Motorists seek repair works to road under bridge at Kollampalayam
Sabarimala gold loss case: SIT grills former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner
Investigators questioned former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K S Baiju regarding gold lost from Sabarimala temple. Baiju was permitted custody until evening by the Kollam Vigilance Court. He was the Commissioner when gold-plated coverings were removed for electroplating in 2019. The court dismissed his bail application in a related case. Six people have been arrested so far.
Navy Day celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram: Traffic arrangements in place on December 1, 3
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of the Navy Day celebrations, the Indian Navy will hold a Naval Day Operation Demo at Shankhumukham at 4.30 pm on December 3. Ahead of the main event, a rehearsal programme will be held on December 1 starting at 4.30 pm. As a large crowd is expected, traffic arrangements will be implemented in the city from noon. City police commissioner Thomson Jose pointed out that the public has been allowed to attend the rehearsal as well, and everyone is required to follow the traffic arrangements announced for the day. Only vehicles with passes will be allowed to enter Shankhumukham and Vettucaud from areas, including Chackai, Kallummoodu, Stationkadavu, Valiyathura, Kumarichantha, and Madhavapuram. Passes will be checked, and parking will be available only as per the allocation. Special guests and media vehicles can enter Shankhumukham one hour before the event and must park in designated areas according to the QR code on their passes, said the commissioner. Vehicles arriving later must use alternative routes via Enchakkal, Kallummoodu, Ponnarapalam, Valiyathura, and the domestic airport. For the public without passes, parking has been arranged at multiple locations across the city. From these parking grounds, KSRTC buses will ferry spectators to Vettucaud to view the naval demonstration. Services will begin from 1 pm at a fixed ticket charge and return buses will be provided after the event. The police have informed that people coming from colleges or schools to watch the event must inform the traffic police in advance and confirm their parking arrangements. Airport or railway station travellers are asked to plan their journeys to reach on time. Those heading to the domestic airport should use the Valiyathura, Chackai Flyover, Enchakkal, Kallummoodu, Ponnaraalam, and Valiyathura routes to reach, and return via Sulaiman Street, Vallakkadavu, and Inchakkal. Vehicles going to the international airport should use the Chackai-Ananthapuri Hospital-Service Road route. All travellers must carry their flight tickets in the vehicle. The public is allowed to park only in designated parking areas. Vehicles parked illegally will be removed using recovery services and legal action will be taken. 2,500-3,000 police deployment will be in the city. After the event, spectators should return to the designated parking grounds by boarding KSRTC buses arranged at Vettucaud, avoiding traffic congestion, the commissioner said. Parking locations * Greenfield Stadium and University College, Karyavattom: For those coming from Kollam, Attingal, Pothencode, Sreekaryam * MG College ground: For those arriving via MC Road * Salvation Army, Sanskrit College, University College, University Campus, LMS grounds: For areas like Kowdiar, Peroorkada, Sasthamangalam * Poojappura ground, Jimmy George Indoor Stadium, KWA compound: For Thirumala, Kattakkada areas * Killippalam Boys School, Attukal ground, Homoeo College in Iranimuttom, Putharikandam: For Parassala, Neyyattinkara, Pappanamcode, Karamana * Lulu Mall, Anayara World Market, Karikkakam Temple: For Kovalam, Poonthura, Thiruvallam, Pettah, Enchakkal * Puthenthoppu Church, St Xaviers College: For Varkala, Kadakkavoor, Perumathura
The hospital was selected from 57 nominations from 51 countries in the Asia-Pacific region
Kerala local body polls: Rivals will seek to loosen LDFs firm grip on Kollam Corporation
Since the formation of the Corporation in 2000, the Left front has been in power. This time, the CPI(M) is not fielding a single sitting member of the current council, hoping that a totally new line-up will get voters approval. While the UDF is looking for a recovery from a major setback in the 2020 elections, the NDA, having tripled its seats in 2020, is highly optimistic about its prospects
Vets, vax & woofs: Kochi's stray dogs get anti-rabies shots
Over the past few days, young men and women sporting bright yellow T-shirts have been spotted running with pole-nets behind stray dogs across the city. Many have been wondering what they were up to, considering the national attention strays have drawn in recent times. Well, these youths are members of several NGOs that have joined forces for a vaccination campaign. The Worldwide Veterinary Services Mission Rabies, in partnership with the Animal Rescue Kochi collective, has deployed about 200 volunteers across wards under the city corporation, and the Chellanam and Kumbalangi panchayats. Their target: to vaccinate 10,000 stray dogs. Notably, as per the corporations estimates, there are as many strays within the city limits alone. The five-day vaccination drive, which started on November 24, is being carried out by NGO volunteers from across the country especially Goa, the base of Mission Rabies India and from several other nations. Notably, the campaign comes amid rising judicial and public pressure. Kerala recorded 3.63 lakh dog-bite cases in the past year, a third linked to strays. In July, the High Court slammed civic bodies for inaction, noting over 1 lakh bites and 16 deaths in just six months this year. The court rejected culling and directed a humane, structured approach centred on sterilisation, vaccination, and monitoring. Among the chief coordinators of the ongoing vaccination drive is Sajith Sajan, a veterinary nurse and founder of Animal Rescue Kochi. known for his efforts in organising fundraisers, adoption drives, and community outreach. Animal Rescue Kochi acts as a base for the campaign. We collaborate and coordinate drives with other organisations, Sajith says. Working alongside him is British veterinary nurse Julie Corfmat, the Kerala head of Mission Rabies, who has spent nearly two decades working with street dogs across India. Last year, Mission Rabies collaborated with Animal Rescue Kochi and ran a 14-day anti-rabies vaccination campaign across Chellanam, Kumbalangi, and 30 wards under the Kochi corporation. The team vaccinated about 3,000 dogs through field mapping, door-to-door searches, and mobile vaccination units, shares Julie. The success of that drive led to the current campaign, for which they met with the authorities to develop a strategy. So far, we have come across two cases of rabies-infected dogs during this particular drive. The total has now reached 25 since July in Kochi, Sajith says, underscoring the urgency of the mission. When a dog suspected of being infected is identified, it is taken away for isolation, observation and, if needed, euthanasia in an ambulance that remains on standby. Other dogs in the area are given supplementary vaccine shots. Two types of teams hand-catching and net-catching are deployed. Each has three to four volunteers armed with nets, vaccine shots, and paint markers. All the friendly dogs, the ones that we can handle, are vaccinated by hand. The aggressive ones are caught in a net, says Julie. We vaccinate, mark, and also conduct a post-vaccination survey