Kerala remains dependent on power imports, spends Rs 10k crore annually

KOLLAM: Kerala continues to remain heavily dependent on electricity imports, with more than 80% of its power consumption being met through external purchases, costing the state exchequer a staggering Rs 10,941.59 crore in the financial year 2023-24, according to the KSEBs Annual Administration Report. This growing dependence comes at a time when Kerala has 61 dams and 42 hydroelectric stations, highlighting a stark mismatch between potential and actual generation. According to the report, KSEBs internal generation amounted to only 5,652 million units (MU), mostly from hydroelectric sources, while the states total consumption crossed 27,696 MU during the year. Of this, 11,434.41 MU were sourced from Central Generating Stations (CGS). In addition, KSEB purchased 2,625.92 MU from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) through bilateral agreements. To meet sudden peak demands, 1,236.37 MU were procured through traders, while 5,531 MU were purchased from power exchanges. An official at KSEB pointed out that surging peak-time demand has made dependence on outside sources unavoidable. In March 2024, Keralas electricity demand touched 5,301 MW, exposing the limitations of our domestic generation capacity, the official said. Adding to the concern is the negligible generation from renewable sources. The report states that solar and wind stations owned by KSEB generated only 3.79 MU and 1.21 MU respectively during the year. Although Kerala has crossed 1 GW of cumulative solar capacity, only 224.08 MW (22.2%) is owned by KSEB itself. Kerala is one of the states where demand for electricity peaks during nighttime. The fact is that we could not generate the electricity as per our demand, and that forced us to import from other states. We cannot depend on solar projects as their generation capacity is limited. Currently the government is pushing the plan to store solar-generated power in batteries. But that plan requires a huge investment. We cannot set up thermal power plants, as it will invite opposition from environmentalists and local people. So until a mega project materialises, we have to depend on other states for our power requirements, said a senior official at KSEB. Another KSEB official stressed the urgent need to revive stalled hydel projects to reduce this dependency. Hydel projects planned in Athirappilly, Bhoothathankettu and Thottiyar were major hopes. But these remain incomplete. The Pallivasal Extension Scheme of 60 MW too has been delayed for 18 years. You can have small nuclear power plants, but again, you cannot proceed with such projects due to public protest. In that sense, hydel projects need to be completed in a speedy manner, the official said. Power sourced due to peak demand According to the report, KSEBs internal generation amounted to only 5,652 million units (MU), mostly from hydroelectric sources, while the states total consumption crossed 27,696 MU during 2023-34 Of this, 11,434.41 MU were sourced from Central Generating Stations (CGS) KSEB also purchased 2,625.92 MU from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) through bilateral agreements To meet sudden peak demands, 1,236.37 MU were procured through traders, while 5,531 MU were purchased from power exchanges

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

Eight passenger trains in Kerala get additional coaches

KOZHIKODE: The Southern Railway announced augmenting two additional coaches to eight passenger trains operating in the state. The statement from the zonal railway said that one second-class general and one second-class chair car coaches were provided for the convenience of the passengers. Train No. 16366 Nagercoil Junction Kottayam Daily Express, leaving Nagercoil junction at 1 pm, would be augmented starting from August 15. Train No. 16326 Kottayam Nilambur Daily Express, departing Kottayam at 5.15 am and Train No. 16325 Nilambur Kottayam Daily Express, departing Nilambur at 3.15 pm will be augmented from August 16. Train No. 56311 Kottayam Kollam Junction Daily Passenger departing Kottayam at 5.40 am and Train No. 56302 Kollam Junction Alappuzha Daily Passenger departing from Kollam Jn. at 9.05 am, Train No. 56301 Alappuzha Kollam Junction Daily Passenger departing from Alappuzha at 1.15 pm, Train No. 56307 Kollam Junction Thiruvananthapuram Central Daily Passenger departing Kollam Jn. at 3.55 pm, and Train No. 56308 Thiruvananthapuram Central Nagercoil Junction Daily Passenger departing Thiruvananthapuram Central at 6 pm would be augmented with effect from August 17.

Four member gang abducts and robs youth lured via dating app in Thiruvananthapuram; held

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Four men have been arrested in Venjaramoodu for abducting and robbing a youth after luring him through Grindr, a dating app for the LGBTQ+ community. The arrested individuals are Sudheer, 24, Muhammed Salman, 19, Ashiq, 19, and Sajith, 18 all from Chithara. The incident took place on August 7 on the Venjarammoodu-Attingal road. The gang allegedly targeted the Venjaramoodu native by arranging a meeting at Mukkunnoor Junction. The victim met the first two accused in a car, while the other two arrived suddenly. They took him away in the car, snatched his gold chain weighing two sovereigns and a half-sovereign ring, and assaulted him until he lost consciousness before abandoning him at Sumathi Valavu near Palode. According to the police, the gang has duped several people following the same modus operandi. The accused persons would identify people on the app within a 10-km range and invite them to meet at isolated locations. The first two accused would meet the victim and engage in sexual acts inside the car, while the other two, pretending to be strangers, would arrive later, and drive the car off at high speed before carrying out the robbery, said a police officer. The accused avoided sharing phone numbers and communicated only through the app, making identification difficult. They also erased evidence by factory-resetting the victims phone. The police said the gang admitted to abducting several people similarly, but most of the victims failed to complain due to fear of humiliation. The accused also forced some to transfer money through Google Pay and threatened to leak photos of them in compromising situations if they refused. In this case, the police zeroed in on the accused within 24 hours after recovering the deleted data from the victims phone using cyber forensics. The police have also seized the Alto car used for the crime. Three of the accused persons were intercepted by the Highway Police at Punnapra, Alappuzha, while they were fleeing to Ernakulam on two bikes. The fourth accused was caught at Kulathupuzha on Friday night. Meanwhile, Sudheer pawned the stolen ornaments at a financial institution in Kollam for Rs 1.25 lakh, said the police. The gang had made several lakhs in recent months and kept the money in Sudheers account. Sudheer also owns several cars that he rents out. Further probe will be done in custody interrogation, said the Venjaramoodu police. Communication only through the app The accused avoided sharing phone numbers and communicated only through the app, making identification difficult. They also erased evidence by factory-resetting the victims phone

Thevalakkara student electrocution death: Boy's family to get new home

KOLLAM: General Education Minister V Sivankutty, on Sunday, laid the foundation stone for a new house for the family of Mithun, the student who died of electrocution at Thevalakkara Boys Higher Secondary School. The Kerala Scouts and Guides, with support from the general education department, will construct the house at the familys existing home. Spanning 1,000 square feet, the house will feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen, among other facilities. It is expected to be completed within four months at an estimated cost of `20 lakh. In addition to the new house, the state government has announced financial aid of Rs 10 lakh to the family. The general education department will contribute Rs 3 lakh and also cover the educational expenses of Mithuns younger brother. Additionally, the KSEB has announced Rs 10 lakh in compensation, while the Kerala State Teachers Organisation will provide Rs 11 lakh. The stone-laying ceremony was also attended by MLAs Kovoor Kunjumon and Sujith Vijayan Pillai, public education director Shanavas S, and Kerala Scouts & Guides state secretary Prabhakaran N K, among others. Mithun, a Class 8 student, was electrocuted on July 17 while attempting to retrieve his slipper, which had fallen onto the roof of a cycle shed at his school. While climbing up, he accidentally came into contact with a low-hanging power line and later died at the hospital. Thevalakkara student electrocution death: Govt dismisses manager, takes over school administration

Kerala: Husband of Chavara woman found dead in Sharjah arrested

KOLLAM: Satheesh Sankar, 40, husband of Athulya, a Chavara native who was found hanging at her apartment in Sharjah in July, was arrested by Thekkumbhagam police on Sunday. The accused, a native of Sasthamcotta, was detained by immigration officials at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on his arrival from Sharjah and handed over to Valiyathura police. He was later transferred to Thekkumbhagam police, where the case against him was registered. Following interrogation, Satheesh was released on bail, as the Kollam Sessions Court had granted him anticipatory bail on Friday. The investigation is being led by Karunagappally ASP Anjali Bhavana. A forensic examination in Sharjah had earlier found no abnormality in Athulyas death. The results of a re-postmortem conducted after the body was brought to Kerala are awaited. Earlier, Satheesh was booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 85 (abetment of suicide of a woman), Section 115(2) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt using a dangerous weapon), Section 118(1) (wrongful restraint or confinement), and Section 103(1) (cruelty by husband or relatives). He also faces charges under Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. Earlier, Athulyas mother Thula Sibhai had lodged a complaint alleging that her daughter was subjected to physical and mental torture, particularly when Satheesh was under the influence of alcohol.

