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.

New species of deep-sea octopus squid found in Kerala

KOCHI: Scientists at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have found a new species of deep-sea squid in the Arabian Sea. The species, scientifically named Taningia silasii (Indian octopus squid), is the second confirmed species of the globally rare genus Taningia and has been formally described in the international journal Marine Biodiversity. The specimen was collected from nearly 390m depth off the Kollam coast. Measuring 45cm in length, the squid belongs to the family of Octopoteuthidae, the adults of this species are known for their distinctive absence of tentacles, though they are true deep-sea squids. Principal scientist Geetha Sasikumar and technical officer Sajikumar K K led the research. Until now, Taningia danae found in Atlantic waters was the only known species in this genus. DNA barcoding showed more than 11% genetic divergence from the Atlantic species, confirming the specimen as a distinct species, said Geetha. Although called the octopus squid, it is a squid that possesses only eight arms and lacks the two long tentacles typically seen in other squid species. Members of this family can also attain large sizes, said Sajikumar. The species has been named in honour of marine biologist and former director of CMFRI E G Silas.

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.

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.

SHRC orders Kerala govt to pay Rs 1-lakh aid to victim of police custodial torture

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Human Rights Commission has directed the state government to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation to a construction labourer, who was subjected to custodial torture by a sub-inspector earlier attached with Varkala police station. The directive issued by SHRC chairperson Alexander Thomas said the government can deduct the amount from the police officer. Suresh Koyippad, a native of Chathannoor, was beaten up by then Varkala SI P R Rahul on August 30, 2022. Suresh sustained injuries on his abdomen, resulting in the blockage of urine, in the incident. The officer had alleged that Suresh was detained for illegal soil mining, but the commission observed that the vehicle used was not detained. Moreover, Suresh was booked for obstructing the duty of the police officer and not for soil mining, the commission found. Additionally, the police officer had responded that Suresh sustained injuries when he was forcefully made to enter the police jeep. But the commission rejected the allegation. It was also revealed that Suresh was detained by 3.30 pm and kept in the station till 9.30pm. The reports submitted by the home additional chief secretary, the state police chief, the SHRC investigation wing and the Kollam district police chief reckoned that the human rights of Suresh were violated.

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.

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

Home and away Can Twenty20 up its game?

KOCHI: When Twenty20 swept 17 of 19 seats in Kizhakkambalam grama panchayat in 2015 barely two years after its formation it was seen as a political anomaly. This corporate-backed civic experiment had unexpectedly evolved into a hyperlocal movement. Its subsidised Bhakshya Suraksha Market, welfare and infrastructure interventions, and the much-discussed Gods villas seemed to signal a new model of local governance, one that voters rewarded again in 2020. That election also marked the partys first major expansion: it retained Kizhakkambalam and extended influence to three neighbouring panchayats Aikaranad, Mazhuvannoor, and Kunnathunad. Now, a decade into its dramatic entry, Twenty20 is attempting its most ambitious leap yet. The party has announced plans to contest in 55 local bodies, including key municipalities such as Maradu, Tripunithura, and Thrikkakara, as well as Kochi corporation. The pitch is clear: Positioning itself as the alternative for voters tired of the traditional UDF-LDF binary. But can a hyperlocal movement built around a corporate ecosystem scale into a statewide political force? Political observers say the answer is almost certainly no. In the beginning, the party had possibilities. But it could not keep up with its promises. The founders political statements affected its image as an independent force. The party does not have a clear roadmap or agenda to grow in Kerala, and many early leaders have left, said senior journalist and political analyst M G Radhakrishnan. The party has selected panchayats across Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Ernakulam, where it currently holds two district panchayat seats, to further its ambitions. But analysts argue that geographical spread alone does not guarantee political depth. According to Dr D Dhanuraj, founder of the Centre for Public Policy Research, a Kochi-based think tank, expansion beyond a local cluster requires the organisational muscle of alliances. In Kunnathunad and nearby areas, Twenty20 can operate independently. But to win assembly or Lok Sabha seats, you need a strong institutional framework, clear policies, and committed cadre. That is a continuous and long-term process, he said. Twenty20s immediate impact, however, cannot be dismissed. In the 2021 assembly election, it contested eight seats in Ernakulam and significantly dented the UDFs prospects in Kunnathunad, Kochi, Kothamangalam, and Vypeen. Its founder, Sabu Jacob, maintains that Twenty20 is the only force willing to address chronic civic failures. LDF and UDF have failed to tackle even basic issues like mosquito menace, waterlogging, drinking water scarcity, waste disposal, and traffic congestion. These are areas ripe for corruption, which is why established parties hesitate. Only Twenty20 can take these issues head-on, he earlier told TNIE. But even Sabu acknowledges setbacks. The Kitex Groups decision not to invest further in Kerala, he admits, curtailed the states development potential a move widely seen as politically charged. Political observers unanimously agree: Twenty20 may retain Kizhakkambalam and its neighbouring strongholds, and may even snatch a few more local bodies. But a pan-Kerala presence remains unlikely. They may win in pockets. But expanding even within Ernakulam -- let alone the state is going to be difficult, Radhakrishnan said. Dhanuraj echoed this point, noting that the partys influence is heavily concentrated. People in panchayats around Kizhakkambalam may elect them. But building presence in districts where they have no history or local grounding is an entirely different challenge, he said. As Kerala heads into local body elections, Twenty20 appears poised to disrupt and potentially spoil the prospects of the major fronts, particularly the UDF. But the broader question remains: Is it an emerging political alternative or simply a hyperlocal outlier with limited room to grow? For now, analysts say its future is firmly tied to where it began: Kizhakkambalam and its immediate neighbourhood. In a league of its own Twenty20s performance over the previous two local-body elections in Kizhakkambalam and neighbouring panchayats Local body Seats won /total seats Kizhakkambalam 17/19 Kizhakkambalam 18/19 Aikaranad 14/14 Mazhuvannoor 14/19 Kunnathunad 11/18

