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Youngsters booked for stopping long distance train to shoot reels in Kerala

Kannur: The Railway Protection Force on Thursday booked two youngsters for briefly stopping a long-distance train in this district after they flashed a red light to shoot social media reels. According to the police, the incident took place around 1.50 am, shortly after the ErnakulamPune Express left Thalassery railway station. Also ReadMemory of brothers lynching Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Malabar Bakerys plum cake remains icing on Kannurs Christmas festivity

KANNUR: Like every Christmas, Malabar Bakery near Kannur Market continues to uphold a cherished tradition of preparing its classic icing plum cake. Serving the people of Kannur for the past 115 years, the bakery is a symbol of nostalgia and trust. Even today, the original cake that has delighted customers for generations is baked and sold, garnering special demand during the Christmas season. For many in the town, the familiar taste of Malabar Bakerys icing plum cake is an indispensable part of the festive spirit of Christmas. Nakkady Achuthan founded Malabar Bakery in 1910 at Camp Bazaar, which was then the headquarters of the Malabar military division. In its early days, the bakery supplied products to the military, nearby convents, and surrounding areas. Recognised as the first bakery in Kannur district, Malabar Bakery soon expanded its reach, exporting its products to places such as Hyderabad, Mangalore, and Madras, and several other regions. In 1928, the business was taken over by Nakkady Madhavan, and today, the bakery is run by the third generation of the family, with N M Swaroopkumar at the helm, continuing the legacy. Malabar Bakery in 1917 Malabar Bakery began making its iconic icing plum cakes in 1920, at a time when every step of the process was done entirely by hand, Swaroopkumar, 63, said. As November approaches each year, we receive inquiries from various places, even from abroad, about our cakes. While many from the older generation continue to return for the familiar taste they grew up with, members of the younger generation are also drawn to the shop, eager to experience the timeless flavour that has defined Malabar Bakery for more than a century. In December, Malabar Bakery fills its shelves with Christmas icing plum cakes and continues to do so till mid-January. The cake is baked without infusing rum which is a regular query of customers. Apart from icing plum cakes, they also sell traditional cream cakes. The dedication to offering only its own creations has helped preserve the bakerys original taste and identity, earning the trust of generations of customers.

South and central Kerala see sharpest decline in voter numbers after SIR

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The draft electoral roll for the 2026 assembly election published on Tuesday registered an overall dip in voter numbers by 8.65% compared to the voters list prior to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Of this, the sharpest drop in voter numbers was recorded in Thiruvananthapuram at 14.31%, followed by Idukki, Ernakulam and Kottayam. Notably, the northern districts of Kannur and Malappuram recorded the least drop in the number of voters. Chief Electoral Officer-Kerala Rathan U Kelkar told TNIE that the drop in voter numbers in predominantly urban districts such as Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam was owing to the lukewarm response of citizens in the 18-30 years age group to either enrol in the electoral roll or participate in the SIR process that requires establishment of a link with the 2002 electoral roll. Of the 2.78 crore voters we had before SIR, nearly 56 lakh in the 18-30 years age group have found a place in the latest draft voters list. However, the population of that age group is close to 90 lakh. This means around 35 lakh people have not come forward to register, Kelkar explained. According to the official, even by conservative estimates, at least 30 lakh people in the 18-30 year age group are expected to come into the electoral roll when it is finalised on February 21. Notably, the number of voters who have been left out of the draft voters list comes up to 24.08 lakh. In the coming days, we will be launching special campaigns to encourage fresh enrolments, the official added. Asked how Idukki, that is predominantly a rural district, came second in terms of the drop in voter numbers, Kelkar said, People of Tamil origin, who also have votes in Tamil Nadu, have not given back the enumeration forms. This was noticed more in the taluks bordering Tamil Nadu.

A Must-Visit Cultural Experience This Season!

If there is one cultural destination in South India that deserves a place on every travellers calendar this season, it is the 13th Sargaalaya International Arts & Crafts Festival (SIACF). From December 23, 2025, to January 11, 2026, Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village transforms into a living, breathing celebration of art, heritage, flavour, and communityan experience that is as inspiring as it is unforgettable. 13th Sargaalaya International Arts & Crafts Festival (SIACF) begins from December 23, 2025, to January 11, 2026 Recognised as South Indias premier crafts festival, SIACF 2025 is expected to welcome o ver two lakh visitors, making it not just an exhibition, but a cultural phenomenon. Organised by Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village and managed by the legendary Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS Ltd.) , the festival continues to set benchmarks in responsible tourism and cultural excellence. Where the Worlds Crafts Come Together What makes SIACF truly extraordinary is its global soul rooted in Indian tradition. The 2025 edition brings together nearly 200 master artisans from 18+ Indian states, alongside celebrated craft practitioners from Belarus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Taiwan. Walking through SIACF feels like travelling across continentseach stall revealing a story, a heritage, and a human touch that no machine can replicate. For anyone who values authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural depth, this is an experience that simply cannot be missed. An Immersive Festival, Not Just an Exhibition SIACF 2025 is thoughtfully curated to offer far more than shopping. Visitors are invited to explore beautifully designed Handloom and Craft Theme Arenas, with special emphasis on Geographical Indication (GI)tagged products, making it a rare opportunity to witness Indias protected craft legacies under one roof. With over 100 exhibition and trade stalls, including works by National and State Awardwinning artisans, the festival offers an unparalleled chance to engage directly with creators and take home pieces of living heritage. Adding depth to the experience are the Tourism Expo and Tourism Talk Shows, where ideas, innovation, and the future of creative tourism come togethermaking SIACF equally compelling for professionals, students, and cultural thinkers. Fashion, Flowers, Food & Festivity From elegance on the ramp to colour in full bloom, SIACF 2025 celebrates lifestyle in its most artistic form. Handloom Fashion Shows and Childrens Fashion Shows bring textiles to life, while the Flower Show adds a visual spectacle that delights all ages. No visit to SIACF is complete without indulging in the much-loved Kerala Food Festivala culinary journey through authentic local delicacies, enriched with regional flavours from states like Rajasthan. Daily live cultural performances by renowned artists ensure that every evening at Sargaalaya feels festive, soulful, and memorable. For those who enjoy leisure amidst nature, pedal and motor boating along the serene Moorad River offers a refreshing pausemaking the festival a perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and adventure. A Festival That Makes a Difference Beyond its beauty and scale, SIACF stands out for its purpose. As a flagship rural tourism initiative, the festival plays a crucial role in empowering artisans, sustaining endangered crafts, and contributing meaningfully to the local economy. This vision is strengthened by the support of the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, NABARD, the Ministry of Textiles (through the Development Commissioners of Handicrafts and Handlooms), and the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Kannurensuring that every visit directly supports livelihoods and cultural continuity. The Perfect Family & Travel Recommendation Whether you are a culture enthusiast, a conscious shopper, a family looking for a meaningful holiday outing, or a traveller seeking authentic Kerala experiences, SIACF 2025 is an unmissable recommendation. It is rare to find a destination that seamlessly brings together craft, cuisine, learning, entertainment, and natureyet Sargaalaya does so effortlessly. Sargaalaya is not just a craft village; it is a celebration of human creativity and shared heritage, says Team Sargaalaya . Every visit helps preserve living traditions while empowering rural communities through responsible tourism. About Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village Set across 20 acres in Iringal, Kozhikode, Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village is a flagship initiative of the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, established in 2011. Developed on a Responsible Tourism model, it provides a permanent creative home for over 100 master artisans and features 27+ eco-friendly cottages, live craft demonstrations, and cultural spaces. Recipient of the National Tourism Award for Best Rural Tourism Project, Sargaalaya is widely regarded as one of Keralas most enriching cultural destinations. Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village: Towards a Global Cultural and Experiential Destination Sargaalaya Kerala Arts and Crafts Village at Iringal, near Vatakara in Kozhikode district, is envisioned to be developed as a globally benchmarked cultural, experiential, and interpretative destination for Malabar. The proposed development reimagines Sargaalaya not merely as a craft village, but as an integrated cultural institution that interprets regional heritage, nurtures creativity, produces knowledge, and anchors a wider tourism ecosystem across North Kerala. The focus is on creating a living cultural landscape where heritage, contemporary practice, tourism, and community livelihoods intersect. The development places strong emphasis on immersive visitor engagement through interactive craft zones, daily demonstrations, curated workshops, and guided interpretation. Craft spaces will be reconfigured to allow larger visitor participation, supported by a central craft emporium and dedicated workshops that enable skill development, innovation, residencies, and fair market access for artisans. These interventions ensure that crafts remain dynamic, living practices rather than static displays. At the heart of the project is the Cultural Experience and Interpretation Centre, conceived as the primary narrative anchor for Malabar. Through curated exhibitions, multimedia installations, immersive digital environments, and interactive archives, the centre will present Malabars maritime history, social reform movements, resistance traditions, ecological knowledge, and cultural pluralism, offering visitors a coherent entry point into the regions layered cultural landscapes. A series of thematic developments will structure the expanded Sargaalaya ecosystem. The Literature City will position Malabar as a living literary landscape through writers retreats, multilingual libraries, translation and publishing labs, literary residencies, and immersive experiences linking literature with place, memory, and social history. The Kalari Village, rooted in the martial traditions of Kadathanad, will integrate training, performance, research, wellness, and interpretation through traditional arenas, therapy centres, and an interactive martial arts museum. The project places strong emphasis on the documentation and preservation of performing arts, supported by digital archives, performance-capture studios, and immersive experience centres for art forms such as Theyyam, Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, and Mappila songs. A Living Heritage Programme will support artists through apprenticeships, fellowships, residencies, and contemporary collaborations, ensuring continuity alongside creative evolution. Sargaalaya is envisioned as a year-round cultural destination with robust performance infrastructure, including open-air amphitheatres, indoor auditoriums, flexible venues, and artist residency facilities. Regular performances, curated weekend programmes, and four large-scale annual cultural productions will ensure sustained activation. A flagship attraction, Malabar Symphony, is proposed as a large-scale light-and-sound hybrid immersive storytelling experience narrating Malabars maritime history, resistance movements, ecological consciousness, and cultural evolution. Conceived as a thirty-five-minute production staged twice daily, Malabar Symphony is proposed to be developed in collaboration with leading national and international artists, with concept and direction by Revathy, screenplay and narrative by Shankar Ramakrishnan, music composition by A.R. Rahman, sound design by Resul Pookkutty, technical direction by Alphons, theatre direction by Royston Abel, animation and visual effects by Aravind, and voice performances by distinguished artists including Mammootty, Manju Warrier, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Anoop Menon, Sayonara Philip, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. A dedicated Childrens Cultural and Experiential Zone will offer play-based learning rooted in Malabars cultural narratives and ecological contexts, integrating creative activity spaces, nature-linked exploration, and water-based learning experiences. Complementing this are structured workshops and creative learning programmes across crafts, music, theatre, movement, painting, and visual arts, catering to students, artists, tourists, and cultural professionals. The development adopts a hub-and-spoke tourism model, positioning Sargaalaya as the central orientation and interpretation hub for integrated cultural, riverine, coastal, literary, martial, and culinary circuits across Malabar. River-based journeys and water experiences will function as experiential corridors, foregrounding ecology, heritage, and local livelihoods. The ecosystem further includes curated food tourism and culinary experiences, including festivals and a floating restaurant rooted in Malabar cuisine; a handloom, design, and retail zone supporting innovation and contemporary applications of traditional textiles; a vibrant flea market strengthening the informal cultural economy; and facilities for social, cultural, and community events, conferences, exhibitions, destination weddings, and themed cultural ceremonies. To enable deeper immersion, the project proposes on-site accommodation and stay facilities designed in harmony with the landscape and local architectural traditions, supporting multi-day cultural tourism, artist residencies, research stays, and family travel. Through this integrated approach, the upcoming phase of Sargaalaya positions culture as core infrastructure for development, envisioning a globally relevant model for experiential, responsible, and knowledge-driven cultural tourism that interprets Malabar for contemporary and international audiences. www.sargaalaya.in Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village Iringal About ULCCS Ltd. Founded in 1925 by social reformer Vagbhatananda Guru, the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society Ltd. (ULCCS) is among Indias most respected worker cooperatives. With 18,000+ employees, 7,500+ completed projects, and global recognitionincluding a World No. 2 ranking in the Industry & Utilities sector by the World Cooperative Monitor for 3 yearsULCCS stands as a UN-recognised model for ethical, inclusive, and quality-driven development. If you are looking for one unforgettable cultural recommendation this season, SIACF 2025 at Sargaalaya is it.

