UPDATED: Oct 27, 2026 14:17 IST
Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh was arrested by the Tamil Nadu Police and sent to Puzhal Prison following the dismissal of his anticipatory bail plea by the Madras High Court. The Central Crime Branch has alleged a major bribery scam involving nearly 400 crore rupees per year collected from private schools for renewals and approvals. While the ruling administration termed the action an investigation into institutional corruption, the DMK condemned the arrest as political vendetta. Meanwhile, 17 remand prisoners escaped from a sub-jail in Thekkampatti, Theni, after faking a medical seizure and assaulting prison staff, prompting a multi-district search operation that has recaptured four fugitives. In another key decision, the state government announced the phased introduction of digital payments across 4,082 state-run TASMAC liquor outlets to curb overcharging and cash handling discrepancies. Additionally, Andhra Pradesh is on high alert as Cyclone Omar approaches landfall near Yanam and Visakhapatnam.
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Supreme Court Gives Petitioners 10 Days in Election Commission Pleas Row
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BJP vs AAP: Ravneet Bittu Brings Liquor Bottle to Assembly, Hits Out at Bhagwant Mann
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Theni Jailbreak: 17 Inmates Escape After Faking Illness, Four Caught as Manhunt Launched Across TN
A massive manhunt is underway across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring districts after 17 remand prisoners escaped from the Theni sub-jail on Monday night. The inmates staged an illness before violently assaulting three prison personnel to execute the jailbreak. Four escaped prisoners have been apprehended, while 13 remain at large. Tamil Nadu Police have deployed drones and formed 17 special teams to track down the absconding undertrials. The state government suspended nine jail staff members over lapses. The incident sparked fierce political controversy, with opposition parties DMK and BJP attacking the TVK government and Chief Minister Vijay over administrative failure.
Cyclone Arnab Nears Andhra Coast; Red Alert Issued, Evacuations Under Way
Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal and is heading towards the east coast of India. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert across Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall with maximum sustained wind speeds reaching 115 to 125 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 140 kilometres per hour. Landfall is expected along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. In response to the impending disaster, National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed across multiple states, while the Indian Navy and Coast Guard remain on standby. Coastal administrations have initiated evacuations from low-lying areas, set up temporary relief shelters, and declared holidays for schools and colleges. Fishermen have been strictly directed to avoid venturing out into the sea as authorities aim for zero casualties.