to assess the coverage. Right now, we have 36 teams in action. Volunteers during a net catching drive TNIE joins a hand-catching team, led by 26-year-old Lokesh Yukiy from Goa, who has been with Mission Rabies for six years. The team also includes Sakshi, 18, from Shimla, and Dr Vishnu, a veterinarian from Kollam. On their second drive of the day, they head towards Nambiapuram in Palluruthy. For the next three hours, we trace a loop: Hospital Road, MLA Road, Nera Lane, Nambiapuram Road, AroorThoppumpady Road, and back to the Corporation Ground. The first dog approached the volunteers with curiosity, tail wagging. A quick jab, a green paint mark on the head, and hes off. Shy, older dogs retreat on seeing the team, while some puppies tag along like supervisors. On Hospital Road near Palluruthy, Sakshi emerges from a dark corner of a building with three pups. They are vaccinated gently, set free. A little later, Sakshi slips under an old pushcart to coax out another nervous dog. The mutt, however, manages to scoot. Such moments have become routine for us, she smiles. On MLA Road, the lanes narrow, and clusters of community dogs appear some playful, some cautious. One family brings out their pet indie dog. Dr Vishnu gives the little one a shot and hands a small card with the vaccination details to the family. Why do you paint the head? Will you take the marked dogs away? ask some curious children trailing the team. Volunteers explain the drive and importance of anti-rabies vaccination. Some older residents of the area demand that the strays be relocated, opening up conversations about coexistence and community responsibility. As we return to Corporation Ground, the teams tally for the day stands at 10 dogs. Those left would be covered by the net team the next day. On average, these teams together cover 250 to 300 dogs a day. Volunteers during the vaccination drive The modus operandi closely mirrors Goas rabies-elimination programme, which is said to be a success model. When Mission Rabies launched a pilot in Goa in 2014, the findings were alarming: among 45 suspected animal cases, 39 tested positive. What followed was public-health collaborations. Mission Rabies, the state government, and hundreds of trained volunteers created a model based on mass vaccination, surveillance, and rapid response, Sajith explains. In 2015, an MoU formalised the partnership. In a month-long campaign, over 63,000 dogs were vaccinated with the support of 500 veterinary professionals from 16 countries. A rabies hotline was introduced for immediate reporting, and door-to-door coverage ensured no pockets of the state were missed. By 2021, he adds, Goa was officially declared a rabies-controlled area after three consecutive years without a single human rabies death. Monitoring, surveillance, and annual vaccination cycles continue even today. Similar to Goas rapid-response system, a dedicated rabies hotline for Kochi is set to be launched soon. Sajith adds that vaccination is vital as animal birth control measures may not always be feasible due to manpower and logistical constraints. Corporation veterinary surgeon Dr Ambili T R echoes the view. The drive being conducted by Mission Rabies supplements ongoing efforts to curb issues related to stray dogs, including the animal birth control (ABC) and public awareness campaigns, she says. The ABC centre in Brahmapuram is already functioning, and we are looking to expand it further. The centre also has up to 27 kennels and space for dogs to play and rest. There are also four large caged enclosures. We also opened one centre in Tripunithura this year. There is a limit to how much a local civic body can do, so such collaborations are critical.
50 Sabarimala Pilgrims Injured After Tamil Nadu Bus Overturns in Idukki
One critically hurt as vehicle loses control on KollamTheni National Highway
Tenders worth 6.46 crore for station redevelopment projects in Kollam and Alappuzha
Sasthamkotta and Karunagappally in Kollam, and Haripad and Punnapra in Alappuzha are the stations in focus
Vigilance court sends former TDB chief to SIT custody in Sabarimala gold case
KOLLAM: The Vigilance Court here on Wednesday sent former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar to the custody of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of gold-plated artefacts meant for Sabarimala. He will remain in SIT custody till 5 pm on Thursday. The prosecution sought his custody, stating that crucial information still needed to be extracted from him. The SIT also informed the court that the investigation report would soon be submitted to the Kerala High Court and that questioning Padmakumar was essential at this stage. However, the defence argued that custody was unnecessary as Padmakumar had been cooperating with the probe. The prosecution countered that he had ignored three notices to appear before the investigators. The court accepted the prosecutions argument and granted custody. Shortly after the order, BJP workers blocked the vehicle transporting Padmakumar for medical examination outside the court complex. Police removed the protestors, and the vehicle later left the premises. Padmakumar has been lodged in judicial remand at the District Sub Jail in Thiruvananthapuram following his arrest last week after hours of questioning at the Crime Branch office in Enchakkal. The SIT has named him the eighth accused in the second case related to missing gold from the Sreekovil door frames.
SIT produces Padmakumar before Inquiry Commissioner and Special Vigilance Judge in Kollam. Court remands him in SIT custody till Friday
Kerala local body polls 2025: Rival fronts fear public anger as pollution hogs the limelight
Public anger over industrial emissions and untreated wastewater is mounting pressure on political parties. While reverberations of agitations against a poultry waste treatment plant in Kozhikode is likely to shape voter sentiment, Ashtamudi Lakes pollution is becoming a key poll issue in Kollam.
Ahead of National Milk Day, Milma launches five new premium products
Kerala Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development J. Chinchurani will inaugurate the State-level National Milk Day celebrations on November 26 in Kollam. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal will preside over the function
Kerala man arrested for bludgeoning wife to death with LPG cylinder
KOLLAM: A man from Karikkod in Kollam was arrested for bludgeoning his wife with an LPG cylinder to death in a late-night assault. The woman was found dead in a pool of blood at their home in the early hours of Monday when police reached the spot. Kilikollur police have registered a case. The victim, Kavitha, 46, had suffered fatal head injuries and died on the spot, police said. Her husband, Madhusoodanan Pillai, was taken into custody from the house soon after officers arrived. According to police, the incident happened around 12.30 am, when Madhusoodanan Pillai allegedly hit Kavitha multiple times on her head with a gas cylinder. Their daughter was inside the house at the time. Startled by loud sounds, neighbours rushed to their house and alerted the police. A doctor called to the spot confirmed that she was dead. Madhusoodanan Pillai was later taken to the Kilikkollur police station. The body has been shifted to a government hospital for autopsy. Police said preliminary investigation suggest that a domestic dispute triggered the attack and investigation is underway. Officers added that Madhusoodanan Pillai, who works in the cashew business, is a habitual drinker and has been undergoing treatment for depression.