Trailblazing trio: Kochi Water Metro to get first female pilots

KOCHI: Kochi Water Metro is making history, not just as Indias first water metro system, but by breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Three determined womenArunima A of Alappuzha, Lekshmi R S of Kollam, and Sneha S of Thiruvananthapuramhave successfully completed their rigorous nearly three-year training and will soon become the countrys inaugural female trainee boat pilots. The journey to the cockpit The trio, who all hold diplomas in electronics and electrical engineering, initially faced apprehension about entering this field. However, their dedication and the supportive environment provided by the Kochi Water Metro turned that nervousness into confidence. As Lekshmi shared, We only had diploma certificates, but were selected after appearing in the entry test... The masters and trainers were very much supportive, and the training went smoothly. Ask them about the toughest section. Pat comes the answer, Steering the boat and roping in the Fort Kochi (High Court- Fort Kochi) section is tough. We are also now adept at doing urgent maintenance work if required, Lekshmi adds. For Arunima, the journey was transformative. When I applied, my kin were a little apprehensive over whether I could steer such a large complicated vessel. But now they are extending all their support... They are now proud that women are coming into the field. Their extensive training regimen, which included a stipend of up to Rs 19,000 plus benefits, was designed to ensure complete competence in operating the modern, electric vessels. To become independent pilots, they need to get the Serang Certificate issued by the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB). The trio from the first batch completed the mandatory two-year training and have applied for the licence. Once they get it, we aim to deploy them as solo boat pilots. They are as good as anyone, said Kochi Water Metro chief operating officer Sajan P John. The training equipped them to handle every task -- from handling ropes, to becoming proficient in the complex functionalities of the boats. Once we learn the complex functionalities, these boats are smoother to handle than the mechanised ones as everything can be controlled from the cockpit, noted Reni Mathew, manager (HR), KWML. The training also includes drills and emergency courses. It includes the actions to be taken on a war footing during emergencies. For instance, if a commuter falls into the water, measures like throwing floating devices like lifebuoy, and using ropes to pull them into the boat and all. Then what to do when the boat goes out of control. For instance, when getting drifted by high tides. There is an emergency steering on the rear side of the boats. The training covers all that, said Balu Alex Varghese, Safety Officer. The next crucial step for the pilots is obtaining the Serang Certificate (Boatmasters Licence) issued by the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB). This certification is mandatory to permit them to operate a vessel independently. Having completed the two-year training, they are now in the process of applying for the licence. Once certified, the Kochi Water Metro plans to deploy them as solo boat pilots, officially launching their careers and setting a precedent for other women.

Kerala HC suggests state move Supreme Court against ECs Special Revision drive

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Thursday suggested that it would be appropriate for the state government to approach the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission of Indias decision to conduct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala. During the hearing of the petition filed by the state government, Justice V G Arun said it would be better to approach the Supreme Court, as several other states have also filed Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) against the SIR. The court will pass an order on Friday on the states petition seeking deferment of the SIR until the local body elections are over. Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup argued that the state has not questioned the validity of the Election Commissions SIR and that the writ petition is confined solely to seeking its deferment within the state until the local body elections are concluded. The state government contended that conducting the SIR simultaneously with the local body elections would hinder their smooth conduct. The general elections to the LSGIs are a massive exercise requiring the deployment of 1,76,000 personnel from government and quasi-government services for election-related duties, along with an additional 68,000 police and other security personnel for election-related security duties. The state pointed out that elections to the LSGIs in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam have been scheduled for December 9, while those in Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod are scheduled for December 11. The election notification will be issued on November 14. The last date for filing nominations is November 21, scrutiny will be on November 22, and withdrawals will be allowed until November 24. Counting will be held on December 13, and the last date for completing the election process is December 18. The guidelines show that the SIR involves a comprehensive and cumbersome procedure. The state would face an administrative deadlock if it conducted the LSGI elections and the SIR simultaneously, the Advocate General submitted. Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, counsel for the Election Commission of India, submitted that the SIR exercise was announced as early as October 27. BLOs were appointed and trained, and the SIR began on November 4. By now, 55 percent of the enumeration work has been completed, and the entire process is to be concluded within one month, ending on December 4. This exercise involves only obtaining the electors signature. The enumeration forms are pre-filled with the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, addresses, and other details. These forms are taken door to door by BLOs and agents of political parties, who obtain electors signatures before uploading the completed forms. More than half the exercise has already been completed, and the process is underway. The state should have approached the Supreme Court, Dwivedi submitted, adding that any intervention at this point by the High Court would interrupt the process mid-way.

e-Health project rolled out in 1,001 medical institutions in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department has achieved a milestone by bringing 1,001 medical institutions under the e-Health project. This includes 19 medical college institutions, 33 district/general hospitals, 87 taluk hospitals, 77 community health centres, 554 family health centres, 99 urban family health centres, 15 specialty hospitals, 3 public health laboratories, and 114 other health facilities. So far, over 2.63 crore people have obtained permanent UHID registrations through e-Health. More than 6.73 crore people have sought medical care using temporary registration, and 16.85 lakh patients have been admitted through the e-Health system. Digital technology has been effectively implemented in the health sector, with recent initiatives including digital payment options, online OP ticketing, the MeHealth app, and Scan and Book facilities, said Health Minister Veena George. Through e-Health, patients can now book OP tickets in advance. The system also allows patients who need follow-up treatment to take advance tokens directly from the hospital. Advance tokens can be booked via the e-Health portal or the MeHealth app, significantly reducing waiting times. e-Health project district-wise TPuram: 150 Kollam: 61 PThitta: 37 Alappuzha: 65 Kottayam: 57 Idukki: 32 Ernakulam: 100 Thrissur: 99 Palakkad: 68 Malappuram: 106 Kozhikode: 89 Wayanad: 37 Kannur: 62 Kasaragod: 38

