Kerala HC to decide if ED referral warrants FIR in CMRL-Exalogic case
Digital Desk | Kochi, Sep 26 (IANS) The Kerala High Court on Saturday raised questions over the state government's decision to order a preliminary enquiry instead of registering an FIR on the Enforcement Directorate's recommendation for a probe under the Prevention of Corruption Act in the CMRL-Exalogic case involving former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena Vijayan, her husband and former minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, who is currently an MLA. Justice A. Badharudeen said the court would examine the legal question of whether the State Police had the discretion to conduct a preliminary enquiry after receiving information from the ED under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), or whether it was bound to register an FIR. The court directed the ED to produce in a sealed cover the communication sent to the State Police Chief and posted the case for detailed hearing on September 29. The ED strongly opposed the delay in registering the FIR. Its counsel told the court that the agency had shared information regarding the alleged commission of offences with the State Police Chief during its investigation and that the material disclosed offences requiring investigation by the State Police or the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. The ED maintained that there was no discretion available to the State Police to conduct a preliminary enquiry after receiving such information and that an FIR should be registered. The court specifically asked whether the State Police had any option other than registering an FIR when information under Section 66(2) of the PMLA is forwarded to it. The Advocate General, K. Jaju Babu, defended the government's decision to order a preliminary enquiry. He argued that there was no requirement to register an FIR immediately and that the police could first verify the information. He also questioned the maintainability of the petition, contending that it was like a public interest litigation but had been filed with a vested interest. The petitioner argued that the Crime Branch SIT constituted by the government did not include the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau despite the ED alleging offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The ED said its investigation had uncovered transactions that required examination as possible predicate offences. The agency had subsequently written to the State Police Chief under Section 66(2) of the PMLA seeking action under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The State government had ordered a 30-day preliminary enquiry by a nine-member Crime Branch SIT after obtaining legal advice. The government has maintained that the Supreme Court's rulings permit a preliminary enquiry in appropriate cases before registration of an FIR. The High Court also referred to the requirement of a predicate offence for PMLA proceedings and questioned the ED on the legal basis of its action. The ED explained that the Serious Fraud Investigation Office had initially registered proceedings over Companies Act offences and that, during its investigation, the ED came across material indicating possible offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The case assumes significance as the High Court had in June allowed the ED's PMLA investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic transactions to continue, holding that the absence of an FIR relating to a scheduled offence did not prevent the ED from exercising its inquiry powers under the PMLA. The latest hearing has now put the legality of the State government's decision to conduct a preliminary enquiry before registration of an FIR at the centre of the dispute.
A fresh case has been registered against Parvathy Maya Shaji, the founder and CEO of Amster Overseas, and two others based on a complaint lodged by a youth from Ponnani in Malappuram
Augustine moved the application, anticipating an imminent move to arrest him after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case related to the Messi row carried out search operations at ocations linked to him and his brothers
Augustine moved the application, anticipating an imminent move to arrest him after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case related to the Messi row carried out search operations at ocations linked to him and his brothers
Residents feel vindicated as CM calls for demolition of P&T apartments
The families were shifted from the erstwhile waterlogging-prone P&T Colony in the Gandhi Nagar division of the Kochi Corporation
Police gag media from asking questions to CM Satheesan in Kochi, ACP cites security aspect
In a video aired on TV channels, the officer is heard saying that the Chief Minister is someone in the Z Plus security category
Magistrate court directs police to investigate actor Ansiba Hassans petition against Lakshmi Priya
Police issue summons to Anto Augustine over comments about Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan
Reporter Broadcasting Company managing director Anto Augustine has been asked to appear before the police at 10 a.m. on September 28
Photography exhibition by Induchoodan Foundation showcases the birds of Keralam
Over 50 photographs by 26 artistes open a window to the fascinating diversity of birdlife in Keralam
Hundreds of private bus workers yet to submit details for police verification
Police have received details of only 474 of the estimated 2,000 private bus employees in the Kochi city
More complaints emerge after arrest of CEO of Kochi-based immigration firm, say police
Police probing the case said they had come across at least 25 complaints from different parts of the State against the firm
Jewellery assistant manager arrested for allegedly stealing gold worth 60 lakh in Kochi
The thefts were reportedly committed between January 2025 and February 2026
Jewellery assistant manager arrested for allegedly stealing gold worth 60 lakh in Kochi
The thefts were reportedly committed between January 2025 and February 2026
Inside Enna Vilai star Nimisha Sajayans 2,334-sq-ft Kochi home
Keralam govt. to crackdown on fraudulent agencies
The police apprehended the chief executive officer of an immigration firm in Kochi for alleged job fraud a day ago.
Keralam govt. to crackdown on fraudulent agencies
The police apprehended the chief executive officer of an immigration firm in Kochi for alleged job fraud a day ago.
PVR Inox opens 5-screen multiplex at MyMoon, Kochi
PVR Inox announced the opening of new 5-screen multiplex at MyMoon, Kochi. The new five-screen cinema is equipped with advanced projection and sound technologies, including PXL, 4K laser projection, Dolby Atmos immersive sound and RealD 3D, bringing greater clarity, depth and impact to the cinematic experience. The cinema comprises five state-of-the-art screens with a total seating capacity of 814.
