EPS urges Tamil Nadu govt to revive Amma pharmacies, ensure affordable medicines
Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 1 (IANS) AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Sunday accused the Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay of neglecting affordable healthcare and demanded the restoration of Amma pharmacies to provide medicines at subsidised prices. In a statement, Palaniswami alleged that the governments failure to address rising medicine prices was placing an increasing burden on poor and middle-class families, particularly those dependent on lifesaving drugs. He recalled that former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa launched Amma pharmacies through the cooperative sector in 2014 to make essential medicines available at affordable prices. The initiative, he said, followed concerns over pharmaceutical companies charging excessively for their products. Palaniswami said the AIADMK government under his leadership subsequently expanded the pharmacy network across Tamil Nadu, helping patients reduce their medical expenditure and improving access to treatment. He alleged that the DMK government, which assumed office in 2021, undermined the initiative, discontinued Amma pharmacy operations and promoted an alternative under the Chief Ministers Pharmacy banner with private participation. The present government, he claimed, had also failed to give the outlets adequate attention. Citing the All India Drug Action Network, Palaniswami said concerns persisted over pharmaceutical companies selling certain lifesaving medicines at prices involving profit margins exceeding 30 per cent. He also referred to proceedings in the Supreme Court on October 27 concerning medicine pricing, saying the court had sought explanations from the Centre and states about prices charged at hospitals. Palaniswami contrasted the governments approach to medicine affordability with its projected additional annual revenue of Rs 1,200 crore to Rs 1,600 crore through increased taxation on liquor sold through TASMAC outlets. He urged the government to make Amma pharmacies fully operational and ensure affordable medicines reach vulnerable households, asking whether it would prioritise the healthcare needs of ordinary people and act to ease their financial burden.
Storm Murasu to bring very heavy rains over north Tamil Nadu
Isolated places over Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet and Nilgiris districts are likely to get heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning on Monday, November 2
Tamil Nadu to set up 26 new POCSO courts, four courts for drug cases
Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 1 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government has ordered the establishment of 26 additional special courts exclusively to try cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, strengthening the judicial infrastructure to speed up trials and ensure timely justice for victims. The courts, approved following directions from Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, will be established at a cost of Rs 46.59 crore. The government has also sanctioned four new special courts to handle cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. According to an official statement, the decision to expand the POCSO court network followed a review chaired by the Chief Minister on cases pending across the state. During the meeting, Vijay examined the status of cases and assessed the requirement for additional courts dedicated to trying child sexual abuse offences. He directed officials to take immediate steps to establish POCSO courts across all districts, accelerate investigations and ensure that those found guilty receive punishment in accordance with the law. Tamil Nadu currently has 22 functioning special POCSO courts, while four more are set to become operational. The latest sanction covers 12 new special courts and 14 additional special courts, taking the planned statewide strength to 52. These courts will serve the states 47 police districts and exclusively hear cases registered under the POCSO Act. The government said the expansion would help address the backlog, facilitate faster trials and strengthen efforts to prevent such offences. The statement said the administration had been pursuing various initiatives to combat crimes against women and children, ensure prompt legal action against offenders and provide victims with justice within a reasonable timeframe. Separately, the government approved four additional NDPS courts as part of its Drug-Free Tamil Nadu campaign, which seeks to curb drug trafficking and consumption. One special court each will be established in Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Vellore, while Chennai will receive an additional special court. The state currently has 11 special courts dealing with NDPS cases. The government said the fresh sanction reflected the need to accelerate the trial and disposal of pending drug cases. The additional courts are intended to strengthen judicial proceedings and support the states wider anti-drug efforts. Together, the two decisions will expand the capacity of the justice system to handle child sexual abuse and narcotics cases, the statement said.
