Latest news with #Balamurugan
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Man takes truck for a spin in Chennai, caught after 9 km chase
CHENNAI: The busy GST Road on Tuesday afternoon witnessed a high-speed chase by the police and motorists after a man sped away with a lorry that was parked on the roadside near Peanur toll plaza. Sources said the 37-year-old man, suspected to be suffering from mental illness, managed to drive the vehicle for around 9 km before he was caught after the vehicle crashed into a roadside barricade. The chase was on a par with the scene taken out of an action thriller, as at one point of time, Special Sub-Inspector (Traffic) Balamurugan, in a bid to persuade the man to stop the truck laden with M-Sand, climbed on to the vehicle's footboard where he clung on until it came to a halt. Sources said the man, hailing from Tirunelveli, took away the truck when its driver, Kamalakannan, stepped out to recharge the FASTag.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Time of India
Kallazhagar begins return journey to Alagar hills
Madurai : Lord Kallazhagar began his return journey to the Alagar hills on Thursday morning, marking the final leg of the Chithirai festivities . The revered deity, who descended into the city in royal grandeur, was taken on the traditional 'Poo Pallakku' (floral palanquin) procession, a significant cultural and spiritual event that drew thousands of devotees through the night and into early morning. Mounted on Anantha Rayer Pallakku, the deity was decorated with vibrant floral arrangements and regal ornaments, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The palanquin, adorned entirely with fresh flowers of varied hues, moved gracefully through the streets, with devotees chanting hymns and offering prayers. For many, witnessing this part of the festival is considered auspicious, said the devotees. The procession which commenced at 7am from Ramanathapuram Mannar Sethupathi Mandapam at Tamukkam passed through important locations including Mariamman temple (out post), Ambalakarar Mandapam, and Moondru Maavadi. The deity crossed Madurai city limits on the way to Sundararajan Patti and is scheduled to reach Alagarkovil by Friday morning. While the spiritual significance of the procession was not lost on the crowds, the event also caused heavy traffic disruptions, particularly on Natham Road and adjacent localities such as Narimedu and Bibi Kulam. Several arterial and interior roads were blocked, resulting in long delays for morning commuters. "We couldn't step out for work or drop our children at school on time. The procession is a cherished tradition, but there needs to be better traffic management," said R. Balamurugan, a resident of Bibi Kulam. Another commuter, Priya Suresh of Narimedu, said clear communication and alternate routes should be planned in advance. City police deployed personnel at key junctions and used barricades to manage the crowd and traffic. Officials later urged the public to cooperate, citing the festival's cultural importance and large turnout.
