1. Tiruchendur temple priest demands ‘bribe’ during HR&CE Minister’s surprise inspection

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister S. Ramesh conducted a surprise inspection at the renowned Tiruchendur Subramanya Swami temple, where a controversy erupted after a priest allegedly demanded money from the Minister for a speedier darshan, unaware of his identity.

The Minister entered the temple premises with his aide, wearing a face mask. His aide casually enquired with the priest about darshan. The priest allegedly demanded a certain amount, following which the Minister’s aide transferred the money through an online transaction.

2. D.K. Shivakumar politicising Mekedatu issue: Law Minister

Tamil Nadu Law Minister C.T.R. Nirmalkumar accused Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of politicising the Mekedatu issue even though the Supreme Court of India had only directed the Karnataka government to submit the project report.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat in Chennai, he said Karnataka could not conduct bhoomi pooja for the construction of a dam across Mekedatu since the Supreme Court had merely sought the submission of a project report.

3. ‘AIADMK to seek CBI probe into horse-trading of its MLAs if TVK’s activities continue’

Former AIADMK Minister and party whip Agri S.S. Krishnamurthy said that the AIADMK, led by its general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, would seek a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations of horse-trading involving four of its MLAs by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by its president and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, if the ruling party does not stop such activities immediately.

4. Erode farmer trampled to death by elephant 

A 40-year-old farmer was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Bargur hills in Anthiyur taluk of Erode district this morning.

The police identified the deceased as Thangaraj of Eppatham Palayam village, who worked in his land near the forest area.