Dummy duo lands in jail after cops step up the game in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When Gopakumar (name changed) found himself in a financial crunch, he decided like many people to sell his land in the city for an influx of money. He approached several real estate brokers, but when the efforts proved futile, Gopakumar placed a classified advertisement in the newspaper. This proved helpful. Within days, he received a call from a man who introduced himself as Joshi. The latter expressed interest in purchasing the land Gopakumar owned and requested for a meeting at the site. Believing the inquiry to be genuine, Gopakumar agreed to the meet and expressed his wish to complete the sale quickly due to his urgent financial need. The two decided on the next day to see the property in Aluva . Joshi, along with one of his friends, met Gopakumar the next day. However, the land deal didnt work out due to disagreements over the price, says an officer with Ernakulam Rural Police. Instead, Joshi revealed that he was also a property broker and lured Gopakumar with offers of large loans and promises of doubling his investment on a commission basis, taking advantage of his urgent need for money, the officer adds. After gaining Gopakumars trust, Joshi and his gang collected a total of Rs 15 lakh in cash from him. In return, they handed over Rs 30 lakh, which was later identified to be dummy notes used in film shoots. Based on a complaint filed by Gopakumar, the Ernakulam district police chief M Hemalatha ordered a detailed investigation to prevent more people from falling prey to the scam. In addition, a special investigation team was formed under Basil Thomas, SHO of Muvattupuzha police station. During the detailed investigation, which involved tracking mobile numbers, identifying linked individuals, and analysing related data, the SIT apprehended the prime accused, Joshi. His real name was found to be Mani. He is a native of Vazhoor, Kottayam. The second accused and Manis close accomplice, Sajith Kumar, had gone into hiding. However, the 50-year-old, who goes by the name Deepak in the crime network, was tracked down to his hideout in Thiruvananthapuram, following leads from his mobile phone and vehicle data, along with tip-offs. Sajith is a native of Chirayinkeezhu. Beyond the real estate fraud schemes, the accused were involved in various other scams, including nagamanickyam (mythical gemstone believed to come from a cobras head), iruthalamuri (two-headed snake), and palladium and iridium scams, says Basil. Mani is named in around 35 cases, while Sajith has multiple cases registered against him in the capital city, and Kollam and Ernakulam districts. Detailing the modus operandi, Basil explained that the fraudsters duped individuals by making friendly calls to those who advertised property for sale in the media. When visiting the site, they would avoid making a deal citing various reasons. Exploiting the victims urgency for money, the fraudsters claim that they have strong connections in the film industry and assert that many celebrities hold large sums of unaccounted money, which needed to be laundered. They would offer to arrange funds for the victim at a commission like Rs 15 lakh to secure Rs 1 crore. Once the victim agrees, the fraudsters arrive with a suitcase full of cash. Most of the bundles contained dummy notes, but not easily discernable. Hence many fall prey to it. But thanks to the police, both the accused have been caught. They are remanded in custody. Case diary This weekly column brings you exciting, intriguing police stories, straight fromthe crime files

Kerala grows greener but carbon stock is declining

KOLLAM: Kerala has recorded a fall in carbon stock over the past six years even as its forest cover has expanded, according to the Environmental Accounting on Forest 2025 report released by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The states total carbon stock declined from 256 million tonnes in 2017 to 214 million tonnes in 2023. This drop comes despite an increase in the states forest growing stock the total volume of trees from 152 million cubic metres in 2013 to 169 million cubic metres in 2023. During the same period, Kerala also registered a sharp rise in forest area, particularly in very dense and open forest categories. The area under very dense forest (canopy cover above 70%) rose from 1,529 sq km in 2010-11 to 2,041 sq km in 2021-22. Open forest (canopy cover between 10% and 40%) expanded from 6,992 sq km to 10,696 sq km. Experts say this paradox -- more forest area but less carbon stock -- points to deeper ecological problems. The increase in trees does not automatically translate into higher carbon stock. Factors like forest degradation, replacement of natural forests with monoculture plantations, and changes in soil quality could be reducing the overall carbon retention capacity, said Jayakumar C, executive director of Thanal, a Kerala-based environmental NGO. The carbon stock is linked to climate resilience. A fall of this scale weakens Keralas natural buffer against rising temperatures. Low carbon stock affects biodiversity and makes the region more vulnerable to climate disasters and extreme heat, he added. Much of the open forests in Kerala are now dominated by grasses, shrubs, and small trees, Jayakumar pointed out. The canopy cover is low. The government should invest in converting these lands into dense forests and ensure effective implementation of reforestation and restoration programmes, he said. Jayakumar stressed on payment for resources -- paying the people for maintaining forest, water bodies, and other ecosystems that provide environment benefits to society. He also suggested the implementation of the payment-for-resource model for communities in districts, like Idukki, which provide vital ecosystem resources to other parts of the state. Ecologist and Help Foundation director Peter Pradeep, based in Kollam, said the apparent increase in forest cover could be misleading. The rise may come from plantations and orchards rather than natural forests. These areas meet the technical definition of tree cover but lack ecological value. This way, forest cover may have expanded but trees are thinner and have low biomass. The thickness and girth of trees is crucial for carbon sequestration. Only through effective carbon sequestration can we build up carbon stock. Without it, the rise in forest cover means little in terms of actual carbon stock, Peter said. He called for a social audit of the states conservation programmes. Large sums are being spent on forest conservation, but the results are negligible. A social audit will reveal how much money is spent and what outcomes are achieved. Only then can efforts to improve carbon stock be meaningful, he added. Forest Minister A K Saseendran said the NSO report will be analysed and necessary action taken. We will discuss the matter with the officials concerned. The action necessary will then be taken to improve the carbon stock, the minister said. What is carbon stock? Carbon stock is the amount of carbon contained in a reservoir at a given point in time The reservoir could be forests, oceans, or even soil, where carbon could be stored in solid, liquid or gaseous forms Decline in carbon stock implies that the rate of release of stored carbon is faster than the rate of its absorption. This could be caused due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, etc. What happens when carbon stock falls? Weakening of carbon stocks could lead to the release of stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere This could, in turn, increase the greenhouse effect and climate change. Reduced carbon stock could also be an indication of ecosystem degradation

