Hoax bomb threat to AIADMK general secretarys residence in Salem
Israel's latest strikes in Gaza kill 38 people including children
Recent Israeli strikes in Gaza have resulted in at least 38 deaths, including a mother and her children in Deir al-Balah. A separate strike in Jabaliya killed five, while a doctor lost nine of her ten children in another attack. Amidst the ongoing conflict, a Houthi missile targeting Israel was intercepted, triggering alarms in Jerusalem.
Murder suspect who attacked cops shot in leg in Salem
Four children drown in two separate incidents in Salem and Krishnagiri
COIMBATORE: A 25-year-old robbery-cum-murder suspect was shot in the leg by the police at an abandoned building near the foothills of Chinnagoundanur in Sankagiri on Saturday morning, after he attacked police personnel with a sickle while resisting arrest. The injured suspect has been identified as Niranjan, alias Naresh Kumar, a resident of Bottiyapuram. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Salem Government Hospital after being referred from Sankagiri GH. He was shot in his right leg. According to police, Naresh Kumar is facing close to 20 robbery cases, including a recent one in which he allegedly killed an elderly woman and robbed her of her stud after smashing her head with stones at Deevattipatti village near Omalur on May 20. Sarasu, alias Saraswathi, who had gone out grazing cattle, was found dead, and one sovereign of her stud was found missing. Based on a complaint from Saraswathis family, a special team was formed to nab the culprit. Police suspect that Naresh had been involved in similar crimes, especially targeting women who were alone, including an elderly woman at Salem and another at Magudanchavadi. He was also reportedly involved in two-wheeler theft cases in the Virudhunagar police station limits. Police said the special team, after receiving information about his whereabouts, went to an abandoned building near the Anjaneyar temple in Chinnagoundanur, Sankagiri, where Naresh was hiding. However, when the team tried to arrest him, the suspect attacked several police personnel, including the sub-inspector and a constable, Senthil Kumar, with a sickle. In retaliation and for self-defence, a police officer shot him in the right leg and subdued him. Following the incident, fellow police personnel rushed the suspect and the injured officers to Sankagiri hospital. After receiving first aid, the suspect was shifted to Salem GH for further treatment. Subsequently, Salem Range DIG E.S. Uma and other senior police personnel visited both the scene and the hospital and enquired about the condition of the suspect and the injured police officers.
Police shoot murder accused in leg after he attacks them during arrest in Salem
The accused, identified as Naresh Kumar (26), a resident of Kattikaranoor village in Omalur block, has over 20 robbery cases registered against him at various police stations across the district.
Nine TN railway stations renovated under Amrit Bharat scheme
CHENNAI: As part of the 103 renovated stations inaugurated nationwide under the Amrit Bharat Station Schemeaimed at enhancing passenger amenities, multi-modal integration, sustainability, and station aestheticsPrime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated nine redeveloped stations in Tamil Nadu. Among them, St Thomas Mount station in Chennai division, an important interchange hub for suburban and metro commuters, was revamped at a cost of Rs 11.05 crore with modernised entry-exit points, better concourse flow, and commuter-friendly facilities. In the Salem division, Samalpatti station, a key link on the SalemJolarpettai route, saw upgrades worth Rs 8 crore, including new shelters, improved lighting, and circulating areas. The Srirangam station in Tiruchy division, redeveloped at Rs 6.77 crore, now features heritage-themed architecture and enhanced infrastructure. Tiruvannamalai station, a major pilgrim destination, was upgraded for Rs 8.27 crore with temple-inspired design and facilities to manage festival crowds.Polur (Rs 6.15 crore), Chidambaram (Rs 5.96 crore), Vriddhachalam (Rs 9.17 crore), and Mannargudi (Rs 4.69 crore) also received significant upgrades. Kulitturai station in Kanniyakumari was improved at Rs 5.96 crore. Altogether, 13 Southern Railway stations were redeveloped for Rs 130 crore.
Israel asks civilians in Gaza to evacuate ahead of intensified offensive
Jerusalem: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued an urgent call for residents in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate ahead of an expected intensification of its military offensive. The evacuation order issued on Thursday covered the towns of Beit Lahia and Jabalia, the Jabalia refugee camp, and northern neighbourhoods of Gaza City, areas that 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 .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the murder of two Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C., labeling it an antisemitic attack. He refuted claims about aid not reaching Gaza, stating Israel has sent substantial aid while accusing Hamas of theft. The Israeli Foreign Minister announced an upcoming conference against antisemitism in Jerusalem following the tragic event.
Israeli PM Netanyahu reaffirms to fully control Gaza
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his governments intention to fully reoccupy besieged Gaza, dismissed any agreement to end the war, and brushed aside any speculations of a rift with US President Donald Trump. There are certainly 20 hostages still alive in Gaza and up to 38 others believed to have been killed, 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 .
Taking More Territory To Clear Hamas: Netanyahu On Gaza Offensive
The main comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin at a Jerusalem press conference on Wednesday in which he discussed the Gaza war and tensions with Iran:
Hoax bomb threat received at Salem Collectorate
Periyar varsity's former V-C hands over charge, sparks new row
COIMBATORE: Controversy erupted at the Periyar University in Salem after outgoing Vice-Chancellor R Jagannathan handed over charge to Dr T Periasamy, head of the Tamil department, without consulting the universitys syndicate committee. Jagannathan, whose term ended on Monday, is facing multiple allegations and ongoing investigations. In light of this, his decision to appoint Dr Periasamy as interim V-C, flouting protocol, has drawn sharp criticism from the academic community. A retiring V-C is expected to convene a syndicate meeting and form a panel to shortlist candidates for the position. But Jagannathan did not consult anyone, said a senior professor from the university, on the condition of anonymity. Dr T Periasamys appointment has raised eyebrows also due to the controversies surrounding him. Periasamy is reportedly associated with RSS groups, and is currently under investigation by the DVAC. A case against him is also pending in the Madras High Court. This is a clear violation of university norms and democratic processes. Appointing someone who is under a cloud undermines the credibility of the institution, said another professor.
