kochi News

Public-facing Mass: 200 parishioners occupy Kochi basilica in protest

One Church One Qurbana Movement protested the move, saying parish members who supported the Uniform Holy Mass had not been informed about the decision to hold the service at the Basilica

Kerala local body polls: As Kochi Corporation awaits new council, experts flag core urban challenges

Peoples opinions range from outright criticism to cautious optimism, and concerns about the lack of clarity on the direction Kochi city should adopt for future development

Coastal outskirts keep democracy moving in Thiruvananthapuram amid low turnout

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For a city long shadowed by its reputation for lacklustre polling, Thiruvananthapuram seemed to slip deeper into that pattern on election day. In the citys upscale neighbourhoods, where voter apathy has become almost ritual, the silence was unmistakable. By noon, turnout still hovered stubbornly below 30%, a telling sign of the indifference that had marked the morning. At the Kowdiar LP School, nestled in one of the citys quietest upscale pockets, the polling station wore a unhurried look through the morning. Only a handful of voters trickled in at a time, the queue seldom growing beyond two or three people. Then, just before 10.45am, the hush lifted. The arrival of Governor Rajendra Arlekar briefly transformed the otherwise languid booth into a flurry of activity, drawing curious glances. Although the governor arrived prepared to wait his turn, the sparse early-morning turnout meant his time in the queue was fleeting. But as the sun climbed higher, the scene began to shift. Slowly, elderly voters emerged, some leaning on canes, others guided by family. Retired college teacher Johny K John and his wife Elizabeth Thomas have treated every election like an unbreakable family ritual since settling in the capital three decades ago. Their sons John and Thomas, working in Kochi and Kozhikode respectively, boarded overnight trains just to make it home in time to vote alongside their parents. There is definitely a sense of apathy, especially among the younger generation, Elizabeth said. However there are still many who realise that their vote matters, she said. Aparna V P, a first-time voter in the local body polls, echoed that sentiment. My vote is for development and for a city with better, more reliable infrastructure, the BCom student said. Coastal wards told a very different story. By afternoon, polling stations in Beemapally, Valiyathura and the Port wards were buzzing, with queues that refused to thin even after the 6pm deadline. For us, our daily bread comes first. Food first, democracy later, said Jeremias, a 59-year-old fisherman from the Port ward. He had stepped out to get his fishing net repaired but sprinted back as the clock neared closing time. At Kachani ward, voting flowed steadily from early morning. But not everyone arrived in calm spirits. Senior citizen Krishnankutty stood fuming outside the Kachani Government High School booth, where the premises had been dug up for construction. Moments earlier, he had nearly stumbled over the debris while trying to navigate his way to the entrance. No wonder people stay indifferent, he said, frustration unmistakable in his voice. We are already tired of pothole-ridden road. Now, even the polling station is a mess. My vote will definitely reflect my resentment. he said.

Mollywood split as Mollywood push back against the rush to reinstate Dileep

KOCHI: A swift pushback is emerging in the Mollywood against the urgency shown by major industry bodies to reinduct actor Dileep, who was acquitted in the 2017 actress abduction and assault case on Monday. Several from the industry, particularly women, have criticised the haste with which organisations signalled their willingness to reinstate the actor, terming it a betrayal of the survivor and a continuation of an unsafe culture within Malayalam cinema. Senior dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi was among the first to react, resigning from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) in protest. Bhagyalakshmi said the federations eagerness to welcome Dileep back clearly showed that the organisations will never stand with survivors. She said the major bodies were backing those with money and power instead of taking a principled stand. Scriptwriter and Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) member Deedhi Damodaran also questioned the sincerity of those claiming solidarity with the survivor while continuing to remain members of AMMA, the association the survivor had quit in protest. Real solidarity would mean stepping away from organisations that maintain status quo, she said. The backlash comes after FEFKA, the Kerala Film Producers Association, and the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (AMMA), signalled support for Dileep within hours of the verdict. FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan said the actor would be reinstated as soon as he submitted a request letter. Kerala Film Producers Association president B Rakesh echoed the view, saying there were no hurdles in taking Dileep back. AMMA, meanwhile, put out a post on social media welcoming the verdict. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet Actor-filmmaker Lal, a key witness in the case, said he was satisfied the accused had been convicted. He, however, declined comment on the conspiracy charge. I will continue to help the case at every stage, even in the Supreme Court if required, he said. Interacting with reporters after casting his vote in the local body polls in Idukki, actor Asif Ali said he welcomed the verdict and reiterated that the survivor must get justice. He, too refrained from making a detailed comment, citing contempt of court. As the industry recalibrates in the wake of the verdict, the divide between those rushing to reinduct Dileep and those insisting on standing firmly with the survivor has once again exposed the fault lines in Malayalam cinemas institutions. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers

Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers

KOCHI: The trial court has acquitted actor Dileep in the actor abduction-assault case on the ground that the conspiracy charge against him could not be established. However, the fact that the conspiracy angle was not proved doesnt mean there was no conspiracy in the attack. The verdict, that convicted six persons and acquitted Dileep and three others, has left many questions unanswered. Hopefully, there will be more clarity when the court pronounces the sentence for those convicted and the details of the judgment are available in public domain. As of now, the question thats foremost on peoples minds is: if Dileep is indeed not guilty, who was behind the attack? And what about the justice for the survivor if all those involved arent made to face the consequences? Underlining the conspiracy angle, legal experts ask why a six-member criminal gang would target this particular actor and orchestrate a plot to assault her. The High Courts observations in the past on Pulsar Sunis financial capacity to repeatedly file bail pleas also suggest that someone may have been supporting him from behind the scenes. While rejecting Pulsar Sunis bail plea in June 2024, Justice P V Kunhikrishnan noted that the accused had filed ten different bail applications through multiple lawyers. The court observed: If the petitioner has financial difficulties, he can approach the Legal Services Authority to engage a lawyer. But he chose to engage his own lawyers, which is his right. However, from the petitioners conduct, filing bail application after bail application before the High Court and the Supreme Court, it is clear that either he is financially fit or there are some others behind the curtain helping him file these bail applications. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet Regarding the trial courts rejection of the prosecutions conspiracy charge, Advocate Raghul Sudheesh, a lawyer at the Kerala High Court, pointed out that any crime of this nature must involve a clear conspirator and motive. If it was for blackmailing, then the question arises: for whom was this act committed? he said. In the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case, the prosecution may have failed to present sufficient evidence to incriminate the eighth accused, Dileep. The final verdict, which is to be pronounced by the District and Sessions Court, Ernakulam, on December 12, may shed light on the doubts of common people regarding the acquittal, Raghul added. A High Court lawyer who wished to remain anonymous said several crucial questions still need answers, particularly why Pulsar Suni and the five others, who were found guilty by the trial court, would take such risks to target a specific actor. According to him, the survivor may have been singled out as part of someone elses plan. The offence committed by the six-member gang was a pre-planned act, carried out as part of a quotation given by somebody, the lawyer said. He also pointed out that the financial backgrounds of the convicted accused are extremely poor, suggesting that someone else was likely coordinating and funding the operation. He added that in criminal cases of this nature, the efforts taken by the police to establish conspiracy must be carefully evaluated.

Judgment leaked? Key details of actor assault case verdict out a week before

KOCHI: Raising serious concerns about judicial confidentiality in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case, a top advocates body on Tuesday confirmed it had received an anonymous letter detailing the crucial content of the verdict in the case, a week before it was pronounced. Dated December 2, the letter, sent by an Indian citizen, claimed that the upcoming verdict scheduled for December 8, 2025, in the high-profile case would exclude seventh accused Charly Thomas, eighth accused Gopalakrishnan alias Dileep, and the ninth accused Sanilkumar alias Mesthiri Sanil, and that judgment would be delivered only against the remaining six accused. The letter was sent to the Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA) which forwarded it to the Chief Justice on December 8, the same day the Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court pronounced its order. Association president Yeshwanth Shenoy confirmed to TNIE that the association did receive the letter and that it was forwarded to the Chief Justice for appropriate action. Describing the situation as a potential serious breach of confidentiality, Shenoy stressed that an inquiry ought to be initiated to determine how such sensitive information could have leaked. I have not yet received a response from the High Court. The content of the letter has the potential to denigrate the judicial system. Hence, a proper investigation is needed to find the origin of the letter, he said. According to the letter, there were 12 accused persons in the case, SC 118/2018 Pulsar Suni vs State of Kerala, pending before Ernakulam Principal District Judge Honey M Varghese. Among them, the 10th accused was made an approver, and the 11th and 12th accused were discharged. After this, 9 accused remained, it stated. Advocates association seeks thorough probe The letter alleged that Judge Honey M. Varghese prepared the judgment through her close associate, Shirley, and, by showing it to Sharath, a hotel businessman and the close companion of the 8th accused, secured a deal, and is going to pronounce this order on December 8, 2025. The letter claimed that two senior Kerala High Court judges and another judge, who is in charge of Ernakulam district, have extended support to her in all matters, which is what encourages the sessions judge to engage in such acts that undermine justice. In its letter to the Chief Justice, the KHCAA stressed that, regardless of the cases outcome, the individuals named in the letter must be verified. Pointing out that this will have serious repercussions on the reputation of the judiciary and its integrity, the association requested the chief justice to forward the same to the vigilance registrar or any other agency to thoroughly probe the entire episode.

Kerala local body elections: Big promises, bigger dreams

KOCHI: keralas local body elections have traditionally centered on the basics roads, drains, streetlights and waste management. But this time, the three major fronts the CPM-led LDF, Congress-led UDF and BJP-led NDA have released manifestos that read less like routine civic checklists and more like ambitious blueprints for parallel futures. If polls were a contest for imagining the most expansive version of Keralas cities, this election would easily qualify as the masterclass in political imagination. The full-fledged, multi-page poll documents for corporations and districts in particular carry a flood of promises some practical, some aspirational and some that wander into the territory of wishful planning. Growing public expectation Micro-level manifestos in local body elections mark a significant shift in Keralas political culture. While many promises may be aspirational or beyond the immediate powers of local governments, the trend itself signals a growing public expectation for accountability and decentralised decision-making. Detailed ward or city-specific pledges push parties to engage more closely with voters everyday concerns and create a record against which their performance can later be measured. In an increasingly urbanised and globally aware electorate, such granular manifestos encourage healthier debates on governance and, over time, can strengthen the relevance and responsiveness of local bodies even if the feasibility of the promises remains uneven. Im happy, said D Dhanuraj, founder-chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR). Praising the sudden surge in detailed manifestos, he said, This will help prompt more discussion on decentralised government, and the public will demand such things. He also believes that global political trends and high-profile campaigns elsewhere may be influencing Keralas political tone. He sees the trend as healthy: When you promise 100 things and dont implement even 10%, someone will question you. I see it as the next level of development as we move towards greater decentralisation. For him, the very presence of detailed manifestos marks a shift toward increased accountability. Economist Jose Sebastian, however, has a sharply different view. The manifesto is a wrong trend. Its becoming a mockery, he said. According to him, none of the fronts, regardless of ideology, explain how they plan to mobilise funds for these expansive promises. Its all tall promises without any substance. Just to create a narrative, he says. Sebastian also argues that Keralas local governments are not autonomous enough to shoulder these grand visions. They have become implementing agencies of central and state schemes. If they had focused on their own resource mobilisation, we wouldnt be in this situation. With the first phase of polling over on Tuesday and the second set for Thursday, the electorate has already begun casting its verdict on these big-ticket manifestos. Saturdays results will reveal which promises resonated, and which remained on paper. OLYMPICS IN TPURAM & METRO TO COIMBATORE? Leading the pack in audacity is the BJP. Its manifesto for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation promises to prepare the capital to serve as one of the venues for the 2036 Olympics. The host city is still undecided, and Ahmedabad is widely tipped as Indias official bidder, but the NDA is confident Thiruvananthapuram can aim high. If that wasnt bold enough, the party has also promised to extend the Kochi Metro all the way to Coimbatore a proposal that would involve overcoming the trifecta of funding challenges, inter-state coordination and monumental infrastructure planning. Alongside these headline-grabbing pledges, the party has also offered more grounded commitments: a Surat-inspired drainage system, Indore-style waste management, and centrally-monitored street lighting. A FULLY SMART KOCHI The Congress-led UDF has filled its Kochi corporation manifesto with everyday urban concerns: garbage, mosquitoes, traffic jams, stray dogs and public health. Its major pitch is a Zero Waste Kochi project aimed at resolving the long-standing issues surrounding the Brahmapuram waste plant. The manifesto also promises to turn Kochi into South Indias first total smart city, a vision based on efficient mobility, digital governance and better civic services. The list of promises is sweeping: garbage-free streets, mosquito control, smoother traffic and a crackdown on drug lobbies. If executed, it would address many chronic complaints of Kochis residents. However, whether these proposals survive the constraints of local body finances remains unclear. INFRA-HEAVY AGENDAS FOR KOCHI, U.N. GOALS ROADMAP FOR KOZHIKODE The CPM-led LDF has released detailed manifestos for multiple corporations. In Kochi, its focus is on practical improvements: canal rejuvenation, systematic road cleaning, value-added waste products, and EVs for the Haritha Karma Sena. It also proposes an electric bus network with KSRTC, renovation of key bus stands and new mobility solutions like multi-level parking and bike sharing. In Kozhikode, the LDF has gone a step further. Its manifesto states the corporation will work to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2031 if the front returns to power. The document outlines a sweeping development agenda: Transforming Kozhikode into an IT hub; implementing a light metro project; continuing the City Road Improvement Project; building new roads and infrastructure; and constructing a flyover at Eranhipalam. LDF, which has governed Kozhikode for over 45 years, attributes its long run to timely implementation of development projects, an argument it hopes will resonate again.

Kerala local body polls: Name missing, Mammootty unable to cast vote in election

KOCHI: While Ernakulam district celebrated democracy on Tuesday, Malayalam actor Mammootty missed out as his name was not found in the electoral rolls. The actor, who now resides in Vyttila under the Ponnurunni division of the Kochi corporation, was unable to vote in the 2020 local body elections owing to similar reasons. He (Mammootty) cast his vote in the previous assembly and Lok Sabha elections, but not in the 2020 corporation polls. When we realised his name was missing from the electoral rolls, we contacted his manager and requested the necessary documents to complete the formalities. However, at the time, the actor and his family were abroad for his treatment and were unable to proceed, said a public representative in Ponnurunni who is also a CPM supporter. However, she said the name of Mammoottys wife, Sulfath, was in the voters list. The actors family had last cast votes at booth 4 of CKC LP School in Ponnurunni.

A growing fascination for old timepieces keeps Kochi's watch repairers ticking

As fast fashion and easy-to-replace gadgets take over our lives, something unexpected is happening inside Kochis smallest shop fronts. Repairers say they are now seeing more young faces teenagers and people in their early twenties coming in with watches that have stories behind them. Instead of throwing an old piece away, they want it repaired and given a second life. Its a small but telling shift back to valuing things that last. Ambika P R, who runs Nice Watch and Services near Shastri Nagar in Maradu with her husband Ramesh C M, says the shift is unmistakable. The younger generation is much into this trend of using and reusing vintage products, she says. Students and young professionals often walk in with their parents Titan pieces or inherited mechanical watches, wanting them to be brought back to life. At the 80-year-old Gejo Watch Centre on Sahodaran Ayyappan Road, Ravipuram, the story is more layered. The shop, established in 1945, has seen the industry evolve. We are old people. Customers these days are fewer than in our prime, says George C V, the shop owner. Smartwatches, he explains, have encouraged a use-and-discard attitude. But those who come in usually do so for deep personal reasons. One boy wanted his watch repaired because it was a core memory he got it as a gift after clearing SSLC, George recalls. That sentiment keeps this trade going. Meanwhile, at Sruthy Times, Panampilly Nagar, owner Shaji K D takes a more cautious view. He says repairing old watches is not always practical. If the inside is broken, the parts must be fully replaced, and even then, we cant guarantee perfect functioning, he explains. Still, he remains committed to servicing the older styles analogue, winding and automatic watches insisting that the newer smart ones are basically unrepairable. A snap from Lonan Watch House in Thevara Junction Yet, even he admits that emotional value often wins. People bring their grandparents watches or clocks, some almost 85 years old, just to preserve the vintage charm, he says. At Ganesh and Sons Watch & Old Clock Repair, Chittoor Road, Valanjambalam, Ramesh T G highlights the biggest hurdle: spare parts. The motive is to keep something meaningful alive in a world where such pieces are becoming rare, he says. But getting original parts is difficult. He notes that younger customers increasingly request specific strap colours or metal finishes to suit their personal style another sign of vintage aesthetics finding relevance. And its not just heirlooms from decades past. Some young customers are taking charge of preserving their own family possessions. Take Angel Saju, a college student from Thevara, who still uses her mothers 20-year-old Swiss watch. She brings it in regularly for battery replacements and servicing. It still works perfectly, and it feels special to use something my mother wore every day, she says. For her, maintaining it is not a chore. Its a connection. Across Kochi, the revival is quiet but noticeable. Motivated by nostalgia, sustainability, aesthetic reasons or the desire to preserve family heirlooms, young customers are giving watch repairers something they havent felt in years: the sense that their craft still matters.