Vigilance raids uncover widespread irregularities in building permit approvals across Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Surprise inspections by the vigilance wing of the local self-government department (LSGD) found widespread irregularities in granting building permits and occupancy certificates, including unnecessary delays, rule violations and approvals without proper verification. The inspections, held on September 16 and 17, covered the main offices of the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam corporations, 20 municipalities, and 26 panchayats. A total of 225 officials, organised into 48 teams led by internal vigilance officers, conducted the checks during which the irregularities were revealed. Since April 2023, the government has implemented an online system to simplify building permit procedures for low-risk constructions such as residential buildings up to 300-sq-m area and 7m in height. Permits in this category can be granted based on the applicants self-declaration and certified documents from licensed surveyors. Some licensed surveyors, however, submitted plans not in compliance with the regulations, and officials delayed file processing, causing further delays.

Workload, uncertainty over promotion render HM unattractive

KOCHI: More than 600 headmaster and headmistress (HM) posts remain vacant in government lower primary (LP) and upper primary (UP) schools across Kerala. Teachers say the post has become increasingly unattractive due to the heavy administrative workload and uncertainties over promotion and service benefits. In Ernakulam district alone, around 55 to 60 headmasters retire every year, but only about 15 teachers or fewer take up the position, according to teachers representatives. The post comes with numerous responsibilities, many of which go beyond the schools scope. Headmasters have to coordinate with government departments such as the local self-government, handle schemes from the state and central governments, and manage day-to-day school administration all without clerical support, said Martin Abraham (name changed), a teacher at a government LP school in Ernakulam. A long-pending court case has also contributed to the shortage. The governments decision in 2011 to promote teachers above 50 years of age as headmasters was challenged in court. The Kerala Education Rules (KER) stipulate that promotion to HM requires 12 years of continuous graduate service and passing the Accounts Test (Lower) and the Kerala Education Act & Rules test, under Rule 44A(1). With the case pending for years, vacancies began piling up, especially after the Covid shutdown, said retired headmaster Basel K V, from Alappuzha. To address the shortage, the state introduced a new rule allowing promotion purely based on seniority, invoking Rule 13B of the Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rules (KS&SSR). This rule exempts officials over 50 years of age with 25 years of service from departmental tests. Promotions were also determined by Rule 27, which establishes seniority as the basis. However, many teachers contest this approach. In education, qualification and capability should matter, not just seniority. These emergency rules were never meant for regular academic promotions, said Alby, another teacher from Ernakulam. The temporary nature of such promotions has also created complications. Teachers promoted under these provisions often face delays in receiving salaries and benefits. Since the posts are not regularised, getting service benefits becomes difficult. One HM had to approach the court for his pending dues, Basel said. As the reluctance to accept promotions grows, the state government has issued a directive requiring teachers who wish to opt out of promotion to inform authorities before the seniority list is published. Once the list is out, they must accept the post or face disciplinary action, Martin said. Apart from administrative and legal issues, the workload itself discourages teachers. LP and UP headmasters have to give classes in addition to handling school administration. They oversee noon-meal schemes, coordinate education projects at the panchayat level, attend multiple meetings with block resource centres (BRC), assistant education officers (AEO), and even departments like police and excise, said retired HM Yeldho K V of Kottayam. They are also responsible for organising arts, sports, and science festivals. With so many duties, they rarely find time to manage their own schools, he said. With the post becoming increasingly burdensome, many teachers nearing retirement are willing to take it up, but younger teachers with years of service ahead prefer to avoid it. Several educators suggest that the government consider filling the post through the Public Service Commission (PSC) to ensure administrative efficiency and reduce the burden on teaching staff. Five districts with most vacancies in govt primary schools Malappuram: 121 Thiruvanthapuram: 99 Kollam: 54 Kasaragod: 54 Kozhikode: 49 Ernakulam: 42 (Source: Entered vacancy published by DDE office, as on 21-05-2025)

Microplastics invade vembanad, traces found in bird droppings

KOLLAM: In what is the first such evidence, researchers have found synthetic fibres in the droppings of Indian cormorants and Oriental darters, both common fish-eating birds of Keralas wetlands. The study was conducted at Vembanad lake, a Ramsar site and the countrys largest brackish water ecosystem that supports thousands of resident wetland birds. Led by zoologist Sarlin Pathissery John and Sandie Morris, the study detected five major types of plastic polymers including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene in the bird droppings. Using advanced spectroscopic analysis, the team found microplastics in every single sample. These polymers are commonly used in carry bags, fishing gear, and packaging materials. The team adopted a non-invasive sampling method, collecting droppings from nests and roosting trees. On average, the Indian cormorants faeces contained 3.32 particles of microplastic per gram, while the Oriental darters had 2.27 particles per gram. Fibres were the most common form, indicating pollution from synthetic textiles and discarded fishing lines in the lakes waters. The presence of plastic fragments in bird faeces reflects the pollution profile of the region. Runoff from Alappuzhas urban areas and fishing activities is carrying microplastics into the lake. The faecal samples show that urban waterbirds are not just victims of this pollution but also vectors that spread it through their droppings, the study noted. Sarlin lead author and head of zoology department at the Fatima Mata National College, Kollam told TNIE that the findings reveal the extent to which plastic has infiltrated Keralas wetland ecosystems. We are witnessing the full scale of plastic pollution in Vembanad lake. Waste discarded from towns and fishing activities enters the river, is consumed by fish, and then by birds. Through their droppings, the particles return to the environment, creating a deadly loop, she said. Sarlin also warned of public health implications, urging stronger plastic waste management. Both humans and birds depend on the same aquatic sources for food. We fear that microplastics could be moving through shared food webs. These particles can cause hormonal and physiological changes in birds, but more conclusive studies are needed. Despite efforts to curb single-use plastics, current measures are inadequate. Stronger policies are essential to control plastic waste in our lakes, she added. The co-author, Sandie, is a chemical engineering student of Government Engineering College, Thrissur. Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Challenges Elsevier, with the research carried out under the aegis of the Fatima Mata National College and the Kollam Birding Battalion.

