rose by 1.02 TMC in the last 24 hours, but remained 134.4 TMC below the corresponding period last year, sources said.

The IMD said that a low-pressure area formed over East Central and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal at 5.30 am on Friday is most likely to persist over the same region and intensify into a depression on October 24. Thereafter, it is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify further into a deep depression on October 25 and into a cyclonic storm over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal by October 26 morning.

Heavy rain leaves Madurai under water, hundreds of homes flooded; Rs 23 crore drainage projects planned

Heavy rain that lashed Madurai district for more than four to five hours from Thursday evening inundated hundreds of houses, flooded major roads and severely disrupted traffic, leaving residents struggling to access essential services.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, several low-lying areas, including Sellur, Mattuthavani Vegetable Market, Koripalayam, Anna Nagar and Periyar Bus Stand, were submerged in knee-deep water following the downpour. In Sellur, floodwaters entered hundreds of houses along the 50-foot and 60-foot road stretches, causing considerable hardship to residents overnight.

Meanwhile, the Corporation has announced plans to undertake drainage projects worth ₹23 crore to address recurring waterlogging near Madurai Railway Station and along the Masi streets. Officials said the projects would be launched soon to improve rainwater drainage in these flood-prone areas.

What is the current TN weather status?

The low-pressure area that formed over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday morning persisted over the same region, with its associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its Friday afternoon bulletin. 

The system is likely to intensify into a depression on October 24, a deep depression on October 25 and a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26, the IMD added. 

The system is then expected to move west-northwestwards towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts over the following two days. If it develops into a cyclone, it will be named Arnab, as suggested by Bangladesh.

The IMD also reported that the low-pressure area over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep region persists, with a trough extending across Kerala to the north coastal Tamil Nadu coast.

Red alert for extremely heavy rain in Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli today (October 23)

The Regional Meterological Centre (RMC) has issued a red alert for Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli districts, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on Friday (October 23). Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated places in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore and Theni districts.

Heavy rain is forecast in Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Tenkasi, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Cuddalore, Villuppuram, Tiruppur, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai and Kallakurichi districts, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal.

Very heavy rain forecast in several districts

The RMC has forecast very heavy rain (11.6–20.4 cm in 24 hours) at isolated places in Kanniyakumari, Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts on Friday (October 23), warranting an orange alert, while a yellow alert has been issued for heavy rain (6.5–11.5 cm) in several other districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Erode and Tiruppur, besides Puducherry and Karaikal.

On Saturday (October 24), very heavy rain is likely in Kanniyakumari, Coimbatore, Nilgiris and the Ghat areas of Tirunelveli district.

On Sunday (October 25), very heavy rain is forecast in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Pudukkottai, Madurai, Dindigul, Sivaganga and Theni districts. Heavy rain is likely in several other districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Madurai and Tiruppur.

On Monday (October 26), very heavy rain is likely in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram and Pudukkottai districts.

Bay Of Bengal low-pressure area may intensify into cyclone by October 26

With widespread rainfall continuing across Tamil Nadu, a new low-pressure area that formed over the Bay of Bengal at 5.30 am on Friday (October 23) is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 26, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The system has formed under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. It is likely to intensify into a depression on Saturday (October 24), a deep depression on Sunday (October 25), and a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday (October 26).

The system is expected to move west-northwestwards towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts over the following two days. If it develops into a cyclone, it will be named ‘Arnab’, as suggested by Bangladesh.

Under the influence of this system, further heavy rain is likely across Tamil Nadu. The RMC has forecast very heavy rainfall of 11.6–20.4 cm at isolated places in Kanniyakumari, Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts on Friday.

Meanwhile, another low-pressure area that was over the Comorin region and adjoining parts of south Tamil Nadu and Kerala has moved over the southwest Arabian Sea, off the south Kerala coast, on Friday morning, according to the IMD.

Schools closed in four Tamil Nadu districts today

Schools in Villupuram, Kallakurichi and Vellore districts have been declared closed on Friday (October 23) due to heavy rain. In Tiruvannamalai district, Collector Vandana Garg has declared a holiday for both schools and colleges.

Several parts of Tamil Nadu have been experiencing widespread heavy rain since Thursday night, prompting the respective district administrations to announce the closures.

Several parts of Tamil Nadu continued to receive rain on Thursday (October 22) as the northeast monsoon remained active, swelling waterfalls and boosting reservoir levels across the State. Heavy overnight showers caused waterlogging in parts of Chennai and several southern districts, with Sankarankoil among the worst-affected areas.

Key updates from TN districts on October 22:

-- Kanniyakumari: Schools closed after heavy overnight rain, thunder and lightning. Homes inundated in Kollamcode.

-- Tirunelveli and Tenkasi: Rain holidays already announced for schools.

-- Madurai: Heavy rain has submerged over 140 acres of newly planted paddy fields. Farmers blame undredged irrigation canals for crop damage and are seeking compensation from the State government.

-- Cauvery delta: Farmers said initial showers were sporadic and insufficient to sustain the samba paddy crop.

-- Reservoir storage: Northeast monsoon rains have boosted inflows into drinking water reservoirs and irrigation dams. Chennai’s six key reservoirs have reached 37% of their combined capacity. Vaigai dam stands at 44.88 feet, Mullaperiyar at 116.90 feet, Papanasam at 48 feet and Perunchani at 44.35 feet.

---- PTI

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• Heavy to very heavy rain: Forecast in 17 districts, including Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam, over the next 24 hours.

• Heavy rain: Expected in 10 districts, including Tiruvallur, Villuppuram, Cuddalore and Tiruppur.

• Chennai: Moderate rain likely over the next two days, with heavy downpours possible on October 24 and 25.

READ FULL REPORT

What is the current TN weather status?

An official told PTI that the low-pressure area remained active over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast since October 21 evening. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and under its influence a low-pressure area is likely to form over Southeast and adjoining East central Bay of Bengal around October 23. Then it is likely to move northwestwards and intensify further.

Meteorologists are also tracking a secondary upper-air cyclonic circulation over the North Andaman Sea. This separate system is forecast to move west-northwestward and likely consolidate into a second low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal around Friday.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over the next 24 hours in districts including Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai.

Low-pressure over Bay to bring heavy rain to Tamil Nadu; Chennai to get moderate showers for 3 days

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

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

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Monsoon safety advisory for public, EB staff

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

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

• Avoid walking through stagnant rainwater near electrical installations.

• Inform the EB department about damaged infrastructure.

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

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

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

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

• Stay away from open windows and metal grills.

• Avoid using electrical appliances and telephones during lightning.