UK, France, Canada threaten Israel sanctions over Gaza offensive
Occupied JERUSALEM: In a first, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that he is ready to end the war and hostilities in Gaza if militant group Hamas agrees to certain terms and conditions, including surrendering arms. This comes as leaders from UK, France and Germany have threatened to impose sanctions on Tel Aviv, if []
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
Studentkills self after third attempt at NEET exam in Salem
Jerusalem, May 20: Pakistan should hand over key terrorists Hafiz Saeed, Sajid Mir, and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi to India, just like the US did with one of the masterminds of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, Tahawwur Hussain Rana, Indias Ambassador to Israel J P Singh has said. Contending that terrorism is a global menace, Singh also called for the formation of an international coalition against it. In an interview with Israeli TV channel i24 on Monday, Singh stressed that Indias [] The post If U.S Can Extradite Terrorists To India, Pakistan Can Also Give Us Hafiz Saeed, Lakhvi: Indian Envoy appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Livelihood concerns: Plea to stop land acquisition for Morappur railway line in TN
DHARMAPURI: Residents of Sogathur panchayat filed a petition with the Dharmapuri administration requesting District Collector R Sadheesh to stop the ongoing land acquisition for the Dharmapuri-Morappur railway line. The railway line was proposed by the union government to improve connectivity between Dharmapuri and Chennai and`100 crore was allocated by it in 2023. Recently, Collector R Sadheesh had also assured that land acquisition would be completed by the end of this month. However, residents of Sogathur on Monday filed a petition requesting the administration to stop land acquisition as they stand to lose land and livelihood. Speaking to TNIE, S Revathi, a resident of the village, said, The Sogathur panchayat lies between the Salem-Bengaluru railway line coming under the South Western Railway and the proposed Dharmapuri-Morappur railway line. Once the land acquisition is completed, we would be sandwiched between the railway line and the roads leading to our village will effectively be crippled. It is also likely that we will not be provided with any railway bridge to connect our village. The entire farming sector which provides employment to thousands of people will cease to exist as we will have no means to transport our produce. We urge the administration to stop the land acquisition. Another resident, C Chinnasamy, said, We stand to lose our home, farmlands and our pastures sustaining our milch animals. Hundreds of families will be affected by the project. We urge the administration to plan alternative routes and give up on the current plans for Dharmapuri-Morappur railway line. When TNIE reached out to officials in the administration, they said, The land acquisition for the Dharmapuri-Morappur railway line is currently being undertaken. A total of 194 acres is required for the project and 134 acres are private lands. We have already acquired 70 acres and require 64 acres for the Dharmapuri-Morappur project.
Report Claims Trump Threatened To Abandon Israel Over Gaza Offensive, US Official Denies
As Israel intensified its offensive in Gaza to take otal control of the Palestinian territory, some of its closest allies, including the United States, might be threatening to withdraw their support from Jerusalem in the face of mass starvation.
Unseasonal rain keeps heat at bay in TN; orange alert issued for Nilgiris
CHENNAI: A persistent, upper air cyclonic circulation (UAC) has brought widespread rain across the state offering rare reprieve from the harsh May sun. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued an orange alert for the Nilgiris on Tuesday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the district. Over the past 24 hours ending 8.30 am on Monday, parts of northern Tamil Nadu witnessed significant downpours. Kallakurichi district recorded the highest with 14cm at Rishivandhiyam and 13cm at Kalayanallur. Places in and around Chennai also received heavy rainfall ranging from 2cm to 7cm. Even on Monday morning, rainy weather persisted over Chennai with steady showers. Weather blogger Pradeep John said, What this UAC has indirectly done is activate the monsoon winds and pull them up in latitude. Heavy rain is now likely for Kerala, Valparai, Nilgiris (Gudalur and Avalanche belts) and the Karnataka coast. He added that another low-pressure area is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal post May 27, setting the stage for twin systems. This rare May rain has resulted in maximum temperatures dipping by 2-4C below normal across several districts, including Chennai, Coimbatore, Salem and Dharmapuri, which typically experience oppressive heat at this time. With the southwest monsoon already advancing into parts of southern Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, TN is witnessing an unusually wet and cool end to May, considered the peak of summer in the region.
Black-flag stir marks end of V-Cs four-year term in TN's Salem
SALEM: Periyar University Vice-Chancellor (V-C) R Jagannathan demitted office as his four-year term, marked by a slew of controversies, ended on Monday. Meanwhile, more than 100 members of Periyar University Employees Union demonstrated with black flags against the outgoing V-C at the university campus on Monday, urging the state to take action against him for his corruption charges and irregularities. On his final day, Jagannathan allegedly left the university in the afternoon instead of the evening. Moreover, he allegedly skipped attending the farewell party arranged by the university. Moreover, Jagannathan did not announce the name of the V-C (in charge) for Periyar University, said sources. Jagannathan was arrested in December 2023 for alleged misappropriation of funds.
