Speaking to ANI, Jeyaranjan said, “We don’t want to use Devnagri. That’s all…”

Notably, the previous budget logo for the Budget of 2024 -25 carried the Indian currency symbol Rs. The budget 2025-26 is set to be presented in the Tamil Nadu assembly on March 14.

Tamil Nadu chief minister earlier released a video which showcased the logo for the Budget of 2025-26 and in this logo the national currency symbol had been substituted with the Tamil Alphabet ‘Ru’.

The State government has locked horns with the Central government over the three-language formula proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.

BJP’s Tamil Nadu Chief, K Annamalai lashed out over the State Government’s “stupid” move, stating that a Tamilian and son of a former DMK MLA designed the Rupee symbol.

“The DMK Government’s State Budget for 2025-26 replaces the Rupee Symbol designed by a Tamilian, which was adopted by the whole of Bharat and incorporated into our Currency. Thiru Udhay Kumar, who designed the symbol, is the son of a former DMK MLA. How stupid can you become, Thiru @mkstalin?” K Annamalai said.

BJP leader Tamilisai Soundarajan stated that the Indian currency Rupee was a federal setup and the DMK should respect the national symbols. “They have ruled Tamil Nadu for so many years and have presented the budget so many times; why do they want to dramatise it like this? They were at the Centre for so many years why didn’t they take this decision at that time?” Soundarajan said

“The Indian currency is a federal setup and they have to respect the national symbols. We are not against the Tamil Nadu symbols or language, we are in favour of it…” she stated.

The BJP leader also questioned the DMK government on why they had not taken a decision on the issue in the earlier years.
The BJP leader further stated that the MK Stalin government was trying to divert the attention from the failures of their government and questioned why they had to dramatise the situation.

Speaking to ANI, Soundarajan said, “Even I have a Tamil name but MK Stalin does not. Ask him if he would change his name into a Tamil name. They are doing all this to deviate attention from the failures of their government… They have ruled Tamil Nadu for so many years and have presented the budget so many times… why do they want to dramatise it like this?”

(Only the headline has been reworked by India.com staff. Copy comes from an agency feed)

His remarks came in response to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s speech in Parliament on Monday, where he reportedly called Tamil Nadu MPs “uncivilised.”

In a statement issued on Monday, Anbil Mahesh questioned whether Pradhan truly understood his statements or was merely “reading from a script handed to him.” He also urged the Union Minister to clarify his stance on Tamil Nadu’s rejection of the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, accusing him of misrepresenting the state’s position.

Responding to Pradhan’s claim that Tamil Nadu made a U-turn on the PM SHRI scheme, Anbil Mahesh asserted that the state never agreed to implement it. He cited a letter dated August 30, 2024, in which Pradhan himself acknowledged Tamil Nadu’s categorical rejection of the scheme. Since the introduction of the Integrated School Education Scheme in 2018, the Union government is required to release 60 per cent of the approved funds for Tamil Nadu’s education sector. For the 2024-25 academic year, this amounts to Rs 2,152 crore out of a total Rs 3,533 crore.

However, the minister alleged that the Centre has been withholding these funds under the Samagra Shiksha (SS) scheme, effectively pressuring Tamil Nadu to adopt the NEP-aligned PM SHRI initiative. “This political interference in education will not be forgiven. Students and teachers will remember this betrayal,” Anbil Mahesh declared, vowing that Tamil Nadu will continue to resist the Centre’s pressure.

Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly condemned Pradhan for his remarks against Tamil Nadu MPs. In a post on social media platform X, Stalin criticised Pradhan’s “arrogant” tone, stating, “Education Minister @dpradhanbjp, who speaks as if he considers himself a king, needs to mind his language.”

He further challenged Pradhan over the Centre’s alleged denial of Tamil Nadu’s rightful education funds, asking, “What audacity do you have to call Tamil Nadu MPs uncivilised while you continue to withhold our dues? You are insulting the people of Tamil Nadu. Does the Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi endorse this?”

The CM also referenced Pradhan’s August 30, 2024 letter, which acknowledged Tamil Nadu’s rejection of both NEP and the trilingual policy included in the PM SHRI scheme. Seemingly responding to Pradhan’s “Super CM” remark aimed at the DMK leadership, Stalin remarked, “Mr Pradhan, we act only based on the will of the people! Unlike you, we do not obey the diktats of Nagpur.”

Tamil Nadu leaders have consistently opposed NEP, arguing that it imposes a one-size-fits-all education model that does not align with the state’s policies and linguistic heritage. The DMK government has also refused to accept the Centre’s alleged “arm-twisting” tactics of withholding funds to force the adoption of NEP-aligned schemes.

Anbil Mahesh reiterated that the Tamil Nadu government is bearing the financial burden of salaries for part-time teachers, staff payments, and the implementation of various welfare schemes under the Samagra Shiksha programme.

He maintained that despite these challenges, the state would continue to fight for its rights and ensure quality education without compromising its principles. “This fight will not stop until justice prevails. Tamil Nadu will fight and win,” the minister asserted.

“The DMK is frightened by this gathering. Everyone is protesting within the framework of the law, demanding justice for the woman who was sexually assaulted at Anna University. The DMK criticised us, claiming our protests are for publicity. However, we do not need publicity. The BJP is already performing exceptionally well across India. In these four years, the DMK has achieved nothing. Many atrocities against women occur, why is Chief Minister Stalin remaining silent?” Khushboo Sundar said.

BJP president K Annamalai announced on Monday that the BJP would hold a massive rally from Madurai to Chennai, demanding justice for the victim.

The police had denied permission for any public rally.

On Friday, more than 500 women from the saffron party gathered outside the Chellathamman temple, voicing their protests against the DMK government. They accused the state authorities of failing to protect the female students at AU and pointed fingers at a DMK official for being involved in the matter.

Khushbu, addressed the gathering, stating that the saffron party always speaks and stands for the truth, and that’s why cops are stopping them for the rally. She further questioned why police were trying to protect the accused.

“Why did the DMK deny us permission (for the rally) at the last minute, even though we had applied properly? Chief Minister MK Stalin does not dare to protect the girls, who are studying in AU,” she said.

The party officials arrested found themselves detained in a private wedding venue, oddly located beside a goat shed housing about 200 sheep. Frustrated by the poor restroom conditions and the overpowering smell from the animals, they staged a protest demanding to be moved elsewhere. Unfortunately, their attempts to change the location didn’t lead to any success.