Civil Supplies officials seize 71 tonnes PDS rice near Katpadi
Investigations found that the consignment was proceeding to Chennai Port from a private rice mill on the outskirts of Bengaluru where the PDS rice was loaded for shipment
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Nov 1 (IANS) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday announced that the proposed South Bullet Train corridor would connect Bengaluru with Hyderabad, Amaravati, and Chennai, while a Vande Bharat train service between Bengaluru and Mangaluru would be introduced in the coming weeks after the completion of electrification and testing work. In his remarks on the occasion of the flagging off of the Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai on the occasion of Karnataka Rajyotsava, Vaishnaw said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved the South Bullet Train corridor, which would integrate major technology and economic centres in the region and create a multiplier effect for southern states. He said the proposed corridor would significantly reduce travel time, with the journey between Bengaluru and Chennai expected to take just 73 minutes and Bengaluru and Hyderabad around two hours and 10 minutes. These two cities, Bengaluru and Chennai, will become one city, he said, adding that the connectivity would strengthen economic integration among major cities in southern India. Vaishnaw said that as India moved towards the goal of Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister had approved 4,000 km of bullet train corridors, and another 3,000 km would be announced in the coming days. He expressed confidence that the proposed Bengaluru-Pune bullet train corridor, which would cover the northern parts of Karnataka, would also become a reality. Referring to the demand for better railway connectivity along the Karnataka coast, the Union Minister said Mangaluru was an important city, and that electrification and testing work on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route would be completed in the next few weeks. We will have a Mangaluru-Bengaluru Vande Bharat train. That will connect the entire region with very good, high-class connectivity, he said. Vaishnaw also announced plans for another Vande Bharat Sleeper service in Karnataka, which would connect Bengaluru with northern Karnataka, travel towards Hubballi, and proceed to Pune and Mumbai. On the route of the newly introduced Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai, he said the train would travel from Bengaluru through Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh before re-entering Karnataka through Raichur, Yadgir, and Kalaburagi and proceeding to Maharashtra. He said the route would cover a significant portion of North Karnataka, which had not received adequate railway connectivity earlier. The route was finalised after consultations with Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi, H.D. Kumaraswamy, and V. Somanna. Recalling the commitment behind the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper service, Vaishnaw said November 1, Karnataka Rajyotsava, was an auspicious occasion to launch the service. He said the Prime Minister had guided the Railways to keep the common man and middle-class families in mind while introducing modern railway services, ensuring that the poorest of the poor, youth and women also benefited. Keeping this in mind, three different types of trains Namo Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Vande Bharat have been introduced, and their services are being made available to people, he said. Vaishnaw said the new sleeper service would connect Bengaluru, the country's technology and start-up capital, with Mumbai, the financial capital. During his address, Union Minister Joshi stood up to congratulate Vaishnaw following his announcement on the proposed bullet train corridor. Subsequently, the leaders joined hands and raised slogans of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Vaishnaw attributed the expansion of railway infrastructure and improved connectivity to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, saying the initiatives were contributing to building a new image for India.
Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 1 (IANS) In what turned out to be the race of the weekend, Chiranth Vishwanath, the 19-year-old from Bengaluru, held off his archrival and TVS Racing teammate, Sarthak Chavan of Pune, to complete a superb double in the premier Super Sport 301-400cc Open class as the third round of the Indian National Racing Challenge 2W 2026 concluded at the Madras International Circuit here on Sunday. The six-lap race, delayed by about 30 minutes following sharp showers in the afternoon, provided high drama and thrills as the countrys top riders battled it out. For a second day in succession, Chiranth held off Chavan to claim a memorable victory. Chiranth, winner of Race-1 on Saturday with a record lap time, Sarthak, and their younger teammate Rakshith Dave took turns to lead the pack. In fact, Rakshith looked set for a win when he led comfortably before almost slipping when negotiating a puddle of water, which cost him three spots, and he eventually finished fourth behind Thiruvallurs Mohamed Mikail (MadRabbit Racing). Up ahead, leader Sarthak and Chiranth were locked in a titanic fight. The decisive moment came in the closing stages when Chiranth roared past Sarthak, who had a 'moment' and lost position. The Bengaluru rider went on to register his second win of the weekend while Sarthak again had to be content with a P2 finish. Earlier, Bengalurus 19-year-old Savion Sabu delivered another strong performance as he led a maiden podium sweep for the MadRabbit Racing team besides achieving a double this weekend in the Pro-Stock 200cc Open class. Savion managed to stave off close attention from teammates Mohamed Mikail (Thiruvallur) and AS James (Bengaluru). Coimbatores Senthil Kumar (Rockers Racing) and Anandhu KK from Chennai (Veedol C2 Racing) completed a double apiece in the Super Stock 301-400cc Open and Super Stock 165cc Intermediate classes, respectively. Local challenger Venugopalan S. (Motul Sparks Racing) scored his first win in the extremely competitive Stock 301-400cc Novice class. The podium spots were up for grabs until the last lap when Venugopalan surged ahead, with Trichys Kavicholaiarasan (Speed Up Racing) and Shyam Sundar (M3 Torque Motorsports) finishing behind him in that order. Pothu Vignesh from Mancherial, Telangana, notched his third win in six starts to finish second and maintained his top position in the points tally in the Experts category. Bengalurus Dev Agastya Reddy finished second, ahead of Godwin Clarence from Coimbatore. The Indian National Racing Challenge 2W 2026 will take a two-month break and resume in January 2027. The results (Provisional all 6 laps unless mentioned): Super Sport 301-400cc Open (Race-2): 1. Chiranth Vishwanath (Bengaluru, Petronas TVS Racing) (11min, 09.613sec); 2. Sarthak Chavan (Pune, Petronas TVS Racing) (11:09.870); 3. Mohamed Mikail (Thiruvallur, MadRabbit Racing) (11:11.383). Pro-Stock 200cc Open (Race-2): 1. Savion Sabu (Bengaluru, MadRabbit Racing) (11:51.669); 2. Mohamed Mikail (Thiruvallur, MadRabbit Racing) (11:52.361); 3. AS James (Bengaluru, MadRabbit Racing) (11:54.026). Super Stock 301-400cc Open (Race-2): 1. Senthil Kumar (Coimbatore, Team RACR Castrol Power1) (11:28.204); 2. Abdul Basim RS (Chennai, Chandra LGE Racing) (11:28.544); 3. P Sri Harsha (Hyderabad, Motul Gusto Racing) (11:36.386). Super Stock 165cc Intermediate (Race-2): 1. Anandhu KK (Chennai, Veedol C2 Racing) (12:42.998); 2. Ann Jennifer AS (Chennai, Motul Sparks Racing) (12:43.277); 3. Anand Kumar S (Chennai, Ipone Yakuza Racing) (12:51.912). Stock 301-400 Novice (Race-2): 1. Venugopalan S (Chennai, Motul Sparks Racing) (12:20.189); 2. Kavicholaiarasan (Trichy, Speed Up Racing) (12:23.133); 3. Shyam Sundar K (Chennai, M3 Torque Motorsports) (12:25.506). Stock 165cc Novice (Race-2) 3 laps: 1. Hari Haran R (Coimbatore, RACR Castrol Power 1) (06:36.460); 2. Akarsh Jangam (Vijayawada, MAI Racing) (06:36.616); 3. Faruk Ali Sohtun (East Khasi, Motul Sparks Racing) (06:37.309). Petronas TVS One-Make Championship: Expert (Apache RR 310) Race-2: 1. Rajender Beedani (Hyderabad) (11:32.870); 2. Hari Haran R (Coimbatore) (11:33.963); 3. AS James (Bengaluru) (11:39.270). Rookie (Apache RTR 200) Race-2: 1. Pothu Vignesh (Mancherial) (13:13.874); 2. Dev Agastya (Bengaluru) (13:14.006); 3. Godwin Clarence C (Coimbatore) (13:14.518).