LDF threatens stir against Kochi Corporation as street lights fail and ads stay
At the Corporation council meeting held on September 10, the LDF raised the issue, specifically pointing to non-functional street lights on the Venduruthy Bridge, Alexander Parambithara Bridge, stretches of the Kundannoor Bridge falling under the Corporation limits, and M.G. Road
Charagh Din enters Kerala after 77 years with first store in Kochi
The Kochi outlet is part of Charagh Dins broader plan to enter new markets while retaining the personalised approach that has been central to the brands business model
Over 300 gram of suspected MDMA seized in two cases in Kochi; 3 arrested
Environmental organisations point out that the Collector was 'only carrying out' directives of Supreme Court and High Court
CIS buyers drive up orthodox tea prices in Kochi auctions
Some traders, however, attribute price rise to low offerings
Zones of worry: Lives on the boil on forest fringes in Keralam after new ESA notification
Keralam is once again witnessing a heated debate over the inclusion of some of its villages in the Western Ghats region in the Ecologically Sensitive Areas. Hiran Unnikrishnan and Sandeep Vellaram meet the stakeholders, including the settlers of the region and conservationists, to understand their concerns
Bitumen price surge hits road works, adding to motorists woes in Kochi
Bitumen price rises from 10,093 to 14,915 per 156-kg barrel between March 5 and September 16; Kochi Corporation explores allowing additional estimates to bridge the gap caused by the price variation; contractors seek a Finance department directive to cover excess costs in local-body projects
Bus drivers booked for rash driving in Kochi
CCTV footage captured the incidents, including one in which a pedestrian narrowly escaped being hit
VACB arrests Kochi Corporation overseer for alleged bribery
Bribe was allegedly sought to settle complaint against a commercial building
Kochi Metro Rail Limited issues circular imposing curbs on officials communicating with media
The circular issued by District Collector G. Priyanka, who is holding charge of KMRL managing director, also warns of stern action against those who violate the order
CEO Of Immigration Firm Held In Kochi Cheating Probe
Parvathy Maya Shaji, CEO of Amster Overseas Private Limited, has been detained at Thiruvananthapuram airport in connection with two cheating cases registered in Kochi. She is accused of defrauding individuals by promising high-paying jobs abroad in Armenia and Poland, with complainants paying significant sums. Her husband and other employees are also named in the cases, and police anticipate more complaints.
Digi Yatra set to include international travel, domestic air travel for foreigners
Face-based boarding at airports yet to start due to infrastructure gaps at airports; the pilot programme for international departures will run between October and December at Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi and Mumbai airports
Drowning of boy in apartment pool in Kochi: parents allege negligence on part of association
Office-bearers of the apartment owners association have dismissed the charges as baseless
Luke Williams Replaces Lisa Keightley As Mumbai Indians Head Coach For WPL 2027
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Two-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have appointed Luke Williams as their new head coach ahead of the 2027 Womens Premier League (WPL) season. Williams, who coached Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden WPL title in 2024, takes over from Lisa Keightley, who decided to step down from her role. Im really excited to be joining Mumbai Indians, a respected and successful organisation, and working with this talented group of players and support staff. We have a great opportunity to build something together, play an exciting brand of cricket and compete for success. Im looking forward to the challenge and to giving our fans plenty to be proud of, Williams said in a statement on Thursday. Lisa, the former Australia womens cricketer, was made the MI head coach ahead of WPL 2026 as a replacement for Charlotte Edwards, who took up England womens head coach job. But Lisa joining Cricket Australia as the national development lead earlier this month, where she will be responsible for the development of the women's game, left her in doubt over continuing with MI in the WPL. Williams previously parted ways with RCB last year ahead of the mega auction held in New Delhi due to scheduling overlaps with the Womens Big Bash League (WBBL), where hes head coach of the Adelaide Strikers. We are delighted to welcome Luke Williams to the Mumbai Indians family. Luke is a proven winner and brings with him rich experience, a deep understanding of the womens game, and a strong commitment to developing players. Our girls have created a proud legacy in the WPL, and I am confident that, with Lukes guidance and Harmans leadership, they will continue to grow, achieve greater success, and inspire young girls everywhere to dream big. I wish Luke, and the entire team the very best as we begin this exciting new chapter together. I would also like to thank Lisa Keightley for her contribution to Mumbai Indians and wish her the very best for the future, said MI owner Nita M. Ambani. Our girls have created a proud legacy in the WPL, and I am confident that, with Lukes guidance and Harmans leadership, they will continue to grow, achieve greater success, and inspire young girls everywhere to dream big. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Action will then move to the WPL 2027 player auction, scheduled to be held on October 28 in Kochi. According to a BCCI statement, the tournament will be played from January 14 to February 7, 2027, though the host cities for the marquee five-team tournament are yet to be revealed. Article Source: IANS
Mammootty returns to Kochi after fourth National Film Award
IPL 2027 Mini-Auction to Return to India, Goa Confirmed as Venue
The Indian Premier League auction will return to India after three successive editions were held overseas, with Goa confirmed as the venue for the IPL 2027 mini-auction in December. The move marks the auctions return to Indian soil for the first time since the auction ahead of the 2023 IPL season was held in Kochi. [] The post IPL 2027 Mini-Auction to Return to India, Goa Confirmed as Venue appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
CABI seeks match fee hike from BCCI for blind cricketers
The CABI chairman is confident that the Indian blind mens team will win the second T20 Blind Asia Cup. India beat arch-rivals Pakistan in the inaugural edition in 2016 in Kochi.
