Tangedco contract worker suffers fatal in Madurai

'EOW must ensure scam victims get money back': Madurai Bench of Madras HC

MADURAI: Taking into account the delay in filing the final report by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in a financial fraud case booked in 2022, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently stated that the government has to evolve a mechanism to ensure that the grievances of the victims are addressed and the objectives of the Tamil Nadu Protection of Interests of Depositors (TNPID) Act, 1997, are achieved. Justice B Pugalendhi made the comment while hearing a petition filed by Hemalatha seeking direction to the Tiruchy EOW DSP to file the final report in a cheating case booked in 2022 against a firm for allegedly cheating the petitioner and several others with false promises of huge returns for their investment. The court stated that whoever be the victim, be it an MP or an IAS officer, they are expected to depend on the investigation agency i.e. the EOW in this context, for relief. But the delays occurred in this case as well as others raises questions on the purpose for which the prosecutions have been made. It is not known when the final report would be filed and when the trial will conclude. The government has to evolve a mechanism, the judge said. Noting that around 7,000 people have complained of losing crores of rupees to shell companies neither registered under the Companies Act nor having permit from the RBI for collection of deposits, the judge said, EOW is under the impression that they are supposed to act only after a case has been reported before them. They have to understand that they are also liable to prevent such offences and also to ensure that the amount cheated by the accused is appropriated and disbursed to the victims.

TN CM Stalin submits key demands to PM Modi in brief Delhi meet

CHENNAI: The memorandum of demands submitted by Chief Minister MK Stalin to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their brief one-on-one meeting on Saturday in New Delhi included approval for key infrastructure projects, change in the nomenclature of certain castes to remove the implied disrespect in the names, inclusion of Dalit Christians in the list of Scheduled Castes and the safeguarding the interests of Tamil Nadu fishermen. The infrastructure projects in the memorandum included approval for Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Rail Projects in a 50:50 cost-sharing model between the state and the centre, handing over of Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) from Indian Railways to Chennai Metro Rail Limited, widening of NH-32 between Chengalpattu and Tindivanam into eight lanes, expansion of Coimbatore and Madurai airports, and establishment of a new AIIMS in Coimbatore. The release of funds withheld under Samagra Shiksha scheme, for which the state government has recently approached the Supreme Court, was also part of the demands. Importantly, in a demand made by many SC and ST communities for long, the CM appealed to the PM to enact necessary legislation to change the names of all those castes ending with -n or -a, which imply disrespect, and instead end the names with -r to ensure dignity. Referring to the frequent arrest of TN fishermen and seizure of their boats by the Sri Lankan Navy, the CM urged the centre to find a permanent solution to the issue. The CM later told the media that he was given five minutes to interact and submit the list of demands to the PM. Tamil Nadu CM presses for 50% share for states in central taxes at NITI Aayog meet Asked whether he was hopeful of getting the demands fulfilled, Stalin said when he thanked the PM for releasing the funds for CMRL Phase II, the PM said it was released after the CM met him in person to request the same. Similarly, I have made these requests now. I told the PM to fulfil these also. Let us be hopeful, he said. When asked about allegations of scams worth Rs 1,000 crore in Tasmac and Rs 5,000 crore in sand mining, the CM dismissed them as false propaganda with Assembly polls in mind. On AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami s claims that his (CMs) visit to Delhi is motivated by personal reasons, Stalin said, He (EPS) said I have come here with a white flag (to offer peace). I neither have a white flag nor a saffron flag that EPS has. Key demands Coimbatore Metro - 34.8 km Rs 10,740.49 cr Madurai Metro - 32 km Rs 11,368.35 cr Handover of MRTS in Chennai to CMRL Eight-laning of accident prone Chengalpattu-Tindivanam NH32 Expansion of Coimbatore and Madurai airports Establishment of AIIMS in Coimbatore Changing SC, ST caste names ending with -n / -a suffix with -r Including Dalit Christians in the list of SCs

Standing order bars cops from probing civil matter: Madurai Bench of Madras HC

MADURAI: Observing that the Police Standing Order prohibits the police from conducting any investigation in matters which are civil in nature, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to initiate an inquiry and take action against the police officials concerned if they have acted in favour of one of the parties in a civil dispute in Tirunelveli district. The direction was passed by Justice B Pugalendhi while hearing a petition filed by M Rajesh Kumar from North Valliyur village seeking a direction to the Tirunelveli police not to interfere in the civil dispute between him and S Palavesamuthu. In the petition Rajesh Kumar stated that the civil suit is pending between him and Palavesamuthu and the police harassed him under the guise of inquiry. After hearing the matter, the bench said it is of the view that the then Deputy Inspector General of Police along with the Additional Superintendent of Police had entertained a civil matter and harassed the petitioner. The counter affidavit filed before the court by the Inspector DCB (District Crime Branch) reveals that those police personnel had acted as an agent for Palavesamuthu by interfering in the civil dispute between him and the petitioner. In the existing code of criminal procedure at the relevant point of time, there was no provision for conducting a petition inquiry, the court noted. The fact remains that in this case the complaint dated February 24, 2023 has been treated as petition inquiry for more than two years, the court said. PSO.No.562 of Police Standing Order prohibits the police from conducting any investigation of civil nature or in which the complaint is obviously endeavouring to set the criminal law in motion to support a civil right. The DGP circulars in 2008 and 2024 specifically prohibit the police officer that they should not entertain any inquiry and cause any investigation in cases of civil nature, the judge observed.

DMK general council meeting in Madurai set to give big boost to cadre; road show by Stalin to sound poll bugle

Madras HC orders display of Ombudsman details in local bodies

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently directed the principal secretary of the municipal administration department to ensure that the availability of the ombudsman is exhibited in all the offices of local bodies in a prominent manner. Justice B Pugalendhi gave the direction last week while dismissing a petition moved by the commissioner of Puliyangudi municipality in Tenkasi, K Paunraj, against an interim order passed by the Tamil Nadu Local Bodies Ombudsman Tribunal, referring the complaints made against him by the Taxpayers Welfare Association in Tenkasi and a few others to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in November 2019. The complainants had alleged that the petitioner had committed several financial irregularities and amassed wealth disproportionate to his sources of income. Paunraj's counsel, however, claimed that the association owed a huge amount in tax arrears and made the above complaint to intimidate him from taking any further action towards its recovery. The judge observed that the Tamil Nadu Local Bodies Ombudsman Act was enacted in 2014 with an intention to address the complaints of corruption, maladministration, etc made against the elected members, officers and employees of the local bodies in the state. Section 6(4) of the Act empowers the ombudsman to avail the services of any officer or investigation agency of the government for the purpose of conducting inquiry under the Act. Hence, the order of the ombudsman does not warrant interference, he held. He also noted that a criminal case was registered against Paunraj by the district crime branch police (DCB), Coimbatore, in 2021, for misappropriating public funds to the tune of Rs 15.62 crore during his stint as Valparai municipality commissioner. The case was later transferred to the DVAC but no final report has been filed in the case despite a specific direction from the court in 2022, the judge noted, and directed the DVAC director to ensure that the final report is filed expeditiously.

Activist Mugilan acquitted of sedition charges in 2017 case

KARUR: Environment activist R S Mugilan, who has staged several protests including against the Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi and the nuclear power plant at Kudankulam, was acquitted of sedition charges by the chief judicial magistrate court on Friday. The case relates to a speech Mugilan made in April 2017 at a public meeting in Seethapatti Colony in Aravakurichi. In December 2017, a case was booked and Mugilan was arrested under Sections 124(A), 153(A)(1), and 505(1)(b) of IPC. He was granted bail in September 2018. During the final hearing on Friday, the judge found no evidence against Mugilan and acquitted him of all charges. Speaking to reporters, Mugilan said, I was charged falsely for speaking about illegal sand mining in the Cauvery river, and the importance of caste and religious harmony. I am glad justice has been served. Mugilan has faced several cases. In 2019, he was arrested based on a sexual assault complaint lodged by a 32-year-old woman in Karur. He was granted bail by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court in November 2019.

Tom & Jerry @ 85: Still a beloved classic

It begins, as it always has, with a chase. A cat, a mouse, and, inevitably, chaos. Suddenly, you are seven again, smiling at the screen, watching the battle unfold with reckless abandon. Laughter comes naturally. And as the protagonists the eternally beloved Tom and Jerry turn 85, isnt it a fine excuse to be a bit nostalgic? Thats eight and a half decades of frying pans, booby traps, exaggerated screams, and the timeless pursuit that has always been unfailingly funny since the first episode aired in 1940. Originally created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) in the US, the series debuted with the short titled Puss Gets the Boot . It was the beginning of one of the most enduring rivalries in entertainment history. The characters were never life-like, nor did they try to be. Yet, the big blue cat and the little brown mouse have always managed to captivate viewers children and adults alike. Even now, the Oscar-winning cartoon hasnt lost its initial charm. The animation styles have shifted over time, evolving from the rich hand-drawn illustrations of the 1940s to digital renderings in the 2000s. However, Toms schemes and Jerrys cunningness remain firmly intact. Theres something incredibly comforting about watching them, says Krishnan Nair, a 31-year-old architect who still watches a few episodes to unwind after a stressful day at work. Its the same slapstick rhythm every time, and that predictability is strangely soothing. He isnt alone. Even in the age of hyper-realistic animation and streaming fatigue, Tom and Jerry continues to draw in viewers not just for laughs, but for a particular brand of quiet nostalgia. The show is often less about the punchlines and more about the memory of when you first laughed at them: on grainy TV screens during summer holidays, or on loop from a well-worn DVD. Sam Thomas, a techie, is exactly one like that. Tom and Jerry was his respite every summer vacation when he visited Kerala. I grew up in the UAE. My parents never allowed us to watch TV, he recalls. But come summer vacation, in our ancestral home, Tom and Jerry was a regular. It was actually a family affair. I remember my mother used to laugh out loud watching their antics. And while nostalgia keeps older fans coming back, the shows real audience still gathers right where it always has on the living room floor, eyes glued to the screen, laughter echoing off the walls. I like it because its just so crazy, says nine-year-old Aman Mathew, eyes lighting up as he mimics Toms wide-eyed scream. Even when I know whats going to happen, its still funny every single time. That kind of repeatable delight is something a few shows manage. Without any moralising, dialogue or heavy plots, it wins hearts with a chase, a crash, and a guaranteed chuckle. Its silly, sure. But it reminds me of being with my cousins, fighting over the remote, says Shazmin Hannah, a college student. Its the kind of silly thing we dont get much of anymore. Young parents also confess to introducing the show to their children who are reeled in by highly stimulating, fast-paced content online. Divya, a homemaker from Chennai, uses Tom and Jerry to distract her five-year-old. My daughter was glued to the screen, watching Peppa Pig and Cocomelon . At one point, she was also watching those one-hour-long videos on YouTube where car tyres would run over different objects, and she would seem like she was in a state of hypnosis while watching it. Cartoons like Tom and Jerry, I think, are a healthier distraction, she says. Although Divya claims that her child perceives the show as just a humorous fight between a cat and a mouse, child psychologists suggest that parents exercise caution. Samanvitha, a child psychology consultant, says, Shows from the 1990s are definitely better for children when compared to the shows made today. But just like how children might be influenced by George in Peppa Pig who throws a tantrum until his demands are met, behavioural concerns cannot be ignored in old shows. Tom and Jerry does have themes such as physical aggression, deception, manipulation, and helplessness, among others. But dialogue with the children can help them understand desirable and undesirable behaviour, Samanvitha adds. Ask them questions about whats happening on the show, learn their perspective, and encourage conversation about how they would feel if they were being treated like Tom or Jerry in the show, she proposes. Silent pantomime Part of the shows power lies in its near-total lack of dialogue. Its a show that plays just as well in Kerala or Chennai as it does in California, be it 2025 or 1955. Riya Cherada, founder of the marketing firm Sardine Mother, agrees. Tom and Jerry was something different. It draws you in without any dialogue, she says. You dont need to know English to understand this American cartoon, which makes it accessible. And it makes you laugh without fail. Even thinking about them makes you smile. Riya also found a few relatable facets in the show. Yes, the art was never life-like like todays cartoons, but it is here that I learnt that physically small people can also win, she laughs. Interestingly, now looking back, many have changed their allegiance to Tom. I used to be a Jerry fan, says Sam. But now, maybe its the age catching up, I think Tom was just doing his job. His owner gave him a job catch the mouse that has become a nuisance in the house. And he was never able to do that. Poor guy. Sometimes, I feel he should also win a few bouts. There are, in fact, many who echo the sentiment. But Riya remembers a conspiracy theory she heard somewhere Tom was actually Jerrys friend, and it was all a scam! Think about it. Tom was just helping Jerry, never catching him, just acting so that no other cat would attack Jerry. So sweet, she smiles. While theories and discussions continue, Tom and Jerry show no signs of slowing. They never should. They should continue to make generations laugh with abandon. Every frame, a piece of art Azeem Kattali, co-founder and managing director of Eunoians Studio, remembers his animation gurus raving about the art in Tom and Jerry . They used to call it pure manual art, he says. But now it is quantity over quality. Deadlines matter, and the use of software makes the process easy. This was evident in the Tom and Jerry film that came out a couple of years ago. It lacked the old charm. Earlier, the process of animation was entirely dependent on artists. For one moving sequence, they would painstakingly draw each frame with all the details, including the background. They would resketch and perfect each frame. They focused on storytelling, expressions, timing.... These images were hand-drawn on clear sheets and then photographed to create a video. It is called cel (celluloid) animation, Azeem gushes. He adds, the earlier Tom and Jerry cartoons were so rich in detail. Every frame was basically an amazing piece of art. That is why, even now, you can return to them and enjoy them, though decades have passed. Those animations live on. Varshini Krishna, an illustrator based out of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, also marvels at these details, I was amazed by how the tiniest emotions like Jerrys heartbeat or a duckling being saved were brought to life through pure animation brilliance. Even now, with all the digital tools around, nothing beats the wonder of old-school frame-by-frame storytelling. As a student, Varshini maintained a folder for her works that were inspired by Tom and Jerry. I still have those on my hard drive, she shares.

