A caf in Keralas Fort Kochi found itself at the centre of a controversy after vlogger Amrit Singh Darren posted a video questioning the display of an artwork featuring Pakistans founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah alongside Mahatma Gandhi, as well as the cafs beef dishes. The installation at Kashi Art Caf, titled Blood Brothers: Two Fathers [] The post Riyas Komu: The Man Behind The Jinnah Portrait Who Faced #MeToo Allegations And Questions Over Kochi Biennales Finances appeared first on The Commune .
Keralam CM V.D. Satheesan calls on Cheranalloor crash victims family, offers full support
Satheesan says the government will always stand with them; family hands over a written complaint expressing their concerns to the Chief Minister
TradeForge glitches disrupt Kochi tea auctions; buyers seek Tea Board intervention
Pending delivery orders and disrupted transactions have affected small buyers, while subdued participation in the latest sale has weakened prices
CM Satheesan visits family of man killed in car crash, assures support in legal battle
Digital Desk | Kochi, Oct 30 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday visited the family of Jayabalakrishnan, who was killed after a Mercedes-Benz car allegedly driven by a 17-year-old boy rammed into his scooter at Cheranelloor near Kochi, and assured them of the government's full support in their fight for justice. During the meeting, the family handed over a complaint alleging that the father of the accused teenager, an Additional District Judge, had attempted to destroy crucial evidence after the accident. The Chief Minister visited the bereaved family at their residence, consoled them and offered all possible assistance. He assured them that the government would stand with them throughout the legal battle and also reviewed the progress of the case. The family alleged that the judge and his family had reached the accident spot in another vehicle soon after the crash and that CCTV footage from the neighbourhood would establish this. They claimed that the judge's early arrival was intended to destroy evidence. Jayabalakrishnan's daughter, Bhadrakeerthi, later told the media that the family had shared its concerns and the difficulties it faced in pursuing the case. She also said that Advocate Sreejith would continue to represent the family and that they would decide on their future course of action after the court's decision. Meanwhile, an Ernakulam sessions court on Friday took exception to the disclosure of the minor accused's identity in two petitions seeking cancellation of his bail, one filed by the state government and the other by the victim's family. Additional District and Sessions Judge Kavitha Gangadharan said revealing the full name and residential address of a child in conflict with law violated the Juvenile Justice Act. The court said it was also duty-bound to protect the minor's identity and directed both sides to correct the cause titles by replacing his name with an anonymised designation. The court ordered the prosecution and the family's counsel to ensure that no identifying details of the teenager were disclosed in the proceedings. The matter will be heard again on Saturday. The teenager had earlier been granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board. Investigators are meanwhile trying to retrieve deleted data from his mobile phone, which has been sent for forensic examination. The police suspect that information from his social media accounts, including Instagram, was deleted. The investigation has found that the Mercedes was travelling at over 104 kmph when the accident occurred. Police have also registered a case against the judge, the registered owner of the vehicle, under the Motor Vehicles Act for allegedly allowing his minor son to drive. Incidentally, the Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed the arrest of the Additional District Judge who was booked as the second accused in the case.
A consumer commission in Kerala has directed Air India Express to pay Rs 70,000 to a woman and her three-year-old son after they were denied boarding on a confirmed Kochi-Abu Dhabi flight in 2021. The airline must also refund Rs 20,287 with 9% interest after the passengers were forced to buy fresh tickets to Sharjah.
Inside Fahadh Faasil and Nazriya Nazims Kochi home: Perfect blend of vintage charm & modern comfort
The warm and inviting interiors of Fahadh Faasil and Nazriya Nazims sanctuary feature comfortable furnishings and vibrant decorative pieces with a distinct vintage flair
Sai Satya Vijay: On Wednesday evening, Sai Satya Vijay sat alone in a hotel room in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, with his eyes firmly fixed on the WPL auction happening in Kochi for next years season. His niece, Uma Kashvi, was in another hotel across town, with her teammates for the Under-19 Challenger Trophy, set to begin at the Luhnu Cricket Ground on Friday. Back home in Bengaluru, Kashvi's parents Vijitha and Praveen Kumar were watching the same auction feed. When Kashvis name came up, number 68 on the auction list, Delhi Capitals opened the bidding at her base price of Rs 10 lakh. No other franchise bid against them, as at 15 years and 202 days, Kashvi became the youngest player ever signed at a WPL auction and surpassed Haryana batter Deeya Yadav, who set the record last year at 16. I cried for like two, three minutes. It was a moment you were waiting for, Vijay told IANS in a free-wheeling conversation. Kashvis record signing shows how far down the search for talent in Indian womens cricket now reaches. Her journey to that record-breaking WPL deal is the story of a village firmly behind her: a family that split its home in two, parents who stepped down the corporate ladder, and an uncle who gave his niece the cricketing life he never had. Vijay grew up in Andhra Pradesh and played district-level cricket that, he says, cannot be even counted. There was no infrastructure and no support system. He fought his parents to keep playing, but eventually gave up to go into the IT world. The game, though, never left him. Every April 24, he cuts a cake for Sachin Tendulkars birthday and visit a temple wearing new clothes, a ritual he followed for a long time. He has kept photographs of all 100 of the legendary batters international centuries. I cant say I am a fan. I am a devotee of Sachin Tendulkar, he said. He helped raise Kashvi, born on April 9, 2011, a week after Tendulkar finally laid his hands on the ODI World Cup trophy at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Vijay observed that Kashvi was a sporty child who grasped things quickly, whether in classroom or on the field. In 2019, he took her to an academy near the family home when she was seven and a half years. A young kid does not have the strength to hit fours and sixes, so he and another coach worked on two things: fitness and technique. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Kashvis days began at 5:30am with fitness work, before leaving for school. Evenings were group sessions of learning the nuances of the game and about 30 overs of side-arm throwdowns from Vijay with semi-soft balls. She used to get one body blow per day, for sure, he said. Her mother found the daily bruises hard to look at, but Kashvi came home happy anyway. When the pandemic shut schools, Vijay used the empty nets of an academy to sharpen Kashvis technique. The pull shot became her signature stroke. I used to tell her, you are a female Rohit Sharma same pull shot, he said. With few girls matches around, Kashvi played with older boys. At nine, she usually batted at number 11, bowled two overs in a 50-over game and fielded or kept wicket. Most of her first 100 matches went that way. The break came through Shantha Rangaswamy, Indias first womens Test captain, who brought Kashvi into the India Nippon Cup, where each side mixed four India internationals with local players. At nine, Kashvi shared a dressing room with Veda Krishnamurthy, Jemimah Rodrigues, her WPL skipper at DC, Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil. Arjun Dev, now her coach at NICE Academy in Bengaluru, recalled wanting to know about the child who took Shreyankas place in the playing eleven. I was obviously livid. What is an eight- or nine-year-old doing, firstly playing in this tournament and then taking Shreys spot? he recalled to IANS. Then he watched her play and felt she was indeed very talented. Everyone knew that she had the talent, she had the skill. Kashvi won the Young Talent Award in that competition and Vijay says, ex-India skipper Mithali Raj walked beside her until she left the ground and passed on top about how to grow as a player. Jemimah took to Kashvi, then a bubbly child, and in later years spent a few minutes giving her advice whenever they met. As a nine-year-old kid, she was good enough to play in the seniors category. But then BCCI rules said anyone below 13 cannot be a part of it, said Shantha. Vijay says Shantha let Kashvi play senior zonal probables matches at nine but would not select her. He recalls her saying, I cannot put her into the senior team, even though she has the skill, because of the age. It will backfire. Former India player Veda Krishnamurthy also picked Kashvi as wicketkeeper for her club side, and Vijay says the nine-year-old made an unbeaten 185 in a senior league match. At 12, she struck an unbeaten 217 in a junior inter-school tournament in Bengaluru. But Vijay feared for Kashvi going behind the stumps. When MS Dhoni came, there were a lot of wicketkeepers who lost their careers, he said. He then taught her off-spin. It meant she would be more involved in the game, and became an all-rounder who can be a keeper when asked. Kashvis career rests on a careful division of labour between Vijay and her parents. Her mother, Vijitha, a senior manager who has spent more than 17 years at a multinational firm, turned down promotions requiring more travel. Her father, Praveen Kumar, who studied for a masters degree in the USA, left salaried work about five years ago to start his own company so he could be available. Vijay stepped down a position and now works a few hours a day as a consultant. As Kashvi approached adolescence, Vijay requested Vijitha to travel with her for matches. A day after her birthday, Kashvi got her first period at a ground, dressed in whites for a red-ball match. Vijitha quickly went out and bought sanitary pads. There was no washroom, so Kashvi changed behind some bushes, then played and scored runs. From that day, Vijitha has majorly worked from the grounds and attending meetings online via Microsoft Teams, including on the day Kashvi made her India Under-19 debut against Sri Lanka in Chennai earlier this year. For two and a half years, the family has lived apart. Their home is in Bellandur, in Bengalurus south-east region, while NICE Academy is near the Kempegowda airport. Vijay and Kashvi live near the academy, and her parents visit at weekends. It is very, very tough. As a family, you dont stay together, said Vijay. Moving out was not an option for her parents. We are not from a rich family background. We need to work for our bread, he said. They have not had a holiday in three years. Their only trips are temple pilgrimages. Vijay, who is unmarried, says he does not plan to marry. For me, Kash is priority number one. School, too, has bent around the game. In Class eight, Kashvi attended for 21 days. The school agreed she would come only for exams. She now studies through open schooling and is due to sit her Class 10 exams in March, though tournaments have left little time for books. When the auction news spread, Vijithas managers in the US told her to take two days off and celebrate. At a time when industry layoffs are aplenty due to pivot towards AI, Vijay said, that support matters. Kashvi joined NICE at 13 and Dev now counts her among his closest friends. For a 15-year-old, the maturity level that she shows is unbelievable. She also understands my jokes very quickly. He says there is little to fix technically. The work is about belief. I think she undervalues her talent and ability a little bit. Our job has honestly been to push her out of her comfort zone. He had long urged her to bowl her off-spin with a more attacking field, five fielders on the leg side instead of four. She kept saying she was not ready. At an Under-19 game, she was still using the safer setting. In the next match, she switched. She was so happy and said, Yeah, I could bowl with it, said Dev. Dev saw a captain early. Under her leadership, her club side won all 11 tournaments it entered. She has always been our first-choice captain, he said, adding he would pick her ahead of senior players because it makes my life easy. She has captained Karnatakas Under-15 side and led Bengaluru Blasters in the Maharani Trophy, the states womens T20 competition, and scored 48 off 42 balls against Mysore Warriors in the 2025 edition. In the 2025/26 Under-15 One-Day Trophy, she was the leading run-scorer, with 516 runs at an average of 172, including three centuries. Against Manipur in Kolkata in January, she hit an unbeaten 158 off 66 balls, with 23 fours and seven sixes, as Karnataka won by 275 runs. She also played in Karnatakas Under-19 T20 side and in the one-day team that reached the semifinals, before getting India Under-19 call-up against Sri Lanka in June and July. She took four wickets in three T20s and two in two one-day games. On October 22, in the Under-19 T20 quarterfinal against Vidarbha, she took 3-18 as Karnataka defended 140 to win by six runs, and was named player of the match. Vijay has deliberately not rushed her. Last season, with continuous cricket leaving her with wrist pain, he was wary of an early senior debut. If you jump the guns and try to take a faster, steep step, and if you fail there, the fall will be very bad, he said. Dev is blunter. After the Under-19 tournament, he gave her a dressing-down, wanting quicker scoring and more intent from the start. Its just not good enough, he recalled telling her. Is she ready to set the WPL on fire, provided she is not picked for next years U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal? I dont know. Maybe, maybe not. Time will tell. If she doesnt (become a remarkable cricketer), then the failure is on us as much. She has the raw material (to be one). Dev stated that Kashvis WPL signing left everyone surprised. After Kashvis signing was sealed, Shreyanka was the first to call Vijay, who was in tears. Jemimah texted him welcome home with a blue heart and a red heart, the franchises colours. Years earlier, she had sent Kashvi a birthday video hoping they would one day share Indias colours. Later, on a call with Kashvi, she teased the Bengaluru teenager: Are you sad that you did not go to RCB? She also told her DCs scouts had been following her for some time. Vijay had hoped for Delhi because of how it has groomed young players such as Niki Prasad and Sree Charani mentally, physically, as well as your game-wise. Shantha calls Kashvi a batting all-rounder with great fielding ability. I have seen her take one catch and it looked like she was floating in the air, she said. Shanthas one worry is fitness as Kashvi grows. Otherwise, she says, for her age, she is too mature, and I think she has a very sane head on her shoulders. Shantha also has a message for cricket fans eager to see Kashvi in action. People who havent watched her, please hold your breath. I can assure you she will be the talk of the town in the days and years to come. Vijay says Kashvi models herself on all-rounders such as Ashleigh Gardner and Hayley Matthews to become a player the depends on with bat and ball for winning games. Shanthas one worry is fitness as Kashvi grows. Otherwise, she says, for her age, she is too mature, and I think she has a very sane head on her shoulders. Shantha also has a message for cricket fans eager to see Kashvi in action. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Kerala High Court Directs Police Not To Arrest Judge Reno Francis Xavier, Named Accused In Son
The Kerala High Court on Thursday (October 30) directed the police not to arrest an Additional District and Sessions Judge Reno Francis Xavier in connection with a fatal road accident involving his 17-year-old son, in which a scooterist was killed in Cheranalloor, Kochi, as reported in Verdictum. Justice Kauser Edappagath passed the order after hearing [] The post Kerala High Court Directs Police Not To Arrest Judge Reno Francis Xavier, Named Accused In Sons Mercedes Crash That Killed 55-Year-Old Scooterist appeared first on The Commune .