Four of family found dead in Keralas Kannur; family feud over child custody cited as cause

Kerala local body poll results: Congress, CPM consolidate position in strongholds

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress, that secured the highest vote share of 29.17% in the recently concluded local body election put up its best performance in its traditional strongholds such as Idukki, Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta, going by the district-wise data released by the State Election Commission on Monday. The party clocked its highest vote share of 38.60% in Idukki followed by 37.34% in Ernakulam and 37.06% in Pathanamthitta. Malappuram, which is the bastion of its ally Muslim League saw the party registering a vote share of 16.81%. Kasaragod was the only other district where the Congress vote share fell below 20%. UDFs second biggest constituent the Indian Union Muslim League performed well in its stronghold Malappuram where it bagged 35.11% of votes. Its second best performance was in Kasaragod where it polled 17.93% of votes. The party also clocked a vote share of above 15% in Kozhikode. For the CPM, its bastion Kannur gave the party its highest vote share of 38.82%. The only other district where the party garnered above 30% votes was Palakkad (33.93%), closely followed by Thiruvananthapuram (29.40%) and Alappuzha (29.26%). Kerala local body polls: UDF makes history, sweeps panchayats, corporations; NDA secures Thiruvananthapuram The partys lowest vote share of 17.66% was registered in Kottayam. CPI, the second biggest constituent in the LDF, saw its vote share crossing the two digit mark in Kollam where it garnered 13.68% of the total votes polled. The party also performed well in Idukki where it registered a vote share of 9.09%. Two factions of the Kerala Congress the Kerala Congress (M) in the LDF camp and Kerala Congress in the UDF camp secured overall vote shares of 1.62% and 1.33% respectively in the civic polls. The Jose K Mani-led Kerala Congress (M) with 11.92% vote share in Kottayam bettered its rival the PJ Joseph-led Kerala Congress which had to settle at 9%. However, in Idukki, Kerala Congress with 8.21% vote share fared better than the KC(M) at 6.22%.

Wild elephant triggers panic at Ayyankunnu in Keralas Kannur

Prohibitory orders imposed in four wards

Bank accounts linked to Kerala prisons DIG received Rs 1.5 crore last year: Vigilance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has filed a report with the state government, seeking tougher action against Prisons Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) M K Vinod Kumar, against whom the state government agency has filed a case for corruption. The officer, who is set to retire next year, has been accused of receiving kickbacks from inmates to help them get parole and facilitating their illegal acts within the prison, including smuggling of drugs and alcohol. The report, sources said, has searing remarks against the officer and mentioned about the large volume of cash transactions via bank accounts of the officer and his wife, who is a homemaker. In the last one year, the two accounts collectively received about Rs1.5 crore. The vigilance conducted a preliminary inquiry against the officer on the basis of intelligence reports, which indicated widespread irregularities on the part of the officer. Sources said he had received varying amounts of cash from inmates for extending their parole periods as well as facilitating smuggling of contraband to the prisons. A strong CPM sympathiser, Vinod grew close to the party leadership following an incident in Viyyur high security prison in 2014 when nine convicts in the T P Chandrasekharan murder case were allegedly tortured there, highly-placed sources told TNIE. The officer reportedly kept himself away from the act that was deliberately orchestrated by prison staff as the TP case convicts were brought there from Kannur central prison. This incident brought him into close contact with the party leadership. Strangely, he took kickbacks from the TP murder case accused as well, which sources claimed were for facilitating their drug and alcohol use within the prisons. Sources added that its because of Vinods connections that the prisons department is yet to take any disciplinary action against him. However, with vigilance sending a report flagging grave misconduct from his side and recommending immediate action, the government is all likely to drop the cudgels soon.

Newly elected local body members take oath in Kannur

Thank you for Everything: Malayalis bid adieu to Sreenivasan

KOCHI: Sreenivasan enjoyed punctuating the tale with hearty amusement. Arriving in Thiruvananthapuram for what he believed was an acting assignment in a film by Priyadarshan, the twenty-something sought to know the nature of his role. The directors reply was blunt... as it was life-altering: There is no script. If Sreenivasan wanted to act, he would have to script it. With nothing to do back home, he stayed on the set and began writing. Both Priyadarshan and Sathyan Anthikad pushed me into the deep end of scriptwriting, he later said at an awards function, and I somehow stayed afloat without knowing how to swim. That reluctant plunge produced one of Malayalam cinemas most original voices. On Saturday, that voice fell silent. The veteran actor, screenwriter and filmmaker was 69. Ailing for long, Sreenivasan was being taken to Amrita Hospital for dialysis when his condition deteriorated. He was rushed to the Tripunithura Taluk Hospital, where he breathed his last. His cremation will be held at 10.30am on Sunday at his residence in Udayamperoor. Sreenivasans death draws the curtains on an era. Few artists chronicled the Malayali psyche with such wit, empathy and sting. Over nearly 48 years, he acted in more than 200 films and wrote screenplays that shaped the industrys golden years. His humour was never decorative; it was dissecting. With an almost journalistic eye, he teased out the hypocrisies embedded in everyday life political posturing, middle-class vanity and masculine insecurity rendering them funny, painful and recognisably human. Born on April 6, 1956, in Pattiam near Thalassery in Kannur district, Sreenivasan grew up in a modest household his father was a schoolteacher and mother a homemaker. Sreenivasan: The goat of satire Actors Mammootty and Mohanlal pay their respects to Sreenivasan at Town Hall in Kochi on Saturday. After his schooling in Kuthuparamba and Kadirur, he studied economics at PRNSS College, Mattanur, before training formally at the Tamil Nadu Government MGR Film and Television Institute, Chennai. He made his acting debut in Manimuzhakkam (1976), directed by P A Backer, and his first lead appearance was in Sanghaganam (1979), also by Backer. But it was writing that unlocked Sreenivasans true range. His debut screenplay, Odaruthammava Aalariyam (1984), announced a new idiom irreverent, observant and unafraid of puncturing social sanctimony. The mid-1980s to early 1990s marked his creative peak, when his writing, often in collaboration with Sathyan Anthikad, produced a string of enduring films including Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Varavelpu, Thalayanamanthram and the immortal Nadodikkattu. Blending humour with social insight, these films, most of which were anchored by Mohanlal, translated middle-class anxieties into movie lore with Nadodikkattu and its sequels attaining cult status and embedding their characters and dialogues deep in Keralas public memory. No film captures Sreenivasans political bite better than Sandesam (1991). A searing satire on over-politicisation, it framed Keralas bipolar politics within the confines of a family home. Polandine kurichu oraksharam mindaruthu! Dont you utter a word about Poland! his retort to Jayarams character remains lodged in the Malayali collective memory three decades on. The joke endures because the truth it skewers still stands. Sandesham earned him the Kerala State Film Award for best story and the status of Malayalam cinemas most influential political satire. As a filmmaker, he was equally incisive. Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989), which he scripted and directed, anatomised male insecurity and patriarchy with rare tenderness and landed him the state award for best film. Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) explored marital alienation and emotional estrangement, winning the national award for best film on other social issues. In these works, Sreenivasan turned the camera inward, exposing the fragile ego of the typical Malayali man he knew so well. Even as the industry changed, he adapted without blunting his edge. Udayananu Tharam, Katha Parayumpol and Njan Prakashan reintroduced his social satire to a new generation. Njan Prakashan went on to become among Malayalam cinemas highest-grossing films. As an actor, restraint was his strength he played the flawed common man with authenticity, allowing silences to speak as loudly as punch lines. Sreenivasan wore his career accolades lightly. What mattered was the work: Stories that laughed at power, and questioned piety and social mores. He is survived by his wife, Vimala, and sons Vineeth and Dhyan, both established figures in the industry. As his body was kept at Ernakulam Town Hall, the crowds that came to pay their respects reflected on the breadth of Sreenivasans reach from political leaders to ordinary film lovers who saw themselves in his characters. For nearly five decades, he gave voice to the anxieties, contradictions and quiet dignity of the common Malayali. In losing him, Malayalam cinema has lost a storyteller who laughed with society, even as he held an unflinching mirror up to it. THE LEGEND OF SREENI In an illustrious career spanning nearly 48 years, Sreenivasan acted in more than 200 films, directed two movies and wrote screenplays that shaped the industrys golden years A champion of social satire and political criticism and creator of unadulterated humour, he mirrored the Malayali community, with all its vulnerabilities, pettiness, honesty or the lack of it through his scripts. Awards and accolades Sreenivasans directorial venture Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues' Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989), which he scripted and directed, won him the Kerala state award for the best film He won the state award for best story for Sandesam (1991), and best screenplay for Mazhayethum Munpe (1995)