Exhibit availability of ombudsman at offices of local bodies in prominent manner, says the Madurai Bench

The Tamil Nadu Local Bodies Ombudsman Act was enacted to address complaints against the elected members of the local bodies, and also officers and employees, Justice B. Pugalendhi says, refusing to interfere with an order passed by the Ombudsman against a former municipal commissioner

Madurai police grapple with shortage of Inspectors

17 Inspectors take care of 40 law and order police stations and nine manage more than two police stations, according to sourcees

Madras HC directs home secretary to ensure video conference facility is provided to law officers

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court restricted law officers from summoning investigation officers (IOs) to courts for every case hearing, observing that the latter were being made to spend most of their time in courts to appear in cases filed by the accused. The court further directed the state home department to set up video conferencing facility at the offices of the law officers at High Court and District Court level, so that the law officers could virtually verify the records submitted by the IOs, without requiring the latter's appearance in courts. Also, noting that the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) lacks manpower and vehicles, the court directed the state government to address said difficulties and advised IOs to refer and examine a limited number of witnesses during a trial. Justice B Pugalendhi gave the directions while disposing of petitions filed by the victims of two chit fund fraud cases registered by the EOW in Dindigul and Madurai. In the Dindigul case, Udhayam Chits company had allegedly cheated over 300 people of a total of Rs 10 crore, after collecting deposits promising higher returns. As the investigation is still pending, the victims moved the high court last year. The judge directed the IO to complete the investigation as expeditiously as possible. The other case pertained to PG Marketing and Agro Tech Company Ltd, and its sister concerns, which had allegedly committed a similar fraud. The case, registered in 2013, has been under trial since 2016, prompting the victims to approach the court. Since the trial judge informed that the court was unable to conduct further trial as the properties of the suspects have not yet been identified by the investigation agency, Justice Pugalendhi directed the latter to complete the proceedings and ensure that the trial attains its conclusion.

DMK, TNCC and CPI laud SCs decision to stay EDs probe into Tasmac

CHENNAI: DMK organising secretary R S Bharathi accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of acting like a blackmailing organisation and welcomed the Supreme Courts decision to stay the central agencys probe into the alleged Tasmac scam. Bharathi was reacting to the SCs order on Thursday at the party headquarters. Chief Minister M K Stalin was also present there, for the launch of a book titled Ulagengum Kalaignar. After the book launch, Stalin held brief discussions with party functionaries regarding the preparations for the partys general council meeting set to take place in Madurai on June 1. Later, Bharathi told reporters, Forgetting that many cases related to Tasmac have been pending for a long time, BJP leaders have made it a habit to speak out and use the ED just to have news published, targeting the DMK. The SCs stay on the ED probe is a crushing blow to them. He also alleged that the ED has become a blackmailing agency referring to the corruption charges filed against ED officials in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. DMK spokesperson and advocate Saravanan Annadurai said the ED had aggregated over 40 FIRs filed by the DVAC since 2014 solely to establish jurisdiction, as the agency can intervene only in cases involving irregularities exceeding `40 lakh. Now the SC has tamed the ED, he added. Speaking to reporters at the TNCC headquarters in Sathyamoorthi Bhavan on Thursday, TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai welcomed the SCs recent observations in the ED versus Tasmac case, calling them historic. Quoting the apex court, he said, The ED is violating the Constitution and crossing all limits. He pointed out that, of the 193 cases registered by the ED in the past 11 years, only two have ended in convictions. Who will answer for the suffering of the other 191 families, he asked. In a press statement, CPI state secretary R Mutharasan also highlighted the apex courts observation against the ED, adding that the CPI welcomes the SCs observation that the ED has degraded into a political tool.

Madras High Court court tells DGP to penalise officials who fail to follow circular to review pending cases

MADURAI: Appreciating the Director General of Police (DGP) for issuing a circular to review criminal cases not taken on file by lower courts due to defects in final reports, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday said the circular should be implemented strictly and separate departmental proceedings should be initiated against officials not adhering to it. Justice B Pugalendhi observed, Mere issuance of a circular alone would not serve the purpose. It has to be implemented strictly by the officials. Failure to follow circulars, directions or instructions issued by higher authorities should be dealt with by separate disciplinary proceedings. Only then would the system stand the test of time. The judge made the observations on a petition filed by eight persons, who were booked by the Madurai police for waylaying and abusing some police officers in 2012. The petitioners filed a plea in 2023 to quash the FIR, but the same was closed by the high court last year, after the police submitted that the investigation was over and the final report had already been filed. However, when the petitioners approached the lower court seeking a copy of the final report, they were informed that it was not filed. Alleging the police made a false statement, the eight persons filed another petition seeking to recall the closure order passed in their quash petition. The additional public prosecutor informed the court that the final report filed by the police was returned by the court due to certain defects. The judge noted that the report was already filed after an 11-year delay, and it has not been taken on file, citing defects. He recalled that another single judge of the court, who had faced a similar issue in a contempt petition, issued a series of directions with the cooperation of the then Inspector General of Police (South Zone), which helped reduce the pendency of final reports. In a previous order issued in the case, Justice Pugalendhi, pointing out the recurrence of the issue, had observed that a victim of a crime is depending upon the investigation as well as the prosecuting agency for the redressal of their grievances. The role of the investigation agency would not end at the mere filing of a final report. It has to ensure that the prosecution is conducted effectively, he added. Based on the observation, the DGP issued a circular on January 20 to review criminal cases not taken on file. Since the final report filed in the petitioners case was taken on file by the court concerned, the petition was disposed of.

After two years, ASI ask archaeologist Amarnath to rework Keezhadi Excavation report

CHENNAI: After keeping it pending since January 2023, the Archaeological Survey of India has returned the 982-page Keezhadi Excavation Report (2014-15 and 2015-16) submitted by archaeologist K Amarnath Ramakrishna and asked him to resubmit the report after making certain corrections. The communication by the Exploration and Excavation Section of the ASI said changes were suggested by two experts who vetted the report to make it more authentic. It said the three periods mentioned in the report require proper nomenclature or re-orientation. It said the time bracket of 8th Century BCE to 5th Century BCE required concrete justification. It also suggested the need for replacing certain maps and for including certain contour maps, stratigraphy drawing etc. The first two phases of excavations in Keezhadi were overseen by Ramakrishna. The findings brought a lot of focus as it provided evidence to indicate that the Sangam Age could be pushed back to 800 BCE, around 300-500 years older than what was earlier thought. He was suddenly transferred out of Keezhadi in 2017, a move seen by the opposition parties as BJPs efforts to suppress the historical evidence emerging from the site. The excavations were later taken up by the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department. Keezhadis 2,600-year legacy of civilisation Condemning the development, CPM MP from Madurai Parliamentary constituency and well-known Tamil writer Su Venkatesan, in a statement, said BJP remains an adversary to Tamil Nadu's antiquity and the truth of Keezhadi. He said when the issue about delay in the release of Ramakrishnas report was raised in the parliament, it was assured that the report would be released. As the next meeting of the Assurances Committee of Parliament is scheduled for May 27, the ASI has returned the report to Ramakrishna seeking certain corrections (as a delaying tactic). An archaeologist in Chennai, well-versed in Keezhadi excavations, on anonymity told TNIE that the development was unfortunate. The report submitted by Ramakrishna is an excavators account with all observations based on facts. Before sending it to the press, only typos can be corrected. Unfortunately, it has been vetted by two others who were not connected with the excavations at all, he said . R Balakrishnan, Chairman, International Institute of Tamil Studies, who authored the book - Journey of a Civilisation: Indus to Vaigai - said, We are distressed by the fact that the report of an excavation done 10 years back is still facing roadblocks, he said. He pointed out that what is found in Keezhadi, Sivagalai, and Adichanallur had been predicted way back in 1935 by KN Dikshit, the then Director General of the ASI. Hence, it (the findings) should not shock or surprise anyone. We have to be aware that we are already 90 years late. History is not just useful; it is essential, inevitable and inescapable, Balakrishnan added. Balakrishnan recalled that the Keezhadi archaeological site was identified by the ASI team led by Amaranth Ramakrishna after surveying 292 sites on both banks of the Vaigai River. Pointing out that the ancient Tamil Sangam corpus is the urban literature par excellence of the ancient Indian subcontinent, Balakrishnan said, Hence, unearthing of archaeological evidence for an ancient 'urban settlement' near Madurai should not unsettle or bewilder anyone. History Professor V Marappan of Presidency College, who is also well-versed in Keezhadi excavations and findings, also expressed disappointment. He contended that the history experts, archaeologists and politicians from northern India have been stubbornly refusing to acknowledge the antiquity of Tamils for long. Just like the Indus Valley civilisation was there in the North, and the Mesopotamian civilisation originated from the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, etc. Ramakrishna's excavations and the report established that there existed a very ancient civilisation in Tamil Nadu. The present history book speaks only about the Indus Valley Civilisation as far as India is concerned. But in reality, the starting point of India's history is Tamil Nadu, Marappan said. Ramakrishna, who is presently Director, National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities, declined to comment. TN Budget 2024: Keezhadi to get new museum at Rs 17 crore; excavations to be conducted in eight sites

Former Minister Dindigul Sreenivasan's granddaughter dies in road accident in Coimbatore

COIMBATORE: Former AIADMK Minister Dindigul C Sreenivasan's granddaughter died in a road accident on Mettupalayam - Coonoor Road near Kallar in Coimbatore on Thursday evening. Police said that the car, in which travelled by Sreenivasan's grand daughter along with her husband and five more persons who were relatives of them, met the accident after the driver at the wheel lost control of the car and hit the roadside bund, overturning on Thursday around 5.45 pm. The deceased was identified as Divyapriya (29) of Arapalayam in Madurai. According Police, Divyapriya was the granddaughter of former AIADMK Minister Sreenivasan, and she was residing with her family members at Arapalayam in Madurai. On May 20, Divyapriya, her husband Karthik Raja (30) and five more family members including 8 year-old boy, were travelling in the car. They went to Udhagamandalam in the Nilgiris district. After spending two days at the hill town, they were returning to Arapalayam from Udhagamandalam on Thursday evening. Karthik's younger brother Parthiban, who was at the wheel of the car lost control of the vehicle when it approached the second hairpin bend near Kallar on the Coonoor-Mettupalayam ghat road. The vehicle hit the roadside bund and overturned. Divyapriya sustained severe injuries and was declared brought dead at Mettupalayam GH. Her husband Karthik Raja and family members Parameswari, Valarmathi, Ishwarya and others sustained injuries and were treated at Mettupalayam GH and later shifted to private hospital in Coimbatore. Police said that all others' condition was stable. Mettupalayam Police registered a case and further investigation is on.

Former TN minister Dindigul C Sreenivasans granddaughter dies in road accident

The accident happened when Divyapriya, her husband Karthik, 30, and five other family members were returning to Arapalayam in Madurai after spending two days in Ooty in the Nilgiris district.

Kodumbalur, which was the seat of power ofIrukkuvels, is an architectural marvel

Silapadikaram refers to it as a place situated on the way to Madurai, the capital ofPandyas, fromWoraiyur, theChola capital.It is referred to asKonattu kodi nagaram (the capital city ofKonadu) inPeriyapuranam. It boasts temples of great beauty. Inscriptions in the temples carry vital information on the history of the region

TVS Motor and OOR Cabs in pact to deploy 500 electric three wheelers in TN

OOR Cabs will roll out the electric vehicles for intra-city passenger transport, starting operations in Tiruchi and gradually extending to Madurai and Coimbatore

TVS Motor co, OOR cabs join hands to deploy 500 EVs in TN

As part of the initiative, OOR Cabs will deploy the vehicles for eco-friendly intra-city passenger services, beginning with Trichy, and progressively expand operations to Madurai and Coimbatore.

