Groping case: Police get four-day custody of accused

BENGALURU: A city-based court on Monday remanded the accused in the SG Palya sexual harassment case, to four days of police custody. SG Palya police arrested Santosh D, on Sunday in Kerala and brought him back to Bengaluru. Santosh, a 29-year-old cab driver and resident of Tilaknagar, allegedly sexually harassed a young woman who was heading to her paying guest accommodation along with a friend. The incident occurred at 1.55 am on April 3 at 1st Cross near Bharathi Layout. When the video of the incident went viral, he escaped to Hosur, then Salem and finally Kozhikode. Police tracked him down after he contacted his mother using a new SIM card. Authorities are also likely to take action against his live-in partner, a home guard, and another friend who allegedly assisted him in evading arrest. Further investigation are on.

Three Kasaragod natives arrested with Ganja in Kozhikode

The seized drug had a market value of 8 lakh

Woman strangled to death in Wayanad

Husband accused of the murder admitted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital with deep cuts on his wrist

Accused in Sudduguntepalya sexual assault case tracked down in Kozhikode

Bengaluru woman molestation case: Accused arrested in Kerala

Bengaluru police, on Sunday, April 13, arrested a 26-year-old man accused of molesting and groping a woman while she was walking with her friend in a deserted residential area in the BTM Layout at Suddaguntepalya. Santosh Daniel works as a driver at a Jaguar showroom. He was arrested in Keralas Kozhikode district after an extensive 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 .

SG Palya groping case: Cabbie nabbed from Kerala

BENGALURU: In a major breakthrough, police arrested a 29-year-old cab driver who allegedly sexually harassed a woman while she was heading to her PG accommodation with her friend. The incident occurred on April 3 under the jurisdiction of Suddaguntepalya police station. Ten days after the incident, police traced the accused, Santosh, a resident of Tilak Nagar, who works as a cab driver for a private agency. According to a source, he was arrested near Kozhikode in Kerala. Officials are bringing him back to the city. On the night of the incident, the accused was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when he saw the two young women walking. He approached one of them, sexually harassed her, and fled, police said, adding the incident was captured on CCTV. His movements were tracked through Hosur and Salem districts in Tamil Nadu, before he reached Kozhikode. Police added that he will be produced before court on Monday.

Actor Sheelas painting show a blockbuster

KOZHIKODE: Actor Sheela, who has made an indelible mark in the Malayalam film industry with her acting skills, is now showcasing her painting skills. An exhibition at the Lalithakala Akademi Art Gallery, Kozhikode, which will be on till April 17, displays her painting skills that are older than decades of the octogenarians acting experience. With a total of 139 paintings, the exhibition is also meant for a good cause: The money collected from selling the paintings will be handed over to cancer patients. Sheelas paintings are a testament to her long stint with the film industry from her journeys to different shooting locations and the flora and fauna of places she visited to the lives of village women primarily in bright acrylic colours. Some of her interesting works include those of popular characters she portrayed such as Kochu Thresia from Manassinakkare, said Asif Ali Komu, Komusons Art Gallery.

Man arrested in Kerala for molestation case in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: A suspect has been arrested for allegedly molesting a woman at Suddaguntepalya here earlier this month, police said. Santosh aged about 29 has been arrested from Keralas Kozhikode, they said. The incident allegedly occurred at 1.55 am on April 3 in Suddaguntepalya and the CCTV footage attributed to the incident had gone viral. When 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 .

Kozhikode Rural police set to form ward-level vigilance committees to combat drug abuse

The police have proposed the formation of ward-level vigilance committees in response to the growing presence of drug pushers in the rural areas of Kozhikode

Kerala to increase reward for reporting waste dumping violations to 25% of the fine

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major move to curb the dumping of waste in public places, the local self-government department (LSGD) is set to hike the reward for reporting violations to 25% of the total fine imposed. The decision was taken following the reporting of a recent violation by singer M G Sreekumar. The musician had to cough up a Rs 25,000 fine for dumping waste in the Kochi backwaters. Currently, LSGD offers a maximum reward of Rs 2,500 for reporting waste dumping and other violations. LSGD Minister M B Rajesh said the department is seriously considering raising the reward amount so that the informant will receive 25% of the fine imposed. If a violator is fined Rs 50,000, the informer will receive a reward of Rs 12,500, the minister told TNIE. In an effort to strengthen enforcement, the state government has revised the fine amount by amending the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Ordinance and the Kerala Municipality (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 as part of the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam campaign, which aims at making the state garbage-free by March 30, 2026. As per the amendment, a spot fine of up to Rs 5,000 can be imposed for littering in public or private places and violation of waste management rules can lead to a maximum fine of Rs 50,000 and up to one year imprisonment. 6,458 complaints received The response to the WhatsApp number -- 9446700800 -- introduced by the department has been overwhelming, the minister said. Individuals can report dumping of waste and pollution of waterbodies by providing evidence in the form of photos or videos of the violation, along with details including location and time of the offence. Since its launch, the WhatsApp number has received around 6,458 complaints relating to violations, with around Rs 33,875 issued as reward. The most number of complaints were from Thiruvananthapuram (1,088) and Ernakulam (1,025) districts. These were followed by Malappuram (605), Kollam (588), and Kozhikode (579).