Parties put up brave face after moderate voter turnout in Kochi Corporation

Kochi Corporation records 62.52% turnout; youth apathy, roll errors blamed for slow polling

Political parties complain of electoral roll discrepancies in Kochi

A flashback to Kochis first thriller corporation election

Kochis engagement with organised civic governance began long before India became independent. The Dutch established the Fort Kochi municipality as early as 1664, marking one of the oldest experiments in municipal administration in the subcontinent. By 1866, Fort Kochi had become the first modern municipality in the state, during a period when the British residents took over the charge and served as the chairmen. As administrative systems evolved, voting rights were gradually extended to tax-paying citizens, setting the stage for more participatory urban governance. Mattancherry municipality followed in 1873, while Ernakulams municipality had been formed even earlier in 1823, by the British residents to oversee the regions administration. Together, they laid the foundation for what would eventually become a consolidated urban entity. Fast forward to November 1, 1967. It was almost certain that CPM leader M M Lawrence would become the first mayor of the newly formed Kochi corporation that day. The Left front had secured 13 seats, while the Congress-led fronts A A Kochunni Master had managed 11. The Left front workers were ready with crackers to celebrate the win. There was huge excitement, considering that it was the first corporation election ever. But things flipped in a matter of hours, says former mayor and historian K J Sohan. A single cross-vote pushed the mayoral contest into a tie. The final tally stood at 1212. Hence, the election of Kochis first mayor came down to chance. The draw of lots sealed the result, and Kochunni Master became the first mayor of Kochi. The idea of merging Kochis fragmented local bodies had been discussed throughout the early 1960s. It was the Mattancherry municipal council that first passed a resolution in 1960 recommending a unified civic administration. The Kerala Assembly later endorsed the proposal, and by July 1967, the plan for a consolidated corporation received formal approval. The new civic body combined the municipalities of Ernakulam, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, together with the panchayats of Palluruthy, Edappally, Vennala and Vyttila. The newly created urban entity spanned roughly 83.5sq.km , bringing together neighbourhoods with distinct histories and identities under a single administrative structure for the first time. It was a challenging time for the newly elected leaders, as they had to concentrate on the budgeting and integration of the wards that had been formed under a single corporation, says Sohan. While the first council was elected for a five-year term, elections were postponed, and the council continued for over a decade. The second election to the corporation was held only in 1979. It would take another decade for true democratic reforms. The turning point came with the 74th Constitutional Amendment in 1992, which granted municipalities across India a clear constitutional status, says Sohan. Regular elections every five years became mandatory. Provisions for reservation, including one-third representation for women, were introduced. As Kochi heads into another municipal election, its civic history stands as a reminder that surprises are nothing new. Will there be any this time?

The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam - Honoured as 'Hotel of the Year 2025' by The Gallivanter's Guide

The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam . Trusted for over three decades by top travellers globally, this prestigious accolade places the property amongst the best in the global luxury hospitality landscape. The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam Set amidst 1400 acres of Assams historic tea plantations, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate offers a serene, immersive escape where experiential luxury is redefined by authenticity and unhurried time. Every element, from carefully curated culinary experiences to personalised service with deep respect for the local heritage, truly celebrates the destination and reflects The Postcard Hotels commitment to providing extraordinary guest experiences. The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam This years selection followed a first-hand evaluation by Philippe Servais, Editor-in-Chief of The Gallivanters Guide , whose reviews are regarded as a definitive benchmark for luxury travellers seeking authenticity, excellence, and emotional resonance. After extensive global travels through 2025, Philippe identified The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam as the standout winner amongst shortlisted hotels across different continents praising its rare combination of warmth, intuition, and a deeply felt sense of place. He also noted that the brands true differentiators become evident after more than one stay, revealing a consistent thread of intention, honesty, and quiet confidence that binds the portfolio across its diverse locations. Philippe also visited another property by the brand, The Postcard on the Arabian Sea, Karnataka, and mentioned that it was just as accomplished. He further added, The Postcard vision intimate, sincere, unhurried, and rooted in place feels profoundly relevant to discerning travellers today . Also recognising The Postcard Hotels emphasis on character and service rather than facilities and spectacle, he indicated that the brands anytime check-in and check-out, all-day breakfast, as well as genuine hospitality delivered with sincerity at its hotels quietly disrupts the status quo of Indian luxury. To be recognised amongst the worlds finest hotels by The Gallivanters Guide is an extraordinary honour. Assam holds a very special place in our journey, and this award also celebrates the consistent dedication and hard work of our incredible team. We continue to remain committed to uplifting local communities through sustainable livelihoods ensuring that our presence creates meaningful and lasting impact on the destination , said Kapil Chopra, Founder of The Postcard Hotel. He further added, For the Editor to select The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate after experiencing our property and some of the most celebrated luxury hotels globally is both deeply humbling as well as encouraging . With this honour, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate creates a distinctive place for itself within a distinguished list of the worlds finest hotels recognised over the years by The Gallivanters Guide. For more than three decades, it has been one of the most respected global authorities on luxury travel, shaping opinions of the worlds most discerning travellers. Its Hotel of the Year honour is awarded through rigorous, independently conducted reviews making it a highly coveted global recognition. About The Postcard Hotel Kapil Chopra, along with a team of seasoned luxury hoteliers including Akanksha Lamba, Anirudh Kandpal, and Raman Bansal, embarked on a visionary journey to create extraordinary experiences for discerning travellers. In December 2018, they unveiled The Postcard Hotela brand driven by boldness and ambition, committed to redefining the rules and elevating the standards of experiential luxury. The Postcard Hotel is now opening 8 new hotels in the next 12 months making it the fastest growing uber luxury hotel brand in the world. Today, The Postcard Hotels growing collection spans India and beyond. In Goa, its four retreatsSaligao, Velha, Cuelim, and Hideawaycapture the regions charm, while The Postcard on the Arabian Sea offers sweeping oceanfront serenity. In Gujarat, The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary immerses guests in the land of the Asiatic Lion, and The Postcard Mandalay Hall in Kochi brings art and heritage together in an evocative setting. Further afield, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam, and The Postcard in the Himalayan Willows, Leh, offer uncharted adventures and tranquil escapes. Internationally, the brand extends its philosophy through The Postcard Dewa in Thimphu, Bhutan, and The Postcard Galle in Sri Lankaeach a celebration of place, culture, and understated elegance. @thepostcarddurrungteaestate .

In backing survivor, WCC ushers in change

KOCHI: In 2017, when 18 women came together to stand with the survivor, they knew their lives would never be the same again. As key Mollywood insiders refused to support the survivor, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) was formed to speak out, for the survivor and against injustice and gender issues in the industry. The unfortunate incident was definitely a trigger. There was no platform to raise such issues earlier, members said during the collectives press conference in Kochi in 2018. The group, comprising prominent actors including Parvathy Thiruvothu, Manju Warrier and Rima Kallingal, met with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to request government support in pushing for an investigation into the assault. Jolly Chirayath, a member, said gender disparities and issues related to workplace safety existed before the assault case. The incident became an inflection point. The discussions and developments in society became more gender-focused, she said. In 2017, during the Kerala State Film Awards, in response to industry figures supporting Dileep, the WCC launched the #Avalkkoppam campaign. What justice? And we watch a carefully crafted screenplay unfold so cruelly now, Parvathy wrote on social media following the verdict. Fellow members Rima and Remya Nambeesan shared avalkkoppam posts. Jolly said the WCCs efforts played a key role in altering public attitudes. In the past, survivors and their supporters were targeted by society. Today, we see several social media posts with the hashtags avalkkoppam and athijeevithakkoppam. That is the change the survivor and the WCC have brought to society, she said.

2017 Kerala actor abduction case: SHO who first recorded ordeal still rankled by it

KOCHI: Living the retirement life of a former police officer and helping out at her familys tiny spice unit in Aluva, P K Radhamani couldnt find comfort in the fragrance enveloping her. She was unsettled, awaiting the much-anticipated verdict in the 2017 case. It was her pen that first brought the incident to lightshe was the one who recorded the victims statement, and the first person to hear what would be repeated in the halls of the legal system. Radhamani had just taken charge as station house officer (SHO) at Infopark police station, after serving in the Womens Cell. It was around midnight that she received a call from then Kochi commissioner M P Dinesh. It comprised a simple instruction: There is an important case. You must come immediately. She had no idea that she was being sent to actor-director Lals residence. As they entered the approach road to Lals house in Padamugal, Kakkanad, she noticed several other vehicles moving to and from the premises. She encountered P Rajeeve (now a minister), who told her, You should proceed to Lals house. At the residence, the commissioner instructed Radhamani to record the statement of the survivor, who was inside. When I entered the room, I saw her in an extremely distressed state. So, instead of immediately beginning the procedure, I spent some time consoling her. I waited for her to regain composure. What I heard that night was something no woman should ever have to experience. I was deeply shaken, she said. Radhamani was part of the probe until a special team was formed, but continued to accompany the survivor on several occasions, including the medical examination, until retirement. The trial of the case is a stage in her service life that she would never want to revisit. As the officer who recorded the survivors statement and took part in the initial proceedings, I had to undergo four to five days of cross-examination. The defence counsel B Raman Pillai even alleged we had fabricated the statement. If an officer like me felt so traumatised, try to imagine what the survivor went through, said Radhamani. Radhamani said she still carries the pride of never deviating from what the law directed. She also appreciated the survivor for standing firm with courage, and noted that her family and close friends played a crucial role in supporting her.

2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Chaos, cheers and questions

KOCHI: The Ernakulam district sessions court complex had not seen a morning like this in years. Long before sunrise had settled into the city on Monday, the premises were rumbling with tension. By 7am, camera crews, reporters and excited supporters of actor Dileep had taken over the narrow lanes leading to the court. Everyone knew they were about to witness one of Keralas biggest judicial showdowns and nobody wanted to miss a single frame. By 9.45am, the first real hint of the momentous day ahead arrived. Judge Honey M Varghese, calm and composed, dressed in a white saree and clutching her 1,000-page judgment, stepped into the court building. Minutes later, lawyers from both sides arrived. Advocate T B Mini, counsel for the survivor, was soon surrounded by mediapersons. She reiterated: All 10 accused will be convicted. Special public prosecutor Ajakumar followed. Stepping out of the police vehicle, he assured the crowd that justice would be served. By 10.15am, the accused started arriving. Actor Dileepthe eighth accusedslipped into the complex at 10.22am with tenth accused Sarath G Nair. The actor left the vehicle after it had moved far away from the crowd, and disappeared into the court through a backdoor. Fifteen minutes later, confusion erupted. A masked man stepped out of a car and rushed inside. Cameras zoomed in, people shouted. Was it Pulsar Suni? It wasnt. Suni arrived at 10.45am. Wearing a black T-shirt, he walked out of the Kia Carnival with practised swagger. Flanked by his lawyers, he glanced back at the crowd with the confidence of someone used to unsettling a room. At 11am, the court fell silent. Outside, the crowd held its breath. Seconds later, roars exploded across the street. Dileep had been acquitted. The verdict spread like wildfire, and celebrations broke out instantly. Prime accused Pulsar Suni and fourth accused Vijeesh V P ,Second accused Martin Antony ,Sixth accused Pradeep,Fifth accused Vadival Salim Fans danced, shouted his name, and distributed sweets. The actors exit was straight out of a film. While onlookers waited near the backdoor, Dileep appeared at the main staircase at 11.18am, like a hero emerging for his curtain call. Now smiling broadly, he descended through a tunnel of black-robed lawyers, hands raised, wrist wrapped in prayer threads. Supporters surged forward. Cameras flashed. A few even wept. For the first time in nine years, Dileep spoke about the case, thanking God and making a veiled swipe at his ex-wife, actor Manju Warrier. What followed next painted a stark contrast. One by one, the six convicts, handcuffed, were brought out and escorted to a bus. Pulsar Suni was now flanked by officers. The convoy moved toward the general hospital where they would undergo medical examination before being taken to Kakkanad district jail. Dileep resurfaced at the house of senior counsel Raman Pillai. There were hugs, tears, and celebrations. By noon, he reached his home in Aluva, where his wife Kavya Madhavan, daughter, and others awaited him with applause, garlands, and fireworks. But even as he was welcomed like a returning hero, uneasy questions were being asked outside the court. Will he get back the family audience he once had? wondered a man watching the incidents from a distance. Im not sure. Lets see. For all the noise, all the chanting and camera flashes, one truth lingered: The court had spoken, but the debate over justice had just begun.

2017 Kerala actor abduction case: How conspiracy narrative fell apart

KOCHI: Though the prosecution put forward several conspiracy theories to implicate actor Dileep, the trial court rejected them. However, the prosecution succeeded in establishing the second conspiracy, between Pulsar Suni and five other accused, to abduct and rape the survivor. The prosecutions first theory was that Pulsar Suni and Dileep conspired during a meeting at hotel Abad Plaza. As per the charges, the duo entered into a criminal conspiracy to videograph nude visuals and sexual acts of the survivor to defame and harass her. Dileep allegedly called Suni to room 410 of Abad Plaza on MG Road, Ernakulam, on a day between March 28 and April 2, 2013. There, Suni agreed to the plan, and Dileep allegedly promised him Rs 1.5 crore, the prosecution said. Advocate Sujesh Menon, Dileeps counsel, said the allegation lacked valid proof. The prosecution relied on tower location data showing that Dileep and Suni were in the same place at similar times. Menon countered that Dileep was at those places or film shoots or rehearsals, while Suni, being a driver on film sets, too might have been present. There was no evidence proving they met or discussed any plan, he argued. The prosecution maintained that several circumstances pointed to an illegal quotation agreement between the two, like Suni initially concealing Dileeps role, and, during the assault, misleading the survivor by claiming a woman had issued the quotation. During interrogation, and in a letter to Dileep, Suni reportedly admitted to receiving instructions from him. The court held the evidence did not conclusively link Dileep. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: We had complete freedom, support from seniors throughout, says probe officer The prosecutions third theory centred on an alleged meeting between Dileep and Suni at Padmasarovaram on December 26, 2016. Police pursued this angle following revelations by filmmaker Balachandra Kumar. Kumar alleged he saw Dileep interacting closely with Suni. The significance of this meeting, they argued, was heightened by the fact that the first failed attempt to attack the survivor took place in Goa just days later. The prosecution claimed that oral evidence from Kumar, Nadirsha, Jinson, and Vishnu (Sunis cousin), along with forensic analysis and digital and documentary records, corroborated the meeting. However, the defence countered that the audio clips submitted by Kumar had no evidentiary value, as he had not produced the original phone used to record them.

AMMA and FEFKA consider reinstating Dileep

KOCHI: With the court acquitting Dileep in the 2017 actor assault case, film bodies including the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) and the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) have initiated discussions to give membership to the former, who was suspended from the association in July 2017. FEFKA was the first film body to suspend actor Dileep from his primary membership soon after his arrest in the case. As a trade union, we suspended Dileep after his arrest. Now, he has been acquitted in the case and we are considering reinstating his membership. We have requested the directors union to look into the verdict and consider revoking his suspension, FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan said. Though AMMA expelled Dileep, he was later reinstated, leading to a controversy. In October 2018, he eventually resigned from the association under pressure from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). He was also the treasurer of the artists association during the late Innocents term as the president. Malayalam actor assault case: Dileep walks free, targets ex-wife Manju Warrier Let law take its course. AMMA respects the court, AMMA wrote on social media on Monday. Addressing the media in Kochi, AMMA vice-president Lakshmi Priya welcomed the verdict. I personally welcome the court verdict. I dont think Dileepettan would attempt such a crime. This does not mean we are not with the survivor. Both of them are our colleagues and friends. But I dont think he would do this, she said. Dileep is also the founding president of the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala.

Prosecution counters Dileeps allegations against Manju

KOCHI: Soon after the acquittal, Dileep came out against Manju Warrier , alleging that she hatched a conspiracy against him. He pointed out that Manju, during a gathering of film stars two days after the incident, had said the sexual assault on the woman actor was organised and should be thoroughly probed. However, the prosecution countered this by saying that if they had intended to implicate him based on Manjus remarks, they could have done so while filing the main chargesheet against Pulsar Suni and five others. Special Public Prosecutor V Ajakumar told TNIE, Dileeps statement is absolutely wrong. We have produced all evidence against him. There was no deliberate attempt to arraign him as an accused in the case. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: No evidence ever existed against Dileep, says Pillai He clarified that the probe proceeded based on a letter sent by Dileep alleging extortion to the then Director General of Police (DGP) Loknath Behera, along with a letter sent by Pulsar Suni from jail. Behera forwarded both to the SIT for examination. Ajakumar said, after Behera was relieved from the DGP post, T P Senkumar took charge. Senkumar, who reportedly had a longstanding professional rivalry with B Sandhya, who headed the SIT, issued an order restraining the team from arresting Dileep. Later, Senkumar left the post and Behera returned as DGP. Sandhya then explained all the findings against Dileep, after which Behera granted the liberty to proceed against him, he said.