Sreenivasan: The goat of satire

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: How political was he? Or apolitical for that matter. Veteran writer- actor- director Sreenivasan 's political screenplays traverse mostly through wafer-thin margins of both the political and apolitical, even at times, merging the two. A master storyteller, he succeeded in capturing the subtle hues of the Malayali psyche via his scripts that almost always reflected Kerala society in its entirety, through a career that spanned almost five decades of stellar creative output. As an untiring champion of social satire, political criticism and creator of unadulterated humour, Sreenivasan mirrored the Malayali community of the 70s and 80s, with all its vulnerabilities, pettiness, honesty or the lack of it through his blockbuster scripts. Be it his first Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu , the widely popular trilogy of Nadodikkattu , Pattana Pravesham, Akkkare Akkare Akkare spread over three years, his screenplays encapsulated storylines that never failed to question the societal convictions of the day. Sandesam , one of his most popular screenplays ever, could well be the rebelliousness of a societal spectator, fed up with the existing system. Contrary to popular perception it was not mere Left bashing or revving up anti-Communist sentiments that Sreenivasan often indulged in. The astute political commentator that he was, Sreenivasan preferred to take a bird's eye view at the sore lack of inner political conviction that often runs as a leitmotif through Kerala society, cutting across all classes. Laced with vibrant political undertones, Sreenivasan's scripts often shed light on a wide variety of topics. Who can ever forget the clipped arbitrary hint of threat hidden within Polandinekurich Oraksharam Mindaruth , an evident reference to the setback faced by Communists in Poland. The ease with which he incorporated a slice of international politics into the socio-cultural-political machinations of a Kerala neighbourhood, stands testimony to his brilliance as a scriptwriter. Sreenivasan exposed pretensions of Malayalis through his satirical movies Exposing the Malayali's innate farcical hypocrisy and in-built contempt for anything and everything around him, Sreenivasan zeroed in on the deep-rooted prejudices and complexes of the Malayali psyche. In a way Sreenivasan, whose dialogues have become ingrained in the minds of Malayalis across the globe, created a kaleidoscope of frames that captured the whole of Kerala society's idiosyncrasies back in the day. Be it the Gulf migration of the 80s and 90s, spiralling unemployment, the typical work-shy youth of the times, their intricate social complexities, lack of political conviction...the list seems endless. Sreenivasan chose to tread a path that differed distinctly from many established writers, be it the legendary M T Vasudevan Nair, widely popular T Damodaran, or the mystic Padmarajan. His cinematic scripts chose to turn the searchlights on the shattered hopes and dreamy future aspirations of the burgeoning Malayali middle class. The average Malayali was ever his faithful audience, the ones he took up his pen for. How would an average Malayali remember him? Sreenivasan could well remain as the master of subtle humour for Malayali movie lovers in the years to come. LIFE AND TIMES OF A LEGEND 1956: Born on April 6 at Pattiam near Thalassery, Kannur 1976: Film debut Manimuzhakkam , directed by P A Backer 1977: Enrolled in Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, Chennai 1979: First lead role in move Sanghaganam by P A Backer 1984: Debut as writer in Odaruthammava Aalariyam by Priyadarshan. Also married Vimala. 1989: Debut as director with Vadakkunokkiyanthram , which he also wrote himself 1998 - Won national film award for best film on other social issues for Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala Career highlights 1976 Manimuzhakkam 1977 Sneha Yamuna 1980 Mela 1984 Odaruthammava Aalariyam(also writer), Panchavadi Paalam, Akkare 1985 Mutharamkunnu PO (also writer), Punnaram Cholli Cholli (also writer), Aram + Aram Kinnaram (also writer) 1986 T P Balagopalan MA (also writer), Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam (also writer), Oru Katha Oru Nunnakatha (also writer), Dheem Tharikida Thom 1987 Nadodikattu (also writer) 1988 Pattanapravesham (also writer) 1991 Sandesam (also writer) 1993 Midhunam (also writer) 1994 Thenmavin Kombath 1996 Kalapani 2003 Kilichundan Mampazham (also writer) 2007 Arabikkatha 2011 Traffic 2018 Njan Prakasan (also writer)

Sreenivasan exposed pretensions of Malayalis through his satirical movies

KOCHI: Born into a middle class family in Kannur, Sreenivasan had the opportunity to witness the absurd, farcical ideologies and the pretensions of lo cal-level leaders who tried to impose their progressive thoughts on society. The film Sandesam , a political satire written by Sreenivasan and directed by Sathyan Anthikkad in 1991, humorously depicts the clashes between two brothers supporting two ideologically different political parties. The movie remains relevant as it highlights how politics divides families and societies. The dialogues of Kumara Pillai, the ideological guru of the Left party, who makes a critical evaluation of the partys defeat in an election, still fills social media pages with trolls and memes during every election. The dialogue We allow inner party democracy. But you should not question our theoreticians. If you dont follow party discipline, we will teach you continue to resonate in the political sphere. Prabhakaran the politician who visits the house of a prospective bride for a pre-wedding meeting asks whether she is ready to work for the liberation of the working class. He says, The wife of a revolutionary should be ready to meet any consequence and should be ready to face bullets. Sreenivasan had the unique talent to present the trials and tribulations of the middle class families with a touch of humour. While Sandesam portrayed the dark side of factional politics and political rivalry, Varavelppu exposed how trade unions and bureaucracy are jeopardising the lives of youngsters who invest their lifetime savings to earn a livelihood. The story of Varavelppu , which portrays the miseries of a Gulf returnee who starts a bus service, is based on the life of his father. 'He came to play an orphan': Hero of Sreenivasans first film remembers him Sreenivasan held a mirror to society, exposing the pretensions, inferiority complex, and the struggles of the middle class Malayali. As a writer, he was well aware of his limitations and never hesitated to ridicule his own faults and appearance. For the common man, he was a neighbour who understood their struggles to stay afloat. His writing was simple and sharp in its criticism of the hypocrisy and hostility of politicians and the erosion of civility in society. In Vadakkunokkiyantram , he portrays the sense of insecurity and inferiority complex of an unattractive youth who gets married to a beautiful woman and fears that she may desert him. In Chinthavishtayaya Syamala , he plays the role of a school teacher who does not love his profession but searches for shortcuts to become wealthy. The character Vijayan Master is an atheist, but once he goes on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala, he turns an ascetic. When the family pleads with him to end the penance, he asks, Do you mean devotion is seasonal? Films written by him, like T P Balagopalanm MA, Gandhinagar Second Street, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Nadodikattu, Vellanakalude Nadu, Mukundetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu, and Pavam Pavam Rajakumaran, sketch the struggles of unemployed youth who continue to dream about a peaceful life while scrambling to face the harsh realities of life. In the film Anaval Mothiram , he plays the role of a lazy and coward police officer who becomes brave and reckless when a blood test reveals that he is suffering from leukemia. In Bhagyavan , directed by Suresh Unnithan and written by C Radhakriswhnan, Balu, the character portrayed by Sreenivasan, goes into hiding as people fight to get him as a guest. An astrologer says that Balu has a unique feature called labhya Labhyasree in his horoscope due to which his presence can bring good fortune to others. He has also characterised villain roles, like Appakkala of Thenmavin Kombathu , Moosa of Kaalapani , Maruthu of Oru Maravathur Kanavu , Bhargavan of Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka , and Moideenkunju Haji of Kilichundan Mampazham . In Traffic and Passenger , he portrayed the roles of a commoner who turns hero in challenging situations.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, LoP VD Satheesan pay tributes to actor-filmmaker Sreenivasan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition Leader V D Satheesan on Saturday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran filmmaker, actor and screenwriter Sreenivasan, describing his death as an irreparable loss to Malayalam cinema and Keralas cultural life. In a condolence message, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Sreenivasan was a rare, multifaceted talent who left an indelible mark on every sphere of filmmaking, including story, screenplay, direction and acting. He noted that very few filmmakers had succeeded like Sreenivasan in authentically portraying the life of the common man on the silver screen and in leading audiences to deeper levels of social awareness through humour and thought-provoking narratives. The Chief Minister said Sreenivasan broke several long-standing cinematic conventions and possessed the courage to articulate his ideas with wit and clarity, even when he knew these would invite sharp criticism. Even those who strongly disagreed with his views acknowledged and respected his extraordinary talent, he said. Pinarayi Vijayan added that Sreenivasan played a significant role in reshaping the aesthetic sensibility of Malayalam cinema and was particularly effective in expressing his social perspectives through satire. Many of the characters he created and portrayed, the Chief Minister said, would remain etched in the collective memory of Malayalis for generations. Recalling his personal association with the filmmaker, the Chief Minister described Sreenivasans demise as a personal loss as well. He fondly remembered sharing warm and humourous conversations with him during an interview and said Sreenivasan stood as a symbol of love and friendship. Born and brought up in Pattiam in the Kannur district, Sreenivasans life, he noted, was a lesson in perseverance, having transformed his passion for cinema into reality through sheer self-effort. EXPRESS DIALOGUES | Todays politics has gone beyond satire:Sreenivasan Opposition leader V D Satheesan, in his condolence message, described Sreenivasan as an extraordinary artist who, in a unique style, captured the lives of small people in a vast world and great people in a small world. A multifaceted genius of Malayalam cinema, Satheesan said, Sreenivasan turned everything he touched into gold, and his five-decade-long cinematic journey concluded with achievements that few could ever hope to match. Satheesan highlighted the depth of Sreenivasans writing and the breadth of his acting, recalling the filmmakers oft-repeated, humorous remark that it was Priyadarshans trick that made him a screenwriterwhich time proved to be Malayalam cinemas great fortune. Most of the characters he wrote and portrayed, Satheesan said, were deeply familiar figures, rooted in the Malayali collective psyche, and they dismantled conventional notions of heroism, making them timeless. He said classics such as Thalayana Manthram, Vadakkunokkiyantram and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala exemplified Sreenivasans ability to blend realism, satire and social critique. Calling him a symbol of extraordinary mental strength and fighting spirit, the Opposition Leader said Sreenivasan portrayed, with rare sensitivity, the many layers of an average Malayalis lifeits love and longing, helplessness and innocence, friendship and bitterness, biting satire and uncomfortable truths. There would hardly be a Malayali who does not recall, at least once a day, something Sreenivasan wrote, said or showed on screen, Satheesan said, noting that his legacy transcended boundaries of age, caste, religion and politics. Recalling a recent interaction in Thiruvananthapuram, he said he had hoped to meet Sreenivasan again on his return to Ernakulam, but fate did not allow it. Both leaders joined the people of Kerala in bidding farewell to Sreenivasanan unparalleled talent, a humane voice of cinema, and a cherished presence who reshaped Malayalam films and society alike.