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 .

Amritas E4Life PhD program sees 23 global scholars graduate

KOLLAM: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has announced the graduation of the inaugural cohort of its landmark E4Life PhD program, a pioneering, fully-funded doctoral programme in sustainable development. This graduating class comprises 23 scholars from nine countries, many hailing from underprivileged backgrounds. Initiated in 2020, the E4Life (Education for Life) PhD Fellowship, offered by the School for Sustainable Futures, is a fully-funded doctoral scholarship programme instituted under the guidance of Amritas chancellor, Mata Amritanandamayi. With an annual endowment of $5.1 million, it supports 100 PhD scholars each year, providing full coverage of tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and research grants. The graduation marks a historic milestone for Amrita and stands as a powerful beacon of hope for a sustainable future. These 23 scholars are more than graduates, they are trailblazers. I sincerely hope they carry forward Ammas vision of compassion and selflessness to one and all as they step into diverse career paths, said Dr Maneesha V Ramesh, Provost & Dean, School for Sustainable Futures.

Special trains between Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram North ahead of Independence Day weekend

KASARAGOD: Kasaragod Southern Railway announced special trains between Mangaluru Junction and Thiruvananthapuram North to clear the rush of passengers during the Independence Day holidays. According to a statement from the zonal railway, Train No. 06041 Mangaluru Junction Thiruvananthapuram North Bi-Weekly Special Express will leave Mangaluru Junction at 7.30 p.m. on Aug. 14 and 16 (Thursday & Saturday) and reach Thiruvananthapuram North at 8.00 a.m., the next day. Train No.06042 Thiruvananthapuram North - Mangaluru Junction Bi-Weekly Special Express will leave Thiruvananthapuram North at 5.15 p.m. on August 15 and 17 and reach Mangaluru Junction at 6.30 a.m. the next day. The trains will have a coach composition of 01- Two-tier AC Coach, 02- Three-tier AC Coaches, 17-Sleeper class Coaches, & 02- Second Class Luggage cum Brake Vans. These trains will stop at Kasaragod, Kanhangad, Payyanur, Kannur, Thalassery, Vadakara, Kozhikode, Tirur, Shoranur, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam, Cherthala, Alappuzha, Ambalapuzha, Haripad, Kayamkulam, Sasthankota and Kollam.

78 women, girls still untraced in Kerala; police to intensify efforts after Cherthala murders

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as shocking details emerge from Cherthala, Alappuzha, about serial missing and murder cases involving women, official statistics reveals that a total of 78 girls and women remain untraced in the state. In the wake of the Cherthala episode, state police have decided to redouble efforts to resolve as many missing cases as possible. Special teams will be formed, if required. According to police data accessed by TNIE, eight girls and 70 women remained untraced as of June this year. Some of the cases are long-pending and the department has instructed district police chiefs to closely scrutinise every case, sources said. Additional effort will be made to track those missing, they added. A senior officer with the law and order wing said the department has a robust mechanism to deal with cases of missing women and children. If local police fail to solve a case within six months, it is reviewed by the district police chief. Cases pending for a year are reviewed by the range DIG. There are enough auditing measures to assess the efficiency of the investigation in each case. We will ramp up our efforts to crack pending cases, the officer added. The missing girls are from Kollam Rural, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam City, Ernakulam Rural, Thrissur Rural, Malappuram and Kozhikode City (one each). Ernakulam Rural (10) has seen the most number of women gone missing, followed by Thiruvananthapuram Rural (nine), and Alappuzha (seven). In the year to date, 3,678 women and girls have been reported missing in the state. The most number of cases were from Thiruvanathapuram Rural (403) -- involving 50 girls and 353 women. Of the total, 394 were traced, while nine women are still missing. Alappuzha reported the second most number of women and girls missing. As many as 282 persons -- 50 girls and 232 women -- have gone missing from the district. Of these, 49 girls and 225 women were located. Malappuram is third with 253 individuals -- 64 girls and 189 women -- reported missing this year. Of these, 249 -- 63 girls and 186 women -- were traced. Since 2022, 26,197 women and girls have been reported missing from the state, of which 25,979 were traced. When the numbers were adjusted against each other, 218 people were found unaccounted for. Police sources explained that in many missing cases, the subjects were later found to be dead. Such persons are not counted as having been traced. A senior police officer told TNIE that the number tends to be high in the state because cases as registered as soon as relatives of those missing file complaints. Most of the women and girls reported missing elope or leave their homes for some reason. They are mostly traced and let off after being produced before a magistrate. Only a very few people vanish into thin air; we are worried about their fate, the officer said.

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

Chamakkala emerges top pick for KPCC treasurer post

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Jyoti Kumar Chamakkala is emerging the favourite for the post of KPCC treasurer as the final round of discussions on state Congress reorganisation is progressing in Delhi. If state president Sunny Joseph does not have any one else in mind, Jyoti Kumar is sure to occupy the office, that fell vacant in December 2022. It is the prerogative of the state chief to choose the leader for the key post. Jyoti Kumar was in charge of campaign expenses in Puthuppally, Palakkad and Nilambur and was appreciated for his handling of the job. An I group leader, he has the support of Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan as well as senior leader Ramesh Chennithala. Sunny has been meeting MPs, including Shashi Tharoor, in Delhi. After assuming charge, he has taken an inclusive approach, incorporating all warring factions in the party.The final decision on reorganisation will come only after consulting AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunsi and secretaries V K Arivazhakan, P V Mohanan and Mansoor Ali Khan. According to sources, the number of Political Affairs Committee (PAC) members is likely to be increased from the current 36 to accommodate MPs who were not considered last time. Rajmohan Unnithan, V K Sreekandan and Dean Kuriakose did not find a berth then. The strength of PAC might be increased by four or five, a senior Congress leader told TNIE. However, finalising the list of DCC presidents is the major challenge before the leadership. A section of leaders has suggested replacing all DCC presidents except in Thrissur where the appointment was made recently. However, there is a strong sentiment that only under-performers should be changed. Some senior leaders have asked the KPCC president not to replace DCC presidents at a time when the local body election is nearing. The Wayanad, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki DCCs have been facing criticism for their poor performance. Though KPCC vice-president N Sakthan has been given charge of Thiruvananthapuram DCC, there is a chance for former MLA K Sabarinathan. Sabari is close to K C Venugopal and maintains good relations with Chennithala. The leadership will also seek the opinion of K Muralidharan, who is in charge of the corporation election. In Kollam, Sooraj Ravi, son of former leader Thoppil Ravi, is being considered. He has the support of senior leader V M Sudheeran. In Pathanamthitta, incumbent Satheesh Kochuparambil is not in the list of favourite list of UDF convener Adoor Prakash who is pitching for Robin Peter. The number of KPCC general secretaries is likely to go up from 22 to around 40. The number of vice-presidents will be increased to 10 from four, and secretaries from 76 to 100, sources said.