Kerala High Court grants State four weeks to appoint chief investigator in SPCA
Home department has constituted a three-member search and selection committee to facilitate the appointment, State informs the court
Prohibition activists demand restoration of local bodies powers at meeting with Minister
Excise Minister M. Liju holds talks with 20 organisations that work on anti-liquor and anti-narcotic campaigns
Wellness hub for gig workers opened in Kochi
The centre to provide safe rest facilities and basic welfare amenities to gig workers in food delivery, e-commerce and ride-hailing sectors
Services from Kochi airport to grow by 14.40% during winter schedule
The winter schedule, effective from October 26 to March 28, will feature 1,766 weekly flight movements, up from 1,544 services during the summer schedule
Keralams Kochi Corporation in a tight spot over Plan fund utilisation
So far, the Corporation has received only 7.89 crore of 23.67 crore Plan fund allocation from State govt. However, even this has effectively been reduced to 80.70 lakh after deductions at source
Tuna caught in Indian waters safe to eat: CMFRI
Kochi Tuna caught along the Indian coast is safe to eat, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) said on The post Tuna caught in Indian waters safe to eat: CMFRI appeared first on Bilkul Online .
DGMA files statement on steps taken for technical assessment of MSC Elsa 3 wreck
The Directorate informs the Kerala High Court that it has identified two Indian firms with the technical capability to undertake the proposed multibeam and side scan surveys of the wreck and wreck site
Kodakara hawala case transferred to PMLA court for joint trial with ED case
The accused have been directed to appear before the PMLA court on November 19, 2026.
Kochi continues to grapple with acute water crisis
Recent pipe bursts and shutdowns at the water treatment plants at Aluva and Maradu have exacerbated the crisis.
CM to present Akshaya awards on September 26
25 children taken to Kochi for free heart treatment
Child rights panel orders detailed probe into drowning of boy in Kochi flats swimming pool
The Commission issued the instruction after visiting the pool and its premises on September 21.
Child rights panel orders detailed probe into drowning of boy in Kochi flats swimming pool
The Commission issued the instruction after visiting the pool and its premises on September 21.
Ernakulam Boat Jetty Water Metro terminal to be completed in a year
The terminal, costing 32 crore, will be the second-largest in the Water Metro network after the High Court terminal. Once it becomes operational, direct services can be operated from the terminal to Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, Kumbalam, and Edakochi.
Bodies of Two Malayali Women Killed in California Returned to Kochi for Last Rites
The bodies of two Malayali women, murdered in California, have returned to Kochi for their final rites amid deep sorrow. Bodies of Two Malayali Women Killed in California Returned to Kochi for Last Rites
Bodies of Malayali women killed in California brought home for last rites
Digital Desk | Kochi, Sep 21 (IANS) The bodies of two Malayali women, Anjana and Ann Mary Mathew, who were allegedly murdered by a close friend in California last month, were brought back to Kochi on Monday, with relatives making arrangements for their funerals amid an outpouring of grief. The bodies arrived at Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery in the morning on a flight from San Francisco via Los Angeles and Dubai. After completion of the official procedures, the bodies were handed over to the relatives. The body of Ann Mary Mathew, a native of Kesavadasapuram in Thiruvananthapuram, was taken to her husband's home in Kottayam. A close relative told IANS that the body would be taken to her parish church on Tuesday morning, where the final rites will be held. The body of Anjana, a native of Thrissur, was first taken to her ancestral home at Peechi. A large number of people gathered there to pay their last respects, with many filing past the body. It will later be taken to the family's home, where the funeral is expected to be held at the local parish on Tuesday. Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi had been closely following the arrangements for bringing the bodies back to Kerala from the US since the killings last month. The two women were killed in a double murder in California on August 28. Anila, a native of Erattupetta in Kottayam and a close friend of both victims, has been arrested by California police in connection with the killings. According to investigators, Anila went to Ann Mary's home in San Jose and allegedly stabbed her to death. About one-and-a-half hours later, she allegedly called Anjana and asked her to come to a location. Police said Anjana was subsequently killed after being struck by a vehicle. Anila was arrested soon after the killings and is currently being held in the high-security section of the Santa Clara County Main Jail. The motive behind the killings of the two women, who were close friends, is still being investigated by the Milpitas police. The murders had sent shock waves through the Malayali community in California and Kerala. The return of the bodies on Monday brought the tragedy home, with relatives and friends gathering at the two families' homes to bid farewell to the young women. The investigation by US authorities is continuing to establish the circumstances and motive behind the killings.