Veteran Malayalam actor and director Sreenivasan passes away at 69

Born on April 6, 1956, in Patyam near Thalassery in Kerala's Kannur district, Sreenivasan emerged as one of the most influential voices in Malayalam cinema, known for blending sharp social satire with accessible storytelling.

Veteran Malayalam Actor-Filmmaker Sreenivasan Dies At 69

Sreenivasan, who hails from Kannur, had been staying in Kochi for the past several years

IUMLs southern push pays dividends

MALAPPURAM: Once regarded as a party largely confined to the Malabar, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has steadily expanded its reach to emerge as one with a statewide presence. Significantly, the party has, for the first time, won representation in all 14 districts. In the local body elections, the League secured 3,203 seats, including 2,843 under its ladder symbol. With a tally of 2,248 grama panchayat members, 300 block panchayat members, 51 district panchayat members, 36 corporation councillors and 568 municipal councillors, it now ranks third among parties in terms of total seats, behind Congress and CPM. In the 2010 local body elections, IUML secured 1,904 seats, with its strength concentrated mainly in north Kerala. By 2020, the party recorded moderate growth, raising its tally to 2,111. In 2025, it marked a major breakthrough, with a sharp surge to 3,203 seats. IUML state general secretary P M A Salam said the partys growth over the years was driven purely by organisational strength. In the past five years, the League has increased its tally by nearly 1,000 seats. We have also strengthened our organisation in the southern districts and won around 80% of the seats we contested. No other party has such a record. In north Malabar, our supremacy is unquestioned. We won the Malappuram district panchayat without opposition, and in other northern districts of the state, we secured almost all the seats allotted to us, he said. The party won all three district panchayat seats it contested in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. Even Pathanamthitta, where it had no representation, returned seven members. After a gap, it won two seats each in the Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram corporations, three seats in Kochi corporation, and doubled its strength in Kozhikode corporation from seven to 14. Buoyed by its performance, the League is now staking a claim for deputy mayor posts in Kollam and Kochi, in addition to its existing positions in the Kozhikode and Kannur corporations.

Kozhikodes tabletop airport eased officials decision to choose Kochi

KOCHI: It was a miraculous escape for 160 passengers and crew of the Air India Express flight from Jeddah to Calicut, after the pilots realised mid-air that the landing gear developed a technical glitch, caused by multiple tyre bursts. That the flight was heading to the dangerous table-top airport at Calicut made the scenario all the more dangerous, and the pilots had to make some quick decisions weighing the limited options before them. It was decided to divert the Air India Express flight IX 398 as the tabletop airport at Calicut was posing high risk. Tabletops are risky and challenging to the best of pilots, and here the aircraft landing gear was stuck. So there were no second thoughts to divert the aircraft to nearby airports, said airline sources. The pilots were left with the choice to divert the flight to either Mangaluru, Kannur or to two airports in Goa, but they finally chose Kochi airport, given the airports preparedness and better facilities, including modern firefighting equipment. The preparedness at Kochi airport is world-class. The same was proved in the full-scale mock drill, showcasing the airports emergency preparedness, held just a couple of months back, on October 28, 2025. Further, an emergency landing involving a SpiceJet aircraft in a similar scenario was successfully carried out at the airport two years back. Hence it was decided to divert the flight to Kochi airport and make an emergency landing, even as the pilots were trying to gauge the extent of damage to the landing gear and the tyres,they said. The pilots quickly contacted the Air Traffic Control unit of the Kochi airport mid air at 8.35 am. An alert was sounded and the airport authorities immediately activated the Emergency Response Plan, without wasting a second. The authorities mobilised all relevant operational units, including Airport Fire & Rescue Services (AFRS), medical units, and security personnel, and positioned them along the runway as a precautionary measure. External stakeholders including State Fire & Rescue and State Police also joined them in keeping a high alert and ready to face any eventuality, an airport spokesperson said. The Air India Express flight touched down safely at Kochi airport at 9.08 am under full emergency conditions. However, what proved crucial in the end was the airport fire safety team spraying Fire Retardant Foamall along the course of the dedicated section of runway marked for the emergency landing. With all the emergency services activated, the aircraft landed safely at 9.08 am. During landing, sparks could be seen, and markings formed due to the damaged tyres. We were much relieved after it finally came to a halt. Luckily the aircraft didnt sway too much and the sparks died down even as they formed, the sources said. The gravity of the potentially dangerous situation was revealed when a post-landing inspection by technical teams confirmed that both the tyres on the right-side landing gear and the one at the left side had burst. The emergency response system too worked out to perfection. The markings caused due to the emergency landing were fixed with the help of modern systems. The aircraft was safely taxied off the runway, which was subsequently inspected for debris and released for normal flight operations shortly thereafter. No passenger or crew suffered any injuries. The teams worked in close coordination and the runway was cleared in just 35 minutes as it was (9 am to 10 am) peak traffic hour. All operations were coordinated according to standard procedures, and it is a relief that all passengers and crew are safe and being transported to their destination, said CIAL managing director S Suhas. Meanwhile, a section of passengers protested when the airlines informed the passengers that they would be transported to Calicut by road. The authorities initially assured us that we would be flown to our original destination in Karipur after a brief halt. However, once the passengers disembarked, the airline shifted its stance, stating we will be transported by bus instead, said an agitated passenger. Safe Touchdown 8.35 am: Pilots alert Kochi ATC 9.08 am: Aircraft lands under full emergency 9.45 am: Runway cleared

Kannur varsity presents 373.81-crore Budget with focus on innovation, student welfare

Congress finalises P. Indira as Mayor nominee in Kannur Corporation

As part of UDFs power sharing arrangement, IUML leader K.P. Thahir is being considered for Deputy Mayors post

Ambujakshi gears up to don garb of unique woman theyyam for 10th time

KANNUR: Sixty-two-year-old Ambujakshi M V is preparing for a rare and deeply significant ritual -- perform the Devakkoothu Theyyam. It is the only theyyam performed by women. In keeping with tradition, Ambujakashi -- a resident of Vengara in Pazhayangadi -- will perform the theyyam after completing a rigorous 41-day period of fasting and spiritual discipline. This is considered essential to attain the purity and devotion required to perform the Devakkoothu Theyyam, which holds a special place in the regions ritual heritage. The sacred performance is scheduled to take place at the Thekkumbadu Koolom Thazhekkavu Bhagavathy Temple in Cherukunnu, Kannur district, on December 20, drawing attention for its uniqueness and cultural importance. Im preparing to perform the Theyyam for the 10th time. The occasion is especially meaningful, as Devakkoothu Theyyam is the only theyyam performed by women, Ambujakshi tells TNIE . Sharing her journey towards performing Devakkoothu Theyyam, Ambujakshi described how the tradition was passed on to her within the family. Originally from Kannurs Kappad, she came to Vengara after marriage. Before Ambujakshi took it up, the ritual was performed by the wife of her father-in-laws younger brother. When she was no longer able to continue with it, she trained Ambujakshi in the art and rituals of the performance, with her husband, Kannan, and family lending strong support. Life feels very different now, as many people recognise me for performing theyyam, she says. Earlier, performing the ritual was simply part of my everyday life and attracted little attention. Today, however, Im widely known for my theyyam performances and recognised as a woman who performs this rare and traditional ritual. As part of the theyyam ritual, after observing the 41-day period of fasting at home, she stays at the kavu -- sacred grove -- for three days before the performance. Earlier, the Devakkoothu Theyyam was performed once every two years, but from 2019, the ritual has been performed every year.

Lost in time, Dracula returns to Kerala after half a century

KOCHI: After decades in the shadows, the Malayalam translation of Bram Stokers Dracula first published in 1975 will return to print in January 2026. For publisher Rayan Pushpanath, the rediscovery of the long-lost book felt less like routine archival work and more like cracking a cold case. Written by his grandfather, legendary Malayalam crime and horror writer Kottayam Pushpanath, the translation had virtually vanished from circulation. No major library had a copy. Collectors drew blanks. Even detailed bibliographies listed the book, but none could produce it. Yet this missing volume was no ordinary translation. It was the spark that opened the door to gothic horror for generations of Malayali readers and quietly reshaped popular fiction in the state. Printed in 1975, Dracula arrived in Kerala at a time when Malayalam popular literature was dominated by social novels, family sagas and romantic melodrama. For readers who had never encountered a full-fledged gothic horror novel, it was a revelation. Fear, mood and the supernatural suddenly became part of mainstream reading, recalls Rayan. Pushpanaths engagement with Dracula did not end with translation. The book became the foundation for what can now be described as the Malayalam Dracula universe. Over the years, he wrote nearly 10 interconnected novels, including Dracula Asiayil , Draculayude Makal , Dracula Unarunnu , Dracula Brazilil and Dracula Kotta . In these works, the vampire count was uprooted from Victorian England and placed in Indian and global settings, encountering local folklore, belief systems and anxieties. Long before people spoke about cinematic universes or franchise storytelling, my grandfather was doing it through novels, says Rayan. Holding the 1975 edition for first time was an emotional moment He took a Western myth and made it intimate, local and recognisably ours, says Rayan. In these stories, Dracula could walk through mist-covered hills reminiscent of Kerala, confront Eastern mysticism, or surface in unfamiliar geographies without losing his gothic core. Pushpanath did not merely adapt Stokers creation; he reimagined it, reclaiming the myth for a Malayalam-reading audience. Decades later, this literary experiment drew international attention. In 2025, British author Ann Morgan, known for A Year of Reading the World , highlighted Dracula Asiayil in her book Relearning to Read . She described it as a fascinating cultural phenomenon, noting how a Western character was reshaped through Indian emotional logic and narrative traditions. For Rayan, the recognition was affirming rather than surprising. For Kerala readers, Dracula became part of shared cultural memory. As familiar as popular fictional heroes, and as thrilling as stories told around a campfire, he says. Yet the absence of the original 1975 translation remained a troubling gap. It felt symbolic. As if the first chapter of a very large story had been torn out. The search for the book spanned seven years, taking him to libraries, ancestral homes, book fairs and private collections. The explanation he heard repeatedly was the same: the book had been borrowed endlessly, read until it fell apart, and never returned. It didnt disappear because people ignored it. It disappeared because people loved it, says Rayan. The breakthrough came in 2024 at a book fair in Kannur, when a collector casually confirmed he had a copy. Holding the fragile 1975 edition for the first time was an emotional moment. I wasnt just holding a book, Rayan recalls. I was holding a piece of my grandfathers imagination, travelling across generations. The rediscovery has now led to a carefully planned reprint, bringing the original translation back to readers after half a century.