What does the law say about offences caused by underage drivers? | Explained
Section 4 of the the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 specifies that no person under the age of eighteen years shall drive a motor vehicle in any public place. However, a person can drive a motorcycle without gears and with an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc after attaining 16 years.
Kochi Crash Case: Judge Gets Anticipatory Bail | Top News Of October 29, 2026
The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to the judge booked in connection with the Kochi Mercedes crash that killed a 55-year-old street vendor. The judges 17-year-old son allegedly drove the car involved in the collision. The victims family has expressed disappointment, alleging unequal treatment, while Keralas Home Minister has told NDTV that the police will approach a higher court to seek cancellation of the bail and pursue further action. NDTVs exclusive conversations with the victims daughter and Keralas Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala examine the familys fight for justice, the investigation and the questions surrounding accountability in the case.
NIA takes over probe into alleged arson attack at Kadavumbhagam synagogue
Police cite suspected cryptocurrency payments, alleged reconnaissance videos and possible international terror links as grounds for a wider probe
When Tanisha Singh: When Tanisha Singh walked out to open the batting for Delhi against Hyderabad in their Senior Womens T20 Trophy clash at the MCA Ground 2 in Pune, she had a feeling that didnt have an immediate explanation. Something inside the right-handed batter told her Thursday was going to be her day. That feeling turned out to be correct when Tanisha smashed 119 off 47 balls, including reaching her hundred in 38 deliveries, and powered Delhi to 262/6, the highest total ever recorded by a womens team in domestic T20 cricket. Tanishas 38-ball century is now the joint third-fastest in womens T20 cricket. Only Kiran Navgire, who reached three figures in 34 balls for Maharashtra against Punjab, and Sophie Devine, with a 36-ball hundred for Wellington against Otago, have been quicker. Tanisha now shares the mark with West Indies batter Deandra Dottin, who hit a 38-ball hundred against South Africa in 2010. Today I just thought that I have to bat with good intent, play aggressively and dominate. I will score well as I could feel that intuition. I was just looking at the ball and hitting it everywhere, Tanisha told IANS in an exclusive conversation from Pune after the game ended. The intent was clear from the first two balls of the innings, both of which she hit for four off S. Yashasri, and it never wavered. Delhi lost Vanshika Lila in the second over, but that did little to slow Tanisha down. With India batter Priya Punia at the other end, she added 160 runs for the second wicket off just 66 balls. I honestly didnt think that I would hit so many runs. I was trying to attack the ball as much as I could, trying to be one step ahead of the bowler, and was trying to play wherever the ball came. My aim was to try and play with the field so that the bowler gets under pressure, she added. Strikingly, the two barely exchanged a word during the stand. With Priya di, the thing is that we dont talk much. She was playing silently in her zone. I was also in such a zone that I wasnt talking much, keeping my head down and quietly playing my shots. She was also thinking where the bowler would put the ball and where she could hit it for a boundary. We didnt talk at all in the partnership. She was also playing attacking cricket, and I was also attacking from the other end, she added. Words were not needed. Fist bumps and bat touches did the talking, and Priya, she said, had to remind her to acknowledge the dugout when she reached fifty. I just wanted to take a strike and keep playing, said Tanisha. Though Priya fell for 59 off 28 balls, Shweta Sehrawat then smashed 26 off eight deliveries, including three sixes, to take Delhi past 200. But Tanisha was bowled by G Trisha in the 15th over with the score reading 230/4. By then, she had hit 25 fours and a six in her magnificent knock. In all, 106 of her runs came from boundaries. Delhi lost their way slightly at the death, but cameos from Nazma Khan and Deeksha Sharma, and 15 from captain Soni Yadav, carried them to the record score. The previous best score was Goas 257/2 against Arunachal Pradesh in 2019/20. The aggression, Tanisha said, was all planned. Its because the T20 game is like that now. Even for batting, we had already planned that we need 50 runs in 6 overs, but twice that was happening (Delhi got 93/1 in the powerplay). Whichever batter was coming, we all were talking about just one thing: that we have to attack and play aggressively and dominate. Hyderabad never got close. Trisha made 80 off 52 balls, and captain Pranavi Chandra was the only other batter to pass 20, as they finished on 154/8 and lost by 108 runs. It was only after the match was over that Tanisha learnt about the record now in Delhis name. When our match was over, the match referee (Niyati Koustubh Lokur) told us that the record was made. I guess it feels really good when it is unexpected. I felt that this was Gods plan. Delhis total sits 11th on the all-time list of womens T20 scores -- the ten above it all came in internationals, led by Argentinas 427/1 and 333/1 against Chile in 2023/24. It was also Tanishas first T20 hundred, and came after she bagged a duck. Tanisha insists she has learnt to take both the duck and the hundred in stride. This was my first T20 hundred, but even after hitting it, I felt normal. I got out for zero before this game, and even then my reaction was normal. Obviously, there is an expectation from yourself that you have to do it. In the second match also, there was such an expectation that I had to do it, and I just played normally. In spite of there being so much excitement that you have to get runs, while playing I have normalised that these scores of zero and hundred, ups and downs will continue. Records are meant to be broken. If someone plays better than me, she will also make a record, and then I will also try to keep making records in future, she said. The innings followed a productive year. Tanisha toured England with India A in July, and made a fifty in the third one-dayer. She was the third-highest run-scorer in the 2026 Delhi Premier League with 206 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 117.05 for finalists South Delhi Superstars. Against Australia A in September, she scored 120 runs in three one-dayers, including a fifty in the chase of 363, and 92 in the only unofficial Test. I would like to give credit to my coach, Dishant Yagnik (the current fielding coach at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru). He has given a lot of attention to my skills and helped me a lot. I practice in Delhi at RPCA with Surjeet Sir and Ajay Verma Sir. They help me with my skills and make me practice a lot. So credit goes to them, she said. She also pointed to her time with India A, which gave her a big learning curve. In India A, the environment around us is such that I got to learn a lot from the seniors - they live in discipline and routine. Because of my India A stint, I am able to see improvements in myself. I am able to walk into my routine; my body is active, and I am energetic. Its because I have seen that in India A, when we step up, you see the seniors who are already playing. Watching and observing them carefully, how they are doing so that they are able to sustain and play. I have also seen that they are disciplined. So, I would like to see that - the role of discipline is exactly what is giving me results. The record day came less than 24 hours after the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction in Kochi, where Tanisha found no takers. I guess its been 3-4 years - I am trying via WPL trials, and when it doesnt happen, obviously, it feels bad. But the atmosphere around you and the positive people you have, because of them, it feels like your mind changes. I would really give the credit to my close friends, our physios, my coaches, and my parents. When the WPL auction happened, I wasnt answering my parents or close friends calls. But then I talked to my physio, Surya ma'am. She was understanding and said that everything will be fine. Even if I talk to someone, if they are low, then I tell them myself that everything will be fine. When I get the reply that everything will be fine, then I also say that yes, everything will be fine. Bhagwan ji dekh rahe hai. Unhone India A di aur wahi main India denge (God is watching. He has given India A, and he will give India main). My main aim is not WPL; it is to play for India. All of this uplifted my mood, and I stayed normal. Then the next day, it was magic - I didnt know how that happened. As in, I still feel that I dont know how that day passed, she said. For now, on Tanishas list is a domestic title to chase. Delhi won the senior womens one-day trophy last year but have not won the T20 equivalent of it. I guess our Delhi players are very skilful. We are very good in bowling, batting, and fielding. We play together, and with unity. My main aim is not WPL; it is to play for India. All of this uplifted my mood, and I stayed normal. Then the next day, it was magic - I didnt know how that happened. As in, I still feel that I dont know how that day passed, she said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Court directive to add to Kochi Corporations Brahmapuram biomining costs
Corporation will have to biomine an additional 1.26 lakh tonnes of scientifically capped legacy waste; civic body had agreed to pay 1,672 per tonne to biomine 1.96 lakh tonnes at a cost of 37 crore
Kochi Mercedes Crash: Kerala High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Judge, Questions Need For Arrest
The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to the Kochi judge booked under the Motor Vehicles Act in connection with a fatal Mercedes-Benz crash allegedly involving his 17-year-old son. The crash killed a 55-year-old street food vendor riding a scooter. While granting bail, the court questioned the need to arrest the judge after four hours of questioning, noting that he had agreed to cooperate with the investigation.