IOCL to invest 2,449 cr in Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi gas pipeline
The 424.5-km pipeline will have a capacity of 6.84 mscmd and transport regasified LNG from the Kochi terminal to key demand centres in Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Indian Oil board approves 2,449-crore Kochi Thoothukudi gas pipeline
The system will have a capacity of 6.84 million metric standard cubic metres per day, including common-carrier capacity
Manju Warrier Vs Sanal Kumar Sasidharan: Kochi Court Issues Notice In Defamation Suit
Manju Warrier and director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan worked together on the 2020 Malayalam-language film Kayattam
Calicut FC player dies in bike crash, teammate critically injured, Keralam CM condoles
Digital Desk | Kozhikode Sep 21 (IANS) Football in Kerala was plunged into grief after Calicut FC defender Rijohn Jose, 29, died in a bike accident in Kozhikode late Sunday night, just days before the start of the new Super League Kerala season. Rijohn, a native of Thrissur, was travelling with his Calicut FC teammate Gani Ahmed Nigam when their bike collided with another motorcycle near the flyover close to Malabar Christian College at around 10 p.m. Both players were seriously injured and rushed to hospital. Rijohn succumbed to his injuries during treatment in the early hours of Monday. Calicut Football FC said Rijohn's public viewing will be held today at EMS Corporation Stadium, Calicut, from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Keralam Chief Minister Office alo condoled the the death of young football via X post. Rijo, the key player of the Calicut FC team that won the first Super League Kerala in 2024, was a talent who made outstanding contributions to the football scene in Kerala. He, who donned boots for various prominent clubs in the country, met with an untimely demise while preparing for the new Super League season. We pray that Gani Ahmed, the footballer who was involved in the accident with Rijo and is currently undergoing treatment, recovers swiftly, the post read. Sharing in the grief of Rijo Jose's family members, friends, and sports enthusiasts. Our respects. Gani, who suffered serious head injuries, was initially admitted to a private hospital and was later shifted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital for specialised treatment, and his condition is being monitored. The tragedy came at a particularly painful time for Calicut FC, which was in intensive preparations for its opening Super League Kerala match. Super League Kerala is deeply saddened by the passing of Rijohn Jose of Calicut FC. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, his teammates, Calicut FC, and everyone who knew him, Super League Kerala posted on X. The team had been training at the JDT Ground in Vellimadukunnu ahead of its much-awaited opening fixture against Thiruvananthapuram Kombans at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode on Saturday. Rijohn was an important member of the Calicut FC squad and played as a defender. He had previously represented Forca Kochi and FC Kerala and had also turned out for clubs including FC Deccan, Wayanad United. Gani Ahmed Nigam is also a familiar name in Kerala football. He represented Kerala in the last Santosh Trophy and was part of the Calicut FC squad for the Super League Kerala season. According to police, the two were returning to their accommodation after training when the accident occurred. Their motorcycle collided with another bike coming from the opposite direction. The impact threw the riders onto the road. Local residents and police rushed the injured to hospital soon after the accident. Kozhikode City Police have registered a case and begun an investigation into the circumstances leading to the collision. Rijohn's sudden death has left his teammates and the Calicut FC management devastated. The Kerala Football Association and the club expressed their deep sorrow over the death of the young footballer, who had emerged as a promising player in Indian domestic football. With the Super League Kerala season due to begin within days, the death has cast a pall of grief over the tournament and Kerala's football community.
Indian Oil to invest $256 mn for Kochi-Thoothukudi natural gas pipeline
The investment comes amid India's broader push to expand natural gas infrastructure, improve connectivity and increase the share of gas in the country's energy mix as it seeks cleaner fuel altern
Indian Oil's board approved a significant investment for a new natural gas pipeline. This 424.65-km project will connect Kochi and Thoothukudi in southern India. The pipeline will enhance natural gas transmission infrastructure across the region. It will support city gas networks and industrial consumers. This development strengthens existing gas supply networks in southern India.
Kochi Corporation to launch drive to remove low-hanging overhead cables
Cost to be recovered from respective cable owners
Court clarifies that the complaint under the domestic violence Act did not become retaliatory or malicious simply because it was registered after complainant initiated the Family Court proceedings
TN: Two dead as rain-triggered landslide hits Idukki village
Digital Desk | Idukki, Sep 20 (IANS) Two people were killed after a landslide buried a shed at Kottakamboor in Vattavada, Idukki district, on Sunday evening following three hours of heavy rain. The deceased were identified as Kottakamboor resident Balakrishnan and his sister, Chinnu. Balakrishnans wife, Mariamma, who was also inside the shed, was rescued with critical injuries. Residents rushed to the site and began removing soil and debris before emergency teams arrived. Mariamma was taken for emergency medical treatment, while rescuers continued searching the affected area to see whether anyone else was trapped. Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Munnar and police officers from Devikulam later joined the operation. Persistent rain, unstable soil, and difficult terrain posed major challenges to the teams. Officials closely monitored the surrounding slope amid fears of further earth movement. The landslide was reported after Vattavada and nearby high-range areas experienced intense rainfall for around three hours. The prolonged downpour is suspected to have saturated the slope and triggered the collapse. Police, revenue, and disaster-management officials are expected to inspect the location and assess risks to nearby residents. The incident has again highlighted Idukkis vulnerability to landslides during spells of heavy rain. The district has witnessed several deadly slope failures in recent years, particularly in and around the Munnar high ranges. The worst was the Pettimudi landslide near Rajamala on August 6, 2020, when a massive flow of mud and boulders buried plantation workers quarters. Sixty-six bodies were recovered, while four people remained missing and were presumed dead, taking the toll to 70. In October 2025, a mudslip at Koombanpara near Adimali buried houses below the KochiDhanushkodi national highway. Biju, 48, died after being pulled from the rubble, while his wife, Sandhya, was rescued and hospitalised. Several houses were damaged, and families living in vulnerable areas were shifted to a relief camp. Authorities have advised residents of landslide-prone locations to remain vigilant and avoid unstable slopes as heavy rainfall continues across the region. Emergency teams remained at Kottakamboor to complete the search, secure the affected site, and prevent residents from entering the danger zone.