Following the detention, BJP members staged a demonstration on the Palani-Dindigul National Highway, leading to their arrest.

BJP Tamil Nadu unit president Annamalai strongly condemned the detention of the BJP’s women cadre members. He took to X and wrote, “The true face of the DMK government, which is acting in an anti-democratic manner to protect DMK’s sex offenders, is being exposed to the public.”

List of affected areas

The areas affected by the power cut include parts of Sydenhams Road, Egmore, Deppo Street, PT Mudhali Street, Sami Pillai Street, AP Road, Hunters Road, General Collins Road, Madex Street, VV Koil Street, Kuravan Kulam, Subbiah Naidu Street, Nehru Outdoor Stadium, Nehru Indoor Stadium, Apparao Garden, Periya Thambi Street, Andiyappan Street, Anandha Krishnan Street, PK Mudhali Street, Choolai Area, KP Park Area, Perambur Barracks Road, Rotler Street, Kalathiyappa Street, Virchurmuthaiyah Street, Daly Street, Manickam Street, parts of Rengaiah Street, Raghava Street, and Astabujam Road.

Advisory for residents

While this maintenance is necessary to improve the city’s power distribution system for the long term, authorities have advised residents to stay informed about any updates, as unforeseen delays might extend the disruption. They have also asked residents to plan accordingly and make necessary arrangements before hand to cope with the temporary loss of electricity in the city. They have also recommended businesses in the affected areas to make alternative arrangements for continuity of operations during the outage period.

The rains are due to a new low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal. According to the weather department, this low-pressure system is forming under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation, which was located over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining areas before moving toward the Bay of Bengal. However, this system is anticipated to become more evident and move towards the Tamil Nadu coast during the day. 

Affected areas

Isolated places like Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchy, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai districts, and Puducherry are likely to receive heavy rain during this period. While on December 18, areas like Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur districts, including Karaikal, Cuddalore, Villupuram districts, and Puducherry are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.

According to the information by a MeT official, any stall or slow movement of the weather system could turn the rainfall event into widespread heavy rainfall in northern Tamil Nadu.  In addition to that, the interaction of westerly and easterly winds near south-coastal Andhra Pradesh and north-coastal Tamil Nadu are intensifying, raising the likelihood of extreme rainfall between Marakkanam and Sriharikota. The areas between Pondicherry and Nellore may also experience heavy to very heavy rain during this period.

The Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea and those currently at sea have been instructed to return to shore immediately.

Notably, Tamil Nadu has so far recorded 14 per cent excess rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season, with 447 mm received compared to the seasonal average of 393 mm. Chennai received 845 mm rainfall, marking a 16 per cent rise from the average, while Coimbatore witnessed a significant 47 per cent increase in rainfall.

Cyclone Fengal

This warning follows the devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal, which impacted Tamil Nadu and Puducherry from November 29 to December 1. The cyclone brought intense rainfall, followed by heavy downpours caused by a low-pressure area over the southern Bay of Bengal. It caused significant damage, resulting in 12 fatalities and inundated 2,11,139 hectares of farmlands, affecting both agricultural and horticultural crops. Infrastructure damages included 1,649 km of electric conductors, 23,664 electric poles, 997 transformers, 9,576 km of roads, 1,847 culverts, and 417 water tanks. Several houses and huts were also damaged, with areas like Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi districts receiving over 50 cm of rainfall in a single day, which was equivalent to the average for an entire season. This further caused severe flooding and widespread crop damage. According to the Tamil Nadu government, about 69 lakh families and 1.5 crore individuals were affected by the disaster.

(IANS inputs)

According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at several places, while extremely heavy rainfall is expected to lash isolated places in parts of northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Earlier in the day, the IMD said the deep depression intensified into cyclonic storm, now dubbed as ‘Fengal’ (pronounced as Feinjal).

Flights cancelled at Chennai airport

Meanwhile, in wake of the storm, over a dozen flights to and from Chennai were cancelled by authorities due to inclement weather conditions. According to officials, as many as 13 flights, including two IndiGo flights — Chennai-Mangaluru and Chennai-Trichy– were cancelled, after IMD announced that the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal had turned into a cyclonic storm.

According to an IMD update (8.40 pm on Friday), Fengal was about 240 km east-northeast of Nagappattinam, 230 km east-southeast of Puducherry and 250 km southeast of Chennai.

“It is likely to move west-northwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during the afternoon 30th November,” the weather agency said.

Schools, colleges shut; holiday announced in Tamil Nadu

In view of the impending cyclonic storm, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and other educational institutions, while also declaring November 30 as a holiday in the southern state. Authorities have appealed people to remain indoors and urged private companies to allow employees to work from home.

In Chennai, public transport has been suspended on the East Coast Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road, which is close to the shoreline, on Friday afternoon.

Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management KKSSR Ramachandran held a meet at the state emergency operations centre with senior officials to review preparatory and relief measures.

“Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority urges the general public to avoid visiting beaches, amusement parks and attending recreational events. The general public are requested to cooperate fully with the disaster prevention measures taken by the Government of Tamil Nadu,” read an official statement issued on Friday.

Additionally, construction companies have been  asked to take precautionary measures to ensure that equipment, machinery does not fall down. Similarly, those who had erected advertisement hoardings must ensure that these were swept away.

Red alert issued for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry

The IMD has issued a red alert in wake of Fengal’s landfall in parts of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. According to the weather agency, very heavy to extremely heavy rains are expected to lash parts of Tamil Nadu’s Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore districts, as well as Puducherry, on Saturday.

It said that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places in Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam districts and Karaikal.

“On December 1, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in interior Tamil Nadu, and on December 2 and 3, heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in the state,” the IMD said in a update.

Meanwhile, complying with an advisory, 4,153 boats have returned to the shore and 2,229 relief camps were ready for use if needed, the state government said, adding that a total of 471 people belonging to 164 families have been accommodated in six relief centres in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.

Boats, generators, motor pumps and all other necessary machinery and equipment are ready in districts and NDRF and state teams have been deployed wherever needed, including Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Chengelpet and Chennai.

Senior officials assigned to supervise and coordinate related tasks with district authorities are stationed in their respective districts.

Chennai and nearby districts of Chengelpet, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur and the delta districts including Mayiladuthurai, Nagappatinam and Tiruvarur witnessed light to moderate rainfall and a few places recorded heavy showers.