PG aspirants left stranded as Kerala University crisis drags on

KOLLAM: Having earned a bachelors degree in social work (BSW) from Kerala University, 20-year-old Sabarinath S of Kollam applied for the MSW course at the same university. It would prepare him to serve marginalised communities a dream he has nurtured since childhood. For the past four months, however, a cloud of uncertainty has hung over students like Sabarinath. But the tussle between Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal and members of the syndicate has paralysed the universitys functioning, leaving hundreds of aspirants in limbo. The admission process for the MSW course has been stuck since the entrance exam was held on June 14. The crucial group discussion (GD) and interview stage has not been scheduled yet, raising fears that an entire academic year could be lost. Similar is the case with other post graduate courses. For the past four months, I have been idle, waiting for the admission process to resume. I even tried to take up a part-time job to ease my familys financial burden, but firms refuse to hire me when they learn I might leave if I get admission. My parents are constantly questioned by relatives about my future. This uncertainty is affecting us badly, Sabarinath told TNIE. While the Mahatma Gandhi and Calicut universities have already closed MSW admissions, Kerala University remains at a standstill. We are completely stuck, said Benjamin Thomas, another MSW applicant. We cannot apply elsewhere because admissions and entrance exams in other universities are over. Even if Kerala University announces dates now, there is still GD, interview, merit list, and final admission to complete. By the time we join, semester exams will be around the corner. Our only option is to pray that things get sorted soon. Faculty members also pointed to delays in the allotment of supplementary seats for PG courses. The first and second allotments for aided PG courses have been completed. And the classes began in July. However, every year, the university releases supplementary seats for PG courses. This time, such an allotment hasnt taken place, which could affect thousands of students across Kerala, said Godwin S K, professor of economics with the Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram. He said aided and government colleges have the infrastructure and human resources to conduct classes for over 50 students at a time. In our colleges, with aid from the government, there are only 10 to 15 vacancies for PG courses. Thats why each year the government allocates supplementary seats, he said. Sources in the university said an administrative deadlock has caused the delay. The registrar has to sign documents finalising the GD and interview dates. With the dispute unresolved, these clearances are delayed, a senior official said. At the same time, Registrar K S Anil Kumar said he would look into the matter and take necessary action. The crisis began in late June after Anil Kumar stopped a campus event that displayed a Bharat Mata image during the governors visit, citing religious overtones. The vice-chancellor suspended him but the syndicate revoked the suspension, leading to a standoff with two individuals claiming the registrars post.

M K Sanoo: His voice and words illuminated Keralas literary, social spheres

KOCHI: A follower of Sree Narayana Guru, M K Sanoo always believed in equality and social justice. The prolific writer, orator, activist and teacher, who passed away on Saturday, penned more than 70 books and was a constant presence in Keralas social and cultural sphere. Sanoo, who taught at Maharajas College for decades, had a wealth of students who went on to excel as writers, politicians, bureaucrats and actors. Gurudevan taught us that humaneness should be our religion and I have followed his preachings all my life. Maybe, the ideology is ingrained in my blood, Sanoo had once said. The 97-year-old, who suffered a hip-bone fracture after he tripped and fell in his house Sandhya in Kochi on July 25, breathed his last at a hospital around 5.35pm on Saturday. The body will be brought to his house at 8am on Sunday, and will be kept for public homage at the Ernakulam Town Hall from 10am to 4pm. The funeral will be held at Ravipuram crematorium at 5pm. Born to M C Kesavan and K P Bhavani of Thumpoli in Alappuzha on October 27, 1927, Sanoo was deeply influenced by the teachings of Guru. Growing up facing discrimination in a casteist society, Sanoo was a liberal in thoughts and raised his voice for the rights of the underprivileged. He was elected to the state assembly from Ernakulam as a Left-backed independent in 1987, but politics was never his forte. I am a supporter of the leftist ideology, but I always wanted to stay away from politics. My friends convinced me to contest the election, but later I realised that politics was not my cup of tea. Leaders of all political parties visit me, he told TNIE in an interaction two years ago. A voracious reader, Sanoo was has authored books on a wide range of topics, including literary criticism, childrens literature, interpretations, travelogues, biographies and essays. Sanoo started his career as a Malayalam lecturer at Sree Narayana College in Kollam in 1955 and later shifted to Maharajas College in 1957. His students revered him as their guide and mentor. He retired from service in 1983 and was elected president of the Progressive Literary Writers Forum in 1984. He also served as the president of Kerala Sahitya Akademi and the director of Kerala University Sri Narayana Study Centre. Though a leftist, Sanoo was against using literature for propaganda. Literature is not for politics, revolution or religion. It has its own autonomy, he used to say. He upheld reformation, liberalism His first book Anchu Sasthra Nayakanmar was published in 1958. In 1960, he brought out Kattum Velichavum, a literary critique. Though he was calm and composed in his speech, his criticism was sharp and was revered in the literary circle. He used to speak and write about reformation and liberalism. He was regarded as one of the best orators in Malayalam in the league of Joseph Mundassery and Sukumar Azheekode. Over his illustrious career, Sanoo was honoured with National Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Ezhuthachan Award, Vayalar Award, Padma Prabha Award and Childrens Literature Institute Award. M K Sanus wife N Ratnamma passed away in 2023. He is survived by sons, M S Ranjith and M S Harris; daughters M S Rekha, M S Geetha and M S Seetha, sons-in-law C K Krishnan, Dr Prasanth Kumar and P V Jyothi, and daughters-in-law C V Maya and Mini Harris.

Monsoon normal in Kerala despite 9% deficit: IMD

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala received 1,190.5 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 31, against the normal rainfall of 1,301.7 mm marking a 9% shortfall. Most districts experienced normal monsoon with only three recording a deficit of over 20%: Malappuram (21%), Idukki (29%), and Wayanad (38%). According to IMD data, Kerala received rainfall within the normal range. In 2023, the state experienced a 35% rainfall deficiency during June-July period. In 2024, the deficit came in at 4%. IMD director Neetha K Gopal said monsoon rainfall in June and July has been within the normal category. Though there is a 9% deficit, the monsoon was not bad as the rainfall was evenly distributed, she told TNIE . The agency has also predicted below-normal rainfall in August and September. There will be rain over the next two months but average may be below normal, she added. Silver Lining Year - Rainfall received* - Deficit 2025 - 1,190.5 mm - 9% 2024 - 1,249.7 mm - 4% 2023 - 852.0 mm - 35% * Normal: 1,301.7 mm District-wise data* Kannur - 2,121.5 mm (1,787.3 mm) Kasaragod - 1,940.9 mm (1,948.1 mm) Kozhikode - 1,502 mm (1,757.2 mm) Wayanad - 986.1 mm (1,603.3 mm) Malappuram - 1,036.4 mm (1,284.2 mm) Thrissur - 1,360.1 mm (1,388 mm) Kottayam - 1,056.5 mm (1,199.3 mm) Idukki - 1,116.3 mm (1,561.6 mm) Palakkad - 947.2 mm (991.6 mm) Ernakulam - 1268.6 mm (1,361 mm) PThitta - 1,066.8 mm (978 mm) Alappuzha - 1,065.1 mm (1,026.8 mm) Kollam - 789.1 mm (766.8 mm) TPuram - 510.5 mm (507.8mm) Actual and (normal) rainfall between June 1 to July 31