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

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

• Do not tie cattle to electric poles or wires

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

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

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

• RCCBs alone cannot guarantee complete protection without proper insulation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chennai rains: Waterlogging, uprooted trees, battered roads greet denizens after overnight showers

Heavy overnight rainfall on Tuesday damaged the city’s main and interior roads, severely disrupting the morning commute. Waterlogging was reported in several areas, which were drained only by 11 am.

In AGS Colony, 3rd Main Road and the interior streets of Velachery, stagnated water took much longer to recede. Similarly, in Subramania Nagar 2nd Street and adjoining streets in Kodambakkam, trees were uprooted in several places and removed later.

In the morning, Bazullah Road in T Nagar, Taramani-Velachery Road, OMR, Aziz Nagar, Subramaniyan Nagar and School Road in Valluvar Kottam were waterlogged. Trees were also uprooted on Police Quarters Road in T Nagar and on 11th Street, TNHB Colony, Korattur, and later it was cleared.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Potholes plague Tambaram-Velachery road

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

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

Chennai streets inundated after overnight heavy rain spell

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

Chennai Corporation to spend Rs 21.80 crore on pothole repairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rainfall likely to increase

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

Puzhal lake storage crosses 5 TMC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RMC issues rain alert till 10 am

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

Overnight heavy rain spell in Chennai

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

TN rain forecast: Here are the details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In a representation, the union sought the government’s intervention in resolving issues concerning employee welfare, the functioning of cooperative institutions and the implementation of administrative procedures in the public distribution system.

The union called for a review of procedures relating to the procurement, quality assessment and distribution of essential commodities through ration shops, stressing the need to ensure accountability at every stage and prevent frontline employees from being unfairly held responsible for lapses beyond their control.

It also highlighted concerns over the financial position and functioning of cooperative institutions, seeking measures to strengthen their operations and safeguard employees’ welfare.

A key demand was the payment of a uniform 20 per cent Deepavali bonus to ration shop employees, irrespective of the financial position of individual cooperative institutions.

The union urged the Chief Minister to consider the demands comprehensively and take appropriate measures to improve employees’ service conditions while ensuring the effective functioning of the public distribution system.

The accused, Vincent Raj (43), attacked his wife, Jerlin Prema (32), on the head inside the court premises. When he tried to escape, a lawyer chased and caught him, and they handed him over to the Thakkalay police.

Police rushed the woman to the Government Hospital at Aravali. She is undergoing treatment there. Police registered a case and are conducting further investigation. Police sources said a murder charge is alleged to have been pending against Vincent Raj.

He said the price hike would add to the financial burden on people during the festival season, when demand for ghee and sweets typically rises.

Palaniswami accused the government of seeking to profit from increased festive demand, instead of offering relief to consumers. He noted that traders usually attract customers during festivals by offering discounts and concessions on their products.

In a swipe at the government, he compared its decision to that of a “corporate villain” in a film.

Targeting Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Palaniswami also questioned whether the Aavin price hike was similar to the alleged increase in cinema ticket prices during Deepavali.

He urged the government to withdraw the price hike, stating that the decision should be revoked to help people celebrate Deepavali without additional financial burden.

The woman later surrendered at Virudhunagar East police station.

The deceased was identified as Shankarguru, who was living with his wife Sankareshwari (32), daughter Sathyavani (12) and son Santosh (7).

What led to the incident?

Shankarguru was addicted to alcohol and frequently returned home drunk after work. He allegedly spent a large portion of his earnings on drinking and subjected his wife and children to abuse.

Following repeated disputes, the couple obtained a divorce through the court in 2022 and lived separately.

Their two children stayed with Sankareshwari, who raised them with help from her parents.

Later, following the advice of her relatives, the couple began living together again for the sake of their children. However, Shankarguru allegedly continued his drinking habit and the abuse.

How did the fire break out?

On Monday (October 26) night, Shankarguru reportedly returned home drunk and argued with his wife before falling asleep. Their children had gone to their grandmother's house.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Shankarguru allegedly woke up and tried to attack Sankareshwari. Angered by this, she allegedly poured kerosene on him and set him on fire before running out of the house.

Shankarguru, whose body was engulfed in flames, ran into the kitchen and fell on a gas cylinder, which exploded.

The resulting fire spread to two nearby houses, damaging all three structures. Household belongings and documents in the houses were reportedly reduced to ashes. The occupants of the neighbouring houses escaped unharmed.

What action have police taken?

Virudhunagar East police reached the spot, recovered Shankarguru's charred body and sent it to the Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Virudhunagar Superintendent of Police Gautam Goyal also visited the scene and conducted an inquiry. Sankareshwari subsequently surrendered at the nearby East police station.

The Legislators Leadership Programme (LLP) was launched on the initiative of Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar, following instructions from Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. Rural Development and Water Resources Minister N Anand, the MLA representing T Nagar, attended the inaugural session.

The programme aims to strengthen legislators’ leadership capabilities and improve their effectiveness in public service. The sessions cover people-centric governance, legislative responsibilities, constituency development and approaches to resolving public grievances.

Participants will also be familiarised with coordination among government departments, needs-based planning, accountable service delivery and measures to address issues faced by their constituents.

Addressing the gathering, Anand said leadership was not merely a position or an exercise of authority but a responsibility that involved motivating others and helping them realise their potential.

“Elected representatives must work responsibly, placing public welfare and constituency development at the forefront. Serving people and resolving their problems are our primary duties,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of service-oriented leadership, the minister said CM Vijay had demonstrated these principles through his actions. He urged legislators to ensure that government schemes reached beneficiaries and that public needs guided their decisions.

Anand also stressed the need to harness artificial intelligence, digital governance and data-driven decision-making to improve administrative efficiency and the quality of public services.

The programme seeks to equip elected representatives with practical skills to discharge their legislative and constituency-level responsibilities more effectively, with public welfare as the central focus.

Deputy Speaker M Ravishankar, Public Works and Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna, Government Chief Whip R Sabarinathan, Meghalaya Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Sampath Kumar, Assembly Secretary R Shanthi, Additional Secretary and Coordination Officer P Thenmozhi, and retired Justice K Chandru attended the event, along with senior officials.

In a statement, Aavin said it had assessed the prices and production costs of comparable products sold by private dairy companies and cooperative milk federations in other states before revising its rates. It maintained that its products would remain cheaper than comparable offerings from private and cooperative brands even after the increase.

The clarification comes amid scrutiny of the price increase, which marks a significant pricing decision under the TVK-led government.

The revision was necessary to offset rising production costs and maintain Aavin’s competitiveness in the market, without a profit-driven motive, the statement said.