2017 Kerala actor abduction case: No evidence ever existed against Dileep, says Pillai

KOCHI: Senior advocate B Raman Pillai and his team, by his own submission, had never encountered a trial of this nature in a criminal case. Pillai, who represented Dileep in the actor assault case, said he had never argued a case where there was no evidence whatsoever against the accused. On the verdict, Pillai, who was assisted by his team comprising advocates Sujesh Menon and Philip T Varghese, said he was relieved and pleased, asserting that the case against Dileep was fabricated. He (Dileep) was deliberately dragged into the case, with the involvement of certain senior police officers and others. Even the advocates who appeared for him were targeted and faced difficulties, Pillai told TNIE. He said once the full judgment is received, they will consider further steps if it becomes clear that Dileep was victimised and there was conspiracy to drag him into the case. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: We had complete freedom, support from seniors throughout, says probe officer By December 2021, nearly 200 witnesses had been examined, and the investigation officer the final witness was next. However, Pillai said the prosecution suddenly delayed proceedings without explanation, prompting the defence to file the petition that prompted the High Court to set a timeline for completing further investigation. From the beginning, I understood the case against Dileep was fabricated and lacked evidence. That is why I stayed with the defence. In my entire career, I have never handled a case dragged out for this long, and even when my health was failing, I remained firm, he said. Pillai also said that Balachandra Kumars entry into the case was pre-planned and part of a larger conspiracy. Malayalam actor assault case: Dileep walks free, targets ex-wife Manju Warrier

2017 Kerala actor abduction case: We had complete freedom, support from seniors throughout, says probe officer

KOCHI: The delivery of the long-awaited verdict in the actor abduction case has cast a renewed spotlight on the crucial role played by the investigation teams in bringing the case to its legal conclusion. With the case featuring high-profile names like Dileep in the chargesheet, the probe involved meticulous processes of framing charges, collecting evidence, and completing every procedural step with precision. We had complete freedom throughout the investigation, and the support from our senior officers enabled us to conduct the probe independently, said investigation officer Byju Paulose, a DySP with the crime branch. A case involving high-profile individuals and intense public attention comes with unique challenges. Many witnesses from the film industry were initially hesitant to give statements, while common people were more willing to come forward, he said. Citing his own instance, the officer said he underwent chief and cross-examination for eight and a half years four days a week. The probe team worked in complete coordination, and we were able to collect and present a massive volume of digital evidence before the court, perhaps one of the highest produced in India in a conspiracy case, Paulose said. Malayalam actor assault case: Dileep walks free, targets ex-wife Manju Warrier An officer with the initial probe team led by DySP Babu Kumar, who requested anonymity, said the investigation made a crucial breakthrough linking actor Dileep to the case. During our inquiry, the team uncovered a lead involving an alleged letter written by prime accused N S Sunil, aka Pulsar Suni, which pointed towards Dileep. Based on this, we arrested the actor, he said. After Babu went on deputation, a special investigation team (SIT) was formed with Byju taking charge, he said. Binu P P, an officer with the SIT, said the team encountered numerous hurdles throughout the investigation, though none of them ever stalled the probe itself. Rather, the real obstacles emerged during trial phase. Kerala government to appeal against acquittal of Dileep in 2017 actor assault case

Judge Honey Varghese scripts final chapter in high-profile assault case

KOCHI: Tension hung heavy in the District Sessions Court on Monday morning as the clock struck 11. Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese stepped into a jam-packed courtroom, greeting those present with folded hands. As directed by her, all accused, including the eighth, moved to the stand. A stillness enveloped the hall as lawyers were asked to step aside so she could address the accused directly. I want to communicate clearly to the accused, the judge said. After keeping the case file for more than seven years and presiding over five years of trial, Judge Honey Varghese began delivering the verdict. Her voice rose as she read out the brutal acts committed by Pulsar Suni and five other accused, who were all found guilty. The court, however, acquitted actor Dileep. Members of the legal fraternity described Judge Honey Varghese as meticulous in her courtroom proceedings, compassionate in matters where needed, and firm where the law leaves no room for leniency. Honey Varghese, who hails from a family rooted in Left politics, began her career in Thrissur. She joined the judicial service in 2012 after being appointed as a district and sessions judge. Over the years, she has presided over several sensitive cases. Her transfer to the Additional Special Sessions Court, designated to hear the actor assault case, marked a turning point. She was assigned the trial after the survivor moved the High Court, seeking a special judge. Dileep targets former wife Manju, calls actor assault case a 'conspiracy' after acquittal The HC appointed Honey while she was serving as a CBI Special Court judge. In 2021, she was promoted to head the Ernakulam Principal and Sessions Court but was allowed to continue with the trial. She is now awaiting elevation as a Kerala HC judge. She concluded the trial after examining 261 witnesses. The trial itself saw several dramatic turns. Both the state government and the survivor moved the HC, seeking a change of judge. In a plea filed in 2022, the survivor alleged she had lost faith in the trial court, citing a voice clip recovered from the mobile phone of actor Dileep that purportedly suggested attempts by the accused to establish contact with the judge and her husband, an excise circle inspector accused in a custodial torture case. However, the High Court declined the plea. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, extended the deadline to finish the trial nearly eight times.

Anand Mahindra keeps tryst with Kadamakkudys serene beauty

KOCHI: Industrialist Anand Mahindra has fulfilled a personal promise, visiting the idyllic Kadamakkudy islands on the outskirts of Kochi and returning utterly captivated by their rustic beauty. His recent visit, following the Mahindra Groups M101 annual leadership conference in the city, has put this tranquil destination firmly on the national, and possibly international, tourism map. Mahindra shared his experience on X, articulating the profound effect the islands had on him. I lived up to a promise I had made to myself, he posted. His description painted a picture of pristine serenity: Clean and pristine. Tranquil kayals (backwaters) stretching as far as the eye can see, with small launches chugging gently along their waters. Egrets and black cormorants, preening and drying themselves in the sun. Mesmerising. He concluded with a poignant observation: Some landscapes dont just impress; they recalibrate you. The visit was the culmination of a desire sparked earlier. In July, Mahindra had posted about Kadamakkudy being often listed amongst the most beautiful villages on earth, adding it to his personal bucket list for his December business trip to Kochi. The industrialists effusive praise instantly set the social media platform alight. The posts garnered widespread attention, with countless users sharing the news and praising the hidden gem. Capitalising on the moment, Kerala Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas had then quickly extended an official invitation, also via X, stating, Always welcome to the land of incredible destinations and experiences Anand Ji @anandmahindra.. It will be a privilege for #KeralaTourism to host you at #Kadamakkudy. The excitement generated by Mahindras spotlight has significantly accelerated plans to improve accessibility to Kadamakkudy, a cluster of 14 tranquil islands. The Kochi Water Metro is actively working to launch its much-anticipated services to the popular tourist destination. Initially, the Water Metro had aimed to start operations to Kadamakkudy in December, a timeline intended to coincide with the industrialists planned visit. The final launch has faced a slight delay. Kochi Metro authorities recently announced that the work of the pontoon installation at Kadamakkudy is still pending, pushing the services commencement to January. Historically, these islands thrived on water-based transport. Therein lies the solution. Water Metro connectivity will be a big boost for the place. The tourism department could also deploy solar boats. Another possibility is bringing in houseboats, after dredging some shallow regions, said Dilraj Nalukandathil, director of GDM Travels, a startup promoting sustainable community tourism. Despite the minor setback, Anand Mahindras commitment to his promise has yielded a significant outcome: transforming a serene, lesser-known island cluster into a must-visit destination. His personal endorsement has provided an invaluable boost to Keralas tourism sector, promising a new era of recognition and connectivity for the islands of Kadamakkudy.

Bun maska-chai: The viral combo sweeping Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Yummy butter spread between a tasty bun, dipped in hot tea this simple combination has endeared itself to Keralites. Originally from the Irani cafes of Mumbai, the dish is trending all over Kerala, with food vloggers making it the talk of the town. And the origin of this sudden craze for bun maska in the state could be traced to a couple from Kochi The Chai Couple and what they call their single-minded decision. When Saran Dileep and Sreelekshmi T S decided to return from abroad and choose and pursue a passion in Kochi, they were unsure about where to start. An avid tea lover, Sreelekshmi felt there should be a place that answers an everyday question: Where can we get good chai? That thought grew: What if we add some snacks, but not the usual oily ones? Overnight, the duo bought some charts, took a table from their house and borrowed their grandmothers flask. The next morning, they were ready in front of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor, armed with a limited number of buns and some tea. The Chai Couple Cafe, and the viral bun maska-chai combo, took off. Instead of beginning a fully-fledged shop, we thought of experimenting, to see if people like what we offer, said Saran. Maintaining that the dish is their version of bun maska, he said never in their dreams did the two think it would become a statewide trend. Terming it a result of both word of mouth promotion and support of food vloggers, Saran commented they are happy to see the dish going viral. Our confidence is in our customers, said Sreelekshmi, adding that many, including their first-ever tea customer, return to their food spot. One of our customers is even developing our new token system, she said, adding that they have always been keen on not compromising on quality. Food vloggers across the state say the bun maska-tea combo has gone viral. Niyadh Basheer (@foodencyclopediatrivandrum) said the key complaint he hears from foodies is the dish being out of stock. There are shops open till 2am, selling bun maska and tea in Thiruvananthapuram. Techies have taken over spaces in the Technopark side, where they sell bun maska, he said, adding that the capital citys thattukada culture has boosted peoples love for the dish. Devayani S Thilakan (@toastory) says the affordable nature of the dish has made it attractive for college students in Kozhikode. We commonly see students who are visiting the beach, gathering at shops selling the items, she said.

Fronts trade barbs, claim big gains in Kochi on poll eve

Anand Mahindra keeps his promise, visits the 'most beautiful' village in Kerala, and calls its mesmerising

Anand Mahindra fulfilled his December travel promise by visiting Kadamakkudy, a serene floating village near Kochi. He described the tranquil Kerala backwaters, dotted with launches and abundant birdlife, as among the most beautiful villages on earth. This archipelago of 14 islands offers a glimpse into vibrant rural life, ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Kerala government to appeal against acquittal of Dileep in 2017 actor assault case

KOCHI: The Kerala government on Monday announced that it will appeal against the verdict of the Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court that acquitted actor Dileep in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case. Law Minister P Rajeeve said the government stands firmly with the survivor and will take all necessary legal steps to ensure that justice is pursued to its fullest extent. The court had found accused 1 to 6including prime accused Sunil N S, alias Pulsar Suniguilty, while acquitting accused 7 to 11. Dileep, the eighth accused, was among those cleared of all charges after the court held that the prosecution failed to prove the conspiracy allegation. Rajeeve said every stage of the investigation and prosecution was carried out in close consultation with the survivor and the prosecution team. From the very beginning, we have remained committed to supporting the survivor and upholding her faith in the justice system. Our resolve is clear and unwavering, he said. The government will decide its next legal course after studying the full judgment, he added.

Kerala court acquits actor Dileep, convicts six in 2017 actress assault case

Kochi: A Kerala court on Monday acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep in the 2017 sexual assault case involving a south Indian actress, while finding six others, including prime accused Sunil N S alias Pulsar Suni, who directly committed the crime, guilty. Apart from Dileep, the court also acquitted three others in the case. The verdict was 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 .

Dileep targets former wife Manju, calls actor assault case a 'conspiracy' after acquittal

KOCHI: Moments after his acquittal in the 2017 actor abduction cas e, actor Dileep launched a sharp attack on his former wife, actor Manju Warrier, alleging that the eal conspiracy against him began after she hinted at foul play in the case. The conspiracy against me began after Manju claimed there was a conspiracy behind the case, Dileep said, directly linking her public statements to what he described as a coordinated attempt to frame him. He alleged that a senior official and certain criminal police officers then moved to push the investigation in a particular direction. According to him, the police fabricated a false story in collusion with the co-accused inside the jail and amplified it through mainstream and social media with the help of certain news channels and journalists. But today, that false story has collapsed before the court, he said. The real conspiracy was to implicate me to destroy my career, my reputation, and my life. The actor thanked his family, friends and the crores of people who supported him throughout the eight-year legal battle. They stood with me even without seeing or hearing me, he said. Dileep also mentioned his ex-wife and actor, Manju Warrier's speech, made at the Durbar Hall in Kochi, saying it led to the case being 'framed against him'. @MSKiranPrakash @PaulCithara @pendown #Dileep #ActorAssaultCase #Kerala pic.twitter.com/h0yInWE7ix TNIE Kerala (@xpresskerala) December 8, 2025 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Vagaries and vicissitudes of justice

Malayalam actor assault case: Dileep walks free, targets ex-wife Manju Warrier

KOCHI: The Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court on Monday acquitted actor Dileep (P Gopalakrishnan), the eighth accused in the 2017 abduction and sexual assault of a prominent Malayalam actor, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish the conspiracy charge against him. The verdict came eight years after the sensational case shook the Malayalam film industry and triggered widespread conversations on misogyny, power and accountability in cinema. Judge Honey M Varghese held that the evidence presented by the prosecution did not conclusively link Dileep to the alleged conspiracy to abduct and assault the survivor. The prosecutions case had hinged on the claim that Dileep had masterminded and financed the crime as an act of personal vengeance, allegedly because the survivor had informed his then-wife, actor Manju Warrier, about his relationship with actor Kavya Madhavan, now his spouse. Dileep was arrested on July 10, 2017, and later granted bail. While the conspiracy charge against Dileep collapsed, the court found six accusedN.S. Sunil alias Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B., Vineesh V.P., Salim H., and Pradeepguilty of abducting and sexually assaulting the survivor inside a moving vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017. These accused, the judge ruled, had direct involvement in the crime. The court will pronounce the quantum of sentence on December 12. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Vagaries and vicissitudes of justice Pulsar Suni, identified as the prime accused, was held guilty of carrying out the assault and recording the visuals used to extort the survivor. The prosecution had argued that the chain of events leading to the attack could not have unfolded without Dileeps instructions, but the court found gaps and inconsistencies in the evidence presented. Speaking to the media after his acquittal, Dileep said there had been a criminal conspiracy to frame him in the case, alleging that a few police officials used the first accused and the media to spread a false narrative against him. He thanked his family members and fans for standing by him throughout the ordeal and expressed gratitude to his lawyer, Advocate B Raman Pillai, and his legal team. The real conspiracy was to make me an accused in the case and destroy my career, Dileep said. Dileep targets former wife Manju Warrier Moments after his acquittal in the actor abduction case, Dileep launched a sharp attack on his former wife, actor Manju Warrier , alleging that the eal conspiracy against him began after she hinted at foul play in the case. The conspiracy against me began after Manju claimed there was a conspiracy behind the case, Dileep said, directly linking her public statements to what he described as a coordinated attempt to frame him. He alleged that a senior official and certain criminal police officers then moved to push the investigation in a particular direction. According to him, the police fabricated a false story in collusion with the co-accused inside the jail and amplified it through mainstream and social media with the help of certain news channels and journalists. But today, that false story has collapsed before the court, he said. The real conspiracy was to implicate me to destroy my career, my reputation, and my life. Manju Warrier's speech & testimony The incident was initially portrayed as an unexpected act of violence with no apparent motive. However, the narrative shifted just two days later, on February 19, 2017, when Manju Warrier addressed a solidarity gathering at Durbar Hall Ground in Ernakulam. Her speech raisedfor the first time in publicthe possibility that the attack may have been the result of a planned criminal conspiracy. Later, on June 21, 2017, Manju Warrier gave a statement to the police, saying that the survivor had confided in her about the relationship between Dileep and Kavya Madhavana relationship the survivor believed had caused resentment in Dileep. Dileep thanks advocate Raman Pillai Soon after the verdict was delivered, the first person Dileep thanked was his advocate, B Raman Pillai. Dileep walked up to him, expressed his gratitude, and touched the senior lawyers feet. Advocate Pillai later stated that Dileep had been hounded throughout the case, indirectly alleging that a senior woman police officerbelieved to be IG B Sandhyawas behind a conspiracy against the actor. He added that the judgment reaffirmed the values of truth and justice. There was not a shred of evidence against Dileep. You cannot win a case by fabricating evidence. The initial statements given by the survivors mother, her friend Ramya Nambeesan, and her fianc made it clear that she had no enmity within or outside the film industry, he said. Advocate Raman Pillai has been associated with several controversial cases, including the rape case linked to Bishop Franco Mulakkal. A trial court had found the bishop not guilty in the case. The survivors counsel, advocate T B Mini, declined to make any immediate comments, stating that she would speak after studying the judgment in detail. Special Public Prosecutor V Ajayakumar said, We need to examine the judgment to understand why the court did not consider the evidence presented against Dileep. 'Not the end of the road' Responding to the sessions court verdict in the actress assault case, acquitting actor Dileep of conspiracy charges, former DGP B Sandhya said that this is not the final verdict in the case. Conspiracy is always a challenge to prove in court, and this is not the final verdict. We have higher courts too, and let us see how things unfold, she said while addressing the media here. Sandhya led the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that investigated the case. Fans distribute laddoos Meanwhile, outside the court, members of his fans association marked the verdict by distributing laddoos. The case, long considered one of the most closely watched trials in Kerala, has seen multiple twists, including allegations of evidence tampering, witness hostility, and institutional pressure. With Mondays verdict, the focus now shifts to sentencing, even as the survivors statement and the courts detailed reasoning are expected to shape the next phase of the legal battle. (With inputs from TNIE Online Desk) Dileep also mentioned his ex-wife and actor, Manju Warrier's speech, made at the Durbar Hall in Kochi, saying it led to the case being 'framed against him'. @MSKiranPrakash @PaulCithara @pendown #Dileep #ActorAssaultCase #Kerala pic.twitter.com/h0yInWE7ix TNIE Kerala (@xpresskerala) December 8, 2025

Supreme Court to hear petition against Paliyekkara toll resumption

KOCHI: The Supreme Court is set to commence a crucial hearing on Monday in the appeal filed by KPCC secretary Shaji K Kodankandath, challenging the Kerala High Courts order that allowed the resumption of toll collection at the highly contentious Paliyekkara toll plaza on the Angamaly-Mannuthy stretch of National Highway 544. The plea is the latest in a prolonged battle that centres around the poor condition of the stretch and the concessionaires right to levy user fees. A severe traffic congestion, largely stemming from the ongoing construction of underpasses and other infrastructure work along the busy corridor, had earlier seen the High Court suspending toll collection on August 6. The court underscored a fundamental principle: the publics obligation to pay toll hinges on the road authority, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in this case, ensuring a safe and obstruction-free experience. Subsequently, the NHAI and the concessionaire Guruvayoor Infrastructure Ltd challenged the High Courts order in the Supreme Court, which initially upheld the ban, emphatically stating that commuters cannot be compelled to pay tolls for poorly maintained roads. The apex court also noted that the citizen who pays the toll has the right to demand well-maintained roads. However, the legal landscape shifted on October 17 when the High Court, after receiving status reports and noting efforts by an interim traffic management committee, lifted the suspension of toll collection. Crucially, the High Court prevented the NHAI from collecting an enhanced toll from motorists until further orders, acknowledging that the matter was still under judicial watch due to continuing grievances. The latest appeal by Shaji Kodankandath challenges the allowance of the resumption of the toll. The resumption was permitted without fully guaranteeing safe and smooth passage for thousands of daily commuters. An expert committee, including the district collector, in its interim report submitted to the court, pointed out that tarring was not carried out in a scientific manner and that waterlogging persisted due to the unscientific construction of drains. Also, the petition included a plea that the toll should be cut in line with the traffic congestion, which was not considered by the High Court. Hence this petition, Shaji said.