Tribunal hears petition challenging inclusion of Munambam land in Waqf registry

KOZHIKODE/KOCHI: The Waqf Tribunal that is hearing a petition filed by the Farook College management committee on the Munambam land issue discussed a vital question as to whether there is any bar on selling a property not registered under the Waqf Board. The tribunal chaired by Judge Rajan Thattil posed the question while hearing the committees petition challenging the Waqf Boards act of including the land in Munambam in the Waqf registry. In a related development, the Kerala High Court on Friday restrained the Waqf Tribunal from passing final orders in the proceedings connected to the Munambam land dispute cases until May 26. A division bench comprising Justice Amit Rawal and Justice K V Jayakumar passed the interim order on a petition filed by the Waqf Board challenging the tribunals order rejecting its plea to call for records regarding the cases from the Subordinate Judges Court in Paravoor, Ernakulam. The board had sought the records on the ground that they have a direct bearing on the proceedings pending before the tribunal. The HC, however, said the tribunal could go ahead with the proceedings. The court issued a notice to the respondents, including the Farook College managing committee, and posted the petition for May 26. In Munambam, Muhammad Siddique Sait handed over 404 acres of land to the college management in 1950. But the Waqf Board included the land in the registry only in 2019 following the findings of Nizar commission appointed by LDF government in 2007. Munambam a waqf property, says document Prior to that, the land was not registered under the Waqf Board. The Farook College management had sold land before 2019 and the Tribunal wanted to know whether the transactions would amount to violations or not. The college committees claim is that it is entitled to sell that as it is a gift and not a Waqf property. In the meantime, a decades-old document has come to light which stated that the land in Munambam was waqf property. The Waqf Board presented the affidavit, filed by a person who managed the property on behalf of Farook College, before the Tribunal. The affidavit was filed by a person named Kalanthan in the case before the Paravoor sub-court in 1970. The case was against 14 persons living in Munambam, and the affidavit said all the claims of the persons submitted before the court were false. The affidavit asserted that the land was given to the college management committee as waqf and has been used as waqf property. The tribunal began fresh hearing in the case on April 8 and is holding sessions on a daily basis. It is discussing all the issues concerning the case in a detailed manner.

Faulty breathalyser brands teetotaller KSRTC driver drunk; test proves innocence

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Jayaprakash, a KSRTC driver with the Palode depot in Thiruvananthapuram who was falsely accused of reporting to duty drunk following a faulty breathalyser test on Friday morning, was cleared of all charges hours later after a medical examination. The incident on Friday morning had triggered a protest at the depot after Jayaprakash was denied a retest by the station master. The routine breathalyser test, made mandatory by the transport department in its bid to curb drink driving, was conducted when Jayaprakash reported for duty on his usual Palode-Perayam route. Of the nearly 50 employees tested, his result showed a reading of 16. Jayaprakash, who maintained he has been a teetotaller, alleged the breathalyser device was faulty and added that it had been an issue in the past too. He then filed a complaint with the Palode police station. Following media coverage of the protest by Jayaprakash and his family, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar directed the KSRTC CMD to look into the matter. A district transport officer visited the depot and took both Jayaprakash and the device to the KSRTC headquarters. An examination by a medical officer confirmed Jayaprakash was not drunk. This is the second controversy related to breathalyser tests in KSRTC in recent times. Earlier, a conductor at the KSRTC Kozhikode depot was found drunk, but it was later revealed that a homoeopathic medicine containing alcohol had led to the result. According to Ganesh Kumar, strict implementation of the testing has contributed to a decline in accident-related fatalities involving KSRTC buses. In the 2023-24 fiscal, KSRTC procured 20 new breathalyser units for Rs 7.6 lakh. Each device, equipped with a printer, camera and GPS, costs Rs 38,012.