Kerala buffeted by rising wave of public obscenity, indecency

KOZHIKODE: That began as a routine weekend commute for Sreeja (name changed) from Kottiyam to Kollam on a KSRTC bus quickly devolved into a deeply distressing ordeal. Looking forward to reuniting with her family after a week of work, Sreeja found her journey abruptly interrupted by a man in his early 40s brazenly masturbating across from her, his gaze fixed on her. Despite her profound discomfort, Sreeja, unwilling to let the incident pass, summoned the courage to capture the perpetrators action on video. Her resolve stemmed from a fierce desire to expose a pervasive societal ill where victims, particularly women, are often blamed despite being the ones subjected to harassment. The incident echoed a recent online backlash against two sisters who were viciously trolled for slapping an elderly man who had allegedly groped one of them on a public bus. These alarming occurrences highlight a disturbing trend in Kerala: a surge in public indecency, including public masturbation, flashing, and other obscene acts. Shockingly, instead of condemnation, such acts often seem to garner a perverse acceptance in certain sections of society. District-wise data with the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) for May 2024-25 shows Kozhikode leading the way with 193 cases of public nudity and masturbation. It was followed by Ernakulam (157), Thiruvananthapuram (123), Kasaragod (98), Kollam (76), Malappuram (74), Palakkad (67), Alappuzha (66), and Kottayam (54). Pathanamthitta (43), Kannur (35), Idukki (33), Wayanad (29), and Thrissur (24) brought up the rear. Legal loopholes Despite the worrying numbers, a glaring loophole in the legal framework continues to empower perpetrators: the absence of specific laws directly addressing flashing or public masturbation. This legal void often hinders the formal registration of cases. Police sources indicate that while victims sometimes bravely come forward with video evidence, many hesitate to pursue further legal action due to fears of protracted legal battles. The silence surrounding the issue has prevented the enactment of specific legislation. While laws have been amended over the years to address crimes like voyeurism and stalking with specific punishments, public masturbation remains a murky area. The lack of a dedicated law ensures that theres no precise data on the true scale of the problem. However, social media platforms and online blogs are increasingly amplifying voices on the issue -- a chorus demanding urgent attention that cannot be ignored. Rohit Raj, a lawyer based in Kozhikode, emphasised the profound impact of such acts. Incidents of street harassment such as sexually explicit comments, public masturbation, and stalking are unfortunately common, he said. While not physically violent, being masturbated at is deeply personally violating. Public masturbation, unlike private acts, is not protected free expression; it is a grossly indecent act that outrages a womans modesty. He added that such acts encompass indecent exposure, assault, offenses against public order, and violations of womens civil rights. He reiterated that although public masturbation broadly fell under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 354, 509, 268, 355 -- and their current corresponding sections 73, 77, 285, and 124 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) -- the absence of a specific law leads to under-reporting and very few convictions. Psychological underpinnings Shedding light on the psychological underpinnings of such behaviour, noted psychiatrist Reena Ravi said that individuals suffering from paraphilia are likely to masturbate in public. Paraphilia is a condition characterised by intense fetishes towards unusual objects. When a person with paraphilia masturbates publicly, it inherently harms the object of their fetish, often women. Reena added that public masturbators may also exhibit signs of regression, a psychopathological condition involving behaviour like extreme passivity, social withdrawal, aggression, and open masturbation. Exhibitionism, a form of paraphilia, involves exposing genitals to unsuspecting strangers for sexual arousal. She recounts a case where a man confessed that the presence of a woman made the act more realistic for him, imagining her participation in coitus. Dr Reena acknowledged that exhibitionism, including public masturbation, is a recognised medical condition, but cautions that some individuals may exploit this diagnosis to evade legal consequences. A call for action The issue of public masturbation has been long ignored and strategically sidelined, leading to the trivialisation of womens experiences of sexual harassment, according to Aparna Baiju, a college professor and womens rights activist. She argued that instead of trying to fit these offences into existing categories such as indecent exposure, lawmakers must create a distinct legal category with punishments commensurate with the gravity of the offence. A law should be made that covers indecent exposure, outraging the modesty of a woman, along with other relevant charges for the purpose of punishment, prevention, public protection, and social standards, she asserted. We hear of incidents on social media and from friends all the time, but rarely do they reach the courts, she remarked. She cited the experience of a woman from Kochi who, despite bravely exposing a man named Savad on a bus, endured severe cyber-bullying. While that woman was strong enough to withstand the onslaught, many others suffer in silence. The attitude that public masturbation is not a serious crime further emboldens perpetrators, Aparna said, attributing this to a cultural tendency to bury embarrassing sexual advances under the carpet. She pointed to global examples, noting that public masturbation can lead to a 14-day prison sentence in the UK, and 32 days in Indonesia. Our country can begin by at least talking about why it is wrong and dehumanising, Aparna said. Public spaces belong to all citizens, including women, she added. Sex education, the panacea

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

Southern Railway to run Onam special trains between Chennai and Kollam via Coimbatore

Remote centres outside Kerala force candidates to drop out of NEET-PG

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOCHI: With just two days remaining for the National Eligibility Entrance Test-Postgraduate (NEET-PG), on August 3, many medical graduates are shocked to get examination centres outside the state in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Many candidates had carefully chosen cities near their residences as preferred centres during the application process. However, many were stunned to be assigned locations hundreds of kilometres away. Im not appearing for the exam this time. Ive been allotted a centre in Telangana, and Im eight months pregnant. The travel and stay costs are too high for me and my family, said Dr Kavitha (name changed), a candidate from Thiruvananthapuram. Other young mothers in my batch are opting out too. Weve paid Rs 4,000 for the application, and now were forced to abandon the attempt. Surveys conducted by several junior doctor associations revealed that approximately 1,000 applicants from Kerala were given centres outside the state. The uncertainty over exact venue details only disclosed two days prior to the exam on July 31 adds to the logistical nightmare. If I had received Kollam as my centre, I could reach anywhere nearby without issues. But with a location like Visakhapatnam, I dont even know how close the centre will be to a hotel. How do we plan ahead? said Dr Ashik Basheer, state president of the General Practitioners Association. Candidates have also voiced concerns over inflated travel and accommodation prices. Although NBEMS guarantees at least one exam centre in every district, available slots fill up quickly due to the 20,000 applicants from Kerala. When submitting the application, candidates can choose a preferred city, and if its unavailable, the system assigns a centre near their home address, though theres no guarantee. Historically, slots were allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, but this time, candidates were shocked by what they believe is a random allocation. Dr Vivek K B, state secretary of the IMA Junior Doctors Network, Kerala, urged NBEMS to reopen the portal for centre change, allowing candidates to select more practical options. In the past, the Board cited a shortage of test centres as the reason for allocating centres outside the state. However, in previous years, changes to exam centres were made through court interventions or petitions from MPs. Last year, the exam was held in two shifts. This year, the exam has been postponed following an SC order directing NBEMS to conduct the exam in a single shift. Calls and emails sent to NBEMS by TNIE have gone unanswered. Allotment issues NBEMS guarantees minimum 1 exam centre in every dist but slots fill up fast due to 20K applicants from Kerala While applying, candidates can choose a city, and if its unavailable, the system assigns a centre near their home address Slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis

Erode MP urges construction of ROB at Kollampalayam to ease traffic congestion

Southern Railway announces multiple Onam special trains to clear holiday rush

KOZHIKODE: Southern Railway has announced special trains for the Onam festival to clear the expected rush of passengers during the festive season. According to a statement from the zonal railway, Train No. 06119 Dr MGR Chennai Central Kollam Weekly Express Special will depart Dr MGR Chennai Central at 3.10 p.m. on 27 August, 3 and 10 September (Wednesdays) and will reach Kollam at 6.40 a.m. the following day. In the return direction, Train No. 06120 Kollam Dr MGR Chennai Central Weekly Express Special will depart Kollam at 10.40 a.m. on 28 August, 4 and 11 September (Thursdays) and will reach Dr MGR Chennai Central at 3.30 a.m. the following day. These trains will have a coach composition of 15 AC Three Tier Economy Coaches and 2 Luggage-cum-Brake Vans. The trains will stop at Perambur, Thiruvallur, Arakkonam, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam North, Kottayam, Changanassery, Tiruvalla, Chengannur, Mavelikara, Kayankulam, Karunagapalli and Sasthankotta. Train No. 06041 Mangaluru Jn Thiruvananthapuram North Bi-Weekly Express Special will leave Mangaluru Jn at 7.30 p.m. on 21, 23, 28 and 30 August and 4, 6, 11 and 13 September (Thursdays and Saturdays), and will reach Thiruvananthapuram North at 8 a.m. the next day. In the return direction, Train No. 06042 Thiruvananthapuram North Mangaluru Jn Bi-Weekly Express Special will depart Thiruvananthapuram North at 5.15 p.m. on 22, 24, 29 and 31 August and 5, 7, 12 and 14 September (Fridays and Sundays), and will arrive at Mangaluru Jn at 6.30 a.m. the next day. These trains will have a coach composition of 1 AC Two Tier Coach, 2 AC Three Tier Coaches, 17 Sleeper Class Coaches, and 2 Luggage-cum-Brake Vans. The trains will halt at Kasaragod, Kanhangad, Payyanur, Kannur, Thalassery, Vadakara, Kozhikode, Tirur, Shoranur, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Junction, Cherthala, Alappuzha, Ambalapuzha, Haripad, Kayankulam, Karunagapalli, Sasthankotta and Kollam. Train No. 06047 Mangaluru Jn Kollam Weekly Express Special will depart Mangaluru Jn at 11.15 p.m. on 25 August, 1 and 8 September (Mondays) and will reach Kollam at 10.20 a.m. the next day. In the return direction, Train No. 06048 Kollam Mangaluru Jn Weekly Express Special will depart Kollam at 5.10 p.m. on 26 August and 2 and 9 September (Tuesdays) and will reach Mangaluru Jn at 5.30 a.m. the following day. These trains will have a coach composition of 1 AC Two Tier Coach, 2 AC Three Tier Coaches, 17 Sleeper Class Coaches, and 2 Luggage-cum-Brake Vans. They will stop at Kasaragod, Kanhangad, Payyanur, Kannur, Thalassery, Vadakara, Kozhikode, Tirur, Shoranur, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Changanassery, Tiruvalla, Chengannur, Mavelikara, Kayankulam, Karunagapalli and Sasthankotta. Advance reservations for these trains will commence at 8 a.m. on 1 August.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla nominates Premachandran as empanelled member to preside over House proceedings

A leader of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), Mr. Premachandran represents Kerala's Kollam constituency.

Congress leader arrested in Rs 4.5 crore property fraud case in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress leader Ananthapuri Manikandan has been arrested in connection with a high-value property fraud case involving forged documents and the illegal transfer of real estate in the city. Manikandan was arrested by the Museum Police on Tuesday morning from Bengaluru, where he had been hiding for several weeks. The case pertains to the alleged fraudulent acquisition and sale of a 10-room three-storeyed house and 14 cents of land in Jawahar Nagar, valued at approximately Rs 4.5 crore. The property originally belonged to Dora, an Indian-American doctor. It had been gifted to her by her parents before she moved abroad over two decades ago. According to police, fake documents were used to claim that the original property deed was lost. A newspaper advertisement was also published to support this claim. Vasantha, a woman from Mukkolakkal, is alleged to have impersonated Dora and she gave the property to another woman, Merin from Kollam, who posed as the foster daughter of Doras parents. Merin then sold the property for Rs 1.5 crore to Chandrasenan, the father-in-law of local Congress leader Anil Thampi. The fraudulent registration was carried out at the Sasthamangalam sub-registrar office. Officials from the office have confirmed that Manikandan appeared in person to facilitate the transaction. Police also tracked down the Aadhaar number used in the documentation. Manikandan, a DCC member, is the main accused in the case. His brother and fifth accused, E Mahesh, was arrested last week. Police say Maheshs credentials were used for the e-stamp and registration formalities though Manikandan holds a licence. Two women who were part of the fraud were arrested earlier. Their statements reportedly revealed that they acted under Manikandans instructions. A copy of the forged deed was found from his office. Further investigation is under way.

Kerala crime branch to probe Kollam womans death in Sharjah amid dowry harassment allegations

KOLLAM: The state crime branch will take over the investigation into the death of Vipanchika, a Kollam native, who was found dead along with her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter in their apartment at Al Nahda, Sharjah, on July 8. At present, the case is being investigated by the Kottarakara DySP. A police source said an official order from the State Police Chief, authorising the handover of the case to the crime branch, is expected soon. Currently, the probe is based on cases registered in Kollam against Vipanchikas husband Nidheesh, his sister Neethu Beny, and their father Mohanan. Earlier, Nidheesh and his mother were booked under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and Sections 85 and 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The action follows a complaint filed by Vipanchikas mother Shailaja, who alleged that her daughter faced persistent dowry harassment and abuse from her husband and in-laws. According to the family, the victim had been residing in Sharjah for the past five years. They claim the abuse worsened after the birth of her daughter. Nidheesh had allegedly been putting pressure on her for a divorce and subjecting her to frequent physical and psychological abuse. Vipanchika had reportedly confided in her mother multiple times about the abuse. A purported suicide note recovered from the apartment named Nidheesh, Neethu Benny and Mohanan as being directly responsible for her death.

LDF, UDF delegations in Chhattisgarh protest over arrest of Malayali nuns

KOCHI: Amid rising political tension over the arrest of two Catholic nuns hailing from Kerala, delegations of LDF and UDF arrived at Durg in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. While the UDF delegation could meet Sr Vandana and Sr Peethy Mary, the LDF team was asked to return on Wednesday. Angamaly MLA Roji M John, Kollam MP N K Premachandran, Chalakudy MP Benny Behanan, Kottayam MP Francis George and Saji Joseph comprised the UDF delegation. The LDF delegation, led by Brinda Karat and including Rajya Sabha MPs Jose K Mani, A A Rahim, P P Suneer and John Brittas and Alathur MP K Radhakrishnan, is scheduled to meet the nuns between 9am and 10am. Francis told TNIE that they were not allowed to meet the nuns initially. This led the UDF delegation to stage an impromptu dharna in front of the police station. The police prevented us from entering the station and told us to come the next day. However, we came to know BJP leaders Anoop Antony and Shone George had been allowed to meet the nuns earlier. They are the reason why we were turned away, alleged Francis. Following this, the UDF leaders contacted former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel He ensured that we meet the nuns. The nuns are doing okay under the current circumstances. We talked to them. Though emotionally traumatised, they have not been harmed physically. But that cant be said about the man who had accompanied the three girls. He suffered physical harm, said the UDF MP. Meanwhile, the LDF delegation arrived at Durg only in the evening. We arrived late and were told that the visiting time was over. We have been asked to come between 9am and 10am on Wednesday. We will be talking to the nuns and also their family members, who have arrived here, to coordinate the next legal steps that need to be taken. A bail application will be moved on Wednesday, Jose K Mani told TNIE. Kerala BJP distances itself from Chhattisgarh CMs claims; backs nuns accused of conversion Church outfits protest against arrest of nuns Various Church organisations staged protests in Ernakulam and Thrissur on Tuesday against the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh. In Kochi, the Kerala Latin Catholic Association (KLCA) took out a protest march, condemning the arrests as being based on false charges. The protestors termed the incident an encroachment on the Constitution and accused the Chhattisgarh government of enabling communal forces. The KLCA also called for strong intervention from the Central government in the matter. In Thrissur, a protest march was held under the aegis of the Syro-Malabar Churchs Thrissur archdiocese. Muraleedharan alleges attempts to target BJP Senior BJP leader V Muraleedharan has come out against attempts to target the BJP in the arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh. At a political explanation meeting at Pallithura here, Muraleedharan alleged a conspiracy behind the allegations targeting the BJP.