LDF blames minority consolidation for Kerala local body poll loss; rejects anti-incumbency factor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rejecting anti-incumbency factor, the CPM and the CPI the two leading partners in the LDF have blamed minority consolidation in favour of the Opposition UDF and cross voting by the Congress and the BJP in select areas for the drubbing suffered by the ruling front in the local body polls. Based on preliminary reports from the district leaderships, the CPM state secretariat assessed that the Christian community deserted the LDF in the four central Kerala districts of Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki, while the Muslim votes worked against it in the Malabar region. It attributed LDFs setback in Thiruvanathapuram and Kollam corporations to cross-voting between the Congress and the BJP. According to the CPM, the Christian community, cutting across denominations, largely shifted allegiance to the UDF in central Kerala. Party leaders cited Ernakulam as a striking example, where the LDF suffered unexpected setbacks in Kochi corporation and Ernakulam district panchayat. The shift they said, also adversely affected the LDFs vote sahre in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki. LDF suspects Cong-BJP cross-voting in TPuram and Kollam corporations The widening rift between the Church and the general education department was the primary trigger for the alienation, the CPM felt. Church-run school managements had demanded parity with a Supreme Court order obtained by the NSS on job reservations for differently-abled persons in private aided educational institutions. General Education Minister V Sivankuttys warning to managements against threatening the government is believed to have exacerbated tensions. The development prompted all Christian denominations to take a critical stance against the government, which got reflected in the voting, the secretariat felt. The CPM, however, rejected CPIs suggestion that the Kerala Congress has lost its organisational base in Kottayam. Post LSG poll debacle, bruised Left front starts introspection However, this trend did not significantly impact districts such as Thrissur, Kannur, Kozhikode and Kasaragod. It further assessed that a tacit understanding among the Jamaat e Islami, IUML and Congress consolidated Muslim votes in favour of the UDF, the CPM secretariat assessed. At a press conference, CPM state secretary M V Govindan questioned the claims that Muslims had deserted LDF, pointing out that it secured around 10 lakh votes in Malappuram. However, party insiders acknowledged concern over LDFs failure to secure presence in Malappuram district panchayat. CPI, in its assessment, said Muslim consolidation against LDF was intensified by two factors: CPMs failure to distance itself from the remarks of SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, perceived as hostile to Muslims and apprehensions that special intensive revision (SIR) could adversely affect the community. The higher voter turnout worked against LDF, it said. In Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam corporations, both parties suspect tactical cross-voting between Congress and BJP aimed at defeating LDF. Govindan alleged that in 41 wards won by BJP in Thiruvananthapuram corporation, Congress polled less than 1,000 votes, suggesting strategic voting. CPI state secretariat identified similar pattern in Kollam corporation too. CPI felt that lack of action against former TDB president A Padmakumar had sent a wrong message to believers that the government has something to hide. However, CPM rejected any impact. Govindan asserted that action would be taken against Padmakumar only if the court found him guilty.

UDF comeback to reshape political balance in Malabar

Though LDFs core base remains unshaken in Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Palakkad, the Opposition front has drastically overturned the ruling fronts hegemony established in the previous local body polls in 2020

Actor and Special branch SI booked for drunk driving after accident in Kannur

IUML workers attacking our cadre: SDPI

KOZHIKODE: Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has alleged that the IUML is mounting attacks on its cadre at various parts of north Kerala after the declaration of the results of the local body elections. The party said that its leader Salim Punathil was attacked by IUML workers when he was returning home after the victory celebrations on Saturday. In a statement, SDPI said the attack was a result of conspiracy hatched by IUML leadership to create tension. The party had won the ward number two of Azhiyur panchayat with a good majority. The IUML is frustrated that the party failed to win in the panchayat. IUML workers had attacked SDPI activist Sabad V P also, said the panchayat committee in a press release. SDPI district president Musthafa Kommeri said the IUML workers have unleashed attacks on party workers at Manjeri and Vadakara municipalities and Muzhakkunnu grama panchayat in Kannur district. Meanwhile, MSF state general secretary C K Najaf said the SDPI and the CPM acted like bosom friends in the elections. Kerala has kicked out the communal organisation called the SDPI along with the CPM in the elections, he said in an FB post.

BJP retains Madhur but loses much ground across Kasaragod district

KASARAGOD: With the victory in the just concluded elections, the BJP would complete ruling Madhur grama panchayat for fifty years by 2030. Madhur is one among the places the saffron party found its roots as an off-shoot of BJP finding its base in coastal Karnataka. Since its inception in 1980, the grama panchayat has been with the party. Nevertheless, the party has something to worry as it has lost considerable ground in the district. While the state stood firmly with the Congress and CPM four decades ago, the Kasaragod district was the place where BJP started growing in Kerala. In 2020 LSG elections, the BJP secured 13 out of 20 wards of Madhur grama panchayat while CPM could win only four and the UDF three. After delimitation, the grama panchayat consists of 24 wards. But the BJP managed to get only 15 seats. The UDF managed to secure nine seats while CPM lost all four wards it held earlier. The UDF had gained at CPMs loss, and came closer to BJPs turf, Madhur. The difference was hardly 200 votes in four wards. People are fed up with the four decades of rule under BJP and they want a change, said Haris Choori, chairman of the UDF in Madhur panchayat and IUML Kasaragod secretary. But the BJP was in a celebratory mood in Madhur on Sunday evening with a rally and public meeting. The BJP also managed to wrest Kumbadaje panchayat from the UDF in this election. After the elections were announced, the party was confident of denting CPMs fortunes in Kasaragod district panchayat and the LDFs strongholds bordering Kannur. The party had fielded candidates in 85 per cent of local bodies. But the BJPs hold in the district dented once the results were announced. In Kasaragod municipality where League and BJP had been fighting for supremacy in the last two decades, the partys tally came down to 12 from 14 when compared to 2020 elections.

Governor criticises judicial overreach in appointment of VCs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Rajendra Arlekar has criticised the Supreme Court for its overreach in the selection of university vice-chancellors. He was referring to the search committee formed by the SC to appoint VCs to the Digital University Kerala and the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. This trend is not healthy. Institutions like universities are well-established constitutional bodies. They must be allowed to perform their duties within their own domains. Courts taking over their functions entirely is not appropriate, he said. The governors statement came after conferring the Justice VR Krishna Iyer Award to former Chief Justice of India and former Kerala Governor Justice P Sathasivam here on Sunday. The Constitution is supreme above every institution and every authority, he said. There have been instances when the Constitution was not honoured in its true spirit... At times, it appears as though attempts are made to amend the Constitution in the courtroom. Here in Kerala, university matters particularly the Kannur judgment are widely discussed. That judgment recognised the authority of the UGC and the Chancellor in appointing Vice-Chancellors. However, later developments appear to have taken a different direction, with courts themselves constituting search committees, Governor Arlekar pointed out. Sathasivam, in his acceptance speech, said that courts have to remain committed to Justice Krishna Iyers humanist ideals even when society is turning increasingly digital. Kerala High Court judges H Nagaresh, K Babu and A Badarudeen were also present at the ceremony.

Violence after local body poll result declaration: case filed against CPI(M) workers in Kannur

Police say CPI(M) workers unleashed violence in parts of north Kerala soon after the declaration of the election results

Violence reported in several parts of Kerala after civic poll results

Violence flared across Kerala after local body election results were announced. Clashes erupted in northern districts, including Kozhikode and Kannur. Political party offices were attacked, and vehicles were damaged. Several individuals sustained injuries in the incidents. Police intervened to control the volatile situations in various locations.

Kerala local body poll results: After intense drama, UDF retains control of Kannur corporation

KANNUR: After a period marked by intense political drama and open threat from rebel factions, the UDF has retained control of Kannur corporation by securing victories in 36 of 56 divisions. The days following the declaration of the election date were fraught with uncertainty, as internal divisions surfaced within the front. Adding to the tension was the challenge from a group led by a former development standing committee chairman and Congress rebel, raising serious concerns about possible defections. For a time, these developments created a real possibility that the balance of power could tilt in favour of the LDF. However, despite the mounting pressure, the UDF ultimately claimed victory, ensuring its continued leadership of the corporation. In the 2020 local body elections, the UDF secured control of the corporation by winning 34 seats, while the LDF claimed victory in 19 divisions and the NDA managed to win just one. This election, the UDF strengthened its position, increasing its tally to 36 divisions. LDFs presence declined, with the front managing to win only 15 divisions. NDA expands footprint, SDPI makes debut Meanwhile, the NDA made notable gains, winning four divisions and establishing a stronger presence in the corporation. NDA secured victories in Kokkenpara, the Temple division, and the Thulicheri division. The front also retained the Pallikunnu division, a seat it had won for the first time in the 2020 election. The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has marked its entry into the corporation by securing victory in the Arakkal division. The partys candidate, Sameera K, won the seat with 1,643 votes, defeating IUML candidate K M Sabeera, who got 1,589 votes. Taking on rebels Despite repeated appeals and discussions by the leadership of the INC and the IUML, three candidates chose to contest the local body election as rebels against official UDF nominees, intensifying the contest. In the Varam division, a rebel candidate took on IUML district vice-president K P Tahir. Another rebel entered the fray in the Adikadalayi division against KPCC member Rijil Chandran Makkutty, while a third contested in the Payyambalam division against Indira P, former deputy mayor. However, the UDF managed secure victories in all three wards. Meanwhile, K K Ragesh, CPM district secretary admitted that the final outcome was unexpected and added that the party would review the results in due course.