2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Vagaries and vicissitudes of justice

KOCHI: The case, already fraught with twists, turns, and explosive revelations, deepened into one of Keralas most unsettling judicial sagas. The prosecution claimed this was the first time in the history of criminal law that a quotation had been issued for committing rape. In another major development, a memory card containing crucial visuals of the assault, kept in the trial courts safe custody, was found to have been accessed multiple times without authorisation, with forensic reports confirming changes in its hash value. Allegations also surfaced that the accused had established contact with the trial judge, raising serious concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. In the early phase of the probe, prime accused Pulsar Suni misled sleuths with a fabricated story about dumping the primary phone, a crucial piece of evidence, into the Kochi backwaters from Goshree bridge. Five Navy divers searched for hours on February 27, 2017, but found nothing. To this day, the original phone and memory card have not been recovered. As the investigation progressed, the police arraigned actor Dileep. Surprisingly, his second wife Kavya Madhavan moved an anticipatory bail application, claiming Dileep did not know Suni by name or face. The petition said that filmmaker Sreekumar Menon, who had long-standing enmity with Dileep, could have influenced the accusations. The petition was disposed of after the prosecution clarified that Kavya was not an accused. In a bombshell disclosure in 2022, it was revealed that the memory card had been tampered with while in the courts custody. The Forensic Science Lab found that the card had been used on a Vivo mobile phone with an Android operating system, with apps such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram installed. It was accessed on January 9, 2018, December 13, 2018, and again on July 19, 2021. The High Court noted that the first two accesses occurred at odd hours with no connection to court proceedings and issued guidelines for handling sexually explicit evidence in trial courts. A later probe by the trial court found that Leena Rasheed, the then Judicial First Class Magistrate Court (JFCM) judge, Angamaly; Mahesh Mohan, senior clerk of the Principal and Sessions Court (now an HC judge); and Thajudeen, then sheristadar of the trial court, Ernakulam, had accessed the card. Further action on the report remains pending. In the subsequent investigation, based on revelations by late filmmaker Balachandra Kumar, former police officer R Sreelekha made statements in favour of Dileep, claiming he was innocent and falsely implicated. She also alleged that the mobile phone used by Suni in jail was supplied by the police to fabricate evidence and contradicted several findings of the investigation. Sreelekha, who served as director general of prisons during Dileeps custody, was questioned by police in this regard. Another surprising turn was when the survivor petitioned the HC, blaming trial court judge Honey M Varghese of bias and harbouring a hostile attitude, and seeking a new judge. Interestingly, judge Honey was appointed after the survivor had requested for a woman judge to oversee proceedings. However, after allegations of bias arose, both the survivor and the state government filed multiple petitions to transfer the case to a different court. But it was rejected. (Concluded) Milestones & millstones Three-phased investigation The first phase began on February 18, 2017, led by Vishal Johnson, then CI, Aluva. The probe was later taken over by Babukumar, then DySP, Aluva, who filed the final report against seven accused before the JFMC, Angamaly on April 18, 2017. A report for further investigation was submitted on May 18, 2017, indicating a wider criminal conspiracy. On the same day, Baiju Poulose M was appointed investigating officer. He continues in that role. Prosecutors move aside Two prosecutors resigned, citing issues with the trial judge. Special public prosecutor A Suresan stepped down in December 2020 after raising objections to allegedly derogatory remarks made by the judge. He was replaced by V N Anilkumar on January 3, 2021, who put in his papers during the cross-examination of prosecution witness 202. Following this, additional public prosecutor Sunil Kumar K B completed the examination of several witnesses until February 7, 2022. V Ajayakumar was appointed special public prosecutor on February 18, 2022. Three turn approvers Vipinlal (the 10th accused) and P K Aneesh (the 14th accused and then civil police officer) were pardoned by the CJM, Ernakulam, after they turned approvers. On February 17, 2021, the court also accepted the plea of another accused, Vishnu, to turn approver. Vishnu had allegedly arranged a mobile phone and SIM for the first accused, Pulsar Suni, while he was lodged in the Kakkanad jail. Prolonged cross-examination The cross-examination of the investigating officer, Baiju (witness number 261), lasted eight months and seven days, making it one of the longest cross-examinations of a police officer in the states history. Dileeps counsel examined him for 95 days. The Supreme Court expressed concern over the extended process. 28 witnesses, including actors, turn hostile Several film actors turned hostile, including Bhama, Bindu Panicker, Siddique, Edavela Babu, and producer Renjith, despite their initial statements helping the prosecution establish Dileeps alleged enmity towards the survivor and outline the conspiracy.Bhama and Siddique had initially told police that Dileep openly threatened the survivor at a rehearsal venue in Kochis Hotel Abad Plaza, even making remarks about setting her on fire. Both also acknowledged Dileeps anger over the survivors role in exposing his relationship with Kavya. They later retracted these statements.Babu had earlier deposed that the survivor submitted a written complaint to industry body AMMA against Dileep, alleging he denied her opportunities in films. However, during examination, Babu stated he did not remember such a complaint. Witness examined online The late filmmaker, Balachandra Kumar, who made crucial revelations against Dileep, was examined for 49 days. During the process, he fell ill, and for 37 of those days, his examination was conducted online. Accused A1 Sunil N S aka Pulsar Suni A2 Martin Antony A3 Manikandan B A4 Vijeesh VP A5 Salim H aka Vadival Salim A6 Pradeep A7 Charly Thomas A8 P Gopalakrishnan aka Dileep A9 Sanilkumar aka Mesthiri Sanil A10 Sarath G Nair Two accused, advocates Pratheesh Chacko and Raju Joseph, were discharged during the course of the trial. Three persons initially implicated in the case later turned approvers Charges Accused 1 to 6 and 8th faced trial for charges under Sections 120A (when two or more persons agree to do, or cause to be done: an illegal act), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354B (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 357 (assault or use of criminal force on any person), 376D (gang rape), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), 366 (kidnapping or abducting a woman), 506 (i) (criminal intimidation), and 109 r/w 34 (aiding or abetting a crime) of IPC and Section 66E and 67A of IT Act Eighth accused Dileep was additionally charged under Sections 201 (aiding or abetting a crime) and 204 (destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence) The seventh accused was charged under Section 212 (harbouring an offender) of IPC. The ninth accused was charged under Sections 120 B (criminal conspiracy and 109 (instigating or aiding a crime). The 10th accused faced trial for offence under Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender)

Verdict in 2017 Kerala actor abduction, assault case today

KOCHI: Over eight years after the traumatic incident and nearly five years since the start of trial, the long-awaited verdict in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case is set to be delivered at 11am on Monday. Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court judge Honey M Varghese will pass the verdict following extensive trial proceedings that commenced on January 30, 2020. Actor Dileep is the eighth accused in the case that shook Kerala. According to the prosecution, the survivor was abducted by a six-member gang and raped by first accused N S Sunil aka Pulsar Suni inside a moving car in Ernakulam on February 17, 2017. He also recorded the brutal assault on his mobile phone. Special public prosecutor V Ajakumar told TNIE the prosecution took all necessary steps to ensure the culprits were brought before the law. The prosecution produced all digital and documentary evidence, including CCTV visuals and material, to prove the offences levelled against the accused persons, he said, adding that the primary conspiracy was between Suni and actor Dileep to allegedly record videos of the sexual assault in order to defame and demoralise the survivor. After filing the chargesheet against the first six accused, the special investigation team moved against Dileep to establish the conspiracy. Dileep appeared before the team on July 5, 2017, and was questioned for around 12 hours. After gathering additional evidence, the police arrested him on July 10. He remained in jail for 86 days before being released on bail on October 3, 2017. According to the prosecution, Dileep believed the survivor had divulged to his wife Manju Warrier news of his relationship with Kavya Madhavan. The prosecution said its conspiracy case rests on a meticulous reconstruction of events, communications, custodial disclosures, and digital evidence, all of which point to a covert agreement between Dileep and Suni. The proceedings witnessed tensions, with both the prosecution and the victim filing petitions alleging bias by the trial judge. By the time 80 witnesses were examined, petitions seeking transfer of the case were filed, which were dismissed by the High Court. During the trial, 261 witnesses were examined.

Antony Kattiparambil ordained 36th bishop of Diocese of Cochin

KOCHI: Ending a one-and-a-half-year wait, Monsignor Antony Kattiparambil was on Sunday ordained bishop of the Roman Catholic Churchs Cochin diocese. The ceremony, held at the Parade Ground in Fort Kochi, was presided over by the Archbishop of Goa and Daman and seventh Patriarch of the East Indies, Cardinal Filipe Neri Antnio Sebastio do Rosrio Ferro. Antony Kattiparambil is the 36th bishop of the diocese, the churchs mother diocese in Kerala. The post remained vacant following the resignation of Bishop Joseph Kariyil on March 2, 2024. Bishop James Anaparambil of Alleppey was appointed administrator on October 12, 2024. Born in Mundamveli, Bishop Kattiparambil is the fifth Keralite and also the fifth Kochiite to lead the diocese since its establishment in 1557. The ceremony began with a procession from the bishops house to Santa Cruz Cathedral. Kattiparambil was accompanied by bishops in their ceremonial vestments, along with members of the clergy and the laity. The bishop-designate and staff laid a wreath at one of the remaining pillars of the first basilica, which was founded in 1505 and demolished by the British in 1806. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferro was the main celebrant of the ordination ceremony. The metropolitan of Varappuzha archdiocese, Dr Joseph Kalathiparambil, and Bishop Kariyil were co-celebrants. Kattiparambil lays a wreath at one of the remaining pillars of the first basilica at Santa Cruz Cathedral in Kochi. The Vatican ambassador and nuncio to India, Archbishop Dr Leopoldo Girelli, head of the Syro-Malabar Church Raphael Thattil, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India Andrews Thazhath, and president of the Kerala Latin Catholic Bishops Conference Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakkal, delivered the benediction sermons. The bishop-designates classmate and metropolitan of the archdiocese of Thalassery, Joseph Pamplany, delivered the homily. In his oration, Mar Pamplany said, When I looked up the etymology of the name Antony, I came across a reference to the Greek anthos, which means flower or blossom... Bishop Kattiparambil is a native flower who was born in Kochi, bloomed in Kochi, exudes the fragrance of Kochi and carries the love for Kochi in his heart. Unlike the negative publicity that Catholic priests have been attracting for some time, the announcement of Bishop Kattiparambils ordination attracted a deluge of positive comments and posts on social media, he added. The ceremony ended with the celebration of Holy Mass by Bishop Kattiparambil, followed by benedictory addresses by Cardinal Girelli, Mar Thattil, Mar Thazhath and Archbishop Chakkalakal.

Kerala local body polls: Broad narratives and ground realities

KOCHI: This has been a local-body election in which local concerns have been swept up by broader narratives. Instead of the familiar neighbourhood chatter on roads, drainage, or local development, high-voltage, state-level storylines from the dramatic episodes involving MLA Rahul Mamkootathil to the contentious gold-theft allegations linked to Sabarimala have permeated even the tiniest wards. Yet, amid this political noise, analysts insist that the final verdict will still be shaped by ground realities. In the end, it is micro-issues, visible development outcomes, and the sense of direct accountability that guide voter choices. The stakes have never been higher for the LDF, UDF, and NDA, observes Prof Pramod C R with the department of political science at Thrissur Sree Kerala Varma College. With barely six months left for the assembly elections, he notes, this contest is widely viewed as the crucial semi-final. All three fronts are attempting to frame the polls through state-level narratives driven from the top, according to Pramod. The LDF moved early to set the tone, projecting the narrative of a historic third term long before the campaign season began. They are seeking a mandate for continuity and development, with MLAs aggressively reinforcing this message at the grassroots, he explains. The UDF, compelled to counter the LDFs development narrative, has shifted focus towards the governments perceived failures. While they hope to tap into anti-incumbency, the front is simultaneously grappling with organisational weaknesses and internal discord challenges that make presenting a unified message more difficult. Meanwhile, the NDA is treating this election as an extension of its performance in the last Lok Sabha election. Its strategy is unambiguous: Expand its vote share by capitalising on recent momentum, Pramod points out. In the end, it is micro-issues, visible development outcomes, and the sense of direct accountability that guide voter choices. But despite these loud, dramatic agendas, he cautions that they may not decisively influence voter behaviour. Ultimately, people vote based on what they can see and experience tangible improvements, accessible services, and developments that affect their daily lives, he emphasises. Prof Ravindranathan P, of the department of geopolitics and international relations at Manipal University, emphasises the importance of a candidates performance in local elections. People evaluate what the ward member does and how efficiently he manages to do it. In fact, accountability is high in local polls... they are able to hold the person accountable and may even ask or question him on his failures, whereas such accountability is limited for MLAs and MPs. Rural constituencies present a more layered terrain, according to him. Welfare delivery, agricultural sustainability, local employment, cooperative sector management, and the functioning of panchayats remain central, he added. Krishnakumar K K, senior fellow at the Centre for Socio-economic and Environmental Studies (CSES), notes that in Keralas local elections, the candidate is the most important factor. Because it happens in a small area, and the major factor that comes into play is his or her appeal, accessibility, willingness to involve in issues, etc., rather than polity or development manifesto. He emphasises that trust and credibility are crucial for the people, and the ward member serves as the last-mile connectivity between the state machinery and the people. The top-driven narratives finally do not matter in the most hyper-local wards, whereas as the unit of election gets bigger, the personal appeal of the member gets diluted and other elements like politics, development agenda, winnability of the political front, etc., start getting mattered. According to Krishnakumar, the job of a ward member or councilor is extremely challenging, with minimal honorarium and little appreciation. He states, They have to be at the beck and call of the people, and they gauge the member by his willingness to do even the smallest task. Despite the swirl of state politics, the final outcome will most likely hinge on the micro-performance and personal credibility of individual candidates. In the end, the ward members effectiveness matters the most. Were they able to bring funds? Make use of state schemes? Build roads? Distribute laptops? More importantly, were they present and responsive when people needed them? Pramod adds.

LDF, UDF draw up independent route to win Kizhakkambalam

KOCHI: Aiming to defeat the Kitex-backed Twenty20 party, which has dominated the Kizhakkambalam panchayat for the past 10 years, both the Congress-led UDF and the CPM-led LDF have fielded independent candidates to avoid a possible splitting of votes in the upcoming local body elections. Out of the total 21 wards, the CPM has fielded a candidate only in the Choorakode ward, while the Congress has candidates in four wards Choorakode, Kanamburam, Kummanode and Kunnathukudy. BJP has also fielded candidates in four wards Pukkattupady, Kanamburam, Choorakode and Kummanode. A total of 59 independent candidates are in the fray in the panchayat. Following the move, the Twenty20 party leadership alleged that the LDF and the UDF have fielded common independent candidates to defeat the Twenty20 candidates in the panchayat. V Gopakumar, state vice-president of Twenty20, told TNIE that the workers of both CPM and Congress are working together in the panchayat. Congress and CPM party workers are campaigning for the same independent candidates. In some wards, they have a common party election office too. The aim is to defeat the Twenty20 party candidates, he said. After this years delimitation exercise, the number of wards has increased to 21. Earlier, when asked about their candidates in the panchayat, UDF and LDF leaders had denied having any understanding or tie-up between the two fronts. Between 2010 and 2015, the UDF was in power in the local body. In 2015, Twenty20 wrested the panchayat by winning 17 out of 19 wards. In 2020, the party won in 18 wards. After this years delimitation exercise, the number of wards has increased to 21. Meanwhile, the SDPI has also fielded two candidates in the panchayat. In the 2015 elections, SDPI candidate Abdul Rahman had won from the Kavanguparambu ward. The Twenty20 party, launched in 2013 with a medical camp in the area, gained public support through a series of development and welfare initiatives in Kizhakkambalam. Gopakumar added that UDF and LDF have candidates in the other three Twenty20-ruled panchayats Aikkaranad, Mazhuvannoor and Kunnathunad.

Antony Kattiparambil ordained as 36th Bishop of Kochi

Anand Mahindra is in awe of one of the cleanest and most beautiful villages in Kerala: Some landscapes dont just

Industrialist Anand Mahindra recently visited the Kadamakkudy Islands, fulfilling a personal resolution to experience their renowned natural beauty. He found the region remarkably unspoiled, with vast backwaters and abundant birdlife creating a calming and hypnotic atmosphere. The fourteen-island cluster, located near Kochi, offers a tranquil rural retreat showcasing traditional livelihoods and a harmonious blend of land and lagoon.

Try mediation, says SC in sexual abuse case involving Litmus 7 Systems CEO

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday urged parties involved in a sexual harassment case against Venu Gopalakrishnan, CEO of Kochis Litmus 7 Systems Consulting, to explore mediation to resolve their dispute. A bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and K V Viswanathan said, ...We find that in the interest of all parties, there ought to be a settlement. The matter is referred to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre. The parties are directed to appear before the Centre on 07.01.2026 in person or through videoconferencing. On September 11, the Kerala High Court had denied anticipatory bail to Gopalakrishnan, citing the very serious nature of allegations. The other accused in the case Jacob P Thampy, Eby Paul, and Bimalraj Haridas were granted anticipatory bail. Gopalakrishnan had approached the Supreme Court, which on September 26 stayed all coercive actions against him. Senior counsels Mukul Rohatgi and Raghenth Basant, representing the petitioner, said the complainant, a former employee, had filed the charges after getting bail in an extortion case initiated by Gopalakrishnan. Justice Nagarathna expressed skepticism about the harassment claims. The accused alleged the woman and her husband had demanded Rs 30 crore during a hotel meeting on July 23, including an immediate Rs 10 crore transfer, with Rs 50,000 transferred from Venus account on July 28. The couple was arrested for extortion soon after. The woman denied knowledge of the Rs 50,000 transfer and alleged sexual harassment. The next hearing is on February 2.