Southern Railway announces special trains between SMVT Bengaluru and Kerala, Tamil Nadu for festivals

COIMBATORE: In view of the spurt in passenger traffic during the Tamil New Year and Vishu festivals, the Southern Railway has announced special train services between SMVT Bengaluru and key destinations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu via Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode and Salem junctions. SMVT Bengaluru-Kannur special. Train No. 06573 will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 11:55 pm on April 11, 2025, and reach Kannur at 1:30 pm the next day. In the return direction, Train No. 06574 will leave Kannur at 6:25 pm on April 14 and arrive at SMVT Bengaluru at 8:00 am on April 15. These trains will stop at Krishnarajapuram, Bangarapet, Kuppam, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Shoranur, Tirur, Kozhikode, Vadakara, and Thalassery. The timings for Train 06573 on April 12 include Salem at 5:05/5:10 am, Erode at 6:10/6:20 am, Tiruppur at 7:03/7:05 am, and Coimbatore at 8:12/8:15 am. The timings for Train 06574 on April 15 at Coimbatore are 12:27/12:30 am, Tiruppur at 1:18/1:20 am, Erode at 2:10/2:20 am, and Salem at 3:17/3:20 am. SMVT Bengaluru-Ernakulam Jn special Train No. 06575 will leave SMVT Bengaluru at 4:35 pm on April 12 and reach Ernakulam Jn at 3:00 am the next day. The return Train No. 06576 will depart Ernakulam at 10:00 pm on April 14 and arrive at SMVT Bengaluru at 10:55 am on April 15. Stops include Krishnarajapuram, Bangarapet, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, and Aluva. All trains will offer a mix of AC First Class, AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, Sleeper Class, General Second Class, and coaches with facilities for the differently abled.

Diversity is in the DNA of Kozhikode: Tharoor

KSRTC driver protests after testing positive in breathalyser test, alleges faulty equipment

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Jayaprakash, a KSRTC driver and family staged protest at Palode depot in Thiruvananthapuram after he was denied duty for testing positive on breathalyser test. The driver, a native of Pachamala however claimed innocence as he is a teetotaller. After his request for a retest was denied by the station master he staged a protest by lying down in the office along with his family members. The test was carried out on Friday morning when he reported for duty on his usual Palode-Perayam route. Jayaprakash also raised concerns that the breathalyser machine had been faulty for a week. After the media reports of the protest Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar asked the KSRTC CMD to intervene. A hearing would be held at Nedumangad depot. KSRTC faced a similar issue when a conductor in Kozhikode depot was tested positive during a breathalyser, though he used a homeopathic medicine with alcohol content. KSRTC made breathalyser test mandatory as part of the initiative to prevent drunken driving.

Time to censor surge pricing of cinema tickets in Kerala?

On March 27, as film buffs thronged cinemas to watch the much-hyped Empuraan, a murmur rose in some corners. The topic exorbitant ticket prices. Surge pricing, to be specific. Ticket prices, indeed, soared in various multiplexes like PVR and Cinepolis in cities such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. It was akin to how black tickets were sold at theatres in earlier days. Only difference is that this is legal profiteering. In multiplexes, ticket prices saw a 100 per cent rise. Even ticket prices for basic screens went up to Rs500 to Rs750, says Arun Mohanan, who is part of the Cinema Paradiso Club. Many of us, even fans of Mohanlal and Prithviraj, wondered how it is possible to hike the prices to such an extent. It is nothing but exploitation. Arun is not alone in this opinion. Complaints about rising ticket prices have been increasing among movie lovers and families for quite some time. We used to be huge movie buffs. We used to make a point to watch all the releases in multiplexes. There were times when we used to catch four films a day, says Rakhi Jayashankar. But now, thats not possible. Watching one movie in PVR now costs a huge amount. Imagine watching it with my three children. Along with tickets, and food and beverages, the expense can go up to Rs5,000. Tickets alone cost more than Rs2,000, especially if we are watching films like Empuraan . Just a day ago, we planned a movie outing as school vacation has begun. But we scrapped the plan after checking the price. Rakhi is now awaiting OTT release of the films. This perception is exactly whats worrying the Malayalam film industry, especially those in the creative section. Already, the cinema industry is going through an upheaval and everyone is wondering how to attract people to theatres, says Jai Vishnu, co-writer of the film Madhura Manohara Moham . In that scenario, this unfair ticket pricing by multiplexes could discourage many moviegoers. This exorbitant surge in the initial days is exploitation of people eager to watch films on the first day. Jai adds that surge prices in multiplexes might create an image that watching films in theatres is a luxury. Common people will start thinking that cinema is collectively too expensive, he says. What angers him is that people in the same row at a cinema might be paying different prices depending on the day and time they booked the ticket. If during the pre-booking, it is Rs 340 on the middle row, which is already too high, the next day it might go up to Rs 500. Many saw that happening in real-time, says Jai. The pricing mechanism An executive with PVR explains that multiplexes use dynamic ticket pricing. As per demand, the ticket prices automatically go up. These hikes are done as per regulations, he says. Moreover, when films like Empuraan are released, we already know gauging the hype around it that demand will soar. And that will be reflected in the pricing. Its due to this mechanism that on different days, ticket prices for the same film on the same screen are charged differently. We have come across complaints being raised on social media. However, no one has made a personal complaint to the firm, he adds. As of now, we dont have any capping mechanism. Of course, we will follow guidelines if the government issues them. Such a system is in place in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana. Need for checks and balances Cinema Paradisos Arun points to the experiences of his friends in Chennai and Bengaluru. In Chennai, for a normal multiplex screen (other than IMAX and Luxe), ticket prices are capped at Rs200. Last month, the Karnataka government also introduced an ordinance capping tickets at Rs200. Chains like PVR, INOX and Cinepolis intentionally hike ticket prices on release days often doubling the usual rates for big films, says Arun. This airline-style pricing exploits viewers. The Kerala government, too, should cap rates to ensure fair, affordable cinema for all. Surge pricing can be seen this week too. Tickets for some new Vishu releases are now starting at Rs280 instead of the standard Rs180 at some of the theatres. Linto Davis, owner of Vanitha-Vineetha theatres in Kochi, highlights another problem. Many might wonder why screens that do not offer 4K Atmos and other technologies charge such high prices, while single-screen ones that actually have such facilities only charge about Rs200, he says. They ask whether we really offer the technology or are we lying about it. This was the case during Empuraan. Kerala Film Exhibitors Federation chairman and producer Liberty Basheer underscores that many single screens in the state indeed offer better technology than multiplexes. But most of them charge only about Rs160 for a ticket. One has to question on what basis are the multiplexes deciding the fare. Government intervention is necessary to prevent fleecing. We should take a cue from our neighbouring states, he says. Watching cinema in a theatre should remain an affordable entertainment medium for the common man like always. We should strive to keep it so. Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce president B R Jacob echoes similar views. Checks and balances are needed. This is something that certainly affects the common people as well as the industry, he says. The government also has a stake in it, as people are paying hefty taxes every time they buy a ticket. They have to answer to the people. Though TNIE reached out, Cultural Affaiars Minister Saji Cherian was unavailable for comment.