Two students end lives in separate incidents in Salem
Conservancy worker in Salem hands over gold jewellery found in garbage bin to police
Rain continues to lash Erode, Salem and Namakkal districts
Flyover construction: Demolition of old bridge near Kuniyamuthur starts
COIMBATORE: In a significant step toward decongesting traffic along the bustling Palakkad Main Road, the Special Projects wing of the State Highways Department has commenced the demolition of the old bridge near Kuniyamuthur. The move marks the beginning of a major infrastructure upgrade a new four-lane flyover aimed at ensuring smooth vehicular movement and improving connectivity to the Western Ring Road. The flyover, which will stretch for 800 metres, is designed to ease traffic bottlenecks at the busy intersection of the Palakkad Main Road and the Western Bypass (Western Ring Road). According to officials, the structure will include service roads on both sides and a subway beneath the bridge, catering to both heavy traffic and local commuting needs. Speaking to TNIE, a senior official from the State Highways Department said, We have begun the demolition of the old bridge and will soon start the pier works for the new flyover. Temporary service roads have already been laid on either side to ensure there's minimal disruption to ongoing traffic. The flyover forms a crucial part of the ambitious Western Ring Road project, which spans 32.43 km and aims to decongest the urban road network in Coimbatore by offering a seamless bypass. The road, which begins at Mykal on the Salem-Cochin Road (SHU 52) and ends at Narasimhanaickenpalayam on the Nagapattinam-Gudalur-Mysore Road (NH 67), passes through 15 revenue villages in the district and is being developed as a four-lane corridor. The project is being implemented in three phases. Phase 1, covering 11.80 km from Madukkarai to Madampatti, was launched in August 2023 at a cost of Rs 250 crore and is currently nearing completion. The government has sanctioned Rs 320 crore for land acquisition across all three phases. As Phase 1 work nears its final stages, officials are gearing up to initiate Phase 2, which will extend from Madampatti to Somayampalayam near Vadavalli. Estimated to cost `348 crore, Phase 2 will cover 12.10 km and pass through Perur, West Chithirai Chavadi, Kallikanaicken Palayam, and Vadavalli. Phase 3, the final stretch, will span 8.09 km and pass through Pannimadai, Nanjundapuram, Kurudampalayam, and Narasimhanaickenpalayam. With the new flyover expected to be completed in the coming months, commuters and residents can look forward to a significant reduction in traffic congestion and a smoother driving experience on one of Coimbatore's busiest corridors.
Salem youth falls from tree, dies
Increase in arrivals hit jackfruit price in Salem market
Heavy rain lashes Salem and Dharmapuri districts
Public demand closure of five Tasmac outlets near Salem New Bus Stand
Israeli army kills Palestinian suspect in West Bank
Jerusalem: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that its forces shot and killed a Palestinian man who ran toward them carrying a suspected booby-trapped bag in the West Bank village of Bruqin. According to the IDF, the incident occurred on Saturday during an ongoing manhunt for the gunman who killed an Israeli 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 .
Avinashi flyover: Massive iron span to be installed over railway overbridge
COIMBATORE: After multiple delays and shifting deadlines, the long-anticipated Avinashi Road Elevated Expressway project is finally inching toward completion. The Special Project Wing of the State Highways Department is set to commence the crucial iron deck installation over the railway overbridge (ROB) near the Hopes Junction - a key milestone in the project. A specially fabricated 900-tonne iron structure, manufactured in Hyderabad, has been split into 40 segments and loaded onto 15 trucks. The convoy is expected to reach Coimbatore within a week. Officials say that once on site, the deck installation will take approximately 10 to 15 days to complete. The expressway project, which has been in the works since it was sanctioned in August 2020, has seen significant progress despite persistent delays. Construction officially began in December 2020. Now, almost four years later, officials are aiming to complete the project in June, with a formal inauguration of the main carriageway and eight ramps slated for July. Designed to ease traffic congestion on the bustling Avinashi Road, the four-lane flyover stretches 10.01 kilometres in length and 17.25 metres in width. It starts at Uppilipalayam near the police quarters and ends at Goldwins, close to KMCH. Once completed, it will become the longest flyover in Tamil Nadu. Speaking to TNIE , a senior official of the Special Projects Wing of the State Highways Department said, All 305 pillars of the project have been successfully erected. Out of 304 decks, only three, spanning the railway lines near Hopes College, remain to be installed. Normally, concrete decks are placed between pillars every 30 metres. However, the stretch across the railway lines posed a unique challenge, prompting the team to opt for a 52-metre iron span instead of a concrete one, due to structural feasibility. A deck of this length in concrete is not practical across active railway lines. That's why the department decided to go with a specially made iron span, explained a senior official from the Special Project Wing. With the span ready, installation is now subject to railway clearance. The Salem Division of Southern Railway has already given its nod, and final approval is awaited from the Southern Railway headquarters in Chennai. For installation, railway operations under the ROB will need to be suspended for at least five days. Once installed, the iron span will be reinforced with concrete, ensuring structural stability and longevity. The eight ramps associated with the flyover four entry and four exit points will be located at key junctions including Anna Statue, Nava India, Hope College, and near the airport, added the official. In a sign of renewed momentum, an internal auditing team from the State Highways Department recently inspected the ongoing work. The team, led by Ramesh, Superintending Engineer (Construction & Maintenance) from the Coimbatore Division, and Saravana Selvam, Divisional Engineer from the Pollachi Division, reviewed the site and assessed the progress of the elevated corridor. With the final leg of construction underway, Coimbatore residents can soon expect significant relief from the chronic traffic congestion on Avinashi Road. The project, valued at Rs 1,621.30 crore, stands not just as a major infrastructure development but also as a symbol of persistence in the face of logistical and engineering challenges.