Catch Them Young Was The Mantra Of WPL 2027 Auction, Says BCCI President Manhas
BCCI President Mithun Manhas: BCCI President Mithun Manhas said on Thursday that the signing of two teenagers, Uma Kashvi and Samaira Raghav in the 2027 Womens Premier League (WPL) auction reflected a catch them young approach. Delhi Capitals signed uncapped all-rounder Kashvi, who plays for Karnataka in domestic cricket, for Rs 10 lakh at the auction in Kochi on Wednesday, making her the youngest player to be picked for playing in the competition. Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants picked up 16-year-old all-rounder Samaira Raghav, who features for Delhi in the domestic cricket circuit, for the same amount. The 2027 WPL season will be played from January 14 to February 7. Well, its heartening to see. The WPL has come a long way since its inception in 2023, and the icing on the cake was the 15-year-old Uma (Kashvi) getting picked. I think its a record-breaking thing for WPL and fantastic. I couldnt have asked for anything more. Then theres another girl whos just 16 (Samaira Raghav) who got picked as well. So I think the mantra for this auction was to catch them young, Manhas said in a video posted on the WPLs social media handles. Around 150 players were in the auction pool, and Manhas said the players vying for the limited number of slots showed how competitive womens cricket had become in the country since the WPL started. You see, there is a high level of competition as well now. We had a pool of about 150-odd players, and we just had 27 slots. So that shows how competitive it has become, and I guess from here on, its a matter of time. I hope the players continue to grow, learn and evolve from such competitions and that will help Indian cricket grow in the long run. Around 150 players were in the auction pool, and Manhas said the players vying for the limited number of slots showed how competitive womens cricket had become in the country since the WPL started. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
2027 WPL Auction: Disciplined Spending, Targeted Picks Defined GGs Plans, Says Adesara
Chief Business Officer: Keeping a tight rein on their purse allowed the Gujarat Giants to focus on fulfilling their remaining specific needs at the 2027 Womens Premier League (WPL) auction, said Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline. With 15 players already retained, the most retained by any team, and only three slots to fill, GG spent a combined Rs 80 lakh at Wednesday's auction in Kochi. GG acquired young Indian wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini for Rs 40 lakh, Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast for Rs 30 lakh, and 16-year-old Delhi all-rounder Samaira Raghav for Rs 10 lakh. The 2027 WPL will be played from January 14 to February 7, with venues yet to be known. From a business perspective, we are pleased with how the auction unfolded. We entered with a clear understanding of our requirements, having retained a strong core of 15 players, and our focus was on making targeted additions rather than making changes for the sake of it. We were able to secure players who address specific squad requirements while remaining disciplined with our purse. Kamalini strengthens our batting options, Orla brings valuable all-round ability, and Samaira adds exciting potential in the middle order. For us, a successful auction is not just about how much you spend, but about how effectively you use your resources to build a balanced and competitive squad, Adesara told IANS in an exclusive conversation on Thursday. GG, who finished second in the group stage of WPL 2026 before losing to Delhi Capitals in the Eliminator, have relied on a stable core. Adesara, however, said continuity was not a fixed rule, and the franchise would make bigger changes when needed, especially with a mega auction likely to happen in 2028. Continuity is an important part of our approach, although we would not view it as a rigid model. We believe in backing players, building combinations over time and creating an environment in which individuals can grow together as a team. The performances last season gave us confidence in the core we had assembled, and the auction was an opportunity to address specific gaps and add depth. At the same time, we remain open to making significant changes when the circumstances and team requirements call for them. Our decisions will be guided by what gives Gujarat Giants the best chance of competing consistently, rather than by a preference for either continuity or spending, added Adesara. He further pointed out that the signings of Kamalini and Samaira also fit the franchises long-term goal of developing young Indian womens cricketers. Identifying and nurturing young Indian talent has always been an important part of our philosophy at Adani. The WPL provides a valuable platform for emerging players to develop alongside experienced international and Indian cricketers, and we want Gujarat Giants to be an environment where that growth is encouraged. Players such as Kashvee Gautam, Anushka Sharma and Happy Kumari reflect the potential of our scouting programme, and we see Samaira and Kamalini as exciting additions to that wider vision. The WPL provides a valuable platform for emerging players to develop alongside experienced international and Indian cricketers, and we want Gujarat Giants to be an environment where that growth is encouraged. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Disciplined spending, targeted picks defined GGs 2027 WPL auction: Adesara
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) Keeping a tight rein on their purse allowed the Gujarat Giants to focus on fulfilling their remaining specific needs at the 2027 Womens Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction, said Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline. With 15 players already retained, the most retained by any team, and only three slots to fill, GG spent a combined Rs 80 lakh at the auction held in Kochi on Wednesday. GG acquired the services of young India wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini for Rs 40 lakh, Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast for Rs 30 lakh and 16-year-old Delhi all-rounder Samaira Raghav for Rs 10 lakh. The 2027 WPL season will be played from January 14 to February 7, with venues yet to be known. From a business perspective, we are pleased with how the auction unfolded. We entered with a clear understanding of our requirements, having retained a strong core of 15 players, and our focus was on making targeted additions rather than making changes for the sake of it. We were able to secure players who address specific squad requirements while remaining disciplined with our purse. Kamalini strengthens our batting options, Orla brings valuable all-round ability, and Samaira adds exciting potential in the middle order. For us, a successful auction is not just about how much you spend but about how effectively you use your resources to build a balanced and competitive squad, Adesara told IANS in an exclusive conversation on Thursday. GG, who finished second in the group stage of WPL 2026 before losing to Delhi Capitals in the Eliminator, have relied on a stable core. Adesara, however, said continuity was not a fixed rule, and the franchise would make big changes when needed, especially with a mega auction likely to happen in 2028. Continuity is an important part of our approach, although we would not view it as a rigid model. We believe in backing players, building combinations over time and creating an environment in which individuals can grow together as a team. The performances last season gave us confidence in the core we had assembled, and the auction was an opportunity to address specific gaps and add depth. At the same time, we remain open to making significant changes when the circumstances and team requirements call for them. Our decisions will be guided by what gives Gujarat Giants the best chance of competing consistently, rather than by a preference for either continuity or spending, added Adesara. He further pointed out that the signings of Kamalini and Samaira also fitted the franchises long-term goal of developing young Indian womens cricketers. Identifying and nurturing young Indian talent has always been an important part of our philosophy at Adani. The WPL provides a valuable platform for emerging players to develop alongside experienced international and Indian cricketers, and we want Gujarat Giants to be an environment where that growth is encouraged. Players such as Kashvee Gautam, Anushka Sharma and Happy Kumari reflect the potential of our scouting programme, and we see Samaira and Kamalini as exciting additions to that wider vision. For us, it is also about giving young players the right opportunities to contribute and grow in their respective journeys. As the women's game continues to grow in India, we want to play a meaningful role in discovering talent, supporting its development and strengthening the domestic talent pool, concluded Adesara.
BCCI To Brainstorm On Adding More WPL Teams From Next Year: Devajit Saikia
ODI World Cup: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will hold discussions on expanding the Womens Premier League (WPL) beyond five teams from next year, said secretary Devajit Saikia. Saikia's comments came a day after the WPL 2027 auction was held in Kochi, where around 150 players went under the hammer out of which 25 cricketers found places in five teams. The WPL was launched in 2023 with five teams and the 2027 edition will be played from January 14 to February 7. There are about 150 players who are in the fray here and hardly 27 we had to take but still so many players were left out. So we can very easily see that five number of teams are really less compared to the number of supply chain of girls cricketers. From next year, definitely we will have to do some brainstorming sessions to increase the number of teams as well as in other areas where we can improve. Not only the players but so many other areas we are having involvement in, right from the coaches, selectors, etc, and various stakeholders are involved here, Saikia said in a video posted on the WPLs social media handles on Thursday. With just five franchises, the WPL can absorb only a small fraction of Indias growing domestic talent pool. Bringing in one or two more teams along with an increase in player budget will open up more opportunities for players to be a part of the league. So the overall ecosystem has a positive impact on WPL. This is a wonderful beginning, and this is a wonderful journey going on and I hope WPL will grow from leaps and bounds in the coming years, added Saikia. He also welcomed the fact that a 15-year-old uncapped all-rounder Uma Kashvi was picked by Delhi Capitals for Rs 10 lakh. I am very happy that a young girl of 15 years got an opportunity to play in the WPL. That is a success. We want to bring maximum women cricketers to play and be a part of this success story in Indian womens cricket. Saikia further credited the WPL with playing a major role in Indias rise in womens cricket, pointing to the national teams status as ODI World Cup winners when they won the trophy last year. We are the present champions in the world and that shows the expansion this WPL has given all across the country so far as womens cricket is concerned. You see WPL is one of the big leagues in the world of franchise cricket after the IPL. Saikia further credited the WPL with playing a major role in Indias rise in womens cricket, pointing to the national teams status as ODI World Cup winners when they won the trophy last year. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
WPL: 'Picking players at base price shows how hard our scouts work, says Jhulan Goswami
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) Mumbai Indians bowling coach and mentor Jhulan Goswami has credited the franchises scouting team for identifying emerging talent after they signed six uncapped Indian players at the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction, saying the process of tracking potential recruits continues throughout the year. Mumbai Indians entered Wednesdays auction in Kochi with the lowest purse of Rs 90 lakh and completed their squad by signing six uncapped players, including Shweta Sehrawat, Disha Kasat, Latika Inamdar, Bharti Rawal, Saanika Chalke and Akshita Bhagat. Whatever players we picked at their base price this time, they have that ability, and they have been performing quite well consistently for their state teams. Picking several players at base prices shows how hard our scouting team is working. And scouting is a round-the-clock process since you have to follow matches, irrespective of whether they are happening in India or outside India. And because of them, it becomes easy for us when we come to the auction table, knowing who our targets are, Jhulan told Jio Star. She also highlighted the importance of assessing a players mentality alongside performances while selecting talent for the franchise. Our job as a coach is to look at young players who score runs on a regular basis in domestic cricket, take wickets, bat at a good strike rate, and win matches for their team. The most important thing is: do they have that winning mindset? Because performances can be up and down, but you must have that mindset with which you can take the team ahead and make the team win, she said. Delhi-based Shweta, who was retained by UP Warriorz in 2026, attracted a bidding contest between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals before being signed by MI for Rs 20 lakh, double her base price. Jhulan said the Mumbai Indians had made a strong effort to sign India batter Kiran Navgire but had to withdraw from the bidding after reaching their financial limit. We tried our best and went as far as we could for Kiran Navgire, but unfortunately, we didnt get her. And thats how the auction dynamics work. She is an impactful player. So, we definitely expected quite a few teams to go after her. But at the same time, we had other options. Thankfully, we got most of the players we wanted. So, yeah, the auction was very good, and we are all very happy, she said. Mumbai Indians made an early bid for Navgire but pulled out at Rs 70 lakh, with Delhi Capitals eventually signing the batter for Rs 75 lakh. Jhulan added that the franchise managed to secure almost all its preferred targets despite the limited budget, with Shweta being the exception among its Indian domestic recruits in terms of price expectations. I think, more or less, 95 to 97 per cent of the players we had targeted, we got them, except Kiran Navgire. We didnt get her. But we knew it was going to be a challenge. We didnt have the budget to go further than what we did. But all the other Indian domestic players that we had targeted, we more or less got all of them at their best prices, except Shweta Sehrawat. So, yeah, we are very happy with the auction, she said. We came into this auction with the lowest purse of Rs 90 lakhs, so we had to plan and prepare, keeping that challenge and accordingly different options in mind. And when you face challenging situations, your best performance comes out, both on the cricket field and off the field, Jhulan added. The 2027 WPL season is scheduled to be played from January 14 to February 7, with venues yet to be announced.
