Coimbatore Corporation plans to open food courts at Valankulam lake by April
Five DMK workers booked for erasing Hindi letters from Pollachi Railway Station name boards
COIMBATORE: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) on Sunday morning booked five DMK members, including Pollachi Town Secretary Thendral K Selvaraj, for erasing Hindi letters from three name boards at the Pollachi Railway Station. According to sources, Selvaraj who has served as the Coimbatore district (South) coordinator of the ruling DMK, along with four of his supporters have been booked under the Railway Act of 147 (Trespass and refusal to desist from trespass), 145 B (Commits nuisance), and 166 (Defacing public notices). The incident happened at 7: 25 am in the morning. The DMK workers painted black-coloured grease oil over Hindi letters written on three name boards at the station, in an apparent protest against the alleged imposition of Hindi language. However, according to sources within DMK, Selvaraj did the stunt to gain fame among the party leaders, as he was suspended from the post of district coordinator in 2021, after DMK lost the Coimbatore seat to BJP in the Assembly elections. Selvaraj is currently a member of 'Satta Thitta Thirutha Kuzhu.' Meanwhile, the name boards were restored with Hindi letters within an hour, according to RPF sources.
Mandate counselling at schools: Psychologists
COIMBATORE: Alleging that the increasing number of crimes against girl children in schools is due to a lack of proper preventive measures, psychologists demanded that the school education department mandate counselling in schools and appoint psychologists in every school. N Bhuvana, a psychologist from Coimbatore told TNIE that girls studying in schools and colleges, especially those below 18 years of age are victims of sexual harassment by teachers, and this results in teachers being arrested under the Pocso Act. These incidents not only threaten the future of students but also create fear among parents, potentially discouraging them from sending their children to school. She pointed out that while punishing the accused is necessary, it does not serve as a complete solution to the issue. Hence, the school education department should take steps to prevent such things from happening and to ensure that, students must be equipped with essential life skills and psychological education to protect themselves in times of crisis. She further said, In such a situation, the presence of a school psychologist would provide students with a safe space to express their concerns openly. This initiative would also help foster strong relationships between parents, students, and teachers, ultimately contributing to the well-being of students. N Rahmankhan, another psychologist who worked in the school education department told TNIE that in 2013, the AIADMK government introduced a mobile psychological counselling van to provide counselling on how to manage adolescent problems, womens safety, improve academic performance, relieve bad habits, managing stress and depression, creating awareness on POSCO to high and higher secondary school students, etc. He added, Through this, we identified the issues faced by students including sexual harassment faced by them within and outside schools and we guided them on how to manage these challenges. Regular counselling sessions held at schools also stopped teachers from engaging in inappropriate conduct with students due to fear. Crime against girl children had gradually come down. He further said that the AIADMK government diluted this scheme without allocation of funds, and the scheme was discontinued after DMK came. Due to this, crimes against girl children increased. K Balamuragan, Tamil Nadu Psychology Association president told TNIE that as per court directions, it has mandated the appointment of psychologists in all education institutions, but the government did not implement it. He added, If the school education department implements psychological education, psychologists will conduct sexual harassment prevention programmes that could educate students on boundaries, consent, and appropriate behaviour. This will help students manage aggressive tendencies, impulsive behaviour, and develop empathy. He further said that the school education minister said that they are giving counselling to students through teachers who are psychologically trained and through the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) scheme, but in reality, it has failed at schools and it is not right. Pointing out the RBSK scheme is monitoring the students health and preventing them from drug addiction and it will not help address psychological issues, Su Moorthy, an Educationalist, told TNIE that considering students safety and welfare, the state government must appoint child psychologists at a block level. He also urged that teachers should also be sensitised on POSCO awareness and child rights. School Education Department minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was not available for comments on TNIEs repeated calls and messages.
Pollutants turn Bhavani river water black
COIMBATORE: The Bhavani River between Mettupalayam and Sirumugai has turned black due to decreased water flow and high levels of sewage discharge. AIADMK MLA A K Selvaraj, along with officials, inspected the affected areas on Friday and identified the reason as pollutants from locally-run dying units and deemed the water not consumable. As Jadayampalayam panchayat is solely dependent on this river for drinking water supply, it has been included under the Tiruppur II water supply scheme, the MLA said. The Bhavani River flows from the Pillur Dam to the Bhavani Sagar Dam, passing through Mettupalayam and Sirumugai. Both towns, as well as local bodies in the surroundings of Mettupalayam, Sirumugai, and Karamadai, rely on the river for their drinking water. Meanwhile, some local bodies and private firms discharge sewage into the river without treatment. While this is not an issue when the water flow is strong, the pollution from sewage becomes an issue when the river levels drop. Additionally, areas near the Bhavani Sagar backwaters, particularly around Sirumugai, frequently experience problems due to sewage stagnation in these backwaters, said N Abibulla, a local resident The river water at Alangombu near Sirumugai was found to be black in colour for the last few days which triggered tensions since the water is being used for drinking purposes in Jadayampalayam village panchayat. Though the local body distributes the water after proper treatment, the situation is alarming as the mixing of sewage is high. We inspected the places where the water turned black and found that it had been caused by the locally-run dying units. Bellepalayam and Chikkarampalayam village panchayats have alternative places to source the water. However, Jadayampalayam was the only local body dependent on this place. We have brought it under the Tiruppur II water supply scheme. Usually, around 5 lakh litres of water is being utilised from the scheme by local bodies in Karamadai and Sirumugai surroundings. It has been increased to 12 lakhs litres to manage the issue now, said AK Selvaraj, MLA Mettupalayam. Selvaraj added that the issue has been reported to the Coimbatore district administration for seeking a permanent solution.