Emphasising the importance of safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods, Aavin said milk production was a major source of income for lakhs of rural families and that ensuring remunerative procurement prices for producers was the government’s responsibility.

The additional revenue would help improve producers’ incomes and strengthen the cooperative milk procurement network, it said.

Aavin said its primary objectives remained protecting milk producers’ interests and supplying quality milk and dairy products to consumers at reasonable prices.

Appealing to consumers to continue purchasing its products, Aavin said public support was essential to strengthening the cooperative sector and improving the livelihoods of milk producers.

The Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation, which markets products under the Aavin brand, attributed the increase to rising raw material costs, milk procurement expenses and other associated costs. The revised rates were issued through an order by its Marketing Unit on Monday.

Aavin ghee, butter and sweets become costlier

Ghee has recorded some of the steepest increases. The price of a 100-ml pack has risen from Rs 85 to Rs 95, while the 200-ml pack will cost Rs 180, against Rs 160 earlier. The 500-ml pack has been revised from Rs 365 to Rs 400 and the one-litre pack from Rs 700 to Rs 780.

Cooking butter prices have also gone up, with the 100-g pack increasing from Rs 60 to Rs 70 and the 500-g pack from Rs 275 to Rs 320.

The price of 80-g cookie packs has increased from Rs 30 to Rs 40, while 500-ml curd will now cost Rs 40, against Rs 35. A 200-ml milkshake pack has been priced at Rs 35, up from Rs 30.

The revision also affects popular festive sweets. The price of 250 g of Mysorepak has increased from Rs 140 to Rs 160, while the 500-g pack will cost Rs 310, against Rs 270 earlier. Premium milk cake, sold in 250-g packs, will cost Rs 140, up from Rs 130.

The revised prices of selected Aavin products are listed below:

• Ghee (100 ml): Rs 95, up from Rs 85

• Ghee (200 ml): Rs 180, up from Rs 160

• Ghee (500 ml): Rs 400, up from Rs 365

• Ghee (1 litre): Rs 780, up from Rs 700

• Cooking butter (100 grams): Rs 70, up from Rs 60

• Cooking butter (500 grams): Rs 320, up from Rs 275

• Cookies (80 grams): Rs 40, up from Rs 30

• Curd (500 ml): Rs 40, up from Rs 35

• Milkshake (200 ml): Rs 35, up from Rs 30

• Mysore pak (250 grams): Rs 160, up from Rs 140

• Mysore pak (500 grams): Rs 310, up from Rs 270

• Premium milk cake (250 grams): Rs 140, up from Rs 130

• Rasgulla (100 grams): Rs 50, up from Rs 45

• Gulab jamun (250 grams): Rs 115, up from Rs 100

• Lassi (200 ml): Rs 23, up from Rs 20

• Curd (1 kg): Rs 130, up from Rs 120

• Buttermilk (200 ml): Rs 10, up from Rs 8

• Buttermilk (PET bottle): Rs 14, up from Rs 1

• The prices of 10 varieties of milkshakes have also increased from Rs 30 to Rs 35. The revised list covers several other value-added dairy products sold by Aavin.

Aavin retail price hike ahead of Deepavali

The order directs officials to implement the revised rates and update billing systems and other relevant software applications. However, it does not announce a general increase in packaged milk prices, with the revision limited to selected dairy products and sweets.

The latest hike comes amid preparations for Deepavali, when demand for sweets and other festive food items typically rises. The increase is likely to add to household spending during the festive season.

Earlier Aavin price revisions

The latest revision follows an earlier controversy in July, when Aavin withdrew a ghee price revision order within a week after it came under media scrutiny.

In August, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced an increase in the milk procurement price paid by Aavin to dairy farmers to improve their returns. The revised procurement rates came into effect on September 1, while retail milk prices remained unchanged.

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has also criticised the increase in ghee and butter prices, questioning whether the hike would add to the burden of rising inflation.

(With inputs from Bureau)

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the deceased, Jesudas (39), of Panikanenthal village near Manamadurai, was working at the factory, which produces natural fertilisers from seaweed, besides perfumes and food products.

How did the incident occur?

Jesudas and two other workers, Palanichelvan and Balamurugan, were involved in seaweed processing, during which an acid was used.

Jesudas fainted after inhaling gas released from the acid. Fellow workers rescued him and admitted him to a private hospital, where he died despite treatment.

Manamadurai SIPCOT police conducted an inquiry, recovered his body and sent it to the Sivaganga Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Factory temporarily sealed

Sivaganga Divisional Commissioner JB Gracia conducted an inquiry and temporarily sealed the factory. Tahsildar Mahadevan and Zonal Deputy Tahsildar Vinod were also present during the inspection.

Poyyamozhi, held in the graft case involving alleged collection of money from private school managements by promising government recognition and various statutory approvals, was produced before the Special Court for cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act here at 10.10 pm after a medical check-up at a government hospital.

After hearing the arguments of defence lawyers, Wilson and Saravanan, and Public Prosecutor, John Sathyan, Judge LS Sathiyamurthy remanded Poyyamozhi to judicial custody till November 6.

In his argument, Saravanan strongly objected to police arresting Poyyamozhi from the office of senior advocate Wilson, and said such an incident had never happened before.

Wilson said procedures for arrest were not followed, and he contended that the arrest was made by police when he was discussing legal steps in his office with Poyyamozhi, following the rejection of the former minister's anticipatory bail plea by the Madras High Court.

They argued against the grant of remand and said sanction was not obtained from the competent authority, the Governor, for filing a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Sathyan submitted that police waited for about an hour outside the office of the counsel and only then did they arrest the former minister.

Citing the order of the Madras High Court dismissing the advance bail plea, the prosecutor said the "money trail" needs to be traced and about Rs 400 crore has changed hands, according to complaints.

The high court has also said in its order that custodial interrogation is warranted.

The prosecution sought judicial custody, stating that there are chances of destroying evidence and influencing witnesses.

After the Madras High Court dismissed the anticipatory bail application filed by Poyyamozhi, police arrested him on Monday evening.

David alias Udayakumar, a real estate businessman from Jagir Ammapalayam in Salem, was facing more than 12 cases, including robbery, cheating and the 2019 murder of a prison warden attached to Salem Central Prison near Andipatti in Suramangalam.

On Monday, David was returning on a moped with his friend Faizal (32), after appearing at the Central Crime Branch police station in Alagapuram to sign the register as required under the conditions of anticipatory bail granted by the Madras High Court in a land-grabbing case.