LDF consolidates dominance in Kannur district; UDF, BJP, SDPI post gains

The most striking outcome was in Anthoor municipality, where the LDF registered a clean sweep by winning all the 29 wards, several by huge margins

LDFs organisational strength in Kannur intact: K.K. Ragesh

Watch: Kerala local body elections: Congress-led UDF emerges front-runner

The Congress-led United Democratic Front has emerged as the clear front-runner in Keralas local body elections as counting concludes. The UDF secured major gains across grama panchayats, municipalities, and key corporations including Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur. The ruling LDF trailed in most segments, while the BJP-led NDA made limited gains. Several local bodies remain undecided due to ties.

UDF returns to power in Kannur Corporation

Kerala local body polls: UDF secures majority in Kannur Corporation, set to form council

Several prominent LDF leaders faced defeat

Kerala local body polls: UDF makes history, sweeps panchayats, corporations; NDA secures Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress-led United Democratic Front showcased a thumping victory in both rural and urban civic bodies, as the counting of votes for the 2025 Kerala local body elections came to a close. The UDF has won in four out of six corporations: Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur. The LDF retained Kozhikode, whereas the NDA has wrested Thiruvananthapuram from LDF. The UDF also won 59 district panchayats, 1063 block panchayats, and 7451 grama panchayats; the LDF won 30 district panchayats, 823 block panchayats, and 6137 grama panchayats; while the NDA won just one district panchayat, 50 block panchayats, and 1363 grama panchayats. LoP in Kerala Assembly and Congress leader V D Satheesan called the UDF's sweeping victory a warning against the state government and a protest of the people against those who misgoverned Kerala. KPCC president Sunny Joseph said on Saturday that the front's results indicated the people had rejected the LDF government. LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said the results would be closely examined. Why such a verdict happened will be examined at the micro level. People's opinion will be considered and further steps will be taken, he said. Kerala local body polls: Public anger against Pinarayi govt fueled UDF momentum, says VD Satheesan NDA secures 50 seats in Thiruvanathapuram Corporation In the biggest gain for the BJP in the local body polls, the NDA secured 50 seats in the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Council. Kerala is fed up of UDF and LDF. They see NDA as the only option that can deliver on good governance and build a #VikasitaKeralam with opportunities for all, wrote Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platform X. A few of BJP's remarkable wins include its possible mayor candidates, ex-DGP R Sreelekha in Sasthamangalam and VV Rajesh in Kodunganoor wards. However, one of the BJP's star candidates, Padmini Thomas, faced a bitter result in the Palayam ward. The election results come as a shock for the LDF, having lost half of its seats from its previous tenure. The LDF secured only 29 seats. Ajin SL, Left candidate from Thrikkannapuram ward, is becoming one of the party's 'saving graces'. A BJP worker had died by suicide in the work. The UDF improved its status in the corporation, gaining six seats this term, a total of 19 seats. Vaishna Suresh, who fought a legal battle to secure her candidature, won from the Muttada ward with a lead of 393 votes. Ex-MLA KS Sabarinadhan, who was UDF's mayoral candidate from Kowdiar, also made a remarkable win. Thiruvananthapuram Corporation stands different from the pro-UDF wave across the State. Congress candidate who moved Kerala HC for name reinstatement in electoral roll, wins Muttada ward Kollam Corporation: UDFsecures 25 seats UDF candidates secured victories in a majority of divisions in Kollam Corporation. UDF candidate Xavier Mathias won in Shakthikulangara Harbour Division. NDA candidate Shiji won the Shakthikulangara Division by a margin of 1,385 votes. UDF candidates B Deepu Gangadharan won Meenathuchery by 2,166 votes. and Radhika Saji won Kavanad by 1,732 votes. Vallikkeezhu Division was won by LDF candidate Vidya Manoj with a margin of 1,459 votes. LDF candidate A M Mustafa won in Kureepuzha West Division, while UDF candidate B Ajith Kumar won in Kureepuzha Division. Neeravil Division was won by LDF candidate Mahesh R by a margin of 1,751 votes. UDF candidate Richa Sugunan won in Anchalumood West Division, while in Anchalumood East Division, UDF candidate Adv. M S Gopakumar won. UDF candidate Dhanya Raju won in Kadavur Division. LDF candidate B Prashanth won in Mathil Division. NDA candidate B Shailaja won in Thevalli Division, while BJP candidate C Suresh Kumar won in Ashramam Division. UDF candidate Shaima won in Pallimukku Division. Ayathil Division was won by LDF candidate Jariath by a margin of 1,467 votes. UDF candidate T Lailakumari won in Kilikollur Division, while P Rajendran Pillai (UDF) won in Pandalathazham Division. NDA candidate R Destimona won in Palathara Division, while UDF candidate Sadakath A won in Manakkad Division. Thrissur Corporation: UDF leads The UDF has made a historic comeback in Thrissur Corporation, securing 33 out of 56 divisions. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), which ruled the corporation for two terms, won 11 seats. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 8 seats. The UDF's victory is attributed to voters' disappointment over the LDF's development projects. Suby Babu, former deputy mayor of Thrissur Corporation, has won in the Gandhinagar division. Raghunath C Menon, who led the campaign works of Suresh Gopi in the Lok Sabha election, has won in the BJP's stronghold, Poonkunnam. The LDF has won 21 out of 30 divisions in Thrissur district panchayat, a clear majority. The UDF has increased its presence from 7 to 9 seats, while the NDA has failed to win any seats despite fielding prominent leaders. The LDF continues to dominate municipalities too, securing five out of seven. Kerala local body polls: UDF makes a strong comeback in Alappuzha, sweeps Malappuram Kottayam district panchayat: LDF, KC (M) defeated in Pala The UDF, this time, reclaimed power in the Kottayam district panchayat, all sixmunicipalities, and a majority of gram and block panchayats. The LDF faced a significant setback this year. In the 2020 local body polls, the LDF had secured the district panchayat, 51 out of 71 block panchayats, 10 out of 11 block panchayats, and three out of sixmunicipalities. Notably, the LDF faced a significant defeat in Pala municipality, traditionally a stronghold of the Kerala Congress (M), suggesting a shift in the party's corevoter base. Speaking to media persons, KC (M) chairman Jose K Mani stated that the party respects the people's mandate and will conduct a 'thorough' analysis ofthe reasons behind the electoral defeat. In 2020, the UDF lost Pala municipality for the first time ever,after KC (M) left the UDF to join the LDF. UDF leadersbelieve this victory will provide a substantial boost to the coalition in the lead-up to the upcoming Assembly elections, scheduled for April-May 2026. Meanwhile, the NDA did not perform as expected. Although they secured Poonjar Thekkekkara panchayat, the BJP lost its existing panchayats, Pallikkathodu and Mutholi. Post-poll arithmetic pushes UDFLDF talks in Palakkad municipality to block NDA

Kannur set for counting amid tight security

Kerala local body polls: Widespread violence and bogus voting alleged across Kannur; parties trade charges

UDF, IUML and BJP accuse CPI(M) of orchestrating systematic disruption across the district. CPI(M) rejects charges, counter-alleging that UDF is resorting to false propaganda in fear of impending defeat

CM Pinarayi accuses Congress of aiding perverts, criminals

KOZHIKODE: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan succeeded in setting the agenda for discussion on the second phase of polling to local bodies on Thursday by shifting the whole focus to the Rahul Mamkootathil issue and thereby diverting attention from all other issues the opposition wanted to raise. What are these womanisers in the Congress doing? Why were the survivor women not ready to come forward with complaints. This should be viewed seriously. There were threats that they would be killed. The victims felt their lives would be in danger if they preferred complaints, the chief minister told reporters after casting his vote at a polling booth in Pinarayi in Kannur district. He asked how the workers of a political party can take such a stand. More serious allegations may emerge in the coming days. Society will never allow justification of these criminals and sexual perverts, Pinarayi said. The chief minister was reacting to an earlier comment by Congress state president Sunny Joseph who said that the second complaint against Rahul seemed to be well-drafted. Speaking to reporters after voting in Kannur, Sunny said the complaint was politically-motivated. He said there was a legal brain behind the complaint, adding that people are aware of its intention. However, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan chose to disagree with the KPCC presidents remarks. He said complaints should be well-drafted. A lawyer is a person who updates the current knowledge on legal issues. The victim can seek the help of an advocate before filing a complaint. Whats wrong with that? he asked. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala hit back at Pinarayi saying that the chief minister should first rein in the womanisers in his party. He said the CPM and the LDF government gave positions to those who insulted and harassed women. Chennithala said the CPM is employing double standards in dealing with sexual abuse cases. The government is sitting on a complaint against a former MLA for two weeks, he said. The opposition wanted to put the LDF on the defensive on several issues including the Sabarimala gold theft case. Sunny Joseph tried to raise the issue while addressing reporters, but it was drowned in the noise created over Pinarayis harsh remark on the Congress and Rahul. The developments also exposed the chinks in the Congress over dealing with the Rahul issue, with the KPCC president and the Leader of Opposition speaking separate languages. Counting day: What to know With polling for the local body elections concluding on Thursday, attention now shifts to the counting of votes on Saturday a verdict seen as a key indicator ahead of the assembly elections How counting will unfold Counting begins at 8 am on Saturday 244 counting centres have been set up across the state Postal votes for the 14 district panchayats will be counted by district collectors at the respective collectorates Votes for the grama, block and district panchayats will be counted at the block level Postal ballots will be counted first at the returning officers table, followed by EVM votes Only the control units of EVMs will be brought to the counting centres Strong rooms storing EVMs will be opened in the presence of returning officers, observers, candidates and their agents Entry to counting centres is restricted to persons authorised by the returning officers