Debris from sunken MSC Elsa-3 ship found on seabed near Kovalam beach

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Wreckage debris of a container reportedly carried by the MSC Elsa-3 ship have been found on the seabed near Kovalam beach. This marks the first discovery of debris from the MSC Elsa-3 on the seabed since the ship sank off the Kochi coast on May 25. The debris, partially buried in sand and trapped between underwater rocks extending from Kovalams Mukkom Hills, was first spotted by clam gatherers at Ashoka Beach. Thiruvananthapuram-based civil society organisation Friends of Marine Life, and SCUBA COCHIN, who identified the container marked TGHU 99 1951 [5] during a two-day underwater search. The recovered piece measures 3 metres long, 2.45 metres wide, and 2 metres high. FML speculates that an extensive search through the underwater rocks along the Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari districts could give more hints regarding the sunken ship. FML Chief Coordinator Robert Panipilla urged that the authorities should cross check the cargo manifesto of MSC Elsa-3 if the container belonged to their cargo and inform it.

Migrant worker dies in tragic mishap at Kollam bypass construction site

KOLLAM: A 48-year-old migrant worker from Bihar died in a tragic accident at the Kollam bypass construction site on Tuesday. The deceased has been identified as Mohammed Jubrail, a native of Shishya village in Katihar district, Bihar. His body was found crushed under a mound of soil near the KurippuzhaKavanad bridge section around 9.30 a.m., where construction work for the National Highway bypass is underway. According to eyewitnesses, a portion of the workers hand was first spotted emerging from the ground while a grader machine was being used to level the soil. Workers immediately halted the machinery and alerted the authorities. The Fire and Rescue Services personnel recovered the body with the help of other construction workers. Preliminary reports suggest that Jubrail may have become trapped beneath the soil while excavation work was in progress using heavy machinery. The body was shifted to Kollam District Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The Anchalummoodu police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident. The body will be handed over to relatives after the autopsy on Wednesday. Police said the relatives have already been informed. The Kollam bypass, part of the National Highway 66 development project, has been under construction for several months and involves extensive soil filling and road-laying works. Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the contracting agency are expected to conduct an internal safety review following the accident, which has raised concerns over safety measures at the site.

Thiruvananthapuram MCH turns nightmare

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: I ve been sharing the bed. Even then, we have to make way when those in need of critical care are brought in, a female patient lamented. There are too many patients and too few doctors. Sometimes we wait for hours, even with serious conditions, she added, hurriedly. Theres no dearth of complaints at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. Uncertainty lurks for many who seek care here: Long waits for beds, lack of timely treatment, and want of privacy... the list of grievances goes on. The death of Kollam man K Venu, who allegedly breathed his last while on a prolonged wait for cardiac treatment, has once again placed the spotlight on the grim realities at one of the premier government hospitals in the state. A visit unearthed the situation on the ground. Within its crowded corridors and old buildings, patients struggle for space and care. Of the 28 wards, six have been demolished for renovation, forcing patients, many of them referred from taluk and district hospitals, to share beds or, more often, to lie on the floor. In the general medicine wards 1 and 3, the situation is worse. Even patients from the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) make do without beds. There is no privacy in these crowded spaces. The stench from restrooms clogged with pigeon droppings seeps into the wards, where bystanders stretch out on verandas and eat near wash areas. All say they have nowhere else to go. The lack of facilities is evident everywhere. After several old buildings were pulled down for renovation, patients were moved around and additional beds were added to wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 14, and 28. In some sections, it is virtually impossible to walk between beds. Patients without bystanders lie abandoned in several corners. Those suffering from fever, infections, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, anaemia, leukemia or even heart conditions are all admitted to the same wards. There is only one privacy screen in my ward, said Shini of Neyyattinkara, who was moved out of ICU on Wednesday and now shares her bed with an elderly woman. Sometimes we relieve ourselves in the morning and wait till evening to clean up. I have cried out of utter desperation. But, no one is to blame. The nurses and staff are overwhelmed. A patient referred from RCC with vertigo waited the entire day for a bed. In ward 1, John from Punalur, who recently suffered a heart attack, lies stretched on the floor. His bystander says this is safer than sharing a bed from which he could fall off. The cardiology department is under equal strain. It has only 40 beds for both men and women and has patients spilling over onto the corridors. Some lie on stretchers for days. Outpatient (OP) and follow-up cases are booked in advance, so the critical ones are squeezed in between, hospital sources said. General medicine has over 600 beds, but requires at least 300 more. Admissions pour in around the clock from OP and emergency that leaves the staff struggling. Hospital authorities admit the numbers are staggering. A senior MCH official said the hospital is doing everything it can, but the situation is beyond what it can manage. A large number of patients are referred from distant places. Some may not be serious cases, but we do not turn anyone away. There are 1,952 beds, but we treat 300 to 400 more patients daily. The new complex, expected by 2026, will ease the pressure, he said. The hospital has all the facilities. There is nothing you cannot find here. We offer all kinds of treatment. But without enough space and basic facilities, it is turning into a nightmare for patients, said another senior official, pointing out their helplessness. Highlighting that hospitals under the Directorate of Health Services are often unsupportive and make referrals without proper consultation, Director of Medical Education (DME) Vishwanathan K V said that such practices could put tertiary care centres under strain. The Thiruvananthapuram MCH, together with SAT Hospital, has 3,500 beds and additional 250 beds are being added in the surgical block. Several wards in general medicine have also been expanded. Yet, patient load continues to rise. Occupancy has reached 170%, more than half beyond full capacity. Referrals often arrive after 1pm, even for minor issues, because secondary hospitals are not managing cases effectively, the DME said. He said the government has consistently supported the hospital, with 470 new posts created. An updated referral protocol was also released on Monday. It is expected to enhance the functioning of patient referrals, and ensure that healthcare institution functions to its full potential, added the DME. Overloaded and underequipped: Life inside MCH MCH has 1,952 beds but routinely treats 300400 in-patients above capacity each day The general medicine dept, with over 600 beds, requires at least 300 more to meet demand Of the 28 wards, six have been demolished for renovation, causing overcrowding in the remaining wards Patients are often referred from taluk and district hospitals even for minor ailments, officials said Restrooms are frequently clogged The cardiology dept has only 40 beds, leading to spillover into corridors Patients with serious conditions such as heart attacks, leukaemia, autoimmune diseases, and infections are treated together in the same wards A revised referral protocol has been issued to improve coordination between primary, secondary, and tertiary centres Expansion projects, including 250 new surgical beds and a hospital complex by 2026, are expected to ease the load