“Around 11 am, five men travelling on three two-wheelers intercepted them on the Pudur Road flyover near Salem Junction. When the assailants, armed with machetes and sickles, attempted to attack them, David and Faizal abandoned the moped and fled. The gang chased David as he attempted to escape by jumping over a wall on the flyover. He stumbled and fell, allowing the attackers to surround and hack him to death in full public view before fleeing,” police said.

The police recovered the body and sent it to Salem Government Hospital for a postmortem examination. The Suramangalam police registered a case and are examining CCTV footage to identify the assailants and establish the motive behind the murder.

In a resolution on price rise, the party said retail inflation in Tamil Nadu had reached 6.81 per cent, while food inflation stood at 10.62 per cent. The rising prices of rice, pulses, sugar, vegetables and other essentials were placing a heavy burden on ordinary and middle-income households, it said, attributing the trend to factors including GST, online trade and hoarding.

The party said the poor quality of rice supplied through ration shops was pushing consumers towards the open market.

In another resolution, the party demanded the withdrawal of the tender for model registration centres, alleging that it would transfer a range of administrative functions to private operators while retaining the authority to register documents with government officials.

The demands were adopted at the party's state committee meeting held in Chennai on October 23 and 24. CPM general secretary MA Baby, Polit Bureau members PV Raghavulu, K Balakrishnan and U Vasuki, state secretary P Shanmugam, and other senior leaders attended the meeting.

The survey will cover 38,042 government and government-aided schools in TN. For Class 8, the survey will cover 16,539 schools.

The state project director of Samagra Shiksha, director of School Education and director of Elementary Education have issued instructions to Chief Educational Officers (CEOs) and principals of District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) to prepare students and identify teachers who will serve as assessment invigilators. The survey, held once every two years, evaluates students’ understanding and application of concepts rather than rote learning.

The previous SLAS was conducted in the 2024-25 academic year, and the results were used to implement the THIRAN Iyakkam initiative across the state.

As part of preparations for the survey, teachers have been instructed to provide regular practice in competency-based questions. Unused question papers from the 2024-25 survey, available at district centres, must be distributed to schools for practice. Schools must also regularly use the monthly ‘Future Ready’ questions shared by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) for classes 1-9.

The department has directed officials to identify teachers from government and government-aided schools as invigilators. For classes 3 and 5, Bachelor of Teaching assistants from middle, high and higher secondary schools should be selected, with primary school teachers considered if the numbers are insufficient. For Class 8, teachers from primary schools will be selected.

CEOs, with the support of DIET principals, have been asked to submit a list of selected invigilators to the State by November 5. Details of invigilator training will be communicated separately. The department has also emphasised the need to ensure the accuracy and transparency of the assessment. After the survey, a sample of schools and students from every district will undergo reassessment by education officials.

Gr-II Police personnel Thangapandi, warden, sustained a head injury in the incident and was admitted to Government Theni Medical College Hospital.

Two other jail police personnel also sustained minor injuries.

According to preliminary information, all 17 accused persons were lodged in the same cell. When security personnel entered the cell after being informed that one of the inmates was ill, the accused allegedly assaulted them and escaped.

Following the incident, police alerted check posts across the region and shared information about the escape with the police in Idukki, Madurai and Dindigul districts.

Photographs of the escaped accused have been circulated among police personnel, and efforts are under way to trace and apprehend them.

The rains had lashed the central region for the past few days, after which water entered several residential areas in the region, particularly in Tiruchy district. Sources said that on Monday, a tiled-roofed house belonging to Muthukumar in Pullambadi collapsed. Similarly, the house of Rasu from Manapparai collapsed after the walls were soaked in the continuous rainfall.

Meanwhile, the rains lashed rural areas like Uppiliyapuram, Kollimalai and Kottapalayam in the district. Sources claimed that 31 houses, including 19 tiled houses and 11 thatched houses, have collapsed in the district in the last 24 hours. This apart, as many as seven cows and one goat died due to the monsoon fury, the sources said.

The district revenue department officials are enumerating further destruction across the district.

The river, which had remained largely dry for months, saw discharge surge to 1200 cusecs on Monday, filling check-dams along its course and pushing several tanks to their full capacity, resulting in flooding in residential areas.

At Selvampathi Tank, rising levels forced surplus water into a clogged channel bound for Big Tank, submerging houses and streets in Ashok Nagar, Prabhu Nagar, Savithri Nagar, Chetty Street and Sundakkamuthur. Trapped residents endured a sleepless night as water entered their homes.

Similarly, an overflowing Selva Chinthamani Tank flooded roads and houses in Selvapuram, while in Vellalore, water from the overflowing Rajavaikkal channel entered nearby houses, prompting officials to clear obstructions to facilitate drainage. Residents of Koniamman Temple Street and the Madurai Veeran Temple locality were evacuated and accommodated at a nearby school.

The Coimbatore Corporation deployed 40 high-capacity motor pumps to drain water from the affected areas. Minister V Sampath Kumar, Collector Pavan Kumar G Giriyappanavar, Corporation Commissioner Katta Ravi Teja and Mayor R Ranganayaki inspected affected spots.

Meanwhile, the Nilgiris saw respite on Monday after three days of torrential downpours. Officials said 80 per cent of restoration work was complete, though vehicular traffic would take days to normalise due to fresh rockfall threats.

The Mettupalayam-Coonoor road remained closed for a third day following a rockfall at the 13th hairpin bend, with traffic diverted via Kotagiri. The three-day deluge triggered 88 landslides, uprooted 61 trees, damaged 23 houses, and knocked out a transformer alongside 11 power poles across the hill district.

Despite a huge shortage in river water for irrigation, farmers who relied on borewell facilities had commenced sowing samba crops after an initial delay of several weeks. Just as the young shoots began to grow, relentless North East monsoon downpours lashed the Delta region for over a week, inundating low-lying agricultural tracts. While inlet channels efficiently fed rainwater into the fields, clogged, silted, and unmaintained drainage outlets failed to clear the runoff, creating a severe drainage bottleneck across the river basin. The breakdown in regional drainage management has left vast swathes of crops submerged, with Tiruvarur and Thanjavur taking the hardest hit.

On Monday, the crops raised at Kudavasal, Asoor, Melapalayur and Ogai in Tiruvarur district and Vilangudi, Villiyanallur, Semmangudi and Tenkaichi areas in Thanjavur lay completely waterlogged. The farmers said that the water has already stagnated for more than four days, and warned that another 48 hours under water would cause irreversible root rot and total crop destruction. The desperate growers have appealed to district administrations to deploy heavy machinery to drain out the water stagnated in the fields.

The farmers also demanded a comprehensive overhaul and desilting of the region's network of outlet canals to handle monsoon surges, pointing out their investments of at least Rs 20,000 per acre are now on the line.