POCSO Accused Arrested in Chennai After Going Missing From Hospital
The man was accused of sexually harassing an eight-year-old girl while she was travelling in his auto-rickshaw to school on October 30
Cramped truck, no food or water: 25 cattle being taken to Keralam for slaughter rescued
Auto Driver Arrested In POCSO Case
A 61-year-old auto-rickshaw driver in Chennai was arrested for sexually harassing an eight-year-old girl. He was apprehended after fleeing a government hospital where he was admitted following an assault by the girl's family.
Chennai city to get 36 new parks and 11 playgrounds
GCC plans 36 new parks and 11 playgrounds in nine zones, targeting expanded access to parks and recreation as part of a 1.5 lakh crore Tamil Nadu urban development push
MS Dhoni Will Become Batting Coach And Mentor: Ex CSK Star's Prediction Unnerves Fans
Former CSK batter Badrinath suggests MS Dhoni may retire as a player ahead of the IPL 2027 season and become mentor and batting coach for Chennai Super Kings.
With India set to lose its place on the WTA main Tour calendar, Vaishnavi Adkar, Sahaja Yamalapalli and Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi will have one final opportunity to make their mark on home soil when the third and last edition of the Chennai Open begins Monday.
Jensi Kanabar: The Teen Tennis Sensation And Her Father's Dream
14-year-old Jensi Kanabar, a wildcard entry, made a significant impact at the WTA 250 Chennai Open, pushing a higher-ranked opponent to three sets. Her inspiring journey is largely due to the unwavering dedication of her father, Dipakbhai Kanabar, who sacrificed his career to support her tennis dreams, building a network of support and even arranging practice facilities. Her achievements have been recognised in her hometown, with a tennis court named in her honour.
Chennais Kasimedu Fish Market Sees Revival After Months of Drought
After months of decline, Chennais Kasimedu Fish Market is bustling again with rising fish prices and eager customers. Chennais Kasimedu Fish Market Sees Revival After Months of Drought
As everyone is looking forward to a grand celebration, Anirudh Ravichander and Kavya Maran have reportedly shared their wedding date, in the picturesque landscapes of Greece. A lavish reception will be held in Chennai on November 21, with esteemed political figures being invited to join in the festivities. Read on!
'Fire Them By Friday': Chennai IT Manager's Anonymous Account Hits A Nerve
On Reddit, the account became the backdrop to a familiar Indian employment debate: how much is job security worth?
Making Diwali One of a Kind(ness)
Deepavali countdown: the packer is now the shopping services provider too
As Deepavali approaches,shops that traditionallypacked and shipped sweets, dresses and other festive items brought to themby customers, to addresses within India and abroad, might now be shopping for those items before having them packed. These are customers who would be strapped for time and expect the packing and shipping services provider to take care of the shopping component as well for an additional fee. K.M. Gani of Mylapore-based Queens Abroad Packers weighs in on this trend
TN govt makes GPS mandatory for mineral trucks, halts permits from today
Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 1 (IANS) Trucks transporting minerals in Tamil Nadu will no longer receive transport permits or transit passes without AIS 140-compliant GPS devices, with the state government enforcing the requirement from Sunday after the final extended deadline expired on October 31. The geology and mining department announced the decision on Saturday, making installation of the prescribed tracking devices and their integration with its online portal mandatory for vehicles engaged in mineral transportation across the state. The department also warned of enforcement action against violations. Vehicles found carrying minerals without GPS devices and valid permits would be inspected and seized, while criminal proceedings would be initiated against their owners, according to its release. The requirement forms part of the governments efforts to prevent illegal quarrying and unauthorised movement of minerals. By linking mineral-carrying vehicles to its digital system, the department seeks to strengthen oversight of transportation and curb movement outside the permit framework. Under the directions, operators must install GPS devices that comply with the AIS 140 standard and connect them to the Mineral Management System, known as MIMAS. Fitting a device alone does not fulfil the requirement; integration with the departments portal is also necessary. The latest deadline followed a series of extensions granted for compliance. The original deadline for installing the devices was March 31, 2026. The government subsequently planned to stop issuing transit passes to vehicles without the required equipment from September 1. However, the compliance deadline was extended to September 30 and then again to October 31, allowing vehicle owners additional time to install the devices and complete the portal-linking process. That period has now ended, bringing the permit restrictions into effect. The November 1 measure directly links access to transport documentation with compliance with the GPS requirement. Owners seeking permits or transit passes for mineral-carrying trucks must therefore ensure that their vehicles meet both the installation and online integration conditions. The announcement combines restrictions at the permit-issuing stage with action against vehicles found transporting minerals in violation of the requirements. The departments warning makes clear that owners could face criminal proceedings in addition to seizure of their vehicles. With the extended deadline over, the department has placed responsibility on vehicle owners to complete the prescribed GPS installation and MIMAS integration before seeking the documents required to transport minerals legally.