Cantonment residents watch from sidelines as Kannur district votes

KANNUR: While most of Kannur was immersed in the intensity of election day, the cantonment area of Kannur corporation remained on the sidelines, watching the flurry of activities from a distance. For, the residents of cantonment area of the corporation have not participated in a local election since 2015, the year the last Cantonment Board polls were held. As the rest of the district engaged in the democratic exercise, people in the regions could only observe the excitement around them. The cantonment area, though geographically situated within the limits of the corporation, operates under a completely separate administrative system managed by the Cantonment Board. It is the only such cantonment in Kerala under the control of the Union Ministry of Defence. Residents of the area enjoy voting rights in parliamentary and assembly elections, but they cannot participate in local body elections. Instead, they elect representatives to the Cantonment Board in a special election held every five years. The last election to the cantonment was held in 2015. The board, whose term ended in 2020, was given one more year extension. Although the term ended in 2021, there has been no elected governing body since then. The Centre had issued a notification to hold elections to the cantonments in 2023 but put it on hold indefinitely later. Ratheesh Antony, former councillor of Ward 1 in the Cantonment Board, said they are eager to participate in the elections so that residents can once again bring their concerns before the authorities. He explained that previously, councillors from each ward were able to present issues through monthly meeting agendas, ensuring they reached the officials and were acted upon. Our demand is either to merge the cantonment area with the Kannur Corporation or to resume elections the way they were held earlier, he added. The Cantonment Board consists of six elected civilian representatives and six members from the military. The Military Commandant serves as the boards president, while the vice-president is chosen from among the elected civilian members. What census says The Kannur Cantonment has a population of 4,798, of which 1,867 are civilian residents and the rest are military personnel, according to the 2011 Census

Kannur, Kasaragod record huge turnout in local body polls

76.08% vote in second phase of local body polls, Kerala records overall turnout of 73.69%

Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod went to the polls on Thursday (December 11) and 1.16 crore of the 1.53 crore voters in these districts exercised their right to vote.

State Election Commission seeks report from Kannur Collector on uncontested CPI(M) wins in Anthoor, Malapattam

Bids received for Kasaragod water aerodrome project during UDAN 5.5 bidding

Letter of Intent issued for seaplane operations on routes connecting Kasaragod with Mangaluru and Kannur airports, Union Civil Aviation Minister informs Parliament

Kerala local body polls 2025: Congress candidates attacked in Kannur

In two separate incidents, UDFs two women candidates as well as a polling agent were attacked allegedly by CPI(M) workers

Kerala local body polls: Second phase records 63.8% turnout by 3 pm

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An overall voter turnout of 63.8% was recorded at 3 pm in the second phase of the local body polls in seven northern districts of the state. Electors are choosing representatives to three tier panchayats in rural areas as well as municipalities and corporations in urban areas. The districts in which polling is being held in the second phase are: Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Voting is being held in 18,274 polling stations from 7 am to 6 pm. Of these, 2,055 polling stations have been earmarked as sensitive. A total of 12,391 wards spread across 604 local bodies are facing the polls on Thursday. This includes 9,015 wards in 470 grama panchayats, 1,177 wards in 77 block panchayats, 182 divisions in seven district panchayats, 1,829 wards in 47 municipalities and 188 wards in three Corporations. As many as 1.53 crore voters, including 72.46 lakh men, 80.90 lakh women and 161 transgender persons figure in the voters' list in local bodies that are going to polls in the first phase. Another 3,293 overseas voters also figure in the electoral roll. A total of 38,994 candidates are in the fray in the seven districts. The first phase of polling in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam concluded on December 9 with a turnout of around 70%. Results for both phases will be declared on December 13. VIDEO | Kannur: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan ( @pinarayivijayan ) casts his vote in the local body polls. #KeralaElections #LocalBodyPolls #Kannur (Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/OGQxTd91kj Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 11, 2025

Kerala local body elections: Kannur, Kasaragod see sluggish start to polling; machine glitches delay voting in several booths

In Kasaragod, four crude bombs found near house of an LDF candidate

Contrasting hues colour Kannurs political canvas

KANNUR: In the popular imagination, Kannur, the home turf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPM state secretary M V Govindan, former state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and senior party leaders E P Jayarajan, P K Sreemathi and K K Shailaja, is almost synonymous with the communist party. Here, everything boils down to politics and all discussions invariably progress along party lines. CPM holds sway in a majority of local bodies in the district; there are even councils where its candidates are elected unopposed. And, this year has been no different. A total of 14 candidates of the party have already sailed through in Anthoor municipality and Malappattam and Kannapuram grama panchayats without a single vote cast. For its part, the UDF, which declared that things will be different this time, as usual cried foul, blaming the CPM of intimidating its workers from filing nominations. However, Kannur corporation presents a different picture. The Congress, with the strong backing of the IUML, is a force to reckon with in the urban civic body. The CPM was able to snatch power in 2015 with the support of Congress rebel P K Ragesh and ruled the council for three years before Ragesh returned to the Congress. UDF returned to power in 2020, but to its dismay, Ragesh has floated a new entity and is contesting 12 divisions in the municipality this time round. It remains to be seen whether he can upset the UDFs calculations. Pinarayi himself came forward to lead the LDF campaign in the municipality. Addressing a press conference, he said the UDF lacked a plan for development of the city. Presenting a road map for Kannurs development, he said the LDF has a clear agenda of what should be done. There was a time when the district gained notoriety for political murders involving CPM and RSS/BJP workers -- which even became grist for national media mills. But the past few years have been marked by a lull in the violence, following the intervention of senior leaders from both sides. The RSS/BJP leadership had alleged that the CPMs politics of intolerance -- that does permit other parties to function in its stronghold -- was a key reason for the political turbulence. In the 2020 election, the BJP improved its tally in Thalassery (with eight councillors), Iritty (five), and Panur (three) municipalities, and Dharmadam panchayat (three members). Attracting eyeballs The district is also playing host to some interesting contests this time. Rebels are giving the IUML sleepless nights in Kannur corporations Varam division. Interestingly, Rayeez K V, who is contesting as a rebel, is a teacher at the madrassa controlled by the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama, a Sunni body. Many see his candidature as a reflection of the ongoing rift between the Samastha and the IUML, but Rayeez has clarified that he does not represent the religious body. I am fighting the election to uphold the sentiments of local IUML workers, who are frustrated by the imposition of a candidate from outside the division, he said. Former assistant commissioner of police T K Rathnakumar, who oversaw the case related to the suicide of ADM Naveen Babu, is the LDF candidate in Sreekandapuram municipality. CPM leader and former district panchayat president P P Divya is an accused in the controversial case. CPM leader Karayi Chandrasekharan, an accused in the murder of NDF worker Fazal, is a candidate in Thalassery municipality. He was elected municipal chairman in 2015 but resigned after he was named in the case, which was investigated by the CBI. Carry your ID Voters must present a valid photo ID to cast their vote, the State Election Commission has reminded Accepted IDs: Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) Voter slip issued by the SEC Passport Driving licence PAN card Aadhaar card SSLC certificate/book with photo Photo-affixed passbook issued by a nationalised bank (issued at least six months before polling) After-hours voting Voters who reach the station before the end of the polling at 6pm will be allowed to vote even after closing time Polling officials will mark all voters still in queue at 6 pm These voters will be issued signed slips by the presiding officer The slip will allow them to cast their vote after polling hours

Top leaders to cast votes in Kannur as local body polls begin on Dec. 11

Kerala local body polls: Missing UDF candidate traced by Chokli police

KANNUR: Chokli police have located Aruva T P, 29, the Muslim League candidate from Kanhirathin Keezhil, the 9th ward of Chokli panchayat, after her mother filed a complaint that she was missing. Aruva had gone missing from her house in Olavilam on December 6, just days before the local body elections. It later emerged that she had eloped with a resident of Chokli. She was produced before the magistrate. Following her mothers complaint, the police registered a missing case under Section 57 of the Kerala Police Act. She was found on December 9 during an investigation conducted by the Chokli police. A police officer said, We located Aruva at the house of the man she had gone with, in Chokli. It is learnt that he is a BJP supporter, though we cannot confirm that yet. The incident has thrown the entire ward into uncertainty, especially among UDF supporters who were caught completely off-guard. Adding to the drama was the fact that Chokli panchayat has long been a CPM stronghold, making the development even more striking.

Vibrant Kottikalasam marks conclusion of hectic campaigning in Kannur, Kasaragod

In Kannur, the day remained largely peaceful, though a large police force was deployed to maintain law and order in view of the previous elections, while in Kasaragod, the Kottikalasam peaked in Kanhangad town, where all three fronts are expected to face a close contest in the local body elections

Collector seeks cooperation from political parties, voters for peaceful polling in Kannur

A total of 5,472 candidates are in the fray across all three tiers of panchayats and urban bodies

Dry day declared in Kannur ahead of local body polls

Hyderabad Airport Receives Bomb Threats to 3 Incoming Flights

The airport received emails on late Sunday night targeting British Airways' (BA 277) from Heathrow, Lufthansa's (LH 752) from Frankfurt and IndiGo's 6E 7178 from Kannur

Fresh bomb threats hit three flights to Hyderabad; second scare in a week at RGIA

HYDERABAD: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has received three bomb threats to flights coming from different cities, including two international, sources said. The airport received emails on late Sunday night targeting British Airways' (BA 277) from Heathrow, Lufthansas (LH 752) from Frankfurt and IndiGo's 6E 7178 from Kannur. Airport sources said all the flights landed safely. The two international flights landed here during the early hours of Monday. Standard safety protocols were initiated for all three aircraft, sources said. Standard safety protocols include isolation of the aircraft, screening of baggage and passengers, keeping fire engines ready and pressing sniffer dogs into services, among others, sources added. Last week, the RGIA received bomb threat emails for the Dubai-Hyderabad Emirates flight and IndiGo's MadinaHyderabad and Sharjah-Hyderabad flights separately. MadinaHyderabad was diverted to Ahmedabad airport.