(With PTI inputs)

What IMD said about Cyclone Fengal landfall

The Deep Depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is moving north-northwest at 7 km/h, according to the IMD. As of 5:30 AM IST on November 29, 2024, it was located about 260 km northeast of Trincomalee, 310 km east of Nagapattinam, 360 km southeast of Puducherry, and 400 km southeast of Chennai. The depression is expected to continue moving northwest and make landfall along the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast, near Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, by the morning of November 30. It is expected to remain a deep depression with winds of 55-65 km/h, gusting up to 75 km/h.

IMD issues red alert

The IMD has issued a red alert for several districts, including Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Puducherry, and Karaikal.

Authorities are advising fishermen and residents to stay alert as the depression approaches. Coastal areas, especially around Karaikal and Puducherry, are expected to experience rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. Cyclone Fengal has already caused damage to paddy crops in Nagapattinam, flooding over 800 acres. The Indian Navy has deployed teams and supplies, including food, water, and medicines, to help affected areas. Residents in vulnerable zones are urged to follow safety guidelines and stay vigilant as the storm intensifies.

School closed

Due to the heavy rainfall warning, schools in at least 11 districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam, are likely to remain closed today, November 29.

Reports suggest that in Chennai and Chengalpattu, only schools will be closed, while in districts like Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Thiruvallur, Villupuram, and Puducherry, along with Karaikal, all educational institutions, including schools and colleges, will remain shut.

In Puducherry and Karaikal, Education Minister A. Namassivayam confirmed that all government and government-aided schools, private schools, and colleges will remain closed on both November 29 and 30.

Sharing a post on X(previously Twitter), Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin wrote,”Governor? Are you an Aryan? Removing the word Dravidian and chanting Tamil Thai greetings is against the law of Tamil Nadu! A person who does not act according to the law and acts according to his will is not fit to hold that office. In the guise of celebrating India, the governor is insulting the unity of the country and the people of different races living in this land! Will the governor who suffers from Dravidian allergy ask them to leave out Dravidian in the national anthem? The Union Government should immediately recall the Governor who is deliberately insulting Tamil Nadu and the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu!.”

ஆளுநரா? ஆரியநரா?

திராவிடம் என்ற சொல்லை நீக்கி, தமிழ்த்தாய் வாழ்த்தைப் பாடுவது தமிழ்நாட்டின் சட்டத்தை மீறுவதாகும்!

சட்டப்படி நடக்காமல், இஷ்டப்படி நடப்பவர் அந்தப் பதவி வகிக்கவே தகுதியற்றவர்.

இந்தியைக் கொண்டாடும் போர்வையில் நாட்டின் ஒருமைப்பாட்டையும் இந்த மண்ணில் வாழும் பல்வேறு… pic.twitter.com/NzS2O7xDTz

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) October 18, 2024

The omission of the line in the anthem further intensified existing tensions surrounding the Centre’s decision to celebrate the conclusion of Hindi month alongside the golden jubilee of Chennai Doordarshan, an event attended by Governor RN Ravi. Chief Minister Stalin expressed his disapproval, stating that celebrating Hindi in a non-Hindi-speaking state is perceived as an effort to undermine other languages.

“A few questions for the Hon’ble Governor, who has responded to my strong criticism for not singing the line ‘Dekkanamum Ittishita Dravidanal Tirunadum’ in the Tamil Thai Rahit sung at the closing ceremony of the Hindi Month celebration: Shouldn’t you, who say ‘I will sing Tamil Thai greetings with full devotion’, immediately condemn Tamil Thai greetings that are not fully sung? Why not do it? The governor explaining that ‘I will sing with pride’ – could have rightly pointed out the mistake on the spot! Could you have taught me to sing properly? Would there have been a reaction if you had done that exact thing? You have said ‘It is unfortunately cheap for a Chief Minister to make racist comments against a Governor with false allegations’,” M K Stalin further said.

இந்தி மாதக் கொண்டாட்ட நிறைவு விழாவில் பாடப்பட்ட தமிழ்த்தாய் வாழ்த்தில், ‘தெக்கணமும் அதிற்சிறந்த திராவிடநல் திருநாடும்’ என்ற வரியைப் பாடாமல் விட்டதற்கு, எனது கடும் கண்டனத்திற்குப் பதிலளித்துள்ள மாண்புமிகு ஆளுநருக்குச் சில கேள்விகள்:

‘தமிழ்த்தாய் வாழ்த்தை முழுமையாக… https://t.co/IaLMWrxBde

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) October 18, 2024

The Tamil anthem, Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, is traditionally sung at the start of every government program, and the term ‘Dravida’ primarily pertains to the racial identity of the people in the southern states. During the anthem’s rendition by the group from Doordarshan, the line containing this word was omitted.

He also wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasising that the Indian Constitution does not grant national language status to any language, and Hindi and English are only for official purposes.

He suggests avoiding Hindi language programs in non-Hindi-speaking states. “It has been announced that the closing ceremony of the Hindi Month celebrations and Golden Jubilee celebrations of Chennai Television will be held this evening at Doordarshan Tamil in Chennai, and Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi will be the special guest. This blatant attempt to impose Hindi is strongly condemned. India has 122 languages spoken by a significant number of people and 1599 other languages. There is no justification for celebrating only one language when India is a diverse country. In a country where more than 1700 languages are spoken, especially in a state where the world’s oldest language, Tamil, is spoken only in Hindi, it will affect the country’s diversity. The central government should not be responsible for this,” he wrote.

Power Cut In Tamil Nadu On October 19: Power Outage Areas

Coimbatore: Ramnagar, DM Nagar, Chittaputur, Wood Shop, Race Course, Kangeyampalayam, Sulur, PS Nagar, Gandhipuram, Tatapath, MG Putur, Circuit House, Boumarket, Avarampalayam Area, Mettupalayam Road, Rauthur, Ranganathapuram, Saibaba Colony, Sivananda Colony, Sukravarpet, Kannampalayam, Air Force Base.