Two colleagues on trip to Yercaud killed as lorry rams bike
SALEM: Two IT employees who were travelling on a bike to Yercaud were killed on the spot after a lorry rammed them at Thiruvagoundanur in Salem in the wee hours of Saturday. The deceased were S Sarathi (22), a resident of Thalavaipatti, and his friend G Saarupriya (22) of Dadagapatti. They were working in an IT firm at Mamangam. Police said both were heading to Yercaud along with other friends since their colleagues had decided to spend their weekend there. Sarathi picked up Saarupriya from her house at 3 am. She had conveyed to her father about their plan before leaving the house. The accident happened at 3.40am when the duo reached Thiruvagoundanur Bypass Road. After the accident, the lorry driver did not stop his vehicle. After getting information from fellow motorists and friends of the deceased, Sooramangalam police reached the spot at 4 am. Both bodies were sent to the Salem Government Hospital for postmortem. Their bodies were handed over to their families after postmortem on Saturday evening. We have registered a case under sections 281 (rash driving) and 106 (causing death by negligence) of the BNS. We have identified the lorry involved in this crime and are tracing the vehicle number through CCTV footage. Both were the only child of their parents, said a police officer. Police sources claimed that there is nothing suspicious about the accident leading to the death of the two friends.
West zone police officers' huddle in Tiruppur
TIRUPPUR/ERODE: S Davidson Devasirvatham, Additional Director-General of Police of Law and Order, conducted a review meeting with west zone police officers in Tiruppur on Saturday. The Avinashipalayam triple murder and Sivagiri double murder cases, which sent shock waves across the state and are still unsolved, came up during the discussion. Speaking to TNIE , S Rajendran, Commissioner of Tiruppur City Police, said, This is a regular review meeting chaired by the ADGP. He enquired about the law and order situation in the west zone. As part of that, he also enquired about the status of the Sivagiri and Avinashipalayam cases. Two weeks ago, an elderly couple living in a farmhouse in Sivagiri in Erode district, were beaten to death and their jewels were looted. Similarly, on November 29, 2024, three people were beaten to death in a farmhouse in Semalaigoundanpalayam in Avinashipalayam in Tiruppur district. The culprits in both these cases have not been arrested yet and these cases remain a headache for the west zone police. The Avinashipalayam case was recently transferred to the CB-CID. The CB-CID investigation team includes officers from the Tiruppur District Police. In Erode, the BJP has already announced that it will begin an indefinite hunger strike from May 20 if the culprits in the Sivagiri double murder case are not arrested. West Zone IG T Senthilkumar, DIG's V Sasimohan (Coimbatore range), ES Uma (Salem range) and police officers from Tiruppur, Erode, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Salem, Namakkal, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts participated in the review meeting called by the ADGP of Law and Order. Meanwhile, the police in Avinashi division in Tiruppur district started distributing awareness pamphlets to the public. KG Sivakumar, DSP of Avinashi, said, These awareness pamphlets are being distributed in farmhouses, residential areas and villages with the aim of preventing crimes within the limits of Avinashi, Cheyur, Perumanallur and Kunnathur police stations. It contains awareness messages, including the need to keep dogs in isolated houses and the need to install surveillance cameras. The police's mobile numbers are also printed on it. Meanwhile, the Sivagiri police are investigating the report of a pet dog that sustained serious neck injuries on Saturday morning in an isolated farmhouse at Chinniampalayam.
12 years on universitys roll, faculty suspended for lack of experience in Salem's Periyar University
SALEM: Nearly 12 years after her appointment, Periyar University has suspended a female associate professor in the Department of Education on Friday, citing a lack of experience. The suspended employee, K Dhanalakshmi, alleged casteist motives for the action. She was appointed as Associate Professor and had joined duty on August 5, 2013. In the suspension order, VC R Jagannathan stated, The preliminary inquiry made to ascertain the genuineness of the experience certificate for the job of Associate Professor in the service of the Periyar University, revealed that you (K Dhanalakshmi) employed as Associate Professor has submitted the experience certificate which is not adequate for the post applied, he said in the order. The lack of experience is also evident from the self-declaration submitted by you (K Dhanalakshmi) at the time of interview on August 1, 2013. It is felt necessary in the larger public interest and it the interest of the university to place you (K Dhanalakshmi) under suspension from service, the order reads. Dhanalakshmi, who denied the VCs charges, told TNIE that she has all the proper experience certificates for the job of Associate Professor and they were approved by the former registrar and dean of the university during appointment. She suspects a move to prevent her from becoming the Head of the Department and attributed a casteist angle as she belongs to a Scheduled Caste. Even now, the university administration is trying to appoint a junior in my department as the head of the department due to casteist intentions. Even though I have the qualifications, the opportunity to become the HoD has been denied to me. Regarding this, I had appealed to the VC last week. After listening to a few casteist teaching staff, the VC suspended me, she alleged and said that she would face the issue legally. V-C was not available for comment. Professor denies charges Alleging casteist motives behind her suspension, K Dhanalakshmi says she has all the proper experience certificates for the post of associate professor approved by the former registrar and dean of the university during appointment.
Five killed in Karur bus-van crash in Tamil Nadu
KARUR: Five people, including two minors, were killed after a private bus tail-ended a truck going in the front, crossed lane in the impact, and collided head-on with a tourist van coming in opposite direction on Salem-Karur National Highway near Athur in Karur district early on Saturday. At least 27 others who sustained injury in the accident are undergoing treatment at hospitals. According to police, the deceased have been identified as van driver D Sasikumar (52), and tourists K Arun Thiruppathi (45) and his son A Kamatchi Aswin (10) and their relatives S Ezhil Thakshna (12) and P Hema Varshini (20), all from Virudhunagar district. According to sources, the bus was going to Nagercoil from Bengaluru, while the tourists from Kovilpatti were on their way to Yercaud for summer holidays when the vehicles crashed near Karur. Police said the bus jumped the road median after the driver lost control of the vehicle following a collision with the tractor speeding ahead. Vengamedu police and fire personnel rushed to the spot to help the injured. The bodies were sent to Karur Government Medical College Hospital for postmortem. A total of 27 people, including passengers of the van and drivers of the bus and tractor, who were injured in the crash, were admitted to both government and private hospitals in Karur. Expressing shock and grief , Chief Minister M K Stalin announced a solatium of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of those killed in the accident, Rs 1 lakh each to those severely injured, and Rs 50,000 each for those who sustained minor injuries. Police sources said the accident may have been caused due to over-speeding by the bus driver or because of sudden slamming of brake by the tractor driver. Further probe is on.