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.

Twenty20 to contest in 60 local bodies, focus on Kochi corporation

KOCHI: Twenty20, the political outfit promoted by the Kitex Group, will contest local body elections to 55 panchayats, four municipalities, and Kochi corporation. The party will be in the running for selected panchayats in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts, but the focus will be on Kochi corporation and neighbouring municipalities, Kitex chairman Sabu Jacob said on Monday. Speaking to TNIE , he said Twenty20 will battle it out in all wards of Kochi corporation and the municipalities of Maradu, Tripunithura and Thrikkakara. Despite holding the reins of Kochi corporation, the LDF and the UDF have been unable to address even basic issues such as mosquito menace, waterlogging, drinking water, water disposal, and traffic congestion. Political parties are not keen to solve problems that offer room for corruption. Only Twenty20 can take these issues head on. We will transform Kochi into a vibrant city. We will conduct a study and implement a Rs 5,000 crore project to make Kochi a high-tech hub, he said. According to Sabu, Twenty20 will cross swords in Thrikkakara, Tripunithura, and Maradu as the development of these municipalities is linked to the development of Kochi. We will offer more opportunities to women candidates. In the panchayats of Poothrikka and Thiruvaniyoor, all our candidates will be women. Nearly 80-90% of all our candidates in the seven panchayats under Kunnathunad assembly constituency will be women. Generally, political parties sideline women, but we believe women better understand the problems of the common man. While political parties are not keen to field women candidates, we promote them, Sabu said. Twenty20 has transformed the panchayats of Kizhakkambalam, Kunnathunad, Aikaranad and Mazhuvannur by introducing good governance, he said. These panchayats have set an example. We study social issues and manage the local bodies professionally. Kizhakkambalam panchayat has posted a budget surplus of Rs 32 crore over the past 10 years. In our first term, savings averaged Rs 2.5 crore per annum. In the second term, this rose to Rs 4 crore. We aim to raise annual surplus to Rs 6 crore in our third term. Aikaranad panchayat saved Rs 14 crore over five years. We achieved this without compromising on development, Sabu added. Local bodies in Kerala lose Rs 4,000 crore - Rs 5,000 crore every year to corruption. Our motto is to ensure development by ending graft, he said.

Southern Railway announces 16 special trains for Sabarimala pilgrimage season

Thiruvananthapuram: Southern Railway on Monday announced 16 special trains for pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala for the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season, which begins on November 17. The trains will be operational from November 14 to January 24, 2026 from Kakinada, Hazur Sahib Nanded, Charlapalli, Machilipatnam, Narasapur, Chennai Egmore, Dr MGR Chennai Central to Kollam and Kottayam, 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 .

Kerala local body election to be held in two phases on December 9 and 11, counting of votes on Dec 13

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Elections to local self-government bodies in Kerala will be conducted in two phases on December 9 and 11, State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan announced at a press conference on Monday. With the announcement, the model code of conduct has come into effect. Nomination papers can be filed until November 21, with scrutiny scheduled for November 22 and withdrawals allowed until November 24. Polling will be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Kottayam districts on December 9, while Thrissur, Palakkad, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod will vote on December 11. A total of 23,576 wards across 1,199 local bodies will go to the polls. Votes will be counted on December 13, and the entire election process will conclude by December 18.

Kerala local body elections 2025 to be held in two phases on December 9 and 11; counting on December 13

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

Kerala DME gives clean chit to doctors in heart patients death; family says unacceptable

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Five days after K Venu, a 48-year-old autorickshaw driver from Kollam, died of heart failure at the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) has given a clean chit to the cardiology department, despite damning allegations by the patient and his family of neglect and delay in treatment. The preliminary report, expected to be submitted to Health Minister Veena George on Monday, claimed that treatment protocols had been followed and the case sheet showed no lapses. The findings were based solely on statements from the doctors involved. The report noted that communication errors with the patient might need separate examination. The findings stood in stark contrast to the allegations levelled by Venu before his death. In an audio message sent to his friends, the ailing driver described being left on the floor of the hospital without attention for five days, despite being an emergency cardiac patient. If anything happens to me, the hospital staff should be held responsible, he said in the recording. Venu died of heart failure on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Sindhu, wife of Venu, rubbished the probe report, saying they will not accept it. She reiterated that the family was kept in the dark throughout Venus five-day ordeal. There was clear negligence in treatment and the manner in which they dealt with the patient, she said. The health minister had ordered an inquiry following complaints from Venus family. Venus death sparked a major controversy with various political parties accusing the government of neglecting the public health system. Amid the allegations, calls have intensified for a thorough investigation guided by Supreme Court protocols and involving a multidisciplinary panel of experts.