Kerala govt to provide life insurance coverage to students of Classes 1-10

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Marking another ambitious leap in the states education sector, Kerala is all set to provide life insurance coverage to close to 35 lakh school students. An in-principle decision has been made to provide insurance coverage to students from Classes 1 to 10, studying in government, aided, and unaided state syllabus schools. The state government will remit the insurance premium for all students falling under the scheme set to be rolled out from the next academic year. The move comes in the wake of repeated accidents in schools, with the latest being the electrocution of a 13-year-old boy, Mithun, at the Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam. Last week, Finance Minister K N Balagopal and General Education Minister V Sivankutty met to discuss the matter in detail. We held preliminary discussions in this regard. The scheme will be examined by the education department. I hope we can present this in the upcoming budget session, Balagopal told TNIE. On the ministers instruction, the insurance department carried out a preliminary analysis of the project potential. A datasheet on how this can be implemented -- including the options and premiums for accidental death and in-patient and out-patient consultations following an accident -- had already been provided to the education ministers office, said insurance department joint director Bushra S Deepa. Health issues, other than those related to accidents, will not fall under the purview of the scheme, as per the current plan. Inclusion of students studying in central syllabus schools, hasnt been confirmed as of now, Bushra said. She added that if funds are ready, there are insurance companies in the public sector with whom the department has co-insurance connections to facilitate the process. The government will ensure the scheme remains in the public sector, said a senior official with the education department.

New museum in Kollam celebrates A. Ramachandrans works

Inaugurating the museum, Chief Minister says the painters art works are a link that connects contemporary Indian painting to its traditional past as well as its future

Gang caught with MDMA worth more than Rs 15 lakh

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A major drug trafficking gang has been arrested by the Thiruvananthapuram Rural Dansaf team on Friday. The four-member group was caught with 308 grams of MDMA, worth over `15 lakh in the market. The drugs were seized after two rounds of checking. Initially, 175 grams of MDMA was found hidden on one of the accused, a woman, during a body search. On further inspection, 133 grams more was found. The group had been under secret surveillance for some time. Those arrested are Shami, 32, from Chadayamangalam in Kollam, Muhammed Kalfan 24, Ashiq, 20, and Al Ameen, 23, all from Kaniyapuram. They were nabbed at Chenkavila near Pozhiyoor by the Dansaf team with the help of Pozhiyoor police. The car they were travelling in was also seized. The gang had brought the MDMA from Bengaluru. They were actively involved in drug trade across Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam The gang used rented cars and posed as families on leisure trips to smuggle drugs into Kerala. Small packets of MDMA were hidden in the womans dress. This method helped them avoid checks in other states. Rural District Police Chief K S Sudarshan received a tip-off that a group led by a woman was bringing drugs from Bengaluru. Following this, special police surveillance was set up along the state border. When the group saw the police, they tried to escape through a side road but were caught after a chase. This is a major racket, and we believe more individuals are involved. Further arrests are likely in the coming days. The group is understood to have been supplying drugs in areas including Technopark and Varkala. They have been under our surveillance for the past six months, said Sudarshan. The operation was led by a team including DYSP P K Pradeep of the Narcotics Cell, DYSP Chandradas of Neyyattinkara, Pooziyoor police inspector S P Sujith, Dansaf sub-inspectors F Fayas, Rasal Raj, B Dileep, Prem Kumar, Rajeevan, and police officers Aneesh, Arun, Riyas, Padmakumar, Sunilraj, and female police personnel Sajitha and Asha. Meanwhile, as part of Operation D-Hunt, 1,574 individuals were examined and 57 cases for possession of various narcotics were registered. As many as 59 people were arrested. Seizures during the operation included MDMA weighing 0.044 kg, 2.222 kg of cannabis and 36 cannabis beedis.

Man gets 67-year RI in Pocso case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Thiruvananthapuram Additional District and Sessions Pocso court has sentenced Hassan Kutty, 45, also known as Kabeer, to 67 years of rigorous imprisonment in the case where a two-year-old girl was kidnapped and raped. A fine of `12 lakh has also been imposed. Hassan Kutty had been accused in a Pocso case earlier too. The incident happened on February 19, 2024. The girl was sleeping on the roadside near Chackai with her parents, who had come to Kerala from Hyderabad to sell honey, when Hasan Kutty, a native of Edava in Varkala, abducted her. He took her to a deserted area behind BrahMos Aerospace and raped her. Believing she had died, he abandoned her and fled the scene. After the child went missing, her parents filed a complaint. Police investigation located the child the next evening around 7.30 pm, in an unconscious state, near the BrahMos compound wall. She was rushed to a hospital and her life was saved. Hassan Kutty was arrested from Kollam on the 13th day after the incident.

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 .

Life-size whale shark tours Kollam as part of WTIs awareness drive

The event, under Wildlife Trust of Indias Pan-India Whale Shark Conservation Project, aimed to engage fishing communities and raise awareness about the urgent need to protect the worlds largest fish species