Madurai District: Rajammal Nagar, Ponnakaram, Ismailpuram, South Chitrai Road, Arapalayam Main Road, Annanagar, Arapalayam Cross Road, Kamarajar Road, Palpannai, Theppakulam, North Chitrai Road, Lakshmipuram, Chintamani, Vakilputhu Street, Theppam, Keemasi Road, Netaji Nagar, Velammal Hospital, Pattanadi, Senpagam Hospital, Airavathanallur, Swarajjiapuram, Pethiyamman Padithura, Maminagar, Arasamaram, Simmakkal, Airavathanallur, Sangavapal Pallis, Viraganoor, South Avanimula Road, Akimchapuram.

Perungudi, ESI, Ponmeni, Ashok Nagar, Prasanna Nagar, Mela Annathoppu, Sampathipuram, RV Nagar, Ring Road, Ponnakaram, Pandyan Nagar, Jayabharat, MMC Colony, Bethaniapuram, Chinna Odapatti, Koch, Avaniapuram, General Jail, Gnanolipuram, Puttuthoppu, Verattipattu, Dok Nagar, YMS Colony, Part of Germany, SS Colony, Pharmakolani, Sampathipuram, Airport.

Trichy District: Venkur, Kadadi, Anna Ngr, Periya Suriyur, Perumalpalayam, Solamadevi, Musiri OHT, Kamachipatti, Mamedu, Kanthalur, Suriyur, Thandalaiputtur, Thumbalam, Solampatti, Tiruverumpur Area Police Colony, Ayyambatti, RSK Ngr, Thandalai, Selvapuram, Guntur, Kumpakkudy, Vellore, Government Colony, Ayyambalayam, Paratheeswaran, Nachiyaputtur, Mettupatti.

Veerapur, Karapattipatti, Nallampillai, Thangamarediyapatti, Anaiyur, Marathirediyapatti, Poombam Patti, Andavarkoil, Velliwadi, Muthambadupadumalai, Venkaikuchi, Sevalur, Manaparai area, Anjalikalam, K. Samutram, Manikatiyur, Karumpulipatti, Tiruchi Road, Venkaikurichi, Thoppampatti, Amiyapuram, Kottapatti, Balapatti, Manjampatti, N Puttur, Malaiyadipatti.

Tirupur District: Sivanmalai, Kothapallam, Natturibandal, Thanipalayam, Kangeyam Nagar, T.K.Palayam, Akilandapuram, Potiyapalayam, Seenamuthur, Kadayur, Bhagavathipalayam.

Nanda College, Perundurai, Kalavai, Musiri, Virinchipuram, Mullamparapu, Vellodu, Arakkonam, Kuppampalayam, Alappakkam, Veerappampalayam, Varapuram, Kaspa, Kaspapettai, Nagamanayakanpalayam, Goventhanayakanpalayam, Thandalam, Dharamaneethi, Taluwampalayam, Vaanapadi, Rangampalayam, Pottinayakkanvalasu, Rasampalayam, Moolakarai, Gandhi Road, Vegamangalam, Konavattam, Goundachipalayam, Chellappampalayam, Velayutham Palayam, Setuwalai, North Murthipalayam, Salipudhur, Veerappampalayam, New Bus Stand, Chetthangal, Bokai, 1010 Nasavalar Colony, Pallapalayam, Ranipettai, Mookashipitariyur North area, Eongur, Velangatuvalasu, Tiruvalangadu, Chakramallur, Kongu College, Oghur, Vellore Surroundings, South Perundurai area, Eriankadu, Blikalpalayam, Kaveripakkam surroundings, Kodumudi, Pasar, Mosur, Chinniyambalam, Kurikaranpalayam, Thoppalayam, Vellore district, Chipgat, BHEL, Kadayur, Walaja, 46 Puthur, Chenpakkam, Akilandapuram.

Dharmapuri District: Samayapuram, Maveripatti, Bairanatham, Kalipettai, Vennampatti, Kariyamangalam, Palayambudur, Naripalli, Kattur, Bekarahalli, Kerakodahalli, Sidling, Periyambatti, Kovilur, Theerthamalai, Etianur, Periyamitahalli, Manjavadi, Ammapettai, Erulapatti, Lower Morapur, Venkatasamuthram, Melsengambadi, Athiyamankottai, Venkatasamuthram, Venkatasamuthram, Periambatti, Kaundampatti, Anumanthapuram, Alapuram, K. Vetripatti, Pommahalli, Mambatti, Nallampally, Molayanur, Athikarapatti, Kottapatti, Ketur, Velanur, Reddyhalli, Anumandirtam, Pudupatti, Thadangam, Pallipatti, Kongavembu, Paprirettipatti.

Cuddalore District: Samiyarpettai, Lalpettai, Pichavaram, Kalnatambauliyur, B Mudlur, Palanjanallur, Tirunaraiyur, Thorappu, Udayar, Parangipettai, Kattumannarkoil.

Tiruvannamalai District: Chinnasamutram, Vedanatham, Kanyamboondi, Singavaram, Thanarapadi, Moranam, Perugattur, Kilnachippet, Vallivakai, Vengikkal, Vazur, Marudadu, Sengam, Adiyur, Brangampet, Quilam, Annanthavadi, Temple Area, Sirungattur, Makgalur, Ganapapuram, Kilpennathur, Kalasthambadi, Melsengam, Theradi, Kubera Nagar.

Chennapalli, Sundekuppam, Koneripalli, Nallur, TVS Nagar, Rajeshwari Layout, Sivakumar Nagar, Mahalakshmi Layout, Kothur, Katheri, Choolakunda, Kothipalayam, Pommandapalli, Arts College, Rajaji Nagar, Nachikuppam, Allapatti, Bekepally, Housing Board Phase 1 and 2, Manavaranapalli, Udayanallur, Govinda Agraharam, Semparasanahalli, Gangojikottur, Collector’s Office, Kothakandapalli, Muneeswar Nagar, Errahandahalli, Bethepalli, Titan Township, Padakottai, Pathimaduku, Madhigiri, Nallur and Bagur areas, Pastalapalli, Old Madhigiri, Mittapalli, KRP Dam, Kamanthotti, Thirtham, Anthiwadi, Esril Nagar, Old Petty, Krishnagiri Town, Katinayanahalli, Dwarka Nagar