Official sources revealed that nearly 4.50 lakh MT of paddy had been stored in open yards at the Patteeswaram facility in Thanjavur district. More than half of this crucial grain reserve was completely soaked in recent monsoon spells because site personnel failed to cover the bags with tarpaulins. On Monday, soaked paddy began germinating directly inside the sacks, sparking outrage among local farmers who alerted high-level officials.

Taking immediate note of the situation, the Minister inspected the centre, verified the damage, and pulled up personnel for blatant laxity. He instructed Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) divisional managers to launch an immediate inquiry and initiate formal action against the errant staff.

Addressing reporters at the site, the Minister reiterated that clear instructions had been issued to procurement agencies well before the monsoon to safeguard grain stocks. "Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has issued explicit orders to protect farmers from any hardship, and the entire government mechanism is monitoring operations," he said.

He added that transport of stored grain would resume once the rains recede, emphasizing that DPC in-charges hold direct responsibility for crop safety until then. "Any damage to government-procured grain will lead to strict accountability and recovery from the staff concerned," Vinoth warned.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of District Election Officer and GCC head GS Sameeran to discuss the SSR of electoral rolls with January 1 as the qualifying date.

As proceedings began, MK Nawaz, VP, TN Congress Committee’s legal wing, displayed placards and shouted slogans demanding CEC’s resignation before leading a walkout. Representatives from the DMK, Left parties, and AAP joined the exit in solidarity. “We walked out of the meeting on behalf of the TNCC. The Chief Election Commissioner must resign immediately. A massive demonstration led by Rahul Gandhi will take place in Delhi on November 1,” stated Nawaz.

DMK Legal Wing Secretary K Chandru sharply criticised the election machinery saying: “The SIR was implemented in haste. Over 14 lakh voters were deleted in Chennai alone using inexperienced personnel. SIR was the primary reason for DMK’s setback here. We’ve lost complete trust in EVMs and VVPATs and demand a return to paper ballots.”

Countering the Opposition’s walkout, BJP State VP Duraisamy noted that his party had submitted constructive suggestions to ensure everyone turning 18 is enrolled. “An Election Commissioner cannot be removed on the street; it requires convening Parliament and holding a vote. The Opposition knows this procedure well yet stages protests purely for political mileage,” he opined.

In a statement, Palaniswami alleged that the delay had affected Tamil Nadu to secure its rightful share of Cauvery water and criticised the present TVK government for being incapable of handling the inter-state water dispute and for failing to put pressure on the Karnataka government over the Mekedatu dam project.

He pointed out that the vice-chairman of the Cauvery Technical Cell resigned in June, but the government accepted his resignation only after a four-month delay.

He said the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee have been directing Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu since June, however, the Tamil Nadu government's failure to keep the technical cell fully functional had weakened the efforts to secure water share.

In a separate statement, Dhinakaran said the vice-vhairman's post was crucial to safeguarding Tamil Nadu's rightful share of water in inter-state river disputes involving the Cauvery, Mullai Periyar, Krishna and Parambikulam-Aliyar rivers.

The official was responsible for monitoring water inflows into Tamil Nadu, analysing technical data and representing the state at the CWMA meetings, he noted and accused the TVK government of failing to protect the interests of farmers.

Both the leaders urged the government to fill the vacant post and make the Cauvery Technical Cell functional to protect Tamil Nadu's water rights.

The documents were submitted by AIADMK MLAs SS Agri Krishnamurthy, AP Jayasankaran and G Venkatachalam.

"The documents and details will be sent to the six MLAs, and their replies will be sought," an Assembly official said.

The petitions seeking the disqualification of six MLAs were filed by AIADMK whip Agri Krishnamurthy and National People's Power Party leader Ravi. They sought to quash the Speaker's orders accepting the resignations.

The Madras High Court recently upheld the decision of Assembly Speaker Prabhakar to accept the resignations of six AIADMK legislators who quit the party after the Assembly elections and joined Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

A Bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan held that the resignations were genuine. The court observed that the Speaker was not expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the resignation process.

A Akilan (16) of AT Colony in Peelamedu ended his life on October 21, following which Peelamedu police arrested two of his classmates under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, while the school suspended class teacher P Vijayakumar and headmaster S Arunkumar.

Akilan's parents and relatives had petitioned Coimbatore City Police Commissioner (in-charge) RV Ramya Bharathi, seeking the transfer of the case and staging a sit-in demanding further investigation. DGP Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal subsequently ordered the transfer and directed the city police to hand over the case records to the CB-CID. A special officer is likely to be appointed to investigate the case.

Minister for Backward Classes Welfare V Sampath Kumar handed over an order sanctioning Rs 6 lakh in compensation to the family and an appointment order for Akilan's sister, Nethra, as a junior assistant at a government tribal residential school in Anaikatti.

With the family calling off its protest, Akilan's body is expected to be handed over to them after the post-mortem for the final rites.

The party's women's wing said the TVK-led government had pushed the State into an unsafe situation. It also alleged that ruling party functionaries were involved in crimes against women.

The DMK accused the government of failing to maintain law and order and take effective measures to curb crimes against women and children.

Reacting to the issue, Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin alleged that the law and order situation had deteriorated since the TVK-led government came to power.

Questioning Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Udhayanidhi asked whether he would convene a meeting to address the law and order situation. He asked, "If he has been conducting such meetings, why do murders continue in the state? Is a rowdy raj prevailing in Tamil Nadu with the blessings of the dummy Chief Minister?"

An order issued by Director of Geology and Mining T Prabhushankar on Monday extends the restriction for a further three months from October 27, following the expiry of the initial three-month ban imposed on July 27.

The restriction will remain in force until January 26, 2027.

The prohibition covers the inter-state transportation of rough stone and aggregates, including crushed stone, metal jelly and manufactured sand (M-sand). Puducherry and its Karaikal district have been exempted from the restriction.

The order, issued under Rule 3 (A) of the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage of Minerals and Minerals Dealers Rules, 2011, states that the objectives of the original ban had not been fully achieved during the initial period, necessitating its continuation.

The government has cited the need to prevent illegal mining and the unauthorised movement of minerals, while ensuring uninterrupted supplies for domestic requirements and safeguarding the environment.

District collectors and superintendents of police in districts bordering neighbouring States have been directed to maintain strict vigil and coordinate with the departments concerned to enforce the restriction.

Officials responsible for regulating the transportation of minerals and other goods have been instructed to ensure compliance.

The order warns that violations will invite stringent action under the relevant Act and rules.