Cheranalloor luxury car crash: judge appears before SIT for second day of questioning
Maintaining that he had no knowledge of the vehicle being removed from his apartment premises, the officer reportedly told investigators that his visit to the police station immediately after the accident was in his capacity as a parent and not as a judicial officer
Kerala HC stays arrest of judge whose teen son was involved in fatal car crash
Digital Desk | Kochi, Oct 29 (IANS) The Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed the arrest of an Additional District Judge booked as the second accused in the Cheranelloor road accident case, in which his 17-year-old son allegedly drove a Mercedes-Benz car that killed a scooter rider. Justice Kauser Edappagath passed the interim order on an anticipatory bail petition filed by the judge, who is posted at the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district. The court directed the police not to arrest the judge until further orders and asked him to appear before the investigating officer. It also directed that his interrogation be conducted in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines. Questioning the need for custodial interrogation, the court asked the investigating team why the judge had to be arrested when he was cooperating with the probe. What was the need to interrogate him for four hours, and now for further interrogation? Why is his arrest required? He is a judicial officer. He will cooperate with the investigation, the court observed. Senior advocate P. Vijaya Bhanu, appearing for the judge, told the court that his client had appeared before the police on Wednesday and had been questioned for over four hours. However, counsel representing the legal heirs of the victim opposed the plea, alleging that the judge had tampered with evidence after being informed of the accident. The court said it had to proceed strictly in accordance with the law while granting interim protection from arrest. It also sought the state's response to the plea. The accident occurred around 2.20 a.m. on October 25 on Container Road at Cheranelloor, near Kochi, when the Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the teenager rammed into a scooter ridden by Jayabalakrishnan, 55, who died at the spot. In his petition, the judge claimed that he was asleep at home and had no knowledge that the car had been taken out. He said he learnt of the incident only when he received a telephone call informing him that his minor son had taken the vehicle without his knowledge and met with the accident. The FIR invokes Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, including Section 199A, which deals with offences committed by juveniles and the liability of guardians or vehicle owners. The Juvenile Justice Board had granted bail to the boy on October 26. The state government's plea seeking cancellation of his bail is pending before a sessions court.
Kochi Mercedes Hit-And-Run Case | Thani Jailbreak | TVK Functionary Arrested
From anticipatory bail for a former judge in his son's hit-and-run case to a dramatic jailbreak in Theni, the arrest of a TVK functionary on sexual assault allegations, and fresh twists in the 100-crore school approvals bribery case, a series of high-profile developments have reignited the debate over justice, accountability, and governance in Tamil Nadu.
Kerala HC Stays Arrest of Judge After Son
The Kerala High Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to an Additional District Judge whose minor son was involved in a fatal car crash in Kochi. The 17-year-old boy, driving a Mercedes-Benz, collided with a two-wheeler earlier this week, resulting in the death of the scooter rider. Justice Kauser Edappagath ordered a stay on the [] The post Kerala HC Stays Arrest of Judge After Sons Mercedes Kills Scooter Rider appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Saudi airlines announce extra India flights for stranded Indian travellers
Flynas has announced additional flights from Dammam to six Indian destinations: Lucknow, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kozhikode and Kochi
'He Was Questioned For 4 Hours': Kerala Judge Gets Pre-Arrest Bail In Mercedes Crash Case
The judge has been made an accused in the case where a Mercedes car allegedly driven by his 17-year-old son hit and killed a scooterist at Cheranalloor in Kochi.
Kerala Judge named accused in sons fatal Mercedes crash gets anticipatory bail
The Kerala High Court provided interim protection from arrest to an additional district judge involved in a fatal accident. His 17-year-old son allegedly drove a car during the incident in Kochi. The police interrogated the judge for several hours before issuing further notice for questioning. The judges' conduct has been questioned, leading the victim's family to seek an inquiry.
Legal proceedings intensified over a fatal traffic accident in Cheranalloor suburb of Kochi involving an additional district judge's son, as victims' representatives have moved to challenge the bail granted to the 17-year-old, Advocate Sreejith said. The case stems from a road accident in Kochi that killed a 55-year-old involving the teenager, who is the son of an additional district judge. Speaking to reporters here, Advocate MG Sreejith detailed the legal steps taken to challenge the bail granted to a 17-year-old judicial officer's son in connection with a fatal road accident in Cheranalloor. Detailing the legal steps taken after a magistrate court initially granted relief, Sreejith explained that bail had been issued against an appeal filed by the state, prompting affected parties to file an impleading application to aid the prosecution in cancelling the order. Bail had been granted by the magistrate court, against which the state filed an appeal. And we have a right to approach th...
Protruding posts, ad boards choke Kochi junctions, endanger commuters
Bus shelters and bunk shops occupying footpaths force pedestrians to walk along the road; the Corporation has promised follow-up action on complaints, while a 1.50-crore project aims to decongest Vyttila Junction
Kochi residents flag worsening air quality, especially at night
MLA seeks Chief Ministers intervention, citing health risks from air pollution. Pollution control board unable to gather real-time AQI data as Vyttila, Kaloor stations remain non-functional
WPL 2027 auction: DC have strengthened an already strong squad, says coach Batty on auction strategy
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Delhi Capitals strengthened their squad for the upcoming Womens Premier League (WPL) 2027 season, securing four players, including Indian player Kiran Navgire, in the player auction in Kochi on Wednesday, with head coach Jonathan Batty claiming they have strengthened an already strong side. With a strong core of 13 retained players, the franchise added explosive Indian batter Navgire, promising 15-year-old all-rounder Uma Kashvi, Indian all-rounder Nazma Khan and Scotland spinner Kirstie Gordon to complete their 17-member squad. Delhi Capitals spent 1.05 crore at the auction, taking their total squad expenditure to 14.95 crore, including 13.9 crore spent on retentions. Navgire was the franchises marquee acquisition at 75 lakh, while Kashvi, Khan and Gordon were secured for 10 lakh each. Speaking after the auction, the teams Head Coach Jonathan Batty expressed satisfaction with the franchises acquisitions, highlighting the additional firepower in the batting department, the depth of the squad and the potential of its newest young recruit. Kiran was a high-value target for us. Shes probably the most dynamic and powerful batter in the auction. With Shafali at the top of the order and power further down the lineup with players like Chinelle Henry, Kiran gives us another dimension to consider in our batting order. It has the potential to make our batting lineup absolutely staggering, Batty said. One of Delhi Capitals most exciting acquisitions was Uma Kashvi, the 15-year-old Karnataka all-rounder who became the youngest player to be sold in WPL auction history. A right-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, Kashvi has represented India Under-19 in a series against Sri Lanka Under-19, gaining valuable exposure to the international junior circuit at an early stage of her career. Batty credited the franchises scouting network for tracking Kashvis progress and emphasised that her signing was a long-term investment in her development. Shes been on our radar for a little while. Our scouts have watched her play extensively and shared some incredible feedback, and Ive seen her play as well. We believe she could become an absolute superstar in the future. At 15, she is very much a work in progress, and were not expecting her to be the finished article just yet. This is a long-term project for Delhi Capitals, he said. Its a wonderful opportunity for her to be part of this setup, learn from our top coaches and work alongside international stars. Hopefully, shell learn a huge amount from the players around her. This is the first step on a journey that we hope will lead to Indian recognition in the future, and were excited to see her progress, Batty added. Delhi Capitals retained a formidable core ahead of the auction, featuring captain Jemimah Rodrigues, explosive opener Shafali Verma, experienced all-rounders Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland, and South African batter Laura Wolvaardt. The retained group also includes Chinelle Henry, N. Shree Charani and several promising Indian players, giving the coaching staff a strong foundation to build on. Reflecting on the overall squad composition, Batty said the new additions had further strengthened both the starting eleven and the teams bench strength. Going into the auction, we already had a really strong group of 13 players. Our starting lineup was very strong even before the auction, and I think we have strengthened it further. We now have the potential to improve both our starting eleven and our squad depth. It is going to give me some selection headaches as a coach, which is a really good thing. Thats exactly what we want difficult decisions because we have the strongest squad possible, he said. Concluding his assessment of the auction, Batty said, We are really happy with how things went. There were lots of different dynamics at play, but I think it went as well as we could have hoped. Delhi Capitals full squad for WPL 2027 Retained players: Jemimah Rodrigues 2.20 crore Shafali Verma 2.20 crore Marizanne Kapp 2.20 crore Annabel Sutherland 2.20 crore Chinelle Henry 1.30 crore N. Shree Charani 1.30 crore Laura Wolvaardt 1.10 crore Niki Prasad 50 lakh Minnu Mani 40 lakh Nandani Sharma 20 lakh Deeya Yadav 10 lakh Mamatha Madiwala 10 lakh Lucy Hamilton 10 lakh Players acquired at the WPL 2027 auction: Kiran Navgire 75 lakh Uma Kashvi 10 lakh Nazma Khan 10 lakh Kirstie Gordon 10 lakh
WPL 2027 auction: Went in with a clear idea of the squad we wanted, says UPW coach Nayar
Digital Desk | Kochi, Oct 28 (IANS) UP Warriorz (UPW) head coach Abhishek Nayar said the franchise went into the 2027 Womens Premier League (WPL) auction with a clear plan and came away with players who would give the side both quality and flexibility. UPW were the busiest franchise at the auction held on Wednesday, adding eight players to the 10 they had retained. Their headline signing was Australia captain Sophie Molineux, the most expensive buy of Wednesdays auction at Rs 1.10 crore. We went into the auction with a clear idea of the kind of squad we wanted to build. Sophie Molineux was a key addition for us, and we are delighted to have secured her services. Along with Grace Harris, Sneh Rana and the other players we have brought in, she gives us a lot of quality and flexibility. We wanted players who could contribute in different situations and complement the core we already have. We are happy with the group we have assembled and look forward to bringing everyone together ahead of the season, Nayar said in a statement issued by the franchise. Besides Sophie, UPW signed Australian all-rounder Grace Harris, India all-rounder Sneh Rana, leg-spinner Asha Sobhana and wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma for Rs 30 lakh each. Scotland all-rounder Kathryn Bryce and uncapped Indian all-rounders Sahana Pawar and Manali Dakshini came in for Rs 10 lakh each. The franchise had retained a strong core that includes India all-rounder Deepti Sharma, former Australia captain Meg Lanning, England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone and Australia batter Phoebe Litchfield. Kshemal Waingankar, COO and Director of Cricket at Capri Sports, the franchises owners, said Sophies arrival would strengthen an already potent spin attack. Sophie Molineuxs addition further strengthens our spin attack and puts us in a strong position to explore different combinations. Grace Harris brings power to the middle order, while Sophie offers leadership qualities, exceptional bowling ability and a great presence within the team. We believe the combination of Sophie Molineux and Sophie Ecclestone could be a formidable force for us, while Grace gives us the flexibility to adjust our combinations based on the conditions and match situations, he said. Harris, who began her WPL career with UPW in 2023, returns after winning the 2026 title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Sobhana was bought back for a fraction of the Rs 1.1 crore the franchise paid for her in 2026. UP Warriorz squad for 2027 WPL: Meg Lanning, Deepti Sharma, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Ecclestone, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud, Shipra Giri, Simran Shaikh, Sophie Molineux, Grace Harris, Sneh Rana, Asha Sobhana, Sushma Verma, Kathryn Bryce, Manali Dakshini, and Sahana Pawar.
