Nigerian national held in Kerala after Gujarat Police follow WhatsApp trail in drug case
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 7 (IANS) The Ahmedabad City Police have arrested a 36-year-old Nigerian national from Kerala for allegedly arranging a consignment of 1.85 kg of mephedrone seized in Ahmedabad in September, taking the investigation to the suspected main supplier in an interstate drug trafficking network. The accused, identified as Charles alias Frank Ofudile, was arrested from Kottiyam in Kollam district of Kerala following technical analysis and inputs from human intelligence. He is a native of Onitsha in Anambra State of Nigeria, and was reportedly residing near Banaswadi Fire Station in Bengaluru. The case dates back to September 17, when the Naroda police arrested a 24-year-old man, identified as Nikhilesh Krishnappa, near Chamunda Tyre shop close to Nana Chiloda Circle in Ahmedabad. The police recovered 1,850 grams of mephedrone, valued at Rs 55.5 lakh, and a mobile phone worth Rs 5,000 from his possession. The total value of the seized items was Rs 55.55 lakh. During the investigation, the police learnt that the consignment was intended for delivery in Bengaluru. Acting on information received through WhatsApp, a police team was sent to the city, where it kept surveillance on the suspected recipients. On September 19, the team arrested another accused, Vishal, 28, who had allegedly arrived to collect the drug consignment. He is originally from East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya and was residing in Ramamurthy Nagar of Bengaluru. Further investigation revealed that the consignment had been ordered by a Nigerian national named Frank. The police traced his WhatsApp number and identified him as Charles alias Frank Ofudile. Naroda Police Station's surveillance sub-inspector V R Chaudhary examined the case records and conducted technical analysis, with the help of human intelligence, to trace and arrest the accused in Kerala. Police records also show that Ofudile was named in an earlier case registered at Nadakkavu Police Station in Kozhikode City, Kerala, under Sections 8(c), 22(c) and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The Ahmedabad case has been registered at Naroda police station under Sections 8(c), 22(c) and 29 of the NDPS Act.
Notorious criminal wanted for RJD leaders murder in Bihar arrested in Keralams Kollam
Mohammed Ajaj Ahmed was wanted in connection with the murder of Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Baidyanath Mahto and another individual in Bihar
Railway freezes proposal to extend Kollam-Kottayam MEMU to Ernakulam
The decision comes daily commuters and passengers associations said that extending the route to Ernakulam would disrupt the current schedule and inconvenience regular commuters.
Key Accused in Bihar RJD Leader's Murder Arrested From Kollam in Keralam
Kollam City Police received a tip-off from the intelligence wing of Bihar Police that Ahamed was hiding in Andamukkam
RJD Leader Murder: Key Accused Held In Keralam
Police in Keralam have arrested Ajaj Ahamed, a key accused in the murder of Bihar RJD leader Baidyanath Mahto. Ahamed, a Bihar native, was apprehended in Kollam after a tip-off from Bihar Police. He is allegedly involved in multiple crimes, including two murders and armed robberies, and had been hiding in Keralam since 2019.
Train fatally knocks down tiger on Kollam-Senkottai route
Islamic preacher sexually abused minor for months, held under POCSO
Keralam: A 34-year-old Islamic preacher and a prominent social media influencer from Keralam has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a minor girl repeatedly over a period of several months last year. Muhammed Niyas Jouhari from Kollam has a significant social media following, with over 2.25 lakh YouTube subscribers. The girls family had been following Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Oachira religious school in Keralams Kollam sealed following arrest in minor abuse case
Its director was arrested for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl under the pretext of exorcism
Extension of MEMU to Ernakulam raises concerns among Kottayam-Kollam commuters
Under the revised arrangement, the 66315 MEMU, which currently leaves Kottayam for Kollam at 5.40 p.m, will instead originate from Ernakulam at 5.25 p.m. and reach Kottayam at 6.45 p.m.