Another cyclone threat over Bay of Bengal; heavy rain forecast in TN
Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 1 (IANS) A low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands region is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm within 24 hours, the Meteorological Department said, forecasting rain across several parts of Tamil Nadu over the next three days. The forecast indicates moderate rainfall across the northern coastal belt, the Western Ghats districts and several interior districts on Sunday. Heavy rain is expected in isolated areas of Nilgiris, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore and Villupuram over the following two days, while other parts of the state could receive lighter showers. According to the department, Tamil Nadus northern coastal districts and districts along the Western Ghats are likely to receive moderate rain on Sunday. Similar conditions are forecast for Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Namakkal, Salem, Erode and Karur. Elsewhere in the state, light rain is likely at one or two places. The forecast points to variations in rainfall across Tamil Nadu, with moderate showers expected in the specified coastal, hill and interior areas and more limited rainfall in the remaining regions. For Monday (November 2), the department has forecast heavy rainfall in Nilgiris and Tiruvallur districts. Some places elsewhere in Tamil Nadu are likely to experience light to moderate showers during the day. Cuddalore and Villupuram are expected to receive heavy rain on both Monday and Tuesday, November 2 and 3. These two districts, therefore, feature in the heavy-rain forecast for two consecutive days as the weather system over the Bay of Bengal develops. Moderate rainfall is also likely at one or two places in the Western Ghats districts and northern Tamil Nadu during the forecast period. Other parts of the state may receive light to moderate rainfall, according to the department. In Chennai, skies are expected to remain partly cloudy on Sunday. Light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, is likely in some parts of the city. The forecast indicates localised showers rather than rainfall across the entire city. The district-wise outlook places the immediate focus on moderate rain on Sunday, followed by heavier spells in selected districts from Monday. Nilgiris and Tiruvallur are covered by Mondays heavy rain prediction, while Cuddalore and Villupuram could experience heavy showers through Tuesday. The anticipated intensification of the Bay of Bengal system forms the backdrop to the departments latest rainfall outlook for Tamil Nadu.
Gold, silver prices today, 1 November: Check retail price of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver on Sunday in your cities Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
CRS extends authorisation for Chennai Metro Rails phase II stretch
According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) the train services will continue as usual and there will not be any impact
Devotees worried over conduct of Kandasashti festival at Kandakottam temple
SRIHER hosts national conference on qualitative nursing research
Police search for POCSO accused who went missing from hospital
Ayur AI Integrative Diabetes Centre launched in Chennai
DMK MLA quizzed for over two hours over remarks against CM
Youth dies after car hits motorcycle in Kotturpuram
Madhan succumbed to his injuries at the Government Royapettah Hospital
SRM Prime hospital lights up in pink for breast cancer awareness month
Tamil Nadu government orders withdrawal of 65 cases against NEET protesters
Inauguration of Bharat Sangeet Utsav held
GCC is also exploring the establishment of dedicated paediatric dialysis facilities for children in the 1018 years age group at Valluvarkottam
Citys golu displays honoured at Kolu Kondattam contest