Perambalur District: Ninnyyur, Kacheru Pilliyar Koil Street, Kallangurichi, Noyal, Udayar, Chinnakariampatti, Nagampalli, Madhulur, Indiranagara Colony, Periyakalipalayam, Pathampatti, K. Pichampatti, Periyatrikonam, Paranam, Pemtu Road, Achimangalam, Manavadi, Kalipalayam, Mariamman Koil, Rajapuram, Alamaratheru, Senturai, Moolakumaran Patti, Athipalayam Puthur, Velayapalayam, Bhaganatham, Jagathabi, Vellianai, Karuppai Koil Street, Amur, Rayanoor, K.Venkatapuram, Rajapuram, Kovilur, Thanthonimalai, Villankudi, Renganathambettai, Nagamangalam, Telur, Damputtur Othakadai, Athipalayam, Mookanakuruchi, Telur, Garudayampalayam, Garudayampalayam, Chellipalayam, Thokkupatthur, Sungaket, Punjai Kalakurichi, Palwarpatti, Manavadi, Chellipalayam, Market, Senturai, Thavidupalayam, Soodamani, Elavanur, Mastaginathupatti, Pasupathipalayam, Kalipalayam, Kathalapatti, Collectorate, Senpaganam, Melsengam, Semangi, Wodiarpalayam, Poongotai, Udayar, Thalapatti, Achimangalam, Pemtu Road, Kathalapatti, Kuppam, Gadiyanoor, Semangi, Noyal, Poongotai.

Theni district: Pudupatti, Andipatti, Kamatchipuram, Pannapuram, Rayapanpatti, Thamaraikkulam, Balakombai, Chothupparai, Town Uthampalayam, Ambasamudram, Vallayankulam, Ethagoville, Vadugapatti, Murugamalai, and its surrounding areas.

Chennai Power Cut: Timing

Several areas will face electricity disruption on Tuesday. The electricity will be disrupted from 9 am to 2 pm.

Chennai Power Cut: Affected Areas On October 15

Nolambur: MGR University, Union Road, Service Road, TNHB Phase I & II, Jeswanth Nagar, Meenakshi Avenue, Gurusamy Road, Rajiv Gandhi Street, Pananjolai Street, Periya Nolambur, Chinna Nolambur, S.R.R. Nagar, VGN Nagar 1st to 6th & 8th Block, MCK Layout, S.N.P. Garden.

Radhakrishnan Nagar: VOC Nagar, Balu Mudali Street, Kalmandapam area, Ramanuja Appar Street, Kummalamman Koil Street, R.K. Nagar, Sri Rangammal Street, JV Koil Street, TH Road SS area, Old Washermenpet, Thilagar Nagar, Seni Amman Koil Street, Thandavarya Gramani Street, Sanjeevarayan Koil Street Part, G.A. Road, Stanley area, Lawyer Chinnathambi I,II Street Part, Solaiyappan Street, Kappal Bolu Street, Justice Pandalai Colony Street, Bala Arunachala Street, Kannikoil, Ellayamudhali Street, Namachivaya Chetti Street Part, TH Road Part, Tollgate area, Thandavaraya Mudhali Street.

Chennai Power Cut: Affected Areas on October 14

Gummidipoondi: Aathupakkam, Balakrishapuram, Thervazhi, Rettambedu Main Road, Kuriviagaram villages, Enathimelpakkam, Thambureddy Palayam, Gummidipoondi Bazaar (G.N.T. Road), Pethikuppam Railway Bridge, Appavaram, Soliambakkam, Ma.Po.Si Nagar, Mangavaaram, and Verkadu.

Residents are advised to be ready to prepare for the upcoming power outages. TANGEDCO has assured us that if the maintenance work finishes earlier than scheduled, the power can be restored before 2 pm.

Chennai Power Cut: Timing

Selected areas of the Chennai city will face scheduled power cut on Sunday. The electricity will be disrupted from 9 am to 2 pm.

Chennai Power Cut: Affected Areas

Gummidipoondi: Verkadu, Aathupakkam, Appavaram, Thambureddy Palayam, Rettambedu Main Road, Pethikuppam Railway Bridge, Kuriviagaram villages, Gummidipoondi Bazaar (G.N.T. Road), Balakrishapuram, Enathimelpakkam, Mangavaaram, Thervazhi, Ma.Po.Si Nagar, and Soliambakkam.

Chennai Power Cut: Affected Areas On October 15

Nolambur: Meenakshi Avenue, S.N.P. Garden, S.R.R. Nagar, VGN Nagar 1st to 6th & 8th Block, MGR University, TNHB Phase I & II, Chinna Nolambur, Periya Nolambur, Rajiv Gandhi Street, Jeswanth Nagar, Pananjolai Street, Union Road, MCK Layout, Gurusamy Road, and Service Road.

Radhakrishnan Nagar: Ellayamudhali Street, Seni Amman Koil Street, Lawyer Chinnathambi I,II Street Part, Kummalamman Koil Street, Sri Rangammal Street, Ramanuja Appar Street, Venkatachalam Street, Thandavarya Gramani Street, Stanley area, VOC Nagar, R.K. Nagar, Balu Mudali Street, Bala Arunachala Street, Solaiyappan Street, Thilagar Nagar, G.A. Road, Kappal Bolu Street, Kalmandapam area, JV Koil Street, Justice Pandalai Colony Street, Old Washermenpet, Kannikoil, Tollgate area, TH Road Part, TH Road SS area, Sanjeevarayan Koil Street Part, Namachivaya Chetti Street Part, Thandavaraya Mudhali Street.

In anticipation of the future power outages, the people are advised to gear up. TANGEDCO assures, if the maintenance work concludes ahead of time, the power could be back on even before 2 pm.

The special train departed from Dr. MGR Chennai Central railway station at approximately 4:45 am. The stranded passengers were provided with food and water during the wait, officials said, news agency ANI reported. A total of 19 passengers were injured when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express (Train No. 12578) collided with a stationary goods train at Kavaraippettai Railway Station near Chennai on Friday night.

Special train departs from Chennai Central with stranded passengers after Bagmati Express collision| Watch

Stranded passengers of Train No. 12578 Mysuru – Darbhanga Bagmati Express were provided with food and water

A Special Train Departed from Dr. MGR Chennai Central at 04:45 hrs on 12.10.2024 to reach their destination #SouthernRailway pic.twitter.com/h5lUKQOn3D

— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) October 12, 2024

The incident, which occurred around 8:30 p.m. on the Chennai-Gudur section between Ponneri and Kavaraippettai railway stations, led to the derailment of 12 coaches of the passenger train.