Speaking to reporters after flagging off vehicles to attend fuse-off call (FOC) complaints in Chennai, Nirmalkumar said police were conducting an extensive search for a missing girl in the city. The Director General of Police was reviewing the investigation daily, with multiple teams searching from different angles, he said.

The minister contrasted the ongoing investigation with cases from the previous regime, citing the unresolved murder of former DMK minister's brother Ramajayam. He also alleged that the previous government had attempted to suppress cases involving sexual offences against children.

Nirmalkumar accused the previous administration of collecting money from schools in the name of child safety certification and alleged irregularities worth hundreds of crores of rupees. He said the present government would ensure accountability wherever wrongdoing was established and that no one would escape punishment.

Questioning the progress of the Kodanad case, he said the government would have to assess the stage of the investigation before deciding on further action.

Separately, the minister said Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNPDCL) had established 82 additional FOC centres in Chennai and neighbouring districts, taking the total to 152, to ensure the swift restoration of power supply during the northeast monsoon.

The corporation has kept 152 vehicles ready on a contract basis to attend to power outage complaints and repair faults. It has also authorised the deployment of 608 workers, with four personnel assigned to each centre, to strengthen operations.

To speed up the detection and repair of underground cable faults in Chennai and its suburbs, 12 additional high-voltage underground cable fault detection vehicles have been deployed on a contract basis, along with 36 personnel, including engineers.

Assembly sources said PMK MLA and floor leader Sowmiya Anbumani resigned from the Public Undertakings Committee. Following her, the party's other MLA, A Ganeshkumar, also resigned from the Committee on Rules.

Ganeshkumar refused to comment on the issue and told DT Next that the two MLAs from the party were members of other committees.

Sources in the Assembly said the PMK had been eyeing the chairmanship of a key committee, but the TVK leadership had rejected the party's demand. The ruling party clarified to the PMK that the chairmanship posts would be allotted only to alliance partners.

Following this arrangement, the TVK-led government sought to offer a committee chairmanship to the Congress. However, the Congress declined the post following instructions from its high command in Delhi.

The Congress has been extending support to the TVK-led government and is also part of the Cabinet. The TVK-led government has also allotted chairmanship posts to its alliance partners, including the Left parties. Among the 11 committees, IUML MLA SB Syed Farooq Basha, CPI MLA T Ramachandran, CPM MLA R Chellaswamy and VCK MLA LE Jothimani are holding chairmanship posts in various Assembly committees, including the Public Accounts, Rules, House and Library committees.

The TVK-led government has not allotted any committee chairmanship post to the Opposition DMK, similar to the practice followed during the previous DMK regime, when no committee chairmanship post was given to the then opposition AIADMK.

The floods on the streets thus triggered a torrent of messages to the Instagram inboxes of the District Collectors’ with this demand. Some pleaded, some resorted to what Tirunelveli Collector Anand Mohan described as Oscar-worthy acting involving emotional blackmail, and some even went as far as cautioning a poor performance review.

“Sir, you were once a school student and reached this position. You know the difficulties students face in going to school during rain. Kindly understand our difficulties and grant us leave,” reads a message from a Kanniyakumari student. “Thunderstorm in Kanniyakumari. Kindly look out of your window and give us leave,” says another.

While many messages from Kanniyakumari students pointed to waterlogging, bad roads, transport and other civic problems, the posts from Tirunelveli were bolder in tone. “If you don’t give leave tomorrow, then it means you don’t care about our condition… failed as an IAS, failed as a Collector,” one Tirunelveli student wrote.

The youth did not stop there, and reminded the Collector that he had arrived late for his school’s Founders’ Day celebration. The school administration may have forgiven him for tardiness, but if he wanted the students’ forgiveness, he should grant them leave, the student said.

“We may get into an accident, then that’s all. My birthday = death day. So kindly grant us leave tomorrow,” said another student, while yet another said he/she was feeling depressed and wanted a holiday.

Posting these messages on his Instagram page, Tirunelveli Collector said they were trying Oscar Award-level emotional blackmail, but assured that he understood their difficulties. “This Collector uncle always takes care of your safety; if there is heavy rain, a holiday will definitely be declared for schools,” he added in response.

Kanniyakumari Collector M Prathap told DT Next that these reactions show it has broken the barrier between the district administration and general public (students in this case). “We understand their feelings and we are always here to help them,” he said.

The working paper titled, ‘Women, Work and Status: Labour Market Outcomes in Tamil Nadu’, authored by A Kalaiyarasan, Associate Professor at MIDS, was published in August 2026.

Drawing on 30 years of labour-market survey data, secondary literature and the 2019 Time Use Survey, the study examines women’s labour-force participation, earnings, occupational distribution and the effects of state welfare interventions.

The findings present a paradox: TN performs better than the national average on several indicators of women’s employment, but its progress has not eliminated the gender wage gap or ensured that women’s participation translates into better-paid work.

Women’s labour-force participation rate in TN stood at about 43% in 2020-21, against the national average of 32.5%. However, the rate had declined from 54.1% in 1993-94 to 33.7% in 2017-18 before recovering. The paper cautions that the subsequent rise cannot be treated as an unqualified improvement, as it was partly driven by women entering unpaid work during the pandemic, especially in agriculture.

The earnings gap remains pronounced. Women in regular salaried employment earned an average of Rs 12,969 a month in 2020-21, compared with Rs 17,476 for men, meaning women earned about 74% of men’s wages. Among self-employed workers, women’s earnings were only about 37% of men’s.

The study argues that the decline of traditional employment in agriculture and artisan-based occupations has not been matched by adequate job creation in emerging sectors

The disparity extends across sectors. In 2021, women employed in the government sector earned an average monthly wage of Rs 18,857, against Rs 27,886 for men. In the private sector, women earned Rs 10,324, compared to men’s Rs 15,566.

Caste compounds the disadvantage. The study estimates that Dalit women’s labour-force participation was about 50%, against 40% among non-Dalit women. Yet Dalit women in regular salaried employment earned an average of Rs 8,446/ month, compared with Rs 13,905 for non-Dalit women. TN nevertheless has a strong presence of women in manufactur- ing and formal jobs. The paper estimates that TN accounted for 28% of regular-salaried women in manufacturing across India in 2018-19.

Citing an estimate based on factory-sector data, it also notes that 6.8 lakh of the 16 lakh women factory workers nationwide were employed in Tamil Nadu. Women accounted for about 40% of the state’s factory workforce, particularly in apparel, textiles and leather.

Women also constituted around 66% of TN’s government employees in 2019-21, against a national average of about 40%. The author links this representation partly to the state’s reservation policy in government employment for women.