Highways dept to begin ROB works in Kovai soon
COIMBATORE: People can breathe a sigh of relief as after years of delay, the State Highways Department is finally set to start the Rail Overbridge (ROB) works at Thanneerpandal junction near Tidel Park in Coimbatore. The highway officials have sent a revised project cost of Rs 40.7 crore to the state government and are awaiting the Administrative Sanction (AS) for the project. Considering the huge traffic congestion, the state government decided to construct a flyover or ROB across the railway Level Crossing (LC) Gate no 6 at Thanneerpandal Road in Coimbatore through the state highways department. In view of this, the government released a GO (No 210) on 11-10-2006 and gave an administrative sanction of Rs 2.65 crore. A total of 18,682 sq ft of land was earmarked for Land Acquisition for the project. Of the 58 landowners, a majority of them gave away their lands for the project. However, about five landowners opposing the LA filed cases in the Madras High Court. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court came down heavily against the land owners and criticised them for preventing a public welfare project. The court went on to dismiss all three writ petitions and a contempt of court petition and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each on the writ petitioners with a direction to pay the amount to the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority on March 2023. Despite the courts order and strong rebuke, land owners of a private school and an industry functioning on the Hopes - Thanneerpandal Road once again filed a writ appeal in the court. Due to this, the bridge works stalled once again as the case is yet to be taken up for hearing. In this situation, the highway officials have decided to go ahead with the project and start the ROB works soon as only a minor portion of the land was necessary for the service road in the project. In view of this, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has planned to shift all the drinking water supply pipelines that have been running underground near the project site. A team of SH officials and CCMC officials led by the CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran inspected the place on Saturday and discussed the works that need to be taken up soon. M Sivaguru Prabakaran, CCMC Commissioner told TNIE , There are three drinking water supply pipelines running on the road including the TWAD Board and Suez line. Since one of the lines is a major pipeline, weve decided to install new pipelines and disrupt the connection in the old lines as shifting work will be time-consuming and people will be affected without water during summer. Towards the Vilankurichi side, around 250 metres of pipelines need to be replaced at a cost of about Rs 63 lakh. Meanwhile, our CCMC officials will prepare an estimate for the other side in the upcoming days. Once, estimates are prepared, the highways department will provide us with the money for the shifting or replacing works. Meanwhile, the State Highways Department officials have requested the state government for an AS for a revised estimate of Rs 40.7 crore which includes the ROB construction, LA, electricity wires, cables and pipeline shifting, service road construction, and other works. A senior official of the State Highways Department in the Coimbatore Division told TNIE that the case in regards to the LA is being closely monitored and will be arriving for a hearing in the court soon. Meanwhile, weve decided to go ahead with the project and start the ROB works soon as only a minor portion of the land is necessary for the service road in the project. The bridge work will be carried out at a cost of Rs 15.5 crore and we have already handed over a sum of Rs 10.5 crore to the revenue department for the LA works. The work is set to begin soon.
Officials douse forest fire after six hours of struggle near Anaikkadu tribal settlement
COIMBATORE: After six hours of struggle, Coimbatore forest officials doused the fire that occurred at the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border near Anaikkadu tribal settlement in Narasipuram reserve forest in the wee hours of Saturday. Despite Boluvampatti forest range staff had created a forest fire prevention line (that is, clearing of vegetation and dried grasses) much earlier as precautionary measures to prevent the spreading of forest fire at over six km on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, the fire started from the Kerala forest side and soon spread into Anaikadu tribal settlement in Boluvampatti forest range at 6.30 pm. Forest officials said, We suspect that the spark spread near the Anaikkadu tribal settlement which is over 1,200 metres (from sea level) at Boluvampatti forest range, from Kerala side, and our six staff who have been camping as part of preventing the forest fire, started dousing off the fire. Since there was no water available for a three-km range, our staff who were involved in controlling the fire, beat it with the help of green branches, which is an older method to prevent fire from spreading, and we managed to control the fire after three hours at 10 pm only as the wind speed was high. Later, after two hours, we managed to douse the fire completely at 1 am on Saturday. A senior forest department official said that no precious trees or wild animals were affected due to the fire though there were movements of wild elephants, leopards, etc. The official added, We lost half a hectare of lemon grass in the fire.
Five corporation school students in Coimbatore identify four asteroids, get NASA recognition
Coimbatore Corporation submits DPR for Ukkadam bus stand to State Government
Maoist movement in Kerala faces collapse as last activist Santhosh is arrested in Tamil Nadu
KOCHI: It could be an end to the Maoist movement in Kerala as the Anti-Terrorist Squad has arrested the last remaining activist Santhosh from Tamil Nadu. A native of Coimbatore, he was taken into custody from a place near Hosur on Friday. According to ATS sources, Santhosh was involved in Maoist activities for the past several years. He was a close associate of Maoist leaders, CP Moideen, Soman and Manoj who were arrested by ATS from various locations last year. He remained that wanted person in multiple Maoist cases in Kerala. Following the arrest of Moideen, Soman and Manoj, Santhosh was left to Tamil Nadu. Following a tip-off, he was arrested by ATS team from Hosur, sources said. Santhosh was produced before Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court on Saturday and remanded in judicial custody. He was escorted to the court by an armed police team. In the wake of his production, the security arrangement at the District Court Complex was enhanced. ATS will soon file a petition at the court seeking his custody. He was also wanted in cases probed by the National Investigation Team. Santhosh was part of the People's Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA), Kabanidalam which was active in Wayanad forest. With the arrest of Santhosh, all Maoist activists who operated in Kerala have been arrested by the police and other agencies. Some of the Maoist activists were also killed in police encounters. Last among known Maoist cadre in Kerala surrender in Karnataka
Tiruchy anti-encroachment drive leaves abandoned vehicles untouched
TIRUCHY: The recent anti-encroachment drive in Tiruchy has left many abandoned vehicles on the roadside untouched. Officials from the Tiruchy city corporation often ignore these vehicles during such drives. Some vehicle owners treat vacant spaces beside roads as private property, using them to park their old and damaged vehicles. However, neither the police nor the corporation has taken action against these violators. In October 2022, the police conducted an inspection of abandoned vehicles after a cylinder blast in Coimbatore, seizing a few vehicles. Since then, though, both the police and the corporation have allowed the situation to continue, giving vehicle owners the freedom to park in vacant areas near Puthur Junction, Woraiyur, and other locations. Vehicles involved in accidents can often be seen left beside roads near police stations, including the Cantonment station. The civic body cannot act on these cases because the vehicles are kept by the police. A senior police official said, The vehicles involved in cases and kept in public places will be directed to be shifted to station premises. We will inquire about this issue. In Palakkarai and nearby areas, some vehicle scrap dealers have been found storing two-wheelers in vacant spaces, even under transformers. Although the corporation took action against some of these dealers in January 2024, they soon returned to their old practices. The Tiruchy corporation has been trying many innovative beautification plans to stop littering under transformers and in other public places. So, why are there no such actions in Palakkarai? The encroachment clearance drive is a gimmick and done for publicity, stated Palakkarai resident Sameer Sha. When TNIE raised this issue with a senior corporation official, he said that it can only be resolved through a joint effort. We will take stern action on scrap dealers stocking vehicles in public places. But in the case of abandoned vehicles, we will need police assistance to clear and identify the owners. We will soon have a discussion with zonal officials and come up with an action plan, the official said.