Following the collision, several trains have been diverted or rescheduled to accommodate the disruption. “The Following Trains are diverted and rescheduled due to train accident of Train No.12578 #Mysuru – Darbhanga Bagmati Express at Kavaraipettai in #Chennai Division Passengers are requested to take note on this and plan your #travel,” reads the tweet posted by Southern Railway.

‘Due to Train accident of Train No.12578 Mysuru – Darbhanga Bagmati Express at Kavaraipettai in Chennai Division at around 20.30 hrs on 11th October 2024, the following are the changes in the pattern of train services,’ reads the notice.

Trains Diverted

1. Train No.12622 New Delhi Dr MGR Chennai Central – Tamil Nadu Express that left at 21.05 hrs on 10th October 2024 is diverted to run via Gudur, Renigunta and Arakkonam to Dr MGR Chennai Central.
2. Train No 16094 Lucknow Jn Dr MGR Chennai Central Express that left at 16.20 hrs on 10th October 2024 is diverted to run via Gudur, Renigunta and Arakkonam to Dr MGR Chennai Central, duly skipping stoppages at Nayadupetta and Sulurupetta.
3. Train No 06090 Santragachi Jn – Dr MGR Chennai Central Special train that left at 23.40 hrs on 10th October 2024 is diverted to run via Gudur, Renigunta and Arakkonam to Dr MGR Chennai Central.
4. Train No 22673 Bhagat Ki Kothi – Mannargudi Express that left at 16.10 hrs on 10th October 2024 is diverted to run via Gudur, Renigunta, Arakkonam and Chennai Egmore, duly skipping stoppage at Sulurupetta.
5. Train No 12760-Hyderabad – Tambram Charminar Express that left at 18.00 hrs on 11th October, 2024 is diverted to run via Gudur, Renigunta and Arakkonam, duly skipping stoppages at Nayadupetta and Sulurupetta.
6. Train No 22801 Vishakapatnam – Dr MGR Chennai Central Superfast Special that left at 18.00 hrs on 11th October, 2024 is diverted to run via Gudur, Renigunta and Arakkonam, duly skipping stoppage at Sulurupetta.
7. Train No 20896 Bhubaneswar- Rameswaram Superfast Express that ‘left at 12.10 hrs on 11th October 2024 is diverted to run via Gudur, Renigunta Arakkonam and Chennai Egmore.
8. Train No 12604 Hyderabad-Dr MGR Chennai Central Express that left at 16.45 hrs on 11 October, 2024 is diverted to run via Gudur, Renigunta, Arakkonam to Dr MGR Chennal Central, duty skipping stoppage at Sulurupella
9. Train No.12522 Ernakulam Barauni Rapfisogar Express that left Ernakulam at 10.50 hrs on 11 October 2024 is diverted to run via Arakkanam, Renigunta and Gudur
10. Train No.08312 Erode -Sambalpur Special that left Erode at 14.45 hrs on 11th October 2024 is diverted to run via Arakkonam, Renigunta and Gudur, duly skipping stoppage at Perambur
11. Train No.12296 Danapur-SMVT Berigaluru Express that left Danapur at 20.15 hrs on 10 October 2024 is diverted to run via Gudur, Renigunta, and Melpakkam, duly skipping stoppage at Perambut and Arakkonam, with additional stoppage provided at Tiruttani.
12. Train No.22353 Patna-SMVT Bengaluru Express that left Danapur at 20.25 hes on 10 October 2024 is diverted to run via Gudur, Renigunta, and Melpakkam, duly siipping stoppage at Perambur with additional stoppage provided at Tiruttani.
13. Train No. 18189 Tatanagar Emakulam Express that left Tatanagar at 05.15 hrs on 11 October 2024 is diverted to run via Gudur, Renigunta, and Melpakkam, duly skipping stoppage at Perambur and Arakkanam, with additional stoppage provided at Tiruffani
14. Train No. 12656 Dr MGR Chennal Central Ahmedabad Navajvan Express scheduled to leave at 10.10 hrs on 12 October 2024 is diverted- to run via Arakkonam, Renigunta and Gudur, duly skipping stoppage at Sulurupetta
15. Train No.22802 Dr MGR Chennai Central Visakhapatnam Weekly Superfast Express scheduled to leave at 10.00 hrs on 12th October 2024 is diverted to run via Arakkonam. Renigunta and Güdur, duly skipping stoppage at Sulurupella Train No.06065 Emakulam Patna Special Fare Specia Train that lett Ernakulam of 23.00 hrs on 11 October 2024 is diverted to run via Melpakkam, Renigunta and Gudur, duly skipping stoppage at Arakkonam and Perambur with additional stoppage at Tiruttani.
16. Train No. 12375 Tambaram-Jasidih Weekly Superfast Express scheduled to leave at 13.00 hrs on 12th October 2024 is diverted to run via Arakkonam, Renigunta and Gudur, duly skipping stoppage at Sulurupetta.
17. Train No.20482 Tiruchchirappalli Bhagat Ki Kothi Humsafar Express scheduled to leave at 08.10 hrs on 12th October 2024 is diverted to run via Arakkonam, Renigunta and Gudur.

RESCHEDULE OF TRAIN SERVICE AND DIVERSION

• Train No 12842 Dr MGR Chennal Central Shalimar Coromandel Express scheduled to leave at 07.00 hrs on 12 October, 2024 is rescheduled to leave Dr MGR Chennai Central at 09.00 hrs (2 hours late) and will be diverted to run via Arakkonam, Renigunta and Gudur.

Officials reported that the incident occurred around 8:30 pm on the Chennai-Gudur section, causing the derailment of 12 coaches of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express. This triggered swift relief and rescue operations to assist the injured and restore services.

The incident disrupted train movement across the entire section, forcing the railways to divert trains or operate them through alternate routes to manage the situation effectively.

Mysuru-Darbhanga Express collides with goods train: Helpline Number Issued

The Southern Railway’s Chennai division has provided helpline numbers for assistance as rescue operations continue following the train collision. The helpline numbers are: 044-25354151, 044-25330952, 044-25330953, and 044-25354995. These numbers have been made available to offer support and information to passengers and their families.

Sharing a post on X(previously Twitter), DRM Chennai wrote, “Rear end collision at KAVARAIPPETTAI Railway Station around 20.30 hrs today in Chennai -Gudur section involving Train No.12578 Mysuru – Darbhanga Bagmati Express and a Goods train Help line numbers at Chennai Division 04425354151 04425330952 044-25330953 044-25354995.”