Crime Branch to probe death of Malayali woman in Sharjah

KOLLAM: The Crime Branch has launched an investigation into the death of Vipanchika, a Kollam native, who was found dead along with her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter in their apartment in Al Nahda, Sharjah, on July 8. The probe is based on cases registered in Kollam against her husband Nidheesh, his sister Neethu Benny, and their father Mohanan. Earlier, Nidheesh and his mother, Neethu Binu, were booked under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and Sections 85 and 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The action follows a complaint filed by Vipanchikas mother, Shailaja, who alleged that her daughter faced persistent dowry harassment and racial abuse from her husband and in-laws. According to the family, the victim had been residing in Sharjah for the past five years. They claim the abuse worsened after the birth of her daughter. Nidheesh had allegedly been pressuring her for a divorce and subjecting her to frequent physical and psychological violence. Vipanchika had reportedly confided in her mother multiple times about the abuse. A purported suicide note recovered from the apartment named Nidheesh, Neethu Benny, and Mohanan as being directly responsible for her death. The note also detailed a prolonged pattern of harassment that began shortly after the couple's marriage. Police said the statements of the accused will be recorded soon. Meanwhile, a parallel investigation is underway by the Al Buhairah Police in Sharjah.

Kerala records 66 electrocution deaths in four months amid safety failures

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state has reported a worrying spike in electrical accident deaths, with 66 people losing their lives between April 1 and July 20 this year. Among them, eight deaths were caused by snapped power lines alone. This number -- in just four months -- matches the total from the previous financial year and far exceeds earlier figures. In 2022-23, there were 12 such deaths in the entire year, and eight in 2023-24. Malappuram has reported the highest number of snapped wire deaths this year, with three cases. Kozhikode reported two while Ernakulam, Kollam, and Thrissur reported one each. G Vinod, chief electrical inspector with the state electrical inspectorate, has pointed to the absence of spacers as a major reason for snapped conductors. These spacers are designed to keep wires apart and prevent them from falling to the ground. Their absence has made the lines more vulnerable, especially during rain and wind, Vinod told TNIE. Other major causes of death include accidental contact with live wires, negligence in following safety protocols, faulty appliances, unauthorised electrical work, temporary wiring, and overhead line crossings. Another persistent danger is the lack of Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) or Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs) in many households. These devices can prevent electrocution by detecting current leakage and automatically cutting off power. Although made mandatory in 2023, many older homes still lack them, the officer pointed out. Even after July 20, the fatalities have continued. Over the past two days, four more people died in separate incidents across the state. In Kasaragod, an elderly dairy farmer was electrocuted by a fallen power line in his field.

Kerala Govt To Take Over Aided School After Student's Electrocution

Manager to be dismissed; Mithun, a student of Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam district, died last week after coming into contact with a live electric wire on the school premises

SIT formed to probe students electrocution in Kollam school

More coaches for MEMU trains to ease rush on Alappuzha route

A 12-coach rake sanctioned by the Railway Board has arrived at the MEMU shed in Kollam.

Kollam School Electrocution Incident

Thousands bid farewell to Mithun: Reports

Dispute erupts over Kollam-Theni NH widening plan

Protests erupt over students electrocution in Kollam school

Decision made to suspend headteacher of the school pending inquiry. An amount of 3 lakh will be provided to the family from the Education departments fund, says Sivankutty

Chief Minister condoles student electrocuted in Kollam

Kerala municipalities improve rankings in national cleanliness survey, eight in top 100

At the top of municipalities from the State was Kochi Corporation at rank 50 among all local bodies in the country. The other municipalities from Kerala among the top 100 areMattannur (rank 53), Thrissur Corporation (58), Kozhikode Corporation (70), Alappuzha municipality (80), Guruvayur municipality (82), Thiruvananthapuram Corporation (89) and Kollam

Grief strikes Kollam family as Class VIII student electrocuted at school

Midhun, a resident of Valiyapadam East Ward of West Kallada grama panchayat, was engaged in a game with his friends when his footwear fell on the roof of a shed. He was electrocuted while trying to retrieve it

13-year-old Boy Electrocuted In Kollam School

The victim was identified as Mithun, 13, son of daily wage worker, Valayapadam Anu. His mother, Suja works as a home nurse in Kuwait

Electrocution of school student: Kerala government orders inquiry

Minister Sivankutty says Director of General Education has been dispatched to accident site in Kollam to investigate the episode and give a detailed report

Veteran Congress leader C.V. Padmarajan passes away

He had handled Finance, Power, and Fisheries in the K. Karunakaran and A.K. Antony governments. He was twice elected to the Assembly from the Chathanoor constituency in Kollam district. He also served as the president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee from 1983 to 1987

Four students test positive for H1N1 in Kollam school

Kerala job aspirants continue to fall victim to Myanmar scam centres

The latest case involves Vishnu Preetha Sreenarayanan from Kundara in Kollam, who became a victim of labour fraud and human trafficking. According to Vishnus relative, Balu T.S., the gang released him only after a payment of 5 lakh was made to three bank accounts

Indian woman in Sharjah kills daughter, commits suicide: Reports

Sharjah: In a tragic incident, a 33-year-old Indian woman allegedly killed her one-year-and-five-month-old daughter before taking her own life in a flat in Al Nahda, Sharjah, on Tuesday afternoon, July 8. The deceased have been identified as Vipanchika Maniyan Pillai and her daughter Vaibhavi, both from Keralapuram, Kollam district, Kerala, India. As per multiple media 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 .

Kudumbashrees fisheries clusters in three more districts this fiscal

Number of producer groups in districts where clusters currently exist to be increased to 10 each. New clusters will be set up in Kollam, Alappuzha, and Malappuram districts

Kerala HC extends interim order restraining arrest of ED officer

A case relating to the alleged demand of 2 crore as bribe from a Kollam-based cashew businessman to extricate him from a money-laundering case

Suicide rate higher among men, says study

The rate is higher in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts

Monsoon Rains Getting Stronger In Kerala; Orange Alert In 7 Districts

The IMD issued an orange alert in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts for three hours in the morning

Containers from Wan Hai 503 likely to wash ashore on Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Kollam coasts between June 16 and June 18

Red Alert In 5 Kerala Districts, Heavy To Extremely Heavy Rainfall Likely

An orange alert has been sounded for Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta, while Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram remain under a yellow alert.

Kerala Woman Who Conned 10 Men Into Marriage Had Fixed Schedule To Juggle Them All

Reshma once lived with a man from Kollam after marrying him, and they had a child. However, doubts over the child's paternity from his family later created serious tensions

Kerala HC orders Vigilance not to arrest ED officer till June 11

Case pertains to alleged demand of 2 crore as bribe from a Kollam-based cashew businessman

NHAI chairperson reviews progress of National Highway projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam

Inspection also covered key locations such as Enchakkal, Kazhakuttom, Chembakamangalam, Kottiyam, and Mevaram

Heavy rains trigger landslides and floods across northeast and south India; at least a dozen dead

Heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours has caused widespread flooding, landslides, and disruption in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Karnataka, and Kerala, claiming at least many lives and affecting tens of thousands. Heavy rains claimined 11 lives in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura . Assam saw five deaths from landslides in Kamrup Metropolitan district, including three women killed in a landslide near Guwahatis Bonda area, Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah confirmed. Flooding affected more than 10,000 people in six districts, including Kamrup, Cachar, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Golaghat, where two relief camps and one distribution centre have been set up. A red alert remains in effect for 18 districts amid heavy rain and gusty winds. Massive waterlogging was reported in Guwahati, forcing closure of schools and special leave for government employees. In Arunachal Pradesh, flash floods caused by the overflowing Sigin River in Upper Subansiri district inundated Daporijo town and several colonies, damaging at least 117 houses and critical infrastructure. Authorities have issued prohibitory orders urging evacuation of vulnerable areas. In West Kameng district, landslides near Jamiri stranded hundreds along the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang road, and major road blockages disrupted connectivity. A landslide in Bomdila washed away parts of roads and culverts, while power supply was disrupted. Mizorams Lawngtlai town witnessed the collapse of five houses and a hotel due to landslides on Friday night. Several Myanmar nationals staying in the hotel are feared trapped under debris, one person is feared to have died in the incident. Rescue operations involving the State Disaster Response Force and local volunteers are underway. The state has been hit by torrential rains since Friday, causing multiple landslides and rockfalls. In Meghalaya, three people died in East Khasi Hills district from rain-related incidentsa 50-year-old woman killed by a landslide in Lumkyntung, a 35-year-old man drowned in Pomlakrai Mawbynna, and a 15-year-old boy died after a tree fell on him in Mawkynrew Block. Over 1,000 residents across 25 villages have been affected by landslides, flash floods, and power outages. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the victims families. Flooding also damaged roads and inundated schools. Rescue efforts for a missing couple from Indore in Sohra have been suspended due to heavy rain and landslides but will resume as weather permits. Nagaland and Tripura each reported one death on Friday due to rain-related incidents. Karnatakas Dakshina Kannada district on Friday reported five deaths due to landslides triggered by heavy rain. A house collapse in Montepadavu Kodi buried six family members, including two toddlers and their grandmother. One mother was found unconscious but alive, clutching her children amid the debris. A compound wall collapse in Mangaluru claimed the life of a six-year-old girl. Additionally, a 27-year-old lineman died of electrocution while repairing a high-tension power line during the rain. Rescue operations have been hampered by continued rainfall and unstable terrain. In Uttarakhand, a 38-year-old man died and five others were injured after a landslide struck a vehicle on the Kedarnath National Highway near Kund, close to Guptkashi in Rudraprayag district. The vehicle was carrying pilgrims from Chhattisgarh to Kedarnath when it was hit by debris. Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately by the local administration and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The injured were rushed to Augustmuni Hospital. Officials said two of the pilgrims were seriously injured, while three others suffered minor injuries. The deceased was identified as Rajesh Singh Rawat, a resident of Lambgaon in Tehri Garhwal, who was driving the vehicle. The injured are between 19 and 25 years old and belong to Chhattisgarhs Durg district. Monsoon rains have caused severe flooding across several districts in Kerala, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate low-lying areas and seek shelter in relief camps. In Kasaragod district, overflowing Madhuvahini River submerged roads and flooded homes, with residents moving to upper floors to escape rising waters. Similar flooding and heavy downpours have affected Kozhikode and Kannur districts, where locals have kept wooden and fiber boats ready amid fears of further displacement. Authorities have opened 46 relief camps in Kottayam district, sheltering over 1,100 people, while Alappuzha district currently hosts 851 evacuees across 26 camps, with 19 houses destroyed on Friday alone. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by strong surface winds reaching gusts of up to 50 kmph in multiple districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Alappuzha, and Kottayam. The situation remains critical as swollen rivers and tributaries continue to inundate vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, several higher-altitude areas in Jammu and Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Saturday, including Tulail and Razdan Top in Gurez valley, Peer Ki Gali in Shopian, and Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway. Authorities closed the Bandipora-Gurez road as a precaution. Meanwhile, the plains, including Srinagar, were lashed by rain, causing temperatures to drop with minimums falling by up to 3 degrees and maximums 3-5 degrees below normal. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers with light snow are expected over the higher reaches in the next 24 hours. Heavy rainfall and hailstorms hit Ramban district, disrupting normal life. Parts of Srinagar saw moderate to heavy rain, welcomed by tourists as a refreshing change from recent heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms across Kashmir, with isolated heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph. Srinagars temperatures will range between 24C and 11C. Jammu Division will also see light to moderate rain with isolated heavy showers and winds up to 60 kmph, with Jammu city experiencing partly cloudy skies and temperatures between 37C and 21C. The IMD has advised residents to stay alert amid the possibility of heavy rain and strong winds. The IMD has issued a red alert for Sikkim on Saturday following heavy rains and rising water levels in the Teesta River, warning of possible floods and landslides in Mangan, Gyalshing, and Soreng districts. Based on a Nowcast Weather Alert from Baluwakhani, Gangtok, severe rainfall was forecasted for 2 to 3 hours starting at 6:15 am. The District Magistrate of Gangtok urged the public not to panic but stay alert, while directing all disaster management officers to remain on high alert and maintain communication with field staff along the Teesta river belt. Landslides were reported in North Sikkims Theeng and Chungthang areas, damaging properties. Emergency services are actively monitoring water levels, with disaster response teams on standby. The IMD advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, remain indoors, and steer clear of riverbanks and vulnerable slopes. No casualties have been reported yet, but the situation remains tense due to continuous rains and rising river levels, with authorities promising timely updates. The India Meteorological Department has issued multiple red alerts in vulnerable districts across these states, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, and strong winds reaching up to 60 kmph in gusts. Authorities have urged residents to avoid risky areas and follow evacuation and safety advisories. National and state disaster response teams remain deployed to conduct rescue and relief operations as the monsoon continues. (With inputs from PTI, ANI)

Kerala rains wreak havoc: Homes flooded, trees uprooted, red alert in 9 districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Houses in low lying areas of Kerala were flooded in the heavy rains, while the accompanying strong winds uprooted trees, damaged homes and caused power disruptions, throwing normal way of life into disarray across the state. In Thrissur, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, there were reports of several homes getting flooded due to the heavy rains, forcing people to move to relief camps. Not just homes, but many roads in these districts and other parts of the state were inundated due to the heavy rains. In Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts, the heavy rains and strong winds uprooted trees and damaged electricity poles and transformers, leading to partial and complete destruction of hundreds of homes and power disruptions for hours, according to the authorities. It will be a holiday for educational institutions in Kottayam district on Saturday, district authorities said. In Kollam, uprooted trees and falling branches, due to the rains and strong winds, caused damage to several homes and private vehicles in the district and a few persons were reportedly injured. An 85-year-old woman, who worked as an MGNREGA worker in Ernakulam district, died when an uprooted tree fell on top of her while returning home on Thursday evening. The Ernakulam district authorities also reported a rise in the water level of the Muvattupuzha River above the flood warning markers, leading to the opening of three shutters of the Malankara Dam by 20 centimetres (cm). Train services were also affected with some, including the Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Expres, being diverted due to fallen trees on the tracks, while others were rescheduled or delayed due to the heavy rains, authorities said. Amidst the widespread damage in the state due to the heavy rains and strong winds, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kannur and Kasaragod and an orange alert in the remaining six districts of the state for the day. A red alert by IMD indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm. State Revenue Minister K Rajan said that the heavy rains have caused widespread damage in the state and advised people to be cautious. Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Thrissur, Rajan further said that as the westerly winds are expected to continue over Kerala for the next five days and due to the possibility of widespread rainfall, caution should be exercised by everyone. He advised the public to avoid unnecessary trips, especially to hilly areas and said that those living in dangerous places should move to safer locations or relief camps. Rajan said there are 66 camps functioning in the state currently and 1,894 people are living there. Around 4,000 camps are ready to be opened to accommodate about six lakh people. The public should not be averse to moving there, he added. He also said that hundreds of homes in the state have been partially or completely destroyed due to the heavy rains and strong winds since the arrival of the monsoons. The minister said according to the IMD there is a possibility of heavy rains in all districts of the state in the week from May 30 to June 5 and the amount of rainfall would be more than usual for this period. In the second week of June also there will be rain in all districts of the state, but it will be less than normal for this period, the minister said. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) said that there is a possibility of high waves ranging from 3 to 3.9 meters along the Kerala coast till 5.30 pm on Saturday and urged fishermen and coastal residents to be cautious and avoid launching of small boats, yachts or fishing vessels during this time. Meanwhile, the state government said that it has sanctioned Rs one crore each to all District Collectors from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for carrying out monsoon preparedness activities. Additionally, Rs two crore each has been sanctioned to the Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode District Disaster Management Authorities for undertaking flood mitigation works in the cities, the government said. The government said that it has also sanctioned Rs one lakh to each panchayat, Rs 3 lakh to each municipality and Rs 5 lakh to each corporation in the state to buy necessary equipment and open storage centres as part of monsoon preparedness activities.