SIT seeks Interpol's help for details on international calls linked to Kodanad heist suspects
COIMBATORE: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Crime Branch CID (CB-CID) has sent a reminder to Interpol seeking details of international phone calls received by prime suspect C Kanagaraj in the Kodanad heist-cum-murder case. Speaking to reporters at the Nilgiris district sessions court on Friday, special public prosecutor Shajahan said the CB-CID had first approached Interpol to trace the VoIP calls received by Kanagaraj last year. Interpol did not share any information. So, the SIT has recently sent a reminder to Interpol through Salem district court and CBI. Police said Kanagaraj and Sayan received calls through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) five times between April 27 and 28. This came to light during analysis of Sayans Call Detail Records. The SIT wrote to a US-based telecommunication service provider through Central Bureau of Investigation and Interpol, seeking details of the person who used the number. But there has been no response so far. This was conveyed to the judge on Friday during the hearing. Prime suspects Walayar Manoj and KV Sayan were present. The next hearing has been posted to March 19. A gang of eleven people, including the prime suspects C Kanagaraj and KV Sayan, allegedly committed the crime in the wee hours of April 24, 2017 at the Kodanad estate bungalow belonging to former CM J Jayalalithaa. So far 245 people have been questioned.
Mata Amritanandamayi to visit Coimbatore today
Happy Streets to conclude in Coimbatore this Sunday
40 colleges participate in Drug Awareness Mime competition organised by Coimbatore city police
Crime rate drops as Coimbatore police beef up patrolling
Coimbatore corporation begins work on phase II of biomining process at Vellalore dump yard
Plea Filed Against Mahashivratri Celebrations By Isha Foundation In Coimbatore
The Madras High Court on Friday directed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to verify as to whether the rules and regulations are being followed by Isha Foundation during the Mahashivratri function in Coimbatore.
Forest Department continues to monitor wild elephant near Coimbatore
Man arrested for sexual harassment in Coimbatore
Land owners in Coimbatore urge Airport Authority of India to settle dues of leased lands
No certainty as yet on operation of electric buses by TNSTC Coimbatore in 2025
Thyrocare founder Dr. A. Velumani shared a nostalgic moment on Twitter after enjoying a Rs 90 breakfast at Hotel Aryaas in Coimbatore, recalling his early days with a salary of Rs 200. Highlighting frugality and simplicity, his post sparked discussions about financial habits and life lessons, with many reflecting on personal experiences and the importance of financial prudence.
18 pharmacies in Coimbatore, Nilgiri face action for drug sale violations
COIMBATORE: Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department has suspended the licences of 16 private pharmacies in Coimbatore and Nilgiris districts and revoked licence of two others in Coimbatore in the last one year for violating rules regarding sale of habit-forming drugs and MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) kits. There are over 2,200 private pharmacies in Coimbatore and 250 in Nilgiris that come under the Coimbatore zone of Drugs control administration. Pharmacies must avoid over-the-counter sale, particularly of scheduled drugs and MTP kits. They have to maintain a record for sale of such drugs which would be monitored by drug inspectors, said S Marimuthu, Assistant Director of Drug Control, Coimbatore zone Explaining steps taken by the Drugs Control Department to prevent drug abuse, Marimuthu added, We have tightened norms for sale of schedule drugs like sedatives, painkillers, MTP kits and syringes. No one can buy them without prescription from a doctor. We have told pharmacies to check the prescription by contacting the doctor if any sensitive drug is prescribed. This will also help to check if the prescription is original. Though pharmacies attached to hospitals have permission to sell MTP kits, they should furnish records whenever we ask. Those who violate the rules would be punished under section 27(d) of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act. It entitles imprisonment of not less than one year which may be extended to two years with fine of not less than Rs 20,000, Marimuthu further said.
Farmers in Coimbatore flag difficulties in enrolling for e-registry
COIMBATORE: Several farmers say registration for unique ID under the union ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, is yet to begin in many panchayats in the Coimbatore district as resource persons do not turn up for the work. In 2021, the union ministry of agriculture & farmers welfare announced creating a database of farmers across the country and the work started in September 2024. A unique identification number will be assigned to each farmer after registration under the agri stock programme. The ID is a e-Know Your Farmer (e-KYF) that will facilitate easy verification and eliminate the need for submitting physical documents every time a farmer wants to avail benefits under a scheme. The unique ID will link the farmers profile with all the government schemes he or she has availed of. The agriculture department, along with allied departments, is tasked with handling registrations fpr the registry. A Community Resource Person (CRP) is appointed free of cost for this process in every panchayat, but there are complaints that they are irregular or do not show up. K Balakrishnan, a farmer from Chennappachettipudur in Sulur taluk, said, The registration is carried out through the office of Assistant Agricultural Officer in block level. Each block has an average of 25 panchayats, and there are not enough staff strength in the department. So CRP has been appointed on a temporary basis to collect information in every village. However farmers who go for registration get tired and are forced to give up registration as they could not meet the community resource persons. He suggested that the government should facilitate self-registration by farmers through e-seva centres. Also, he said there is no option to edit or correct any entry made during the registration. Speaking to TNIE , V Krishnaveni, Joint Director of Agriculture said, The registration process would be carried out in multiple phases. Now, Phase - I is going on. The department has to complete 25% (17,000) registrations out of 68,596 farmers who are the beneficiaries under TN-Kisan in the Coimbatore district. So far, we have reached 35% (28,000) registrations. The farmers who have been left out will be registered soon. Farmers need not worry about the registration. We have taken up the issue of editing option to the head of the department. It will be rectified soon.
Fruits, unbranded drinks come under food safety lens
COIMBATORE: With summer approaching, several locally-prepared soft drinks are flooding the market, The food safety department has planned to conduct periodic inspection for sale of unapproved soft drinks, pathaneer ( palm neera) and fruit drinks. They also plan to raise awareness about the risks associated with consuming unapproved food items which could be adulterated. K Tamilselvan, designated food safety officer for the district said, There are serious concerns about quality of locally-made soft drinks. Without proper testing and regulation, theres a risk of contamination, adulteration or other safety issues. We monitor soft drinks manufacturing to meet certain standards of quality and safety. By bypassing this process, locally-made soft drink brands are putting consumers at risk. The sale of fake or unauthorised soft drinks will peak in summer, so we will be conducting surprise raids. He added, We learnt that locally-produced soft drinks are available even at petty shops, with prices starting at Rs 5. A year ago, we busted an illegal manufacturing unit in the city. Similarly, we are working to identify other illegal manufacturing units. Meanwhile, it is essential for consumers to be aware and prioritise their health and safety. When choosing a soft drink, customers should look for brands that are approved by the food safety department. Along with soft drinks, the food safety department is planning to inspect quality of other items which are commonly consumed by the public during summers such as watermelon, fruit juices and palm water. We received information that watermelons in the market have been artificially enhanced with colours and sweeteners. Moreover, another popular summer drink, palm water sourced from palm trees has also become a cause for concern as it is alleged that some people add artificial flavours, preservatives, water and sweeteners. Although we tested palm water samples from three different locations in the city last year, no adulteration was found. We have planned to do the same this year, Tamilselvan added. Additionally, the department will hold inspections at shops selling fruits, fruit juices and ice manufacturing units. Tamilselvan said they have already started monitoring manufacturing units and will commence inspection soon.