Gujarat Giants Full Squad After WPL 2027 Auction
Gujarat Giants have completed their squad for the 2027 Women's Premier League (WPL), signing three players at the auction held in Kochi on Wednesday
WPL 2027 Auction: Happy With The Depth Weve Built, Says MI Head Coach Luke Williams
T20 World Cup: Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Luke Williams said the franchise had used the 2027Womens Premier League (WPL) auction to build depth around its retained core, adding that he was excited to see several young players get a chance to be a part of the league. The two-time champions signed six uncapped Indian players at the auction held in Kochi on Wednesday. Shweta Sehrawat was bought for Rs 20 lakh, while Disha Kasat, Latika Inamdar, Bharti Rawal, Saanika Chalke and Akshita Bhagat came in for Rs 10 lakh each. Delhi-based Shweta, UP Warriorzs lone retention in 2026 and a member of Indias 2023 U-19 Womens T20 World Cup winning squad, drew a bidding battle between MI and Delhi Capitals before going for double her base price. Certainly. Obviously, with the retentions, we had a sort of solid core group that we were able to retain. So certainly today was about trying to add to the group, whether thats in the starting XI potentially, or if not, providing different options and coverage through the tournament, depending on what surfaces we play on and if there are any injuries or players out of form. So, really happy with the depth that weve built across different areas and really excited to work with some new players, said Williams in the post-auction press conference. The coach credited MIs scouting team for identifying the recruits. Obviously the scouts did a lot of work identifying different players and then going through various networks to do our research. So, really happy with how its unfolded and excited that some young players get an opportunity at the WPL. Among the new faces, Vidarbha duo Kasat and Inamdar arrived in form, having played key roles in a tense chase against Punjab in the Senior Womens T20 Trophy in Lucknow only a day before the auction. Disha opened and made an unbeaten 66 off 52 balls, while Latika hit 17 off eight balls. Saanika, a 20-year-old left-handed top-order batter, was part of Indias 2025 Under-19 T20 World Cup-winning squad and struck 85 off 53 balls against Jharkhand in the same tournament. Akshita won the Under-23 event of the WPL Speed Queen contest with a top speed of 105kph and recently played for India A against Australia A in Mohali. Among the new faces, Vidarbha duo Kasat and Inamdar arrived in form, having played key roles in a tense chase against Punjab in the Senior Womens T20 Trophy in Lucknow only a day before the auction. Disha opened and made an unbeaten 66 off 52 balls, while Latika hit 17 off eight balls. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Molineux mania! UP Warriorz outgun RCB in Rs 1.10 cr showstopper at WPL auction
UP Warriorz secured Australia captain Sophie Molineux for Rs 1.10 crore after a bidding battle with RCB at the WPL mini auction in Kochi. They also signed Grace Harris, Sushma Verma and Sneh Rana, prioritising experience. Delhi Capitals bought Kiran Navgire for 75 lakh, while Gujarat Giants signed Gunalan Kamalini. Sri Lankan veteran Chamari Athapaththu surprisingly went unsold.
WPL 2027 auction: Not sure it could have gone any better, says DC coach Batty
Digital Desk | Kochi, Oct 28 (IANS) Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Jonathan Batty said the franchises 2027Womens Premier League (WPL) auction could hardly have gone better, adding that signing big-hitting India batter Kiran Navgire would add much-needed power to their batting line-up. DC bought Kiran for Rs 75 lakh, making her the second-highest-priced player at the auction held on Wednesday, after edging competition from Mumbai Indians. They also picked up Scotland left-arm spinner Kirstie Gordon and uncapped all-rounders Delhis Nazma Khan and Karnatakas 15-year-old Uma Kashvi - for Rs 10 lakh each. Really pleased. Does an auction ever go completely to plan? Probably not quite, but as close to what we were hoping for. We had a couple of different pivots we could have made. We identified early we wanted a hard-hitting or dynamic Indian batter, and we got that in Kiran Navgire early. Getting the Scottish left-arm spinner Kirstie Gordon over the line as well. She gives us lots of options as well, being allowed to start in the playing eleven as a local (associate) player, which weve used successfully in the past. So weve got a couple of really young, exciting players as well coming in with Nazma and Uma. So no, really, really, really pleased. Not sure it could have gone any better, to be honest, Batty told reporters in a press conference. Kirstie, who played for England before switching to Scotland, will be counted as an Associate player, which allows the four-time finalists to field her without using one of their four overseas slots. Batty said Kirans ability to bash spin and her power-hitting would fill a gap in DCs batting, though the side curiously chose not to have a back-up wicketkeeper-batter. Shes one of the most dynamic batters in the auction. Shes a wonderful player of spin through the middle order. We felt one area we were potentially lacking at times has been a little bit of power in our batting, and we feel that she can give that to us. Again, shes probably the most dynamic batter in the auction, one of the biggest hitters in the game. She had a great year a couple of years ago at the WPL. She just gives us some extra firepower, possibly playing a few different roles for us as well within our batting lineup. So really strengthens our already strong batting lineup, but just gives a bit extra power. Delhi have reached the final in each of the four WPL editions so far but are yet to win the title. The 2027 WPL season will be played from January 14 to February 7, though the venues are yet to be known.
Kochi-based Radhakrishnan M.S. wins the 28th Charles Correa Gold Medal
UP Warriorz acquired Australia captain Sophie Molineux and all-rounder Sneh Rana during the mini-auction held in Kochi. Delhi Capitals signed Kiran Navgire while adding several young talents to their roster as well. Gujarat Giants acquired G Kamalini and Orla Prendergast to enhance their squad for upcoming matches. Royal Challengers Bengaluru brought Jess Jonassen on board despite her ongoing recovery from injury.
WPL 2027 auction: New signings give us more options, says GG head coach Klinger
Digital Desk | Kochi, Oct 28 (IANS) Gujarat Giants (GG) head coach Michael Klinger said that picking G Kamalini, Orla Prendergast and Samaira Raghav at the 2027 Womens Premier League (WPL) auction had given the franchise more options, as it completed its 18-member squad for the new season. The franchise went into the auction with 15 retained players, having spent Rs 13.75 crore on retentions, and Rs 1.25 crore left in their purse to fill three slots, one of them for an overseas player. GG bought Tamil Nadus left-handed top-order wicketkeeper-batter Kamalini, a member of Indias 2025 ICC Womens Under-19 T20 World Cup winning team, for Rs 40 lakh. Irelands seam-bowling all-rounder Orla was signed for Rs 30 lakh. Samaira, a 16-year-old all-rounder, came in at her base price of Rs 10 lakh. The players did well last season and gave us a strong foundation to build on. Our preseason camp in Bengaluru helped us assess the squad and identify the areas we needed to strengthen. Kamalini gives us an aggressive option throughout the batting order, Orla brings real all-round quality as a wicket-taking medium pacer, and Samaira adds explosive power in the middle order. The new signings complement our retained players and give us more options. We are pleased with how the squad has come together and look forward to the season ahead, Klinger said in a statement by the franchise at the conclusion of the auction. Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, which owns the franchise, said the signings reflected GGs commitment to finding and developing young talent. We entered the auction with a strong retained core and a clear idea of what the squad needed. We are pleased with the players we have brought in. G. Kamalini, Orla Prendergast and Samaira Raghav each add something specific, whether it is aggression at the top, all-round quality or fearless hitting in the middle order. Our belief is in unearthing young talents and nurturing them. Kashvee Gautam, Anushka Sharma and Happy Kumari reflect the strength of our scouting programme, and we are hopeful that 16-year-old like Samaira is the next in line. The aim is to build a team that plays fearless cricket and contributes to the growth of the game for women in Gujarat and across the country, he said. GG finished second in the group stage of WPL 2026, winning five of their eight matches, before going out in the Eliminator after losing to Delhi Capitals. The 2027 WPL season will be played from January 14 to February 7. Gujarat Giants squad: Ashleigh Gardner (captain), Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Yastika Bhatia, Anushka Sharma, Bharti Fulmali, Happy Kumari, Jintimani Kalita, Kanika Ahuja, Kashvee Gautam, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh, Tanuja Kanwer, G Kamalini, Orla Prendergast, Samaira Raghav.
WPL 2027 Auction: Full List Of Sold Players, Final Prices And Top Buys
A total of 25 players were sold at the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction, in Kochi on Wednesday, with franchises spending a combined Rs 6.25 crore.
Case Filed Against NRI Passenger At Kochi Airport After Row Over iPhone Customs Duty
Kochi police register an FIR against an NRI passenger for refusing to pay customs duty on a mobile device.
The Liberian-flagged ship that sunk had caused extensive marine and coastal pollution on the shores of Keralam and Tamil Nadu
Kochi hosted the Women's Premier League 2027 mini-auction on October 28, where G Kamalini was acquired by Gujarat Giants. Kiran Navgire transitioned from UP Warriorz to Delhi Capitals after intense bidding. Several players, including Raghvi Bist and Ayushi Soni, went unsold during the auction process. Teams are focusing on enhancing their line-ups with 27 available slots.
Mercedes hit-and-run: Judge questioned for three hours in accident involving minor son in Kerala
Digital Desk | Kochi, Oct 28 (IANS) An Additional District Judge, whose 17-year-old son was involved in a road accident at Cheranalloor in which an elderly man was killed, was questioned by the police for around three hours on Wednesday, and asked to appear again on Thursday. The crash occurred at around 2.20 a.m. on October 25 on Container Road in Cheranalloor, near Kochi. Jayabalakrishnan, 55, was returning home after closing his roadside eatery when the Mercedes-Benz, allegedly driven by the judge's minor son, hit his scooter. He died on the spot, leaving behind his wife and three children. The judge, who has been named as an accused in the case, was summoned to the Aluva Police Club at around 2.40 p.m. on Wednesday. He was allowed to leave after the questioning. The case has drawn attention as it involves the minor son of a serving judicial officer. The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident and the alleged role of those involved. Meanwhile reports have surfaced that the Kerala High Court Administrative Committee has decided against taking immediate action against the judge. It will consider the matter after two days, based on the police investigation report. The development comes after a report by the High Court judge in charge of Thrissur district recommended that the Additional District Judge be suspended. The Administrative Committee, however, decided that further action should await the findings of the police investigation. The decision indicates that the committee wants the facts to be established before proceeding against the judicial officer. The police are expected to continue questioning the judge as part of the investigation. His appearance on Thursday is expected to help investigators clarify the circumstances surrounding the accident and the allegations against him. The case has raised questions about the conduct of those involved in the accident and the course of the investigation. Further action against the judge will depend on the findings placed before the authorities. In a related development four police officials attached to the local station which registered the case was suspended and the Kochi City Police Commissioner was on Wednesday transferred out .