Israel launches new military operation in Gaza day after Trump leaves Middle East
JERUSALEM, May 17: Israel today said that it has launched a major operation in the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages, following days of strikes across the Palestinian territory that killed hundreds of people. Defence Minister Israel Katz said that Operation Gideon Chariots was being led with great force. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed to escalate pressure with the aim of destroying the militant group that has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades. The military operation [] The post Israel launches new military operation in Gaza day after Trump leaves Middle East appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Two techies killed as speeding vehicle hits bike in Salem
Two die in bike-lorry collision in Salem
Israel launches new military operation in Gaza to pressure Hamas to release hostages
Jerusalem: Israel has launched a major operation in the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages, the defence minister said Saturday, following days of intensive strikes across the territory that killed hundreds of people. Defence Minister Israel Katz said that Operation Gideon Chariots was being led with great force by Israels army. Israels []
Four killed, over 15 injured in road accident on Karur-Salem highway
According to police sources, a private luxury bus travelling from Salem to Karur rammed a tractor before climbing onto the central median. The bus then veered off and collided head-on with a tourist van coming from the opposite direction, resulting in a pile-up.
4 Killed, 15 Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash Near Karur
Omni bus collides with tractor and tourist van on Karur-Salem Highway, resulting in multiple casualties.
Four dead, 15 injured in highway collision in Karur involving bus and van
KARUR: Four people, including a 13-year-old girl, were killed and 15 others injured in a road accident on the SalemKarur National Highway near Vennaimalai in Karur district during the early hours of Saturday. The accident occurred when an Omni bus bound for Nagercoil, travelling from Bengaluru via Karur, collided head-on with a tourist van heading to Yercaud in Salem district from Kovilpatti in Tuticorin district, police said. The bus reportedly jumped the central median after the driver lost control of the vehicle when it rammed into a tractor travelling ahead at speed, according to police. All four deceased were travelling in the tourist van, including the van driver, identified as D. Sasikumar, 52, of Tuticorin. Several passengers from the tourist van, along with the drivers of the Omni bus and tractor, were among those injured. Karur police, along with personnel from the Fire and Rescue Services Department, rushed to the scene. The bodies were retrieved and sent to the Karur Government Medical College Hospital for post-mortem. The injured have been admitted to both government and private hospitals in Karur for treatment.
Gaza offensive expanded with airstrikes, ground troop deployment: Israeli military
Jerusalem: The Israeli military said that it had stepped up its operations in the Gaza Strip, launching a wave of airstrikes and deploying additional ground forces in an effort to establish operational control in parts of the enclave. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday, said the intensified assault marked the start of a new 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 .
Assistant Professor in Periyar University suspended two days before end of tenure of V-C
COIMBATORE: An assistant professor in the Department of Economics of Salem Periyar University was suspended on Thursday, citing violations of provisions of the Periyar University Act. Reacting to the suspension letter issued by Registrar (in-charge) S Kadhiravan, assistant professor V Vaithianathan said that he is being targeted by the Universitys Vice-Chancellor R Jagannathan, whose tenure is to end on Monday, for exposing violations and scams in the university. In the suspension letter, Kadhiravan said that Vaithianathan violated rules and statutes by criticising the university administration and sharing confidential information with print media. Since there is a prima facie case to initiate disciplinary action, the assistant professor has been placed under suspension, the letter said. Vaithianathan, a member of the national executive committee of the All India University and College Teachers Federation, told TNIE that he recently filed a complaint with the higher education department, alleging violations in the selection process for the registrar post at Periyar University and requested that it be stopped. He said the news was published in the print media based on a complaint he filed as president of the national executive committee of the All India University and College Teachers Federation. My action does not violate the University Act, Vaithianathan said. He also pointed out that PUTA (Periyar University Teachers Association) has exposed many violations in the university. Now that the V-Cs tenure comes to an end on Monday, he took revenge through the registrar, he added. Efforts to reach V-C R Jagannathan went in vain and Registrar (in-charge) S Kadhiravan refused to comment.
Summer takes a back seat in Tamil Nadu: Widespread rain likely till May 20
CHENNAI: The summer heat has eased a little across Tamil Nadu with widespread rains forecast to continue till May 20, bringing a much-needed respite from humid conditions. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has attributed the change in weather to an upper air circulation, which is likely to bring heavy rainfall to north districts and parts of the delta region. Heavy rainfall is likely in Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvallur, and Tiruvannamalai on Saturday. On Sunday, rain is expected to shift to districts including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchy, Salem, and Kallakurichi. The spell is likely to persist till May 20. Weather conditions are also being influenced by the early advancement of the southwest monsoon, which is expected to trigger systems over both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal - cutting short the summer spell. Chennai, which often sizzles past the 40C mark in May, has not recorded a single 40C day so far this year. If the current weather holds, the city might entirely skip breaching the 40C threshold this summer. Weather blogger Pradeep John described this year as one of the most unique for Tamil Nadu. Theres been no heatwave so far, and Chennai is unlikely to cross 40C-similar to 2022, 2018, and 2004, he said. By the weekend, the upper air circulation is expected to move closer, with easterly winds falling over the north Tamil Nadu and Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chennai, and Chengalpattu region, bringing good rainfall. Meanwhile, the RMC in a post on X said the data till May 15 did not indicate cooler days over Chennai this season. While the mercury did not touch 40C, temperatures hovered slightly above normal for a few days earlier this month, coupled with high humidity, making conditions uncomfortable during the first half of May. However, the RMC has forecast below-normal maximum temperatures for the coming week, thanks to persistent cloud cover and chances of light to moderate rainfall. On Friday, Erode recorded the highest temperature in the state at 40.2C.