Cases filed against leaders of Hindu Munnani, Hindu Makkal Katchi in Coimbatore
Minister K.N. Nehru inaugurates renovated Gandhipuram Omni Bus Stand in Coimbatore
Uday Kotak questions if retail investors should continue investing in stocks due to high valuations. He notes that foreign companies are benefiting from this by repatriating profits. Despite this, local investors remain enthusiastic. Indian shares are among the most expensive worldwide, second only to the US. Mutual funds play a crucial role in supporting the market.
Man in extramarital relationship hacks wife, 3 children, before attempting to end life in TN's Salem
COIMBATORE: A man went on a killing spree and allegedly hacked his son, two daughters, and 38-year-old wife with a sickle near Attur in Salem district early on Wednesday. The suspect attacked his family as he allegedly had a relationship with another woman in Neyveli, police said. He was also suspicious of his wifes conduct. Dhavamani warned him to end his relationship with the woman, and this led to frequent quarrels between them. Following the attack, his son Arulprakash (5) and daughter A Vidyadharani (13) died on the spot, wife Dhavamani (38), and second daughter A Arulkumari (10) are being treated for near-fatal injuries at the government medical college hospital in Salem. The accused, Ashok Kumar (42), is also undergoing treatment at the same hospital after he tried to end his life by injuring himself, police said. The family was residing at Krishnapuram village at Gangavalli taluk in Salem district. Ashok Kumar, a daily-wage labourer at Neyveli in Cuddalore district, used to quarrel with his wife whenever he returned home. On Tuesday evening, he returned home and started quarrelling again, police said. Suspect was drunk during attack: SP In the early hours of Wednesday, Dhavamanis neighbours heard screams from the house. When they rushed there, they found the three children, along with their mother, lying in a pool of blood. Ashok Kumar was also found outside the home with injuries. After being alerted, Gangavalli police rushed to the spot and took them to a government hospital in Attur. However, doctors declared Arulprakash and Vidyadharani dead on arrival. After providing first-aid treatment to Dhavamani and Arulkumari, they were referred to the government hospital in Salem. According to police, the incident took place around 4am. Speaking to TNIE , Goutam Goyal, Superintendent of Police, Salem, said the suspect was under the influence of alcohol when he carried out the deadly attack. Gangavalli police have registered a case under Sections 103 and 109 of the BNS.
TN issues memo to ex-member of Bharathiar University V-C committee
COIMBATORE: The higher education department has issued a memo to the head of the social work department FX Lovelina Little Flower for allegedly violating the delegation of powers in administration while she served as member of the Vice Chancellor (V-C) committee of Bharathiar University. According to sources, the memo was issued to Lovelina on February 7 by the V-C committee convenor, who is also the higher education department secretary. The memo details 14 violations Lovelina committed during her tenure as member of the committee. It stated that qualification approval of professors for promotion as principals in affiliated colleges should have been done with the approval of the convenor, but eight principals were appointed by Lovelina sans the convenors approval. Also, the qualification approval of teachers, Board of Studies (BOS) and extension of autonomous status for colleges, etc, should have been processed with the approval of the convenor, but 52 such approvals were issued without consent. Besides, the convenor mentioned in the memo about several violations in expenditure files, among others. Lovelina has been directed to issue an explanation within 15 days.
Drawing teacher misbehaves with girl students, held in Coimbatore
Three land in police net with 5,145 litres of rectified spirit in Coimbatore
Fire engulfs vacant land near Pullukadu in Coimbatore
Automatic bouquet delivery machine at Coimbatore airport a big hit
Water supply project in Coimbatore over 75% complete
In addition to the 24/7 water supply project, the added areas in the city, where many colonies have been developed, have the potential to implement a water supply project worth 300 crore, said Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran
Three arrested with over 5,000 litres of rectified spirit near Coimbatore
TANKER Foundation to set up free dialysis centre in Coimbatore
VOC Park Zoo in Coimbatore to be transformed into aviary
Coimbatore schoolteacher arrested for sexually assaulting students
The police said the drawing teacher was arrested based on a complaint from the principal of the institution
Construction of DNA testing lab in Coimbatore at a snails pace
COIMBATORE: Two years have passed since the government announced settting up of a DNA testing laboratory at the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory on the deputy director of health services campus in Racecourse. The construction work has been halted for over three months allegedly due to lack of funds. The Chief Minister announced the establishment of the laboratory in Coimbatore in 2022 during a debate on grants in the Assembly. The laboratory was expected to serve the entire west zone. However, the delay in construction has caused officials to depend on the lab in Chennai or the regional laboratory in Madurai. An official from the police department, said, The need for DNA analysis is increasing because of the increasing number of cases, particularly, POCSO, crime against women cases, and other complicated crimes. The evidence collected from the crime scene or the victims are sent to either Chennai or Madurai. As we have only these two labs, the pendency of cases increases and it doubles the workload at these places. Prosecution has to wait until the results arrive. The officer added that the lab construction has been halted without any reason. Sources from the forensic science department, said, Among 10 regional forensic science laboratories, the DNA lab is available only in Madurai. To expand service, the state government allocated Rs 7.80 crore, and the construction was handed over to the Public Works Department (PWD). However, the struggle in fund allocation is delaying the construction. Officials from the forensic science department in Coimbatore Regional Centre refused to comment on the issue.
Thrown from 2nd floor of Kovai mall, stray dog suffers multiple fractures
COIMBATORE: A stray dog suffered multiple fractures after it was thrown down from the second floor of a popular mall located on Sathyamangalam Road at Saravanampatti. CCTV footage of the incident, which took place on February 8, was widely circulated on Tuesday. Police are investigating a complaint. According to sources, some mall workers saw the dog roaming in the second floor. They captured and threw the dog down through a window. The CCTV visual shows two workers throwing the dog from the window. The dog fell on the road and suffereed multiple fractures, including its spine and legs. On being informed, S Gowtham Srinivasan, an animal activist, rescued the dog and took it for treatment. He then filed a complaint with the Saravanampatti Police Station on Monday. An investigation is going on. CSR has been given to the complainant. A case will be registered after we identify the suspects, said Senthilkumar, Inspector of Saravanampatti Police Station.