However, employment participation alone does not capture the extent of women’s unpaid labour. The 2019 Time Use Survey, which covered 23,011 individuals in TN and 4,47,250 across India, found that 90.3% of women aged 15-59 per-

formed unpaid domestic services, compared with 24.3% of men. A further 27.3% of women were involved in unpaid caregiving for household members, against 14% of men.

Among those aged 15-59, women spent an average of 231 minutes a day on unpaid domestic services, compared with 20 minutes for men. Women spent 131 minutes a day on job-related activities, against 372 minutes for men. The figures high-

light how unequal household responsibilities restrict women’s access to paid work and income.

The study argues that the decline of traditional employment in agriculture and artisan-based occupations has not been matched by adequate job creation in emerging sectors. It acknowledges that welfare interventions, including free transport and measures that reduce domestic drudgery, can ease barriers to women’s employment, but stresses the need for stronger demand-side policies.

“The rate at which jobs are dispossessed in traditional sectors, agriculture and artisan, has been higher than the rate of jobs created in modern sectors,” the paper says in its conclusion. It calls for greater job generation, stronger labour market regulation, improved skills and diversification of economic opportunities. The central policy challenge is to convert TN’s gains in education and workforce into better earnings, more secure jobs and economic independence.

KEY FINDINGS

• Women’s labour-force participation rose to 43% in 2020-21, against 32.5% nationally, but increase partly driven by unpaid work during the pandemic

• Women’s salary: 12,969/ month, against Rs 17,476 for men in 2020-21

• Self-employment: Women earned only about 37% of men’s earnings

• Dalit women’s salary: Rs 8,446/m, against Rs 13,905 for non-Dalit women

• TN accounted for 28% of India’s regular-salaried women manufacturing workers in 2018-19

• Women made up about 66% of government employees in 2019-21, against 40% nationally

• 90.3% of women aged 15–59 performed unpaid domestic services, compared with 24.3% of men in 2019

• Women spent 231 minutes daily on unpaid domestic services, against 20 minutes for men

The Directorate of School Education issued the proceedings, following earlier communications from the department and the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). The timetable is intended for implementation across schools from classes 1-12.

Under the initiative, schools will allocate dedicated periods for physical education, games, music, arts and crafts, social and emotional learning, school-based co-curricular activities (CCA) and extra-curricular activities (ECA). The programme also incorporates TN SPARK, an initiative focused on developing students’ creativity, scientific thinking and related learning skills.

The department has directed officials to ensure that the revised timetable is implemented in schools during the current academic year. The schedule has been prepared separately for different class groups, taking into account students’ academic requirements and the activities appropriate for their age.

For classes 6-10, the timetable provides 40 periods for subjects and activities listed in the prescribed schedule. Students in Classes 6-8 will have periods for language learning, mathematics, science, social science, physical education and co-curricular activities. Classes 9 and 10 will follow a similar structure, with adjustments to subject allocations.

For classes 11 and 12, the timetable has been divided into science, arts, and vocational streams. Each stream has been allocated 40 periods, covering language and English, core subjects, physical education, and co-curricular activities. Vocational students will also have dedicated periods for related subjects.

The department has asked officials, including district-level and block-level officers, to take steps to implement the timetable. Officials have also been instructed to ensure that schools follow the prescribed allocation of periods.

The initiative seeks to encourage students to develop physical fitness, creativity, teamwork and emotional well-being while ensuring that sports and other activities receive a defined place in the school timetable.

During the inspection, the CM reviewed the reservoir’s storage, intake tower and bund areas with officials from the Water Resources Department.

He instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted monitoring of the water level, inflow and outflow, and to keep control rooms operational with adequate staff at all times. He also directed them to maintain sluice gates, power supply, backup power facilities and communication networks in full working condition.

Vijay said that if surplus water had to be released, the discharge should be carried out in a phased and regulated manner. Officials were instructed to plan water releases carefully to prevent flooding in vulnerable areas located downstream along the Adyar river.

He further directed officials to provide prior warnings to people living in downstream areas before releasing water and ensure close coordination among the Revenue Department, Police Department, Greater Chennai Corporation and the Metro Water board. He also stressed the need to maintain prescribed reservoir levels throughout the monsoon to preserve flood-buffer storage while ensuring adequate water reserves to meet Chennai’s drinking water requirements.

Ministers N Anand, KA Sengottaiyan, K Thennarasu and RV Ranjithkumar, along with senior officials, accompanied the Chief Minister during the inspection.

As of 6 am on Monday, the water level stood at 14.76 feet against its full reservoir level of 24 feet. The lake had a storage of 1,488 million cubic feet (mcft) against its capacity of 3,645 mcft (41% of its capacity).

In a circular issued on Monday, Tasmac MD K Nanthakumar instructed district managers to ensure that payments through the UPI, debit cards and credit cards are processed through point-of-sale (POS) machines linked to the corporation’s designated bank account.

The corporation has cited the risks associated with handling large amounts of cash, the possibility of accounting discrepancies, and the additional burden on employees as reasons for strengthening digital transactions.

The directive also comes amid complaints of customers being charged more than the maximum retail price of liquor bottles. Mandatory digital transactions, supported by billing and transaction records, are expected to improve accountability and help customers flag irregularities.

Tasmac has explicitly prohibited employees from collecting payments through their personal UPI IDs, QR codes or bank accounts. All digital payments must be routed through the prescribed POS system linked to its designated bank account. Bills must be issued for every sale, and the amount charged must correspond with the applicable MRP.

District managers have been instructed to ensure that POS machines are functional, train employees in digital transactions and reconciliation, and display notices measuring two feet by three feet explaining the payment system. Supervisors must promptly report customer complaints and violations, including overcharging, to district managers.

The circular also calls for inspections by district managers and head-office officials, along with monthly monitoring reports to assess implementation.

Customers can report overcharging and other irregularities through toll-free complaint number, 1800 889 2015.

In a statement, Tagore questioned how the security of the country's Leader of the Opposition could not be ensured, stressing that the incident raised serious concerns about the safety of leaders holding high constitutional responsibilities.

Tagore made the remarks after Gandhi's convoy were involved in a collision on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh.

He sought accountability from Shah, asking whether there had been any lapses in the security arrangements and who was responsible for ensuring Rahul Gandhi's safety.

Tagore said the issue was not merely about a vehicle accident but also concerned the security of a key constitutional functionary. He emphasised that political differences were inevitable in a democracy, but there could be no room for negligence in protecting the Leader of the Opposition.

The demonstration at Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore was part of the BJP's nationwide protests over Kharge's remarks at an event in Patna on Sunday. BJP state vice-presidents VP Duraisamy and Dolphin Sridharan participated along with party workers.