Crime branch probes claims linking Dileep to Pulsar Suni, threats to investigators

KOCHI: On November 25, 2021, while the trial in the case was progressing, fresh trouble surfaced for the eighth accused, actor Dileep. Filmmaker P Balachandra Kumar levelled grave allegations, claiming that Dileep possessed a copy of the visuals of the assault captured by prime accused Pulsar Suni. He also alleged a close relationship between the two and accused Dileep of conspiring to endanger the lives of investigating officers. The revelations led the Crime Branch to register a fresh case against Dileep and others. In a petition submitted to the chief minister, Kumar said he visited Dileep at his Padmasarovaram residence in Aluva on December 26, 2016, to discuss a movie. On that day, he happened to travel with Suni, who was at the house along with Anoop, Dileeps brother, in a red Maruti Swift car. Anoop introduced Suni to him during the trip. From Anoops words, I understood that the young man had a lot of money with him and was taking it somewhere, Kumar stated. He also referred to a deliberation he had with Dileep on Suni, when the actor allegedly revealed certain details about the sexual assault. They met again on April 15, 2017, in Thiruvananthapuram as part of talks over the movie Professor Dinkan. When Kumar brought up Suni, Dileep reportedly responded saying that nothing happened, before going on to describe the abuse in detail, as though he had witnessed it firsthand. Dileep also instructed the director not to disclose the fact that Suni had visited his residence. In his plea, Balachandrakumar said that on September 12, Anoop, over a WhatsApp call, relayed the desire of Dileep, who was then in jail, to meet him. He met Dileep at Aluva sub jail the next day. Emerging from the meeting, he found Dileeps brother and brother-in-law waiting outside, and the latter handed him `50,000. According to Kumar, Anoop messaged him again, on October 6, to convey Dileeps intention to hold another meeting. The two met at a house in North Paravoor, and spent the entire day together. Dileep repeated the warning not to disclose that Suni had been to his house. The petitioner further stated that he visited Dileep on the morning of November 15 for discussions on a film. During their conversation, Dileeps friend Baiju arrived and the conversation veered toward the clips. Growing suspicious, Kumar recorded parts of the exchange, claiming that the recording pertained to offences in this case. He also recorded a phone conversation between Dileep and Anoop where they talked about how a witness had been influenced and that `5 lakh had been spent for this purpose. Dileep allegedly said that he could have easily coughed up `1.5 crore. Hearing this, his brother-in-law Suraj remarked that Suni could have collected the money from any place of his choice. Another friend of Dileep arrived and discussed the investigation and a plot to attack Suni and his gang on their release from jail. The filmmaker said that on the same day, a person who had come to meet Dileep entered the room with a tablet. Dileep, Suraj, Anoop, and another man named Appu watched a video, and Dileep invited Balachandrakumar to view it, saying it showed the cruel deeds of Pulsar Suni. In his petition to the CM, Kumar expressed the fear that Dileep or his associates may kill him, and that the actors manager had urged him not to reveal anything for his own safety. He produced a pen drive containing 24 voice clips to substantiate his allegations. Based on his revelations, the ADGP (crimes) of the crime branch headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram registered a case on January 9, 2022. The crime branch found that within days of Kumars disclosure, Dileep and others had discontinued using their mobile phones, concealed them and begun using new ones. Dileep deliberately withheld a phone he had used for 221 days, during which time he had made 2,075 calls, claiming it was not in his possession. Investigators identified 81 points from Kumars statements and collected evidence connecting them. Dileep and five others were booked under sections 116 (abetment), 118 (concealing design to commit offence), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC. Following the revelations, the survivor approached the High Court, submitting that further investigation was necessary to arrive at the truth. (to be concluded)

Kerala HC restrains police from arresting Rahul Mamkootathil

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Saturday restrained the police from arresting Rahul Mamkootathil, MLA, until December 15 in a case registered against him for allegedly raping a woman and forcing her to terminate her pregnancy. When the anticipatory bail plea came up for hearing, Justice K Babu said the matter would be posted for a detailed hearing. During the pendency of the case, I will not permit the police to arrest the petitioner because he has raised serious contentions, the court observed. No man shall be condemned unless heard. When a matter is pending before a constitutional court, he will not be arrested. The petitioners case is that it was a consensual relationship. And admittedly, there is a consensual relationship, Justice Babu added. Though T A Shaji, Director General of Prosecution opposed the order, the court declined to accept it and posted the hearing of the case to December 15. The petitioner argued that political motives are influencing the case, particularly with elections approaching.

Fringe political players eye local gains in Kerala, challenging Keralas dominant fronts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Meet the political parties that command other states but barely make a blip on Keralas electoral radar. Branded as fringe actors, the modest seat tallies of such parties are often mocked when set against the states entrenched fronts. Yet political observers caution that dismissing them outright may be a mistake. Their strength in select strongholds could send out quiet tremors capable of nudging the trajectories of Keralas major political fronts. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leads the pack in terms of the sheer number of candidates fielded in the upcoming local body election. The party, that once ruled Delhi and is now in power in Punjab, had entered the civic election arena in 2015 with around 80 candidates but failed to open its account. AAP first tasted success in 2023 when its candidate won a panchayat ward in Idukki in a bypoll. In the upcoming civic polls, AAP has fielded a total of 380 candidates across various local bodies in all districts. We will put up an impressive performance in this local body election and are particularly confident of winning seats in Kozhikode and Kochi corporations and a district panchayat division in Idukki, said Vinod Mathew Wilson, AAP state president. AAP could be an alternative for voters who are averse to the ideologies and practices of the three major fronts. But it would be a form of negative voting that is not beneficial in the long run. Instead, AAP should offer positive alternatives such as revival of the anti-corruption plank on which it was originally based, and taking up issues facing the marginalised sections and the downtrodden to stay relevant, opined Prof M N Karassery, political observer and social critic. Meanwhile, DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), the ruling party in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, is upbeat about a rousing performance in the local body election in Kerala. The party, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, has fielded candidates in 23 wards. Of these, nine candidates are in Kollams Punalur municipality and one in Thenmala grama panchayat while.the remaining 13 have been fielded in Devikulam and Peermade taluks of Idukki. It is for the first time that DMK is contesting under the partys official rising sun symbol in Kerala, and we are confident of a good show this time around, said K R Murugesan, DMK Kerala state secretary. Punalur has been a stronghold of the Dravidian party for many years. Notably, in the 2023 election to Punalur Service Cooperative Bank that falls under the municipal limits, all 13 candidates fielded by the DMK came second, pushing the UDF to third spot. AIADMK (All Indian Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), the main opposition party in Tamil Nadu, has been a player in Keralas electoral scene for the past few decades. As the partys official two-leaves symbol has been reserved for Kerala Congress (M) in the state, the partys candidates have been contesting under the hat symbol. As many as 30 AIADMK candidates are contesting the upcoming local body election, mostly in its strongholds in Idukki and Palakkad. We have renewed our ties with the BJP-led NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu but in Kerala we have decided to go it alone. In the two wards where our candidates are contesting in Thiruvananthapuram district, the BJP is also in the fray, pointed out Haribabu V Pillai, Kerala state secretary, AIADMK. He added that the party would put up an impressive performance in Idukki and Palakkad districts where it has fielded candidates in 16 and 12 wards respectively. We are hopeful of improving our tally in 2015 when we won as many as six wards, he added. Meanwhile, a section of political analysts are of the view that other-state parties see the local body election in Kerala as part of a larger game-plan. For many such parties, fielding candidates is primarily part of reviving their cadre ahead of the assembly election. Though they may not win the seats they contest, the votes they poll would be shown as a sign of strength in certain pockets and used as a bargaining chip against major fronts in the upcoming elections, opined A Jayashankar, political commentator. It is more of a spoiler effect that parties from other states pose in their strongholds in Kerala, Jayasankar said. In areas where linguistic minorities are a sizeable number, disillusionment with the LDF and UDF favours such fringe parties, he said. Most of these voters would have been taken for a ride in successive elections by the dominant fronts and they would naturally be on the lookout for a platform to express their resentment. Whether their favoured candidate would win the election is a different question altogether, he remarked. Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), that has made inroads into the migrant population and also minorities in the states hilly areas, has opted out of the fray this time around. Owing to differences between the state unit and its newly appointed state convener P V Anvar, the partys symbol has been frozen by the poll panel. AITC state president C G Unni dismissed claims that independents backed by AITC are contesting the civic elections. The party will face the elections officially only after its internal elections are completed, he added. AIADMK Total candidates THIRUVANANTHAPURAM TPuram municipal corporation: 1 (Medical College ward) Neyyattinkara municipality: 1 (Perumpazhuthoor ward) PALAKKAD Palakkad town & Kozhinjamapara panchayat: 12 candidates IDUKKI Devikulam, Marayoor & Munnar areas: 16 candidates DMK Total candidates KOLLAM (10) Punalur municipality: 9 wards Thenmala grama panchayat: 1 ward IDUKKI (13) Devikulam taluk: 7 Peermade taluk: 6

Supreme Court suggests mediation in sexual harassment case involving Kerala tech CEO

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday suggested that the parties involved in a sexual harassment case against Venu Gopalakrishnan, CEO of a Kochi-based IT firm, attempt mediation to settle their differences. A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and K V Viswanathan referred the matter to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre and directed both sides to appear before it on January 7, 2026. We have heard learned senior counsel for the petitioner, learned counsel for the respondentState as well as the learned counsel for the complainant. Having regard to the facts of this case, we find that in the interest of all parties, there ought to be a settlement. Hence, we adjourn this matter. In order to explore the possibility of a settlement between the parties, the matter is referred to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre. The parties are directed to appear before the Centre on 07.01.2026 either in person or through videoconferencing at 11.30 am, the bench said. Fixing the case for its next hearing on February 2, 2026, the bench also directed that the mediators report be placed on record. Earlier, on September 11, the Kerala High Court had refused anticipatory bail to Gopalakrishnan, CEO of Litmus 7 Systems Consulting Private Limited, observing that the offences alleged against him are very serious and that, given his alleged influence, there was a risk of his influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence. The High Court, however, granted pre-arrest bail to the other accused, Jacob P Thampy, Eby Paul and Bimalraj Haridas. Gopalakrishnan then approached the Supreme Court, which on September 26 directed that no coercive steps be taken against him in the interim. On Friday, Senior Advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Raghenth Basant, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the woman, a former employee, filed the case against Gopalakrishnan and three others after obtaining bail in an extortion complaint he had lodged. After hearing the parties, Justice Nagarathna voiced doubts regarding the sexual harassment allegations, and the court advised both sides to pursue mediation. According to the accused, the woman contacted three company staff members on July 23 and asked them to meet her at a Kochi hotel, where she and her husband allegedly demanded Rs 30 crore to settle the matter. They allegedly sought written assurances and asked him to transfer Rs 10 crore immediately, along with two cheques for the balance. On July 28, Rs 50,000 was transferred from Venus account to her account, and the next day the couple was arrested on extortion charges and remanded to judicial custody. Contradicting this, the woman said that she and her husband were preparing to file a complaint against the CEO when three company representatives arrived for mediation. She alleged that they told her Venu was willing to apologise, and asked the couple to meet at a hotel on July 29, where they were then arrested. She further alleged that Venu transferred Rs 50,000 to her account without her knowledge and detailed several alleged incidents of sexual harassment in her complaint.

Congress terms CMs claims on Kochi Corporation far from reality

The Chief Minister is trying to whitewash the LDF, which had failed to address basic infrastructure issues in the city during its five years of governing the Kochi Corporation, says Ernakulam DCC chief

LDF accuses unholy UDF-BJP nexus in at least four divisions in Kochi Corporation

BJP has allotted seats to BDJS to help the UDF, alleges former Mayor M. Anilkumar

Kerala HC restrains police from arresting rape-accused MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil till December 15

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Saturday restrained the police from arresting Rahul Mamkoottathil, MLA, until December 15 in a case registered against him for allegedly raping a woman and forcing her to terminate her pregnancy. When the anticipatory bail plea came up for hearing, Justice K. Babu said the matter would be posted foradetailed hearing. During the pendency of the case, I will not permit the police to arrest the petitioner because he has raised serious contentions, the court observed. No man shall be condemned unless proven guilty. When a matter is pending before a constitutional court, he will not be arrested. The petitioners case is that it was a consensual relationship. And admittedly, there is a consensual relationship. I am not in any way prejudiced. I have made sure that he shall not be arrested, considering his contentions, Justice K. Babu added. According to the petition, the complainantwho claimed to be separated from her husbanddeveloped an intimate relationship with the petitioner. They regularly communicated, met on several occasions, and grew closer over time. The complainant told the petitioner that she had takenalong leave from her workplace, and upon her return, the management insisted she submit a written statement declaring that she had a relationship with the petitioner and that differences of opinion had led her to take leave. Only then would she be permitted to rejoin the firm. The petition further states that certain voice clips circulated on social media harmed the complainants privacy. It argues that the source of the leaked conversations and chats must be identified. This breach of privacy allegedly created mistrust and disputes between the two, despite their close relationship. The complainant feared that the petitioner might have leaked the chats. The petitioner also claims that political motives are influencing the case, particularly with elections approaching. The complainant was allegedly worried about media propaganda and felt compelled to deny the relationship to protect herself. The petitioner asserts that he has communication records supporting his version,but requires time to produce them, as he was being chased by the police before he could approach the court,and the investigation continued without waiting for judicial direction. According to the petition, political influence has affected the investigation, and the complaint was submitted belatedly, directly to the Chief Minister instead of through the proper channel.

Some IndiGo flights depart from Chennai airport, but spate of cancellations continues

Delays persisted, but from 3 a.m. onwards, flights to cities including Pune, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, Coimbatore, and Kochi departed from the city airport

Indigo resumes partial service at Chennai airport with ten flights in the morning

The destinations are Pune, Ahmedabad, Port Blair (two flights), Coimbatore, Guwahati, Kolkata, Bhuvaneshwar, Jaipur and Kochi

Twin LDF terms helped bring changes, says CM Pinarayi Vijayan; Kochi Corporation praised

KOCHI: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said the two consecutive terms of the LDF government in 2016 and 2021 helped bring major changes and achievements in Kerala. He was inaugurating the LDFs Kochi corporation election convention held on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium premises in Kaloor on Friday. When the LDF assumed office in 2016, Kerala was in deep crisis due to years of mismanagement, Pinarayi said, adding that sectors including education and health were on the verge of collapse. We put forward proposals to create changes. People accepted them. The devastated sectors were revived. People gave us a second term as the government met their expectations, he said, citing the example of the social security pension dues in 2006 and 2016. When the LDF came to power in 2006, there were 28 months of social security pension dues. The first thing we did after coming to power was clear the pending pension dues. In 2016, it was 18 months. Thats how the UDF functioned. The LDF government, which cleared the arrears, increased the welfare pension from Rs 600 to Rs 1,600 and now to Rs 2,000, the chief minister said. The event was presided over by CPI Ernakulam district secretary N Arun. The chief minister also appreciated the Kochi corporation council for its performance in the past five years. Highlighting a few projects, he said the corporation brought about a change in the city through the initiatives.

INTERVIEW| People will decide on Pinarayi 3.0, party will take a call on me

KOCHI: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday tackled questions on a wide range of issues at a meet-the-press organised by the Ernakulam Press Club. He spoke on local-body polls, KIIFB, appointment of vice chancellors, and more. Edited excerpts: Will the local body election outcome be an evaluation of the governments performance? The evaluation of my government happens every day, through peoples lives. The final evaluation will be done by voters in assembly election. There are reports John Brittas acted as a mediator for the state government on PM SHRI scheme. Congress says this shows an unholy nexus between CPM and BJP... (Laughs) All MPs from Kerala are expected to engage with the Centre to secure the states rightful share. Before this Parliament session, we held a detailed meeting of all MPs, explaining what is due to Kerala and what each of them should do to ensure those issues are taken up effectively. Unfortunately, in the last Lok Sabha, Opposition MPs from Kerala were not willing to confront the Centres discriminatory attitude. This time, we are seeing a slight but welcome change, with MPs taking a more united stand on matters concerning the state. As a CPM member of the Rajya Sabha, John Brittas has been making strong, effective interventions. He has done nothing wrong, despite attempts to portray it otherwise. We will have the assembly election soon. Can we expect a Pinarayi 3.0? That will be decided by the people. But it is for party to take a call on me. In the Sabarimala gold theft case, a CPM district committee member is in jail. Why is the party not taking action? As CM, I should not go into details because the High Court is monitoring the probe... [which] is comprehensive. As a party, we have made it clear that the guilty will not be protected. The governor has forwarded new names for VCs of KTU and the Digital University, ignoring your governments priority list. The Centre and governors in many states are taking steps to undermine federalism. The Supreme Court directed me to submit a priority list...and the governor is expected to select a person from that list. How can he violate the SC directive so openly? IAS officer B Ashok has moved the HC against appointment of K Jayakumar as TDB president. There are also reports of a rift within the board... This should not have happened a serving officer approaching the court against his own government. Jayakumar was appointed because of his expertise in matters relating to Sabarimala. Devotees have welcomed his appointment. There is no friction within the board. All members have accepted his leadership wholeheartedly. ED has faulted the deployment of proceeds from KIIFBs masala bonds. Is this political? Such actions often appear close to elections. KIIFB was created as an alternative funding mechanism, and every project has followed RBI norms. Over Rs 90,000 crore worth of projects have been taken up. There has not been a single violation... We stand firmly by KIIFBs work.