Kerala reported 16 poverty-driven suicides in 2023; rate climbing

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An unusually high number of suicides driven by poverty was reported in Kerala in 2023. As many as 16 persons, including 13 males and three females, took their own lives because of poverty, according to the report Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India 2023 released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recently. Nationally, the total number of poverty-related suicides stood at 1,059. In 2023, the state recorded an 8% increase in total suicides -- from 10,162 in 2022 to 10,972. At 30.6, the state ranked third among all states and union territories in suicide rate, after Andaman and Nicobar Islands (49.6) and Sikkim (40.2). The national average was 12.3. The suicide rate in Kerala has witnessed a steady climb, from 26.9 in 2021 (5th position) and 28.5 in 2022 (4th position). Suicide rate refers to the number of suicides per one lakh population. The state also recorded the second highest number of mass/family suicides, 17, after Tamil Nadu which had 58. A review of the reports previous editions showed that 2023 witnessed the highest number of poverty suicides in Kerala during the past ten years, since 2013. Under the poverty category, zero suicides were reported in 2013 and 2014 and the decades second highest number was reported in 2017 when 11 persons exhausted by poverty ended their lives. Drug abuse or alcohol addiction was cited as the reason for the suicides of 1,059 Keralites in 2023. This constituted around 9% of the countrys total deaths under this category, 12,019. The number of intoxicant-related suicides saw a near three-fold increase in the past decade -- from 400 in 2013 to 1,059 in 2023. Dependance on intoxicants can intensify suicide behaviour, pointed out Dr Mohan Roy G, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Kollam. Alcohol or drug abuse is among the common reasons behind suicides, especially among young adults. The rising preference for drugs over traditional alcohol could also be a reason for the increasing intoxicant-related suicides in recent years, he said. According to Dr Mohan, there is a significant rise in the prevalence of mental health problems after the Covid-19 pandemic. He also raised concern over the NCRBs categorisation of suicides. In most cases, multiple reasons would have forced a person to kill himself. Unfortunately, the NCRB report is based on the casual observation of a police officer who investigates the death. The officer records the information he gets from the family of the friends of the deceased, he said. Considering the alarming increase in suicidal behaviour among people, Kerala should adopt a scientific system to identify the exact reasons, Dr Mohan said. A psychological autopsy by trained personnel will help identify the real reason or reasons behind each suicide. Proper data will enable the government to devise effective prevention strategies, he added.

Unfit buildings in 1,157 Kerala schools

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the government proudly showcases the various infrastructure development projects it has implemented in state-run schools, the latest figures tabled in the assembly paint a different picture. Buildings in as many as 1,157 schools across the state have been certified as unfit for conducting classes by the local self-government department (LSGD). Notably, over 75% of these schools housing the unfit buildings are government schools. In a written reply to Karungapally MLA C R Maheshs question in the assembly, General Education Minster V Sivankutty said the government views the situation seriously and was taking measures to address it. While construction of new buildings is being carried out by utilising plan funds and through KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) projects, separate funds are also being used for maintenance, he said. Of the 1,157 schools listed, 875 were government schools and 262 were aided. An analysis of the statewide figures shows Kollam had most schools (143) with unfit buildings followed by Alappuzha (134) and Thiruvananthapuram (120). Notably, only 20 unaided schools had unfit buildings, exposing serious flaws in the periodic maintenance being carried out in state-funded government and aided schools. As per rules, schools need to obtain fitness certificates from the local body concerned before reopening each year. Technical reasons behind fitness denial to buildings Schools that do not have the fitness certificates are barred from functioning. The director of general educations circular issued before the start of the current academic year had insisted on fitness certificate but the direction mostly remained on paper. In May, a meeting convened jointly by Sivankutty and LSGD Minister M B Rajesh had decided to raze school buildings in a dilapidated state. It was also noticed that even new school buildings that came up near the dilapidated ones were denied fitness certificate owing to the danger posed by the latter. However, owing to pressure from school management committees, urgent demolition was put off in most of the cases. A senior general education department official told TNIE that fitness of most of the buildings were denied owing to technical reasons. Majority of these buildings had issues such as shoddy plastering of walls, issues relating to irregular flooring and inadequate space prescribed for classrooms. Such schools were given provisional fitness on the condition that the issues will be rectified before the next academic year, the official said. In the previous academic year, 140 schools were given provisional fitness certificates. Of these, 74 had failed to produce fitness certificate before school reopening this year.

Father-son duo who escaped from police custody nabbed from Meppadi

KOLLAM: Two days after they escaped from police custody, the police on Tuesday morning nabbed a father-son duo from their rented house in Meppadi in Wayanad. Kulathupuzha natives Syedali, 22, and his father Ayoob Khan, 60, were arrested after the local police managed to find their hideout. The two had escapedfrom police custody on Sunday morning while they were being brought back from Sulthan Bathery to Palode by Palode police after they were detained in connection with theft cases. The cops had arrested the two from a car. After they managed to flee while they were freed from their handcuffs for answering the call of nature, the cops contacted Wayanad police seeking their help. The Wayanad police identified the house that the two had taken on rent in a remote area. It was from that house the two were taken into custody by 7 am, police sources said. The two had escaped from police custody at Cherukulam in Kadakkal station limits on Sunday morning. The cops from Palode and Kadakkal stations could not trace them down, despite launching an extensive manhunt.There was information that they were spotted on Sunday evening at the Kottukkal agro farm. It is an extensively spread out agricultural area, which has got thickets as well, but the search did not yield any results. The duo, meanwhile, managed to flee the place and moved to safety. Ayoob had worked as a private bus conductor and knew the place well. His first marriage was with a woman who hailed from an area close to the place where he had escaped. It was his knowledge of the place that helped them successfully evade the police dragnet.