WPL 2027 auction: Sneh excited to play under Lanning, Sushma thanks UPW for trust in her abilities
Digital Desk | Kochi, Oct 28 (IANS) India all-rounder Sneh Rana said she was excited to play under Meg Lanning after being snapped up by UP Warriorz at the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction here on Wednesday. Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma, also picked by the franchise, thanked the franchise for placing their faith in her. Both players were bought for their base price of Rs 30 lakh each in the ongoing auction in Kochi. I am very excited. I have always seen her on TV. Even now when she leads UP, it feels very good. Seeing her captaincy and the changes she makes, it feels very good. So very excited to play under her. Mei aa rahi hoon guys (I am coming, guys), said Sneh to broadcasters Star Sports and JioStar. Sneh, who has previously captained Gujarat Giants and was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a replacement player, had turned out for Delhi Capitals in WPL 2026. First of all, I would like to thank the UP Warriorz for picking me and I am very excited for this opportunity. Like I always say, I will go to any team whenever I get an opportunity. Now that I am in UP, I would like to do my best for them and thank you so much to the management, she added. Sneh added that she was looking forward to linking up with India teammate Deepti Sharma and England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone in what promises to be a strong spin bowling attack for UPW. It is very strong, as you said, Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti Sharma will be with me, with whom I have always played for India. Now that I have also come to UP, so I know their strength. So we will keep talking to each other and it is going to be a lot of fun. Sushma, who last played for India in T20Is a decade ago and was with Gujarat Giants in 2023, returns to the WPL via UPW, a side whose trials she attended. She credited the franchise for showing faith in her. A player is working hard, and everyone works hard and then you perform as well. But a lot of times, especially in franchise cricket, that slot doesnt get made for you. In the last two auctions, it was on the edge. But I was very hopeful that one day my hard work and all these things would come that one day everything will feel good, everything will sync together. So, I am feeling good today. A big thanks to UP Warriorz for showing that trust in me. Although I wasnt expecting that it would happen or not, I was not thinking about it. But when you have played so much cricket, with experience, you learn what work you have to do throughout the day and you get focused on that and then what is next? So, I was always looking forward to the next day and the next tournament. So, it kept on going on its own and the way I have been doing my routines and hard work, I am sure it is the journey of every player. But eventually, when you get the result, when you get the opportunity, it feels really good, she concluded.
WPL 2027 auction: UPW pick Sushma Verma, MI get Disha Kasat as Bhatia, Sobhana, Saika go unsold
Digital Desk | Kochi, Oct 28 (IANS) UP Warriorz (UPW) signed veteran India wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma for Rs 30 lakh, and Mumbai Indians picked up uncapped batter Disha Kasat for Rs 10 lakh, in an otherwise quiet phase of the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction here on Wednesday. It was a phase where a string of India internationals went unsold. UPW continued to be the busiest franchise at the table by landing Sushma at her base price. She last played a T20I for India in December 2016, but was with Gujarat Giants in WPL 2023, and now returns to the league via UPW, a side whose trials she did attend before the auction happened. Disha, formerly with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their title winning season in 2024, was the only uncapped batter to find a buyer via Mumbai Indians. Taniyaa Bhatia, Asha Sobhana and Saika Ishaque were among the big names who failed to attract bids. Sushma was the only one of the four capped wicketkeepers to be picked. Uma Chetry, part of Indias ODI World Cup-winning squad and the first cricketer from Assam to represent India, went unsold, so did Taniyaa, who was released by Delhi Capitals and Nuzhat Parween. Though Taniyaas glovework is highly rated, but franchises have been wary of her batting. Fast bowlers had a lean round too. Indias Saima Thakor and Titas Sadhu, Australias Tayla Vlaeminck, Sri Lankas 19-year-old Mithali Ayodhya and New Zealands Rosemary Mair all went unsold at their base prices. Titas, an Under-19 World Cup winner in 2023 who has played for Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants, has had injury concerns. Rosemary was part of New Zealands T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2024. The capped spinners fared no better. Leg-spinner Priya Mishra, who made her India debut in 2024 and has played for Gujarat Giants, did not attract a bid. Left-arm spinner Saika, who made a strong impression in her debut WPL season with Mumbai Indians in 2023 before going on to play for India, did not get a buyer. South Africas Nonkululeko Mlaba, the first player from her country to go under the hammer on the day, was unsold. The most notable of them going unsold was Asha Sobhana, who was part of RCBs title-winning side in 2024, and missed the 2025 season through injury and was then bought by UP Warriorz for Rs 1.1 crore in 2026 after a fierce bidding war. This time, veteran leg-spinner Asha found no takers at Rs 30 lakh. Purvaja Verlekar, former UP Warriorz batter Vrinda Dinesh, former RCB player Gautami Naik, former Mumbai Indians batter Humaira Kazi and Shweta Sehrawat, who was UP Warriorzs lone retention ahead of 2026 WPL auction, all went unsold. Unsold players could still be picked up in the accelerated rounds later in the auction
UP Warriorz buy Sophie Molineux for INR 1.10 crore; RCB quiet in early bidding
India middle-order batter Kiran Navgire was bought by Delhi Capitals for INR 75 lakh at the WPL 2027 auction in Kochi
Kerala HC seeks clarity on RTI exemption for vigilance probes
Digital Desk | Kochi Oct 28 (IANS) The Kerala High Court on Wednesday sought clarification from the state government on whether vigilance inquiries against public officials are covered by an exemption granted to two sections of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V.M. Syam Kumar directed the government to file an affidavit detailing the categories of information handled by the T1 and T2 sections, which were exempted through a notification issued on October 22. The court observed that the two sections dealt with vigilance inquiries, intelligence inputs, search reports and other information relating to vigilance proceedings. It said some of this information could be sensitive but sought specific clarification on whether inquiries against officials fell within its remit. The matter will be considered again after three weeks. The public interest litigation challenges the government's decision to bring the two sections under the exemption. The petitioner contends that the VACB is primarily a criminal investigation agency that probes corruption offences involving public servants and cannot be classified as an intelligence or security organisation merely by administrative notification. Section 24(4) of the RTI Act allows state governments to exempt specified intelligence and security organisations through notifications published in the Official Gazette. The petitioner pointed out that the VACB was not among the eight organisations originally exempted under a government order dated February 7, 2006. The plea alleges that VACB information officers have begun rejecting requests concerning vigilance inquiries, preliminary verifications, closure reports and sanctions for prosecution, citing the October 22 notification. It argues that the RTI Act already provides exemptions to protect sensitive information, including material whose disclosure could impede investigations or endanger individuals. A blanket exemption for the two sections could restrict public scrutiny of the state's anti-corruption machinery, the petitioner contends. During the hearing, the petitioner cited a recent Supreme Court ruling in Special Police Establishment vs Kamta Prasad Mishra and Others, arguing that an agency investigating corruption cannot automatically be treated as an intelligence and security organisation under Section 24(4). The petitioner also submitted that a similar notification had been withdrawn by the state government in 2016 after it was challenged before the High Court. The plea seeks quashing of the October 22 notification and continued application of the RTI Act to the two sections for information not otherwise exempt under law. The High Court has not yet ruled on the validity of the notification.
Mercedes crash: Kochi top cop shifted; judge's flat searched
Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar was transferred and R Nishanthini appointed in his place following controversy over the police's handling of a fatal road accident. The incident involved a 17-year-old son of an Additional District Judge, who allegedly rammed his Mercedes-Benz into a scooter, killing a 55-year-old eatery owner. Four police personnel were suspended, and the judge has been booked under the Motor Vehicles Act. The probe has been transferred to the District Crime Branch.
WPL Auction 2027 Live Updates: Grace Harris, Sneh Rana to come under the hammer in marquee event
The mini auction of the WPL (Women's Premier League) 2027 is all set to commence. The marquee event will be held in Kochi on October 28th, and all the five franchises will look to put...
Shukkoor murder case in Keralam: CBI court to pronounce verdict on November 12
Case assumed political significance after CPI(M) leader P. Jayarajan and former MLA and then DYFI State secretary T.V. Rajesh were arraigned as accused. Court had earlier refused to quash trial proceedings against them
WPL 2027: Mini Auction More About Planning Than Instinct, Says GG Coach Klinger
The Ashleigh Gardner: Gujarat Giants (GG) head coach Michael Klinger believes the WPL 2027 mini auction would be driven far more by planning than instinct, as all five franchises go in with a clear picture of how many slots they need to fill and which skill-sets they are eyeing to complete their respective squads. GG go into the auction in Kochi with the second-biggest purse, Rs 1.25 crore, and three slots to fill. The Ashleigh Gardner-led side made the playoffs last season but lost to Delhi Capitals in the Eliminator. If I had to sum up the auction day in a few words, by the end of the auction Id just like to be thinking Oh, excited for a fantastic season. I think we were really happy with our retentions. Weve got a strong squad already, so the additions we have in the auction will just increase our depth, give us options for our starting eleven. But we also feel with what weve retained, weve got a really strong squad. I think in a mini auction, its probably less instinct. I think it can be a bit more planned because exactly how many spots, probably what skill sets other teams need on their list. Last year in a mega auction, there definitely has to be some instinct involved because things can happen pretty quickly and a player you may have missed on, you thought you may have got, youve got to move on to the next option really quickly and or vice versa. So I think this auction is probably a bit more structured and planned, said Klinger in a video posted on the franchises social media handles on Wednesday. He also said about wanting every member of the squad to be a genuine option for making it to the playing eleven. Probably the skill sets that we just need to fill up our squad to give us options for our starting 11. Now when we have a squad of anywhere between 15 and 18, we want every person in that squad to have a chance to play or to be able to pick them in our starting 11 if we need to. So thats probably our main criteria and theres some really good players in this auction. Some players who are released from other teams, some new players who may get their first shot. Scouts have done a great job over the last 12 months really to identify some players who potentially some other teams arent aware of. He added that the mood in the camp was relaxed ahead of the auction starting at 5:30pm. Everyones pretty relaxed in terms of the mood, only because I think were pretty comfortable with where were at the moment. I think, anything that we add to the squad is going to be high value but it also tops up the squad. So we got a good idea of whats available, what other teams are after. Theres always going to be some surprise on the day. The fifth season of the WPL will run from January 14 to February 7, 2027, with the venues yet to be known. Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, which owns the franchise, said GG had only a limited shopping list due to retaining 15 players the most by any side ahead of Wednesdays mini auction. I think this season is a little bit relaxed for us. We are here to only get one overseas and two domestic players. The core of giants is intact and then we have very little to do in this mini auction. I think the only team which will have to worry about the buildups are not the Giants. We have few options and then the buildups I think our core has been retained. So that is something which is good for us. We will look out for a few backups in the squad. I think the auction is already successful, but I think having a sizeable backup option for any squad is something a depth is more or less successful. I think this season is a little bit relaxed for us. We are here to only get one overseas and two domestic players. The core of giants is intact and then we have very little to do in this mini auction. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
WPL 2027 Auction: RCB Looking To Plug Gaps In Bid For Title Defence, Says Rangarajan
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will use the WPL 2027 auction to fill the gaps in their squad as they try to become the first team to retain the title and be the tournaments three-time winners, said head coach Malolan Rangarajan. RCB will enter the auction with Rs 1.15 crore in their purse and have to fill five slots. You look at what you did well in the league last year, you try to understand how the league has evolved over the last year and you find gaps within your team and you are constantly looking to improve. But the work started a while back and its not now, the work continues. The WPL is coming in January and all we are looking to do now is how we can improve our squad and give us the best chance to go and be the first team to win three championships and the first to be back-to-back (winners), said Rangarajan in a video posted on WPLs social media accounts on Wednesday. The coach added that the groundwork for the auction, starting at 5:30pm in Kochi, had been laid months in advance, with the franchises scouts and coaches getting to work immediately after the final ended in them winning WPL 2026 in Vadodara. RCB has two franchises, both in the IPL and WPL, so there is a lot of work that goes on. But we had our scouts and coaches - all of them started working with our players right after the WPL finals. So the work actually started right after the finals. RCBs bid will be strengthened by the return of star Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry, who opted out of the previous season due to personal reasons. Perry is a very integral part of our team, she has contributed to RCB regardless of us winning or not. It will be a huge boost for her return to our team. Obviously, she strengthens; everybody knows what she does on the field, be it batting, bowling and fielding, so I dont have to go into detail about what an impact she can have for the squad, said Rangarajan. He also congratulated RCB captain Smriti Mandhana on her taking over as India's full-time captain. First of all, very well deserved for Smriti. I think she has been a very, very valuable servant to Indian cricket, and she really deserves it. Its a proud moment for RCB, absolutely, that we have one of our own leading the country. Obviously, she strengthens; everybody knows what she does on the field, be it batting, bowling and fielding, so I dont have to go into detail about what an impact she can have for the squad, said Rangarajan. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
WPL 2027 auction: Who has the biggest purse? Team-wise slots, budgets and base prices
The Women's Premier League 2027 auction is scheduled for October 28 in Kochi with 146 cricketers available. Teams will compete to fill 27 squad vacancies as they prepare for the upcoming season. The player pool includes 119 Indian players and 27 international players from various nations. Franchise budgets vary significantly, impacting recruitment strategies and decisions.