Man kills wife by hitting her with LPG cylinder in Kerala's Kollam
KOLLAM : A 45-year-old woman died after she was allegedly attacked by her husband using an LPG cylinder at Mangad here in the early hours of Monday, police said. The deceased has been identified as Kavitha, a resident near Apollo Junction, Karicode, Mangad. Police have arrested her husband, Madhusudhanan Pillai, who assaulted her following a quarrel at their house around midnight. According to the FIR, the incident took place at around 12.30 am when Pillai hit Kavitha multiple times on her head with a gas cylinder. The FIR also stated that the couple's daughter was present in the house at the time of the incident. Hearing loud noises, neighbours rushed to the house and alerted the police. Officers reached the spot and found Kavitha lying unconscious in the hall. A doctor was called to the location and confirmed her death. Pillai was arrested and shifted to the Kilikkollur police station, where a case of murder has been registered, officials said. The body has been shifted to a government hospital for postmortem.
Parasitic leech found off Kollam a likely threat to native fish health
KOLLAM: A parasitic marine leech previously found only along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts has been reported for the first time in Indian waters off the Kollam coast. The finding has raised concern among researchers about the parasites potential impact on fish health, fisheries productivity and the marine ecosystem. The species, Pontobdella muricata, was found among the trawl bycatch that landed at Sakthikulangara harbour. The specimen was found attached to the ventral side of a ray fish, confirming a new parasite-host association for a leech previously restricted to colder European waters. Researchers say the leech poses no direct threat to humans but warn that it could severely affect native fish populations. Even a single leech can cause lesions, draw blood and create wounds that allow secondary infections reducing fish health and market value, says the study. The finding has triggered concerns about what else may be silently shifting to Keralas waters. The current detection is limited to deepwater skates, but researchers warn that the shift in parasite distribution may indicate changing ocean conditions, altered migration routes or broader ecological imbalances. Our marine ecosystem is already under extreme stress due to global warming, pollution, deep-sea fishing and declining fish stocks. With fisheries under unprecedented pressure, the emergence of a new parasite is a red flag, said Sarlin Pathissery, head of the zoology department, Fatima Mata National College, Kollam, who led the study. The new parasite could harm fish populations in the long run, especially in waters already stressed by overfishing, warming seas and species degradation. But how exactly this will affect the fishing community and the wider environment requires in-depth study, she said. If such parasites spread to commercially important species, small fishers who depend on healthy, clean catch for their livelihood will be the most affected, the study notes. Impact of parasites may be huge, need further study The exceptionally high genetic similarity (more than 99%) between the Kollam specimen and populations from the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts underscores the need for focused comparative assessments to determine whether similar ecological or pathological effects may arise in Indian waters. Researchers argue that monitoring such hidden parasites is crucial not just for biodiversity records but to understand subtle ecological shifts that ultimately influence coastal livelihoods. The discovery of the parasite is a reminder that what is hiding under the ocean will reach the market fish stall and our homes sooner than we expect. These parasites may be small, but their impact could be huge. Thats why further study is needed, said Sandie Moris, a chemical engineering student at Government Engineering College, Thrissur, who assisted the study. Savio Morris, chemical engeneering student at TKM Engineering College, Kollam, and Sancia Moris of the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology, Germany, were also part of the study. It has been published in a peer reviewed international journal, Taylor & Francis Biodiversity. First time in Indian waters Its for the first time that parasitic marine leech, Pontobdella muricata, is found in Indian waters, says the study The species was previously found only along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts The leech could severely affect native fish populations
Rookies who redefined rural development in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: They were once dismissed as too young, too inexperienced, too idealistic for the rough-and-tumble of grassroots administration. But over the past five years, a few in their 20s who took charge of grama panchayats across Kerala have not only proved sceptics wrong, but also left behind commendable achievements. As Kerala heads for another local body election, its stories offer a revealing glimpse into both the possibilities and the limitations of youth politics at the grassroots. TNIE spoke to some leaders who assumed office between 20 and 25 a cohort that brought freshness, visibility and vibrancy to local governance. Their track records show ambition and innovation, yet many are stepping away, citing one factor that continues to haunt young entrants: the painfully low honorarium that makes politics a financial burden rather than a career possibility. Reshma Mariam Roy From too young to double Swaraj Trophy winner When CPMs Reshma Mariam Roy became president of the Aruvappulam grama panchayat (Pathanamthitta) in 2020, she had turned 21 the minimum age to contest just a day before filing her nomination. She went on to lead her panchayat to two consecutive Swaraj Trophies, disproving assumptions about her inexperience. I was told running a panchayat is not childs play, Reshma said. But with the support of my colleagues and comrades, we transformed Aruvappulam into one of the districts best-performing panchayats, she said. This time, she is contesting for the district panchayat from Malayalapuzha, confident that younger generations bring a sharper focus on development, especially when paired with the experience of senior leaders. Johnys P Stephen Young leaders bow out due to low honorarium While some soared, others have quietly decided to step away from electoral politics - not due to disillusionment, but because they simply cannot afford it. One of them is Johnys P Stephen, who became Uzhavoor (Kottayam) panchayat president as a 22-year-old independent backed by the UDF. I contested while doing my MA in English, he said. During his tenure, he secured land for a long-delayed mini civil station project worth Rs 4 crore and launched a farmers market bringing together growers from every ward. But he is not contesting again. With just Rs 8,000 for a ward member and around Rs 15,000 for a president, survival becomes difficult, he said. Young members can do tremendous work, but the low honorarium pushes them out. The amount must be increased, he added. Radhika Madhavan Taking