Kerala schools put up stellar show in national education world rankings

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Five schools from Kerala featured in the top 10 under various categories of the 19th edition of the EducationWorld India School Rankings (EWISR) released on Monday. Government VHSS for Girls, Nadakkavu, Kozhikode, retained its all-India second rank in the State Government Day Schools classification. Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram was ranked ninth in the country among Central Government Day Schools. In the previous ranking, the school had bagged the seventh spot. Navy Children School, Kochi (ranked 12), Kendriya Vidyalaya No 2, Naval Base, Kochi (18) and Army Public School, Pangode, Thiruvananthapuram (29) were the other schools from the state that made the category. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Chennithala, Alappuzha bagged the eighth spot in the Central Government Boarding Schools group. Last year, the school was ranked sixth. Pallikoodam, in Kottayam, was ranked fourth in the Co-ed Day-cum-Boarding Schools group. The school came third in the last two years. The other Co-ed Day-cum-Boarding Schools in Kerala that figured in the rankings are The Choice School, Kochi (17), Montfort School, Chinnakanal (36), and Delhi Public School Kollam and Kuriakose Elias English Medium School, Kottayam (37). Sadhbhavana World School, Kozhikode was ranked sixth among International Day-cum-Boarding Schools. The school improved its ranking from ninth last year. The other schools in the category from the state that figured in the rankings were: The White School International, Kozhikode (12), Trivandrum International School (19), and Dawn International School, Kochi (30). As per the EWISR city rankings, the top Co-ed Day Schools were Navajeevan Bethany Vidyalaya (Thiruvananthapuram); Viswajyothi Public School, Angamaly (Ernakulam), Lords Academy (Thrissur), and Face International School, Kalarikandy (Kozhikode). EWISR 2025-26 was conducted by EducationWorld magazine in association with AZ Research Partners Pvt Ltd. EWISR rates and ranks 4,500 schools from 518 cities and towns across India on 15 parameters of educational excellence.

National Waterway stretch set for December opening

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralas ambitious inland navigation project is edging closer to reality, with the Akkulam-Chettuva stretch of the National Waterway set to open soon. The nearly 250km link, part of the Kovalam-Bekal West Coast Canal (WCC) project, will be commissioned in December, offering a new lifeline for transport, tourism and cargo movement. According to sources, the chief minister is expected to dedicate the section from Akkulam, in Thiruvananthapuram to Chettuva, in Thrissur in a ceremony proposed to be held in the 330m tunnel at Chilakkoor in Varkala. A Rs 3 crore electric boat is being manufactured for the commissioning. Expected to pave the way for new economic and tourism opportunities, the work is being implemented jointly by the Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation (CSIN) department and Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Ltd (KWIL) a special-purpose vehicle of Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) and the state government. CIALs CSR fund is bankrolling the design and manufacture of the boat meant for commissioning the project. A high-quality projector will be installed in the 20-seater boat, which will cost around `3 crore. The tunnel will host the official commissioning, a KWIL official said. KWIL carried out beautification of the Arivalam-Thottilpalam area for Rs 24 crore. The seven-minute journey through Varkala tunnel will feature a light-and-sound infotainment show. It will deal with the history of Travancore and Sree Narayana Gurus legacy, the official added. 594 families relocated to facilitate project The project, which has seen accelerated progress since 2021, had to overcome major hurdles linked to land acquisition and rehabilitation. A major bottleneck was Varkala. To address the issue, the tunnel is being made navigable by dredging. An official with the CSIN department said work is actively progressing in several key sections and 95% of the rehabilitation has been completed in Varkala area. The project is not just about transportation but also about creating new economic opportunities. An economic development opportunity study has been completed, and multiple schemes are in the pipeline. We have identified large land parcels along the waterway for development under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The first step is to commission the stretch and rest of the development will follow, the official told TNIE. Around 400 families were relocated in the Varkala area and 194 families relocated from Kadinamkulam to facilitate the project. Dredging work is progressing well and we hope to complete the activity by the end of next month or by November 15, the official added. Once the project is commissioned, the water transport department will explore the possibility of operating transport vehicles. The department will also resume transport boat services on the Kollam-Alappuzha stretch, which has been on hold for some time. Cost to Coast The 590km West Coast Canal (WCC) connects Kovalam in the south to Neeleswaram in the north. It traverses through 11 districts of Kerala The waterway from Kovalam to Bekal in Kasaragod is proposed to be developed at a width of 40m and a draft of 2.20m to enable large-scale movement of cargo Nearly 250km of the WCC -- part of National Waterway -- from Akkulam to Chettuva likely to be commissioned in December. Around Rs 300 crore has been spent to make the stretch navigable Phase II of the project, focused on land acquisition and rehabilitation, is underway Kiifb has sanctioned an additional Rs 247.3 crore to rehabilitate 1,275 families residing on the banks of the Kovalam-Varkala stretch

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

Father-son duo escapes from police custody in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A father-son duo escaped from police custody on Sunday morning. Kulathupuzha natives Syedali, 22, and his father Ayoob Khan, 60, were accused of robbing three shops in Palode. They were caught from Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad on Saturday, and were being brought back to Palode by the police when the duo escaped near Kadakkal, Kollam. The accused said that they wanted to urinate while coming back early on Sunday morning, by around 4 am. The duo immediately escaped when the vehicle stopped at Cherukulam in Kadakkal, police officers said. Even though the police tried to chase them down, the duo could not be caught. They have been charges with fleeing police custody. The area from where they escaped has forest patches, hilly areas, and agricultural fields nearby, making the search a challenging one, police officers said. They also added that Syedali and Ayoob were living in a rented house near Kusavoor, Palode, when they planned the robbery. A native mentioned that the accused were spotted near the Kottukkal agricultural farm, following which the police searched the area, but in vain. Drones and dog squads have been deployed to search in dense forest areas, authorities stated. Cases of a similar nature have been registered against them in different areas. More details cannot be revealed at this point, as the search is on, Nedumangad ASP Achyuth Ashok said. Currently, the search is being jointly carried out by officials of Palode and Kadakkal stations. Palode police informed that the father-son duo had robbed `30,000 and some stationery items from three shops in Palode a week before and went into hiding. The robbery was reported to the police on September 21. Locating the accused was difficult, but the police officials had managed to nab the duo with help of CCTV visuals of the vehicle in which they travelled to Wayanad.