Salem registers pass percentage of 92.17 and Namakkal 94.52 in Class X public examination
Man arrested for attempting to smuggle ganja inside Salem central prison
Israel measles outbreak grows to 48 cases, prompting emergency vaccination drive
Jerusalem: Israels Health Ministry has reported 16 new measles cases, bringing the total number of infections to 48 since the outbreak began on April 20, with the majority affecting unvaccinated children. According to the Ministry on Thursday, 40 of those infected are under the age of 18, and none have received full vaccination against the 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 .
Tamil Nadu is bracing for heavy rainfall until May 18, as the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued an alert due to a cyclonic circulation in the Bay of Bengal. Fifteen districts, including Erode and Salem, are expected to experience significant downpours. Chennai will likely see light rain, with a forecast of thunderstorms and gusty winds across the state.
Health Minister launches Haemophilia App in Salem
New DRM of Salem Railway Division assumes office
Siblings drown in Vaniyaru stream in Salem
Video : A Black Student Stands Up Against A Hinduphobic Aunty Tom Dass At UC Berkeley
As we have said often, these accusations of imaginary Hindu Nationalism Hindutva really mean the right to police the heathen pagan Hindu savages under the jurisdiction of the Salem Witch trials committee, deciding if a Hindu is a demonic witch or not. If found guilty of satanic Hindutva, then be ready to be []
Salem District Veterinary Medical Consultant Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 06 Posts
TheSalem District has released an official notification for the recruitment of 06 Veterinary Medical Consultant posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official Salem District website. The last date to submit the application form is 22-05-2025.
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.
Pregnant Israeli woman critically injured in West Bank shooting
Pregnant Israeli woman critically injured in West Bank shooting Jerusalem: A late-stage pregnant Israeli woman in her 30s was critically wounded in a shooting attack on a vehicle in the West Bank, according to a statement issued by Israels national emergency service, Magen David Adom. The woman was rushed to Beilinson Hospital near Tel Aviv, [] The post Pregnant Israeli woman critically injured in West Bank shooting appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
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.
Salem GH doctors successfully extract knife that pierced five-year-old boys cheek
Toddler falls off govt bus in Salem, dies
Infant falls from running bus in Salem, dies
Infant falls from running bus in Salem, dies - The Hindu
Infant falls from running bus in Salem, dies The Hindu
Prison warder suspended in Salem
Pollachi sexual assault case: All nine convicts sentenced to life imprisonment till death
COIMBATORE: The Mahila court in Coimbatore on May 13, sentenced all the nine accused convicted in the Pollachi sexual assault case to life imprisonment till death. Judge R. Nandhini Devi pronounced the the verdict on the case that shook Tamil Nadu six years ago. The Court also ordered overall compensation of Rs 85 lakh to affected women. Earlier, the court found the accused guilty on all eight charges.The accused were identified as K. Thirunavukkarasu (34), N. Rishwanth, alias Sabarirajan (32), M. Sathish (33), T. Vasantha Kumar (30), R. Manivannan (32), Haron Paul (32), P. Babu, alias Bike Babu (33), K. Arulanandham (39), and M. Arunkumar. All those facing the charges have been accused of criminal conspiracy, sexual harassment, rape, gang rape, and extortion, in the series of incidents including blackmail that happened between 2016 and 2018. V. Surendra Mohan, the special public prosecutor appearing for CBI cases, said that the counsel for the defendants had sought leniency in sentencing, citing the age and family backgrounds of the accused. We have appealed to the court to punish all the accused severely for this grave crime. Under Section 376D of the IPC, the accused can be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years, he said while addressing the press after the verdict. A total of eight victims appeared and testified against the accused in the case. All 48 witnesses appeared before the court and gave their testimony against the accused, he added. A chargesheet was filed in the Coimbatore Women's Court on May 21, 2019, based on a complaint filed by a 19-year-old victim on February 24, 2019. However, procedural delays necessitated intervention by the Madras High Court, which directed that the matter be transferred to the Integrated Court Complex in Coimbatore for a dedicated courtroom setup. Following the completion of prosecution and defence arguments, the court announced its verdict on Tuesday. A huge crowd gathered at the Coimbatore Court Complex during the announcement of the verdict. Family members of the accused were present on the campus. Earlier, the accused were brought to the court from Salem Central Prison with full security arrangements at 8:30 a.m. Members of the All India Democratic Women's Association gathered on the court premises and raised slogans in support of the judgment. The case, which sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu, involved the sexual assault of college students and other women in February 2019, and the circulation of obscene videos to intimidate the survivors. Initially probed by the Pollachi East Police, the investigation was swiftly handed over to the CB-CID March 12, 2019, and then later transferred to the CBI agency on April 25, 2019 following widespread public outrage. The investigation revealed that the gang had a pattern, one of the men, would lure women to secluded locations, where they were either coerced or assaulted while the acts were secretly recorded.
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.