Joint training for India-Sri Lanka NCC cycling expedition commences in Kollam
Kollam collectorate goes digital with video call interface for public complaints
Kollam-Kottayam MEMU to run up to Ernakulam, set to ease rush in Venad
The extended service is expected to ease overcrowding on the Venad Express, particularly during evening hours, while providing an additional travel option for passengers commuting between Kollam and Ernakulam via Kottayam
Keralam Govt Explores Sustainable Tourism Options For Munroe Island
Located around 25 km from Kollam town, Munroe Island, also known as Munroe Thuruth, is named after Colonel John Munro, who served as a British Resident and administrative head in the erstwhile Travancore kingdom
Cyber Officer Impersonator Held For Nude Video Threat
A Kollam-native, Lijo Felix, has been arrested at Thiruvananthapuram airport for allegedly impersonating a cyber cell officer. He is accused of intimidating a young woman via WhatsApp call in February this year, claiming she was under surveillance for watching sexual videos, and then coercing her into sending nude videos as part of a supposed counselling process. The arrest was made by Thrissur Rural Cyber Crime officers upon his arrival from Germany.
Fake Currency Unit Busted In Kollam After Man's Disappearance
Police in Kollam, Kerala, busted an alleged counterfeit currency printing unit at a man's house, seizing equipment and fake notes worth approximately Rs 2.5 crore. The discovery was made during a probe into the man's disappearance and suspected hawala transactions.
Heavy rain alert in Kerala, Orange warning for 10 districts
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 23 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued Orange alerts for 10 districts in Kerala, warning of very heavy rainfall, with thunderstorms expected in several parts of the state over the next three days. The alerts, indicating the possibility of very heavy rainfall, ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours at isolated places, are in force in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Friday. For Saturday, Orange alerts have been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram. On Sunday, the warning will cover 12 districts, with Orange alerts in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. Yellow alerts, which indicate the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours, have been issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram on Friday; Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Saturday; and Kannur and Kasaragod on Sunday. On Monday, Yellow alerts will be in force in 12 districts, covering Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has urged people living in landslide-prone areas and regions vulnerable to flash floods to move to safer locations as directed by the authorities. Those living along riverbanks and in areas downstream of dams have also been advised to remain alert and relocate if necessary. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall and to postpone trips to waterfalls, water bodies, and hilly areas until the warnings are withdrawn. Entering rivers and other water bodies for bathing, fishing or other activities during heavy rain should be strictly avoided. Motorists have been urged to exercise caution on roads near water bodies and at locations where repair work is under way. People should also stay away from trees, electric poles, signboards and walls that could collapse in strong winds.
Police Probe Insurance Fraud in Kollam Medical Store Fire; Employee Arrested
The owner filed an insurance claim for losses amounting to Rs 77 lakh, they said. However, a detailed investigation revealed that the shop's electrical system was intact and the fire was allegedly set deliberately, officials said
Insurance Fraud Suspected In Kollam Medical Store Fire
Police in Kollam are investigating a suspected insurance fraud in connection with a medical store fire that occurred in August. An employee has been arrested, and the owner is also under scrutiny after investigations revealed the fire was allegedly set deliberately to claim Rs 77 lakh in losses.
Bodies of Two Indians Killed in Germany Apartment Fire Arrive in Keralam
Anjali, a native of Periyanad in Kollam district, also died in the fire at the apartment in Bochum. Her body has been taken to her hometown in Keralam.
Kollam District Collector asks political parties to ensure appointment of Booth Level Agents at all polling stations and to take immediate steps to assign them where vacancies exist
Doctor Arrested For Ganja, Assault In Kollam Hotel
A doctor in Kollam, Kerala, was arrested for allegedly assaulting police personnel and possessing a small quantity of ganja. He was remanded to judicial custody for the assault, while both he and a woman doctor were granted bail in the narcotics case.
All set for panoramic rail travel on KollamSengottai line
KCC triennial assembly to begin in Kollam on October 27
Rains lash Keralam, IMD issues orange alert for 5 districts
Thiruvananthapuram: Several parts of Keralam received rain accompanied by thunder and lightning on Wednesday, October 21, with the IMD issuing an orange alert in five districts and a yellow alert in five others. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam are under orange alert, with isolated very heavy rainfall likely over the next 24 hours, the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Minor Andhra Girl Sexual Assaulted in Kovalam Spa: Aunty, Uncle Held
During counselling, the victim disclosed that she had been brought to a spa in the Kollam area in late June or early July and had stayed there for around two months. She had subsequently spent about four days at another spa
Kollam gets its first exclusive Aadhaar Seva Kendra
This modern facility marks the sixth exclusive Aadhaar Seva Kendra to be established in Keralam
CPI(M) extended Kollam district committee meeting concludes
Attire is a citizens choice: Kerala HC backs school headmistress over attire row
Court was considering a petition by headmistress of a Kollam school seeking to disqualify school manager for allegedly denying her entry for wearing churidar-kameez instead of a sari
Case registered against BJP councillor Sreelekha over remarks against Rahul Gandhi
Police filed a case against R Sreelekha after her controversial remarks about Rahul Gandhi at a BJP event. Sreelekha criticized Gandhi's conduct and compared it to drug influence, which sparked backlash from Congress leaders. A complaint was lodged by Congress leader K S Sabarinadhan, prompting police action in Kollam district. They plan to review video evidence from the event as part of the investigation.