Ditches on road: rights panel seeks report from Kozhikode Collector, PWD

KSRTC revokes order on breath analyser tests for staff following alleged misuse

The corporation had recently issued an order revising its procedure for breath analyser tests after one of its drivers from Kozhikode, who had consumed a homoeopathic medicine before reporting for duty, tested positive for alcohol content on March 30

Vruthi will address concerns related to waste management, says CM Pinarayi Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that Vruthi 2025 National Clean Kerala Conclave will be a platform to address the concerns and doubts related to waste management in Kerala. At the inaugural ceremony of the five-day conclave being held at Kanakakunnu, the chief minister said that the state has made significant progress in the field of waste management through collective efforts. He noted that over 61,664 tonnes of waste have been collected and processed by the Clean Kerala Company Ltd and as many as 89 lakh households across the state have been integrated in the digital tracking system. The chief minister said that despite making progress, some people still view waste management initiatives and plants with doubt and apprehension and the conclave will serve as a platform to alleviate such concerns of the public and peoples representatives regarding waste treatment plants. He said that the state has achieved progress in health and education through peoples participation and similarly the state aims to set a model for the nation in the field of waste management. Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh, who presided over the function, said that the governments goal is to achieve 100 per cent waste-free Kerala and this requires collective action. He said that the fire incident at Brahmapuram waste plant was a crucial moment in the waste management sector. Following the fire, the government formulated a comprehensive action plan for waste management for Kochi city, he said. Despite opposition and skepticism about the feasibility of a decentralised waste management system, the plan worked successfully, he added. Awards were presented to districts excelling in waste management, with Kannur securing the first place, Kozhikode second, and Thrissur third. A comprehensive report on the activities under the Waste-Free New Kerala campaign was released by the chief minister, and the vision document outlining the future of waste management will be presented at the conclaves closing ceremony. The event features exhibitions, model villages, food festivals, and installations inaugurated by various ministers. The inaugural event was attended by MLA V K Prasanth, MLA Kadakampally Surendran, Antony Raju, K. Ansalan, C K Hareendran, V Joy, D K Murali, V Sasi, I B Satheesh, G Stephen, and M Vincent, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran and district panchayat president D Suresh Kumar.