Santhanakoodu festival draws huge turnout of devotees at Yerwadi; symbolises communal harmony

picture by Balachandar (all madurai suggested)

HDFC bank opens new currency chest in Madurai

Luck runs out for Madurai women on their second bid to steal goods at supermarket in Virudhunagar

all madurai editions suggested

Dont hold local body polls without delimitation: Madras HC

MADURAI: The vacation bench of the Madurai Bench on Wednesday directed the government and state election commission not to conduct local body elections in nine districts without completing delimitation and the process required for announcing reservation. A bench of justices S Srimathy and R Vijayakumar gave the interim direction on a PIL petition filed by K Shunmuganathan of Tirunelveli. The petitioner said that on May 5, the state election commission had published electoral rolls for nine districts where elections would be held. The previous local body elections in TN was conducted based on the 2011 census. When it was pointed out by the Madras High Court in a similar case last year that the state had undergone drastic changes in population and other factors, the government had given an undertaking that it would not conduct elections without completing the delimitation and the process required for finalising ward reservations. However, authorities have now initiated the election process without fulfilling the undertaking, the petitioner said adding, the poll rolls for several wards did not even have photographs of voters, which could pave way for impersonation. Also, some of the vacancies have not been included for the election, he added, suspecting ulterior motive behind it. Considering the submissions, the judges gave the interim direction, issued notice to authorities concerned and adjourned the case for a month.

Madras HC forms panel to decide time for Tiruchendur temple consecration

MADURAI: After objections were raised over the date and time fixed for the consecration of Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy temple, the vacation bench of the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Wednesday appointed a five-member committee to take a fresh decision on the matter. A bench of justices S Srimathy and R Vijayakumar gave the direction while disposing of a batch of petitions filed claiming that the date and time (9 am to 10.30 am on July 7) allegedly chosen by the authorities was inauspicious. They requested the court to direct the authorities to conduct the ceremony at Abhijith muhurtham (between 12.05 pm and 12.45 pm) on the above date. The five-member committee includes one of the petitioners, Sivarama Subramaniya Sasthrigal, as well as Sabarimala Ayyappan Melsanthi (chief priest) and Pillaiyarpatti Pitchai Gurukkal. The committee could have a discussion and the majority decision could be finalised, the judges added. Subramaniya Sasthrigal said in his petition that he was responsible for fixing timings for poojas, festivals and all other events taking place in the Tiruchendur temple for the past 13 years. However, without consulting him, the temple authorities had chosen the date and time for the consecration, which is highly inauspicious and against the Agamas. Claiming that the ceremony is believed to be crucial for the welfare of the country, state and leaders and choosing an inauspicious time would have negative ramifications, he suggested the authorities change at least the timing to Abhijit Muhurtham.

CM opens hostels, hands over job orders

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday inaugurated three new Thozhi hostels for working women at Saint Thomas Mount (Chennai), Hosur and Tiruvannamalai, established at a total cost of Rs 38.15 crore. He also laid the foundation for 14 more Thozhi hostels to be built at a total cost of Rs 176.93 crore. These hostels are coming up in Taramani and Chepauk (Chennai), Madurai, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Nagapattinam, Krishnagiri, Erode, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Dharmapuri, Theni, Sivaganga, Ranipet, and Karur. Over 2,000 working women can be accommodated in these facilities. Stalin also handed over appointment orders to newly recruited staff in the departments of police, fisheries and dairy development. Meanwhile, Fisheries Minister Anitha R Radhakrishnan commenced the payment of financial assistance to fishermen for the ban period. An official release said the government has sanctioned Rs 140.07 crore for providing assistance of Rs 8,000 each to 1.75 lakh fishermen families in 14 coastal districts. The period between April 15 and June 14 in East Coast areas and between June 1 and July 31 are considered as fishing ban periods (61 days).

15 years on, MKU contract workers waiting for regularisation of jobs in TN

MADURAI: Over 350 contract workers who have been working in Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) for over 15 years have urged the authorities to regularise their jobs. According to sources, 386 non-teaching staff are working in the university as Casual Labour (CLR) and Consolidated Pay Casual Labour (CPCLR). Of this, CPCLR workers are paid Rs 7,500 -Rs 12,500 and CLR workers are paid Rs 500 per day for average 22 days of work in a month. The employees work in various positions, including drivers, assistants, gardeners etc. Speaking to TNIE, MKU CPCLR association president M Savariguru said a total of 214 CPCLRs and 172 CLRs have been working for a long time nursing hopes of permanent jobs. Of the 386 workers, more than 50% are degree holders. Earlier, without any prior notice, the then Vice Chancellor J Kumar removed 135 CPCLR and CLRs from service. We are afraid this may be repeated again, he said. He further stated that the DMK in its election manifesto had assured to regularise the contract workers, and requested Chief Minister MK Stalin to take steps to regularise the workers. Speaking to TNIE, Madurai Kamaraj University SC/ST Employees Welfare Association president C Muniyandi said There are 429 SC/ST vacancies in various positions. MKU has not filled vacancies for more than ten years. More than 120 CPCLRs and CLRs are eligible under this category. In 2020, the syndicate gave approval to absorb CPCLRs and CLRs, but till now efforts have not been taken, he said. An MKU official, requesting anonymity, said the process to recruit non-teaching staff would be initiated soon and the demand of CPCLRs, CLRs would be considered at that time.

DMK to unveil 2026 Assembly election work plan at general council meet

Chennai: The ruling DMK is gearing up for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with a target of winning 200 out of 234 seats. As part of its early groundwork, the party will unveil a comprehensive election work plan during its General Council meeting scheduled to be held in Madurai on June 1. While an 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 .

SHRC awards Rs 5 lakh to custodial torture victims; Tamil Nadu govt to pay

DINDIGUL: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Tuesday directed the state government to provide Rs 5 lakh as compensation to a couple who faced custodial torture in Dindigul police station 17 years ago. Six police personnel have been found guilty and four have been acquitted. Since the guilty have retired from service, the commission said the government was liable for the actions of its employees and directed it to pay the compensation. According to sources, in 2008, ten police personnel10 police personnel including DSP (Dindigul) - Maheshwaran, Police Inspector of Eriyodu Station - Mohan, along with other Police personnel - Lakshmi Prabha (SI), Balasubramanian (SI), Annakili (Inspector - Vadamadurai), Marudhavalli (SI - Vadamadurai) detained Panju alias Panchavaranam and her husband Pandi, who was also a policeman, in connection with a gold chain theft case. The couple was detained from October 26 to October 30 in illegal custody at Eriyodu Police Station and AWPS, Vadamadurai. There, they were made to kneel down, and filthy language was used against them. Later, they were set free. On 28 October 2008, the couple's daughter registered a complaint with SHRC. During the final hearing on Tuesday, SHRC member V Kannadasan acquitted four police personnel from the case stating their involvement had not been proved and pronounced six police personnel guilty of the charge. Further, he stated that since these personnel have retired from service, the state government shall pay compensation to the complainant on vicarious liability for the human rights violated by its employees.

Three die after sunshade collapses in rain in Tamil Nadu

MADURAI: A 13-year-old boy was among three people killed after a rain-soaked concrete sunshade collapsed on them, while they were sitting in the thinnai (verandah) of their house on Muthalamman Kovil Street in Valayankulam near Perungudi on Monday night. According to sources, the sunshade of the house, which is over 40 years old, was delaminated in the persistent rain over the last few days. Around 9 pm on Monday, the slab collapsed on V Ammapillai (75), her grandson A Veeramani (13), and her neighbour V Venkadammal (54). Though the family members pulled the three out from the debris immediately and rushed them to Valayankulam Primary Health Centre (PHC), Venkadammal was declared dead on arrival. Later, Veeramani and Ammapillai were shifted to the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH), however, they both died not responding to treatment between Monday night and Tuesday early morning. The bodies of the three deceased were kept at the GRH for autopsy. Meanwhile, the family members of the boy raised allegations that no doctor was present at the PHC when they reached the centre for treatment.

Initiate criminal prosecution against educational officials in fraud case: Madras HC

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench recently directed the CB-CID to initiate criminal prosecution against the educational authorities with whose collusion a private trust in Thoothukudi allegedly scammed several individuals by promising them jobs in govt schools. Justice B Pugalendhi gave the direction on a batch of bail and anticipatory bail petitions filed by some of the accused. The judge noted that the court has already granted interim relief to the petitioners and none of them are in prison. He ordered continuation of the relief on condition that they should cooperate with the investigation. He also observed that the appointment of teachers is only done by the Teachers Recruitment Board. However, a fraud has been committed by creating a Trust Aadhava Students Welfare Trust as if they are providing teaching jobs in government schools, he said, adding that this would not be possible without the collusion of edu authorities. The judge noted that the court, while denying anticipatory bail to the first accused, had on January 19, 2024, ordered the director of school education to conduct an inquiry and take action against erring officials within 3 months. The case was originally registered by the Thoothukudi district crime branch in July 2023, based on a complaint by Shanmugalakshmi that she had not received salary despite being appointed as a government schoolteacher. The prosecution alleged that the Trust had signed MoUs with district and chief educational officers for offering infrastructure and teacher training. Using this, it collected money from several individuals promising them jobs in government schools. The Trust initially paid salaries for some time and then cheated them.

DMK gears up for 2026; appoints eight regional in-charges for poll work

CHENNAI: Though not officially announced yet, the DMK leadership has so far appointed eight regional in-charges to oversee election-related activities across designated districts. Their responsibilities include coordinating election preparatory works, addressing internal disputes, and assessing local ground realities. The partys district units have been grouped into eight regions, each entrusted to senior leaders with significant influence. Former Union minister and the partys deputy general secretary, A Raja, has been assigned to oversee the Chennai region. The deep southern districts have been split into two separate regions, with deputy general secretary and MP Kanimozhi and Minister Thangam Thennarasu appointed as in-charge for each. Minister R Sakkarapani is handling a region that includes Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, while former minister V Senthil Balaji is in-charge of the Coimbatore region. The entire delta and central districts have been placed under the charge of the partys principal secretary and Minister K N Nehru. Likewise, senior ministers E V Velu and M R K Panneerselvam have been appointed as in-charge of regions comprising the northern districts. However, sources indicate that the exact composition of each region and its respective districts will remain uncertain until the final announcement, which is expected on or before the partys general council meeting in Madurai on June 1. A Raja With DMK president and Chief Minister M K Stalin ambitiously targeting to secure 200 seats for the alliance in the 2026 Assembly elections and retain power for a second consecutive term, the party has already devised its strategies and begun implementing them. As Stalin previously stated, the detailed election work plan will be unveiled at the partys general council meeting. The regional in-charges have already begun holding consultative meetings in their respective districts and conducting one-on-one discussions with local party functionaries. They are taking note of internal disputes involving local functionaries, ministers, district secretaries, and MLAs, and are attempting to resolve these issues at their level. Sources said the more serious or unresolved matters are being escalated to the partys five-member committee, which includes Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. The in-charges and party functionaries from various districts held meetings with the five-member committee at the DMK headquarters in two sessions, morning and evening, on Tuesday. Sources said the discussions focused on some of the districts overseen by Thangam Thennarasu and K N Nehru. These meetings are expected to continue in the coming days. Party sources further noted that the meetings serve two key purposes. First, they help address internal conflicts well ahead of the election works and second, they provide Udhayanidhi, the partys youth wing secretary, with experience in understanding and resolving union and district-level issues within the party.

Nearly all of Tamil Nadu facing high or very high heat risk

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu has emerged as one of Indias most heat-vulnerable states, with nearly 90% of its districts falling under high or very high risk categories, according to a new report released by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) on Tuesday. With 46% of its districts in the very high-risk category and another 43% classified as high risk, TN faces a multifaceted challenge. The state ranks fifth nationally on the Composite Heat Risk Index (HRI), a data-driven assessment that integrates climatic, demographic, socioeconomic, and land-use factors to evaluate district-level heat vulnerability. The HRI is based on the IPCCs AR5 risk framework, which combines three core components: hazard, exposure and vulnerability. In TNs case, the hazard component has intensified significantly over the last decade. Districts like Kanniyakumari and Ramanathapuram have seen a sharp increase of nine to 10 very hot days per summer (defined as days exceeding the 95th percentile of historical maximum temperatures), and an additional seven to nine very warm nights. Such nocturnal heat events reduce the human bodys ability to recover from daytime heat, increasing risks of cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. Although TN is a coastal state with naturally high humidity, recent data shows that relative humidity has increased even during peak summer months, particularly in interior districts. This reduces the effectiveness of sweating as a cooling mechanism, worsening heat stress, said Madhavan Nair Rajeevan, vice-chancellor of Atria University and former secretary at the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Urbanisation has also been factored into the index. The report incorporates satellite-derived land-use and land-cover data, which shows a sharp expansion of built-up areas in cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchy and Madurai. In Chennai, this has led to a measurable rise in nighttime minimum temperatures and a shrinking diurnal temperature range, CEEW researchers said. The state has formally recognised heatwaves as a disaster eligible for mitigation funding, yet most of its Heat Action Plans lack data-backed vulnerability assessments. Sudha Ramen, member of the State Planning Commission, acknowledged that there are gaps in availability of data in general to effectively tackle the issue, but Tamil Nadu is taking measures to mitigate the heat stress on its population. Department of Public Health has given an advisory to all the private hospitals to have an exclusive data reporting mechanism, especially for people who come with ailments that would have been caused due to heat stress, she said.