DRM Chennai tweets “Rear end collision at Kavaraippettai Railway Station around 20.30 hrs today in Chennai -Gudur section involving Train No.12578 Mysuru–Darbhanga Bagmati Express and a Goods train. Help line numbers at Chennai Division-04425354151, 04425330952, 044-25330953,… pic.twitter.com/GmqFgwSJzh

— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2024

RAILWAY HELPLINE NUMBERS in view of Accident of Train No.12758

GUDUR: 08624 250795
ONGOLE: 08592 280306
VIJAYAWADA: 0866 2571244
NELLORE: 0861 2345863 https://t.co/OdCtVSKdnv pic.twitter.com/cy3l2Ijimx

— DRM Vijayawada (@drmvijayawada) October 11, 2024

VIJAYAWADA DIVISION, SCR RAILWAY HELPLINE NUMBERS

Gudur: 08624 250795
Ongole: 08592 280306
Vijayawada: 0866 2571244
Nellore: 0861 2345863
Eluru: 7569305268
Tadepalligudem: 8818226162 Nidadavolu: 08813223325
Tenali: 8644227600 Rajahmundry: 08832420543 https://t.co/nayi9P5Fsk pic.twitter.com/WZGudsGirw

— DRM Vijayawada (@drmvijayawada) October 11, 2024

Mysuru-Darbhanga Express collides with goods train: List of Trains diverted

According to officials, around seven trains have been diverted following the incident.

1. This includes train No. 13351 Dhanbad-Alappuzha Express, which departed Dhanbad at 11:35 am on October 10, was diverted to run via Renigunta-Melapalayam-Katpadi, skipping stoppages at Nayudupetta, Sulurupettah, Dr. MGR Chennai Central, and Arakkonam.
2. Train No. 02122 Jabalpur-Madurai Superfast Special, which left Jabalpur at 4:25 pm on October 10, was diverted to run via Renigunta-Melapalayam-Chengalpattu, skipping stoppages at Chennai Egmore and Tambaram.
3. Train No. 12621 MGR Chennai Central-Tamil Nadu Express, which departed at 10:00 pm on October 11, was diverted to run via Arakkonam-Renigunta to Vijayawada.
4. Train No. 18190 Ernakulam-Tatanagar Express, which left Ernakulam at 7:15 am on October 11, was diverted to run via Melapalayam-Arakkonam-Renigunta.
5. Train No. 12664 Tiruchirappalli-Howrah Superfast Express, which departed Tiruchirappalli at 1:35 pm on October 11, was diverted to run via Melapalayam-Arakkonam-Renigunta.
6. Train No. 07496 Ramanathapuram Express Special, which departed Ramanathapuram at 9:50 am on October 11, was diverted to run via Arakkonam-Renigunta.
7. Train No. 06063 Coimbatore-Dhanbad Express Special, which left Coimbatore at 11:50 am on October 11, was diverted to run via Melapalayam-Arakkonam-Renigunta.

(With ANI Inputs)

Some reports suggest that at least three coaches have derailed.

The accident took place when the 12578 Mysore-Darbhanga Express collided with a goods train at 8:50 PM near Kavarappettai near Chennai.

According to the information, the express train collided with the already standing train on the same track. The impact caused more damage to the goods train

At least 10 passengers are reported to be injured while fire and smoke were reported in two coaches.

Officials said that national disaster response force (NDRF) and state disaster response force (SDRF) teams and ambulances have been rushed to the spot.

The train was going on the main line, at a speed of 109/kmph when it suddenly shifted on the loop line and collided with an already standing goods train. The district administration and NDRF team are present on the spot.

Relief and rescue teams from Chennai have left for the accident site while DRM is on the way.

“A passenger train from Mysore to Darbhanga via Perambur collided with a goods train standing at Kavarappettai railway station near Thiruvallur. Railway officials have rushed to the spot of the accident,” said Tiruvallur Police.

Initially, it seemed like a plane-related accident caused the deaths but later, upon further investigation carried out by the authorities, it was revealed that the visitors were subjugated by high temperatures, humidity, and overcrowding resulting in suffocation and dehydration, as reported by India Today.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) air show was attended by about 1.5 million people and unfortunately, five people succumbed to suspected heatstroke.

The presence of about 15 lakh people at the venue on a hot and humid day caused heatstroke, dehydration, and suffocation. Reports further say that the crown was so big that it affected the traffic and led to traffic jams.

What added to the already building chaos was the mismanagement and poor crowd control. The pandemonium reached its peak after the air show was over and the enormous crowd tried to leave the venue all at once, causing a stampede-like situation. The situation became so desperate that some spectators broke through the barricades.

According to the weather office, the maximum temperature on Sunday was 35 degrees Celsius.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said on Monday that of the nearly 100 people admitted to the government hospitals close to Marina Beach, 7 were undergoing treatment, and 93 people were treated as out-patients adding that the condition of those undergoing treatment at the hospitals was stable.

“There was no stampede while the spectators started leaving for home at the same time,” said Health Minister Ma Subramanian.

“We don’t deny the deaths, which were all related to heat conditions as the people remained under the hot sun from 11 am till 1 pm. Let me make it clear, we made arrangements anticipating 15 lakh people for the IAF’s 92nd Day celebrations and even provided more than what the IAF had sought,” said the Tamil Nadu Health Minister.

The timing for the two-hour air show (from 11 am to 1 pm) was decided by the IAF based on weather conditions and the IAF had advised people to bring umbrellas, wear caps, and cooling glasses and also bring water bottles with them, he said.

According to media reports, there was no water supply at the event despite the hot and humid weather. People fainted due to the lack of air circulation and dehydration.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | A woman seen being evacuated from a huge rush at the Mega Air Show on Marina Beach ahead of the 92nd Indian Air Force Day.

There are reports of attendees fainting, rushed to the hospital due to heavy crowd presence and heat. pic.twitter.com/SgNEhuTnUH

— ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2024

The nearby Lighthouse metro station and the Velachery railway station were swarmed by people who were returning from air show. Hundreds of people found it difficult to get a space to even stand on the platform, PTI reported.

“Nearly a dozen people swooned on the Marina due to a near stampede-like situation and because of the hot weather. They were treated at a government facility.” PTI quoted a police officer as saying.