Money laundering: ED arrests former MLA M C Kamaruddin in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kozhikode, arrested former MLA and IUML leader M C Kamaruddin, who was the chairman of Fashion Gold Group companies, and MD T K Pookoya Thangal, on April 7 in connection with a money- laundering case registered against M/s Fashion Gold and others under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. They were produced before the Special Court (PMLA), Kozhikode, on April 8, said a press release from the central agency. The court has sent them to two days ED custody. ED initiated an investigation on the basis of 168 FIRs registered at various police stations in Kannur and Kasaragod districts against Fashion Gold companies, Kamaruddin, Pookoya Thangal and others. The crime branch took over the investigation and filed chargesheets, the release added. The investigation has revealed that the accused company and its directors collected huge deposits from the public with dishonest intention of cheating the investors by offering attractive returns. The investigation further revealed that a total amount of Rs 20 crore was siphoned off by the accused persons. ED investigation revealed that the Fashion Gold companies were not authorised to accept deposits from public and therefore they devised a plan to receive deposits from public in the guise of investment in share capital/advances from directors and shareholders of the company. For this purpose, the investors, mostly NRIs, were made directors/shareholders in the company. The accused persons purchased immovable properties in their individual names out of the funds collected by the Fashion Gold Company and subsequently disposed of/transferred those properties and siphoned off funds, ED said in the press release. Rs 20-CRORE FRAUD Kamaruddin, who was the chairman of Fashion Gold Group companies, and MD T K Pookoya Thangal were arrested on April 7 in connection with a money- laundering case against M/s Fashion Gold and others The investigation revealed that the accused company and its directors collected huge deposits from the public by offering attractive returns A total amount of Rs 20 crore was siphoned off by the accused persons

Its not waqf, say descendants of land donor in Munambam

KOZHIKODE: Two grandchildren of Muhammad Siddique Sait, who had given the land at Munambam to the Farook College management committee, have stated before the Waqf Tribunal here that the land does not come under the purview of waqf as the character of the property is that of a trust. The Tribunal is currently considering the petition filed by the Farook College management committee against the action of Kerala State Waqf Board that declared the land at Munambam as Waqf property in 2019. The two respondents in the case are the children of M S Subaida Bhai, the daughter of Siddique Sait. She had stated before the Waqf Board in 2008 that the Farook College had alienated the majority of 404 acres of land for selfish interests without the knowledge and consent of the Board. They have taken a stand contrary to the stand taken by their mother. But the counsel appearing for the grandchildren of Sait said that their position from the beginning of the present case has been the same. Their contention is that the property is of a trust by nature and not that of waqf and it should be returned to the family, the lawyer said. The residents of Munambam, who impleaded in the case recently, contended that the order of the Waqf Board that declared the land as waqf property is erroneous. Moreover, the activities carried out by the Farook College are secular in nature, and they lack a religious motive and are not exclusively for the benefit of the Muslim community, said the petition submitted by Sebastian Joseph, one of the residents in Munambam. The petition added that the waqf deed albeit bearing the nomenclature of Waqf Deed has no characteristics of a Waqf Deed. It added that the basic requirement of permanent dedication of property to God Almighty for the creation of Waqf Deed is absent in the said deed. The tribunal on Tuesday discussed the 1971 order of the Paravur sub-court, and will discuss the decisions of the appellate courts on Thursday. The tribunal is planning to hold sittings on a daily basis. WE HAVE BEEN PROVEN RIGHT: RESIDENTS Kochi: The volte-face by Siddique Saits grandchildren before the Waqf Tribunal has been welcomed by the Munambam residents. They term this latest occurence as cementing their claim that the property of the 610 residents of Munambam Kadappuram isnt Waqf land. Speaking to TNIE, Joseph Benny, convenor, Munambam Bhoo Samrakshana Samithi says, We have been vindicated. The grandchildren of Siddique Sait had earlier claimed that the land deeded by their grandfather to the Farook College was Waqf. But now, we think that they might have realised their mistake when faced with the documentary evidence that had been presented before the tribunal and also the courts.

Teachers legal fight fuels consumer panel ruling on access to public loo in Kerala