Minister distributes welfare assistance at grievance redressal camp in Egmore
Sinkhole at Kolathur due to Chennai Metro Rails tunnelling work
Opposition slams TVK govt for repeated prison escapes across Tamil Nadu
AMMK leader targets Tamil Nadu govt over power cuts, questions energy ministers continuance
K.V. Thiruvengadam memorial oration delivered in Chennai
VISThe Hindu U-15 inter-school football tournament draws to a close
Metrowater launches second phase of RWH awareness campaign
Cyclone looms, but wait for widespread rain continues in Tamil Nadu
Weather system to bring isolated heavy rainfall over a few north coastal districts; November rain most likely to be below normal in T.N., says IMD
Tamil Nadu releases 10.70 crore for continuation of NULM activities
NGT asks MAWS, GCC to explore incinerators for bio-mined waste
NGT asks MAWS and GCC to explore the possibility of using incinerators, similar to those operating in Gujarat and other States, particularly to process bio-mined waste to handle bio-mined waste
Three arrested for robbing man at knifepoint after meeting on social networking app
ED attaches assets worth 85.19 crore of Dream Makers Global in financial fraud case
PG medical round 1 counselling begins
Runaway schoolgirls from Vellore rescued in Chennai
Plea in Madras high court against extension of special officers tenure for rural local bodies
TNPDCL to seek coal-based power in fresh tenders after costly gas bids
Three IPS officers from Tamil Nadu chosen for Home Ministers Medal for Excellence in Investigation
The award recognises police officers across the country for their professionalism and exceptional contributions to investigation
Stray dogs bite at least 20 commuters at Chennai Central in two months
Rising road levels worsen monsoon woes in citys western suburbs
Student wearing headphones killed while crossing railway tracks
Engineer held for assaulting traffic cop in row over right turn at junction
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay is completely out of touch, lacks independent decision-making: EPS
Jensi Kanabar's Strong Showing In Chennai Open Qualifiers
Fourteen-year-old Indian wild card Jensi Kanabar displayed a strong performance against fifth seed Weronika Falkowska of Poland in the Chennai Open qualifying round, eventually losing in three sets. Other Indian players also exited the qualifiers. The article also details the main draw ceremony, top seeds, and Indian wild card entries for the main event.
Civic apathy detracts from SBI Colonys charm in Chromepet
A scenic, well-kept residential neighbourhood near Purushothaman Nagar in Chromepet is being let down by indiscriminate garbage dumping, sewage in an open canal and potholes on a key link road
Civic apathy detracts from SBI Colonys charm in Chromepet
A scenic, well-kept residential neighbourhood near Purushothaman Nagar in Chromepet is being let down by indiscriminate garbage dumping, sewage in an open canal and potholes on a key link road
WTA 250 Chennai Open: A chance for Vaishnavi, Maaya and Sahaja to show their mettle
Indias Jensi Kanabar, Zeel Desai, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, and Diya Ramesh bowed out in Qualifying
Cemetery in Park Town to honour grave diggers
As in the previous year, the church will be having a small event to honour cemetery workers
ISL: Luna Misses Penalty as Chennaiyin and Blasters Split Points
Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters FC played out a goalless draw in their Indian Super League match at the Marina Arena. Adrian Luna missed a penalty for Chennaiyin, hitting the woodwork, while Kerala Blasters' Irfan Yadwad also struck the crossbar. Kerala Blasters goalkeeper Amrinder Singh made several crucial saves to secure a point for his team, with both sides ending the match with ten men after late red cards.