Northeast monsoon sets in over Keralam; yellow alert for State on Oct. 16
Ahead of the arrival of the northeast monsoon, maximum temperature fell appreciably in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts
Two bridges complete coastal road link between Kollam and Koyilandy harbour
The road will provide fisherfolk from Kollam, Arayankavu, and Gurukulam beach with direct access to Koyilandy harbour without having to use the national highway. The bridges were constructed at a cost of 1.16 crore using funds from the Harbour Engineering department.
Karshaka Sangham to hold night march in Kollam against ECI and Delhi police action
Kollam Kotta Company | Song - Company
Watch the song 'Company' from Malayalam movie 'Kollam Kotta Company' starring Rohith, Akshay Sheela. 'Company' is sung by Mamta Sharma, Sudhir Yaduvanshi, Justin Varghese and music of the song is given by Justin Varghese. Lyrics of 'Kollam Kotta Company' song 'Company' are written by Suhail Koya. Tinu Pappachan directorial is slated to release soon. To know more about 'Company' song from Rohith, Akshay Sheela starrer 'Kollam Kotta Company' watch the video.
SGOU Assistant Professor Recruitment 2026
Sreenarayanaguru Open University, Kollam (SGOU) has released the notification for 32 Assistant Professor posts. Eligible candidates can apply online at sgou.ac.in till 11 November 2026.
Employees' State Insurance Corporation Model and Super Specialty Hospital (ESIC Kollam) has invited eligible candidates to attend a Walk-in Interview for 23 vacancies, including Super Specialist, Specialist, and Senior Resident posts. The walk-in interview will be held on 22 October 2026. Candidates should report at 9:00 AM. Further details are available at esic.gov.in.
Captive Elephants Arrive In Trucks For Health Check-Up In Kerala's Thrissur
Federation secretary K Mahesh said similar medical camps would be organised in Kottayam and Kollam later this month.
The shutdown, scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on October 27, condemns the State government for allegedly sidelining eight villages in Kollam while recommending exclusion of 33 other villages across Keralam from contentious draft
Youth Congress blockades Income Tax office in Keralams Kollam demanding Gyanesh Kumars removal
Inaugurating the protest, Youth Congress State vice-president Vishnu Sunil Pandalam alleged that instead of ensuring transparent elections, the Chief Election Commissioner was subverting democracy by arbitrarily cutting down votes
Railways grant in-principle approval for new Kollam-bound train via Kottayam in Keralam
The new train service to Kollam via the Ernakulam-Kottayam-Chengannur route is aimed at easing the severe evening rush on the Venad Express
Wild elephant kills 80-year-old woman in Kollam
The VB-G RAM G worker was walking to her worksite when she came under elephant attack. Local people stage protest, following which authorities decide to drive the elephant back to the forest
Wild elephant tramples 80-year-old woman to death in Keralam
Forest Department officials later reached the spot in Kollam and drove the elephant back into the forest
Newly wed brutally tortured over dowry in Kollam
Promote responsible tourism to unlock Kollams potential: Minister
Man Stabbed to Death Over Two-Wheeler Dispute in Kollam, One Held
The deceased was identified as Muhammad Bilal, a native of Arinalloor in Kollam district. The accused has been identified as Shivaraju alias Kaari, a resident of Chavara
Newly-wed woman accuses husband of assault over dowry
Kollam: A newly-wed woman has accused her husband of physically assaulting her several times in Saudi Arabia where he works and in Keralam over dowry, police said on Sunday, October 4. Chavara police said that a case of dowry harassment and domestic violence has been registered against the husband and his parents on the womans Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
PK Krishnadas-led BJP delegation meets Keralam Governor, seeks Minister OJ Janeesh's removal
A BJP delegation led by party national executive member P K Krishnadas met Keralam Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Kottayam on Saturday and sought action against State Youth Affairs and Sports Minister O J Janeesh over the Youth Congress' black-flag protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Kollam last week. The BJP alleged that Janeesh, who is also the state president of the Youth Congress, had admitted to giving instructions for the protest and accused him of violating his oath of office by being involved in a conspiracy that allegedly threatened the security of the Union Home Minister. Speaking to reporters after meeting the Governor, Krishnadas said the minister had publicly admitted to his involvement in the protest and alleged that this amounted to a violation of the Constitution. He publicly announced that he committed a criminal offence. He said he broke his oath of office yesterday in Kollam, which is also a violation of the Constitution. He has repeatedly stat...