PATHANAMTHITTA: What can a woman do if someone denies her access to a public toilet? Such a situation led C L Jayakumari, a school teacher from Pathanamthitta, to initiate a legal fight that lasted nearly a year, resulting in a significant verdict by the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. In a landmark verdict, the commission imposed a fine of Rs 1.65 lakh, including court expenses of Rs 15,000, on a petrol pump owner. Jayakumaris ordeal began last May when she stopped at a petrol pump in Payyoli, Kozhikode, to refuel. As her car was being filled up, she requested access to the restroom, only to find it locked. Initially, she was told that the toilet isnt functional. Later, employees admitted that the manager had locked up the toilet and that they didnt have the keys. Some male staffer even responded rudely to her repeated requests. I was exhausted and struggling to even walk. Apart from not helping a woman in an emergency, the staff behaved arrogantly. It was humiliating. At least they could have directed me to the nearest available facility, she said. Emotionally and physically drained, Jayakumari decided to approach police. Officers from the local Payyoli station responded on receiving her call, intervened in the issue, and forced the pump staff to open the restroom. Refusing to let the issue rest, Jayakumari decided to take the matter to the consumer court. 10-month-long fight The Pathanamthitta Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, comprising president George Baby and member Nishad Thankappan, heard her case and initiated a probe, issuing a notice to the pump owner. During the hearing, Jayakumari argued on her behalf. I was unaware of court procedures. I appeared without any advocate. Every time, I asked the staff there about the subsequent steps. They explained the legal procedures. I prepared myself and explained my bitter experience, she said. After nearly a dozen hearings that lasted almost ten months, the panel ruled in her favour. We are of the opinion that the act of the first opposite party might have definitely caused severe inconvenience, mental agony, time loss and monetary loss to the complainant ...the said act of opposite party is tantamount to grave deficiency in service and unfair trade practice, the commission said in its order. Jayakumari said she was happy that her efforts had resulted in a significant ruling. This is for every woman who faces similar situations. It also serves as a victory for consumer rights and a reminder of the impact of individual action in promoting positive change, she said. Every petrol pump must provide free of charge facilities for tyre inflation, drinking water, suggestion/complaint book, telephone number of oil company personnel, first aid box, access to toilet, safety equipment, etc, the commission said. Maintaining a clean and working toilet at petrol pumps is a statutory requirement, it said.

Kerala: Lathicharge during protest against Waqf Bill near Karipur airport

Kozhikode: Tension prevailed near Karipur International Airport here for a while on Wednesday after a protest march by an Islamist outfit against the Waqf Bill turned violent. The incident occurred during a march organised by activists of the Solidarity Youth Movement and the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), both affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami. The protesters were demanding 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 .

Accused in Fashion Gold case remanded in ED custody

They were produced in a special court for PMLA in Kozhikode on Tuesday

3.67-km ropeway set to straighten wayanad hairpins

KOZHIKODE: The Kerala government is moving ahead with the ropeway project that aims to drastically cut down the travel time between Kozhikode and Wayanad, while also giving a boost to adventure tourism in the region. The state government recently granted the KSIDC (Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation) permission to implement the Rs 200-crore project, which will link Adivaram in Kozhikode to Lakkidi in Wayanad, covering a distance of 3.67 km. At present, those travelling to Wayanad a major tourist destination in the state have to take the Thamarassery Ghat road, which features nine hairpin bends. While the journey normally takes 30-40 minutes, on many occasions, people get stuck on the road for hours due to heavy traffic. The ropeway, which would pass over two hectares of forest land, aims to cut down the travel time between Adivaram and Lakkidi to just 15 minutes. Besides saving time, it will also let people enjoy the natural beauty of Thamarassery Ghat. As large vehicles often get stuck on Thamarassery Ghat Road due to technical issues or accidents, all other travellers have to endure hours of traffic block, said Thiruvambady MLA Linto Joseph. He said the government has allowed implementation of the project in public-private-partnership (PPP) mode. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Western Ghats Development Ltd, led by the Wayanad Chamber of Commerce. The project requires permission of the forest department, and the authorities said efforts have been launched for the same. The ropeway will start near the first hairpin bend at Adivaram and end at Lakkidi, after the ninth bend, at the top. The forest department has been handed over five acres of land at Noolpuzha in lieu of the forest land that the ropeway will pass through. Fast facts Ropeway to start near first hairpin bend at Adivaram and end at Lakkidi at the top Ropeway to have 40 AC cable cars, each able to accommodate 6-8 people 40 towers need to be built between Adivaram and Lakkidi for the ropeway An ambulance cable car will be available for transporting patients from Wayanad to Adivaram during emergencies Western Ghats Development Ltd had proposed the project in the Kerala State Single Window Clearance Board meeting held on October 20, 2023

Denial of birth certificate: Kozhikode couple continues fight

KOZHIKODE: A Kozhikode-based couple has once again come forward accusing the city corporation and local health officials of negligence after their newborn child was denied a birth certificate because the delivery occurred at home instead of a hospital. The incident has sparked concern after a formal complaint was filed with the Kerala State Human Rights Commission by Sharafath, a resident of Kottooli. The child was born on November 2, 2024, but even after four months, the Kozhikode corporation has not issued a birth certificate. Sharafath said he had submitted an application through the K-Smart portal on the same day of the birth. However, officials have reportedly refused to process the application, citing that the birth was unregistered and that the womans pregnancy had not been previously reported to ASHA workers or other healthcare authorities. Health department officials, when contacted, said there was no prior notification of the pregnancy to government agencies and that the birth was not recorded officially through standard procedures, which is why the application was denied. However, legal experts said home births are not illegal, and mechanisms exist for such births to be officially registered following postnatal verification.