Aquaculture output offers hope amid climate impact on fisheries in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralas aquaculture sector is witnessing steady growth, offering hope for the states fish supply in the face of declining marine production due to climate change. Officials with the fisheries department said that nearly 50,000 farmers are currently engaged in aquaculture activities, and the number is expected to increase in the coming years. According to the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Keralas marine fish production registered a marginal decline of 4% in 2024 compared to the previous year, dropping to 0.61 million tonnes. The decrease has been attributed to the impact of cyclonic storms, rising sea temperatures, and increased heatwave days that affected fishing activities. While oil sardine landings saw a slight improvement, other major species such as Indian mackerel witnessed a steep fall. In the long run, however, the growing aquaculture production would help the state bridge the supply gap, the officials noted. So far, we havent recorded an alarming drop in fish production. But climate change is expected to impact marine catch in the future. We are already preparing for such a situation and many farmers are showing keen interest in aquaculture. The department is providing financial support and necessary training to promote the sector, a senior fisheries department official told TNIE. Data with the fisheries department show a consistent rise in aquaculture production over the past eight years. Currently, aquaculture activities are most prominent in districts such as Alappuzha, Kollam and Kottayam. Data with the fisheries department show a consistent rise in aquaculture production over the past eight years from 28,476 tonnes in 2016-17 to 41,175 tonnes in 2024-25. Farmers too have reported positive trends in the sector. I have been engaged in fish farming for 13 years in around 12 acres. Ive never faced a loss so far. Earlier, farmed fish didnt have much demand, but now, due to the high price of marine fish and changing consumer habits, it is getting wider acceptance. I mainly cultivate pangasius, rohu, and catla, and theres good demand for them, said Martin Joseph, a fish farmer from Thalayolaparambu. However, small-scale farmers have voiced concerns about limited market access. I have aquaculture in one acre. Large buyers dont approach small farms as we cant offer bulk quantities. As a result, its difficult to secure space in the market. If the government creates a system to connect small farmers directly with buyers, more people will take up aquaculture, said Chandy Joseph, a farmer from Kollam.

After Kuttanad, govt to expand water safari to Kannur, Kollam

KOCHI: Forget the laid-back backwater cruises, Keralas inland waters are about to get a booster shot of culture, tradition, and tourism. Following the announcement of the highly ambitious Kuttanad Safari, inspired by the desert safaris in West Asia, the state water transport department (SWTD) is set to replicate this culturally immersive tourism model in both Kannur and Kollam. The goal is to augment the tourist appeal by tailoring the safari experience to the unique traditions and waterways of the northern and southern regions. The initiative is set to redefine how visitors experience Kerala, diving deep into local art, authentic cuisine, and hidden histories. Well soon launch the Kuttanad Safari, which was conceived by the transport minister. This ambitious model, centered around Alappuzhas stunning Pathiramanal Island, is now slated for immediate replication in Parassinikadavu [Kannur] and Kollam to create a truly statewide water-adventure circuit, SWTD director Shaji V Nair told TNIE . The northern safari will course through the Valapattanam River, from Parassinikadavu. The draw here is theyyam, the sacred folk art of Malabar, turning a luxury cruise into a cultural pilgrimage. Visitors will be treated to this ritual art form, capitalising on the many temples in the Parassinikadavu region, the official explained. On Tuesday, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar launched construction work of an eco-friendly amphitheatre on Pathiramanal Island. In the south, the experience will be anchored around Munroe Island, leveraging its serene backwaters and intricate canals to offer a tranquil, yet deeply authentic rural experience. Munroe is a cluster of eight islands at the confluence of the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. On Tuesday, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar launched construction work of an eco-friendly amphitheatre on Pathiramanal Island which will serve as the key staging post of the Kuttanad Safari. The theatre will be constructed in one-and-a-half months, following which we will launch the Kuttanad Safari. Its inspired by the desert safaris in the Gulf. There, they make use of the desert, here we use our lakes and backwaters. There, they use Land Cruisers, here we use our boats. With strong backing from the KSRTC budget tourism cell which will shuttle tourists to the safari from across the state Kerala is gearing up to firmly position these unique backwater spots on the world tourism map, the minister said. Investment in heritage The Kuttanad Safari pilot promises a full-day engrossing experience. Visitors will board in the morning, savouring an authentic local breakfast before heading to Pathiramanal. Here, the true magic happens: Forgotten cultural treasures like the ancient musical storytelling of villadichan pattu, live demonstrations of traditional coir-making, and intricate coconut-leaf weaving will take centre stage. The initiative will also support local artists and traders, making every ticket a direct investment in the regions heritage. The island will be declared a plastic-free zone, CCTV cameras will be installed to ensure the safety of visitors. Were also planning to start another boat service to facilitate site-seeing of tourists staying at resorts nearby that dont have their own boats. The tickets can be booked online, and the vessel will pick up visitors from the nearest jetty, the minister said.

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 .