Gandhis ideals more relevant than ever in todays divided world, says Kollam Mayor
He was inaugurating a public meeting organised jointly by the district administration, the Gandhi Peace Foundation, the Corporation, the District Information Office, and the Education department as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations
No Police Security Lapse in BJP Protest: Keralam Minister KM Shaji
The BJP has been blocking the vehicles of Keralam ministers and waving black flags at them following a similar protest by Youth Congress workers against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Kollam last week
Keralam rains: IMD sounds orange alert for three districts
Yellow alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Wayanad
Security tightened for KeralamChief Minister amid continuing protests
The heightened security follows clashes with BJP activists and a string of protests targeting Ministers in retaliation for earlier Youth Congress black-flag demonstration during Union Home Monister Amit Shahs visit to Kollam. Satheesan has reportedly asked police not to add another security vehicle to his convoy.
Operation Thelima: eight eateries closed in Kollam
Operation Thelima is a special initiative launched in response to widespread complaints over the repeated use of recycled cooking oil in local eateries
Kollam Vigilance Court sentences RTO agent to six years in prison
The accused deceived applicants by promising them driving licenses without requiring them to attend driving tests, bypassing standard legal procedures
BJP warns security lapses may strain Centre-state ties in Kerala
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 30 (IANS) Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Wednesday stepped up his attack on the V.D. Satheesan government over alleged security lapses during the visits of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, warning that such incidents could affect Centre-state relations. Chandrasekhar said the BJP had offered cooperation to the new state government for the welfare and overall development of Kerala from the day Satheesan took oath as the Chief Minister. He added that the Centre had also made it clear during Home Minister Shah's visit to Kerala last week that it was ready to extend all possible help to the state. See what happened in Kollam when Union Minister Amit Shah was in the state and two Kerala Ministers were present, Chandrasekhar said. He was referring to the Youth Congress protest during Amit Shah's visit to Kollam. The BJP has described the incident as a serious security lapse. Chandrasekhar also pointed to another security-related incident during the Vice-President's visit to the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. He said that both incidents were serious and could not be dismissed lightly. A state Minister is responsible for this breach, he added, without naming the Minister. The BJP would raise the issue with the state government, Chandrasekhar said. He added that the issue went beyond a political confrontation between the BJP and the state government. Any lapse in the security of senior constitutional authorities was a serious matter, he said. Chandrasekhar also sought to link the issue to the Centre-state relationship. He said the BJP's offer to cooperate with the state government for Kerala's development remained unchanged. But the state government also had a responsibility to ensure proper security arrangements for visiting Constitutional authorities, he added. The remarks come at a time when the BJP and the Congress-led state government are already engaged in a political confrontation over the Youth Congress protest against Home Minister Amit Shah. The BJP has alleged that the protesters were able to come close to the route of the Union Home Minister's convoy because of inadequate security arrangements. The police, however, have said that the protesters did not obstruct the convoy or come close enough to constitute a security breach. Chandrasekhar said the BJP would continue to raise the issue and seek accountability for the lapses.