The chaos resulted in massive traffic snarls impacting the primary roads connecting Marina to various districts of Tamil Nadu’s capital.

“I found it extremely difficult to take the MRTS train at Velachery as the station was fully packed with people eager to see the air display. Nevertheless, I managed to take my family of four to the Marina and back, though fully sapped of energy while returning home,” PTI quoted one of the attendees K Sridhar as saying.

The traffic police managed to restore traffic near the beach three hours after the event concluded.

The Indian Air Force on its 92nd anniversary displayed a breathtaking air show near the world’s longest beaches, Marina Beach in Chennai. The Chief Guest for the event was MK Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, along with senior officers from the Defence Forces and dignitaries from both state and central governments also attended the event.

The theme for this year, Sashakt, Saksham, Atmanirbhar (Potent, Powerful, Self-reliant), was vividly reflected in the IAF’s display of strength and skill. Demonstrating unmatched flying prowess, IAF aviators filled the Chennai skies with spectacular aerial maneuvers. The air show showcased the indomitable strength and spirit of the Indian Air Force, resonating with its motto, “Touch the Sky with Glory.”, added the statement.

(With ANI inputs)

Chennai Power Cut Today, October 5: Timings

Several parts of Chennai will witness scheduled power outages from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Residents are advised to plan accordingly.

Chennai Power Cut Today, October 5: List of Affected Areas

Ponneri – Medur: Medur, Acharapallam, Asanapudur, Thirupalaivanam, Avoor, Pakkam, Avoorivakkam, Kolur, Annamalaicherry, Vanjivakkam, Thathamanji, Pulicat Surrounding Areas.

Tidel Park: Tharamani Part, Kanagam, Periyar Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur & Indira Nagar Part, Velachery Part, VSI Estate Phase-I, 100 Feet Road Part, Anna Nagar, CSIR Road, RMZ Millennium (Kandanchavadi), CPR Park, Ascendas and Tidel Park, Gandhi Nagar, Adayar Part.

Rajakilpakkam: Sathiya Sai Nagar, Radhesham Avenue, Jayandra Nagar Main, Abdulkalam Nagar, Gokul Nagar, Ponnaiamman Koil Street, Tellus Avenue Phase-I & II, Alavattamman Koil Street, Rajeswari Nagar, Arulneri Nagar Extension.

Napalayam: Sriram Nagar, Ezhil Nagar, Subramani Nagar, Vellivoyal, Ganapathy Nagar, Kondakarai, Vichoor, I.J. Puram, Kulakarai, Sidco Estate, Semmanali, Edayanchavadi, Napalayam, MRF Nagar, Ponniamman Nagar, Vellivoyal Chavadi, Arulmurugan Nagar, Ekkal Colony, Manali New Town.

Mangadu: Guru Avenue, K.K. Nagar, Thirupati Nagar, Muthukumaran College, Masilamani Nagar, Maruthi Nagar, Rajiv Nagar, Anna Street, Lakshmi Nagar, Malliga Nagar, Nellithoppu-Mahalakshmi Nagar, M.N.S. K. Avenue, Alex Nagar, Sabari Nagar, Kozhumanivakkam, Srinivasa Nagar, Kundrathur Main Road, Janani Nagar, Charles Nagar, Govindaraj Nagar.

CCTV footage of the tragic accident, which has been widely shared on social media platforms, showed Balamurugan sitting on the steps at the entrance of an unreserved coach. As the train passes the Saidapet railway station, Balamurugan’s leg got trapped in the space between the platform and the coach, as a result of which he was flung out violently and dragged for over 30 feet before his head slammed into the fast moving train, the video showed.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: (Warning: Disturbing Visuals)

“Shocking visuals: A passenger on the Vaigai Express tragically lost his life while sitting on the steps. #RailSafety” pic.twitter.com/snWYeS0620

— buzzTN.com (@buzzTN_offl) October 3, 2024

According to the police, Balamurugan had boarded the Vaigai Express when it left the Egmore railway station at around 1.30 PM, the incident, they said, occurred at around 2 PM at the Saidapet railway station.

Balamurugan, a resident of Cuddalore, died on the spot, police said, adding that his body was recovered by the Railway Police and sent for post-mortem.

A case has been registered in this regard and further investigation is ongoing, they added.

Officials said the seven fire tenders from Hosur and nearby districts were pressed into service to contain the inferno and finally managed to douse the flames after battling for hours. However, no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident, they said.

“The incident occurred at a chemical godown located on the campus at about 6 am. Seven fire tenders were pressed into service. There has been no casualty nor injury to anyone,” news agency PTI quoted a senior Hosur Fire Station official as saying,

Visuals shared on social media showed towering flames and massive thick black clouds of smoke emanating from the structures as firefighters worked to douse the inferno.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

Flash:

A massive fire broke out at #TataElectronics manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu’s #Hosur. The fire started in cellphone manufacturing section, prompting employees to evacuate the premises.

Several fire engines were dispatched to evacuate employees from the site, and no… pic.twitter.com/zUyOe8RThY

— Yuvraj Singh Mann (@yuvnique) September 28, 2024

According to reports, around 1,500 workers were on duty when fire broke out at the facility at around 6 AM on Saturday morning.

In a statement, Tata Electronics said its employees were safe and officials are currently engaged in identifying the cause of the incident.

“There has been an unfortunate incident of fire at our plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Our emergency protocols at the plant ensured that all our employees are safe. The cause of the fire is under investigation and we will take necessary actions to safeguard the interest of our employees and other stakeholders,” the company said.

Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd is a greenfield venture of the diversified conglomerate Tata Group with expertise in manufacturing precision components, as per the company’s description on its official website.

In related news, Tata Electronics Saturday announced that it will hire over 20,000 more employees at the company’s new iPhone assembly plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. 

(With PTI inputs)

Thilagar then allegedly sexually assaulted a minor girl from amongst the group of children, reports said, adding that the incident came to light when the girl narrated the harrowing ordeal to her parents, following which locals staged a protest outside the temple, demanding action the accused priest.

“The girl’s family, along with other villagers, staged a protest outside the temple. The priest locked himself inside the temple in fear of an attack from the angry villagers,” a senior police official said, adding that a police team arrived at the scene and arrested the accused.

A case under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has been registered against Thilagar based on a complaint filed the minor girl’s father, police said.

The accused priest has been arrested and further investigation in the case is underway, they added.