Seven college students held for sexually assaulting minor girl in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: City police arrested seven college students under the Pocso Act for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl. The suspects, all aged 19 and 20, are students of a private college in Kuniyamuthur. The survivor is a 17-year-old school dropout living in Ukkadam. Police said on the evening of February 16, the girl left home telling her parents she was going to visit her grandmother who lives nearby. However, when she failed to show up there, her parents lodged a complaint with the Bazaar police. When the girl returned home the next morning, she revealed to her parents she had been sexually assaulted by seven youngsters. One of the suspects had got acquainted with the girl through social media. He invited her to his room in Kuniyamuthur on February 16, where six other students hailing from Krishnagiri, Chennai, Viruthunagar and Dindigul were staying. She went to his room and was sexually assaulted by the gang, police said. Following inquiry, the suspects were arrested under sections 5, 6, 9 and 10 of the Pocso Act on Tuesday and remanded in judicial custody. The girl was sent to CMCH for a medical examination and then home. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, in a post on X, said, The news that a 17-year-old girl was gang-raped by seven people in Coimbatore is shocking. It is very painful that Tamil Nadu is turning into an unsafe state for girls under the Stalin-model DMK regime. BJP chief K Annamalai linked the rise of such incidents in the state to increasing drug abuse among youth. DMKs ally CPM urged the government to take stronger measures against the sale of narcotics and reduce the number of Tasmac outlets in TN to curb such crimes. PMK president Dr Anbumani Ramadoss also urged the government to take strict legal action against the accused. Asst HM of govt school held for harassing 5 girls Pudukkottai: An assistant headmaster of a government high school in Othappuli near Arimalam of the district was arrested on Monday for allegedly sexually harassing five girl students. The suspect, Perumal (58), taught English to students of classes 9 and 10 at the institution, which has over 350 students. Based on a complaint lodged via the Childline helpline by Class 10 students of the school on February 10, the district child welfare committee and Ponnamaravathi DSP Kumar initiated an inquiry into the incident. Following this, the Thirumayam all-women police registered a case under the Pocso Act and arrested Perumal. The police interrogated him till late Monday before taking him to the Pudukkottai GH after he complained of chest pain. He will be remanded in custody once he recovers, sources said.
Illegal hoardings in Coimbatore expose gaps in enforcement
Seven college students gang-rape minor girl in Coimbatore, arrested
Aviary to come up at VOC zoo site in Coimbatore
Three held for cheating businessman with fake receipt in Coimbatore
Dog thrown from second floor of mall in Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Slams DMK Over Coimbatore Gang Rape, Blames Drug Abuse For Rising Crimes NewsX
Political parties, organisations plan black flag protest during Amit Shahs visit to Coimbatore
Awareness campaign on Nilgiri tahr conservation begins in Coimbatore district
Girl gang-raped by college students in Coimbatore; seven arrested
National-level Lok Adalat in Coimbatore on March 8
State Highways Department to commence works soon for Sathyamangalam bypass project in Coimbatore
Women, Including Female Cops, Unsafe In Tamil Nadu: Annamalai Slams DMK Over Coimbatore Gangrape
A 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by seven students in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. BJP President K. Annamalai criticized the ruling DMK government, claiming girls are unsafe in the state.
Coimbatore gears up for ET Make in India SME Regional Summit on February 20
The ET Make in India SME Regional Summit also serves as a networking platform for MSMEs and industry stakeholders to exchange and collaborate on ideas.
Baahubali escapes death due to timely aid from Tangedco
COIMBATORE: Timely alert given by Mettupalayam forest range officials to Tangedco staff saved the life of a wild elephant, nicknamed Baahubali after it damaged an electric post when it pushed a Caryota urens (a type of palm tree) at Nellithurai near Mettupalayam on Sunday night. After receiving a call from residents around 11 pm, Mettupalayam forest range staff visited the spot and found the electric post had become twisted and the wire was sagging after the animal pushed the Caryota urens tree. The electric post was located half a kilometre from the Nellithurai forest boundary. We saw the animal standing near the sagging wire and informed Tangedco staff. Power supply was disconnected within 10 minutes. We then tried to chase Baahubali away by honking and blowing siren, an officer said. After four hours of struggle, a seven-member team chased the animal into the Nellimalai reserve forest which is 2 km from Nellithurai. As a precautionary measure, we have requested Tangedco to prune branches of Caryota urens trees, which is a favourite food for elephants, that are located close to electric posts in the forest, the officer added. We will engage staff on Monday night to track Baahubali and prevent him from entering groves, as he had damaged a number of areca nut trees at CSM grove and Kannanaciker Thottam, MKG Thottam, the officer said. The officials also said that the behaviour of Baahubali has been changing in the last couple of months and it has been damaging several trees.
With Papuan Global, farmers take sugarcane on a sweet, syrupy ride
KANNUR: It was more than 8,000 years ago that the indigenous Papuan tribes of New Guinea, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, first cultivated and domesticated sugarcane. Today, a group of farmers from Pattuvam, Kannur is building a thriving business around the same crop, under the name Papuan Global Pvt Ltd. The small-scale unit, specialising in sugarcane syrup, recently gained prominence after receiving a special mention in the state budget. Finance Minister K N Balagopal highlighted Papuan Globals initiative in the value-added food-products category, recognising its impact on the local economy. Papuan Global traces its origin to the Poombatta self-help group, a collective of 16 farmers in Pattuvam. Initially focused on vegetable farming, the group discovered the potential of sugarcane-based products during the Covid pandemic. Our market is flooded with refined sugar and adulterated jaggery. When we realised the health benefits of natural sugarcane, it quickly emerged as a natural and healthier alternative to refined sugar, said Venugopal, the companys coordinator. The turning point came when the farmers received training from the Sugarcane Research Centre in Kannur, an affiliate of the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute in Coimbatore. The centre provided us with technology, hands-on training, and continuous support to develop value-added sugarcane products, Venugopal said. The research centre introduced the group to advanced techniques for producing natural sugarcane syrup and sugarcane powder, ensuring the products remain free from chemical additives. Our sugarcane syrup has a shelf life of eight months without any preservatives, Venugopal adds. Papuan cane syrup Production happens in a 1,000 sqft mechanised unit in Pattuvam, built to comply with food-safety standards. The company has also expanded through the Malabar Entrepreneurship Innovation Zone, leveraging incubation support to establish a global marketing network. Papuan Globals sugarcane syrup can replace sugar in all sweet dishes, with only lime juice added to pure sugarcane extract. The company, which has an annual turnover of `15 lakh, with only a few products in the market, is aiming to expand the business with new value-added products. It has also been seeing increased demand for its premium sugarcane powder. The firm is also preparing to launch Papuan Babies, a specialised sugarcane product for children, by April. Efforts are also under way to introduce a low-strength fruit wine, which is expected to hit the market soon. With its focus on natural, value-added sugarcane products, Papuan Global is not just reviving an ancient tradition but also carving out a niche in the food industry.