Bike rental platform Royal Brothers conducts women riding initiative in Kochi
Royal Brothers is currently present across four cities in Kerala
Malayalam movie HALF screened under Midnight Madness section at Toronto film festival
INSV Neelkanth to sail from Visakhapatnam to Andamans for ANCs Silver Jubilee Celebrations
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) The INSV Neelkanth, an ocean-going sailing vessel of the Indian Navy, will sail from the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) headquarters at Visakhapatnam to Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The sail ship will embark on a nearly 661.2 nautical miles voyage as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), headquartered at Sri Vijaya Puram (earlier Port Blair). Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Commander-in-Chief, ANC (CINCAN), interacted with the crew of INSV Neelkanth at Visakhapatnam ahead of the voyage on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The interaction focused on key lessons for the voyage and inspiring the future of sailing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the ANC said. The INSV Neelkanth is a nearly 40-foot-long sailing yacht or ocean-racing vessel. It is one of six ocean-going sailing vessels the Navy uses for expeditions and training. The others are INSV Mhadei, INSV Tarini, INSV Bulbul, INSV Hariyali, and INSV Kadalpura. In 2023, the INSV Neelkanth won first place in the Inter Command Ocean Sailing Race by covering 360 nautical miles from Kochi to Goa. During the race, the crew, comprising both men and women, encountered heavy rain and sea states of up to 04, along with speeds gusting over 25 knots for two days. In 2024, the sailing vessel undertook a 100-nautical-mile expedition in 24 hours to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Navys submarine training school INS Satavahana. Earlier, in 2021, it sailed from Chennai to Visakhapatnam to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Navys submarine base INS Virbahu. While these expeditions were along the Indian coastline, the voyage to the Andamans will be through open seas. The crew may experience rough weather when approaching the Andaman Sea, with the possibility of a low-pressure system developing over the area. Southwest winds of 2025 knots may blow over the South Andaman Sea, and the sea state may be rough, with poor visibility. The crew is extremely well-trained, and the vessel is capable of handling all weather conditions. In fact, it will be a very good experience for those participating in the expedition, an official said. The ANC is Indias first and only tri-services Command, established on October 1, 2001. The Command, comprising the Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard, was created to defend the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In addition to regular surveillance along Indias Exclusive Economic Zone around the archipelago for defence purposes, the ANC also protects the region's fragile ecosystem. It is also tasked with Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) operations in one of the worlds busiest maritime zones. The ANC has planned a series of activities for its Silver Jubilee celebrations, some of which, involving island residents, have already begun.
Convention urges Keralam govt. to establish State law university
First Next Generation Missile Vessel for Indian Navy Laid Down at Cochin Shipyard
The keel of the first Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) for the Indian Navy was laid at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi on Friday, marking a key milestone in the construction of a new class of frontline missile vessels. The keel-laying ceremony was held on September 18, 2026, in the presence of Vice Admiral [] The post First Next Generation Missile Vessel for Indian Navy Laid Down at Cochin Shipyard appeared first on Tfipost.com .
Coastal cleanup drive held at Fort Kochi beach
Drive held as part of the Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 5.0 campaign
Former Brazil, India stars for exhibition match in Kochi on September 23
He rejects allegations of a deal between UDF government and BJP
Kerala: Reporter TV MD Anto Augustine handed over to Excise custody for a day
Digital Desk | Wayanad, Sep 19 (IANS) Anto Augustine, Managing Director of Reporter Broadcasting Corporation, who is in judicial custody in connection with a liquor seizure case, was on Saturday handed over to the Excise Department for 24 hours by a court in Wayanad for further interrogation. The development comes a day after the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Sulthan Bathery rejected Augustine's bail plea. The Kerala High Court had also declined to grant him interim bail on Friday and posted the matter for further hearing on Tuesday. Augustine was arrested by the Excise Department in the early hours of Thursday from the Reporter TV office in Kalamassery following the seizure of liquor allegedly recovered from his ancestral house at Vazhavatta in Wayanad. Excise officials said around 67 litres of liquor and wine were found during a search conducted on Wednesday. According to the department, the stock included foreign-made liquor, wine and other alcoholic beverages allegedly not authorised for sale in India. A case has been registered under Sections 55(a), 55(i) and 58 of the Kerala Abkari Act, which deal with alleged illegal possession and handling of liquor. An Excise team led by Assistant Commissioner Baiju reached the Reporter TV office at around 2.30 a.m. on Thursday and arrested Augustine. He was later taken to Wayanad and produced before the Bathery court, which remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody. The arrest came shortly after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged financial irregularities linked to the proposed visit of football star Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team to Kerala conducted searches at the offices of Reporter Broadcasting Corporation and premises associated with Augustine and his brothers in Kochi and Wayanad. Investigators seized documents and other records during those searches, including material related to Kaloor Stadium. Authorities have clarified that the police probe into the proposed football event is separate from the Excise case. A separate tax-related inquiry has also raised questions over alleged financial irregularities involving Reporter Broadcasting Corporation. Augustine has denied the liquor-related allegations and maintained that he cooperated with the SIT investigation by providing all documents sought by investigators. Following the 24-hour custodial interrogation, he is expected to be produced before the court again.