Solar power generation sets October record for first time in Tamil Nadu
Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters Battle to Goalless Draw in ISL Clash
Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters played to a 0-0 draw in an intense ISL match, showcasing strong defensive performances from both sides. Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters Battle to Goalless Draw in ISL Clash
Two NCB Chennai officers receive Union home ministers medal
Coimbatore prisoners escape triggers fresh row over Tamil Nadu jail security
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 31 (IANS ) An undertrial prisoner escaped from police custody while being escorted into Coimbatore Central Prison late on Friday night, triggering fresh criticism of Tamil Nadus prison security arrangements following similar incidents in Chennai and Theni. The prisoner, identified as Raghavan, had been arrested by Annur police in connection with a robbery case and sent to judicial custody by a local court. Police subsequently brought him to the Coimbatore prison complex to complete his admission. The escape occurred while officers were escorting him between the prisons two main security gates. His handcuffs were reportedly removed as he was being taken from the outer entrance towards the inner gate. Raghavan allegedly seized the opportunity to break away from his escorts and flee. Race Course police have registered a case and launched a search for him. The incident has brought the handling of prisoners during their transfer from police custody to prison authorities under scrutiny. This was reportedly Raghavans second attempt to evade custody. He had earlier escaped while being arrested in Annur but was caught shortly afterwards. His latest escape has intensified questions about the precautions taken by the personnel escorting him. The incident follows recent escapes at Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai and Thekkampatti Sub-Jail in Theni, prompting opposition leaders to demand accountability and stronger security measures across the states prisons. PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss condemned the repeated incidents and attributed the Coimbatore escape to negligence by security personnel. Describing such escapes as unacceptable, he demanded strict action against officials responsible for lapses. Ramadoss also urged the government to strengthen security arrangements at all prisons, citing the Chennai and Theni incidents as evidence of the need for corrective measures. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticised the government in a post on X, comparing the succession of prisoner escapes to a television serial. He alleged that the administration had failed to prevent such incidents from recurring despite assurances about improved security. Palaniswami also questioned the effectiveness of official warnings, pointing out that the Coimbatore incident occurred just hours after the Chief Minister cautioned prison personnel against negligence. The opposition criticism centred on whether repeated warnings and promises were translating into effective safeguards. Both leaders pressed the government to address security failures, with Ramadoss specifically demanding disciplinary action and tighter measures statewide.
Delhi AQI Close To 200 As Mumbai, Hyderabad Slip Into 'Unhealthy' Zone; Kolkata's Air Worsens
Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru remained in the poor category, with Bengaluru recording the lowest AQI among the six major metros.
Indian National Racing Challenge 2W: Chiranth Vishwanath notches brilliant win in Super Sport race
Chennai Bengalurus Chiranth Vishwanath breezed to a brilliant win in the premier Super Sport 301-400cc Open class, upstaging pole-sitter, Petronas The post Indian National Racing Challenge 2W: Chiranth Vishwanath notches brilliant win in Super Sport race appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Marketing industry leaders and experts explore AI impact at VIT Chennai Marketing Conclave
The event, held under the theme Imagining the Future, featured three panels and two fireside chats, aiming to connect industry insights with practical marketing strategies
Adkar, Yamalapalli Lead Indian Charge At Final Chennai Open
India's top-ranked player Vaishnavi Adkar and Sahaja Yamalapalli are set to compete in the WTA 250 Chennai Open, facing tough international opponents in the first round. Seventeen-year-old Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi also has a challenging draw. This marks the final edition of the Chennai Open as the WTA 250 slot moves to Manila next year. Meanwhile, all four Indian players in the qualifying rounds were eliminated.
Chennai Open's Last Edition This Year: Vijay Amritraj
The WTA 250 Chennai Open will have its last edition this year after India lost the tournament slot to the Philippines, but the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) is working to bring three to four WTA 125 events to the country in January-February 2028, Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj .
Chennai Open Gone, India Plans New Tennis Tournaments
The WTA 250 Chennai Open will conclude this year as India lost its slot to the Philippines. Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj revealed that the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association is now aiming to host three to four WTA 125 events in January-February 2028 to provide more opportunities for Indian players. The move was influenced by Chennai's monsoon season and the rise of a Filipino tennis star.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces 3% DA hike for 16 lakh employees, pensioners ahead of Deepavali
No GPS, no permits: Tamil Nadu bars mineral transport vehicles without tracking devices from Nov 1
Repeatedly adding fresh layers of bitumen and raising road levels must be avoided, Commissioner G.S. Sameeran said
Repeatedly adding fresh layers of bitumen and raising road levels must be avoided, Commissioner G.S. Sameeran said
AMMK Dhinakaran targets Vijay govt over power cuts, questions energy minister's continuance
Can higher FSI reshape Chennais real estate market and skyline?