WPL 2027 auction: From live streaming info, slots available to purse; all you need to know
The stage is set for the upcoming edition of the WPL (Womens Premier League) 2027 auction. The mini auction for the tournament is all set to be held on October 28th in Kochi, and all five franchises will look to put their best foot forward and bring home the best players ahead of the new season of the tournament, hoping to play some good cricket .
Kochi Hit-And-Run Case: Police Commissioner Removed, Four Officers Suspended
Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar has been removed from his post over the alleged mishandling of a hit-and-run case involving a 17-year-old boy, the son of an Additional District and Sessions Judge. R Nishanthini has been appointed as the
Shukoor Murder Case Verdict Expected November 12
A special CBI court in Kochi is set to deliver its verdict on November 12 in the 2012 Ariyil Shukoor murder case. CPI(M) leaders P Jayarajan and T V Rajesh are among the accused in the killing of Muslim Youth League activist Shukoor, which the CBI alleges was in retaliation for an attack on Jayarajan. The case has garnered significant political attention.
WPL 2027 auction live team-wise list: The Women's Premier League 2027 auction is scheduled for October 28 in Kochi. Five franchises will compete to finalize their squads for the tournament. A total of 146 players have been shortlisted, including 119 Indian cricketers. Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app, while television broadcasts will be on Sony Sports Network.
Nedumbassery luxury car crash: District court rejects bail pleas of all four accused
Suhail Sajeev, the prime accused, and three co-passengers, Ninav, Ameen Sha and Joyal S., all aged 19, had approached the court after a Magistrate court had rejected their bail applications
2 Indian Artists Selected For Beaux-Arts de Marseille's Scholarship
Scholarship supported by the French Institute in India, Raza Foundation and Kochi Biennale Foundation to foster artistic mobility and strengthen India-France cultural exchange
Mumbai Indians enters the WPL 2027 auction with a limited budget and no overseas slots available. The team aims to strengthen its Indian player options while retaining a strong core of experienced players. The auction takes place in Kochi, focusing on acquiring six new Indian signings. Mumbai has released several players to provide opportunities for new talent. The franchise must balance budget constraints with team requirements to defend their title.
Kochi Police Chief Removed Over Fatal Crash Probe Involving Judge's Minor Son
The government had suspended four personnel attached to the Cheranalloor police station on Tuesday over alleged procedural lapses
As the countdown to the fifth season of the Womens Premier League (WPL) intensifies, 146 players are set to go under the hammer in Kochi on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Five franchises will look to finalize their squads ahead of the tournament, scheduled to run from January 14 to February 7, 2027. With 63 players [] The post WPL 2027 Auction: 146 Players Go Under the Hammer in Kochi; Specialist Wicket-Keepers and Scarcity Roles Expected to Drive Bidding Wars appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Kochi Police Commissioner Removed Over Hit-And-Run Case Lapses
Kochi police chief Kaliraj Mahesh has been removed from his post following a controversy over alleged mishandling of a road accident case involving the 17-year-old son of an additional district judge. He has been replaced by R Nishanthini. The action against the Kochi City police commissioner comes amid mounting criticism over alleged police lapses in the case and demands for accountability. The minor son of the judge who drove a Mercedes-Benz had rammed a scooty, killing a 55-year-old man, Jayabalakrishnan.
WPL 2027 Auction RCB Players List: Check the complete squad, players bought, auction prices, base prices and remaining purse. Royal Challengers Bengaluru enters the WPL 2027 auction with Rs 1.15 crore remaining in their purse. They aim to fill five slots, including two for overseas players, to enhance their squad depth. The auction is set to take place on October 28 in Kochi with 146 players available. Key retained players include Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry among others.
Kochi police commissioner shunted out over lapses in Mercedes hit-and-run case
Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar has been removed from his post over alleged mishandling of hit-and-run case involving a 17-year-old son of an Additional District and Sessions Judge. He was replaced by R...
Kochi Police Commissioner Removed Over Mercedes Hit-And-Run Case Lapses
The action against the Kochi City police commissioner comes amid mounting criticism over alleged police lapses in the accident case
Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar likely to be replaced by R. Nishanthini, who is currently serving as IGP (South Zone). Move comes a day after govt suspended four police officers attached to Cheranalloor police station
Hit-and-run: Kochi police commissioner transferred after crash involving judges son
The Kerala government took action against police officials after lapses in investigating a fatal accident in Cheranallur. Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar has been transferred, along with the suspension of four personnel. Initial charges related to negligence were altered to culpable homicide as evidence of overspeeding emerged. Victim Jayabalakrishnan's family is demanding further actions against the teenager's father, who is a judge.
WPL 2027 Auction: 146 players go under hammer as five teams look to fill 27 slots in Kochi
The Women
WPL 2027 auction in Kochi to fill 27 slots across five teams
The News Mill
Kochi Police Commissioner removed amid controversy over mishandling Cheranalloor car crash case
Digital Desk | Kochi, Oct 28 (IANS) The Kerala government on Wednesday removed Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh following the controversy over the handling of a fatal road accident involving the 17-year-old son of an Additional District Judge. R. Nishanthini will replace Mahesh as Kochi City Police Commissioner. The action comes amid mounting criticism over alleged police lapses in the case and demands for accountability. The Assembly is in session, adding to the political significance of the controversy. On Tuesday evening, the government suspended four police personnel attached to the Cheranalloor police station for alleged lapses in handling the case. They include Circle Inspector K.S. Shyam Kumar, Station House Officer V.S. Viswajith, Grade Assistant Sub-Inspector K.T. Manoj and Senior Civil Police Officer Arun Joshi. The suspensions followed a preliminary inquiry by ADGP P. Vijayan, who visited the accident spot, examined police records and met the victim's family. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had assured the Assembly that action would be taken against officials found responsible. The case concerns the death of Jayabalakrishnan, 55, who was riding a scooter when a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by a teenager hit him on Container Road at Cheranalloor early on Sunday. The victim ran a roadside eatery. The handling of the case triggered protests after the teenager was initially booked under provisions relating to rash driving and causing death by negligence, and later released on station bail. The case was subsequently strengthened, and the boy's father, who owns the car, was also named as an accused. Meanwhile, a police team conducted an inspection at the judge's flat in Aluva on Tuesday night. Investigators examined CCTV footage and collected evidence as part of the probe. The victim's family has decided to approach the High Court seeking further action. The investigation has been transferred to the Crime Branch. The government is now under pressure to ensure that the case is investigated fairly, without regard to the status of those involved.
Mark your calendars! The Women's Premier League auction takes place today at the Grand Hyatt Kochi, Kerala, starting at 5:30 PM IST. Fans can follow the live action on the JioHotstar app or watch through the Sony Sports Network. A total of 146 players are in the race for only 27 slots across five franchises. The exhilarating season is set to launch on January 14, concluding on February 7.
A 17-year-old boy, the son of Additional District Judge Reno Francis Xavier, allegedly rammed his fathers Mercedes-Benz into a scooter on Container Road near Maraparambu in Cheranalloor, Kochi, around 2:20 am on October 25, killing the rider, Jayabalakrishnan, 55. Name & shame in the Kerala Judges teenager Mercedes death case: Judge father: Reno Xavier Juvenile [] The post Judge Reno Francis Xavier Booked After Minor Son Gets Bail After Killing 55-Year-Old Scooterist In Mercedes Crash; Victims Family Alleges Cover-Up appeared first on The Commune .
Kerala HC extends stay on trial in journalist K.M. Basheers death
Kochi Mercedes Crash: Cops Search Home Of Minor Accused's Judge Father
The searches came a day after police made the serving judge an accused after a car allegedly driven by his 17-year-old son hit and killed a scooterist at Cheranalloor in Kochi.
Kerala judge booked after minor sons Mercedes allegedly kills scooter rider
New Delhi, Oct 27: The Kochi City Police have booked an Additional Sessions Judge under the Motor Vehicles Act after his 17-year-old son allegedly drove a Mercedes-Benz that hit a scooter, killing its rider in Cheranalloor on October 25. According to Bar & Bench, the judge, posted at a court in Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district, has been arraigned under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, as the registered owner of the car. The provision deals with offences committed by juveniles and provides for liability of the guardian or vehicle owner, subject to statutory exceptions. The victim, Jayabalakrishnan (55), was returning home after closing his roadside eatery when the accident occurred around 2.20 am on Sunday, according to the FIR. The Mercedes was allegedly travelling from Vallarpadam towards Kalamassery when it hit his two-wheeler on Container Road. Police initially registered a case under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash driving and causing death by negligence. Section 105, relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, was subsequently added. The police said they were following Supreme Court guidelines applicable when a judicial officer is booked and would inform the district judiciary and the Kerala High Court. The Juvenile Justice Board in Ernakulam granted bail to the minor on Monday.
Look inside Fahadh Faasil and Nazriya Nazims Kochi home
146 Players, 27 Slots: WPL Teams Gear Up for Auction Day
The Women's Premier League (WPL) mini-auction in Kochi on Wednesday will see 146 players, including capped Indian and international cricketers, go under the hammer. Teams like UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, and Mumbai Indians will bid for 27 available spots, with a focus on Indian talent and strategic backups for the WPL 2027 season.