Bihar man murdered Salem couple for 10-sovereign gold: Police
SALEM: In a chilling crime that has shaken the residents of Jagir Ammapalayam, Salem city police on Monday arrested a 30-year-old tile worker for the brutal murder of an elderly couple during a planned robbery on Sunday afternoon. The accused, Santoshkumar, a native of Bihar who has been living in Salem for over 15 years, was apprehended within 24 hours of the crime. Police have recovered the stolen gold ornaments and seized bloodstained clothes from his residence. The victims, Baskaran (70) and his wife Vidya (65), were well-known in the neighbourhood for running a small grocery store from the front portion of their home on Jagir Ammapalayam Main Street. The couple lived in the rear portion of the house, while their younger son Vasudevan resided on the first floor. Their elder son has been living separately with his family. On Sunday around 3.45 pm, Vasudevan found his mother lying dead with severe head injuries and his father critically injured. He rushed Baskaran to the Government Hospital, but the elderly man succumbed to his injuries on the way. Vasudevan also noticed that his parents gold chains one weighing 3.25 sovereigns and the other 7 sovereigns were missing. A case was registered at the D3 Sooramangalam Police Station under Sections 103 and 309 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Five special teams were formed to investigate. Police say Santoshkumar, who was under financial pressure, had observed Vidya wearing gold jewellery regularly. On the day of the incident, he entered the grocery shop with a hammer concealed in his clothing. After purchasing a cool drink, he followed the couple into their home, attacked them, and escaped with the gold. Santoshkumar, who is married with three children, has been residing in the area and working in the construction sector. He will be produced before a magistrate. Police said further investigation is ongoing to determine if he committed the crime alone and if he was involved in any other crimes in the past.
Residents in Salem complain of Tasmac bar functioning in non-permitted hours
Man from Bihar arrested for murdering elderly couple in Salem
Woman passenger suffers head injury as middle berth collapses on her
Her husband alleges that first aid was not provided by the railway authorities for more than an hour until the train reached Salem where an ambulance was arranged
Scamster in the guise of LPG delivery guy! Bargur man arrested
KRISHNAGIRI: A new online scam has been unearthed in Krishnagiri with the arrest of a 24-year-old man who duped over 18 people by pretending to be their LPG delivery agent. C Perumal of Periyapanamutlu near Bargur was arrested on Saturday night by the cybercrime police in Krishnagiri over the complaint of SM Manikandan (26), a doctor at a private hospital. Dr Manikandan received a call last month at his workplace saying an LPG cylinder was delivered at his house and the caller asked to transfer Rs 950 through digital mode, Krishnagiri cyber crime police told TNIE citing his complaint. Dr Manikandan did not confirm by calling his home. Believing the caller's word, he sent Rs 950. Later when he reached home, he was told the cylinder was not delivered. When he tried to contact the caller, the number was not reachable, the police explained. Dr Manikandan lodged a complaint at the Krishnagiri cybercrime unit in the first week of May. A team led by Krishnagiri cyber crime ADSP S Namasivayam and inspector V Madheswari zeroed in on the suspect, Perumal. Perumal's relative is an LPG delivery agent near Bargur but he had no role in the crime, the police said. Further probe revealed Perumal had cheated 18 people across Tamil Nadu in places like Ariyalur, Avadi, Dharmapuri, Salem, Krishnagiri etc, employing the same ruse. It is estimated he collected around Rs 20,000 in total from his targets by cheating them of a price of an LPG cylinder. Perumal took phone numbers from a job portal and contacted people randomly, among them 18 fell into his trap. Some victims lodged complaints in their respective districts. His few attempts to cheat a few had failed, the police source said. Perumal was remanded on Sunday night. The cybercrime police advised people to confirm the identity of the caller during their interactions and if they found anything suspicious, calls should be aborted and they should call on the cybercrime helpline number 1930.
Israel warns civilians to evacuate Yemeni ports ahead of potential strike
Jerusalem: Israels military issued an urgent warning, advising all civilians and workers to evacuate three Red Sea ports in Yemen controlled by Houthi forces, citing the risk of a possible new strike. In a statement on the social media platform X, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee identified the ports as Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Al-Salif. 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 .
US notifies Israel Hamas plans to release Israeli-American hostage: PM Netanyahu office
US notifies Israel Hamas plans to release Israeli-American hostage: PM Netanyahu office Jerusalem: The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirms that the United States has informed Israel that Hamas will release hostage Edan Alexander without any compensation or conditions, in what Washington described as a goodwill gesture expected to pave the way for broader [] The post US notifies Israel Hamas plans to release Israeli-American hostage: PM Netanyahu office appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Elderly couple found hacked to death in Salem
COIMBATORE: An elderly couple which ran a grocery shop was found hacked to death at their home in Jagir Ammapalayam in Salem, on Sunday. Police identified the deceased as Baskaran (60) B Vidhya (60). Police said the aged couple ran a grocery shop for several years and their two married sons lived separately on the same street. On Sunday afternoon, when residents of the same street came to the shop to purchase groceries, the door of the house was ajar, but neither the husband nor the wife responded. One resident who entered the house found the couple hacked to death. Neighbours found Vidhya had died. They rushed Baskaran to the government hospital, but he died on the way. Suramangalam police went to the spot and launched an inquiry. Salem city Police Commissioner Praveen Kumar Abhinapu visited the spot and conducted an inspection. Sniffer dogs were pressed into service and forensic experts also conducted an investigation. A top police officer told TNIE that the couple could have been murdered for jewels. He added that during initial inquiry, it was found that the gold chains worn by Vidhya were missing, but some jewels were at home. He said that the police have formed six special teams and the bodies have been sent to the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Hospital for post-mortem.
