Eight held for abducting priest

Eight persons were arrested near Devarsolai in Gudalur today for kidnapping a priest. The gang of eight, led by Asaithambi, are said to be members of a little known outfit Makkal Tamil Desam.

The priest, Father Joseph George of Kollam, was here last week. Noticing that the priest was spending heavily the gang decided to kidnap him for a ransom.

Accordingly they abducted Father George to Gudalur and contacted his relatives to pay Rs. 10 lakhs for his release. His relatives alerted the police.

Two special teams were formed to trace the priest. As per the police plan, the relatives agreed to pay the ransom at the agreed spot in Devasolai. When they were handing over the money police nabbed the gang and rescued the priest.

Asaithambi is allegedly involved in the murder of an AIADMK councilor some time back.

Students, teachers and parents celebrate Checkpoint milestone at Spectrum Northern Lights School, Coimbatore

Spectrum Northern Lights School in Coimbatore celebrated its Primary Checkpoint Examination results, recognising student...

Union MoS Muralidhar Mohol reviews Coimbatore Airport expansion works

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol held discussions with airport officials at Coimbatore Airpor...

Dr S Rajasekaran receives Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Vaidyak-Ratna Award

Ganga Hospital Chairman Dr S Rajasekaran was honoured as the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Vaidyak...

Union Budget 2026 lays roadmap for manufacturing, MSMEs and skills: CII Southern Region

CII Southern Region said Union Budget 2026–27 provides policy support for manufacturing, MSMEs, agriculture and skills,...

1054 Park Group students set world record in e-waste awareness drive

A total of 1054 students from Park Group of Institutions created a world record in Coimbatore by identifying and categor...

From kolams to Silambam: Harvest Fiesta lights up VIBGYOR High, Coimbatore

VIBGYOR High Coimbatore celebrated Harvest Fiesta 2026 with a vibrant Pongal event featuring traditional décor, cultural...