Back-to-back attacks on Congress offices in Thiruvananthapuram spark political tensions in Keralam
Attacks come against backdrop of tense Statewide standoff between Youth Congress activists and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha supporters after Congress workers waved black flags as Union Home Minister Amit Shahs convoy passed through Kollam on September 26
Bypolls Start in 38 Keralam Local Body Wards as UDF Govt Faces Heat Over Various Issues
Bypolls are being held in 38 local body wards of 12 districts in the state, except Kollam and Alappuzha, the State Election Commission (SEC) said
'Viksit Bharat' will be inclusive where no one is left behind: V-P Radhakrishnan
Digital Desk | Kollam, Sep 27 (IANS) Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday participated in the Vishwa Seva Dinam celebrations at Mata Amritanandamayi Math at Amritapuri in Kollam, and called for ensuring that Viksit Bharat is an inclusive Bharat where no one is left behind. Speaking at an event organised on the occasion of the 73rd birthday of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, the Vice-President said, Bharat is progressing towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat, and development requires infrastructure, technology, investment, innovation and economic growth. However, Vice-President Radhakrishnan stressed that development must also have a human face. While marching towards attaining a Viksit Bharat, we must ensure that modernity and our civilisational values move together, he said, adding that Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi should be the guiding mantra. He also called for ensuring that Viksit Bharat is an inclusive Bharat where no one is left behind. Vice-President Radhakrishnan offered his respectful pranam to Mata Amritanandamayi Devi and said that 'Amma' (referring to Mata Amritanandamayi Devi) is a miracle and should continue to guide us in serving society and the nation, an official statement said. He expressed the hope that the noble movement would continue to touch millions of lives and that 'Seva' (serving people) would become the foundation of a more peaceful, sustainable and compassionate world. The programme was attended by Governor of Keralam and Tamil Nadu Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar; Chief Minister of Keralam V.D. Satheesan; Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu; Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi; Speaker of the Keralam Legislative Assembly Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan; Ministers of the Keralam government; Justice Gopinath of the Kerala High Court; MPs N.K. Premachandran and Shashi Tharoor, Ambassador of Nepal to India Surender Thapa, MLAs, devotees and volunteers. The Vice-President said the true test of 'Seva' often comes during times of crisis and highlighted the Math's humanitarian response to disasters and emergencies. He referred to the organisation's assistance during the Indian Ocean tsunami, Gujarat earthquake, Uttarakhand floods, Keralam floods, Covid-19 pandemic and Wayanad landslides. He also highlighted the Math's contribution of Rs 100 crore to the Union government's Namami Gange programme, along with tree plantation, cleanliness drives and initiatives for sustainable rural living. Referring to the Amala Bharatam initiative, the Vice-President said it has undertaken large numbers of cleanliness drives across the country, while more than 10 lakh trees have been planted worldwide as part of the UN Billion Tree Campaign. He added that the spirit inspiring Amma's work is deeply connected to the civilisational ethos of Bharat. He said that Seva has no boundaries of caste, creed, language, region or nationality and recognises only one identity -- humanity. He described this as the underlying philosophy of Vishwa Seva Dinam, the statement said.
Yuva morcha waves black flag at Chennithala, Priyanka Gandhi in Kozhikode
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 27 (IANS) A day after Youth Congress workers showed black flags to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Kollam, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha activists staged separate protests against Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi in Kozhikode district on Sunday. Chennithalas convoy was confronted near Janakikadu in the Kuttiady area while he was travelling to attend public programmes. Protesters rushed towards the vehicles on a narrow stretch of road and waved black flags. Police personnel at the scene intervened, arrested the activists and removed them from the area. The second protest took place near Thambalamanna in Thiruvambady as Priyanka Gandhi Vadras convoy passed through. Activists waiting by the roadside moved forward with black flags as the vehicles approached, despite an escort comprising personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force and Kerala Police. Thiruvambady police arrested several Yuva Morcha leaders, including district president V.V. Sreehari and general secretary Nithin Madhusoodanan. The BJP had alleged that the Youth Congress protest against HM Shah in Kollam exposed a serious lapse in the Union ministers security. Yuva Morcha has since stepped up demonstrations against Congress leaders across Kerala, describing them as a response to that incident. Police intervened at both locations in Kozhikode to move the demonstrators away from the convoys. The incidents have drawn attention to security along the routes taken by political leaders, particularly when protesters approach vehicles on the road. Yuva Morcha has said it plans to intensify its protests against Congress leaders in the coming days. Its activists had earlier waved black flags at the convoy of Kerala Minister K Muraleedharan in Kollam. Tit-for-Tat: Yuva Morcha Shows Black Flags to Priyanka Gandhi, posted the Yuva Morcha on X. The successive demonstrations have widened the confrontation between the BJP and Congress workers following the protest against HM Shah. In Kozhikode, activists positioned themselves along the routes of two leaders travelling to separate engagements in the district before displaying the flags.