Kerala HC directs Kochi Corporation to complete rectification work on S.A. Road within four months
The court says a revised estimate that was not communicated earlier cannot justify delaying the work
Kochi to host 13th edition of Kerala Travel Mart on September 24th
Of the total, 1,200 buyers will attend as hosted buyers, while 300 will participate as non-hosted buyers, taking the total to 1,500 buyers
Conclave on women in Indias blue economy held in Kochi
PM Modi fostering resilience, innovation to achieve Viksit Bharat@2047: Rajnath Singh
Digital Desk | Kochi, Sep 18 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is serving the nation with a special focus on fostering resilience, innovation and a sense of national identity among citizens to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Speaking at an event in Kochi, Kerala, the Defence Minister asserted that before 2014, India faced challenges such as corruption and misgovernance, which had weakened the morale of the people, and the nations progress in the last 12 years has been shaped by its ability to convert challenges into opportunities. Over the last 12 years, the world has faced a pandemic such as Covid-19 and witnessed several wars, which have had a profound impact on the global economy. Despite global challenges, we are moving steadily on the path towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation, he said. Rajnath Singh stated that Operation Sindoor is proof of Indias willingness to cross the border to eliminate those who threaten the sovereignty and integrity of the country. He added that Maoism, too, has been brought to an end. On the governments aim to continuously bolster indigenous capabilities, the minister stated that indigenous defence production, which was just Rs 40,000 crore in 2014, has now reached nearly Rs 1.80 lakh crore. He added that defence exports have risen from nearly Rs 600 crore to around Rs 40,000 crore, with Indian equipment reaching around 100 countries. Voicing the nations resolve to work tirelessly towards its goals with courage and determination, Rajnath Singh described youth as the countrys greatest strength. Our youth are building start-ups, creating unicorns, developing drones, building hydrogen trains, and making rockets and satellites. They are leaving no stone unturned to make India a developed nation, he said. Rajnath Singh emphasised the importance of making the younger generation more aware of Indias history, culture and heritage. He said greater awareness among youth would contribute to stronger national consciousness and help build confidence in Indias place in the world. He called upon the youth to contribute to Indias economic, social and technological transformation, saying that a confident, capable and socially inclusive India can emerge as a developed nation and play a greater role in shaping the future of the world. On the crucial role of media in todays times, the Defence Minister stated that journalism is rightly called the fourth pillar of democracy, terming an independent and impartial press as one of the strongest instruments for ensuring accountability. The role of the media is not merely to report the news. It is also to ask difficult questions, bring the truth before the people, and hold those in power accountable, he said.
We will never intimidate journalists: Kerala Home Minister Chennithala
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 18 (IANS) The Congress-led UDF government will never put pressure on the media or intimidate journalists, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said on Friday, asserting that the action against Reporter TV Managing Director, Anto Augustine, was not connected with the channels work. The media is free to do its job and we are very clear about it. The UDF government will never ever put pressure on the media through intimidation, Chennithala told reporters. His remarks came a day after Augustine was arrested by the Excise Department in an Abkari case and as the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court at Sultan Bathery rejected his bail plea on Friday. Chennithala said the government had taken note of several instances involving journalists during the previous decade under the Pinarayi Vijayan government. He alleged that many journalists had faced pressure in connection with their news coverage during that period. Many journalists during the previous one decade came under duress with regard to news. What happened with Reporter TV was nothing to do with news, he said. According to Chennithala, the police and investigating agencies had the necessary documents and legal authority when they entered the Reporter TV office as part of the investigation. The police had all the papers according to law when they entered the office of Reporter TV, he said. Augustine was arrested hours after a Special Investigation Team probing alleged financial irregularities surrounding the proposed visit of football star Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala, conducted searches at the Reporter Broadcasting Company office and premises linked to Augustine and his brothers in Kochi and Wayanad. The Excise Department subsequently arrested him in connection with the seizure of liquor from his ancestral house at Vazhavatta in Wayanad. The Bathery court had on Thursday remanded him in judicial custody for 14 days before rejecting his bail plea on Friday. The government has maintained that the Excise case and the SIT investigation into the proposed Messi event are separate. Chennithala said the SIT headed by ADGP P. Vijayan was constituted on the basis of a report submitted by the Sports Secretary and handed over to him by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. The SIT is doing its job according to law. It has acted only in accordance with the prevailing laws. The Home Minister does not intervene, he said.