Railway allots Rs 6.7K crore for Tamil Nadu this year; works stalled for 20 years to resume
CHENNAI: After facing severe backlash from both rail passengers and the ruling DMK government over inadequate funding for new lines and doubling projects last year, the Railways significantly enhanced its budget allocation for 2025-26. A total of Rs 612.8 crore has been earmarked for eight new line projects, compared to Rs 339 crore the previous year. Among these, the Nagari-Tindivanam new line project, for which 95% of land has already been acquired, received Rs 347 crore. A total of Rs 6,626 crore was allocated for Tamil Nadu for 2025-26. The funding details were obtained through an RTI request filed by TNIE and activist Dayanand Krishnan, as the Railways have stopped publishing the Pink Book, which traditionally disclosed the annual budget allocations. The Madurai-Thoothukudi (via Aruppukottai) project (143.5km), for which the land acquisition unit was dismantled last year for want of funds, has been allotted Rs 55.2 crore. Notably, the long-delayed Erode-Palani new line, which has existed only on paper for nearly 20 years, received Rs 50 crore. The Chennai-Cuddalore new line via Mahabalipuram was also granted Rs 52.1 crore. Allocation for doubling projects has also shown significant improvement. Rs 42 crore for new rly line from North Chennai to Puttur The Katpadi-Villupuram (160 km) section received Rs 200 crore, while the Salem-Karur-Dindigul (160 km) and Erode-Karur (65 km) lines each received Rs 100 crore. Last year, each of these projects was allocated a mere Rs 1,000. After several decades, Tamil Nadus railway network is finally poised for expansion with the introduction of new railway lines. Increased funding has revived the states hopes of improving rail connectivity, which has seen minimal progress over the past 40 years. Further, the long-delayed 184.45-km Nagari-Tindivanam line set to connect rural and semi-urban areas across Ranipet, Vellore, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, and Villupuram districts in TN as well as Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh is now expected to be completed within the next three years, said sources. Out of the total stretch, 6.5km of the line from Walajah Road to Ranipet was constructed in 2008 and opened for goods traffic in November 2020. Last year, Southern Railways Construction Wing began work on two segments: Nagari to Podatturpettai (13 km) and Walajah Road to Sholinghur (20 km). Land levelling has been completed, and track laying has commenced in some sections. For the fiscal year 2025-26, new line construction is scheduled for two key stretches, 28.5km from Podatturpettai to Sholingur, and 32 km from Ranipet to Arani. In the first phase, 100.5 km of the new line from Arani to Nagari is planned for completion, said officials. Activist Dayanand Krishnan told TNIE that the increased budget for infrastructure development is a welcome move by the railways. For years, new line projects in TN failed to take off. With funding now earmarked for routes like Palani-Erode and Chennai-Cuddalore, the TN government may begin the land acquisition process. However, the Railways must allocate more funds in the coming years, he added. Additionally, the Railways allocated Rs 42.7 crore for the construction of a new railway line from Athipattu in North Chennai to Puttur, located 15 km from Nagari. This new line will support freight movement from Athipattu to Tindivanam via Puttur, Nagari, Ranipet, and Arani, thereby enhancing connectivity to Puducherry and Cuddalore ports. Last year, CM M K Stalin had written to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urging the allocation of sufficient funding for the states railway projects.
Elderly couple hacked to death at their house in Salem
Elderly couple murdered in Salem
TN police intercept lorry carrying fake liqour, find counterfeit manufacturing unit in Puducherry
VILLUPURAM/PUDUCHERRY: Tamil Nadu police on Friday unearthed a counterfeit liquor manufacturing unit in Puducherry after intercepting a lorry transporting spurious liquor near Vanur. Acting on a tip-off, officials from the Central Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Villupuram zone conducted vehicle checks near the Puthurai check post, close to Auroville. The team, led by Inspector P Natarajan and Sub-Inspector Inayat Basha, stopped a lorry carrying liquor bottles from Puducherry, which were found to be fake upon inspection. Police seized 10,032 counterfeit liquor bottles along with the lorry and an escorting car. Four persons were arrestedC Karutha Pandi (40) of Tiruchy, S Paul Jose (52) of Puducherry, C Siddiq (22) of Salem, and K Rajasekar (43), a native of Villupuram currently residing in Puducherry. Police said the car, travelling ahead of the lorry, was used to alert the lorry driver about police checks or patrols along the routea tactic commonly employed in liquor smuggling operations. Interrogation of the accused led to the discovery of a fake liquor unit operating out of Ulavaikkal near Villiyanur in Puducherry. A joint raid by CIU and Auroville police led to the seizure of equipment used in the manufacture of spurious liquor. The unit, which was masquerading as a carton-box manufacturing facility, was operated by Sakthivel and Rajasekar of Arumarthapuram and has now been sealed. Police said the factory had been active for the past month, producing counterfeit bottles mimicking a popular TASMAC brand and smuggling them into Chennai and Thiruvallur. Additional arrests were made on Saturday. Investigations also revealed that the premises allegedly belong to the daughter of a Puducherry cabinet minister. Notably, the same location was under scrutiny months ago after Tamil Nadu forest officials found an illegal sandalwood oil unit operating there. Further investigation is under way.
Salem police tighten securityat airport
Salem residents continue wait for Siddha Hospital in city limits
100 beneficiaries receive hearing aids under CMCHIS in Salem
Salem Corporation fixes licence fees for spas, massage parlours and beauty parlours
Considering Abu Salems early release, Maharashtra tells High Court
In his plea, Abu Salem, the extradited gangster, claimed he had already undergone the 25-year imprisonment term if the remission for good behaviour was included.
Salem district registers moderate rainfall
Youth dies in road accident in Salem
Forest department sets up cages to capture leopardin Salem
Woman dies after metal roofing sheet hits her during strong wind in Salem
Proposal for gangster Abu Salem's premature release under consideration: Maharashtra govt tells HC
Abu Salem's plea for premature release is under review. The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court about this consideration. Salem argues he has served his 25-year term, including remission. The government's affidavit notes Salem's 19 years in jail since extradition. A decision on his release will be made soon. The court has scheduled the next hearing for June.
Israel Revises Advisory Asking Its Nationals To Leave Immediately Kashmir Region
Jerusalem, May 8: Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Israel has updated the existing travel advisory for its nationals urging those in the Kashmir region to leave immediately. The revised advisory came on Wednesday after the Indian military carried out strikes against terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Pakistans Punjab province earlier in the day. Pakistan army carried out one of the most intense artillery and mortar shelling in years targeting forward villages along the LoC [] The post Israel Revises Advisory Asking Its Nationals To Leave Immediately Kashmir Region appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