Youth Congress Workers Wave Black Flags at Amit Shahs Convoy in Kollam
Shah arrived in Kollam to attend two events in the district, at Kundara and Vallikavu
Union Home Minister Amit Shah faces Youth Congress black-flag protest in Kollam
Moments after the Home Ministers helicopter landed, demonstrators surged toward the moving motorcade. Security personnel cleared the route. The protest also sparked a standoff between protesters and local BJP workers.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah faces Youth Congress black-flag protest in Kollam
Moments after the Home Ministers helicopter landed, demonstrators surged toward the moving motorcade. Security personnel cleared the route. The protest also sparked a standoff between protesters and local BJP workers.
HM Amit Shah pitches for women-led cooperatives in Kerala
Digital Desk | Kundara (Kollam), Sep 26 (IANS) Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asked Keralas Cooperation Minister M. Liju to visit New Delhi and work out a comprehensive plan with the Centre to strengthen the cooperative sector in the state, while pitching women-led cooperatives as a key driver of rural economic empowerment. Addressing a large womens cooperative gathering at Kundara, HM Shah said Kerala had a strong foundation in the cooperative movement and urged the state to make greater use of the potential in sectors ranging from agriculture to fisheries. I dont know how to speak Malayalam, but I give all of you my respects, the Home Minister said at the outset, before welcoming those attending the programme. HM Shah said the demand for a separate Ministry of Cooperation had existed since Independence and became a reality under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said Kerala, with its long cooperative tradition, was well placed to benefit from the Centres initiatives. He said more than 23,000 cooperative units were functioning in Kerala and urged the state to work with the Centre on expanding their activities. I am requesting the State Cooperation Minister to come to Delhi and work out plans to strengthen the cooperative sector, he said. HM Shah also highlighted the role of the National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India (NCCF) and NAFED in promoting women entrepreneurs. He said NCCF was expanding its retail network and that Vanitha She Marts would provide women with a direct route to markets for their products. He said products would be sourced directly from farmers, while cooperative institutions could help create stronger market linkages. Referring to the Centres programmes, HM Shah said Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice were now available in Kerala and spoke of initiatives under the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme for providing pulse seeds to women. He also distributed scholarships to children at the function. HM Shah said the cooperative movement could become an important instrument for womens economic empowerment, particularly in rural areas. He cited the participation of women in NAFED and NCCF-related activities as an indication of the scale of the opportunity. He also referred to measures taken by the Modi government for women, including the opening of bank accounts, the extension of maternity leave to 26 weeks, and changes concerning Muslim women and Haj. Turning to Keralas coastline, HM Shah said the state had huge potential in the fishing sector and that the emerging blue economy could provide another area for cooperative expansion. He asked the state Cooperation Minister to discuss the possibilities during his proposed visit to Delhi, particularly the scope for bringing the fisheries sector further into the cooperative framework. HM Shah also said the Centre was ready to assist states in developing organic farming protocols and related initiatives. The Home Minister arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday afternoon and flew by helicopter to Kollam for the Kundara programme, his first public engagement during the visit. The programme, titled Sahkar Se Samriddhi, is aimed at strengthening women's participation in the cooperative sector. Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi, State Cooperation and Excise Minister Shiju, Tourism and Culture Minister P.C. Vishnunath, state BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Kollam Lok Sabha member N.K. Premachandran attended the function.