development to Adivasi hamlets At 23, CPMs Radhika Madhavan took charge of the Malampuzha grama panchayat (Palakkad) in 2020. She is staying in politics and is now contesting for the block panchayat. Her tenure saw major interventions in Adivasi belts: new health sub-centres in Elival and Anakkal (one inaugurated and one awaiting opening), a new building for a 31-year-old homeopathy dispensary, and extensive waste-management projects. Pipeline work to address drinking water shortage in remote tribal settlements has also been completed. Young people should enter local governance, but financial constraints discourage many, she said. I continue because of my commitment to the party and the people. Amrutha C Rebuilding a panchayat while completing degree CPMs Amrutha C, president of Ittiva grama panchayat (Kollam), also assumed office at 23 after completing her degree in Sociology. During her tenure, the 70-year-old panchayat building was demolished and rebuilt, and funds were allocated for an upcoming industrial centre to support future entrepreneurs. She is recontesting, this time from a ward (Padinjare Vayala) held by the BJP. I could continue my studies alongside my responsibilities, she said. This time too, I want to show that young leaders are not temporary placeholders. A generation willing to lead, if system lets them As Keralas political landscape prepares for another electoral cycle, these stories underline a stark reality: Young leaders are willing to take charge and are capable of delivering measurable development. But structural constraints especially low remuneration are forcing many to walk away. The kids on the block have proven they can run panchayats, win awards, and push long-stalled development projects into motion. Yet unless formal support systems improve, Kerala risks losing an emerging generation of grassroots leaders whose only demand is that public service should not come at the cost of personal survival
Kollam district school Kalolsavam from Nov. 25
Rain likely across Kerala; yellow alerts in 7 districts on November 23
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alerts for seven districts Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki for Sunday. The IMD has forecast rain or thundershowers across many parts of Kerala over the next six days. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till Monday. Alert issued Sunday: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki Monday: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Palakkad and Malappuram Tuesday: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki Wednesday: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki
Judicial officer moves SC against High Courts disciplinary action
KOCHI: A judicial officer in Kerala has approached the Supreme Court challenging the disciplinary action initiated against her by the Kerala High Court for stopping the proceedings in 1,910 cases. The petitioner, Sony A S, who served as the Judicial First Class Magistrate III in Kollam from August 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 had allegedly disposed of 1,910 cases indiscriminately, without recording any reason. A Division Bench of the Supreme Court consisting Justice Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta has sought a response from the state government on her plea challenging the two orders issued by Kerala High Court upholding the disciplinary penalty and rejecting her request to restore her seniority. Sony A S, while serving as the JFCM in Kollam had invoked her powers under Section 258 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to stop the proceedings in the cases involving minor offences like rash driving. The petitioner argued that the orders were passed in good faith to reduce the backlog in accordance with administrative directions encouraging magistrates to prioritise contested trials. She said the Registrar of Kerala High Court had issued appreciation letters for reducing backlog. However, in September 2018, she was served a charge memo alleging deliberate disobedience of an office memorandum. The disciplinary proceedings culminated in withholding two increments with cumulative effect in April 2022. Sony said her probation was already delayed by several years and the penalty further affected her seniority and promotion prospects. She argued that the action was contrary to the Judges (Protection) Act, 1985 and the Kerala Judicial Officers Protection Act 1963, which safeguard the judges from disciplinary or civil action for acts done in good faith while discharging judicial functions.
RAF Team Deployed at Sabarimala for Security
A 140-member unit led by Deputy Commander Bijuraj from Kollam assumed charge at Sannidhanam, the temple complex, on Saturday
Kodi Kada is in non-stop election mode
Since 1984, the small shop is the primary source of campaign materials for political parties across Kollam and neighbouring districts all through the year. It provides an array of customised products and strictly adheres to green protocol
ED raids P V Anvars residences in Rs 22.3-crore KFC loan fraud case
MALAPPURAM: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials on Friday carried out extensive searches at the residences of former Nilambur MLA P V Anvar and his driver Ziyad Ambayathingal in connection with a money laundering probe linked to an alleged loan fraud at the Kerala Financial Corporation (KFC), which reportedly caused a loss of Rs 22.30 crore. The raid, which began around 6.30am, went on for over 12 hours and concluded by 9.30pm. The ED team probing a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, backed by CRPF personnel, reached Anvars house in Othayi early in the morning, secured the premises and commenced the search. A separate team simultaneously searched the KFC Malappuram office, Ziyads house and multiple office establishments linked to Anvar. The probe stems from a vigilance case registered on July 29 by the Thiruvananthapuram Special Investigation Team against KFC Malappuram chief manager Abdul Manaf, deputy manager Mini, technical officer P Muneer Ahmed, former MLA Anvar, and Ziyad. The case is that the loans were sanctioned without adequate collateral and in violation of key procedures. The vigilance probe followed a complaint by a Kollam-based industrialist and planter Murugesh Narendran, who later appeared before the ED and handed over what officials described as crucial evidence pointing to alleged black-money transactions involving Anvar. According to the probe, Ziyad was sanctioned a `7.50-crore loan on September 23, 2015, from the KFC Malappuram branch for construction purposes under Malamkulam Constructions Pvt Ltd., despite insufficient income proof. After there was default on repayment, the same property pledged as collateral was reused to grant two loans of `5 crore each totalling `10 crore to Anvar under PVR Developers on December 8, 2015. Officials allege that Ziyad concealed his existing liability and falsely certified that no dues to KFC existed, enabling disbursal of the later loans. The ED is now scrutinising the financial transactions of Malamkulam Constructions, PVR Developers, and other entities linked to Anvar and Ziyad as part of the money laundering probe.