Train services between Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam stretch go haywire as tree fall on tracks

Kerala | Container of Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 from Kollam seaface removed

Low pressure may trigger another round of intense spell in Kerala

Red alert issued for Kozhikode and Wayanad districts, warning of extreme rainfall, and an orange alert for the remaining districts with very heavy rains, except Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha, where a yellow alert has been issued with warnings of isolated heavy rains.

IMD issues red alert for three Kerala districts as low-pressure system strengthens monsoon winds

IMD issues red alert for three districts Kannur, Wayanad and Kozhikode and orange alert for remaining districts except Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha where yellow alert has been issued

Capsized cargo containers may drift towards Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala

Liberian Shipwreck Containers Wash Up On Kerala Coast Amid Oil Spill Crisis

Authorities said that some containers have been found along the coasts of southern Kollam and coastal Alappuzha districts.

Containers from sunken Liberian ship wash ashore in Kerala

KOLLAM: Containers from a Liberian cargo ship that sank, off the Kerala coast, have started washing ashore, police said on Monday. Coastal police said that some containers have been found along the southern Kollam coast. The total number of containers washed ashore is not yet known, and authorities are working to manage the situation, they said. Police have been deployed in all affected areas. Reports indicate that at least four containers have been spotted so far along the coast of Kollam district. Officials have urged the public to stay away from the containers, warning that the ship had 13 hazardous cargos among its 640 containers. The cargo ship capsized and sank early Sunday , leading to a significant oil spill. The leak has sparked a statewide alert, as fuel is drifting at a speed of around three kilometres per hour and could soon impact the ecologically sensitive Kerala coastline. According to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the sunken vessel had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks. Some containers were carrying dangerous substances such as calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts with seawater to release highly flammable acetylene gas, officials said. The ICG is leading pollution response efforts and monitoring the spread of the oil slick. Leaning Liberian vessel off Kerala coast raises fears of bunker spill and container drift

Cargo containers from capsized ship wash ashore in Keralas Kollam, sparking fears of chemical leak

Revenue and police authorities counsel extreme caution and cordon off localities, given that some containers could contain hazardous and inflammable materials

Containers from sunken ship likely to drift towards Alappuzha, Kollam coasts in 48 hours: INCOIS

Oil spill may reach the Alappuzha, Ambalappuzha, Arattupuzha and Karunagapally coasts

Kerala Govt to form rapid response teams to handle containers, oil spills from Liberia container ship that sunk off Kochi coast

It is estimated that the containers have a higher probability of washing ashore in Alappuzha, Kollam, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram districts

IMD declares red alert for seven districts in Kerala

IMD sounds a red alert for the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Idukki, and Malappuram districts.

29-year-old stabbed to death by gang in Keralas Kollam, police suspect previous enmity

Victims friend who sustained injuries in the attack admitted to hospital. Duo attacked by a five-member gang

Kollam girl who was under treatment for Hepatitis A dies

Heavy rains in parts of Kerala; IMD issues orange alert in 3 districts

Heavy rains prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala, forecasting very heavy rainfall. A yellow alert, indicating heavy rainfall, was also issued for Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The IMD warned of thunderstorms with moderate rainfall and gusty winds across these districts.

Kollam police books Kesari editor N.R. Madhu on charges of creating enmity between communities

Mr. Madhu had allegedly portrayed rapper Vedan, who hails from the Dalit community, as a disreputable character who makes a mockery of art and injects caste venom in society

Kollam schools shine in CBSE exams

Speedy decisions need of the hour: Kerala Chief Minister

Pinarayi Vijayan addresses regional-level review meeting on the development projects in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts

Kerala slumps to 12th slot in organ pledging in the country

Maharashtra has the highest number of registrations (51,538), followed by Rajasthan (43,602), and Karnataka (37,412). Of the 14 districts in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram (1,408) has the highest number of people pledging their organs, and Ernakulam (641) and Kollam (593) are in the second and third slots, the NOTTO data show.

Malayalam TV personality and director Akhil Marar booked for alleged anti-national remarks on social media

Complaint was filed by a local BJP leader at Kottarakkara in Kollam which alleged that Akhil Marar's video shared on social media contained statements against the nation

Kollam Book Festival begins

Security strengthened at Kollam Civil Station

District administration moves comes in the context of threat messages targeting government institutions

Kollam records 99.41% pass in SSLC

Malayalam actor Vinayakan arrested for drunk, disorderly behaviour; released later

Vinayakan had been staying at the hotel in Kollam since May 2 as part of a move shoot nearby and during checkout on Thursday, he created a scene at the establishment while intoxicated, say police

Ente Keralam expo to begin in Kollam on May 11

3.17 lakh people sought treatment for dog bite cases in the State in 2024

Thiruvananthapuram district is way ahead of the other districts in the number of dog bite cases, with a total of 50,870 people seeking treatment. Kollam is in second place with 37,618 dog bite cases, Ernakulam had 32,086 cases, Palakkad had 31,303 cases and Thrissur 29,363 cases. Wayanad was last on the list with 5,719 cases.

Seven-year-old girl in Kollam succumbs to rabies despite receiving anti-rabies vaccination, immunoglobulin serum

On April 8, a stray dog attacked the child, Niya Faisal, while she was playing in front of her house

Rejuvenation of Edappally, Perandoor canals: CSIR-NEERI completes monitoring of waterbodies

Pattolit and Valiyat canals in Kollam are also part of the project, which is being implemented under the supervision of the Kerala State Pollution Control Board

Joint efforts under way to combat illegal liquor and drug sales in Kollam

Excise dept. conducted 2,173 raids in district in two months under Operation Clean Slate and 272 people were arrested

Breathing new life into old ponds in Kollam

Asked To Pay Customs Duty, Kerala Woman Throws Away 15 Pounds Of Gold Jewellery At The Airport

A woman from Kollam caused chaos at Thiruvananthapuram Airport by refusing to pay customs duty on 120g of gold, claiming it was her personal property.

Traffic study on anvil to assess feasibility of launching Water Metro in Kollam and 17 other cities

Government allocates five anchorages in Kollam for Muthalapozhy fishers cut off from sea due to siltation of harbour mouth

The government has secured five fish landing centres with mooring facilities in Kollam. From Monday, fishers from Muthalapozhy could dock their sea-faring boats at Jonakapuram, Vadi, Muthakkara, Port Kollam, and Thankassery anchorages and resume operations

Ashtamudi to get tourism development project of 59 cr.

Finance Minister says Kollam has multiple projects that will contribute significantly to the States progress

RSS founders portrait displayed during Kollam Pooram, TDB seeks report

Hedgewars portrait figures in kudamattam ceremony; TDB blames temple outside its jurisdiction

RSS founder's portrait at Kerala temple sparks row

The display of RSS founder KB Hedgewar's portraits during a temple festival in Kollam district has sparked controversy in Kerala, prompting the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to request a report from its vigilance wing. The images of Hedgewar were reportedly displayed along with the photos of prominent social reformers like Sree Narayana Guru and B R Ambedkar during Kollam Pooram festival here on Tuesday night. TDB sources said the management of Puthiyakavu Temple, a local shrine in the district which does not come under its ambit, is allegedly responsible for the showcasing of the images of the RSS leader during the kudamattam as part of the Pooram festivities.