"Whenever Prime Minister Modi is criticised, the BJP continues to win," Tamilisai told reporters, accusing Kharge of making derogatory remarks and subsequently attempting to explain them away amid the backlash.

Defending RSS March, she asserted that its century-old ideology could not be destroyed. On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, she accused opposition parties of selectively opposing the exercise after electoral defeats, insisting that the BJP's victories were driven by sustained organisational work rather than the revision process.

Claiming that Modi had enhanced India's standing internationally, the former state president accused the Congress leadership of amplifying foreign voices in the country. She also criticised Rahul Gandhi's interaction with students in Chennai, alleging that Congress leaders appeared disinterested and that students had not been provided adequate facilities.

Commenting on the arrest of former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Tamilisai said, "Whoever commits wrongdoing will be punished. If they have done nothing wrong, let them prove their innocence in court and come out."

She also accused the DMK of neglecting schoolchildren while opposing the National Education Policy and the three-language formula.

Dismissing the plea, Justice V Lakshminarayanan said while dealing with an application for anticipatory bail, the court would have to keep in mind that corruption is a grave economic offence.

It not only affects the public exchequer but is also a crime against humanity and directly affects the human rights.

In cases such as these, the court has to keep in mind the position that had been occupied by the petitioner and thereby, his ability to tamper with the state machineries or influence witnesses.

The senior counsel for Mahesh argued that he has cooperated with police investigation and three premises have been searched and documents seized. "The petitioner is not a flight risk...finally, in cases like these, which are borne out on records, no custodial interrogation is essential," the counsel argued.

Among the key points underscored by the State against grant of bail was the involvement of huge sums of money. Though the FIR speaks about a couple of crores, the investigation so far has revealed that a stupendous sum of Rs 400 crore had been collected. The police are taking serious efforts for finding out the money trail and the investigation is at a nascent stage and developing.

Only with the help of custodial interrogation, the deep and pervasive conspiracy can be ferreted out and the case be unravelled.

The judge, in his order said that the plea Mahesh's counsel's plea that all the evidences are documentary in nature and therefore, custody is unnecessary had also been considered by the courts and rejected.

"Money trails would still require custodial interrogation in order to establish the intent and identify who had been holding the strings and the final destination of the amount alleged to be involved," the court said in its order.

The court, hence, is of the view that if anticipatory bail is granted, it would paralyse the investigation. While protection of individual liberty is a duty of the court, it should be weighed against the society's need for a corruption-free governmental administration.

The records show that 177 victims have so far come forward to record their statements. The petitioner is a politician, holding a high position.

If anticipatory bail is granted before the second accused is apprehended, then it would become a tool for the second accused to avoid the process of the investigation, the judge noted in the order.

Citing the rejection of bail plea of another accused in the case, Muthukumar (A2), by the HC which held that the allegations are of such a nature that it requires custodial interrogation, the judge said he had no reason to take a different view.

"The gravity of the offence is an essential condition which the court has to consider. Higher the gravity, more the difficulty for a person to get anticipatory bail," the judge said.

Further, the court noted in the order: "The fact that the petitioner co-operated with the interrogation so far is no ground to grant anticipatory bail as he faces accusation of having received monies under the name and style "party fund"."

"As to who is the final destination of this alleged 'party fund' cannot be unearthed unless and until the petitioner is interrogated. As the investigation is still at its nascent stage and as new facts are being unearthed, this court is of the view that grant of anticipatory bail would not be fit and proper. In the light of the above discussions, the petition stands dismissed."

Following a complaint from an aggrieved person, D C Elangovan, alleging that large sums of money had been collected, a case was registered for offences including cheating and criminal breach of trust under the BNS, 2023.

The purpose of collecting these huge amounts was to secure permanent recognition, upgradation, statutory approval, for private schools functioning in the state.

B T Arasa Kumar (A1), Raju (A3) and Suresh (A4) have already been arrested and Muthukumar (A2) is absconding. The investigation revealed that the petitioner had links with the accused.

Witnesses were examined, statements were recorded, and digital, official and other government records were collected and investigated.

It is the claim of the prosecution that the petitioner had direct interaction with certain witnesses and had collected amounts from the school managements on the ground that it is for "party fund".

It is further alleged that the petitioner assured that on payment of the "party fund", Government Orders satisfying the demands of the school managements would be issued.

Consequent to this discovery, the police filed an alternation report to add Section 7 and 12 of the Prevention and Corruption (Amendment) Act of 2018. Subsequently, the former minister was questioned for over eight hours and his answers were recorded.

Other arguments of the state against bail were based on findings during the probe. Investigation revealed that the absconding accused A2 is being shielded from the law enforcement agency by the petitioner. Hence, it is the petitioner who is hampering the investigation. It is the intention of the police to confront the petitioner with A2.

A CCB team arrested Mahesh from his advocate's office in Aminjikarai, and subsequently took him to the police commissioner's office in Vepery for questioning. Officials said he would be produced before a court after interrogation.

The CCB had booked Mahesh on corruption charges on September 18 in continuation of its probe into the alleged fraud perpetrated by his associates. The police had searched at nine locations in Chennai and Tiruchy linked to him and his associates, Valadi Karthik, Arun Prakash, and Prakash, and seized about 118 documents, including property documents, bank account statements, cheque books, 18 mobile phones, three laptops, eight pen drives, two desktops, a tablet, and an iPad.

A second round of searches were conducted on September 29 at five locations in Chennai in houses of aides of the former minister. Officials had seized 44 documents and a laptop at the end of the search.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by DC Elangovan, secretary of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools in Tamil Nadu, with the city police, alleging that a network had collected several crores from private school managements after promising to secure government approvals, including permanent recognition, upgradation, DTCP clearance and other statutory clearances.

Based on the complaint, the CCB registered a case and arrested the prime accused, BT Arasakumar (59) of Saligramam, on June 27. Two other accused, Suresh and Raja, were arrested later.

The allegations of rampant corruption in the department under Mahesh echoed in the Assembly when Finance Minister N Marie Wilson said he had direct experience.

Stalin slams TVK for arrest of Anbil Mahesh

DMK president MK Stalin on Monday condemned the arrest of former School Education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, alleging that it was driven by political animosity on the part of the TVK-led government. In a statement on X, Stalin said Anbil Mahesh had been cooperating with the inquiry. He alleged that the ruling party was using the arrest to divert public attention, even temporarily, from the deteriorating law and order situation and administrative shortcomings. "Anbil Mahesh will legally face the case. Meanwhile, the TVK-led government's attempt to divert public anger through such arrests will not succeed," Stalin said.