In war or climate crisis, humanity needs cooperation, communion, says Mata Amritanandamayi

KOLLAM: The 72nd birthday of Mata Amritanandamayi was celebrated on the Amritapuri campus in Kollam on Saturday. In her address, Amma stressed the need for love, selflessness and unity, while voicing concern over the negative influences on todays youth. She urged parents to instil strong moral values in their children. During any adverse situation, be it war or climate change, it is important for humankind to foster cooperation, companionship, and communion, she said. When we pursue education, we must realise that it has no value if it cannot instil moral values in our children. Parents must become role models for their children. Only then can we create moral values in them, she said. The celebrations began at 5 am with a Ganapati homam, followed by the Lalita Sahasranama Archana. Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, vice-chairman of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, led a satsang at 7.30 am the ashrams main prayer hall. Amma arrived at 9 am and greeted devotees. Later, Guru Paduka Puja was performed under the guidance of Swami Amritaswarupananda. She also presented the Amritakeerthi Puraskaram to writer P R Nathan. BJP national president and Union Health Minister J P Nadda, who attended the event, praised Ammas unconditional love and service to humanity. Her life is dedicated to society. Her service is not just limited to India but extends worldwide, he said. Governor Rajendra Arlekar garlands Mata Amritanandamayi | pics: b P Deepu I have been associated with her for the past one decade and must appreciate her intuitive contribution and service, which empower the marginalised. The active dedication of her followers during the 2004 tsunami and the 2001 earthquake was commendable. She has also contributed to providing drinking water and promoting skill development. I am glad her work has received United Nations recognition, Nadda said. As part of the celebrations, it was announced that free surgeries would be performed at Amrita hospitals and 6,000 toilets would be built for economically weaker sections. Union minister George Kurian, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, Alappuzha MP K C Venugopal, SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, Karunagappally MLA C R Mahesh, Justice Jayakumar, Justice Nagaresh, Mahamandaleshwar Santoshanand Maharaj, Swami Satswarupananda Saraswati, Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi, Swami Geethanandan, Swami Vishalananda Giri, former union ministers Prakash Javadekar and V Muraleedharan, former governor Kummanam Rajasekharan and several other dignitaries attended the ceremony. Kerala Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, CEO of Express Publications (Madurai) Pvt Ltd Lakshmi Menon along with other dignitaries at the event. Kerala govt honours Mata Amritanandamayi Devi As part of Mata Amritanandamayi Devis 72nd birthday celebrations, the Kerala government paid tribute to her during the silver jubilee of her historic address in Malayalam at the United Nations General Assembly. During the event, which was held at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham campus, Amritapuri, Kerala Culture and Youth Affairs minister Saji Cherian said, Amma has shown the strength of Malayalam language and culture to the entire world. Her use of Malayalam on the global stage was also a powerful message to those who neglect their mother tongue, he said. Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas noted that Ammas words in Malayalam at the UN remain a reminder for all to live with love and brotherhood.

Nadda: Kerala will get AIIMS at right time, place

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP national president J P Nadda on Saturday assured that an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will be established in Kerala. He was addressing the BJP state executive committee meeting in Kollam, which underlined the importance of the upcoming local body polls and called upon workers to carry the partys development message to every household. We understand Keralas demand for an AIIMS. I assure you that the state will get it at the right time and in the right place, Nadda said. Launching sharp criticism against the ruling LDF and the opposition UDF, Nadda declared that every major development project in Kerala was driven by the Modi government. Be it railways, airports, highways, the water metro or the shipping industry-whatever development you see in Kerala has happened because of Modi, he asserted. Nadda also criticised the state for blocking central health initiatives, pointing out that the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY was not implemented in Kerala. Centres nod awaited for AIIMS in state, says Veena George Kochi: Amid uncertainty over the location of the proposed All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala, Health Minister Veena George on Saturday said the state should not be denied the project. Addressing the media in Kochi, she said only a political decision was pending. On the project status, the minister said that the Centres decision was awaited and that a political decision should be taken at the earliest.

J.P. Nadda blames LDF misgovernance for Keralas economic woes

He Inaugurated the BJP State committee meeting in Kollam on September 27.

Man held guilty for abducting, raping two-year-old daughter of migrant couple in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Thiruvananthapuram Additional District and Sessions POCSO court has found Hassan Kutty (45), also known as Kabeer, guilty in the case where the two-year-old daughter of a nomadic couple was allegedly kidnapped and raped. The court will pronounce the sentence on October 3. Hassan Kutty had been accused in a POCSO case earlier too. The incident happened on February 19, 2024. The girl was sleeping on the roadside near Chackai with her parents, who had come to Kerala from Hyderabad to sell honey, when Hasan Kutty abducted her. He took her to a deserted area behind BrahMos Aerospace and assaulted her. Believing she had died, he abandoned her and fled the scene. After the child went missing, her parents filed a complaint. Police investigation located the child the next evening, around 7.30 pm, in an unconscious state, near the BrahMos compound wall. She was immediately taken to SAT Hospital and her life was saved. A major breakthrough came from CCTV footage that showed a man walking away with the child. Over 100 CCTV cameras were examined before the suspect was identified. Hassan Kutty was arrested from Kollam on the 13th day after the incident. He had shaved his head and fled to Palani in an attempt to avoid identification. Medical examination confirmed the child was sexually assaulted. Hair samples found on the accused's clothes matched the victim's during forensic testing. Samples collected from the crime scene and from the accused's clothes were also found to be a match. Police then shifted the child to a shelter run by the Child Welfare Committee. The investigation was led by Pettah Police Inspector K Sreejith, who filed the charge sheet. The prosecution examined 41 witnesses and produced 62 documents and 11 material evidence. Public Prosecutor K K Ajith Prasad and advocate V C Bindu appeared for the prosecution.