High-level panel gives nod for rural infrastructure works worth Rs 1,441 crore across Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A high-level committee chaired by the chief secretary on Saturday granted in-principle approval for various infrastructure development projects amounting to Rs 1,441.24 crore under NABARDs Rural Infrastructure Development Fund Tranche 31. The projects were recommended considering the normative allocation of Rs 550 crore under the tranche. Projects worth Rs 159.64 crore were approved for the forest department, including the construction of Rapid Response Units, forest station complexes, and infrastructure development for forest offices. Under the electricity department, Rs 199.70 crore has been sanctioned for installing 5,689 solar pumps for beneficiaries of the agriculture department. The water resources department has received a recommendation of Rs 176.42 crore for irrigation projects, mainly focusing on the renovation of canals under the Pazhassi and Karapuzha irrigation schemes. The Kerala Land Development Corporation was allotted Rs 261 crore for six projects, including the renovation and development of ponds in Thrissur, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Malappuram districts. Under the social justice department, Rs 73 crore was allocated for the construction of a 250-bed rehabilitation hospital and an academic block at the National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The agriculture department has approved projects worth Rs 176.14 crore, including the establishment of 26 Smart Krishi Bhavans across 12 districts, infrastructure development in various paddy fields of Alappuzha district, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation activities in Kannur district. For the department of coastal shipping and inland navigation, Rs 217 crore was allocated for the construction of boat jetties at Mayyil and Mullakodi, along with six bridges across the TS Canal. The Kerala State Warehousing Corporation was allotted Rs 44.92 crore for modern warehouses and godowns, while the Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation has been sanctioned Rs 36.45 crore for infrastructure development related to the production of Vajra 120 power tillers. The local self-government department was allocated Rs 165 crore for projects under the Comprehensive Municipal Liquid Waste Management and Road Restoration project.