Puncturing medical system in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: On a Tuesday morning in a rented home in Chattiparamba, Asma gave birth to her fifth child a baby boy. Hours later, the 35-year-old mother was no more ; no doctor, no nurse, no ambulance, not even a hospital bed to help revive her. She left behind a family and an unverified certificate in acupuncture, believed by many to be a licence to deliver life. (Her husband Sirajuddin possesses the same certificate, sources said.) But for Asma, and many others, it has proved a certificate of risk and death. As cases of home births spike across Kerala especially in Malappuram, which topped the state in 2023-24 with 250 reported home deliveries experts are sounding the alarm over a troubling trend: The increasing use of short-term acupuncture training as justification for performing unsupervised births. These so-called practitioners claim legitimacy through certificates obtained after completing three- or six-month courses in acupuncture often from unrecognised institutions. But medical professionals and legal experts argue these credentials are neither recognised nor suitable for life-threatening medical scenarios like childbirth. There is no scientific basis for using acupuncture during labour, says Dr Abdul Gafoor, head of the Institute of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture - Moxibustion and Research Centre, Kozhikode, and state president of the Acupuncture Science Association. Acupuncture, as per the World Health Organization, is the second most developed system of traditional medicine globally. But it is never to be used in emergencies especially during labour or childbirth. He warns that in Kerala, an illegal version of acupuncture called no-touch therapy has gained traction. They dont believe in diseases, so they dont believe in medicine, blood tests, or surgeries. And thats dangerous, he adds. Specific conditions Acupuncture, when legally practised in India, is allowed under specific conditions. The Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine offers certified programmes such as the PG certificate in acupuncture (for MBBS holders), a medical degree in acupuncture, and an assistant-level certificate. But these do not authorise independent emergency care or delivery assistance. What were seeing in Kerala are underground institutions handing out fake certificates, with no regulation and no scientific rigour, says district medical officer Dr R Renuka. These people are performing dangerous medical procedures with nothing more than a diploma printed off a computer. As per a study published last year, acupuncture has no proven benefit in reducing labour pain. Despite its growing popularity among women seeking natural alternatives to medical childbirth, researchers concluded that inserting needles into the skin did not help manage labour pain. The data is clear. It doesnt help and worse, it can delay life-saving interventions, she says. So why do people continue to choose home births, often in risky environments? For some, its rooted in distrust of modern medicine. For others, its about cost, convenience, or fear. In a few cases, its a deeper ideological belief that childbirth is natural and should be untouched by what they see as the poisons of modern intervention surgeries, blood work, and injections. Offering false hope But this belief system, as medical expert say, is being manipulated. These so-called practitioners are exploiting fear, offering false hope, and putting lives at risk, says Malappuram MLA P U Ubaidulla. We need strong awareness campaigns like we had for vaccinations. Home births may look peaceful, but when something goes wrong, theres no turning back. District panchayat president M K Rafeekha echoed the concern. The news is shocking. We are planning a ward-level intervention using social media and meetings to prevent such tragedies. But as officials scramble to put out fires, the ground reality remains grim. Over 90% of couples involved in reported home birth cases had completed just a short-term diploma in acupuncture, and many believed it qualified them to handle labour.

QR code, CCTV footage help Thirumittacode panchayat in Kerala track down waste dumpers

PALAKKAD: In a remarkable example of how technology can support local governance and environmental protection, the Thirumittacode panchayat used QR code scanning and CCTV footage to track down individuals who had illegally dumped waste by the roadside, and successfully imposed a fine of `25,000 on the culprits. The incident occurred near the Kozhikkottiri Bridge in ward 2 of the panchayat, where residents noticed a pile of discarded materials early one morning. The waste included empty bottles, plastic covers and leftover food - a sight that had become all too familiar in the area. Upon being informed by local panchayat member K Vibilesh, health inspector Sujith Lal from the health department launched an investigation. During a close inspection of the waste, officials found empty parcel covers. One of them had a QR code and a printed address of a college in Kottayam. By scanning the QR code and contacting the parcel service, officials traced the phone number of the parcels recipient. Meanwhile, footage from nearby CCTV cameras revealed a vehicle passing through the area around the suspected time. The car, registered in Kottayam, was seen heading toward Kozhikode. When contacted, the youngsters, who had been in the vehicle, initially denied dumping the waste. When presented with the evidence, they admitted to the act and agreed to pay the `25,000 penalty. The incident has drawn widespread attention and appreciation with many praising the panchayat for its proactive approach and efficient use of technology to hold violators accountable. It also serves as a reminder that careless littering can no longer go unnoticed in an age of digital surveillance and smart tracking, said Sujith Lal K D, health inspector.