ED searches Arafa Gold premises in Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram in alleged bank loan fraud
According to ED sources, searches were conducted at the companys headquarters and the residences of its owner and partners in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram
Susthira Kollam project launched by Minister Bindhu Krishna
The project aims to foster the sustainable growth of the Kollam constituency
Padma Shri Awardee Cardiologist G Vijayaraghavan Dies at 84
A native of Perumpuzha in Kollam, Vijayaraghavan completed his MBBS from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College in 1964 and MD in General Medicine in 1969
Youth, teen girl from Kollam found dead on rail track in Angamaly
Kollam to be developed as Vizhinjams satellite port: Minister
New eel species described from Arabian Sea, named after CMFRI
New species, named Ariosoma cmfriense, was collected from the waters off Kollam in Keralam at a depth of about 300 m in January 2026
Resident of care home steps into a new life
Shalini, who grew up under the protective care of Government After Care Home for Adolescent Girls at Injavila, Kollam, marries Sudheesh of Anchalummoodu
Resident of care home steps into a new life
Shalini, who grew up under the protective care of Government After Care Home for Adolescent Girls at Injavila, Kollam, marries Sudheesh of Anchalummoodu
Kollam railway station redevelopment to be completed by December 2027
An advanced Building Management System will centrally monitor and regulate passenger-related services, automatically adjusting station lighting, announcements, and other amenities based on real-time crowd density
Pinarayi Vijayan era under fire as CPI(M) meet on Kerala poll debacle reaches its sharpest point
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 15 (IANS) The CPI(M)s extended state committee meeting entered its concluding day on Tuesday with the party facing an unusually open and sharp internal questioning of the leadership style that has dominated Kerala for nearly three decades, with former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan clearly at the centre of the criticism. The three-day meeting, convened to review the Lefts crushing electoral defeat, has witnessed an unprecedented degree of criticism from district committees and delegates. Much of it has been directed, directly or indirectly, at the style of functioning that evolved around Vijayan, who first became state secretary in 1998 and remained in that position until 2014 before serving as Chief Minister from 2016 to 2026. The Kollam district committee reportedly bluntly linked the decline of communist parties elsewhere in the world to the arrogance of their leaders, while the Kannur committee said the decade of LDF rule had weakened the organisation. The 2026 Assembly election campaign claims that there was no alternative to the LDF, was also criticised as having worked against the party. The criticism assumes added significance because the Central Committee report itself had acknowledged serious organisational and political shortcomings. Delegates have demanded that the party should make its mistakes and the corrective measures it proposes to take clear to both the people and its cadre. Though Vijayan has not been the principal speaker in the discussions, the thrust of the criticism is unmistakably linked to the political style associated with him. State secretary M.V. Govindan has also come under criticism, particularly over the party organisation and its failure to arrest the electoral decline. All eyes are now on Govindans reply to the discussions. His response is expected to indicate how the state leadership intends to address the unusually candid criticism without allowing the debate to turn into an open leadership challenge. The political reality, however, appears to favour continuity. Despite the intensity of the criticism, there is little indication that the meeting is preparing the ground for an immediate change at the top. A dramatic leadership change involving either Vijayan or Govindan would require a major political intervention that does not appear imminent. For now, the focus is on whether Govindan can acknowledge the concerns raised by the delegates, defend the leadership where necessary and offer a credible course correction. The extended state committee will conclude with a massive public rally in Kozhikode in the evening. The party has claimed that over a lakh people will participate. The rally may provide the leadership an opportunity to project unity. But the debate inside the meeting has already ensured that the question of the Vijayan era and its legacy can no longer be kept outside the partys post-poll reckoning.
Kollam MP N.K. Premachandran urged the removal of operational obstacles for VB-GRAM G workers. He stressed the need for adjusting geofencing boundaries for smoother attendance tracking through the NMMS app.
Brain-dead Keralam Soldier's Organs Save 7 Lives, CM Hails Gesture
Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Saturday hailed the selflessness of a 30-year-old soldier from Kollam whose organ donation helped give a new lease of life to seven people.
Hair in ice cream, expired stock: multiplexes in Keralams Kollam busted for food safety lapses
Kollam Madrasa Teacher Accused Of Sexually Abusing Students
A 62-year-old madrasa teacher named Imbichikoya, a resident of Unnankallu in Kadakkal, Kollam, has turned himself in before the Kollam Sessions Court following the registration of two POCSO Act cases against him. Police have collected evidence from the scene in connection with the sexual abuse of two minor students by a madrasa teacher at Kadakkal [] The post Kollam Madrasa Teacher Accused Of Sexually Abusing Students appeared first on The Commune .