Reporter TV chief Anto Augustine denied bail, to remain in judicial custody
Digital Desk | Wayanad (Kerala), Sep 18 (IANS) Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine, arrested in an excise case following the seizure of liquor from his ancestral house in Wayanad, will remain in judicial custody as a Kerala court on Friday rejected his bail plea. The decision was announced by the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court at Sulthan Bathery. Augustine was arrested by the Excise Department early on Thursday, shortly after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged financial irregularities surrounding the proposed visit of football star Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala completed searches at his office and properties. The Bathery court had on Thursday sent Augustine to judicial custody for 14 days. He was subsequently to be shifted to the District Jail at Mananthavady. The Excise case relates to the alleged possession of liquor beyond the permissible limit. The arrest followed the seizure of about 67 litres of liquor and wine from Augustines ancestral house at Vazhavatta in Wayanad during the SIT search on Wednesday. Excise officials said the seized stock included foreign-made liquor and wine and other liquor allegedly not authorised for sale in India. The case has been registered under Sections 55(a), 55(i) and 58 of the Kerala Abkari Act. An Excise team led by Assistant Commissioner Baiju reached the Reporter TV office in Kalamassery around 2.30 am on Thursday and arrested Augustine there. He was subsequently taken to Wayanad and produced before the court. The arrest came after the SIT conducted searches for several hours at the Reporter Broadcasting Company office and premises linked to Augustine and his brothers in Kochi and Wayanad. Investigators were probing alleged financial irregularities connected with the proposed Messi-Argentina event. The police action is separate from the excise case. The SIT searches had led to the seizure of documents and other records, including material relating to the Kaloor stadium, while investigators also examined financial transactions linked to the proposed event. A separate tax-related inquiry has also flagged alleged financial irregularities involving Reporter Broadcasting Company. The timing of Augustines arrest, coming hours after the SIT searches, triggered criticism and questions over the action against the head of a news organisation. Augustine had denied the liquor allegations and said he had cooperated with the investigation into the Messi episode, handing over the documents sought by the investigators. The Kerala Police SIT is investigating alleged cheating and financial irregularities surrounding the proposed football event, while the Excise case before the Bathery court concerns the alleged possession of liquor beyond the legally permissible quantity.
Kerala Widens Lionel Messi Event Probe, Ex-Sports Minister Likely To Be Quizzed
A probe is being conducted into alleged irregularities in the previous government's move to host Argentina's national team's match featuring Lionel Messi in Kochi in 2025.
Kader Attia to unveil curatorial vision for seventh edition of Kochi Muziris Biennale on November 14
The noted Algerian-French artist has initiated site visits and conversations in Kochi ahead of the next edition of the international art event, say KMB organisers
Interstate drug trafficking network busted, claims NCB Kochi unit
A total of 33.1 grams of suspected cocaine seized as part of the operation
Frequent water supply disruptions hit life in Kochi amid summer-like conditions
Multiple incidents of pipe bursts reported in the city and neighbouring municipalities over the past month; recurrent power failures at pumping stations blamed for pressure variations in pumping lines
Frequent water supply disruptions hit life in Kochi amid summer-like conditions
Multiple incidents of pipe bursts reported in the city and neighbouring municipalities over the past month; recurrent power failures at pumping stations blamed for pressure variations in pumping lines
CPI(M) back in familiar opposition role, questions Satheesan's zoo relocation plan
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 17 (IANS) The CPI(M) in Kerala has moved swiftly to oppose Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan's proposal to relocate the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo to a forested setting, with senior party leader and former mayor V.K. Prasanth questioning the rationale behind the move and alleging that commercial interests could be driving the plan. Prasanth alleged that the proposal was driven by commercial interests and wondered whether the prime 36-acre property in the heart of the capital was being eyed for handover to private business interests. He also questioned why such a move was being taken without consulting the people. The quick reaction has placed the CPI(M) in familiar territory, opposing a major initiative floated by a Congress-led government, even before the idea has moved beyond the discussion stage. Kerala's political history is replete with examples of projects that faced resistance depending on which political front championed them. Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy often remarked that in Kerala, the identity of the proposer frequently mattered more than the proposal itself. Chandy had himself faced strong Left opposition after introducing computers in the Finance Department in 1991 while serving as Finance Minister. He later pointed to the irony that several Left leaders who had opposed computerisation eventually embraced the technology. Similarly, the Kochi Smart City project encountered stiff resistance from the Left when it was pursued by the UDF government, only to be carried forward later under the LDF administration. Several infrastructure projects in the state have witnessed comparable political reversals over the years. Satheesan unveiled the zoo relocation proposal during the three-day 'Reimagining Keralam' forum on Wednesday. He suggested shifting the zoo towards the Neyyar forest region, arguing that the animals could live in surroundings closer to their natural habitat. The Chief Minister also proposed converting the valuable city-centre land into a major public space modelled on world-class urban recreational hubs. Highlighting the zoo's significance, Prasanth noted that it attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually and generates around Rs 8 crore in revenue. Interestingly, BJP Mayor V.V. Rajesh welcomed the proposal and suggested that the Central Jail, another major government property located in the city centre, could also be shifted to a rural area. For now, the zoo remains where it is. But the political battle over its future has already begun.