Kerala leaders say grassroots politics shapes stronger ministers, legislators
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is not the MLA or minister you call when a water pipeline ruptures or a death occurs in the locality. Neighbourhood concerns tend to be the domain of ward members or councillors. But, these representatives may not always remain the guy next door. Local-body polls have given rise to several prominent political figures in Kerala. From panchayats and municipalities, to halls of assembly and Parliament, TNIE talks to some of the key figures whose political careers began at the institutions of grassroots democracy. General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who was the Thiruvananthapuram corporation mayor from 1995 to 2000, termed the local-body polls the toughest political test. The key is in fostering personal ties with voters. Here, politics takes a back seat. People mostly vote for individuals. Your voters are your extended family, he said. Higher Education Minister R Bindu, who served as Thrissur mayor (2005-10), said the experience one gains by working as a representative in a local body is unmatched, adding that it serves as a guide for all politicians. In my ten years in Thrissur corporation, I have directly interacted with people living in slums, erstwhile colonies, and many more. When you are part of local bodies, you understand the issues of commoners. The experience has helped me in my tenure as a minister, she added. A legislator who has had a stint in a local body knows how to combine peoples issues with the development needs of the state or country, Bindu said. My tenure as mayor helped me understand the dynamics between local bodies and government, and how they plan and execute projects, she added. Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan, who was a member of the Pampady grama panchayat, in the 1988-93 period, said his days as a panchayat member taught him how people must be accorded prime priority in a democracy, and that politicians work for the welfare of these citizens. Unlike legislative assemblies or the Lok Sabha, local bodies deal directly with people, which gives its members a hands-on idea of their views and desires. Once the youngest municipal chairman in the state on being named to lead the Angamaly civic body in 1979, Congress leader K Babu recounted how others had doubts when a 28-year-old was placed in that position. People naturally expect a seasoned politician to hold the office. However, when I was elected, I decided to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, which later strengthened my political journey, he said. The Tripunithura MLA said there was the larger trend of local-body members contesting assembly or Lok Sabha polls, which has given way to fresh faces being named as candidates. Kollam MP and RSP leader N K Premachandran fondly recalled his days as the panchayat member of Navaikulam -- which according to him laid the founding stone of his political career. The best takeaway from being the member of a local body is the ability to distinguish what is good and bad for people, especially when it comes to ministerial positions, Premachandran said. Speaking of his tenure as Thiruvananthapuram mayor (2015-19), Vattiyoorkavu MLA V K Prasanth said ground work is key in politics. People should understand that we work for them, which is what I did being part of flood-relief activities. When your work is seen, they will help you help them, he remarked. The teamwork and coordination do not happen overnight, but is the result of years of effort, said Prasanth. My stint in the corporation was a mix of ground-level interaction and office work, both of which have helped me in my political journey, he added.
Former TDB chief Padmakumar conspired in Sabarimala gold theft, says SIT report
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president and senior CPM leader A Padmakumar played a direct role in the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala by conspiring with the co-accused, the police remand report filed before the Kollam vigilance court says. Padmakumar, who was TDB president when the alleged offence took place, was arrested on Thursday after hours-long interrogation. The remand report, details of which were accessed by the TNIE , said Padmakumar ignored guidelines, which barred the displacement of temple wealth, and connived with the co-accused to move the gold-clad sheets to Chennai on the pretext of repair. He also identified gold-clad copper sheets as copper sheets in the agenda notice of the board meeting held in March 2019. This, the report said, was done deliberately to ensure first accused, Unnikrishnan Potti got hold of the gold sheets without hindrance to carry out the pilferage. SIT searches Padmakumars house, to seek custody today The report added it was on Padmakumars insistence that then TDB secretary S Jayashree issued an order sanctioning Potti to receive the gold-clad sheets. When the sheets were brought back from Chennai, Padmakumar did not examine the artefacts to ascertain their condition, which was a lapse on his part, it said. Meanwhile, the SIT probing the case searched Padmakumars ancestral home in Aranmula on Friday afternoon. The seven-member team aimed at recovering crucial documents linked to the crime. The team will seek Padmakumars custody on Monday. The co-accused in the case had told the SIT that Padmakumar took the final call on moving the artefacts from the temple to Chennai. He had denied the allegations and told the probe team that the subterfuge was the handiwork of TDB staff. The SIT had earlier arrested former TDB president N Vasu, former Sabarimala administrative officer Murari Babu, former Sabarimala executive officer Sudheesh Kumar, middleman Unnikrishnan Potti and former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K S Biju in connection with the case.
Mayavi represents LDF: Kothattukulam candidate becomes overnight social media star
KOCHI: Whats in a name, people may ask. For Maya V, the LDF candidate for ward number 26 in Kothattukulam, a good name means great fame. When the CPM picked her as candidate, everything was normal. But within a day, she became a star on social media as memes comparing her with Mayavi, the mischievous and playful goblin from a cartoon series published by a childrens magazine. People were creating memes based on the movie Mayavi with actor Mammootty in the lead role. Everything was normal till I went to bed two days ago. In the morning my comment box was filled with notifications. I enjoy the trolls and I am happy that it gave me big publicity. There were memes with Dakini, Kuttoosan and Luttappi, the evil characters of the cartoon series looking at me with jealous eyes. People welcome me with smiles and it is a big advantage in an election. Today, as I went to file the nomination media persons were eagerly waiting for me. It is an honour, says Maya V. A stand up comedian by profession, Maya V has been participating in a comedy programme of a popular TV channel for the past three years. A resident of Pavithreswaram in Kollam district, Maya settled down in Koothattukulam after her marriage with Siji Damodaran, who works as a chef in Ernakulam. My mothers name is Vasanthi and the initial V was added to my name during school admission. After all Mayavi of the cartoon series is a good character, she said. Maya V is locked in a triangular fight with Bhaskaran of the UDF and Jayan of the BJP in her ward.
Kerala local body polls 2025: Fronts lay out policy vision at election debate in Kollam
SIT arrests ex-TDB chief Padmakumar in Sabarimala gold theft case
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Putting the CPM in a precarious position ahead of the local body elections, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case on Thursday arrested senior party leader and former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A Padmakumar. A former MLA from Konni and CPM Pathanamthitta district committee member, Padmakumar was arrested after the SIT questioned him for hours in an undisclosed location in the state capital. The police had earlier listed the board of 2019 as the eighth accused in the case pertaining to theft of gold from the door frame of the sreekovil. Padmakumar was the TDB president when the alleged offence took place. Padmakumar was earlier issued notices to appear for questioning, but he did not comply citing personal matters. On Wednesday evening, the SIT asked him to reach Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. The co-accused in the case, who were arrested earlier, had reportedly testified that Padmakumar took a final call on moving the artefacts from the temple to Chennai. However, Padmakumar denied the allegations and told the interrogators that the subterfuge was the handiwork of the TDB staff. Later in the evening, he was produced before the Kollam Vigilance Court, which remanded him in judicial custody for 14 days. The senior CPM leaders arrest at a time when the state is on the verge of an election is expected to have major political ramifications as the UDF and the BJP have already targeted the ruling Left front on the issue. Sensing trouble, the LDF is set to launch counter attack. The special probe team had arrested former TDB president N Vasu and charged him for conspiracy, falsification of records and involvement in the gold theft. Padmakumar and Vasu to be quizzed together The case against Vasu was built on the basis of the statements of the former board officials who were arrested by the SIT. The probe team reportedly got statements from the arrested persons about the involvement of Padmakumar in the case. Its learnt that the SIT got leads suggesting Padmakumar had directed the co-accused, including former TDB staff, to record the gold-plated copper sheets of the dwarapalaka idols and the door frames as copper in official records. The SIT had learnt that the prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti shared close ties with Padmakumar. The SIT will now question Padmakumar and Vasu together to unearth finer details of the case. Vasu, who has close ties with the CPM leadership, was arrested in connection with the theft of gold from the door frame of the sreekovil. Vasu was the devaswom commissioner when the gold-plated sheets were allowed to be taken out and transported to Chennai for maintenance work. The charge against Vasu was that it was on his directive the gold-plated copper sheets were recorded as mere copper plates in official documents. During that period, Padmakumar was the TDB chief. The SIT has so far arrested six people, including former Sabarimala administrative officer Murari Babu, former executive officer Sudheesh Kumar, middleman Potti and former Thiruvabharana Commissioner K S Biju.
