Here are the big stories from Tamil Nadu today
The Hindu
Madras HC dismisses appeals against conviction of officials for atrocities on Vachathi tribal village. Court orders TN govt to pay ₹10 lakh each to 18 rape victims & take action against then Collector, SP & DFO. CPI (M) hails verdict & plans to contest 2024 LS polls. Justice Venkatesh to move to Madurai Bench, won't hear suo motu revision petitions.
The Madras High Court dismissed all criminal appeals filed against the conviction and sentences imposed against a host of officials from the forest, police and revenue departments for the atrocities committed on the residents Vachathi tribal village in Dharmapuri district 31 years ago.
Justice P. Velmurugan confirmed the conviction as well as punishment ranging from one to seven years of rigorous imprisonment imposed by Dharmapuri Principal Sessions Judge S. Kumaraguru on this date in 2011. The convicts include Indian Forest Service (IFS) officials who had raided the village for smuggled sandalwood.
The court directed Tamil Nadu government to pay a compensation of ₹10 lakh each to the 18 rape victims and to initiate appropriate action against the then Collector, Superintendent of Police and District Forest Officer for having failed to take action despite complaints regarding the atrocities.
Parties including Communist Party of India (Marxist), Pattali Makkal Katchi and Tamil Maanila Congress have hailed the verdict.
The CPI (M) will continue to oppose the BJP as well as the AIADMK, its state secretary K. Balakrishnan said in Coimbatore.
On the constituencies that the CPI (M) will contest in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Mr. Balakrishnan said the CPI (M) will repeat the 2019 formula and will persuade DMK to allocate the Madurai and Coimbatore Lok Sabha seats.
Ridiculing Mr. Annamalai over the Karnataka state unit of the BJP conducting bandh opposing release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, Mr. Balakrishnan said South West monsoon deficit was only 27 per cent in Karnataka and water in reservoirs were 52 per cent. He also stated that Karnataka was hiding water in check dams, lakes and ponds, that is why 27 per cent rainfall has resulted in 48 per cent shortage of water in reservoirs.
Bull assessment for jallikattu commences in Madurai
NHAI has resumed work on the ₹22 crore underpass in Ranipet, enhancing safety and traffic flow on NH 48.
Women in Kameswaram face daily dangers walking 2 km for water, highlighting the village's ongoing water crisis.
Women drivers job mela held to promote economic independence, safety
First test flight at Bhogapuram International Airport set for January 4, 2026, with commercial operations planned by June 2026.
DGP Alok Kumar demands an inquiry report by January 20 on alleged misconduct at Kalaburagi prison following viral videos.
Training in Kalaburagi equips bidders with knowledge of the e-auction process for vacant liquor licences across Karnataka.
Agri students protest in Hubballi over delayed scholarships and inadequate facilities at the College of Agriculture, Dharwad.
Hope Island fisherfolk receive new boat engines from MLA Datla Subbaraju to support fishing under the Prime Minister Matsya Sampada Yojana.
Vijayawada faces a shelter home shortage hindering efforts to relocate over 395 identified homeless individuals to safety.
Cyberabad police issue fog safety advisory to prevent road accidents
The Central Plantation Crops Research Institute launches four innovative coconut-based products, enhancing sustainability and nutrition in Kasaragod, Kerala.
Surathkal police arrest two men and seize ₹10 lakh worth of cannabis intended for New Year sales in Mangaluru.