UPDATED: Nov 2, 2026 08:39 ISTA special investigation team probing the Tamil Nadu minor sexual abuse case involving prime accused Veeramani has widened its investigation, taking multi-pronged action against several individuals. Chennai Police have issued a lookout circular against key aide Prakash, accused of helping Veeramani destroy proof and suppress offences, while also initiating steps to freeze his passport after he allegedly escaped abroad.

Parallelly, authorities conducted searches at the residence of accused Ganesan and a dance school run by accused Shanti to examine potential links. Eight persons have been named and charged under major sections, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Meanwhile, a minor victim identified Veeramani during proceedings at a Chennai prison, reinforcing evidence for the prosecution. Investigators are also probing financial transactions amounting to 70 crore rupees reportedly handled to hush up the case, alongside the suspected involvement of senior police officials.

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The demand drew strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which cautioned against pitching regional and national identities against each other and warned of fostering a separatist mindset. Concurrently, the Karnataka government is considering bringing a resolution and legal framework to hoist the Kannada flag alongside the tricolour on government buildings, with the proposal set for discussion at the Belagavi legislative session.Tamil Nadu Braces For Cyclone Murasu; Heavy Rains Lash Chennai, Schools ShutTamil Nadu is bracing for another severe cyclonic storm, Cyclone Murasu, days after Cyclone Arnob affected the east coast.

Cyclone Murasu is located 260 kilometres from the Chennai coast, bringing heavy rainfall across the city. Authorities have declared a holiday for all schools in Chennai.

The cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall near Nellore in Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of November 3, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 kilometres per hour.Delhi AQI Drops To Very Poor, Non-BS6 Vehicles Barred, Fines Over ₹68 Lakh ImposedAir quality across Delhi-NCR plunged into the very poor category as winter conditions set in, with Delhi's ITO recording an Air Quality Index of 349. Authorities imposed fines exceeding 68 lakh rupees on the first day of curbs and turned back 1,539 non-BS6 vehicles at Delhi borders under Graded Response Action Plan measures.

A ban on non-BS6 vehicles remains enforced from 1 November to 31 January. Ground reports from the Ghazipur border showed commercial vehicles undergoing verification at toll points, while checking for private vehicles remained minimal during early morning hours.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav is monitoring coordinated central and state efforts to address the crisis. With winter onset and the festive season approaching, thick smog has lowered morning visibility and raised health concerns for vulnerable groups, the elderly, and children as pollution levels persist above the 300 mark in several bordering areas.Amit Shah Mocks Rahul Gandhi's PM Ambitions as Congress Retorts over Ramlila RallyA fierce war of words has broken out between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress following the opposition alliance's rally at Ramlila Maidan.

Addressing a gathering in Chandigarh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah targeted Rahul Gandhi's prime ministerial aspirations, asserting that he would remain confined to a mock parliament and continue in the opposition even after the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. In response, Congress leaders dismissed his remarks, describing him as an outgoing minister and asserting that the Ramlila Maidan rally saw historic mobilization.

Congress accused the ruling dispensation of evading critical issues such as vote manipulation and unemployment while attempting to divide the public on communal lines.