Former TDB president Vasu in SIT custody over Sabarimala gold theft case
KOLLAM : The Kollam Vigilance Court on Thursday sent former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president N Vasu to the custody of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the theft and misappropriation of gold slabs from the Sabarimala temple. The custody ends at 4 p.m. today, after which he will be produced before the court. He will be interrogated at the Kollam Police Club. The prosecution argued that police custody was essential to examine Vasus role in the case and to verify whether he had any direct financial links with the first accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, and whether he benefited from the alleged theft. The court accepted the argument. The defence opposed the custody, stating that Vasu had already been questioned once and that further custodial interrogation would cause mental and physical distress. They also argued that the alleged incident did not occur during his tenure as either TDB president or commissioner. The court rejected the objections. Vasu has been named the third accused in the case involving gold-plated copper casings that covered the stone carvings and sculptures of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. According to the SIT, the slabs were incorrectly recorded as copper in a letter submitted by Vasu to the Board. The Board approved the letter on 26 February 2019 and later decided to hand over the slabs to Potti on 19 March 2019. The removal was carried out based on an order issued by Devaswom Secretary S Jayashree. The investigation report cites serious lapses on the part of officials, including Vasu, and states that the gold was lost due to irresponsible administrative actions and failures within the Board. Vasu was arrested on Tuesday by the SIT appointed by the High Court to probe the alleged misappropriation of the gold-plated casings.
Missed Sabarimala darshan turns blessing
PATHANAMTHITTA: For Girija Murali from Kollams Kallambalam, this years Sabarimala pilgrimage was to be a long-awaited spiritual moment. Carrying virtual queue passes, she began the climb with hope, accompanied by two children and six other women, as part of a 17-member group. But on Tuesday, the hill shrine was overwhelmed by an unexpected surge of pilgrims forcing Girija, two children and six other women to turn back from Pampa to Nilakkal. Exhausted and anxious thinking that they would not be able to have darshan despite having valid passes, they began the journey downhill, their disappointment quiet but palpable. But what unfolded next turned that despair into relief. When the matter came to ADGP S Sreejiths attention, chief coordinator for Sabarimala Police, he immediately instructed officers to ensure darshan for the group. Police personnel traced the women, and guided them all the way back up the hill, ensuring that the elderly and the children were comfortable through every step of the climb. Soon, Girija and the others finally stood before Lord Ayyappa with their hands folded -- a moment they thought had slipped away just hours earlier. After a peaceful darshan, the group descended the hill, expressing gratitude to the officers who had intervened at the right time. According to the ADGP, the difficulty arose because several pilgrims reached Pampa on Tuesday without virtual queue passes.
Heavy rain disrupts normal life in southern Kerala
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority issued an orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha districts applicable for the next 24 hours.
Kollam corporation braces for fierce triangular battle
KOLLAM: Kollam corporation is expected to witness one of the fiercest battles in the upcoming local body elections with all three major fronts claiming an upper hand. The LDF, which has ruled the corporation for more than two decades, is treating the election as a test, while both the UDF and BJP insist that anti-incumbency and shifting demographics will favour them this time. Kollam Block Congress Committee president D Geetha Krishnan said the UDF has a clear advantage. We readied our candidates much earlier.They have gone door to door, listened to peoples issues such as water scarcity, waste management, road work and disease prevention and assured them of solutions. Our volunteers also ensured all UDF supporters were enrolled in voters list, he said. Such a painstaking process was never taken up by Congress, Krishnan said. He said under the leadership of RSP leader N K Premachandran, the UDF has compiled instances of alleged corruption under the LDF rule and highlighted them through meetings and marches. The BJP believes Kollam is one of the few corporations where it can significantly improve its presence. People have lost faith in the LDF and UDF. Forget waste management or development, not a single meaningful project has happened here under the LDF. This time, voters want change, and that is why the BJP will gain, said a senior party leader. A CPM source said LDFs long rule shows public trust. Kollam corporation has been a Left bastion for more than 20 years. That confidence remains. However, post delimitation, certain areas in town and coastal regions may swing to UDF, said the source. Mayor Honey Benjamin said the LDF tackled major civic issues that have affected residents. The biggest issue is waste management, and we have almost resolved it. We introduced agro bins, and the new recycling project is in the pipeline. It will be completed within six months of the new council taking charge. People have recognised our work, and they will not desert LDF, Honey said. Voting in Kollam district will be held on December 9.