Holding areas, new SOPs to ease crowding at railway station
NEW DELHI: In the wake of the stampede at the New Delhi railway station on Saturday, the Ministry of Railways on Monday announced a slew of measures to prevent untoward incidents as it identified 60 railway stations across the country that experience high footfalls. To begin with, the railways will develop permanent holding areas in these busy stations to manage crowds especially during peak times and strictly regulate their flow to platforms. Passengers will have to wait in the holding areas and allowed to enter the platform only as per the departure timing of their respective trains. This is to avoid overcrowding of station areas. In response to a query from this newspaper, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said railway experts will design access routes from holding areas to platforms in such a way that there is no scope for overcrowding. One such holding area was set up at the New Delhi station on Monday itself. The same will be extended to key stations in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other states that regularly witness large crowds. The 60 stampede-prone stations have been identified based on the number of departing and originating passengers. They include Patna, Ara, and Buxar in Bihar; Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh; and Surat in Gujarat, besides New Delhi, Bangalore, and Coimbatore. The rail ministry is in the process of developing a comprehensive manual on crowd management by consolidating existing provisions and a standard operating procedure would be developed to manage passenger surges during festivals and special events. Also on the cards is a nationwide campaign to educate passengers on the dangers of sitting on stairs, which often leads to stampede-like situations during crowded times. Feedback from all stakeholders, including vendors, would be taken into account, and related problems would be resolved within six months, Vaishnaw added. Devotees struggle at patna station Patna: Prayagraj-bound passengers at Patna railway station on Monday faced a tall order while boarding trains. Eye-witnesses told local newspapers that passengers forced open bolted doors of Vikramshila Express and Magadh Express and occupied toilets, while many were seen hanging by the doors Vaishnaw rules out conspiracy Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Monday ruled out any conspiracy behind the New Delhi stampede and claimed there was also no extraordinary rush at the platforms at the time of the incident. No conspiracy looks at the moment, he said while interacting with mediapersons Curbs on platform tickets The Northern Railway on Monday announced that platform tickets would not be sold between 4 pm and 11 pm for the next one week at the station to ensure proper crowd management. Over 10 trains were diverted from Delhi owing to the restrictions on the New Delhi Railway Station
Drug control department searches cosmetics manufacturing companies, warehouses in Tamil Nadu
COIMBATORE: Following a recent complaint that hair oil mixed with rabbit blood was being sold at Gobichettipalayam in neighbouring Erode district, the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department has intensified checks at hair oil and cosmetics manufacturing companies in Coimbatore and warehouses of online platforms where such products are promoted. Based on complaints received in December 2024, officers from the drugs control department and CDSCO inspectedthree locations - two at Zamin Kottampatti and one at Kammalapatti near Pollachi in Coimbatore district. The team held an inquiry in the warehouse of a leading e-commerce firm at Orattukuppai village in the city outskirts. However, no evidence of rabbit blood hair oil manufacturing was found during the inspections, sources said. In the wake of the Erode complaint, the officers are holding inspections once again. We will continue the investigation across the Coimbatore district, to curb the practice. Also, social media platforms promoting such products are being monitored. People should be aware of the consequences before using such products as they are not scientifically approved. If anyone is found involving such activities, we will take legal action, said S Marimuthu, Assistant Director of Drug Control, Coimbatore zone. The claim that rabbit blood hair oil has antibacterial and antifungal elements which would help in reducing dandruff and scalp infections is not scientifically proven and the product is not approved under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Cosmetic items are approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) if they conform to standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). There are 20 cosmetic manufacturers in Coimbatore district, and they have been warned not to engage in such oil production, he said. If someone wants to manufacture a cosmetic item, they should obtain a licence from the director of the drug controller through offline mode, Marimuthu added.
Ukkadam bus terminus plan tweaked for metro rail in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) on Monday submitted a detailed project report (DPR) to the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) for the construction of a twin bus terminus at Ukkadam. The CCMC has made some changes in the plan to accommodate Metro Rail project under which Ukkadam will be the hub for all four corridors. On March 13, 2024, Chief Minister M K Stalin announced that the Ukkadam bus terminus would be developed at Rs 20 crore. Officials prepared a DPR at Rs 21.55 crore. It proposed the construction of two terminals; one near the Ukkadam police station where the existing terminus is and another one opposite the police station. With the metro rail project taking shape, officers from Chennai Metro Rail Limited discussed the plan withthe district administration on December 24, 2024. During the meeting, it was decided to implement the metro rail project without affecting the ongoing and upcoming development works. After the consultation meeting with Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the CCMC revised the DPR for the Ukkadam bus terminus. CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran told TNIE, The final DPR for the Ukkadam bus terminals has been submitted on Monday. The project is set to be executed at an estimated cost of about Rs 21 crore. We have revised our plan allowing enough land for the Metro Rail project works. With this, there will be adequate space for the CMRL to construct the pillars and structures. Also, we will soon send a DPR to demolish the 50-year-old Gandhipuram bus stand and construct a new one at the cost of Rs 30 crore.
CCMC, Kerala to discuss Siruvani dam repair work
COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran said they will be holding a meeting with Kerala Irrigation and Water Resources Department officials next week and prepare an estimate to carry out the repair works in the Siruvani Dam at the earliest. Five teams comprising officers from Pune Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Tamil Nadu Water Supply & Drainage (TWAD) Board, IIT Madras, CCMC, and the Kerala State Governments Water Resources Department conducted a joint inspection of the dam on January 8 as water was wasted due to the leakage. The Pune CWPRS team submitted a detailed report to Prabakaran which explained measures to arrest the leakage and address other issues in the dam. Prabakaran said CCMC officials and Kerala water sources department officials will be holding a meeting and preparing an estimate for the work. The TN government will provide funds and the repair works will be executed by Kerala. He added, The Pune team has suggested two methods, grouting and geo membrane to fix the issues in the dam. Due to water seepage, around 10 MLD of water is wasted every day which otherwise can used to supply water for three days to residential areas. Once the issues are addressed, we can save around 50-55 MLD of water during the summer which would be of great use for the people. Prabakaran also revealed that the city will not face water shortage this summer as water levels in the reservoirs are at adequate levels. While the water level at Siruvani Dam stands at 34 ft, the water level in Pillur Dam stands at 77 ft as of Monday. Around 303 MLD of water has been drawn and supplied from these dams as well.