I will speak my mind... no political system made me

His journey from the village of Vilakkupara in Kollam district to the Oscars has been nothing short of cinematic. Resul Pookutty, Indias ace sound designer and filmmaker, was appointed chairperson of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy last week. An alumnus of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), he prefers to call himself an independent artist. TNIE catches up with the Academy Award-winner as he shares his thoughts on life, filmmaking, and the evolving challenges of technology. Excerpts The Chalachitra Academy has played a major role in the growth of Malayalam cinema. You are the first technician to head it. What are your plans? As of now, I dont have any concrete plans. Honestly, this came as a surprise. I was part of the general council when Kamal was the chairman, so I have some idea about how things work. But I really need some time to understand everything better. Theres already a structure in place, and the upcoming festival has been planned. So, please give me some time and a little patience. So far, the general perception is that the Academys role is limited to conducting the film festival and giving awards. However, we need to think beyond that, especially regarding how technology particularly generative AI is emerging as a significant challenge. If the Academy can play a meaningful role in educating young filmmakers and guiding them on how to use such tools responsibly, it would be a big step forward. Just as smartphones transformed our lives two decades ago, were on the brink of another major shift between 2025 and 2035 when AI will redefine how we live and work. Should filmmakers be concerned or excited about AI? When sound entered the silent film era, many of the biggest stars of the time faded away. They were legends in the silent period, but because they couldnt adapt... couldnt sing, in many cases... they had to give way to the new generation. In every art form, technology has always played a part in its evolution. So, naturally, some especially the older generation feel concerned about AI, while the younger ones are excited. Im both. Im excited because of the possibilities it offers. But Im also concerned because, from my experience with digital technology, Ive seen both its promise and its pitfalls. Technology has definitely made life easier, but Im not sure it has made it qualitatively better. Its the same with cinema. Today, AI can take your input and give you an output instantly. But to get the right output, you need knowledge, training, and an academic foundation. If you dont have research, innovation, and academics, we will only be telling stories. That is what literature does. Literature doesnt need innovation. It just needs imagination. But filmmaking needs innovation and imagination. The Academy has to be part of that change, leading from the front. How did Resul, who went to study law, land at FTII? Neither law nor institute was in my plans. I actually wanted to be a physicist. And I thought I would study and conduct research in superconductivity and win a Nobel prize. And I thought I will invent a superconductor. That was one of my favourite subjects. I thought what is going to change the world in the next millennium is the concept of energy. But unfortunately, man proposes, God disposes. It won an Oscar instead of a Nobel. I would have really loved a Nobel (smiles). How did the transition into films happen? I didnt get admission for MSc Physics. So, I applied for law. While I was doing law, I came across an FTII advertisement for admission to a course called sound recording and sound engineering. The basic qualification for the course was BSc Physics. I applied thinking I can continue my love for physics. I cleared the entrance but I failed the interview as I had no real understanding of cinema. And then? In the one week that I spent in Pune, I discovered cinema. I came back and for the next one year that I spent at the law college, I studied art. I went to poetry gatherings and watched films. The newspaper column called todays events became my friend. After one year, I had gained some confidence. I also had something to fall back on. I went to FTII with a lot of confidence and got admission. When you studied physics, you aspired for the Nobel prize. While studying law, what was your aim, the post of Supreme Court Chief Justice? (Laughs) Yes. Thats the minimum. I wasnt willing to take anything less. Or a lawyer like Nani Palkhivala. And when you were at FTII, you wanted to win an Oscar. Were you always this ambitious? When Satyajit Ray was awarded the Oscar for Lifetime Achievement in 1992, I was the saddest person in the institute. I rued that he took my chance (smiles)! Then I thought I would come out of the institute, make a film, and that film would win an Oscar. Never in my wildest dreams had I thought that I would win an Oscar for sound. You have received many offers from Hollywood, but never took them up... Yes, I had been offered jobs in studios in the UK and the US. But I always wanted to remain in India. In the US, when the offer came, I was working on James Camerons crew, and anybody would have grabbed it. I thought if I went there as a worker, then I would be a slave. But if I go as a client, the entire equation will change. How did FTII shape your career? Whatever I am today is because of FTII. I went there as a wild beast from a small village in Kerala. I had never seen anyone from any other state before that. FTII gave me an opportunity to interact with and know people from different regions. Your father was a staunch communist and mother an orthodox Muslim. How did this contradiction shape you? The communist movement in central Travancore took birth in my fathers house. Umma was not orthodox but very pious. My mother married at the age of 13. She has been through a lot during her married life due to my fathers communist connections. For us 10 siblings, penury and starvation were our companions while growing up. All these hardships shaped me. You said FTII shaped you. However, of late, it is said that FTII is not what it used to be. Are you concerned? Yes, things have changed at FTII. But it is something that happens over a period of time. Everyone feels that their time at the institute was the best. Of course, many things have been watered down. What about political colouring? See, in a democracy, what do you do? A majority of Indians have elected a political dispensation. They will do whatever they want. Have they done anything wrong? We gave them the power to do the things that they are doing. The beauty of democracy is that we can change them. However, of all the countries that I have travelled to, I would say my country is the best. Malayalam films are also making use of AI and technological advancements... It is the need of the hour. If we dont change, our films will be rejected. The new generation has the appetite and also the opportunity to consume the best in the world at the click of a button. The beauty of Malayalam cinema is that we are still making films based on our people... our voices. What has Hindi cinema done? There is no middle class in those films. So what happened? Those films got rejected. The corporates came and destroyed Hindi cinema. But that is not so in Malayalam. How did you come under the scanner of the Slumdog Millionaire team? One day, while working in Gajani, I received a call from a friend. He told me, Resul Bhai, there is one film Danny Boyle is making in India, and we are doing the line production. I have recommended your name for sound production. This was a big moment for me. In my hostel room at the Film Institute, I had a poster of the movie Trainspotting. So Danny Boyle was the name I woke up to every day. I said Im in. There is a story that you faced discrimination on the sets of Slumdog Millionaire and you planned to walk out. Is that true? (Smiles) That was imbecile me, I would say, looking back. It was not racial discrimination. Lets be very clear about it. I felt I was not being heard. We had challenges. We shot in a small room. All the small lights were making so much hum, which was undesirable. When Im doing live mixing, I want to see the action live and I want to see it through the monitor. We didnt have any space. So I found a space near the roof. We took two or three shots. In one shot, the cameraman just looked up and he saw me. He said, Hey, Resul is in the frame, and asked me to come down. I said no because that was the only spot I could get. I felt very offended. Danny also supported him. I said that wasnt right and I was quitting if thats so. Danny came up to me and said he was sorry for having made an error of judgement and asked me to stay. So, I went back. Now, I thank God that I went back (laughs). How do you see the current sound scene in Indian cinema? We have a lot of noisy action films. We have a lot of heavy music, because of which people dont even choose to rewatch those movies... Please amplify the fact that there is a lot of music that doesnt allow a rewatch. That should go down to the directors and producers. They think that if the sound is low, people will shuffle in their seats. People shuffling while watching a film is not a good thing. So everything has to be loud. That is the idiom of mainstream cinema and thats very sad. Thats the difference between Hollywood and us. They make it a point to ensure a pleasurable viewing experience. You once said theres no such thing as noise only unwanted sound. Could you explain? That line came from an experience during a shoot. The tubelights were making a constant keee noise. I thought of it as an unwanted sound and decided to dub that sequence. But when we played the dubbed version, something felt off. The sync track with that faint keee noise actually worked. It created tension in the scene. Thats when I realised: what I thought was noise wasnt noise at all it was part of the environment, adding emotion. Now, I tell actors: When youre in front of the camera, Im not just recording your dialogues Im also recording your presence every movement, every breath you take within the frame. Those subtle sounds define your character. Its said you were the one who suggested A R Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire. Could you tell us how it happened? A R Rahman wasnt originally part of the film. I was the one who mentioned his name to Danny Boyle. The song Jai Ho didnt even exist when we were shooting. We had filmed Aaj Ki Raat for that sequence. We were shooting at Mumbais VT station between 2am and dawn, after the last train had left and before the first one arrived. It went on for days. During one of those long car rides from Juhu to the station, Danny played a bunch of Bollywood tracks he liked around 28 of them. Out of those, 22 were by Rahman. Danny turned to me and asked, Who is this guy? I told him, Hes known as the Mozart of Madras. I told him that if hes considering an Indian composer, he must consider Rahman. The rest, as they say, is history. As Chalachitra Academy chairperson, are you concerned about political pressure in decision making? Why should I be concerned? Is this a post that does not allow me to speak? If so, I have no qualms about throwing it away. I will speak my mind. Im an independent artist, and no political system made me. How did the commercial failure of your directorial debut, Otta, affect you? I almost died making that film. It wasnt a mainstream subject, but I tried to pitch it as one. Earlier, a film would fare well if it had a family film tag, and I made a family film about todays children and their troubles. I was very disappointed and took the responsibility for the film not doing well. We also didnt get the right release window. You had mentioned about a film on Keralas socio-political history... Yes, but I dont know if that would be my next. Its a very relevant and moving story. I want to tell the younger generation about how Kerala was around 70 years ago. We were an evil society that discriminated against people based on where they were born and asked women to pay taxes for covering their bodies. Keralas transformation is drastic. You also wanted to make an Indo-Pak cross-border love story... Thats a film I really want to make, but the current political atmosphere doesnt allow me to do that. It isnt because of those in power, rather the overall atmosphere doesnt allow actors to take it up. I had three big mainstream stars agreeing to it initially, but later they asked if I could change the premise. I said I cant because there would then be no film. I cant help but wait till the political climate changes. Whats your opinion on todays Malayalam cinema? Excellent. The current generation of filmmakers has changed the whole paradigm of Malayalam cinema. The Malayalam cinema the world knows today is not because of the movies made by the likes of Adoor, Aravindan and Shaji N Karun. Its the films made by these young boys. They are the ones who redefined Malayalam cinema. Of course, Chalachitra Academy, the state government, and the cultural landscape have also contributed to it. And dont forget the huge contribution of the diaspora living in Arab countries. They produce 40 to 50% of Malayalam mainstream cinema. I want to do something for them through the Chalachitra Academy. Why cant we think of something like an IFFK for the Malayalis in Dubai or Abu Dhabi or Muscat? As someone who lives in the world of sound, whats your favourite sound? Rain. Basically, sound of water from rain to the water flowing down a stream. Our memories are usually associated with visuals. But for someone like you, is it the sound that shapes your memories? Its a misconception. Sound is actually the memory, not visuals. At midnight, if you hear a cars braking sound, you think something bad has happened, right? Maybe an accident. It is the sound that is poking your memory. What are our Vedas? Knowledge. Easily memorable sounds. Whats your advice to aspiring filmmakers? Go back to the roots, read literature in your own language. What makes Malayalam cinema stand out? It is rooted in Malayalam literature. In Hindi cinema, there is no Hindi literature. So, language is the most important thing. How important is silence when it comes to sound and noise? For me, silence is an emotion that I arrive at in a film or in a human situation. It is not a sound for me. You are someone who dreamt big and achieved all of it. Now, what is your dream? I dont think those were my dreams. I never worked in a film thinking it is an Oscar-worthy film. I only worked and worked and worked. I was trying to refine myself in every work I did. That brought me rewards. When it came, I was delighted. When it did not come, I didnt feel anything. Thats the emotion I carried out of the film institute. That you dont want to be famous. You dont want to be rich. You dont want to be known. You dont want to be anything. You just want to be an artist. Just keep on doing your work. Im still in the same mentality, I feel. Your life story gives the feel of Paulo Coelhos philosophy about the universe conspiring to make ones dream come true... Paulo Coelho is a very big philosopher. He probably had his own reasons to say that. Finding me in the same league as Paulo Coelho is a privilege, I would say. An honour... (folds his hands). TNIE team: Kiran Prakash, Cithara Paul, Rajesh Ravi, Krishna P S, Vignesh Madhu, Anna Jose, Harikrishna B T P Sooraj (photos) Pranav V P (video)