Only 11.4 per cent of deaths in Kerala medically certified in 2023
KOLLAM: How many know that a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is legally required when a person dies under the care of a doctor, whether in a government hospital, private hospital, or at home? Despite Keralas reputation as a public health model, the state shows a serious gap in the medical certification of deaths. Only 11.4% of the deaths registered in the state in 2023 were medically certified, according to the latest MCCD report of the department of economics and statistics. Out of 30.4 lakh deaths registered, just 34,705 had a doctors certificate recording the cause of death. That despite MCCD being mandatory under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act when a doctor attended the patient during the last illness. The report points to limited implementation, with the MCCD scheme functioning only in five urban local bodies Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Kozhikode and Alappuzha covering just 150 hospitals across both public and private sectors. Among the medically certified deaths, circulatory diseases such as heart attacks and strokes account for 26.4%. Diabetes-related deaths have doubled over the past decade, rising from 10% in 2014 to 19% in 2023. However, the report notes that these figures likely represent only a small portion of Keralas actual disease burden. The report also says that when preparing MCCD, doctors must note the underlying cause the root disease or condition that initiated the chain of events leading to death along with the immediate cause of death. Accurate documentation helps the government understand mortality trends and plan health interventions, particularly in managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. A senior health department official tells TNIE that many government hospitals are not consistently following MCCD norms. Most hospitals skip issuing MCCD The cause of death is always a sensitive issue. Hospitals often record only the final event, like heart attack or multi-organ failure, without noting the underlying condition. Most hospitals skip issuing MCCD, and the details remain only in the patients case summary. Relatives are also not aware of the requirement, so they rarely demand it, the official said. Another official with the health department says families usually seek the certificate only when faced with insurance claims, pension benefits, inheritance procedures or legal disputes. Most families are not interested in MCCD unless they run into a legal or financial issue. When the cause of death is not certified, they may face delays or denial of benefits. Hospitals also avoid the process because the government is not pushing for it. A simple circular could make hospitals comply, he said.
Centre to establish CGHS Wellness Centre in Kollam
Railways conduct full-scale safety mock drill at Kollam Junction railway station
The mock drill was designed to strengthen disaster response capabilities and provide hands-on training for managing train accidents through a realistic scenario
Kerala cop booked for molesting woman officer during duty
Kollam: A case has been registered against a police official for allegedly molesting his woman colleague at the Coastal Police Station here, officials said on Saturday. Police officials said the case was registered against Senior Civil Police Officer Navas at the Chavara police station here. According to police, Navas was working on deputation at 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 .
Zonal competitions of SGOU arts festival from Nov. 15
The State festival will be held from November 28 to 30. Over 1,000 students from 11 study centres in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, and Kollam districts will participate in the competitions
Kerala local body polls 2025: Kollam district to have 2,722 polling stations
Man Attacked With Machetes, House Stormed After Argument With Auto Driver
A man and two of his neighbours suffered severe injuries when an autorickshaw driver and his friends, some of whom were waving machetes, stormed his house after a minor argument near Kollam in Kerala.
Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha and Ernakulam will go to polls on December 9. Thrissur, Malappuram, Wayanad, Palakkad, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kannur and Kozhikode on December 11
LSGD identifies new sites for regional sanitary waste incineration facilities in Kerala
The proposed plants, each capable of processing 20 tonnes of waste per day, will be established in Kottarakara in Kollam, Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam, Kuttippuram in Malappuram and Kadannappalli in Kannur.
Special train from Cherlapally to Sabarimala announced
Hyderabad: The South Central Railway (SCR) has announced special train services for Ayyappa devotees travelling to Sabarimala. A special train service (Train No. 07113) will operate between Cherlapally and Kollam from November 18 to January 13, departing Cherlapally every Tuesday. This train will pass through key stations including Secunderabad, Lingampalli, Vikarabad, Tandur, Yadgir, Krishna, Raichur, 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 .
Amoebic meningoencephalitis: study on host risk factors initiated
Health department and ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology begins case control study with 66 recent cases being chosen from Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam
Venu a victim of collapse of Arogyakeralam, says Satheesan
Kollam native had died at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital on Wednesday night
Protests erupt in Thiruvananthapuram as kin alleges medical negligence led to patients death in MCH
Kollamman had been admitted to the hospital last Saturday due to chest pain. Though kin alleges angiogram test was not performed on him, authorities say test was not done as the patient had several risk factors like diabetes, hypertension,which made angiogram a risky proposition
A Kerala Crime Misrepresented by AI Imagery By New Indian Express
The shocking case from Keralas Kollam district involves a man named Mohd Sajeer, who allegedly poured boiling fish curry on his wife, Rejila Gafoor, after she refused to take part in a black magic ritual prescribed by an Usthad a local occult practitioner. According to the FIR, the incident took place at around 10 a.m. Continue reading A Kerala Crime Misrepresented by AI Imagery By New Indian Express The post A Kerala Crime Misrepresented by AI Imagery By New Indian Express appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .
Vice President Radhakrishnan urges stakeholders to make Indian coir a global brand
KOLLAM (Kerala), Nov 3 : Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Monday described coir as a symbol of sustainable development and urged stakeholders to make Indian coir a global brand. He also highlighted the pivotal role played by exporters and stakeholders in propelling the Indian coir industry onto the global stage. The Vice President interacted with the members of the Federation of Indian Coir Exporters Associations (FICEA) in this south Kerala district. The interaction brought together distinguished exporters, industry leaders, [] The post Vice President Radhakrishnan urges stakeholders to make Indian coir a global brand appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Special trains to Kollam sought to meet Ayyappa puja season rush
According to official figures, around thousand scrub typhus cases are reported each year in Kerala, 70% of which are from Thiruvananthapuram and the rest are from Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki and Kollam
Kerala Man Booked for Pouring Hot Fish Curry on Wifes Face
The accused, who believed his wife was possessed, fled after the assault; victim hospitalised in Kollam district
Field studies in Kozhikode to identify reasons for surge in amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala
Health dept. and scientists at ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology will continue field studies in Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam too, which account for a significant number of the amoebic infections reported in 2024, 2025
KIIFB approves SPV for Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur Growth Triangle project in Kerala
Steps are on to secure approval of State Cabinet for registration, says Balagopal
Cyclone Montha likely to bring heavy rainfall in Kerala; orange alert for three districts
An orange alert warning of very heavy rainfall has been issued for three districts Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Monday, while the rest of the State, except for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, has been put on yellow alert
Model United Nations held in Kollam
Kerala rains: IMD withdraws red alert, puts 10 districts on orange alert
Yellow alert sounded for Kasaragod, Kannur, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday
Cyber police nab Kozhikode trio for alleged role in 25-crore fraud
The trios arrest comes a month after a woman from Kollam, Sujitha G., was arrested in the case; as many as 250 SIM cards, 40 mobile phones, laptops, and debit cards seized from a flat used by the accused
Heavy Rains Lash Parts of Kerala, Orange Alert Issued in 3 Districts
IMD sounded the orange alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts
Heavy rains lash parts of Kerala, IMD issues orange alert in 3 districts
Kerala's three southernmost districts, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta, are under an 'orange alert' due to heavy rains and thunderstorms. The IMD predicts very heavy rainfall of 11 to 20 cm, accompanied by winds up to 50 kmph. Other districts like Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Idukki are also expected to experience thunderstorms and strong winds.