Thousands gather at Amritapuri to celebrate Mata Amritanandamayis 72nd birthday

KOLLAM: The 72nd birthday of Mata Amritanandamayi was celebrated on Saturday at the Amritapuri campus, drawing thousands of devotees from across the country. Mata Amritanandamayi arrived on stage at 9 a.m. and greeted the devotees warmly. The celebrations commenced with the Guru Paduka Puja, performed under the guidance of Swami Amritaswarupananda, following which she presented the Amritakeerthi Puraskaram to writer PR Nathan. In her birthday address, she emphasised the importance of love, selflessness, and unity, while expressing concern over the exposure of youth to negative influences. She stressed the need for parents to impart strong moral values to their children. During any adverse situation, be it war or climate change, it is important for humankind to foster cooperation, companionship, and communion. We need to move in cooperation with our fellow human beings, in companionship with nature, and in communion with God, she said. At a time when we pursue education, we must realise that it has no value if it cannot instil moral values in our children. We should recognise that we are all part of humanity, and when we realise this, we will do our part for this vibrant nature. Parents must become role models for their children. Only then can we create moral values in them. Even a small failure in this regard will negatively affect all our actions, she explained. Members of tribal communities from across the country also presented gifts to her as part of the celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Kerala government honours Mata Amritanandamayi

KOLLAM: The Kerala government on Friday honoured Mata Amritanandamayi during the silver jubilee observance of her address in Malayalam at the United Nations General Assembly Hall. The event was held at the Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham campus, Amritapuri, as part of Amritavarsham 72 Ammas 72nd birthday celebrations. Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian presented the honour on behalf of the state government. Amma has shown the strength of the Malayalam language and culture to the entire world. Her use of Malayalam on the global stage was also a powerful message to those who neglect their mother tongue. This is not merely a felicitation it is a cultural awakening. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also conveys his respects and greetings, he said. The audience of thousands applauded as Malayalam once again resonated from the stage, recalling the historic moment when Keralas voice was first heard at the UN. In her message, Amma dedicated the honour to the Malayalam language itself. This award belongs to Malayalam, which has given us identity and form. Parents must inspire their children to take pride in and preserve their mother tongue, she said. MLAs CR Mahesh and Uma Thomas spoke. BJP state vice-president Dr K S Radhakrishnan, IG G Lakshman, Kerala Law Academy director Nagaraj Narayanan, actor Devan and The New Indian Express CEO Lakshmi Menon were present on the occasion. The event was presided over by Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Vice Chairman of Mata Amritanandamayi Math. Swamini Suvidyamrita Prana delivered the vote of thanks.

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

Rain lash central, southern Kerala; IMD issues orange alert in seven districts

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 7 am. Additionally, schools and colleges were closed in Thiruvananthapuram district. The IMD also predicted thunderstorms with light to moderate rainfall with surface wind speed reaching 40 kmph in the seven districts where an orange alert was sounded. It also said that moderate to light rainfall and strong winds were likely in other districts of the state. An 'orange alert' denotes very heavy rainfall of 11 to 20 cm.

Pathanamthitta's Kodumon Estate back in focus for Sabarimala airport site

PATHANAMTHITTA: The demand to consider the Kodumon Estate for the proposed Sabarimala airport has gained fresh momentum, with the revenue department confirming that the district collector has been instructed to prepare and submit a report on the site. The development comes as the follow-up of a Kerala High Court directive dated November 7, 2024, asking the state to include the government-owned Kodumon plantation in the ongoing Social Impact Study on the airport project, said Dr Varghese Perayil, president of Kodumon Airport Action Council, which has been actively campaigning for the site instead of the proposed Erumeli site in Kottayam. In a reply dated September 10, 2025, the Revenue Department Under Secretary informed that the Principal Secretarys order of March 15, 2025 had already tasked the Pathanamthitta collector with examining the feasibility of setting up the airport at Kodumon estate, he said. He also pointed out that a follow-up action is still awaited from the district administration. The state-owned Kodumon estate, spread across 1,200 hectares of revenue land in Adoor taluk, is a strong contender for the proposed Sabarimala airport. The land, lying mostly unused and covered with shrubs, spans Kodumon, Angadickal, Kalanjoor and Enadimangalam villages. The Kodumon Airport Action Council has been advocating for the site for the past four years, stressing that it poses no ecological hurdles. Apart from the ecological factors, four railway stations are located within 30 km. Major highways -- KP Road, MC Road, Punalur-Muvattupuzha and Mavelikkara-Pathanamthitta roads -- are within a distance of 10 km. According to the committee, as the land is government-owned, no acquisition or displacement is required, saving crores for the state. The site would benefit travellers from neighbouring Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Idukki districts, as well as bordering districts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the action committee said. The airport which is proposed to come up in Pathanamthitta district, will also ease the administrative hurdles related to Sabarimala, which is also situated in the same district and support the heavy pilgrim inflow to Pandalam, Parumala, Aranmula, Manjanikkara and Maramon, along with the neighbouring states shrines. KSRTC could also operate dedicated services from Kodumon. According to the committee, as the land is government-owned, no acquisition or displacement is required, saving crores for the state. Central Travancore, especially Pathanamthitta, has a high density of expatriates. The airport would significantly ease travel for the diaspora. Several NRIs have already expressed willingness to invest, they say.

Train travel turns nightmare; passenger associations seek more MEMU services in Kerala