G. Kamalini Fully Available for WPL 2027 as Four New Players Join Auction Pool
G. Kamalini is set for WPL 2027, with four new players added to the auction pool ahead of the event in Kochi. G. Kamalini Fully Available for WPL 2027 as Four New Players Join Auction Pool
Kochi Mercedes Crash: Judge Accused Of Shielding Son, Photos Allegedly Deleted
NDTV's ground investigation into the fatal Mercedes crash in Kochi has uncovered serious allegations of interference and preferential treatment involving Additional Sessions Judge Reno Xavier, whose 17-year-old son allegedly drove the car that killed 55-year-old street vendor Jayabalakrishnan. NDTV's Aswin Nandakumar reports allegations that photographs were deleted from a victim's family member's phone on the judge's instructions inside a police station, while a judge identification sticker was removed from the vehicle. Four police personnel have been suspended, and the Kerala government has announced plans to seek cancellation of the teenager's bail. The judge has been named in the case but, according to the report, has not yet been summoned for questioning. As the victim's family demands justice, serious questions remain over police conduct, accountability and whether the law is being applied equally.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) With the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2027 player auction set to take place in Kochi on Wednesday, UP Warriorz are heading into the player selection process with a strong core already in place and a clear idea of what they want from the remaining squad spots. The Warriorz have retained 11 players ahead of the auction, built around a mix of international experience, seasoned Indian players and promising young talent. Former Australia captain Meg Lanning, compatriot Phoebe Litchfield, Englands Sophie Ecclestone and USA international Tara Norris make up the overseas group, while Deepti Sharma leads the Indian core alongside Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal and Shikha Pandey. Young Indian players Kranti Gaud, Shipra Giri and Simran Shaikh complete the retained list. With that foundation secured, the focus now moves to the seven slots still available, two of them for overseas players. For the Warriorz, the auction is less about chasing big names and more about finding players who fit defined roles within the teams structure and add depth across a long tournament. Head coach Abhishek Nayar, who took charge ahead of the 2026 season, said the retained group gives the team a firm platform to build on. We have a strong group in place, and the players understand our environment and what we want to achieve. At the auction, we are not looking at it as a chance to simply add names. We want players who complement what we already have, who give us options with both bat and ball, and who can handle different roles depending on the match situation. Balance and flexibility will be very important for us, said Abhishek Nayar, head coach, UP Warriorz. We have also been clear about our belief in Indian talent. There are players in the auction pool who are hungry to improve and are ready for the demands of this level. If we can identify the right ones and give them the right platform, that is good for the team and for their development as well, he added. Kshemal Waingankar, COO & director of cricket, Capri Sports, said the franchises approach at the auction will stay consistent with the thinking behind its retentions. We went into the retentions with a clear idea of the kind of team we want to build, and the auction is a continuation of that. We have a core that gives us quality and experience, and now it is about adding the right pieces around it. We will be disciplined and stay true to our plan rather than being drawn into decisions that do not fit the squad, said Kshemal Waingankar, COO & Director of Cricket, Capri Sports. Our aim is to build a team that can perform consistently, and to keep creating an environment where Indian talent can grow and make its mark at the highest level, he added. The Warriorz will enter the WPL 2027 auction with the objective of completing a well-rounded squad around their established core, as they prepare for another competitive campaign.
WPL auction 2027 tomorrow: Whats on each teams shopping list, purse and slots remaining
The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction is scheduled to take place in Kochi on October 28, with five franchises vying to fill 27 vacant squad positions ahead of the new season. UP Warriorz enter the auction with the largest remaining purse of Rs 3.75 crore, while Mumbai Indians face tighter budget constraints. The franchises will look to strengthen their squads through strategic acquisitions, balancing player requirements against their remaining budgets.
WPL 2027: G. Kamalini Fully Available As Four New Names Added To Player Auction Pool
Delhi Premier League: Four more players have been added to the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction list at the request of the five franchises, while India wicketkeeper-batter G. Kamalini will be available for the entire season, a source told IANS. The new entrants in the 2027 WPL auction pool, which now stands at 150 players, are Delhi all-rounders Medhavi Bidhuri and Samaira Raghav, New Zealand pacer Bree Illing and Uttar Pradesh bowler Avanya Jain. The auction will start at 5:30 pm in Kochi on Wednesday. Yes, during the auction briefing held today, the late addition of four players was made, and all five teams were informed about it. All five teams were also told that G Kamalini is fully available for the 2027 WPL season as she will not be playing in the 2027 U-19 World Cup, which was the case before, further said the source to IANS on Tuesday. Kamalinis availability for 2027 WPL had been in question before she was understood to be in contention for next years Under-19 World Cup, which directly clashes with the tournaments fifth season running from January 14 to February 7. Two-time winners, Mumbai Indians had released Kamalini, who had a contract of Rs 1.1 crore, during last months retention deadline. But with Kamalini, who has set her base price at Rs 40 lakhs, fully available for the WPL, it means that she can get a good payday at the auction, where 27 slots are to be filled, and wicketkeeper-batters will be in great demand. While Medhavi, who bowls leg-spin, has gone viral for her 6-7 celebration in the Delhi Premier League (WPL) womens competition, Samaira is coming off a good showing in the U19 Womens T20 Trophy and is also believed to be selected for the U19 Womens T20 Challengers tournament, which prompted her late addition to the WPL auction pool. The 2027 WPL auction will open with a full round of capped players, and is followed by a full round of uncapped players. After the 50th player, the accelerated rounds may begin. With each teams overall purse at Rs 15 crore, UP Warriorz, who finished last in 2026 and have never reached the final in four seasons, have the most to spend at Rs 3.75 crore. The Meg Lanning-led side has eight slots to fill -- five Indian and three overseas spots. Gujarat Giants have a purse of Rs 1.25 crore available to fill three slots -- one of which is overseas. Defending champions and two-time winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru have Rs 1.15 crore available to fill five slots -- two of which are overseas. Four-time runners-up Delhi Capitals have Rs 1.10 crore in hand to fill five slots -- one of which is overseas. Mumbai Indians have Rs 90 lakh purse available to fill six Indian player slots. Australias T20 World Cup-winning captain Sophie Molineux, who has listed herself at a base price of Rs 50 lakh, and Jess Jonassen, who missed the 2026 season with a shoulder injury, are the biggest overseas names in the auction pool. Scotland wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Bryce is another name that will keep five teams interested, as well as Indias off-spin bowling all-rounder Sneh Rana. Uncapped batters Vrinda Dinesh, Gongadi Trisha, Saanika Chalke, and Mumbais 15-year-old batting sensation Ira Jadhav could draw strong bidding interest from the five franchises. Australias T20 World Cup-winning captain Sophie Molineux, who has listed herself at a base price of Rs 50 lakh, and Jess Jonassen, who missed the 2026 season with a shoulder injury, are the biggest overseas names in the auction pool. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
G. Kamalini fully available as four new names added to WPL 2027 auction pool
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) Four more players have been added to the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction list at the request of the five franchises, while India wicketkeeper-batter G. Kamalini will be available for the entire season, a source told IANS. The new entrants in the 2027 WPL auction pool, which now stands at 150 players, are Delhi all-rounders Medhavi Bidhuri and Samaira Raghav, New Zealand pacer Bree Illing and Uttar Pradesh bowler Avanya Jain. The auction will start at 5:30 pm in Kochi on Wednesday. Yes, during the auction briefing held today, the late addition of four players was made, and all five teams were informed about it. All five teams were also told that G Kamalini is fully available for the 2027 WPL season as she will not be playing in the 2027 U-19 World Cup, which was the case before, further said the source to IANS on Tuesday. Kamalinis availability for 2027 WPL had been in question before she was understood to be in contention for next years Under-19 World Cup, which directly clashes with the tournaments fifth season running from January 14 to February 7. Two-time winners, Mumbai Indians had released Kamalini, who had a contract of Rs 1.1 crore, during last months retention deadline. But with Kamalini, who has set her base price at Rs 40 lakhs, fully available for the WPL, it means that she can get a good payday at the auction, where 27 slots are to be filled, and wicketkeeper-batters will be in great demand. While Medhavi, who bowls leg-spin, has gone viral for her 6-7 celebration in the Delhi Premier League (WPL) womens competition, Samaira is coming off a good showing in the U19 Womens T20 Trophy and is also believed to be selected for the U19 Womens T20 Challengers tournament, which prompted her late addition to the WPL auction pool. The 2027 WPL auction will open with a full round of capped players, and is followed by a full round of uncapped players. After the 50th player, the accelerated rounds may begin. With each teams overall purse at Rs 15 crore, UP Warriorz, who finished last in 2026 and have never reached the final in four seasons, have the most to spend at Rs 3.75 crore. The Meg Lanning-led side has eight slots to fill -- five Indian and three overseas spots. Gujarat Giants have a purse of Rs 1.25 crore available to fill three slots -- one of which is overseas. Defending champions and two-time winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru have Rs 1.15 crore available to fill five slots -- two of which are overseas. Four-time runners-up Delhi Capitals have Rs 1.10 crore in hand to fill five slots -- one of which is overseas. Mumbai Indians have Rs 90 lakh purse available to fill six Indian player slots. Australias T20 World Cup-winning captain Sophie Molineux, who has listed herself at a base price of Rs 50 lakh, and Jess Jonassen, who missed the 2026 season with a shoulder injury, are the biggest overseas names in the auction pool. Scotland wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Bryce is another name that will keep five teams interested, as well as Indias off-spin bowling all-rounder Sneh Rana. Uncapped batters Vrinda Dinesh, Gongadi Trisha, Saanika Chalke, and Mumbais 15-year-old batting sensation Ira Jadhav could draw strong bidding interest from the five franchises. Jess, though, is down with a neck injury, which has ruled her out of the upcoming WBBL. Though her return to play is set for the new year, it may be too close to comfort for teams to pick her for 2027 WPL. Ira's availability for WPL 2027 will also be doubtful if she is selected for India's U-19 Women's T20 World Cup squad.
Fahadh Faasil and Nazriya Nazim have crafted a home that embodies their warmth and creativity. Their social media snapshots reveal a cozy balcony that harmonizes with nature and vibrant decor. Featuring an eclectic mix of simple furnishings and colorful accents, the interiors are generously infused with natural light. Through her posts, Nazriya shares their intimate moments, emphasizing their bond while carefully curating a life that stays distinct from the limelight.
CIAL in Kochi becomes Indias first airport to process international passengers through DigiYatra
The facility uses electronic passports and facial recognition to verify passengers, reducing the need for physical documents at designated checkpoints
Kochi Merc Crash: Four Police Officers Including Circle Inspector, SHO Suspended
The suspensions came after a preliminary report by ADGP (Law and Order) P Vijayan, who visited the victims family and accident site on Tuesday. He also stopped by the Cheranalloor police station to look into claims of serious procedural lapses and preferential treatment in the case
Probe on track in PSC exam case, State informs Kerala HC
Kadambrayar River pollution: PCB seeks action-taken report from Thrikkakara municipality
The agency had issued a notice to the civic body under the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, seeking details of the steps taken to rejuvenate the water body.