Coimbatore sees uptick in sex ratio at birth in five years
Coimbatore police arrest three for duping businessman of 11.8 lakh
Coimbatore Corporation brings virtual reality to schools for interactive learning
NEW DELHI: Creating holding areas at 60 stations experiencing high footfalls, a separate crowd management manual and raising awareness among passengers to not sit at stairs are among the measures being taken to prevent untoward incidents, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday. These initiatives are being taken in the wake of a stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station Saturday evening which killed 18 passengers, according to official figures, and left several injured. Interacting with mediapersons at the Rail Bhawan here, Vaishnaw said the Railways has identified 60 stations that normally receive a high footfall and decided to make permanent or temporary holding areas outside the platforms to regulate the flow of passengers to the stations. Sixty stations such as New Delhi, Patna, Surat, Bengaluru, Coimbatore have been identified for creating a holding area to manage the flow of passengers inside the station. They will be allowed to enter the platform according to departure of their trains so that the station areas don't get overcrowded, Vaishnaw said. He cited the example of stations in Prayagraj -- where the Maha Kumbh is taking place -- where such holding areas have been created and flow of passengers regulated successfully so far. Opposition reacts to New Delhi Rail Station Stampede, demands Rail Minister's resignation Vaishnaw also said a separate crowd management manual will be created by merging all existing provisions, and a Standard Operating Procedure will be developed to handle passenger rush during festivals and special occasions. We will have to make a comprehensive manual for crowd management, the railway minister said. Officials say the current crowd management norms are robust and efficient, but they are scattered in various circulars and communications of the Railways, bringing them at one place in a form of manual will help a lot. According to the minister, raising awareness among passengers not to sit at stairs or at any place that can block the free movement of other travellers can also help in a big way to prevent incidents like the one which occurred at the New Delhi Railway Station. We cannot fine the passengers for sitting on the stairs. The only way is to create awareness is through the media that it can congest the necessary movement of other travellers, Vaishnaw said. When asked if any action has been taken against officials for the Saturday stampede, Vaishnaw said taking any action will be against the principle of natural justice till the time the inquiry report comes. I have maintained a principle of 'We Fail'. So far as action is concerned, we haven't taken any action against any official as we are waiting for the inquiry committee to give its report. This is in line with the principle of natural justice, Vaishnaw stated. On a question on the time frame for the committee to give its report, the railway minister said no time period has been fixed as it will put undue pressure on the committee members. New Delhi stampede: Lawyer files PIL in SC, seeks formation of expert committee to prevent incidents
History-sheeter arrested in Coimbatore for violating externment order
Coimbatore city unlikely to face water scarcity this summer: Corporation Commissioner
Comedian Saikiran interview: On Ranveer Allahbadia controversy, clean comedy, and touring
Stand-up comedian Saikiran on why clean comedy isnt limiting, how he crafts jokes, and his upcoming act in Coimbatore
Coimbatore | This performer uses puppetry forinclusive storytelling
Tiruppur-based Poongodi Mathiarasu, trained in eight forms of puppetry, speaks on the therapeutic effects of the art form
National highway in Tamil Nadu turns toll road with minor tweak; users pay Rs 36 crore
CHENNAI: By adding just 1.5 metres of road on either side, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has converted the 110km two-lane Vellore-Tiruvannamalai-Villupuram National Highway (NH) into a tolled road. The three toll plazas Vallam, Enamkariyanandal, and Thennamadevi located on the road have collected about Rs 36 crore in 20 months from April 2023 to November 2024 while the total fund spent on the project by the union government was only Rs 273 crore, revealed data sourced through RTI by TNIE . Unlike other road projects executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Vellore-Villupuram NH-234 was upgraded using funds exclusively allocated by MoRTH, with no bank loans involved. This means motorists are essentially paying vehicle user fee at tolls for travelling on a highway that was upgraded using their own contributions through fees, cess, and other taxes. As per RTI data, the average monthly collection in the three tolls stands at Rs 1.82 crore. MoRTHs primary revenue sources include the cess levied on petrol and diesel under the Central Road Fund and fee from driving licences and vehicle registrations. Road poorly designed, no facility at toll plazas The two-lane road was marginally widened from 5 metres to 8.5 metres during the expansion work carried out by the NH wing of the state highways between 2018 and 2023. Toll collection began in January 2023. Officials from the NH wing (state highways) said NH Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules 2008 permit the establishment of toll plazas on highways widened using government funds. The conversion of a road into a tolled one does not require any consent or approval from the state government after it was handed over to MoRTH, said an official. When TNIE travelled through the 110-kilometer stretch, it was evident NH section has been plagued with plenty of issues including poor visibility caused by frequent curves, encroachments on both sides of the road from Vellore Bus Stand to Adukkumparai, lack of signage boards, absence of road overbridges at railway level crossings, and no flyovers at major junctions. These problems are exacerbated during Pournami Girivalam days when the highway sees heavy traffic towards Tiruvannamalai from both Vellore and Villupuram, significantly increasing the risk for motorists. The NH witnessed huge congestion at Kannamangalam and Kaniyambadi junctions during peak hours. A large number of motorists from Chittoor, Pakala, and other parts of Andhra Pradesh, who regularly visit the Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple use the Vellore-Tiruvannamalai NH. They allege that the road was poorly designed and there was no facility at toll plazas. The RTI data further disclosed that from May 2023 to November 2024, a total of 244 accidents were recorded on the stretch in which 18 people lost their lives, 54 were grievously injured, and 116 were left with minor injuries. Interestingly, the average monthly toll collection stands at Rs 85 lakh for Vallam, Rs 69 lakh for Enamkariyanandal, and Rs 28 lakh for Thennamadevi. In contrast, state highways, funded through road taxes and state allocations, develop four-lane and six-lane roads and build bridges with project costs ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 1,000 crore that are still toll-free. The state highway has spent an average of Rs 100 to Rs 110 crore for construction per km for flyovers/bridges in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchy in recent years. Around 335 government buses registered in Vellore, Villupuram, and Tiruvannamalai districts cross the toll plazas monthly at subsidised rates, while other buses purchase monthly passes allowing 50 trips. S Ram Charan, a resident of Chittoor, said, I have been visiting the Tiruvannamalai temple for 15 years. The road has seen no significant improvements since 2017, but was converted into a tolled road. Poor visibility at curves and medians in the middle of the road often lead to dangerous overtaking attempts by buses, putting commuters at risk.
Woman from Chennai found dead in hotel room in Coimbatore
Kerala man rescued after falling from train near Coimbatore
Three held for murdering youth in drunken brawl in Coimbatore
EY GDS expands presence in Tamil Nadu with first office in Coimbatore - Prop News Time
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MSMEs in Coimbatore opt for solar energy to beat electricity costs
E-permit must for mineral transportation in Coimbatore district
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3 school students repeatedly raped by 4 minors in Tamil Nadu
In Coimbatore, four minor boys and an 18-year-old youth repeatedly raped three children aged 10-12 near Pollachi. The culprits blackmailed and beat the victims, but a call to a child helpline led to four arrests. Authorities are urged to strengthen child protection and provide support for the victims and their families.