PWD to pursue heritage status for Kuttalam Palace after Madras HC affirms Keralas ownership

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the Madras High Court on Tuesday reaffirming that Kuttalam Palace in Tamil Nadu belongs to the Kerala government, the Public Works Department (PWD) is considering applying for heritage status and conservation grants to support its upkeep, subject to availability of funds. We have been maintaining the palace for years, even as the ownership dispute with the Travancore royal family played out for nearly eight years. We secured a favourable verdict during the first LDF governments tenure and have been renting out the property since then, said Beena L, chief engineer, PWD (Buildings). The HCs Madurai bench dismissed the royal familys petition claiming rights over the property. The verdict upheld the order issued by the Tirunelveli revenue divisional officer (RDO) saying the palace is owned by the state government. The family had argued that the palace belonged to them, and wanted cancellation of the title deed issued by the TN government in Keralas name. The RDO rejected the familys plea after which it moved the HC. Advocate General (AG) Gopalakrishna Kurup, who appeared for Kerala, said although the family could file an appeal, the verdict clarifying ownership could set a precedent for similar disputes involving former royal properties. There are documents showing which properties the Travancore royal family was entitled to retain. Kuttalam Palace was not among them. Even the records of property transfers between royal families have no reference to the palace. In the 1991 will of Chithira Thirunal, the last ruling Maharaja of Travancore, Kuttalam Palace was not named as part of his estate. The court concluded the palace is not private property, he said. The covenant signed during the transition to democracy required the royal family to retain only certain properties, with the rest going to the state. The assets taken by the family did not include the palace. The court also found that the familys documents lacked clear or accurate details about the palace. It noted that the patta was issued in the name of the palaces caretaker who was appointed by the government. So, the family could not claim any right over it. The Madurai patta passbook records show the land was in the kings name and was officially transferred to the state government in 1996. The former royal family challenged this in 2010. The case was challenged again in 2019 and 2023 after further confirmations by the court in the states favour. The latest ruling addresses those later appeals, the AG said. In 2010, the TN government tried to claim the palace, but the court dismissed the case. In 2019, the Tirunelveli officer issued an order stating that 58.68 acres of land, which includes the Kuttalam and Dalawa palaces and all the buildings on it, belongs to the Kerala government. After Keralas formation in 1957, the ownership of the palace was transferred to the state government. A few years ago, the Kerala government spent over Rs 2 crore to renovate the buildings. The site functions as a guest house, Kuttalam Palace Rest House. Besides the AG, Senior Government Pleader V Manu appeared for the Kerala government. There are indications the royal family may challenge the verdict in a division bench. Royal retreat Kuttalam Palace is located in Tenkasi taluk in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu Built in 1882 by Maharaja Visakham Thirunal of Travancore as a rest house near Kuttalam waterfalls Designed and supervised by European engineers, completed during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal The palace complex spans 56.57 acres with a built-up area of 2,639.98 sq m Comprises 11 buildings and 34 rooms, including Dalawa Palace and Ammachi Palace Ownership transferred to Kerala government after states formation in 1957

Workers from Madurai, Dharmapuri enter Chennai Metro Rails phase II project amidst rising manpower shortage

Heavy rain lashes Kerala, TN and Karnataka; eight killed in rain-related incidents

Heavy rains lashed Chennai and neighbouring districts on Tuesday evening, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that conditions are favourable for onset of southwest monsoon over Kerala during next 4-5 days. A total of eight deaths in separate rain-related incidents have been recorded in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu so far. Meanwhile, the IMD, in the forecast bulletin issued on Tuesday at 4.30 pm, predicted widespread rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm, lightning and strong winds across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the next seven days. The southwest monsoon, which typically arrives towards the end of May, has arrived about two weeks earlier than predicted. The early onset of southwest monsoon can be attributed to climate factors like stronger westerly winds and rising sea surface temperatures, experts told TNIE . Another change in the usual monsoon pattern is the northward tilt in rainfall distribution due to a low-pressure system forming near Karnataka's coast. IMD has issued a red alert for seven districts in Karnataka --which include Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan-- and four districts in northern Kerala --which include Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode. Orange alert has been issued for parts of Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Karnataka Various parts of Karnataka continued to receive heavy rainfall on Tuesday. Heavy rain, along with thunder and lightning, was reported in coastal districts. Traffic congestion due to flooding was reported in the arterial roads of Bengaluru. At least five people died in the state, including three in Bengaluru, due to rains. Two people --63-year-old Manmohan Kamath and 12-year-old Dinesh-- died due to electrocution in Bengaluru's BTM layout on Monday while trying to use a motorised pump to clear water out of his house. Though they were rushed to a hospital soon after, they were declared dead on arrival by doctors. Another person, 35-year-old Shashikala, who worked as housekeeping staff at a software firm in Mahadevapura area, died after a wall in company premises collapsed on her. Additionally, two people died due to lightning in Raichur and Karwar regions, officials told Hindustan Times. In the 24 hours ending on Tuesday morning, the centres to receive heavy rainfall include, Guttal (dist Haveri) 11 cm, Kalasa (dist Chikkamagaluru) 10, Kolar Pwd (dist Kolar) 8, and T G Halli Hms (dist Bengaluru) 7. Five dead as IMD issues red alert for Karnataka; BJP, HDK slam Congress for celebrations amid crisis Tamil Nadu Chennai received moderate to heavy rains late Monday night and on Tuesday evening. Heavy to very heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms and strong winds were reported in several isolated places across the state. At least three people died in the state due to rains. Three people were killed in Madurai when a sunshade slab collapsed from the weight of water that stagnated in top. The three --65-year-old Ammapillai, her 10-year-old grandson Veeramani, and her 55-year-old neighbour Venkadammal-- were pulled out of debris a while later. Venkadammal was declared dead by doctors upon admission, while the two others succumbed to their injuries later. The centres to record heavy rainfall in the 24 hours ending on Tuesday morning include, 12 cm in Hosur AWS (dist Krishnagiri), 6 cm in parts of Krishnagiri, Ranipet, Dharmapuri, Salem districts, and 5 cm in parts of Coimbatore, Vellore, Nilgiris. Kerala Widespread waterlogging has been reported in several parts of north Kerala, disrupting daily life and transportation, officials said. While a red alert has been sounded for the districts of Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode, an orange alert has been issued for Palakkad, Malappuram, and Thrissur. The remaining districts have received a yellow alert. KSDMA officials warned that extremely heavy rainfall could cause serious problems. Officials also issued safety advice, urging people living in hilly areas experiencing heavy rain, particularly those at risk of landslides, mudslides, and flash floods, to move to safer locations as early as possible, preferably during daylight hours. Stations recorded 22 cm in Kunnamkulam (dist Thrissur), 18 cm in Ams Kannur (dist Cannur); heavy rain of more than 15 cm was recorded across Cannur, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Idukki districts. Heavy rainfall likely in Andhra Pradesh for next two days

Three killed in sunshade collapse near Madurai

Old structure was weakened by rain that lashed the region for the past one week, says a local resident

Tamil Nadu Rains: 3 Dead After A Wall Collapse In Madurai - Oneindia

Tamil Nadu Rains: 3 Dead After A Wall Collapse In Madurai Oneindia

Three dead after wall collapses due to heavy rain in Tamil Nadu's Madurai - MSN

Three dead after wall collapses due to heavy rain in Tamil Nadu's Madurai MSN

Tamil Nadu: Three dead after wall collapses amid heavy rain in Madurai - DD News

Tamil Nadu: Three dead after wall collapses amid heavy rain in Madurai DD News

Madurai rains: Three including a 10-year-old boy killed as sunshade collapses

The old structure was weakened by heavy rain that lashed the region on May 19, 2025

Three, including a 10-year-old die after rain-choked sunshade slab collapses in Madurai

MADURAI: Three people, including a child, died after a rain-choked sunshade slab of a house collapsed in Valayankulam near Perungudi on Monday night. The incident reportedly occurred around 8:30 p.m. when a 65-year-old woman, Ammapillai, was sitting with her 10-year-old grandson, Veeramani, and her 55-year-old neighbor, V. Venkadammal, in front of her house on Muthalamman Street. Due to light rain in the locality over the past few days, the sunshade slab had reportedly become waterlogged, leading to its collapse. Owing to a power cut in the area at the time, it took some time for locals to discover the accident. All three were immediately pulled from the debris and rushed to Valayankulam Government Hospital for treatment. However, Venkadammal was declared dead by doctors. Veeramani and Ammapillai were later transferred to Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) for further treatment, but both succumbed to their injuries late that night. The bodies of the three victims were kept at GRH for post-mortem. The Madurai Rural Police have launched an investigation. Notably, Madurai district experienced moderate rainfall on Monday, recording an average of 12.5 mm on Sunday and 2.68 mm on Saturday.

Madras HC imposes Rs 25 lakh cost on state for violating court order directing grant of quarry licence in 2010

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court recently ordered the Industries department to pay Rs 25 lakh cost for failing to obey an order passed by the court in 2010, directing the department to grant quarry permission to a man in a 10-hectare land in Tiruchy district. Hearing a contempt petition filed by the man, N Babu (now deceased), in 2015, Justice K Kumaresh Babu directed the principal secretary of the department to pay Rs 20 lakh to Babu's family, who were added as petitioners in 2020, and deposit the remaining amount in favour of the Chief Justice Relief Fund, within two months. According to the order, Babu was granted lease to quarry sand in the above land for three years from December 2001 to December 2004. Subsequently, the state government passed a G.O. on October 1, 2003, taking over the operation of all sand quarries in the state. The Supreme Court had upheld the validity of the said rule but permitted lessees, who were in existence on the above date, to continue quarrying operations for a limited period and also directed refund of unutilised lease amounts. Based on this order, the Tiruchy collector granted licence to Babu to quarry sand for six months but the latter was unable to commence work as the forest department deferred the decision on their application seeking pathway permit for transporting sand. Since the six months expired, Babu requested extension of time, but the collector rejected it, against which the petitioners moved the High Court in 2008. In 2010, HC advised Babu to first get pathway permission from the forest department and later approach the collector. Though Babu obtained the said permit, the collector continued to ignore his application, prompting him to file the contempt petition. The additional advocate general claimed that Babu was told to submit a mining plan and environmental clearance in 2015 but he failed to do so on time. Rejecting the said stand, the judge pointed out that the said legal requirements arose only after the amendment of the Rules in 2015. A subsequent bar which came much after the orders were passed, cannot be put against the petitioner that too, when the timeline granted by the court had been violated, he added. Since 15 years have passed and various officers were holding the posts of additional chief secretary to the government and Tiruchy collector during the said period, there would be no use in punishing the person who is currently holding office, the judge opined and passed the above order.

Disburse 50% of rapist's prison wage to daughter of victim: Madras HC

MADURAI: Confirming the conviction of a married man for sexually assaulting and impregnating a woman through coercion, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court directed the jail authorities to ensure that half of the wages earned by him in jail are disbursed to the victim's child as maintenance. Justice KK Ramakrishnan passed the order last week on the appeal filed by the man challenging the order passed by the Mahila Court in Virudhunagar in 2019, convicting and sentencing him to seven years of rigorous imprisonment. The convict was a foreman in a match factory in Virudhunagar and the victim used to work under him. The judge noted from the victim's statement that the man threatened to inflict burn injury on her and sexually assaulted her by promising to marry her. However, when she informed him about her pregnancy, he refused to marry. While the victim was coerced into giving consent, it was not a voluntary consent, the judge observed. Holding that the prosecution has proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt, the judge upheld the conviction and sentence. However, the judge added that the court's duty does not end with this. Noting that the convict already has a child born through his wife, the judge said that two children are left in the lurch due to the man's act. To ensure that both children receive maintenance, he directed the jail authorities to extract work from the convict and disburse his wages equally to both his children, adding that the authorities should submit a periodical report in this regard every six months.