Govt committed to upgrading 33,000-plus anganwadis: Keralam Minister Bindu Krishna
The Minister inaugurated the district-level launch of the Balyaspandanam project, part of the governments 100-day action plan, and the State-level launch of national nutrition month Poshan Maah at the Jayan Memorial Hall in Kollam
A day out in Vande Bharat, Kochi Water Metro for residents of this old age home in Keralam
Organised jointly by the Kollam District Womens Council and Ys Men International, the trip took the elderly women to Kochi as District Collector Annie Jula Thomas flagged off the journey
Fireworks show in Kerala goes awry, kills 107
Sparks fall on storehouse, igniting crackers stocked there; officials had denied permission for competitive fireworks display; several buildings in vicinity of temple were damaged; Narendra Modi rushes to Kollam with team of medical experts.
Kerala HC stays trial in 2016 Puttingal fireworks accident case
Court seeks States explanation on change of public prosecutor in proceedings before trial court. The incident in Kollam district had killed 109 people and injured 280 others
Keralam Swelters as Mercury Crosses 36C Amid Weak Monsoon
According to the latest IMD data, Punalur in Kollam district recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, a striking 4.3 degrees above normal for the station
Tuberculosis-free panchayats in Kollam felicitated
Labour Minister Bindhu Krishna says Keralam Health dept.s efforts to eradicate tuberculosis are exemplary
Thrissur, Sep 5 (IANS) The eight engineering students from Dindigul in Tamil Nadu who were killed in a road accident at Kaipamangalam in Thrissur had undertaken the trip without informing the college authorities, the institution said on Saturday. Local residents, however, raised questions over National Highway 66 safety and the parking of heavy vehicles along the stretch. College officials said they came to know about the accident and the deaths of the students only after Kerala Police contacted them early on Saturday morning. As the institution was closed for a holiday, the students are believed to have organised the trip privately. One of the deceased students, Santhosh, was staying in the college hostel but had gone home before joining the journey, officials said. College representatives and relatives of the victims have since left for Thrissur. The eight young men were killed in the accident on National Highway 66 at Kaipamangalam when the car in which they were travelling crashed into a stationary truck around midnight. Five occupants reportedly died on the spot while the rest died later. The bodies were taken to Thrissur Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examinations before being handed over to their families. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) maintained that the car was travelling at excessive speed when the accident occurred. It said adequate warning signs and safety arrangements had been put in place along the highway and assured cooperation with the investigation. Local residents, however, raised questions over highway safety and the parking of heavy vehicles along the stretch. They alleged that three trucks had been parked illegally on the road at the time of the accident and that drivers of two vehicles subsequently left the area with their trucks. Residents also pointed to poor lighting, the absence of speed breakers and the positioning of direction boards as factors contributing to accidents. They said vehicles entering the highway from service roads often travel at high speeds, while trucks parked along the carriageway pose a serious danger at night. The Kaipamangalam stretch has witnessed serious accidents in the past and actor and mimicry artiste Kollam Sudhi was killed in a road accident in the area. Minister O.J. Janeesh Kumar said allegations regarding negligent parking of the truck would be investigated. He also criticised the NHAI over safety arrangements during highway construction and said authorities had earlier been asked to provide adequate warnings and safeguards. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Sabarimala gold case: Ex-TDB chief P.S. Prasanth granted bail on medical grounds
Prasanth was shifted from jail to a hospital in August after suffering brain haemorrhage. Kollam court had earlier dismissed his bail petition, after which filed a fresh petition was filed citing need for advanced medical treatment
ESA notification emerges as key political issue in Keralams Pathanamthitta
Latest draft notification has brought seven villages in the district, Chittar, Seethathode, Aruvappulam and Thannithode in Konni taluk, and Vadasserikkara, Perunad and Kollamula in Ranni taluk, under the ESA framework
Kollam: Family Awaits News of Woman Missing After Nepal Floods
The relatives said steps were reportedly being taken to collect DNA samples from Sunanda's children, who are in the UK, to help with identification if required
Kudumbashree records 2.78 crore Onam turnover in Keralams Kollam
Motorists seek restriction of four-wheelers on Kollampalayam bypass
KGMOA decides not to cooperate with the working arrangement proposed in Kollam district
The association is demanding that the government establish clear guidelines and adequately staff hospitals before implementing round-the-clock services, underlining the urgent need for a more robust healthcare infrastructure.
Railways reviews construction of Aroor railway bridge; Piling work completed
As the project progresses, officials expect the infrastructure enhancements, including major station redevelopments in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, to significantly improve passenger amenities by the March 2028 completion target.