LDF to launch protest over dysfunctional streetlights in Kochi Corporation limits
LDF accuses the civic body of continuing neglect in ensuring functioning of streetlights, while allowing companies entrusted with their operation to take advantage of advertisements
WPL 2027 to begin January 14; final scheduled for February 7, confirms BCCI
The fifth edition of the Women's Premier League will be played from January 14 to February 7, 2027 while its auction will be held on October 28 this year in Kochi, the BCCI announced on Wednesday. The BCCI however did not disclose the host cities for the WPL. As the biggest T20 league in women's cricket, the TATA WPL has established itself as a significant platform for the growth of the sport, bringing together leading players from India and around the world while creating opportunities for emerging talent to perform at the highest level, said the BCCI in a statement. The Player Retention deadline is set for September 28. The five franchises will have the opportunity to retain players from their existing squads as they begin putting their combinations in place for the new season, the BCCI added.
Reporter TV MD Anto Augustine Arrested Amid Messi Investigation in Kochi
Anto Augustine, MD of Reporter TV, has been arrested for excessive alcohol possession as police probe Messis financial irregularities. Reporter TV MD Anto Augustine Arrested Amid Messi Investigation in Kochi
Anto Augustine arrested in liquor case as Messi probe gathers pace
Digital Desk | Kochi, Sep 17 (IANS) Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine was formally arrested by the Excise Department in a case relating to the possession of liquor beyond the permissible limit, as the police investigation into alleged financial irregularities surrounding the proposed visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team to Kerala gathered pace. An Excise team led by Assistant Commissioner Baiju reached the Reporter TV office in Kalamassery in the early hours of Thursday and took Augustine into custody. He was later subjected to a medical examination and is now being taken to Wayanad, a journey expected to take several hours. He will be produced before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Sulthan Bathery. The arrest followed the seizure of a large quantity of liquor from Augustines ancestral house at Vazhavatta in Wayanad during the SIT search on Wednesday. Excise officials seized 43 litres of foreign liquor, seven litres of foreign wine and 13 litres of homemade wine, besides liquor bottles not authorised for sale in India. The arrest at the Reporter TV office witnessed a tense sequence of events. After the Excise team read out the seizure mahazar, Augustine insisted that he be shown the FIR before being arrested. Though officials showed him a digital copy, he insisted on a hard copy. Perumbavoor Excise Circle Inspector Manoj Kumar subsequently arrived with the physical copy, following which the arrest was formally recorded. The developments came shortly after a nearly 20-hour search by the SIT at the Reporter Broadcasting Company office and premises linked to its owners in Kochi and Wayanad. The police seized several documents, memory cards and records relating to the Kaloor stadium, besides $6,300 in foreign currency. The searches were conducted under court warrants. State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, who returned from the US, said the SIT headed by ADGP P. Vijayan was constituted to investigate the Messi episode on the basis of a report submitted by the Sports Secretary. He said the report had been handed over to him by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. The SIT is doing its job according to law. It has acted only in accordance with the prevailing laws. The Home Minister does not intervene, Chennithala told reporters at the Cochin airport. He said any action found to be contrary to law would be examined. They had a search warrant and proceeded accordingly. What happened during the past one decade is known to everyone. Why did you not see that then? Many media personnel were under duress. We are making it very clear that if anything wrong has been done, it will be looked into, he said. The SIT search, led by Thrikkakara ACP Bijoy Chandran, began around 6 a.m. on Wednesday and concluded at about 2.30 a.m. on Thursday. The team also searched the flats of Augustine and his brothers at Chembumukku and the office of marketing company GOTAD, which investigators suspect has links with Augustine. Police said evidence had been collected and that the SIT chief would provide further details. The Excise case against Augustine carries non-bailable provisions under the Abkari Act, while the separate SIT investigation concerns alleged cheating and financial irregularities linked to the proposed Messi-Argentina event.
PIL in Kerala High Court seeks regulation of counsellors and mental health services
Court seeks the Union governments response on implementing regulations under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021
Maradu water treatment plant set to add 20 MLD to Kochi water supply
Plants production capacity to be raised from 100 MLD to 120 MLD; new 1,000-mm high-density polyethylene pipeline to be laid over 5.2 km
Women's Premier League 2027 dates locked in from January 14 to February 7
The Women's Premier Leaguefifth edition is scheduled for January 14 to February 7, 2027. This tournament will precede the Women's Champions Trophy, which is now hosted in India. The player auction for the upcoming WPL season will take place on October 28. Kochi will host this important player acquisition event for the league. These dates were officially announced by the BCCI on Wednesday.
Dr. H. Prabhakar Elected National Vice President of Indian College of Cardiology
Dr. H. Prabhakar Elected National Vice President of Indian College of Cardiology Mangaluru: Dr. H. Prabhakar, a distinguished interventional cardiologist and pioneer in the field, has been elected National Vice President of the prestigious Indian College of Cardiology at its National Meet held in Kochi on September 12, 2026. The recognition reflects his contributions to [] The post Dr. H. Prabhakar Elected National Vice President of Indian College of Cardiology appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