No anticipatory bail for suspected accused over cheating IAS officer in online saree fraud case

BENGALURU: A city civil and sessions court dismissed an anticipatory bail petition of Nagaraj Marimuthu from Tamil Nadu over a complaint filed by IAS officer Pallavi Akurati, who was allegedly cheated after paying the money online to purchase a saree. She tried to purchase a Madurai Sungudi cotton saree through a YouTube vendor after watching a video uploaded by Poornima Collection. She had sent a screenshot of the selected saree to the specified WhatsApp number and paid Rs 850, including shipping charges, to the same mobile number through GooglePay on March 10, 2025. But she was cheated and the vendor did not send her the product. Pallavi filed the complaint with the CEN crime police station, East Division. The grounds urged for anticipatory bail are bald and vague, and such grounds cannot be entertained for granting extraordinary relief of anticipatory bail under the facts and circumstances of the case. It is true that the complainant was cheated by collecting a small amount online. The offences of cheating, etc., committed through online are always considered serious, as the perpetrators of the crime of this nature always try to conceal their identity. The identity of the accused and the chances of his involvement in other similar offences are yet to be traced and ascertained by the investigating officer. Under such circumstances, the petitioner at this stage is not entitled for an order of anticipatory bail, said Kemparaju, Judge, 55th Additional City Civil and Sessions Court, rejecting the petition by Nagaraj Marimuthu (27), a resident of Seetharam Dass Nagar in Theni district of Tamil Nadu. The court observed the documents do not reveal in what way the petitioner is related to the crime. There should be a valid apprehension of arrest by a person to file an anticipatory bail application. In this case, the FIR is registered against an unknown person. In the bail application, no particulars of implicating or the possibility of implicating the petitioner are forthcoming. When the petitioner is no way connected to the crime, a blanket anticipatory bail cannot be granted to such a person at this stage, the court said. The petitioner contended that the complaint was against Poornima Collection and not against him, and his name is not mentioned in the complaint. The complainant herself stated that the vendor may be committing mass cheating and has accumulated a huge amount, he alleged, while expressing the apprehension of his arrest by the police. Filing objections against granting anticipatory bail, the prosecution contended that there is a prima facie case against the petitioner.

Forum protests demanding action against Madurai Adheenam

Man opens fire at his cousin with pistol over quarrel in Madurai; 10-year-old boy also injured

MADURAI: A former Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel was arrested by the Koodakovil police on Sunday for allegedly firing at his cousin with his licenced pistol during a quarrel, causing injuries to his right rib. According to police, another bullet the accused fired had hit some solid object and a broken chip out of it hit a 10-year-old boy standing nearby. Both of them have been admitted to hospital and are out of danger. According to sources, former SSB personnel K Marisamy (40) and his cousin M Udhayakumar (40) are residents of Paraikulam village and neighbours. They allegedly have a disagreement over a property dispute. On Sunday, Marisamy was sitting outside his house, when he noticed Udhayakumars brother M Manikandan quarrelling with his wife. Believing that they were referring to him during their verbal duel, Marisamy got into a fight with the couple. When Udhayakumar also joined the quarrel, an irate Marisamy took out his pistol and fired at him. The bullet hit him in the rib. Marisamy also opened fire on Manikandan, but the bullets missed him. One of the bullets hit a solid object and a broken chip out of it hit K Kishore (10), a local resident, causing injury to his shoulder. Panicked villagers alerted the police, which arrested Marisamy. An officer attached with the station said Udhayakumar and his brothers were upset with Marisamy as he was not supporting the former in the property dispute with other relatives. Following a preliminary investigation, police said it was not a planned attack.

Abandoned Kovilpatti bus stand turns haven for anti-social activities

THOOTHUKUDI: The additional bus stand in Kovilpatti, which has not seen any long-distance TNSTC bus enter any of its bays at least for the past decade, has now been reduced to a spot for anti-social activities, complain the public. They seek immediate measures to address the issue and resume bus operations at the facility. The Kovilpatti municipal additional bus stand, which was constructed at a cost of Rs 1.8 crore on 3.97 acres of land on the outskirts of Kovilpatti along the Tirunelveli-Madurai national highway, was opened on July 16, 2007. Chief Minister MK Stalin who was then minister for rural development and internal affairs inaugurated it. Within a few years of it being thrown open for use, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), however, stopped operating buses at the facility which has bays to station at least 30 buses. While political factors are attributed for the TNSTCs move, passengers are now in a spot as mofussil buses plying on the Madurai-Tirunelveli NH drop those wanting to get down at Kovilpatti off on the service road itself instead of entering into the bus stand. Sometimes, the buses drop the passengers on the national highway during the small hours, leaving their life at risk, said A Shanmugam of Kovilpatti. Complaining that the additional bus stand also is lacking in proper lighting, anti-social activities now thrive at the facility during the night hours, complain the public. Liquor bottles can be spotted strewn around on the bus stand premises. It may be noted that the municipality as part of reconstruction of the Kovilpatti daily market shifted shops to the additional bus stand for about a year before moving them back to the redeveloped market. A few traders, however, continue to encroach upon the bus stand, sources said. While a senior TNSTC official told TNIE that there was no necessity for mofussil buses to enter into the additional bus stand, Kovilpatti municipal chairman Karunanidhi told TNIE that the civic body has sought `2.25 crore for revamping the facility. As part of it, mofussil buses will be compulsorily made to ply from the bus stand. The bus stand was put into disuse during the 10-year AIADMK regime over political vendetta, he added. Plans are also on to construct a subway under the national highway to facilitate safe crossing, he further said.

Downpour inundates streets, damages infrastructure in Madurai city

Man opens fire at his cousin with pistol near Madurai

File report on caste discrimination during temple fest: Madras HC to collector

MADURAI: Hearing a petition alleging caste discrimination during the Vaikasi festival chariot procession of the Aravayee Amman temple in Senapadi of Karur, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently directed the districts collector and other authorities concerned to file a report with specific findings regarding the allegations and reserved the matter for passing a detailed order. Further, as an interim relief, the Vacation Bench comprising Justices P Velmurugan and KK Ramakrishnan permitted the temples committee members to conduct the temple festival from May 21 to May 23, on condition that they take the chariot till the border of Senapadi, without going on a procession through the other villages. The court passed the directions in a petition filed by P Ramesh who claimed that the said temple belongs to both the SC and caste Hindu (Vanniyar) communities. On the second day of the three-day festival in the Tamil month of Vaikasi, the chariot of the temple used to reach the Mariamman temple in Nerur during which SC community residents would prepare Pongal and perform pooja before the chariot following which it is taken back to Senapadi. However, for the past 15 years, the chariot has not entered our locality, which comprises nearly 180 SC residents, despite repeated appeals to the temple committee members. Even this year the committee turned down their requests, the petitioner said. With petitions sent to the district collector and the HR&CE department yielding no results, the petitioner said he sought the courts intervention. Hearing the plea on Thursday, the judges summoned the collector, inspector general of police (Central zone) and superintendent of police, among others. During the hearing, the temple committee members claimed that it is a private temple and that only the residents of Senapadi, Mallapalayam and Muniyappanur can claim right over it. Officials, too, denied the allegations of caste discrimination. HC orders RPO to renew passport of TPDK chief Chennai: The Madras High Court has ordered the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) to renew the passport of Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam president Kolathur Mani irrespective of the pendency of criminal cases, including a case under TADA registered in 1994, against him. The order was passed recently on a petition filed by Mani praying for a direction to the RPO, who had refused to renew the passport after it expired last year. The first respondent (RPO) shall consider the application of the petitioner dehors the pendency of the criminal cases and if the petitioner is otherwise eligible, reissue the passport within eight weeks, Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy said in the order. The judge, however, directed Mani to take prior permission of the courts concerned, where four criminal cases are pending trial, before leaving for any foreign trip.

DVAC raids properties of ex-min, former AIADMK MLA in DA cases

TIRUVANNAMALAI/MADURAI: The DVAC on Saturday raided the premises of former AIADMK minister and partys Arani MLA Sevoor S Ramachandran in Tiruvannamalai district and former AIADMK MLA P Neethipathis premises in Usilampatti in Madurai district. The raids were carried out in connection with two separate cases registered against the two persons recently for allegedly amassing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income. Official sources said Ramachandran, his wife R Manimegalai and two sons R Santhosh Kumar and R Vijayakumar have been booked in the case. The disproportionate assets are estimated at `8.03 crore accumulated from March 23, 2016, to March 31, 2021, when Ramachandran was HR&CE minister in the previous AIADMK government. Sleuths searched the residences of Ramachandran and his son Santhosh Kumar in Arani. The case against Neethipathi was registered on Friday for amassing assets worth Rs 1.83 crore disproportionate to his known sources of income when he was an AIADMK MLA representing Usilampatti between 2016 and 2021. The case has been registered against Neethipathi, his wife N Anandhi and son N Elanchezhien, a contractor in Usilampatti municipality. The Madras High Court recently heard a petition filed by Kannan, seeking to register a case against the former MLA and his family for acquiring wealth through ill-gotten money since the DVAC had not registered a case despite his complaint in 2023. DVAC had informed the court that it would be registering a case. Calling the raid an act of political vendetta, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised the ruling DMK and Chief Minister MK Stalin, saying the latter is scared of the ongoing Enforcement Directorate raid. The DVAC raid is based on fabricated cases which will not affect the AIADMK, Palaniswami said in a statement. Fabricated cases: EPS The raids were carried out in connection with two separate cases registered against the two persons recently. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised the DMK calling the raids an act of political vendetta. He said the raids are based on fabricated cases which will not affect the AIADMK.

50 per cent of traders in Madurai city yet to renew licence

MADURAI: With about half of the traders operating out of corporation buildings in the city yet to renew their shop licence, the civic body will as part of a special drive keep its tax collection centres open during the weekend to facilitate payment of rental dues. The civic body will also entertain applications for licence renewal during the period, officials said. A senior official told TNIE that out of the total 3,378 shops in corporation property, 1,463 shops have either renewed their licence or have applied for it. While the shop licence renewal has to take place once in every two to three years, a large number of those traders who are yet to renew their licence have rental dues, disallowing them to apply. Some of them have defaulted on rent payment for a few years, officials said. Having served notice to such defaulters, officials warned that non-payment of rental arrears any further would invite legal action on the traders. The shops may also be re-auctioned, they said. Meanwhile, a trader who wished to not be named said several corporation spaces like where shops have been set up at the Mattuthavani bus stand are not properly maintained. The vegetable market lacks basic amenities which have to be addressed by the corporation, the trader added.

Tourists wary of vacation in North India, travel operators in TN battling trip cancellations after Operation Sindoor

TIRUCHY: After Op Sindoor, tourists wary of vacation in North India, despite the semblance of normalcy post the countrys declaration of ceasefire with Pakistan, travel operators in Tamil Nadu say they are battling a wave of trip cancellations from customers who had originally planned a summer vacation in the northern states. Others are changing their itinerary to spend their planned break in overseas destinations like Malaysia and Singapore, the operators add. G Kalidasan, a travel agent operating in Tiruchy and Madurai, said most holiday bookings are made in January. This year, the interest has, however, plummeted, he added. Several customers are requesting refund or shifting their plans to countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia or domestic destinations like Kerala and Goa. Unfortunately, their payments are tied up with airlines and hotels, and Ive personally refunded approximately Rs 28 lakh to date. Were expecting a decline of over 60% in holiday trips to northern states during summer, he added. Around 5 lakh from Tamil Nadu usually visit popular spots like Amritsar, Meghalaya, Darjeeling and Kashmir during the months of April and May, travel operators said. Ganesh, a small operator from Karur, shared his plight: We had planned a four-day Kashmir tour for about 15 people starting on May 22, collecting Rs 35,000 per passenger. Now, around 10 travellers are requesting refund. We assured them in writing that it would be processed within 30 days but managing the cancellations is difficult. Meanwhile, Ahamad Khalid, who owns a hotel in Meghalaya, said, Most tour operators book their holiday package well in advance, and we invested in renovation and vehicle modification based on the bookings. Now with the cancellations, were uncertain about returning the money. P Venkataraman, an elderly resident in Dindigul who has scheduled a trip to Kashmir, said, My children are worried about my scheduled trip to Kashmir with my wife. I received a written assurance from the travel agent that my money would be refunded within three months; he also asked me to consider rescheduling my vacation to next year at no extra charge. I am contemplating whether to proceed.

Sivaganga back on top after seven years in Class X results

MADURAI: Sivaganga which is placed at the top in state wide rankings for class X performance with 98.31% pass percentage, has bagged the place after a gap of seven years. The chief educational officer (CEO) P Balamuthu attributed the success to multiple model tests conducted for the students. The district emerged as topper in 2017-18 with 98.5 pass percentage and in the subsequent years held on to the second position. Balamuthu said, a total of 49 students scored centum in Mathematics, 211 in Science and 511 in Social Science this year. In Class 11 results, the district was placed in the seventh spot with 94.79 pass percentage. Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari districts secured second, third, and fourth places with 97.45%, 96.76%, and 96.66% respectively. Madurai was placed in 22nd spot with pass percentage of 93.93%. A total of 168 schools in the district achieved 100% results. Corporation schools improved their performance with 91.25%. Out of the total 24 corporation schools in Madurai, eight achieved 100% pass. In Tirunelveli, 21,216 students out of the total 22,533 cleared the exam, recording a pass percentage of 94.16%. As many as 27 government schools achieved 100% pass results. Collector R Sukumar urged students to make use of the Higher Education Guidance Centre functioning at the district collectorate. Students can reach out for counselling at 95003 24417 or 95005 24417. In Tenkasi, a total of 18,255 students from 228 schools appeared for the Class 10 examination, of which 17,389 students cleared the exam, recording a pass percentage of 95.26.