2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Pulsar Sunis jail letter pulls Dileep into shadow of conspiracy

KOCHI: In the days following the horrific assault inside a moving SUV in Kochi, Malayalam film industry insiders joined hands in grief and outrage. Among them was actor Dileep, who publicly expressed solidarity and vowed to support his colleagues pursuit of justice. But within months, that atmosphere of empathy would be overshadowed by a startling turn of events. A letter smuggled out of jail, beginning with the desperate plea, I need money, now triggered a chain of revelations that would eventually place Dileep in the shadow of suspicion. Penned by N S Sunil aka Pulsar Suni, the prime accused, and passed on through fellow inmates, the letter hinted at a prior connection and agreement between the two. Each new piece of evidence tightened the noose around Dileep, leading to his arrest on July 10, 2017 a development that stunned the public and shook the film fraternity. ...ever since I got involved... it feels like my life itself has come to an end, the letter further said. On June 3, the survivor issued a statement to the police, implicating Dileep for nurturing deep enmity towards her since 2012. He had been telling everyone that it was the survivor who had ruined his marriage to Manju Warrier. According to police records, Dileep told the survivor in a threatening tone that no one who stood against him in the industry had ever succeeded. As it turned out, Dileeps letter dated May 1, 2017 to the state police chief also rebounded on him. While objecting to Dileeps bail plea, the investigation team filed a report stating that his complaint to the DGP said that his friend, actor-director Nadirshah, received a phone call from a person claiming to be the friend of Suni. This was besides a letter that had been received on his drivers WhatsApp. Both the phone call and letter sought to extort money from Dileep, by threatening to implicate him in the case if he does not pony up. The investigation revealed that Suni had managed to get hold of a mobile phone and SIM card, through accused Vishnu, who was a fellow prisoner in Kakkanad district jail, which were used to make calls to Dileeps associates. It also came to light that the SIM card was stolen from Coimbatore. And, according to the confession of accused Sanal alias Mesthiri Sanal, the phone and SIM card were recovered from his house in Pathanamthitta. The probe further said the letter was originally written by accused Vipinlal in jail and handed over to Vishnu to be passed on to Dileep. The police report objecting to the bail plea of Dileep further said that when questioned in jail, Suni confessed to having entered into a criminal conspiracy with Dileep at their meeting in room 410 of Kochis Abad Plaza Hotel in March-April of 2016. They were both in the city in connection with the rehearsal for a stage show. This was confirmed using witness statements and hotel bills. The room was booked in the name of Dileep for the period from March 26 to April 7. There was a quarrel between Dileep and the victim over the latter having informed on him to Manju. This happened during the rehearsal in the presence of other members of the movie industry, the report stated. Police records stated that Suni confessed to having hatched the plot with Dileep at various shooting locations. The investigation into his statement revealed that the two had met at the Kinattingal Tennis Club in Thrissur, CIFT Junction on Willingdon Island, Ernakulam, and Thodupuzha Santhigiri College in connection with the shooting for the film Georgettans Pooram. Dileep argued that the case against him was the result of a deep-rooted conspiracy, and that it was without any basis. (to be continued) 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: No more, no less... only the truth

Political stability a dream for Koothattukulam

KOCHI: Six chairpersons in 10 years! For the Koothattukulam municipality, formed in 2015, political stability remains a dream. For years, the urban body with 14,625 voters has been craving for wider roads to end congestion. In the past two terms, independent councillors were crucial in deciding the fate of the council as frequent defections kept disrupting governance. Though the UDF grabbed power in Koothattukulam in 2015 with 13 councillors in the 25-member council, the municipality saw four chairmen during the five-year term as independents switched loyalties. The LDF gained control of the municipality in the last one-and-a-half years of the first council. The Left returned in 2020 with the support of 13 councillors, including an independent. However, CPM member Kala Raju and independent P G Sunilkumar supported UDFs no-confidence motion this August, ending LDF rule. Subsequently, Kala assumed charged as chairperson while Sunilkumar was made vice-chairman for the remaining three months. Kala had severed ties with CPM last year alleging the party did not support her when she faced financial crisis and the bank served an auction notice. On January 18, Kala was allegedly abducted in the official car of chairperson Vijaya Sivan when she arrived at the municipal office to vote for UDFs no-confidence motion, and was reportedly kept captive at the CPM area committee office till 4.30pm. Six months later on August 6, UDF moved another no-confidence motion and managed to ouster the LDF. Kala said she opted out of contesting this time as LDF had invoked the anti-defection law against her. She accused LDF of spreading fabricated stories against her at corner meetings. They have foisted cases against my son, too, she said. This year, four ex-chairpersons of the municipality are in the fray. Prince Paul John, the first chairman of the municipality, is the UDF candidate from Ward 10, while Roy Abraham, who was elected as a Congress rebel in 2015 was made chairman with LDF support, is contesting on a BJP ticket. Biju John, a Congress rebel in 2015, is the partys candidate in Ward 3. Vijaya Sivan, the chairperson from 2020 to August 2025, is CPMs pick for Ward 23. The UDF has allocated three seats to Kerala Congress (Jacob) and one to KC. Congress has fielded 22 candidates. In LDF, CPM is contesting from 18 seats, CPI six, and KC(Mani) and NCP one each. The LDF is confident of returning to power. We achieved complete housing in the municipality and ensured 24-hour medical care at Koothattukulam government hospital. In our manifesto, we have promised to raise the hospitals stature to that of a taluk hospital and construct a bypass to end congestion in Koothattukulam town, said leader of opposition in the council Sunny Kuriakose (CPM). Though UDF claims an upper hand, rebels in two wards are posing a challenge to the front. We will return to power with good majority. People are frustrated with LDF as there has not been any development in five years. Besides, there are allegations of corruption. We have fielded leaders with integrity and the response from voters is positive. Rebels do not pose a challenge, declared Prince Paul John, the parliamentary party leader of the council. The NDA, which failed to get any representation in previous councils, is contesting in 19 wardsBJP in 18 and BDJS in one. We dont want to make tall claims, but there is positive response from voters. We are urging them to give us a chance to bring the good governance of Modi regime to Koothattukulam, which has not seen development for 10 years. We are confident of winning a few seats, said BJP state committee member M D Divakaran.

Two youths held with 20 grams of suspected MDMA in Kochi

Two youths arrested with 1.5 kg of suspected meth in Kochi

Grinding stone in the middle of railway track in Kochi triggers panic, probe on

Gem & Jewellery show begins at Kochi; global buyers signal new growth wave

The three-day expo recognized as one of South Indias premier sourcing platforms, brings together 183 exhibitors from across India

Gem& Jewellery show begins at Kochi; global buyers signals new growth wave

The three-day expo recognized as one of South Indias premier sourcing platforms, brings together 183 exhibitors from across India

CM Pinarayi accuses Congress of shielding suspended MLA; flags Governors violation of SC directive

KOCHI: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday sharply criticised the Congress over its handling of allegations against suspended MLA Rahul Mankootathil, accusing the party of having shielded him for long despite being aware of his perverted behaviour. Speaking at a Meet the Press organised by the Ernakulam Press Club, the Chief Minister said the information emerging about the MLA was deeply shocking and unacceptable, and that Congress leaders must introspect instead of projecting their action as a model of political probity. Pinarayi also rejected Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesans claim that the CPM had not acted against its own leaders in similar situations. How can they call this model action? There are Congress MLAs who have gone to jail. Were they expelled from the party? he asked. Referring to former home minister Ramesh Chennithalas remark that he would have ensured the MLAs arrest within 24 hours, Pinarayi said, Police are doing their job effectively. Some people have taken steps to protect the accused and help him evade the police. At least now, they should stop protecting him, he said. Pinarayi came down strongly on the Congress leadership, saying the nature of the allegations would shock any society. These are not things one can expect in normal life. I dont want to repeat the allegations, but the sexual perversion reported is totally unacceptable, especially from a public representative. The Congress knew about his behaviour from the beginning, yet presented him as an asset with a future. Any party with a legacy would distance itself from such people. They must think about how they allowed this. Rahul Mamkoottathil approaches Kerala HC seeking anticipatory bail in alleged rape case On the Sabarimala gold theft case, in which a CPM district committee member is currently in jail, the Chief Minister declined detailed comment, pointing out that the High Court is supervising the investigation. A comprehensive probe is underway and monitored by the High Court. The CPM has made it very clear that the party will not protect anyone if found guilty, he said. The Chief Minister strongly criticised Governor Rajendra Arlekars decision to forward alternative names to the Supreme Court for appointing Vice Chancellors to APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology, ignoring the priority list submitted by the government as mandated by the court. The Centre has taken several steps that undermine the federal structure, and governors are acting in ways that weaken it further. The Supreme Court had directed that if a panel of names comes before the Chief Minister, he must send a priority-ordered list to the Governor, and the Governor should appoint someone from that list. This is a clear directive. How can the Governor openly violate it? Pinarayi asked. He is not even considering the names in the list. This is a blatant violation. On IAS officer B. Ashok moving the court against the appointment of K. Jayakumar as Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president, Pinarayi said such a move by a serving bureaucrat against the government was inappropriate. The government had appointed Jayakumar, a retired civil servant, citing his proven expertise in Sabarimala-related matters. When Jayakumar was appointed, it received wide public acceptance. Ayyappa devotees welcomed it. The government believes he can make meaningful interventions at Sabarimala. There is no friction between board members and Jayakumar, all have accepted his leadership, the Chief Minister said. Woman IPS officer to lead probe in second rape case against Rahul Mamkootathil

Pinarayi Vijayan likens Jamaat-e-Islami to Hindutva groups

Kochi: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said that Jamaat-e-Islami and Hindutva organisations are birds of the same feather and accused the Congress of joining hands with the Muslim outfit for electoral gains, terming their alliance as suicidal. Speaking at the Meet the Press event in Ernakulam Press Club on Friday, the chief minister said 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 .

Tea prices gain at Kochi auctions on low availability, demand from blenders

Dust prices gain on seasonal consumption linked to Sabarimala pilgrimage

Rahul Mamkoottathil approaches Kerala HC seeking anticipatory bail in alleged rape case

KOCHI: Rahul Mamkoottathil, MLA, has approached the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a case registered against him for allegedly raping a woman and forcing her to terminate her pregnancy. According to the petition, the complainant, who claimed to be separated from her husband, developed an intimate relationship with the petitioner. They regularly communicated, met on several occasions, and grew closer over time. The complainant allegedly told the petitioner that after taking a long leave from work, her company asked her to submit a written statement acknowledging her relationship with the petitioner and explaining that differences of opinion had led to her absence. Only then, she claimed, would she be allowed to rejoin. The petition further states that certain voice clips circulated on social media harmed the complainants privacy. It argues that the source of the leaked conversations and chats must be identified. This breach of privacy allegedly created mistrust and disputes between the two, despite their close relationship. The complainant reportedly feared that the petitioner might have leaked the chats. The petition also claims that political motives are influencing the case, particularly with elections approaching. It says the complainant was worried about media propaganda and felt compelled to deny the relationship to protect herself. The petitioner claims to have communication records supporting his version but says he needs time to produce them because he was being pursued by the police before he could approach the court, and the investigation continued without waiting for judicial direction. According to the petition, political influence has affected the investigation, and the complaint was submitted belatedly, directly to the Chief Minister, instead of through the proper channel. The petition states that the petitioner has not been given copies of the FIR and FIS despite applying for them. It cites the lower courts reference to the Lalita Kumari judgment, noting that in delayed complaints, the prosecution is required to conduct a preliminary inquiry. It also argues that the allegations in the FIS do not constitute rape and notes that the claim of miscarriage and forced abortion surfaced later. The petitioner alleges this was an attempt by the investigating agency to distort facts and says he has sufficient documents to establish the truth.

Doha-Kochi Air India Express Flight Diverted To Thiruvananthapuram Amid Bad Weather

The flight safely landed at Thiruvananthapuram and later departed for Kochi once conditions improved.

KSEB issues surge alert for river banks as power production resumes at Moolamattom

KOCHI: The trial run for electricity production has successfully resumed at the Moolamattom Power House on Thursday, following the completion of critical maintenance work on the facilitys penstock. The KSEB has issued an urgent warning regarding a potential sudden and significant surge in water level in the canal stretching from Moolamattom to Malankara. The residents on both banks of the river and anyone entering the water should exercise extreme caution as there is a possibility of sudden surge in the water level, KSEB deputy chief engineer said in a statement. The Moolamattom power house, a vital component of Keralas power grid, was completely shut down on November 12, ceasing all power generation for essential repairs. The shutdown, approved by the chief minister, was deemed necessary by the electricity minister as the most suitable time with continuous rain ensuring sufficient water storage, mitigating the water shortage concerns. The minister also highlighted the increasing danger posed by a leak in the spherical valve, which was becoming uncontrollable. He said that an emergency, unscheduled shutdown later could have resulted in more serious complications. While initial permission was granted for a 30-day closure, the KSEB successfully completed the extensive repair work within the targeted 25-day period.

Keralas new local bodies face mounting waste crisis as key projects stall

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the new councils take charge in Keralas different local bodies later this month, most will have a common problem on their hands waste management. Kerala generates over 10,000 tonnes of solid waste every day. However, despite the state having systems in place to manage it, it still leaves a lot to be desired. Nearly 1,200 local bodies struggle manage the widening gap between waste generation and available infrastructure to handle it. Lack of land, stiff local resistance and several failed centralised waste management projects continue to hold the state back. Take for example the Rs 2,400-crore World Bank-funded project launched in 2021 to improve solid waste management in 93 urban local bodies. The initiative has come to a grinding halt due to the state governments inability to set up sanitary landfills essential for scientific waste processing. Over the past four years, the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP) tried establishing regional waste management facilities in Kasaragod, Palakkad, Thrissur, Kollam and Ernakulam, but failed. And, officials admit that without setting up regional sanitary landfills, the state cannot utilise the World Bank grant. Local bodies, ward members, residents and even MLAs are opposing waste management projects. Our repeated attempts to set up regional facilities, mandatory for utilising the World Bank grant, have failed. At Ambalamedu in Ernakulam, the local body refused approval to build a landfill due to strong local resistance. We had even prepared a `600-crore project benefiting around 22 surrounding local bodies, a senior government official said. The massive fire at the Brahmapuram waste plant in March 2023 that left Kochi and its suburbs choking for days, served as a turning point, pushing waste management to the top of the governments priority list. To strengthen the system, 38,312 Haritha Karma Sena members were deployed for door-to-door collection of non-biodegradable waste. Last year, they collected 1.5 lakh tonnes of such waste from households and establishments for safe disposal. Kerala generates 7,660 tonnes of biodegradable waste and 2,416 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste daily. However, despite efforts to promote decentralised processing at source, managing biodegradable waste remains a critical concern for most local bodies. Currently, many of them rely on pig farms. While source-level management systems exist in several areas, the department is adopting a hybrid strategy, introducing community-level waste treatment facilities to bridge gaps. To encourage residents to set up source-level systems, the government has announced a 5% exemption in property tax. A statewide survey is on to assess the status of source-level waste management facilities. Its findings will help identify gaps, understand operational realities and plan necessary interventions. Only households with functional waste management systems will be eligible for the exemption. Those unable or unwilling to set these up will be provided waste collection as a paid service, with user fees applicable, an official said. With only a few months left for its term to end, the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) is gearing up to roll out a slew of initiatives aimed at achieving a garbage-free Kerala under its Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam 2.0 mission. LSGD Minister M B Rajesh told TNIE that the state has overcome the toughest phase of its waste management crisis and is now on a clear path forward. He also said Kerala will become a dumpsite-free state within the next two years. We took the Brahmapuram fire disaster as an opportunity to transform Kerala into a garbage-free state. We have achieved a lot. Now, we have a clear roadmap to move ahead sustainably. Four regional sanitary waste management facilities will become operational by April or May. Compressed biogas (CBG) plants in Palakkad are nearing completion, and work on the Kozhikode CBG plant will begin immediately, Rajesh said. Growing waste burden Kerala generates nearly four million tonnes of solid waste every year, with urban centres accounting for a major share. While biodegradable waste dominates the mix, the strain on waste management systems continues to grow. The figures below capture the scale of the challenge and the infrastructure in place to manage it

Farmer outfits seek written assurance from candidates

KOCHI: With the campaigning for local body elections entering the final stage, farmers organisations have demanded written assurance from candidates on safeguarding the rights of farmers to defend themselves from wild animal attacks. The Kerala Independent Farmers Association (KIFA) and the Catholic Congress have given a call to farmers in the high ranges to get the assurance duly signed by candidates in a prescribed format. The form has been distributed among farmers in the forest fringe areas of Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram. The form states that I (the candidate) and my party assure that we will support any farmer who takes defensive measures to stop wild animals entering farmlands outside the forest as per the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act 11 (2), and will oppose any move to book criminal cases against them. We will take earnest efforts to make the government accept this stand. Initially some political parties had refused to sign the form. But the farmers declared that they will boycott the election if the candidates refuse to sign the form. Now candidates are willingly signing it and some candidates have taken the printouts on their own and and delivered them to the farmers. Our stand is that we will support only candidates who stand for the farmers cause. Besides we are putting up flex boards in all wards of forest fringe areas. The flex board carries the message that No vote for those who stand for wild animals, said KIFA chairman Alex Ozhukayil. The Catholic Congress has issued a statement urging farmers to demand candidates to declare their stand on issues affecting the farmers. We will respond to political parties who ignore the woes of farmers. The plan is to expose politicians who failed to implement the assurance on ensuring fair price to rubber and paddy farmers. Politicians are circulating spicy narratives to divert attention from the core issues. We will demand candidates to give a written assurance on ensuring protection under Section 11 (2) of Wildlife Protection act to farmers who defend themselves from wild animals raiding crops, said Catholic Congress global director Fr Philip Kaviyil. As many as 32 people were killed by wild elephants in 2025 while three others were mauled by tigers. The farmers are unable to cultivate crops due to increasing wild animal attacks. We want political parties to take a proactive stand to save farmers from wild animals, he said. Meanwhile, a senior forest official said some people are circulating exaggerated figures of deaths in wild animal attacks. Only 15 deaths have occurred in wild elephant attacks in 2025-26, which is lower that the previous years. The total number of deaths in wild animal conflicts this year is 21 and two of the victims were killed by tigers. There were four deaths in wild pig attacks. We have succeeded in bringing down the deaths due to snakebites which is 13 this year compared to 34 in the previous year, he said.

Hub of miscreants to tourist haven, Pathiramanal all set for new dawn

ALAPPUZHA: After years of neglect, the picturesque Pathiramanal Island in Vembanad Lake is receiving a new lease of life. Muhamma panchayat has launched efforts to develop the island, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, into an international tourist destination. A major obstacle to tourism development had been the absence of electricity on the isle. This has now been resolved with the installation of a solar power unit at a cost of Rs 10 lakh. According to panchayat president Swapna Shabu, the battery-operated solar power system was set up with the support of the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert). Solar lights, toilets, waiting areas, cafeterias and other facilities were installed, making the island accessible even at night. Three security guards have been appointed round the clock for the protection of the island. Kudumbashree members run the cafeteria, Haritha Karma Sena workers handle sanitation. This is a huge relief for visitors, she said. This year, around 35,000 tourists have so far visited the island. Ticket sales have generated a revenue of Rs 2.25 lakh, with each visitor paying an entry fee of Rs 50. The State Water Transport Departments two cruise services, Vega and Sea Kuttanad, have significantly boosted tourist footfall. In addition, private boats and speedboats operate from the Kayippuram and Muhamma jetties, providing transportation to the island, Swapna added. An aerial view of Pathiramanal Island Once a haven for antisocial elements and illegal sand miners, the island is now a safe tourist spot. The island used to be a hideout for drunkards and drug users. With the deployment of security staff, the island has become safe for all visitors. The efforts of the panchayat and the tourism department have greatly improved facilities, said Shaji Arangu, a resident of Muhamma. The panchayat emphasises eco-friendly development, ensuring that every construction activity is aligned with nature. Pathiramanal Fests held in 2023 and 2024 attracted large crowds and paved the way for the islands revival. A mini park costing Rs 25 lakh, forest pathways, and other facilities have been developed, Swapna said. A survey conducted in 2014 recorded around 50 varieties of migratory birds, 91 species of local birds, and about 50 species of spiders. More than 100 varieties of plants have also been identified on the island. Victim of human excess Unregulated sand mining remains a major threat to the ecological balance of the Vembanad. Pathiramanal has shrunk from 91 hectares to just 60 hectares due to excessive sand extraction from its periphery. Plastic and waste dumped by illegal visitors have also contributed to pollution. The island was purchased by A C M Anthraper of Cherthala from the Bheemji Devaji Trust of Kochi in 1960. Following the enactment of the Land Reforms Act, the government took over the island as surplus land in 1979. At the time, around 14 families lived on the island. They were later rehabilitated to Kayippuram, in Muhamma panchayat. With several government plans to revive the island having failed over the years, the new initiative by Muhamma panchayat offers renewed hope for this ecologically fragile destination.