Mattannur, Kannur Cantonment remain quiet as State gears up for local body polls

Mattannur is exempt as its governing council has two more years left in its term, while residents of the Kannur Cantonment do not have voting rights in local body polls

Kannurs electoral battlefield: fronts weigh gains and losses as rebel surge reshapes equations

LDF holds structural dominance across the district. Capturing Kannur Corporation remains its symbolic objective, while defending it remains the foremost challenge of UDF that is looking forward to improve its show in three-tier panchayats

Kerala Forest departments camera traps stolen in Vaniyapara; wildlife monitoring hit

Three devices fixed near an old quarry at Pullamparathattu in Kannur were recently found missing

UDF alleges lapses in identifying sensitive booths in Kannur

Undertrial found dead in Kannur Central Jail in Kerala

He was facing trial for allegedly murdering his wife and was sent to Kannur prison from Wayanad seven months ago, says jail superintendent

Kerala local body polls: Rebel trouble haunts UDF in its Kannur stronghold

Rebel candidates are in the fray against both Congress and IUML nominees in the Corporation, prompting the latter to take disciplinary action against four activists. CPI(M) is presenting a team of new faces from diverse professional backgrounds, while the BJP has given priority to women candidates

GCTO accuses Kannur University of violating norms by fixing exams on Saturdays

Government norms allow only five working days a week, with Saturdays becoming working days only in emergencies, it says

WATCH: 5 stranded mid-air in sky dining restaurant near Munnar in Kerala, rescue opsunderway

Media reports said that a four-member family from Kannur district and a restaurant staff member have been trapped in the sky dining restaurant. According to the operators, they cannot lower the crane as its hydraulics have stopped working.

BJP accuses LDF, UDF of stalling development in Kannur Corporation

Family of late Kerala dalit activist Chitralekha faces eviction after bank issues foreclosure notice

Kannur Co-operative Urban Bank, controlled by Congress-led management committee, has ordered the family to vacate the house by December 7, warning that it will be seized on December 18 if the dues remain unpaid

Normalcy returns to Indian skies, Air India cancels six flights to carry out precautionary checks

NEW DELHI: The chaos in Indian skies on Monday night, triggered by the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and the eastward drift of ash, subsided on Tuesday after the ash cloud moved towards China. While Air India cancelled seven of its domestic flights as a precautionary move, other airlines have reported normal operations. An Air India statement said the following six domestic flights stood cancelled on Tuesday (November 25) - AI 2822 ChennaiMumbai; AI 2466 HyderabadDelhi; AI 2444 MumbaiHyderabad and AI 2445 Hyderabad to Mumbai; AI 2471 MumbaiKolkata and AI 2472 Kolkata to Mumbai The following Air India flights have been cancelled as we carry out precautionary checks on those aircraft which had flown over certain geographical locations after the Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption, it said. The airline had cancelled seven international flights on Monday AI 106 NewarkDelhi; AI 102 New York (JFK)Delhi; AI 2204 DubaiHyderabad; AI 2290 DohaMumbai; AI 2212 DubaiChennai ; AI 2250 DammamMumbai and AI 2284 DohaDelhi. Akasa Air had already announced cancellation of all its flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. It had done the same on Monday too. Indigo had diverted its flight from Kannur to Ahmedabad on Monday. Massive ash cloud drifts toward northern India as Ethiopias Hayli Gubbi erupts after 10,000 years Spokespersons from Indigo, Spicejet and Air India Express said that they had not cancelled any of their flights on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in a statement said there was no cause for concern presently. Following the 23 Nov volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and the eastward movement of the ash cloud, MoCA along with ATC, IMD, airlines and international aviation agenciesis ensuring seamless coordination. AAI has issued the necessary NOTAM and all affected flights have been kept informed. Operations across India remain smooth, with only a few flights rerouted or descended as a precaution, it added. There is no cause for concern at this moment. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates to ensure passenger safety, the Ministry added. Air India passengers upset Passengers whose flights were cancelled took to social media to lash out at Air India for not keeping them informed for hours even after the flight was cancelled. Flyer Teekam Singh Gehlot said he had booked a ticket on his Air India flight from Mumbai to Kolkata on Tuesday. No information about cancellation of flight and boarding pass was issued, he said. Only after security checks, he learnt about the cancellation, he said billing it a horrible experience. Passenger Aswari E said, I had my booking from Dammam to Mumbai. Very pathetic service by ground staff , no clear communication. After 6 hours they brought all the passengers from immigration area and left them stranded in the departure area. Until now no one contacted me for the rescheduled flight, she said. Referring to the same flight, Ruchit Mehta added, Very pathetic treatment at Dammam Airport. No food or refreshment provided to passengers till 3 AM in the morning. No accommodation or travel allowance given to some passengers. The Air India statement added, Our ground teams across the network are keeping passengers updated on their flight status and are providing immediate assistance, including hotel accommodation. We are making every effort to arrange alternative travel at the earliest. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation beyond our control. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority. Ethiopia volcano eruption disrupts flights in India; ash cloud to clear by evening

UDF, BJP campaign boards vandalised in Kannur

Massive ash cloud drifts toward northern India as Ethiopias Hayli Gubbi erupts after 10,000 years

After the long-silent volcano erupted for the first time in nearly 10,000 years, a massive ash cloud from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi has begun drifting toward northern India. The eruption covered the nearby village of Afdera in dust and pushed thick plumes across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman before the cloud shifted eastwards. According to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), the explosive activity began around 8.30 am UTC and marked the volcanos first known eruption in almost 10,000 years. Although the eruption has now stopped, the Toulouse VAAC said that a large ash plume is moving toward northern India, prompting meteorological agencies to closely monitor its trajectory. Even though no injuries have been reported, local officials worry economic implications for the local community of livestock herders. The volcano, part of Ethiopias Erta Ale Range, last showed activity around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. After the eruption, volcanic ash was observed over parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Airlines issued cautionary messages for flights passing through the Middle East. Indias aviation regulator, DGCA, has instructed all airline operators to follow a volcanic advisory issued by the Airport Authority of India. In view of the DGCA advisory, several airlines, including Akasa Air, KLM, Air India and IndiGo, cancelled flights operating on routes that pass through the affected corridor. An Air India flight from Delhi to Tokyo was cancelled moments before take-off. Flights to Jeddah and Dubai from Kochi were also cancelled as a precaution. An IndiGo flight from Kannur to Abu Dhabi was diverted to Ahmedabad as a safety measure. Akasa Air said it was monitoring the situation and assessing potential impacts on nearby regions in line with international aviation guidelines. Following recent volcanic activity in Ethiopia and the resulting ash plume in the surrounding airspace, our flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi scheduled for 24th and 25th November 2025 have been cancelled, the airline said in a statement. SpiceJet said volcanic ash may impact flight operations flying through the affected regions. In a statement, the airline added, Passengers travelling to/from Dubai (DXB) are advised to keep a check on their flight status, noting that safety teams are coordinating with aviation authorities. The Afar region is known for frequent earthquakes. Residents told The Associated Press they heard a loud sound and felt what they described as a shock wave. It felt like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash, one resident said. By Monday, the village near the Danakil desert, a popular tourist destination, remained covered in ash. Tourists and guides travelling to the desert were stranded in the village, according to a report by AP . Local authorities also shared images and videos showing a towering plume of ash rising from the volcano. (With inputs from Agencies)

'EC, SIR Will Be Responsible': After BLOs Suicide In Kerala, Another Officer Threatens Suicide

Antony, a BLO in Kottayam, threatened suicide over SIR workload, days after Aneesh George, a BLO in Kannur, died by suicide due to similar stress linked to election duties.

Bar hotel employee found dead in Kannur

With no opposition, LDF secures four wins in Kannur

CPI(M) bags two seats in Anthoor municipality and two in Malapattam grama panchayat. DCC president says UDF candidates nominations were rejected to help the LDFs cause

Another BLO Dies By Suicide In Bengal, Family Alleges SIR Work-Related Stress; Note Recovered

Rinku Tarafdar, a BLO in West Bengal, was found dead amid SIR workload stress. Similar suicides occurred in Jalpaiguri, Jaipur, and Kannur. Mamata Banerjee urged suspension of SIR.

Congress fields senior leader in Vengad panchayats 15th ward in Kannur

Congress rebel predicts repeat of 2015 in Kannur Corporation

BLO given tearful farewell in Kannur

Car Gets Stuck Between 2 Sections Of Under-Construction Bridge In Kerala

A Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire got stuck between two sections of an under-construction bridge and was left hanging mid-air in Kerala's Kannur district on Sunday after its driver entered the flyover while drunk.

Congress, BJP allege CPI(M) threat led to BLO Aneesh Georges death

Kannur District Congress Committee (DCC) president releases audio clip to back the claim.

121 nominations filed in Kannur for local body polls on day 1

IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty alleges unholy haste by ECI in conducting SIR in Kerala

IUML raises various issues, including death of Kannur booth level officer allegedly due to work pressure, as reasons for seeking a halt to SIR in Supreme Court

Kannur BLOs death linked to work pressure, claims panchayat president

Kankol-Alappadamba panchayat president M.V. Sunil Kumar says Aneesh George was under extreme pressure adding that he repeatedly told superiors he was unable to cope with the responsibilities assigned

BLO ends life in Kerala; SIR-related stress blamed

PTI | Kannur (Kerala) A school employee, who was working as a Booth Level Officer (BLO) as part of the upcoming local body elections, was found hanging in his house in this north Kerala district on Sunday, police said. Local people and his family members alleged that Aneesh George (44) took the extreme step due []

SIR claims a life in Kerala? 44-year-old BLO dies by suicide, family alleges...

A 44-year-old Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Kerala's Kannur district was found dead at his home, allegedly due to mental pressure from Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duties.

Kerala BLO's suicide triggers unrest: Unions call statewide boycott; family blames SIR-related job stress

Kerala's electoral roll revision faces a boycott by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) on Monday following the death of one in Kannur, allegedly due to intense work pressure. Trade unions claim unrealistic targets for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and upcoming local body polls are pushing BLOs to the brink. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the BLO's death.

BLO's Suicide in Kannur Triggers Huge Protest in Kerala

Who took the extreme step because of alleged huge work pressure on Sunday

Kannur BLO Commits Suicide Amid SIR-Related Work Stress

Local people and his family members alleged that Aneesh George (44) took the extreme step due to work pressure in connection with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.

Extend deadline for Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls: CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam

He was reacting to the alleged suicide of a booth-level officer, Aneesh George, in Kannur

Case of unnatural death registered after booth-level officer found dead in Kannur

Chief Electoral Officer seeks report from District Collector on the incident

Woman under treatment at Kannur MCH found dead

Kerala local body polls: NDA announces 42 candidates for Kannur Corporation

Kerala local body polls: CPI(M) announces new line-up for Kannur district panchayat polls