Woman married under Christian law cant claim SC quota: Madurai Bench of Madras HC

MADURAI: Observing that it is a fraud on the Constitution to confer Scheduled Caste (SC) status to a Christian, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court recently disqualified an AIADMK woman functionary from the post of chairperson of Theroor town panchayat in Kanniyakumari, which was reserved for SC community. Justice L Victoria Gowri passed the order on a petition filed by a DMK ward member V Iyyappan, who had contested against her for the post. The judge said that though the woman, V Amutha Rani, was originally from Hindu Pallar community (an SC denomination), she had married a Christian man belonging to Backward Class in 2005 under the Indian Christian Marriage Act, under which a marriage can be solemnised only between two Christians. Rejecting Ranis claim that she neither underwent baptism nor converted into Christianity, the judge said, Once a person submits voluntarily for the conduct of ones marriage under the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, the said person could be considered a Christian thereafter, (and) renunciation of native religion is automatic. The Tamil Nadu Government Servants (Conditions of Service) Act, 2016, provides that no person who professes a religion different from Hinduism or Sikhism or Buddhism shall be deemed to be a member of a Scheduled Caste. Since the post of panchayat head comes under the category of public servants, the above rule applies to Rani as well and she cannot identify herself a Hindu or claim to be a Scheduled Caste member for the purpose of public employment, the judge said.

Aim is to crack UPSC, say two visually challenged kids who aced Class X

MADURAI: Resilience triumphed in the Class 10 board examinations as two visually impaired students B Akash of Madurai and M Nandesh of Theni scored an impressive 471 out of 500. Akash, a student of St Josephs Higher Secondary School for the Blind, hails from Ayyampatti in Dindigul. His mother, Kanimozhi, is a tailor and his father a labourer in a private mill. Following the Braille method and with help from teachers and peers who read lessons aloud, Akash has consistently ranked among the top three in his class. I studied in the hostel and made the best use of the study hours allotted. After Class 12, I wish to pursue BA English and prepare for the UPSC exam, he told TNIE, expressing gratitude to his scribes, headmistress, teachers and parents. Nandesh, a student of Bodinayakanur Municipality High School in Theni, topped his school and scored a centum in Social Science. His parents, Manikandan and Revathi, are daily wage labourers. Despite being born with a visual impairment, he studied using audio lessons on a mobile phone. I want to crack the UPSC exam. I request Chief Minister M K Stalin to support my higher education, he said.

Kerala: Muthuvan family battles wild odds to stay connected to its land

IDUKKI: Like all members of the Muthuvan tribe, Amrita Raj and his family also share a deep connection with their land. Despite umpteen challenges, including frequent raids on their crops by wild elephants and birds, and water scarcity, the family of four Raj, his wife Santhi and two daughters Sangeetha and Sneha religiously carry out farming on their five acres of land close to the forest at Kundala near Munnar in Idukki. For them, the land is their mother and source of livelihood. Ever since I settled at Kundala (Kundala Muthuvan Kudi) in 2001, farming has been our source of livelihood. While the Kundala reservoir is nearby, we use its water only for drinking purposes. Water that flows down from the nearby shola forest is used for irrigation, he said. During summer, Raj manages to store the water from the stream in an artificial pond that he created in the middle of his farmland. Raj largely cultivates butter beans, which is in high demand, besides other varieties, including bush and red beans. In the past, in addition to the selection of crops that were suitable to their soil and weather, collaborative farming and direct marketing helped tribal farmers in Kundala earn good income. Back then, the families worked together in the fields to cut down on labour expenses. Moreover, sale of their produce used to be carried out via Krishithanal, a collective of tribal farmers, which sold the beans directly in markets. We bear losses due to fluctuation in prices and carry on: Farmer Barring Rs 2 per kg of beans charged as transportation cost, the rest of the money made after selling the produce went directly to farmers, said Raj, who was secretary of the collective. However, crop raids by wild animals and birds, and water scarcity, forced many farmers to quit. While fencing has been erected, wild jumbos find ways to enter the farmland and damage the crops. Besides, water from the shola is often not enough to irrigate the entire farmland. As a result, many farmers quit, he said. Since leaving their land was not an option, Raj and his family persevered. My family jointly carry out the farming. Harvested crops are sold directly in main markets in Kochi and Madurai, without the help of intermediaries. Though price fluctuations occur, we bear the losses and prepare for the next season, he said. Raj said he has set up solar-powered LED lights with the support of the agriculture department in his farmland, which has helped keep wild elephants away. His eldest daughter, Sangeetha, 18, is a BA first-year student at Government Arts College in Munnar. She said she has set aside 40 cents of land for cultivating red beans this season, and has decided to do it by herself. My father has promised to give the entire profit of my harvest to me, said the 18-year-old, who believes that farming is as enjoyable as any other hobby.

Madras HC sets aside suspension of AR Dairys licence, cites lack of hearing

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday set aside the suspension of the licence of AR Dairy Food Private Limited, which had been withheld after the firm allegedly supplied substandard ghee to the prasadam unit of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Justice V Lakshminarayan remitted the matter back to the Central Licensing Authority under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for reconsideration within a month. He directed that the designated officer must pass an order on whether the companys licence should be suspended for all its activities or limited only to the manufacture, transportation and sale of ghee. The judge further observed that even if the officer decides to suspend the licence, it could only be an interim measure and, therefore, must not exceed more than six weeks. Within this period, the officer must decide on whether to cancel the licence by following established procedures. He added that since the court has passed the order on technical grounds, the company must pay a cost of Rs 2 lakh to the licensing authority within two weeks. Until a final decision is taken, the judge permitted the company to operate its other units, except those producing ghee and milk powder. The order was passed on a petition filed by the company, challenging the suspension of its licence by the central designated officer on 14 February. The judge observed that, as per Regulation 2.1.8 of the Licensing Regulations, it is mandatory to issue notice and provide an opportunity for hearing to the Food Business Operator (FBO) before suspending the licence. The order of suspension must also be a reasoned one, he added. Though suspension of the petitioners licence was done upon issuance of a notice, procuring a written reply and through a reasoned order, since the petitioner was not heard before the suspension order was passed, the exercise was not properly done, the judge said. He also added that the authorities failed to consider whether the activities of the petitioner were so detrimental to the public that the suspension of all the activities was necessary or whether suspension of the manufacture of ghee products alone would have been sufficient. When the Act and Regulations call upon the authorities to decide on this issue, failure on their part to consider this aspect necessarily requires this Court to interfere, the judge observed and passed the above order.

DMK functionaries in Madurai swear to sweep all 10 seats in Assembly polls; party general council meeting to be held in Madurai on June 1

Madurai slips from 11th to 22nd rank in Tamil Nadu Class X Board exams

Madurai:Kallazhagar Returns to Temple on 9th Day of Chithirai Festival - The News Mill

Madurai:Kallazhagar Returns to Temple on 9th Day of Chithirai Festival The News Mill

Dy BDO among two suspended for MGNREGS graft in Madurai

MADURAI: The District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) on Thursday placed on suspension the deputy BDO of Vadipatti and the Andipatti panchayat secretary, while a temporary worker was sacked for alleged malpractices in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) work in villages under Vadipatti taluk. Acting on complaints, a team of officials led by DRDA Assistant Project Officer Rajeswari inspected the 100-day work scheme in villages under Vadipatti taluk last week. A DRDA official said that contrary to complaints, no machinery were found used for execution of MGNREGS work except one used to mix cement. In Andipatti village, we found pictures uploaded for absentees in the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app, allowing officials to swindle money out of it, the official added. Following this, DRDA Project Officer Monika Rana on Thursday suspended Vadipatti Deputy BDO Kaniselvi and Andipatti panchayat secretary Selvam. Further, Assistant Engineer Marutham, BDO Krishnaveni and overseer Ranjitham were issued a memo in connection with the inspection. Further, temporary worker Karthigaiselvi who was work supervisor with Andipatti panchayat was removed from service.

Patients flag linen quality in Thirumangalam GH, officials blame it on daily washing

MADURAI: Several patients have complained that the quality of bed spreads and blankets used in Thirumangalam Government Hospital are of sub standard quality. Speaking to TNIE, Vijayalakshmi, a villager said,When my relative was admitted in male ward after a minor surgery. I found the bedspread was of poor quality and colour had faded. When I questioned the nurses about it, they asked if I found holes in the bedspread also. I was taken aback by the reply. Sakthivel Murugan a villager, said, Majority of the bedspreads used in the Thirumangalam GH are old. Some are so thin that they can be torn easily by hand. Hospital authorities are not worried about this. Anyone walking to the laundry section of the GH, could see for themselves that the fabric quality is very bad. But, officials dismissed the complaints. Speaking to TNIE, a top official from Thirumangalam Government Hospital said,There are 145 beds in our hospital. Each bed is given 5 blankets and bedspreads. We have a stock of more than 600 items. We get almost all the bed spreads and clothings from Khadi and other stores associated with government agencies. But since these bed spreads are required to be replaced everyday as they could contain infection, all bedspreads are washed. After more than one month of wash, the colour fades away. This doesn't mean they are sub-standard. He added,Even if the bedspread has one hole or a section is torn, we immediately discard the bedspread. And a new one is added to the list.

Madurai Bench of Madras HC directs cops to produce CCTV footage in Vadakadu violence case

MADURAI: The vacation bench of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday directed the Pudukkottai police to produce the CCTV footage between May 5 and 7 in the police station in Vadakadu village, where members of SC community were allegedly attacked by a mob of caste Hindus on May 5. The court gave the direction while hearing a PIL petition seeking criminal investigation, temple entry for SC people and compensation to the victims. As per directions of the court, the Pudukkottai collector, Inspector General of Police (Central Zone) and Superintendent of Police were present at the hearing. Additional Advocate General M Ajmal Khan, who appeared on their behalf, told a bench of justices P Velmurugan and K K Ramakrishnan that the government has paid Rs 46,000 compensation to one Malliga, whose house was damaged in the incident. Further, he said the government is also planning to construct a house for her under the Kalaignars Kanavu Illam scheme. That apart, the collector has sanctioned an interim compensation of Rs 8.75 lakh to be disbursed to 14 victims under 12 (4) annexure-I of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, Khan said, adding that nine more persons, whose properties were damaged, will receive similar compensation. AAG Veera Kathiravan, who also represented the officers, submitted that four FIRs have been registered by police in connection with the incident. So far, 21 persons from most backward classes and nine persons from SC community have been arrested he added. After the petitioners counsel submitted that the local police station is situated just 500m from the place of violence, the judges issued the direction, and reserved the matter for further orders. The petitioner S Shanmugam (47) of Thirumanacheri in Karambakudi taluk alleged that the incident took place when a group of caste Hindus quarrelled with some SC youth for allegedly standing near a Mariamman temple. The group later returned with a mob and attacked the SC settlement, he added. Besides seeking a direction to the police to conduct an inquiry based on the CCTV footage and mobile phone videos, Shanmugam also wanted formation of a team comprising representatives from National Commission for Scheduled Castes and social activists to assess the damage and suggest suitable compensation. Authorities should also ensure access to SC people in the above temple, he added. Court reserves orders in 2 caste bias cases MADURAI: The vacation bench of the Madurai Bench of the Madras HC on Thursday reserved interim orders on two PILs alleging caste discrimination in two villages in Karur. While one plea filed by P Ramesh alleged that the chariot of Sri Aravayee Amman Temple was not being taken into the SC settlement in Nerur village, the other plea filed by R Subramani sought a direction to ensure the worshipping rights of SC community people in the Bhagavathi Amman temple in Porunthalur village and also alleged prevalence of two-tumbler system. Pursuant to an earlier direction, the collector and SP had appeared before a bench comprising justices P Velmurugan and K K Ramakrishnan on Thursday. The additional advocate generals denied the allegations and claimed no such complaints have been filed so far. HC asks if TN toilets slippery only for accused CHENNAI: The Madras HC on Thursday asked the state government whether the police stations in TN were slippery only for those in custody, while hearing a petition filed by a man requesting treatment for his son Jakir Hussain lodged in prison in a case. Hussain had sustained fractures in his left leg and right hand. Hearing the petition, the vacation bench of justices G R Swaminathan and V Lakshminarayanan asked the counsel for the government as to cause of the injuries. When the counsel informed the court that the injuries were sustained during an accidental fall in the toilet in the police station, the judges asked whether the toilets were slippery only for the accused. The bench said there should be an end to such incidents and warned that the police personnel involved could lose their jobs. The bench ordered for treatment to be provided to Hussain at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Filmmakers decide to mute parts of Kissa 47 CHENNAI: The producers of the Santhanam-starrer Devils Double Next Level movie slotted for release on Friday informed the Madras HC on Thursday that they have decided to mute and delete certain parts of the song Kissa 47. The producers counsel made the submission before the vacation bench that was hearing a PIL filed by an advocate M D G Balaji, who sought directions to the Central Board of Film Certification to revoke the certification issued to the film. He contended that usage of the phrase Govinda, Govinda in an objectionable manner in the song was offensive to Hindus. After recording the submissions, the bench adjourned the hearing to Friday.