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

Cardiac patient forced to lie on floor, family alleges negligence at Thiruvanthapuram MCH

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The family of a patient who died after allegedly being denied proper treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, has accused the hospital of medical negligence. They claimed that the patient, who had suffered a heart attack, was not provided with a bed or pain relief despite his critical condition. K Venu, 48, an autorickshaw driver from Panmana in Kollam, died of heart failure on Wednesday night after reportedly waiting five days for an interventional cardiac procedure. He had been referred from the district hospital in Kollam and admitted to the medical college last Friday for emergency cardiac care. His wife Sindhu said Venu was forced to lie on a cloth spread on the floor as no bed was available. We repeatedly pleaded with the doctors to save him, saying he couldnt bear the pain anymore. But they were unwilling to provide pain relief or proper treatment. Only after several requests was he shifted to the ICU, she said. She further alleged that the family was later informed that Venu had been placed on a ventilator but was not permitted to see him. I believe something had already happened to him by then. The staff behaved as though treatment was continuing even after his death, Sindhu said, demanding strict action against those responsible. Venus brother, Baby, urged that a police or judicial inquiry be conducted into the death. The investigation must be independent, without interference from those accused. Venus wife and two daughters have been left destitute and must get justice, he said. Meanwhile, authorities at the Government Medical College maintained that Venu was provided with the best possible care. He was admitted nearly 24 hours after the heart attack. Performing an angioplasty at that stage could have worsened his condition. We administered clot-dissolving medication, but such patients face around 20 per cent mortality risk, said a senior doctor.

KPCC finalises three more general secretaries amid factional pressure

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The KPCC has shortlisted three more names to be added to its list of general secretaries. KPCC president Sunny Joseph has submitted the draft list to the Congress high command, and the final list is expected to be announced shortly. The names proposed for inclusion are Maryapuram Sreekumar (Thiruvnanthapuram), Sooraj Ravi (Kollam) and Abdurahman Kutty (Thrissur). With these additions, the total strength of the general secretary panel will go up to 62. Maryapuram Sreekumar, who had earlier served as KPCC general secretary was dropped from the earlier list. Following the intervention of senior leader K Muralidharan, the leadership decided to reinstate him. Sooraj Ravi, a former KPCC secretary and son of late Congress leader Thoppil Ravi was also included to ensure representation from the influential Ezhava community in Kollam. Abdurahman Kutty, the former DCC president of Thrissur, also finds a place in the list. However, criticism has emerged over the absence of a Christian leader from Pathanamthitta district in the new list and the lack of representation of marginalised communities.

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 .

Education is wealth that cannot be taken away, says Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan

Diamond jubilee celebrations of Fatima Mata National College, Kollam

Special trains to Kollam sought to meet Ayyappa puja season rush

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

Bangladeshi national held for illegal stay in Kollam

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, 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.

Three, including firefighter, killed during operation to rescue woman who jumped into well in Keralas Kollam

Three, including firefighter, killed during operation to rescue woman who jumped into well in Keralas Kollam

Amoebic meningoencephalitis: 23 deaths reported in Kerala, says state health minister

Kerala has reported 104 cases of amoebic encephalitis, with 23 deaths, primarily in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The state health minister highlighted that early detection and treatment have significantly reduced the global fatality rate of this rare brain infection. An action plan based on the One Health approach is being implemented to prevent further cases.

Surakshitha Theeram project launched by Kollam City police

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

NSO marks 75 years of National Sample Survey with seminar at Kollam

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.

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 police book RSS workers over political flag in Onam pookkaalam

The Kerala police have booked 27 RSS workers for allegedly violating a Kerala High Court order by laying an Onam pookkaalam (floral carpet) depicting the organisations flag, 50 meters from a local temple. The incident occurred in Sasthamcotta village of Kollam district. The pookkaalam featured a saffron flag with the theme Operation Sindoor. The RSS 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 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.

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

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

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.