2017 Kerala actor abduction case: No more, no less... only the truth

KOCHI: On February 17, 2017, she was in a pleasant mood when she left her home in Patturaikkal, near Thrissur, for a film shoot in Kochi. She boarded the SUV -- arranged by the production company Lal Creations -- at 7 pm, and was headed to Panampilly Nagar, according to the first information report (FIR). In one and a half hours, her whole world was to turn upside down. It all started when a gang of reportedly three hired gangsters who had been pursuing the actor in the van bearing the name of a catering firm rammed their vehicle into the SUV around 8:30 pm near Nedumbassery airport junction to create the scene of an accident. They had tracked her based on information provided by the SUVs driver, Martin. Two of the gangsters barged into the vehicle and covered her mouth with their palms. They threatened her and grabbed the actors mobile. When the vehicle reached Palarivattom, Martin and two gang members stepped out to make way for first accused N S Sunil aka Pulsar Suni, who had initially masked his face with a towel, and two other accomplices -- who entered the vehicle en route and held down the victim. With Suni at the wheel, Martin joined the gang in their van. Having made his way to Kakkanad, Suni stopped the vehicle near an isolated bridge. He then moved to the back seat and forced the actor to sit on his lap. Despite her protestations and appeals, he overpowered and sexually assaulted her from 8:30pm to 11pm. Suni also recorded visuals of the abuse on his cell phone. Final hearing in 2017 Kerala actor abduction case on May 21 According to the FIR, Suni threatened her, saying: If you cooperate for a two-to three-minute video, I will let you go wherever you want. If not, I will take you to the DD Retreat flat where many are waiting. I cant say what they will do once they get their hands on you. The ordeal ended when she was abandoned at Padamugal, near Kakkanad, the report said. After the brutal abuse, the actor proceeded to seek shelter at the house of Lal, who runs Lal Creations and was directing the movie she was working on. She reached the nearby residence completely terrified, collapsed into Lals arms, and began sobbing uncontrollably. Though Lal and his wife tried to console her after hearing about the incident, she was shattered and spent the night there. Meanwhile, Lal called late Congress MLA P T Thomas and movie producer Anto Joseph. They became instrumental in safeguarding her and initiating immediate action. They also encouraged her to file the complaint. Soon after, police officers arrived, and an FIR was registered. On February 20, members of the film industry assembled at Durbar Hall in Kochi to declare their solidarity with the actor. Masculinity is not something that should be imposed on women, veteran actor Mammootty said, pledging his support to ensure justice for the survivor. The abduction and assault are part of a criminal conspiracy, actor Manju Warrier said, addressing the gathering. In the days that followed, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) emerged as a powerful voice, standing firmly with the actor. Kerala HC dismisses actor Dileep's request to transfer investigation to CBI Recounting Thomas intervention, his wife and MLA Uma Thomas said, That night, PT was preparing to go to bed after a late night when the phone rang. He hurried to go out again. Normally, he kept me in the loop, but this time he didnt say anything. He returned only at dawn, looking extremely distressed. He had remained awake throughout the night and seemed troubled, as if something had happened to his own daughter. She said based on the behaviour of the driver, Thomas grew suspicious and sensed a deeper conspiracy behind the assault. Uma said Thomas, who was witness number 10, was pressured from several quarters against giving a statement. But, he remained resolute, telling those who approached him that he would speak no more, no less... only the truth, she told TNIE. (to be continued) How can accused demand CBI probe, Kerala HC asks actor Dileep

Couple nabbed for smuggling 11 exotic birds worth crores

KOCHI: A couple was nabbed for smuggling 11 exotic birds, worth crores, at Cochin International Airport, on Thursday. The suspects, from Malappuram, and their seven-year-old child were intercepted by the air intelligence unit (AIU) of customs officials. The suspects had arrived from Thailand via Kuala Lumpur, customs sources said. Based on specific intelligence, officers intercepted the suspects at the exit gate and detailed examination of their check-in baggages resulted in the recovery of 11 live birds, classified under appendix I (most endangered species) and appendix II (species with strictly regulated trade) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The birds were seized under mahazar, the source said. As per CITES regulations, the seized birds will be deported to Thailand, their country of origin. customs officials said the couple and the birds have been handed over to the forest department for further investigation. This year alone, three attempts to smuggle exotic species have been foiled at Kochi airport.

Malayali women's Kashmir adventure fuelled by teen love for thump

It was something they had dreamt of since they were teenagers. A dream that sprouted from a shared fascination for motorcycles, and the thump. They wanted to be riders. For Shyni C V, that passion has now become as essential as breathing. For Uma Mahesh, the enduring love has slowly turned into a realisation. And for Nishi Khan, it felt like finally coming home. The three women, all in their 40s, recently completed a Kanniyakumari-to-Kashmir ride. That teenage dream has now evolved into a lifestyle for the trio. Uma, who heads a business in Kochi, knew how to ride a motorcycle by 18. But she mustered the confidence to get one for herself only last year. When I was a young woman, people looked at me differently for riding a motorcycle, she recalls. Stare I got meant I had to stop. And I was given a gender-appropriate two-wheeler instead. But the call of the thump persisted. After years spent building a career and family, she finally decided to go full throttle. I met Shyni, who is an ace rider. She had done five all-India trips, Uma says. Nishi Khan, Shyni C V and Uma Mahesh pose in front of the CRPF camp in Jammu Nishi, too, received her licence as soon as she turned 18. But I was never able to buy a motorcycle for myself, she rues. It was during the lockdown that I rekindled my dream, thanks in part to social media reels. Soon, she bought her dream machine. She also came to know of Shyni during a Womens Day celebration. Quite poetic, isnt it? The trio soon decided to embark on an adventure: a Kanniyakumari-to-Kashmir ride with a cause Say No To Drugs. Among riders in India, Shyni is a familiar figure. Her driving school in Thiruvananthapuram trains women to ride motorcycles. And taking Nishi and Uma on their maiden long-distance ride is something she was always happy to do. The trio set off from Kanniyakumari. But as we started crossing geographies, things became difficult, recalls Uma. What kept us on the road was that thrill, that excitement of reaching a new place. They reached Delhi amid a flood. Our planned schedule drowned in the waters and we were stuck there for a week, Nishi says. Rain followed them all the way to Kashmir. There were floods. All the roads were damaged. It was pouring everywhere, says Uma. The trio at Kanniyakumari It took the trio 20 days to cover over 3,400km from Kanniyakumari to Kashmir. After spending a few days there, Uma returned to Kochi via Goa and Nishi took a detour from Chandigarh with another biker group headed to Ladakh, before returning to Thiruvananthapuram. Shyni, who accompanied Uma till Goa, headed back to Rajasthan for another impromptu all-India ride. Called the first woman Iron Butt of India, she is on her sixth cross-country trip. I reached Guwahati from Patna today. And after speaking at a school to students about the dark side of drugs and addiction, I will ride on first to the ongoing Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, and then to Arunachal Pradesh, Shyni says over phone. Inspired, Uma and Nishir are dreaming of even more journeys.

An evening for voices and stories of women, children in Kochi

KOCHI is set to host an evening of poetry, short film screenings, exhibitions, and conversation, all centred on womens voices, perspectives, and creativity. The event is organised by Thambu Womens Theatre Collective, a Dalit women-led group founded in 2020 by theatre artist Athira Nikathil. The collective took shape during the lockdown, when three other membersAhalya Praveen, Krishnapriya Thilakan, and Neethu Chandranjoined Athira, and they staged a play together. The experience made them realise the need for a space where their stories and struggles could be expressed on their own terms. Much of Thambus work centers around women and children in suburban and rural areas, whom they engage with through plays, community events, and workshops. With Immini Neram Thambadikkam, Thambu (which means tent) aims to bring an array of interesting events for the audience, with its evening of carefully curated short films being one of the highlights. Seven films by women directors will be screened. Two of them are made by 14-year-olds. Among the selections is Safe Dose by Chinese filmmaker Faye Shu, a 14-minute short that has travelled to international festivals, including the Seoul International Womens Film Festival. The film, said to be a mirror reflecting everyones assumptions, examines perception, judgment, and the silent expectations that shape human behaviour. Half of Everything by Lekshmi Mohan explores the concept of memory loss with tenderness. The film invites viewers into the intimate world of a person becoming the keeper of moments that slowly fade, capturing the courage that accompanies grief and remembrance. One of the most exciting films comes from 14-year-old Hrithika Sreenijin, The Weight We Carry , a powerful debut that delves into the pressures of gender expectations and the sanctuaries that children create for themselves. Also in the line-up is Between Words and Silence by Aiswarya Pullat, which offers a subtle examination of the emotional terrains women navigate daily. The film encourages viewers to pause and consider the weight of what is often left unspoken. The other three short films that will be screened are Poovu , directed by Sneha; At Home ( Veettil ) by Niwee Kathani; and Fault Lines , directed by another 14-year-old, Ameya Millu. For Athira, the event is not merely a showcase but a gathering. It will be a space where people can meet, share, discuss, and connect, she says. Alongside the film screenings, a poetry reading session titled Where life turns into lines will be held by poet Shilpa Chandran, aka Kisa. The event will also feature a small section where sustainable, handcrafted products created by women will be available for sale. Beginning at 3 pm on December 7 at Thudippu Dance Foundation in Vennala, Immini Neram Thambadikkam promises to be an intimate and thoughtful evening. We wish to amplify womens narratives and create visibility for marginalised voices. Anyone can attend the event, regardless of their gender, says Athira. For details: 7594987 928

IndiGo to introduce wide-body aircraft on Vijayawada-Hyderabad route: MP

The IndiGo official assures that direct services from Vijayawada to Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kochi and Goa will be introduced after completing route mapping

Flower-shaped dumplings steal the show at Thai Soul, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty

Chennai Airport continues to suffer fresh wave of disruptions

CHENNAI: Chennai International Airport suffered a fresh wave of disruption on Thursday, with dozens of flights delayed or cancelled through the early hours, as operational difficulties continued to ripple through. Between midnight and 9am on December 4, at least 13 arriving flights and 11 departures recorded delays ranging from 18 minutes to more than three hours, according to internal airport movement logs. Indigo, which operates the largest number of domestic flights, faced the bulk of the disruption, with several of its Airbus A320 and A321 services significantly behind schedule. Inbound traffic was hit hardest in the early hours. Flights from Kolkata, Kochi and Patna saw delays of more than two hours, with one service from Hyderabad (6E6007) arriving nearly four hours late. International services from Singapore, Doha, Dubai and Kuwait also landed behind schedule, with delay durations spanning 30 minutes to close to two hours. Departures were similarly affected. Indigo's early-morning Delhi service (6E0456) pushed back more than three hours late, while departures to Kolkata and Port Blair saw delays of over two hours. Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways services experienced moderate delays, indicating that the operational disruption extended across both domestic and international carriers. The morning irregularities escalated into a wider schedule breakdown, prompting a wave of cancellations across the day. At least 26 departuresmostly operated by Indigowere cancelled for operational reasons, affecting services to key metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Pune and Hyderabad, as well as regional centres such as Coimbatore, Guwahati, and Visakhapatnam. Some international short-haul routes, including those to Colombo and the Andaman Islands' Veer Savarkar Airport, were also withdrawn from the day's roster. Arrivals were similarly thinned out, with at least five inbound flights scrapped, including services from Indore, Mumbai, Kochi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad. 'Could not live up to promise,' says IndiGo CEO amid hundreds of flight cancellations, delays

Top Kerala cardiologist takes on 'heart attack' with his pen

Heart attack deaths among people under 30 have risen by 40% between 2018 and 2022, increasing from 2,371 to 3,329. For those over 30, the numbers climbed from 23,392 to 29,081 in the same period. Figures like these naturally compel us to fear heart attacks. But do we really need to live in fear? Is it possible to live without constantly worrying about one? Yes, says Dr George Thayil, founding head of the cardiology department at Lourdes Hospital in Kochi. He explains how in his book 'Heart Attack: Bhayappedathe Jeevikkam', which was recently released by DC Books. For Dr Thayil, writing about the heart never grows old. He has published more than half a dozen informative books in the field of health. In Heart Attack, he offers insights into how individuals can protect their hearts. He points out how hospitals and the wider health sector rarely emphasise preventive measures. They are all into treatment protocols once the disease gets diagnosed, says Dr Thayil. He notes that treatment costs are often so high that they can break a familys financial backbone. Even though the World Heart Federation, Unesco, and the World Health Organization consistently stress the importance of focusing on prevention rather than cure in heart disease, hospitals seldom adhere to this principle. Many patients and their families are unable to meet the exorbitant expenses of the cardiac examinations and treatments. An angioplasty, for instance, costs between Rs 1.5 and Rs 3 lakh, and a bypass surgery between Rs 3 and Rs 5 lakh, says Dr Thayil. This prompted him to write a book that shares essential knowledge on how to maintain heart health. The book explores a wide range of subjects related to the heart and heart disease in an engaging manner. Each chapter is framed as a question dedicated to doubts every individual has likely had at some point. Questions such as: What is the structure and function of the heart? What causes chest pain? Is an ECG an effective tool for diagnosing heart disease? Is it true that one must start protecting the heart from a young age? In one chapter, Dr Thayil highlights how deaths due to overworking known as Karoshi syndrome are becoming a major concern. Karoshi is a Japanese term for fatalities or disability caused by overwork. It is primarily linked to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events such as stroke and heart attack, triggered by extreme stress and long working hours. The syndrome, Dr Thayil notes, arises from a mix of prolonged work hours, job-related stress, poor worklife balance, and societal pressures. It has become a global concern, prompting governments to introduce preventive measures. Among people exhibiting Karoshi syndrome, the risk of heart attack rises by 13 per cent, while susceptibility to stroke increases by 33 per cent. Kochi Mayor M Anilkumar released the book on World Heart Day by handing over a copy to actor Ramesh Pisharody

Kochi Muziris Biennale: where a city turns into a canvas

As the sixth edition of the KMB rolls up, discussions in favour of it or against it roil around the event; work seems to be on schedule, with the production team working in tandem with the curatorial team and preparing the 22 venues, which will showcase the works of 66 artists from India and abroad

Nearly 40 Indigo flights to and from Kochi airport delayed or cancelled

Kochi airport issues travel advisory without naming any particular airline advising passengers to verify the latest flight information with their respective airline

How Drishyam 3 is rewriting biz rules

KOCHI: Filmmaker Jeethu Joseph still remembers the moment Antony Perumbavoor pulled him aside with startling news. Ive got an excellent offer -- and Im closing it, he told the filmmaker. The Rs 115-crore blockbuster of a deal from Mumbai-based Panorama Studios was finalised even before Drishyam 3 was wrapped up. For Mollywood, where rights sales typically happen after a film proves itself at the box office, this was nothing short of a revolution. Panoramas acquisition of the Malayalam rights is not about the number alone -- its about the timing, the confidence, and the structure. As Jeethu puts it, this is a first in Malayalam, if not in any regional language film industry in the country. Simply put: Antonys Aashirvad Cinemas has already pocketed the kind of profit usually made after a blockbuster run. Distribution remains with Antony, and the final say on the release date remains with the makers. But the producer is insulated the financial risk is gone. Hindi engine behind deal Why would a Bollywood studio shell out this kind of money? Partly because Panorama is also producing the Hindi iteration of Drishyam 3, featuring Ajay Devgn. But the Malayalam version will be the mothership. The agreement is clear -- the other-language versions will release only two months after the Malayalam release, Jeethu said, setting to rest speculation that the Hindi version will hit the screens first. The Hindi team is preparing to start shooting only after December 5, and Jeethu confirmed they will modify the script to suit their storytelling grammar. They cannot use several portions of the Malayalam script. They will rework itand they have sought our opinion on those changes. The deal, according to producer M Renjith, reflects the changed economics of Malayalam cinema. After L2: Empuraan, there was a realisation that a Malayalam film can collect the same money from a worldwide release as from the Indian market. That altered everything, he said. And Renjith should know. As producer of Thudarum, the Mohanlal-starrer that collected `150-crore-plus at the box office, he received only Rs 55 crore. The rest was divvied up between GST, entertainment tax, theatres share and distributors fees. Hindi studios, OTT giants, and distributors have been closely tracking Malayalam content for its novelty, realism, and high repeat value. The example he offers is telling: A small film like Eko, a mystery thriller, is now seeing reviews in Hindi media -- purely because word spread that the film was a sleeper hit. People across India are watching anything fresh and well-made. Thats our strength now, he said. Legal turning point Musthafa Zafeer O V, founder & chairman of Musthafa & Almana, a global law firm that now specialises in cinema law, said the deal also marks a legal and commercial shift. Earlier, a film had to be successful in Kerala first. Only then did Mumbai studios buy remake rights. Drishyam 3 has reversed that process. Even before shooting wrapped up, the Malayalam rights were sold for a huge amount, he said. And the most significant consequence? The Malayalam producer is now safe. The profit is locked in. They no longer have to worry about box-office performance. That headache is gone. An industry official summed it up. Malayalam cinema has become a market others study seriously. This deal proves it. The conversation at film festivals from Goas Indian Panorama to Hyderabads industry meets -- has shifted decisively towards Malayalam films, added Renjith. The road ahead With the shoot wrapped up and release plans to be announced shortly, Jeethu is careful about the speculation around Drishyam 4. Everything depends on how the audience receives the third film. Nothing is guaranteed, he said. But even before a single scene from Drishyam 3 reaches theatres, one thing is already certain: It has become the first Malayalam film to enter the Rs 350-crore club purely through rights valuation. And in doing so, it has pulled Mollywood into a new financial era one defined by national attention, aggressive buyouts, and deals once unimaginable in Keralas film industry.