KOCHI: With the seemingly perennial road work making travel along national highways a miserable experience in the state, people are increasingly switching to trains. But if the demand and supply ratio is anything to go by, the trains, especially those that conduct services within the state, are proving insufficient. And hence, passenger associations are demanding additional MEMU services. In the evenings, there is an unusual rush from Ernakulam and Kottayam stations to Kollam. The long gap after Parasuram Express passes in the afternoon adds to the rush. With the Kochi Metro terminal in Tripunithura becoming operational, passengers have completely abandoned private vehicles and are depending on trains, which has increased rail travel woes, Ajaz Vadakedam, a member of Friends On Rails, told TNIE . The situation is such that people are now travelling in packed coaches or hanging on for dear lives on footboards, or standing in toilet corridors holding their breath, he pointed out. Students and employees of MG University, Brilliant College, Medical College, and other educational institutions travelling towards Kollam are greeted with the sight of packed trains arriving at the Kottayam station, Ajaz said. Although there has been a huge increase in the number of rail passengers, and revenue, over the past few years, there has been no significant improvement in the number of services for regular passengers. The congestion reaches its peak at Changanassery in the evening, he said. If this has become a regular affair on the Ernakulam-Kollam stretch under the Thiruvananthapuram railway division, things have taken a turn for the worse on the Ernakulam-Thrissur route ever since work began on NH 544 and NH 66. Passengers hanging from the doors of a packed MEMU train in Thrissur. Road traffic was disrupted because of the construction and maintenance work on national and state highways and other major roads. Hence, many people who travelled by road are now relying on trains, turning short-distance journeys miserable, especially in the morning and evening peak hours. Things worsen on Fridays and Saturdays when people working in Ernakulam or Thrissur travel in either direction to return home for the weekend, said P Krishnakumar, general secretary of the Thrissur Railway Passengers Association (TRPA). Trains are so crowded that it reminds us of the wagon tragedy. Women, children, and senior citizens find travelling on these packed trains tough. Even after buying tickets, they are often unable to board the train, he pointed out. Instead of increasing the number of coaches on trains, the Railways have been doing the opposite, he alleged. Though the number of coaches on the evening Ernakulam-Shoranur MEMU (66320) has been increased to 16, there are often only 12 coaches on Fridays and Saturdays. The number of passengers has increased as this train later runs from Shoranur to Nilambur. Similarly, the Ernakulam-Palakkad MEMU (66610) has only eight coaches. The 16307 Alappuzha-Kannur Express is also crowded, Krishnakumar said. Considering the current situation in Kerala, all passenger/MEMU trains should be converted to MEMU trains with at least 16 coaches, he said. They should run every day of the week and the necessary MEMU coaches should be immediately allocated to the Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad divisions, Krishnakumar said. Friends on Rails have demanded that the MEMU which operated from Ernakulam Junction to Kollam, at 2.45 pm, before the Covid pandemic be resumed. It has become a daily occurence for passengers to ditch their travel plans at the last moment after seeing the crowded coaches. The lack of a daily service from Kollam to Ernakulam for more than three hours after 8 am is also causing great distress to passengers. If the MEMU/passenger departing from Kollam at 10 am is arranged in such a way that it reaches Ernakulam at 1.30 pm and leaves after 2.45 or 3 pm, the travel hassle in both directions can be solved to a great extent, Ajas said. Train journeys from Ernakulam in the evening have turned very dangerous, he said. TRPA has also submitted a representation to Union Minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi, seeking his intervention in matter.

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.

After Kollam womans arrest, police suspect role of more Keralites in 25-crore cyber fraud

Nun found dead in convent in Kerala

33-year-old woman, a native of Tamil Nadu, found dead in her room at the convent in Kollam

Over 20 students injured after school bus falls into gorge in Kollam

Champions Boat League: Keralas snakeboats to set sail for another season of fierce rivalries

This season, the league will feature 14 races, beginning on Pampa river at Kainakary in Kuttanad, Alappuzha, on September 19. The nearly three-month-long pan-Kerala event is set to conclude with Presidents Trophy on Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam on December 6

Elderly man duped of 3.72 cr in virtual arrest scam in Kollam

Kochi Blue Tigers crowned KCL Champions, defeat Kollam Sailors by 75 Runs

Kochi Blue Tigers defeated Kollam Sailors by 75 runs to win the KCL Season 2 championship, showcasing a dominant all-round performance.

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.

LHB rakes for Chenai Egmore-Kollam-Chennai Egmore Express trains

Accused in pension fund fraud case lands in Vigilances custody

Akhil, who had been absconding after embezzling money last August, was arrested by a Vigilance team from Kollam recently. The investigation revealed that Akhil orchestrated a scheme to defraud the municipal pension system by creating fraudulent documents to siphon off family pension funds.

Kollam-Tamabaram daily express timing changed with effect from September 1

Clashes between CPI(M) and Congress workers leave several injured in Kollam

Selective coverage in rubber replanting scheme sparks farmer backlash

KERA Project offers a replanting subsidy of 75,000 in two phases. Eligibility is restricted to growers in Malappuram and Kannur in the north and Ernakulam, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram in the south. Idukki, Kollam, and Thrissur have been left out, prompting discontent among farmers

Milma Thiruvananthapuram regional unions bottled milk to be launched on August 19

Milma Cow Milk, priced at 70, will initially be available at sales outlets of Milma and its agencies in Thiruvananthapuram district in one litre bottles. It will be marketed in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha in subsequent stages.

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.

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

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

SIT formed to probe students electrocution in Kollam school

Safety audits held in schools before start of academic year: General Education Minister V. Sivankutty

Decries bid to politicise death of 13-year-old student in Kollam

Kollam School Electrocution Incident

Thousands bid farewell to Mithun: Reports

Dispute erupts over Kollam-Theni NH widening plan

Protests erupt over students electrocution in Kollam school

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

Chief Minister condoles student electrocuted in Kollam

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

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

Grief strikes Kollam family as Class VIII student electrocuted at school

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

13-year-old Boy Electrocuted In Kollam School

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

Student dies after coming into contact with live wire at school in Keralas Kollam

According to reports, 13-year-old was electrocuted while trying to retrieve a slipper that had fallen onto the roof of bicycle shed

Veteran Congress leader C.V. Padmarajan passes away

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

Four students test positive for H1N1 in Kollam school

Kerala job aspirants continue to fall victim to Myanmar scam centres

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

Indian woman in Sharjah kills daughter, commits suicide: Reports

Sharjah: In a tragic incident, a 33-year-old Indian woman allegedly killed her one-year-and-five-month-old daughter before taking her own life in a flat in Al Nahda, Sharjah, on Tuesday afternoon, July 8. The deceased have been identified as Vipanchika Maniyan Pillai and her daughter Vaibhavi, both from Keralapuram, Kollam district, Kerala, India. As per multiple media Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Kudumbashrees fisheries clusters in three more districts this fiscal

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

Kerala HC extends interim order restraining arrest of ED officer

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

Suicide rate higher among men, says study

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

Kollam Panchayat VP Catches Thieves In Heroic Filmy Chase On Busy Kerala Street

JalajaSuresh didn't lose her calm and acted mindfully after two women quietly stole a hefty sum from her handbag on a KSRTC bus.

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

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

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

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

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