Rain lashes Madurai

Rain delays landing of flight at Madurai airport

DVAC seizes 1.02 lakh from Assistant Director in Madurai

Raids conducted on illegal overseas recruitment agencies at Melur in Madurai district

The Protector of Emigrants advises those seeking jobs overseas to verify credentials of recruitment agencies before making any financial commitments

Hundreds of passports of overseas jobseekers seized from illegal recruiting agents in Melur

Protector of Emigrants, Chennai, and Madurai District Police conducted joint raids on Thursday

AIIMS Madurai Project Research Scientist I Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences Madurai (AIIMS Madurai) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 02 Project Research Scientist I posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official AIIMS Madurai website. The last date to submit the application form is 04-06-2025.

One year on, Pottalooranis fight against fish feed units continues

THOOTHUKUDI: Wednesday marked completion of one year of continuous protest staged by residents of Pottaloorani village seeking closure of three fish feed and oil manufacturing units because foul smell from the industries was affecting them. But their protest has not yielded results. Locals say a nauseating smell emanates when fish is processed in the boilers. The boilers are operated late at night and the smell is so unbearable that we cannot sleep, the villagers said, adding untreated waste water is being released in the open which affects agriculture. The residents have staged several protests, including boycott of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Everyday, we gather at the protest venue at 8 pm and highout our demand, said a woman. In November last year, the district administration through Srivaikuntam tasildar, issued orders deploying VAOs and village assistants of Ellainayakkanpatti, Vadakku Karaseri, Chekkarakudi 1, and Deivaseyalpuram to monitor the operations of the companies round the clock and mark the timings when smell emanates everyday. A protester wishing anonymity said cases have been registered against seven individuals for protesting against the firms. Police had also registered two cases invoking SC/ST Act against 6 protesters, including two anti-caste activists. Instead of justice, we are only punished, he said. Pottaloorani villagers' protest enters 176th day as foul odor from fish meal, oil plants continue Further, E Sankaranarayanan, a Tamil teacher at the Nadukallur government higher secondary school in Tirunelveli, who led the agitation has been transferred to Tiruvannamalai district, and an inquiry has been initiated against him under section 17(b) of Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules on charges of instigating agitation, the villagers said. According to sources, the three companies had approached the Madurai Bench Madras High Court, and the matter is pending. In its counter, the state government had stated that the firms must reduce the bad odour as mandated by the district administration and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). The people demanded that the police to withdraw all the cases. If the companies are not shut, we will consider boycotting the 2026 assembly elections also, said an agitation committee leader. Speaking to TNIE , Srivaikuntam tasildar said acknowledged that bad odour emanates at night as per the periodical reports collected in the past six months. However, the smell has substantially reduced as the companies had installed more efficient filter systems including in the chimneys.

Four private college students arrested for killing Chennai student in Coimbatore

COIMBATORE: Two days after an unidentified mans body was found on a plot at Vellalore in Coimbatore, four private college students were arrested on Wednesday by the police for murder. According to police, the four friends allegedly injected the 21-year-old victim with drugs and smothered him with a pillow for talking to the girlfriend of one of the accused on video call. Police identified the deceased as Surya, a native of Madurai who was studying in a university in Chennai. The accused have been identified as Karthi (21) of Avaniyapuram in Madurai, Naren Karthick (20) of Sundarapuram, Madesh (21) of Kinathukadavu, and Mohammed Rafi (21) of Podanur in Coimbatore. They were students of a private college at Kuniyamuthur in the city and were staying in a rental house at Postal Colony, Perur, police said.According to Podanur police, the body was recovered from the plot of land housing the unfinished integrated bus stand in Vellalore. As per police investigation, girlfriend of Karthi, one of the accused, allegedly spoke to Surya often over video calls, and the two had developed enmity over this. On Thursday night, Karthi and his friends invited Surya over to their house, injected him with drugs and smothered him to death with a pillow, police said. On Friday night, they transported the body in a car and dumped it at the vacant plot in Vellalore and fled the spot. All the four were secured by police on Tuesday and remanded to judicial custody on Wednesday. Further probe is on.

Driver, conductor suspended as baby falls off TNSTC bus and dies

COIMBATORE: A driver and conductor of the TNSTC Coimbatore were suspended on Wednesday, after a 9-month-old fell from a running bus on Monday in Salem. Sources said T Rajadurai (31), from Karungalur in Dharmapuri district, who works as a mason at a construction company in Coimbatore, had recently visited his hometown. He was heading back to Coimbatore with his wife and two children, one aged seven and the nine-month-old, on a government bus operated from Salem to Coimbatore, on Monday night. Around 10.15 pm, while on Valaiyakaranur flyover on Salem-Coimbatore NH, the driver, A Sivanmani suddenly applied brakes, causing the infant to slip from Rajadurais lap and fall onto the road, through the open door. The infant died on the way to the hospital. Subsequently, Rajadurai filed a complaint with the Thevur police station, stating that the conductor and driver had failed to close the door, sources added. Following this, TNSTC Coimbatore warned that drivers and conductors would face departmental action if they operated buses without closing doors. Police in Salem registered cases against the driver and conductor on Tuesday. The Managing Director of TNSTC suspended the driver and conductor K Palanisamy of Coimbatore for alleged negligence. In another incident, TNSTC driver Arulmoorthy from Virudhunagar district, allegedly started operating a bus from Pollachi bus stand to Sivakasi with 40 passengers on Wednesday afternoon in an inebriated state. After the driver allegedly drove the bus for a few kilometres, passengers stopped him on Udumalai road. The driver then dozed off in the bus. Gomangalam police secured him. The passengers were taken in another bus. After a video of the incident went viral, TNSTC Madurai region suspended the driver.

Vadakadu community clash: Pudukai collector, cops summoned

MADURAI: The vacation bench of the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Wednesday has summoned Pudukkottai district collector, IGP Central Zone, and Superintendent of Police to appear before it on Thursday in a case seeking compensation to Scheduled Caste people whose properties were damaged in the recent caste violence at Vadakadu village in the district. A Division Bench of Justices P Velmurugan and KK Ramakrishnan gave the direction while hearing a PIL filed by S Shanmugam (47) of Thirumanacheri in Karambakudi taluk in Pudukkottai, seeking justice for the victims. The petitioner stated that on May 5 caste hindu people questioned some SC youths who were standing near Muthumariyamman Temple in the village and attacked them. After the SC youths defended themselves, the caste hindu youths returned with a group, attacked SC people and damaged their properties. Stating that Vadakadu police did not register case against caste Hindus who were involved in the incident, petitioner sought a direction to the SP and range DSP to investigate the case through CCTV footage and cell phone videos to identify the those who have been left out and include their names in in the FIR. Though detailed representations submitted via post to the authorities concerned including request to provide compensation and to declare the village as atrocities-prone, no positive steps have been taken, he stated. Further, he sought the court to issue direction to constitute a team comprising National Commission for Scheduled Castes, social activists to inspect the village and submit a report so that the compensation for the injured and to properties damaged.

Officials summoned in plea to bring temple chariot to SC community area by Madras HC

MADURAI: The vacation bench of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday directed the district collector of Karur and its superintendent of police (SP), and the IGP (Central zone) to appear before it on Thursday in connection with a plea seeking a direction to the authorities to have the temple chariot of the Aravayee Amman temple at Senappadi taken to the SC community-dominated Nerur for rituals during the upcoming Vaikasi festival. A Division Bench of Justices P Velmurugan and KK Ramakrishnan passed the directions on a PIL petition moved by P Ramesh (52) of Nerur in Manmangalam taluk of Karur. Ramesh in his plea stated that the Aravayee Amman temple at Senappadi belongs to members of both the SC and caste Hindu (Vanniyar) communities. On the second day of the three-day festival during the Tamil month of Vaikasi, the chariot of the Amman temple is usually brought to the Mariamman temple in Nerur during which residents hailing from the same SC community as I prepare Pongal and perform poojas in front of the chariot before it is taken back to Senappadi. This year the festival falls during May 21-23, the petitioner stated. However, for the past 15 years, the chariot has not entered our area despite repeated requests to the committee members of the temple. The committee turned down their requests this year too, the petitioner added. A petition seeking the revival of the custom submitted to the district collector was forwarded to the HR&CE department as well but the latter refused to entertain it stating that the temple under contention does not come under its purview, the petitioner further said. A second petition with the collector also yielded no positive response, he added. Following this, the court directed the authorities concerned to appear before it and adjourned the case to Thursday.

V-C search panels told to file report to government, not governor

CHENNAI: In the first such orders issued for state universities under higher education department, the search panels constituted to choose vice-chancellors for four universities have been mandated to submit their recommendations to the state government and not the Governor-Chancellor, as has been the practice so far. The Tuesday notification, issued after the landmark verdict of the Supreme Court regarding assent to bills that allowed the Tamil Nadu government, instead of the governor, to appoint vice-chancellors, also extends the tenure of these search panels appointed earlier to August 13, 2025. The four universities are Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University (TNTEU), Annamalai University (ANU), Anna University (AU) and Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU). Though three-member search panels were constituted and notified for these universities on October 19, 2022, December 9, 2024, December 13, 2024, and January 10, 2025, respectively, these committees could not complete their work due to the tussle between Governor R N Ravi and the state government with the governor insisting on the inclusion of a nominee of UGC chairperson as the fourth member in each of these search panels. Search panels set up earlier for three varsities have also been revived Through the orders issued on Tuesday, the government has extended the tenure of these panels till August 13, 2025, to finish their selection process and recommend a panel of three names to the government. The orders also amended certain portions of the earlier notifications that mentioned that the panel of three names was to be submitted to the Governor-Chancellor. These portions have been now been altered to say that the submission will be done to the government, which is now the appointing authority as per the amended acts of the universities that were granted deemed assent by the SC and has since come to force. The orders on Tuesday also amended the earlier notifications that said the Governor-Chancellors nominee in the panels of all these four universities will no more act as conveners of the search panel. They will just be another member like the other two members of the panels. The members earlier nominated for these panels have not been altered. These four are among the 11 of the 22 state-run universities that are functioning at present without V-Cs. Following the SC verdict, the government already issued notifications for search panels. Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Tamil University and Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University, which are respectively government by Agriculture Department, Tamil Development and Law Departments. Sources in the higher education department said the search panels constituted through earlier notifications for Bharathiar University, Bharathidasan University and Periyar University have also been revived. However, there is no confirmation on whether an order has been issued in this regard since the earlier notifications for these three universities also mentioned that the recommendations of the panels will be submitted to Governor-Chancellor. Academics said an amendment would be warranted so that these panels also submit their recommendations to the government. Interestingly, these three universities did not have a Governor-Chancellors nominee in their panels as the composition mentioned in the respective acts governing these universities were different. Petition in HC against University Amendment acts Chennai: The Madras High Court on Wednesday sought TNs reply to a petition seeking to declare ultra vires the amendment Acts and gazette notification that took away the powers of the governor-chancellor to appoint V-Cs to state universities and vest those powers with the state government

IndiGO to operate direct flight service between Madurai and Abu Dhabi from June 13

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Kallalagar to return to Alagar hills today in Mohini alangaram

MADURAI: A day after the entry of Kallalagar into River Vaigai, the deity as part of the ongoing Chithirai festival in Madurai was taken in a procession to the Thenur mandapam (hall) on Tuesday where the ritual of the lifting of the curse of sage Manduga was performed amid the presence of scores of devotees. On Tuesday, Kallalagar mounted on a golden sesha vahana was taken in a procession to the Thenur mandapam in the Vaigai bed. Later in the night, the Kallalagar procession will reach Ramarayar mandapam in a golden Garuda vahana. As per the ritual, fulfilling the wish of sage Manduga, Kallalagar shows all his 10 avatars (dasavathara darisanam). The rituals are scheduled to be performed at the Ramarayar mandapam. Later on Wednesday, the deity will be adorned in mohini alangaram and will begin the journey back to the Alagar hills. Special crowd regulation measures have been made at both the mandapams. Meanwhile, S Vignesh, a devotee from Kulamangalam, commended the WRD for clearing the invasive plant species ridding the river near Thenur mandapam. But throughout the rest of the year, the river remains unmaintained, promoting invasive plant growth and garbage dumping. The corporation and the WRD department could take action. Deaths during Alagars Vaigai entry due to natural causes After two people died during the annual Kallalagar procession on Monday, police officials clarified in a statement that both of them died due to natural causes and not due to suffocation by the crowd. They stated that the first death was reported near the HR&CE Mandagapadi situated within the Vaigai river. The deceased was identified as C Boominathan (64) of Tirunelveli. As Boominathan arrived at the platform with his family at 4 am, he suddenly fell unconscious. Though the police administered first aid, he died of cardiac arrest and not suffocation. The second death was reported near Kalpalam. The deceased was identified as Marikannan of Sellur. It is said that Marikannan was on the streets for the past three years after having issues with his wife, and his death was caused due to poor health and not suffocation.