Customs foils alleged bid to smuggle 11 endangered birds at Kochi airport in Kerala

According to Customs, the birds were seized from baggage of a Malappuram family who arrived from Thailand. The family was intercepted based on suspicion

Keralas women leaders redefine local governance amid challenges, change

KOCHI: Man is defined as a human being and a woman as a female whenever she behaves as a human being she is said to imitate the male. - Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex When Kerala reserved 50% of local-body seats for women in 2010, it marked a watershed in governance. Today, the question is not about womens participation but about how their growing presence is changing local-body governance and influencing the everyday lives of common people. Their perspectives are reshaping how local projects are planned and implemented. But, whether this policy has empowered them as independent decision-makers remains a debate. In 2020, when Aswathy Vibi assumed office as president of Mattathur panchayat, in Thrissur, the projects being implemented by the local body were mostly limited to road development, canal cleaning, and streetlights. Three years on, the panchayat was running wellness clubs, anaemia screening and womens safety initiatives. Her interventions as a woman leader helped address several burning issues and improve the public health system. We conducted a gender status study in the panchayat. It was proposed and implemented because I am a woman and we have many women in governance. We found that women face health issues like anaemia. They have limited access to public spaces and open gyms. And so we launched wellness centres and clubs for them, she said, adding that though 10% of plan funds have historically been allocated for the welfare of women, utilisation has been called into question. In 2023, Mattathur was adjudged the third-best panchayat in the state. When, at the age of 21, Reshma Mariam Roy took charge as president of Aruvappulam panchayat, in Pathanamthitta, she created history as the youngest person in the state to do so. Being a peoples representative is about listening to their problems, grievances, complaints and even their joys. We must find legal and timely solutions and follow them up. We have to stand with them. They consider me one of their own, and I show the same commitment in return, she said. Aruvappulam went on to bag the prestigious Swaraj Trophy for the best gram panchayat in the district twice under her leadership. The state currently has over 530 local bodies helmed by women. There are more than 52% women candidates contesting in the upcoming local-body election. All three mainstream political parties have fielded more women candidates -- some even in general seats. Studies in the early years of womens reservation revealed a significant reduction in corruption in local bodies. We need to study if the trend continues. Women also have a say in natural resource utilisation. Now it is not about the number of women, but how these women are performing and contributing to the welfare and development of the state, said writer C S Chandrika. Once more women come to power, policy making will naturally become more sensitive, according to Dr Poornima Narayanan, researcher and economist. They have the experience and practical understanding to identify what changes policies need and how they can be improved. Women also tend to be more accessible and inclusive. By virtue of their gender, they bring certain perspectives and work accordingly. Women leaders understand needs and issues, and policy changes will follow, she said. The 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments mandate a minimum of 33% reservation for women in both rural and urban local bodies. The issue of proxy leadership, however, where elected women representatives are controlled by male relatives or party members, remains a major concern. Public perception has changed to an extent, but a section still believes women are not capable of governance, and male colleagues often reinforce this idea. Women are efficient in implementing projects, but there are clear limitations, said Sulfath M, head of the Equal Representation Movement. Women representatives often struggle due to the social and cultural expectations for them to take care of their families, mobility restrictions and limited access to technology. Self-help groups like Kudumbashree have helped in training and empowering women, making them capable of leading. Women were restricted from working with the public full time. People used to tell me not to stay late in office, saying managing family and work would be difficult. But my intention was to change that notion. But many women have limitations due to responsibilities to the family, said Aswathy. Poornima Narayan, a former councillor of Kochi corporation, added that it is encouraging to see increased participation of young women. Women are gaining greater recognition. We are seeing more young girls entering electoral politics, which is a positive change. But these women need to work independently and ensure there is no back-seat driving, she said.

Autistic children champion inclusivity in visit to Kochi District Collector

KOCHI: As part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities observation, 17 autistic children from the Jeevaniyam Autism Hospital and Research Centre visited District Collector Priyanka G and Assistant Collector Parvathy Gopakumar on Wednesday. In line with the theme of the day, Inclusivity and Social Progress, a group of five, all above 18, from Jeevaniyam had also worked with booth level officers in the Special Intensive Revision process. Children should not be denied opportunities just because they are autistic or have disabilities. They must be given opportunities and their abilities encouraged, Collector Priyanka said. Their participation is an example that children with diverse abilities are also capable of actively taking part in socially responsible activities, Assistant Collector Parvathy said. Dr Rashmi Pramod, founder and medical director of Jeevaniyam, explained the learning and social challenges autistic and differently abled children face, as well as the special education, therapy, and support systems they are provided with. The children also presented the collector with handicraft items they had made.

Plea against Holy Mass at Ernakulam St Marys Cathedral Basilica

KOCHI: The pro-Uniform Holy Mass parishioners on Wednesday filed a contempt petition before the High Court over Mondays public mass held at the Ernakulam St Marys Cathedral Basilica. The Holy Mass was celebrated after a long hiatus of 1,000 days. The move by the administrator of the basilica, Fr Thomas Mangattu, and the anti-Uniform Holy Mass faction took the parishioners by surprise. Adv Joy Vettickal, trustee of the Basilica, said none of the parishioners vouching for the implementation of the Uniform Holy Mass had been notified of the decision to celebrate the Holy Mass at the Basilica. We have moved a contempt petition. How can the church be opened and Holy Mass celebrated when the court has, through an order, forbidden it? he asked. Meanwhile, the parishioners said that the Holy Masses were celebrated very early in the morning and late in the evening. It seems that the church hierarchy got pulled up by Rome for not celebrating Holy Mass at the basilica, which is the headquarters church of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archeparchy, a parishioner said. The road that paved the way for the celebration of Holy Mass at the basilica started off with a letter sent by Mar Pamplany to the administrator of the church on October 25, 2025. In the letter, Mar Pamplany directed Fr Mangattu to ensure that Holy Mass is celebrated at the basilica from the start of the period of Advent (A season observed in most Christian denominations as a time of waiting and preparation for Christmas), that is, from November 30. He directed that Holy Mass be celebrated in adherence to the reconciliation formula.

Kakkanad mobility hub promised in UDF district panchayat manifesto

KOCHI: The Congress-led UDF on Wednesday released the election manifesto for the Ernakulam district panchayat, pinning its hopes on the tourism sector, public transport system, waste management, and elderly-and disabled-friendly projects. A mobility hub will be built in Kakkanad to enhance public transportation in rural areas. Feeder bus services will be launched to connect metro stations and the water metro terminal. Gramavandi will be launched in rural areas, the UDF manifesto said. The UDF promises to conduct tourism and food fests and develop tourist centres in the district. Aiming to enhance public healthcare system in the district, the manifesto has highlighted dialysis centres, chemotherapy centres, cancer medicines at no cost, development of the District Homoeo Hospital and the District Ayurveda Hospital, and expansion of palliative care. Projects will be launched to deal with drug abuse in the district. Deaddiction centres will be set at the panchayat level. Vigilance committees of parents will be launched in every ward to address the issue of drug menace, the manifesto added. UDF convener Adoor Prakash released the manifesto at the District Congress Committee office. Ernakulam district has many possibilities. We have prepared the manifesto with emphasis on tourism, public transport, and urban development. By improving infrastructure, we will be able to attract many tourists and generate revenue, he said. Ernakulam DCC president Mohammed Shiyas, UDF district president Dominic Presentation, KPCC vice-president Jaison Joseph and IUML district president N V C Ahmed, among others, attended the event. Other proposals in the manifesto Animal Birth Control centre at Aluva Waste treatment plants Digital service centres for the elderly in all panchayats Pet crematorium Walking clubs in every ward AI-assisted initiatives to tackle human-wildlife conflicts Farmers clubs for youth Appointment of psycho-social counsellors at schools

PFI murder case fugitive nabbed after three years, NIA secures custody

KOCHI: The Ernakulam Special Court has granted a five-day custody of Shahul Hameed, an active member of the banned outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) and the 50th accused in the 2022 murder of RSS leader Sreenivasan in Palakkad,to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Shahul, a Koottanadu resident who had been absconding for the past three years, was arrested at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on November 27 based on a lookout circular. The court issued the order on a petition filed by the NIA seeking his custody. According to the agency, custodial interrogation was essential to collect further evidence as the accused had been on the run since the incident. During the investigation, the NIA seized various documents, including details of several hit lists, lists of physical education trainers, and a list of Reporters of PFI, all of which the accused needs to be confronted with. The accused was a part of a larger conspiracy of PFI to enact their India 2047 agenda of establishing Islamic rule in India, the NIA said.

Manifestos of key fronts recognise need for regeneration of canals in Kochi

The issue had come into focus and become a major talking point after recent interventions by the National Green Tribunal and the Kerala High Court, following reports of poor water quality in two major canals the ThevaraPerandoor (TP) and Edappally canals

BPCL Recognised Among Global Top 100 Corporate Startup Stars

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) , a Fortune Global 500 company and a Maharatna PSU, has been recognised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge as one of the Top 100 Corporate Startup Stars (CSS) worldwide. BPCL is the only Indian organisation featured in this prestigious global list of CSS, which is a celebration of the worlds most exemplary corporate champions of startup collaboration. L to R: Marco Marinucci, Founder and CEO Mind the Bridge, Arun Jhawar, Deputy General Manager (Finance) (Strategy-CVC), BPCL and Santosh N Kale, General Manager (Maintenance) MR, BPCL The announcement was made at a ceremony held at the International Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Paris. The Corporate Startup Stars Awards 2025 recognized 100 top companies from the Forbes Global 2000 and Fortune Global 500 that demonstrate outstanding commitment to open innovation, startup engagement, and ecosystem development. Shri Sanjay Khanna, Chairman and Managing Director, BPCL , said, We are honoured to be recognised among the 2025 Top 100 Corporate Startup Stars. This global accolade is a testament to Bharat Petroleums commitment to building an open innovation ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship in the country. Through our startup initiative Ankur , we are catalysing breakthrough solutions that will make energy cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable. As BPCL marks its 50th year of shaping the future of energy, we remain committed to partnering with startups to advance technologies that will accelerate Indias energy transition and strengthen BPCLs position as an integrated energy company of the future. Since its launch in 2016, Ankur has supported 30 startups offering innovative solutions in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Asset Integrity, Industrial IoT, Inspection, Predictive Maintenance, Safety Technologies and other emerging domains. The BPCL Ankur Fund has been established to invest in promising early-stage startups aligned with BPCLs strategic priorities and future roadmap. Congratulating the winners, John W H Denton AO, Secretary General, ICC, said, Innovation remains the cornerstone of global economic growth. ICC is proud to support businesses that drive meaningful impact through collaboration from emerging startups to established corporations working together to shape the future of global commerce. Alberto Onetti, Chairman, Mind the Bridge, added, BPCL is a strong case of how a large corporation can strategically drive innovation by partnering with startups and investing in them. Through Project Ankur, BPCL has developed a platform that accelerates the adoption of new technologies, while nurturing early-stage entrepreneurs in Indias evolving energy sector through initial grants. To further this goal, BPCL launched the BPCL Ankur Fund, which enables strategic investments in startups by providing equity funding. This approach allows startups to scale their solutions within the BPCL ecosystem. About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy. Bharat Petroleums Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 23,500+ Fuel Stations, over 6,200+ LPG distributorships, 500+ Lubes distributorships, 80 POL storage locations, 54 LPG Bottling Plants, 79 Aviation Service Stations, 5 Lube blending plants and 5 cross-country pipelines. Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has Electric vehicle charging stations at 6500+ Fuel Stations. With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystemand a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With Energising Lives as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleums vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology. About International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is the institutional representative of more than 45 million companies in over 170 countries. ICCs core mission is to make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere. Through a unique mix of advocacy, solutions and standard setting, we promote international trade, responsible business conduct and a global approach to regulation, in addition to providing market-leading dispute resolution services. Our members include many of the worlds leading companies, SMEs, business associations and local chambers of commerce. iccwbo.org | @iccwbo. About Mind the Bridge Mind the Bridge is a global innovation advisory firm that empowers economies through entrepreneurship and innovation. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices in Barcelona, Seoul, Tel Aviv, New York and Milan, it has been working as an international bridge at the intersection between startups and corporates since 2007. Mind the Bridge scouts, filters, and works with 10,000+ startups a year supporting global corporations with open innovation initiatives that translate into curated deals with startups (POCs. procurement, investments, and/or acquisitions). It also provides corporates with advisory services and benchmarking on innovation strategies and structures. Mind the Bridge developed MTB Ecosystem, an AI-powered open innovation matching platform for innovation ecosystem hubs and corporates. Mind the Bridge, in collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce, annually runs the Corporate Startup Stars, which recognize the worlds most startup-friendly global corporates, and "Startup Ecosystem Stars" Awards, that aims at identifying the public and private organizations focused on supporting Innovation in their respective ecosystems. mindthebridge.com | @mindthebridge.

Rise in convective storms in Kerala triggering triple risk: Study

KOCHI: Kerala has been witnessing a significant increase in the frequency of convective storms in the month of May prior to the onset of southwest monsoon and the border areas of Idukki and Kottayam have become hotspots of lightning impacts, says a study by the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat). The research work titled Identifying the hotspot regions of emerging triple risk due to pre-monsoon convective storms over Kerala published in the science magazine Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk recently, says the circumstances in southern Kerala are worsening, with the possibility of frequent flash floods in coastal and midland areas and landslides in the Western Ghats regions. Convective storms (CS) represent a significant weather phenomenon that triggers extreme rainfall, which can result in flash floods, landslips, lightning and strong wind gusts. Kerala experiences the highest frequency of thunderstorms in the peninsula, with an annual occurrence of 6080 days, says Cusat Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research director S Abhilash. Despite the small area of impact, isolated CS can inflict significant damage.

Kerala local body polls: A litmus test for LDF governance, UDF revival in Ernakulam

Both UDF and LDF is vying for political dominance in this traditionally Congress stronghold. While the UDF seeks to reclaim the crucial Kochi Corporation after its loss in 2020, the LDF aims to validate its governance amidst rising anti-incumbency sentiments.

PFI Man Wanted In Kerala RSS Worker Murder Case Arrested After 3 Years

NIA court in Kochi has granted five days' custodial interrogation of Shahul Hameed, the 50th accused in the RSS worker Sreenivasan murder case, after he was arrested at Delhi airport following over three years on the run.

Return of Sambar Munnani to take on IUML in Ponmundam grama panchayat

MALAPPURAM: In Keralas political convention, Ponmundam grama panchayat in Malappuram is an anomaly. Here, state-level allies Congress and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) are bitter rivals. And to counter the League, Congress is once again joining hands with CPM, its political adversary in the state. Following the tie up, the Congress district leadership dissolved the Ponmundam constituency committee on Monday. Yes, this local body elections mark the return of the Sambar Munnani as its opponents mockingly call the Congress-CPM combine after three decades to take on IUML. Since the panchayats formation in 1955, its electorate has largely oscillated between IUML and Congress, with UDF arithmetic rendered meaningless due to deep-rooted grassroots rivalry between the coalition partners. The contest is an extension of a 70-year political antagonism, with both camps intensifying allegations and counter-allegations. The genesis of the Sambar Munnani dates back to 1996 when Congress, seeking to break IUMLs dominance, aligned with CPM for the first time. The experiment failed, and IUML regained power with renewed public mandate. Though Congress managed to capture the panchayat during the 2005-10 term, it was unable to sustain the momentum. IUML reclaimed authority in the subsequent elections by winning nine of 16 seats and has retained absolute control since, winning 10 seats in 2010, 11 in 2015 and 12 in 2020. CPM, meanwhile, has remained marginal, securing just one seat in 1996 and 2000. Now, 29 years later, Congress and CPM are once more compelled to close ranks, rebranding the formation as a Janakeeya Munnani and positioning it as a peoples resistance against what they term IUMLs communal politics. Candidates will contest as independents under this collective identity. IUML, however, has dismissed the coalition as a Sambar Munnani born out of political desperation. This year, with the panchayat restructured to 19 wards, IUML will contest 18 seats while extending one to Welfare Party. Meanwhile, under Janakeeya Munnani, Congress will fight in 13 wards, CPM five and Team Ponmundam one. Team Ponmundam comprises supporters of Sports Minister V Abdurahiman, who parted ways with Congress and joined the Left. His continued influence in the Tanur assembly segment remains decisive, with a notable faction of Congress workers still loyal to him. This dynamic has repeatedly weakened IUMLs prospects in the assembly arena and continues to fuel hostility between League and Congress at the local level. For the Janakeeya Munnani, the central campaign narrative is development stagnation. The Ponmundam Youth Congress has launched targeted digital campaigns alleging that IUML has failed to advance development despite long-standing rule. IUMLs primary narrative focuses on political credibility, accusing the Congress of being incapable of opposing the Pinarayi Vijayan government while simultaneously allying with CPM for electoral gain. With the elections less than two weeks away, the Ponmundam electorate is witnessing a contest not merely for power but for the political soul of a panchayat that has long served as a microcosm of Keralas shifting coalition politics. Will IUML retain its hold or will a renewed, albeit uneasy, alliance script history? The verdict, on December 13, will tell. Sonia Gandhi contesting for BJP from Munnar Kochi: Sonia Gandhi is contesting the local body polls this time from Munnar grama panchayat in Idukki district. But this Sonia is not representing the Congress, but instead is a candidate of its arch rival, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), creating ripples in the UDF-favoured local body. The 33-year-old is contesting in Nallathani ward of Munnar panchayat up against UDFs Manjula Ramesh and LDFs S Valarmathy. She is currently going door-to-door seeking support in the civic polls, with hopes of winning a seat as a panchayat member. Sonia was named after the senior Congress leader by her father Durai Raj, a devout UDF follower. However, she decided to enter the fray as an NDA candidate as her husband Subhash is the BJP panchayat general secretary.