Three minors, one youth arrested for rape near Pollachi
COIMBATORE: The Pollachi All Women police arrested three minors and a youth on charges of raping two school girls on Friday. They are on the lookout for one other minor who is absconding. Police said that the four minors were school dropouts and joined hands with an 18-year-old, a daily wage labourer. They took the two schoolgirls and a boy to an isolated place and allegedly raped them. After a few villagers noticed the gang frequenting the isolated place, they reported it to the Childline 1098. We have arrested them on Friday evening, police said. The boys raped them multiple times. We have registered cases under various sections of Pocso Act. The youth was remanded to Coimbatore Central Prison while the minor boys were lodged at an observation home for juveniles in the city. After seizing mobile phones from them, police found that they had allegedly recorded the sexual act.
E-permits for quarries to be expanded to all taluks in Coimbatore district
COIMBATORE: The district collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar said the e-permit system for stone quarry lessees is to be expanded to all taluks to streamline mining. A press release issued by the collector said the Department of Geology and Mining has been allowed to operate stone quarries at Anaimalai, Annur, Coimbatore North, Pollachi, Kinathukkadavu, Madukkarai, Sulur and Mettupalayam taluks through registration of lessees. The mines have been allowed to operate with receipts issued online since September 2024. Meanwhile, to curb overloading and for better monitoring, the department is taking efforts to issue permits online. In the first phase, the department has issued e-permits to lessees of Pollachi and Kinathukkadavu taluks from Wednesday (February 12). They are planning to expand the facility to remaining taluks so that lessees can apply online for e-permits. The department has further said that people can complain about violations through toll-free number 1800 2333 995. The department has advised lessees to carry out mining only in permitted areas and drivers of tipper lorries should possess documents like transport permits and receipts. Those violating norms would face stringent action, the release added.
Police failed to explain previous enmity in double murder in Mayiladuthurai: Seeman
COIMBATORE: NTK chief coordinator Seeman said that police are now stating that the double murder case held at Mayiladuthurai is due to previous enmity. Speaking to the media at the Coimbatore Airport on Saturday, Seeman said that in the double murder case that took place in Mayiladuthurai, two youths were murdered for questioning the sale of illicit liquor in the village. The arrested person already has many cases against him for the sale of illicit liquor. After the double murder, police diverted the case by saying that both the youths were murdered due to previous enmity among them. However, why did the police not explain the reason for the previous enmity? he questioned. He further added that the government should take responsibility for such matters instead of replacing the collector and other officers. To a question about the Pushpanjali event that was held to pay homage to the victims of the 1998 serial blast in Coimbatore, Seeman said that those who speak about Coimbatores bomb blast should speak about Gujarat riots as well. Instead of recalling Coimbatores blast, party heads should prevent such incidents from happening in the future. When asked about a court case against Seeman for using LTTE leader Prabhakarans picture, he said that everyone would be happy if they used Prabhakarans picture.
Geopolitics will determine Indias future: BJP president Annamalai
COIMBATORE: Geopolitics will determine Indias future and we need to be aware of the geopolitical events that are taking place around our country, said BJP state president K Annamalai in Coimbatore on Saturday. Speaking during the inaugural function of Rotary International District 3201s two days Blossom district Conference held at Rathinam Tech Park, Annamalai said, Indians have a lot of dominance in the field of technology all over the world. Indian youth are fraternal and religious. Russia and America are competing to provide military equipment to India. Indian students should achieve in their homeland rather than settle in America or England. That day is not far when Indian students will achieve great heights on a global scale. Later speaking in a press conference, Annamalai said that most of the schemes implemented in Tamil Nadu were provided by the Union government and crores of people benefited from them. Annamalai said that the the amount of funds allocated to Tamil Nadu has increased two and a half times after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister. Not all states get special schemes every year. Is Chief Minister M K Stalin ready to release a fair statement on the funds allocated to Tamil Nadu during the Congress and BJP regime? he questioned. He further said, Out of the 35 ministers in the DMK, 13 came from the AIADMK, and those who came from the AIADMK are into dubbing. Only Stalin needs dubbing since many people are speaking from Arivalayam in his voice. Stating that there is corruption in the HR&CE department, he said that once the BJP government is formed in Tamil Nadu, they will investigate the corruption in the department, and no one can escape from it. Annamali also said that the BJPs vote bank is increasing in Tamil Nadu and the DMKs vote bank is decreasing. Speaking about the deportation of illegal immigrants from the US, he said, The US government says that there are 29 lakh Indians in their country, of which 7.5 lakh are illegal immigrants. They have been sent back to India for the second time. The Indian government has also said that we will help them on humanitarian grounds. People should avoid entering the US illegally.
National Highways wing to study Saibaba colony flyover extension in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: The National Highways (NH) wing of the State Highways department is set to conduct a feasibility study on extending the Saibaba Colony flyover on Mettupalayam Road in the city. The move comes after several outfits and motorists demanded the flyover be extended till Avinashilingam University near the District Forest Office on Mettupalayam Road. The NH wing has been carrying out construction works of the Saibaba Colony flyover on Mettupalayam Road. Officials plan to complete the project by the end of this year. Officials have so far completed about 10 pillars on the stretch and are set to move ahead to the next phase of the project. As the project is gaining pace, locals, motorists and AIADMKs council floor leader Prabhakaran of Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) and others urged NH officials to consider extending the flyover to benefit people, including tourists enroute to Nilgiris. PWD and Highways Department Minister EV Velu during his visit to Coimbatore a few days ago, had assured to look into the matter and take necessary action. In this context, as instructed by the minister, NH officials have planned to carry out a feasibility study on extending the Saibaba Colony flyover. Speaking to TNIE, a senior official from the NH wing said, The possibility of extending the Saibaba Colony flyover will be explored. We shall conduct a feasibility study to explore options on extending the flyover till Avinashilingam University. As the current Financial Year (FY) 24-25 is coming to an end, the extension works will be taken up in the upcoming FY 25-26 and a separate DPR will be prepared.
3 schoolkids raped, sodomised in TN, 3 minors among 4 held
Two schoolgirls and a boy, aged between 10 and 12, were repeatedly raped and sodomised by four minors and an 18-year-old in Coimbatore over the past few months. Authorities were alerted by a child helpline call, leading to the arrest of four suspects. The case is now under investigation under the Pocso Act.
39,433 Class X students appear for CBSE board exam in Coimbatore
Coimbatore corporation speeds up work on two major storm water drains in east zone