Madras HC lauds TNs plan to pass laws to protect sportswomen

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court appreciated the state governments plan to introduce a suitable legislation for the protection of women and girls taking part in sports, and expected that the government would enact the legislation as early as possible. As introducing the legislation would take some time, the state has issued detailed guidelines as an interim measure, submitted state public prosecutor Hasan Mohammed Jinnah before Justice K K Ramakrishnan on Tuesday. Earlier, the judge had directed the chief secretary to address the issue of protection of women and girls taking part in sports from sexual harassment, while upholding the conviction of a physical education teacher for sexually assaulting a girl student, whom he had accompanied for a sports event in 2018. While dismissing the teachers appeal against his conviction, the judge came to know that the victim discontinued her studies and sports after the incident, and issued the above direction. When the matter came up for reporting compliance, Jinnah appeared through video conference and submitted the states plan and the interim measures taken. Perusing the guidelines, the judge appreciated Jinnah and the chief secretary. Expressing hope that the legislation would be enacted soon, he posted the matter to July 21 for passing further orders.

Rain likely in Ghats on May 16, no respite for Chennai

CHENNAI: The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecasted heavy rain in Ghat areas of Coimbatore, Nilgiris and a few interior districts till May 16, while other districts will continue to witness sizzling heat. On Tuesday, seven stations in Madurai, Vellore, Erode, Karur, Palayamkottai and Tiruchy clocked temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius. Madurai airport station for the second consecutive day recorded the highest maximum temperature of 41 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the Met office said conditions are favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon over some parts of south Arabian Sea, Maldives and Comorin area, some parts of south Bay of Bengal during next three-four days. The India Meteorological Department had announced that the monsoon onset is expected over Kerala on May 27. In the last 24 hours ending 8.30 am on Tuesday, Sholayar in Coimbatore received the highest rainfall of 7 cm followed by Cinchona, 6 cm. While thunderstorm with lightning and gusty winds (speed reaching 30-40 kmph) is likely to occur at a few places, a heavy rainfall warning is issued for Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Erode, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Tirupattur, Vellore, Namakkal, Karur on May 15. On May 16, the forecast says, Ranipet, Tiruvanamalai, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai districts and Karaikal area will receive heavy showers. In Chennai, sky condition will be partly cloudy. The temperature will be around 38-39C.

38,348 stray dogs in Madurai, says survey

Two devotees die during chithirai festival in Madurai

MADURAI: Two people died during the chihirai festival on Monday. The first incident took place at the HR&CE Mandagapadi inside Vaigai river, where a 65-year-old devotee suffered cardiac arrest. She died while being taken to hospital. The deceased was identified as Boominathan of Tirunelveli district. The second incident occurred near Kalpalam where a 45 year old man, was found dead. The cause of death is yet to be ascertained, police said. Government officials and dignitaries were provided special passes to enter the HR&CE Mandagapadi within the Vaigai river. Boominathan (65) along with his family arrived at the VIP area within the river ahead of the procession. A few minutes later he fell unconscious. Police on duty there alerted the 108 team who attempted to take him to a hospital. However, since there were issues in the designated exit, the ambulance found it hard to make a turn and rushed out through the alternate route. He was taken to GRH, but was declared brought dead. HR&CE Minister P K Sekar Babu while addressing the media said proper security measures were taken at the venue. He assured solatium will be provided to the deceased s family. One killed, two Injured as bike hits barricade in Madurai A 37-year-old man died and two others sustained injuries after the bike they were travelling, hit a barricade in Madurai city. TIW police identified the deceased as M Malairasan (37) of Karuppayurani in Madurai. The injured individuals are Gowtham and Kannan. The incident happened near Yadava College in New Natham Main Road. Malaiarasan along with his friends were on their way to attend the Chithirai festival, when the bike rode by him allegedly lost control and hit a speed breaker before dashing against a barricade. Malaiarasan sustained multiple injuries including head injury. All three were rushed to a private hospital where the doctor declared Malairasan dead. Tallakulam police registered a case under 281, 125 (a), 106 (1) of BNS. The pillion riders, who sustained minor injuries were out of danger, police said.

Madras High Court orders DVAC to prosecute two hostile witnesses in graft case

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to prosecute two witnesses who initially deposed against a former police inspector in a graft case but later turned hostile during cross-examination. Justice B Pugalendhi, who passed the order, also sought an explanation from the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Nagercoil for allowing the cross-examination of the witnesses more than three years after their chief examination, observing that the delay contributed to them turning hostile. The court issued the directions while hearing a petition filed by S Rajasekaran, former inspector of Vadasery police station, seeking suspension of the three-year prison sentence handed to him in January in connection with a bribery case. Rajasekaran was convicted of demanding a monthly mamool of Rs 50,000 from a CD shop owner in 2013. Challenging the conviction and sentence, Rajasekaran filed an appeal along with a petition seeking suspension of his sentence. The two witnesses in question were the complainant and an official who accompanied him as a shadow witness when the DVAC arrested the inspector. Rajasekarans counsel told the court that both witnesses supported the prosecution during their chief examination in 2015, but turned hostile during cross-examinations conducted in 2018 and 2019. During the cross-examination, the complainant claimed there was no demand or acceptance of bribe by Rajasekaran and alleged that the money was placed inside the inspectors diary while he was away bathing. The defence argued the case was foisted to prevent Rajasekaran from initiating action against the CD shop. Criticising the conduct of the trial court, the court ordered the DVAC to prosecute the two witnesses.

Lord Kallalagar enters Vaigai, sea of humanity converges in Madurai

MADURAI: The much-awaited event of the annual chithirai festival Lord Kallalagar entering the Vaigai river took place on Monday morning. Adorned in green silk (to mark prosperity in agriculture) and mounted on a golden horse vahanam, Kallalagar entered the river at 5.48 am as hysterical crowds chanted Govinda, Govinda and loudspeakers blared Vararu Vararu Alagar Vararu song from the Vijayakant-starrer Kallalagar, rendered by Deva. Kallalagar , the processional deity of Sundaraja Perumal temple, started in a procession from Thirumaliruncholai or Alagar Kovil on Saturday and arrived at the HR&CE department mandagapadi built in the Vaigai river. Upon his arrival, people who had converged on the river banks in Goripalayam erupted with joy and devotion. On Sunday night, Kallalagar arrived at Prasanna Venkatachalapathy temple in Tallakulam. Around 2.30 am, rituals were performed and the deity was adorned in green silk and placed on the iconic golden horse vahanam for his journey to Madurai. As per tradition, the processional deity of Koodal Alagar temple, Lord Veera Ragava Perumal mounted on a silver horse vahanam received Kallalagar into the Vaigai river. After circling the platform built inside the river three times, Kallagar proceeded on the Vaigai North bank road to Ramarayar Mandapam where theertha vaari (spraying of water) ritual was performed. Thousands of devotees disguised as deities Kallalagar and Pathinettam Padi Karuppu sprayed scented water on the deity using leather bags Thopparai. Later, the procession proceeded to Vandiyur Perumal temple. Lord Kallalagar would be visiting Thenur Mandapam on Tuesday and relieve Sage Manduka of his curse. He would return to Alagar Kovil on May 17. Special arrangements were made by the district administration to regulate the crowd. Several lakhs of people from across the state arrived in Goripalayam to wtach Kallalagar enter the river. Ministers P K Sekar Babu and P Moorthy, Madurai MP Su Venkatesan were among those present. R Rajesh Kannan, a resident said, Every year we would take part in the procession, this year too ,authorities have made extensive arrangements. The barricade arrangements in the procession path made it a bit difficult for us to take part in the procession.

Anna university announces special arrear exam, 10k engineering students to benefit

CHENNAI: As many as 10,000 students are likely to benefit as Anna University has decided to conduct a special arrear examination for undergraduate and postgraduate students who have exhausted their permitted chances to clear arrears. The examination is likely to be conducted in June or July this year. For undergraduate courses at the university, students get three additional years for completing BTech courses, ie they get 14 semesters chances to clear the exam. Those who have exhausted all the 14 chances will be given the additional chance to clear the exam. The arrear exam will be conducted for students who have exhausted the maximum time limit prescribed in the university regulations. This applies only to students from non-autonomous affiliated colleges of Anna University, the university said in a statement. The special examination will be held at selected centres based on the number of student registrations. The tentative locations include Chennai, Villupuram, Arni, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore, Tiruchy, Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Nagercoil. Students could register online for the exam through the Anna University website - coe1.annauniv.edu. Detailed instructions for registration are available on the portal. The online registration will close on May 17.

Delay in NH road work irks villagers in Dindigul, officials set October 2025 deadline

DINDIGUL: Villagers of Palakunnathu panchayat are upset over delay in completion of NH 209 project connecting Dindigul-Oddanchatram. The work, which was started in January 21 in 2023, was expected to be completed by June 2024. The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 164.68 crore and the last date for receiving the tender is November 23. Speaking to TNIE , Palakunnathu panchayat president J Selvi said that there was no work carried out after Pongal. The four lane along with an over bridge passes through our village dividing into two parts. There is huge traffic jam between Semmapadapatti to Moolachatram. The traffic congestion stretches to more than four kilometres during weekends. All vehicles, travelling from Madurai to Coimbatore, have to use this road only, Selvi said. Oddanchatram CPM secretary K Balasubramaniam said, For the past two years, motorists and villagers are upset about the completion of over bridge which is a part of NH 83 in Oddanchatram. Locals greeted the project's announcements as it connected Coimbatore to Dindigul without disturbing the urban areas of Oddanchatram. When the project was approved in 2018, a part of four-lane connecting Pollachi to Dindigul stretch, residents wondered when it would be completed. The total length of the highway is 456 km and the Oddanchatram - Palani NH-209 section is 25 km long, of which 17.175 km will be developed. An official from NHAI told TNIE the project will achieve smooth and safe traffic flow and substantial economic gain in terms of reduced Vehicle Operating Cost (VOC) and reduced travel time. There weren't desperate attempt to drag the project. There were more than 12 large gaps between the entire stretch, which acted as passages. As a result, it caused technical delays in terms of coordination. But, we are determined to finish the project by June 2025 and it could open to public use by September or October, the official added.

One dies during Lord Kallazhagar Vaigai entry event in Madurai

Two die during Lord Kallazhagar Vaigai entry event in Madurai

Mounted on iconic golden horse, Lord Kallalagar enters Vaigai river

MADURAI: As part of the annual Chithirai festival, lord Kallalagar adorned in traditional green silk on his golden horse Vahana entered into the Vaigai river in Madurai on Monday. Thousands of people thronged to thr banks of Vaigai river to view Kallalagar enter the Vaigai river. At 5.48 am today, the Kallalagar procession arrived at the HR&CE department Mandagapadi built in the Vaigai river. Upon arrival of the procession, the Vaigai banks in Goripalayam erupted with 'Govinda Govinda' chants and the speaker blared the 'Vararu Vararu Alagar Vararu' song, bringing in the festival vibe among devotees gathered at the venue. The ten-days-long Chithirai festival is celebrated at Kallalagar temple from May 8 to May 17. The procession of lord Kallalagar from Alagar hills to Madurai is the largest festival celebrated in Madurai. Earlier, the procession arrived at Tallakulam Perumal temple on Sunday night , after rituals the procession deity was adorned in traditional green silk (as per the tradition the green silk represents prosperity in agriculture). Mounted on the iconic Golden horse Vahana by 2.30 am started from Tallakulam temple towards Vaigai river. As per tradition, the procession deity of the Kudal Alagar temple, lord Veera Ragava Perumal, who was mounted in the Silver Horse Vahana, received Kallalagar into the Vaigai river. After the traditional rituals and circling around the platform three times, the procession proceeded in the Vaigai North banks road to Ramarayar Mandabam for the 'Theertha Vari ritual,' in which thousands of devotees disguised as deities Kallazhagar and Pathinettam Padi Karuppu who would spray scented water at the procession deity using leather bags called 'Thopparai'. Later in the day, the procession proceeded to Vandiyur Perumal temple. Lord Kallalagar would be visiting the Thenur Mandabam for lifting the curse of Sage Manduka on Tuesday. Special arrangements were made by the various departments to maintain the scores of people who arrived to take part in the Kallalagar procession. Several lakhs of people from across the several parts have arrived in Goripalayam to spectate Kallalagar enter into the Vaigai river. Owing to the immense crowd the Vaigai bank road seemed fully packed, minor issues were reported which were addressed by the cops on the venue. Ministers P K Sekar Babu and P Moorthy along with Madurai MP Su Venkatesan and several other dignitaries were present at the HR&CE Mandagapadi in Vaigai river.