From housing affordability to urban infrastructure, the benefits and challenges of allowing more construction
Rs 30 per kg rice gets no takers in fair price shops, claims PMK chief Anbumani
Chennai's subsidized rice scheme at Rs 30 per kg has reportedly seen poor sales figures recently. PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss indicated that only 114.80 tonnes of rice have been sold in two weeks. He attributed this low reception to the quality of rice distributed through ration shops. Ramadoss urged the Tamil Nadu government to procure rice from private mills to improve quality.
Chennaiyin FC will host Kerala Blasters FC in their first home match of the ISL 2026-27 season on Saturday. Check the match time, venue, predicted lineups and live streaming details.
Revanth urges Centre to expedite Hyderabad-Pune bullet train
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday, October 30, urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to expedite the Hyderabad-Pune bullet train project. Reddy sought early approval for alignments for the project that would connect Hyderabad with Pune, Chennai and Bengaluru. In a meeting with Vaishnaw at the Rail Bhavan in New Delhi, Reddy Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
DMK women cadre protest across Tamil Nadu over price rise, law and order
DMK MP Kanimozhi accused CM Vijay of seeking childrens support to mobilise votes without ensuring their safety
Todays Gold Rate: Gold prices down in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on October 31
Exciting Job Openings at Airports Authority of India: Apply Now!
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced 18 consultant vacancies in Chennai, available for one year on a contractual basis. The application deadline has been extended to November 10. Candidates with various qualifications, including degrees in Psychology, Engineering, and Law, are encouraged to apply. The selection process includes document verification and interviews, with salaries ranging from 70,000 to 1,50,000. This is a great opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in the aviation sector.
Gold, silver prices today in Hyderabad, 31 October for investors: What are latest prices per kg and per 10 gms in Charminar City? We also bring retail prices of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver across cities Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Vande Bharat is the fastest train from Chennai to Madurai, but it runs 17 minutes late on average. Vaigai is eight minutes late. Tejas Express arrives 12 minutes early. A six month check shows speed is not everything, and the viral Vaigai claim does not tell the full story.
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 31 (IANS) Well known Tamil film director Mithran R Jawahar, who has produced the web series 'Notebook 90s - Kadhal Flashback', says that he wanted to revisit an era that holds a special place in people's hearts with the series. Says Mithran R. Jawahar, Through our collaboration with Sony VIZHA and Sony LIV on Notebook 90s Kadhal Flashback, I wanted to revisit an era that holds a special place in our hearts. The 90s had a unique warmth in the way we experienced friendships, family and relationships. With the show, I hope to bring back those memories and remind viewers of the simple moments that made that time so special. If Notebook 90s makes viewers think of an old friend or look back on their own memories with a smile, that will mean a lot to me. For the unaware, the web series, which has been produced under the creative vision of filmmaker Mithran R. Jawahar, has been directed by Sadhasivam and written by Neelan. Sources in the know say that 'Notebook 90s Kadhal Flashback' will look to recreate the warmth and simplicity of the 90s through a tender school-day love story filled with friendship, innocence, nostalgia and the unforgettable emotions of growing up. Set in 1990s Trichy, the series follows Gautham (Muzzamil Elias) and Gayathri (Yuva), whose story begins with a playful school-day prank and unexpectedly blossoms into first love. What follows is a journey through the excitement of a first crush, the awkwardness of expressing your feelings, the joy of discovering that they may be reciprocated, and the misunderstandings and heartbreak that make young love feel all the more intense. Sources claim that at its heart, 'Notebook 90s Kadhal Flashback' will celebrate a time when school corridors could hold a hundred possibilities and one small moment could become a memory you carried for years. Adding an emotional touch to the narrative is Bhavana, who will be seen making a special cameo appearance as the older Gayathri, connecting those memories of youthful romance with the present. The show is to premiere on November 23 at 7:30 PM on Sony VIZHA and Sony LIV.