Exit of southwest monsoon, onset of northeast monsoon likely to be on October 16
Orange alert issued for Idukki and Kottayam on Thursday; yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram
Exit of southwest monsoon, onset of northeast monsoon likely to be on October 16
Orange alert issued for Idukki and Kottayam on Thursday; yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram
Kerala Midnight Well Rescue Op Gone Wrong: 3, Including Firefighter, Die
A midnight rescue operation turned into a major tragedy at Neduvathoor in Kerala's Kollam, claiming the lives of three people, including a firefighter, after the old rope barrier around an 80-foot-deep well collapsed.
Surakshitha Theeram project launched by Kollam City police
New museum in Kollam celebrates A. Ramachandrans works
Inaugurating the museum, Chief Minister says the painters art works are a link that connects contemporary Indian painting to its traditional past as well as its future
KPCCs cultural wing to hold two-day south zone camp in Alappuzha
Around 350 delegates from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha districts are expected to participate
Army soldier arrested in rape case
Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Oct 2: The Badi Brahmana Police Station has arrested an Army soldier in connection with an alleged rape case on the complaint of a woman. Police said the woman has accused the soldier of rape. The accused soldier has been identified as Anup M, a resident of Kollam district, Kottam, Kerala, and is currently posted in the Satwari military area. The complainant is a college student and a resident of Badodi village. Based on the students complaint, [] The post Army soldier arrested in rape case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Chief Minister to inaugurate A. Ramachandran Museum in Kollam on October 5
It will showcase the artists complete body of work, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, stamp designs, and childrens books
J.P. Nadda blames LDF misgovernance for Keralas economic woes
He Inaugurated the BJP State committee meeting in Kollam on September 27.
Rain lash central and southern Kerala; IMD issues alerts
Thiruvananthapuram: As heavy rains lashed parts of central and southern Kerala, the IMD issued an orange alert in seven districts on Friday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam for three hours from 7am. Additionally, schools and colleges were closed 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 .
Kerala rains: IMD sounds orange alert for four districts
Orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts, while Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad are on yellow alert on Friday
Kerala Man Kills Wife Over Mistrust, Confesses On Social Media
Man killed his wife in Kollam, confessed on Facebook Live, then surrendered. Police booked him for murder after their sons complaint and seized both their mobile phones.
After Kollam womans arrest, police suspect role of more Keralites in 25-crore cyber fraud
Nun found dead in convent in Kerala
33-year-old woman, a native of Tamil Nadu, found dead in her room at the convent in Kollam
Over 20 students injured after school bus falls into gorge in Kollam
Champions Boat League: Keralas snakeboats to set sail for another season of fierce rivalries
This season, the league will feature 14 races, beginning on Pampa river at Kainakary in Kuttanad, Alappuzha, on September 19. The nearly three-month-long pan-Kerala event is set to conclude with Presidents Trophy on Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam on December 6
Elderly man duped of 3.72 cr in virtual arrest scam in Kollam
Kochi Blue Tigers crowned KCL Champions, defeat Kollam Sailors by 75 Runs
Kochi Blue Tigers defeated Kollam Sailors by 75 runs to win the KCL Season 2 championship, showcasing a dominant all-round performance.
Three-month-long Champions Boat League to begin on September 19
The 2025 edition will feature 14 races in as many places. Inaugural race will be at the Pampa in Kainakary in Alappuzha district while the finals will be at Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam on December 6
Kerala Temple Row: 27 RSS workers booked over Onam 'Pookalam' with 'Operation Sindoor' inscription
At least 27 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers were booked for making a floral carpet, or pookalam, at the Parthasarathy temple in Muthupilakk in Kerala's Kollam district during Onam celebrations.
LHB rakes for Chenai Egmore-Kollam-Chennai Egmore Express trains
Accused in pension fund fraud case lands in Vigilances custody
Akhil, who had been absconding after embezzling money last August, was arrested by a Vigilance team from Kollam recently. The investigation revealed that Akhil orchestrated a scheme to defraud the municipal pension system by creating fraudulent documents to siphon off family pension funds.
Kollam-Tamabaram daily express timing changed with effect from September 1
Clashes between CPI(M) and Congress workers leave several injured in Kollam
Selective coverage in rubber replanting scheme sparks farmer backlash
KERA Project offers a replanting subsidy of 75,000 in two phases. Eligibility is restricted to growers in Malappuram and Kannur in the north and Ernakulam, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram in the south. Idukki, Kollam, and Thrissur have been left out, prompting discontent among farmers
Milma Thiruvananthapuram regional unions bottled milk to be launched on August 19
Milma Cow Milk, priced at 70, will initially be available at sales outlets of Milma and its agencies in Thiruvananthapuram district in one litre bottles. It will be marketed in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha in subsequent stages.
Food Safety wing seizes 16,565 litres of spurious coconut oil in raids
9,337 litres of coconut oil not meeting the standards seized from Kollam and 6,530 litres from Alappuzha
Kerala man held in connection with wifes death in Sharjah, released on bail
Thiruvananthapuram: A month after the death of Chavara native Athulya Shekhar (29) in Sharjah, Kerala Police on Sunday detained her husband Satheesh (40), the sole accused in the case, at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Police said Satheesh, who arrived from the UAE, will be handed over to Thekkumbhagam Police in Kollam district, which had registered a 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 .
NRI detained at airport over wifes suicide in Sharjah
Thiruvananthapuram: The husband of a woman who was found hanging in their apartment in Sharjah last month was detained at the Thiruvananthapuram airport here on Sunday and handed over to the police, an officer said. 40-year-old Satheesh, a native of Sasthamcotta in Kollam district, is alleged to have abetted the suicide of his wife, Athulya 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 .
Two women die after speeding truck runs over them in Kerala's Kollam
A third person, a 50-year-old autorickshaw driver, was seriously injured in the incident near Kottarakara
Protests over continued incarceration of nuns in Chhattisgarh rock Kerala
Archbishop Pamplany seeks immediate intervention of the Union government. Protests held in Kannur, Kollam, Kozhikode, and Malappuram