Kozhikode Corporation passes annual project plan of 246.60 crore

The highest allocation of 47.22 crore is for sanitation, hygiene, and water conservation, while the housing sector gets 25.92 crore

Forest Minister Saseendran directs chief wildlife warden to submit report

PALAKKAD: Forest Minister A K Saseendran has directed the chief wildlife warden to submit a detailed report in connection with the wild jumbo attack at Mundur in Palakkad on Sunday night in which a youth, Allen Joseph, died while his mother, Viji Joseph, suffered injuries. The probe will look into possible lapses by the forest department in managing the situation. The report is expected to cover serious concerns, including the alleged failure of solar-powered fencing, absence of early warning systems and the overall inefficacy of preventive measures in the region. The directive comes amid growing public anger and criticism over repeated incidents of human-wildlife conflict in Mundur and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, multiple political parties and local organisations conducted protest marches across Mundur on Monday morning demanding immediate intervention by the state government to ensure the safety of people residing near forest fringes. The CPM held a half-day hartal in the Mundur panchayat area, while the BJP took out a protest march to the divisional forest office (DFO) at Railway Colony at 9am. The Congress blocked the Palakkad-Kozhikode highway at Mundur and held a protest meeting. Malampuzha MLA A Prabhakaran, who visited the home of Allen, the youth who lost his life in the attack, said the family had requested the construction of effective fencing along roads passing through residential areas. What happened is a terrible tragedy. The residents are demanding rail fencing to protect their homes and farmlands. The government will consider the demand seriously, Prabhakaran told TNIE.

Petrol pump owner fined Rs 1.65 lakh for denying woman access to toilet in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: A routine late-night fuel stop in 2024 turned distressing for a Pathanamthitta woman in Payyoli, while also exposing the often-overlooked issue of access to basic facilities for travellers. Denied access to the restroom by the petrol pump staff who cited frivolous reasons, C L Jayakumari, a schoolteacher and resident of Ezhamkulam in Pathanamthitta, approached the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Pathanamthitta. Her resolve bore fruit, with the commission imposing a penalty of Rs 1.65 lakh on the petrol pump owner for denying a customer access to a restroom despite her having just purchased fuel from there. Jayakumari had stopped at the pump around 11pm on May 8, 2024, while travelling from Kasaragod to Pathanamthitta in her car. She sought to use the restroom after refueling her vehicle, but found it locked. Upon inquiry, the pump staff initially claimed the facility was not functioning. Later, they said the manager had gone home with the key. I had filled petrol from the same pump. But when I asked to use the toilet, they told me its out of order. Then they casually said the key is with the manager who took it home. At that hour, it was not just inconvenient, it was humiliating, said Jayakumari. Feeling emotionally and physically overwhelmed, Jayakumari reported the incident to the Payyoli police, who reached the spot and opened the restroom using force. A case was registered and Jayakumari pursued justice further by approaching the disputes redressal commission. The panel, led by chairman Babychan Vechoochira and member Noushad Thankachan, launched a probe and questioned the pump owner. After a review, they ruled in the teachers favour. In its ruling, the panel said under the directives of the Swachh Bharat Mission and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Petroleum, all petrol pumps are mandated to provide toilet and drinking water facilities to the public.

Proposed sports academy to strengthen Kozhikode Corpn.s anti-drug drive

Revamping playgrounds, launching coaching centres, and organising inter-school competitions among initiatives

Farmers organisations led by UDF to launch stir against delay in tackling wildlife attacks in Kozhikode

Protests to begin with march to Peruvannamuzhi forest office; farmers cite crop loss, poor compensation, and official apathy as key concerns in escalating human-wildlife conflict

Panel discussions in Kozhikode on Gujarat riots, cuts to L2: Empuraan

Malayalam actor Sreenath Bhasi withdraws anticipatory bail plea in hybrid cannabis case

KOCHI: Actor Sreenath Bhasi withdrew his anticipatory bail petition filed in connection with the seizure of hybrid cannabis allegedly found with a woman in Alappuzha before the Kerala High Court. The decision came after it came to be known that he was not among the movie stars who had come under the police scanner in the case. When the petition came up for hearing on Monday, Bhasi's counsel requested to withdraw it. The court then dismissed the bail plea as withdrawn. According to the actor's petition, the Excise Enforcement and Anti-Narcotic Special Squad, Alappuzha district, had arrested Christina, alias Tasleema Sultan, from a resort in Alappuzha with contraband meant for sale. During interrogation, she had reportedly given a statement that she knew almost all the cine actors in the Malayalam film industry and had sold them the drug. Bhasi's petition said that he had learnt from the media that the excise official had found a WhatsApp chat from the woman's phone on the transaction of the cannabis with the petitioner. The petitioner claimed that the woman had introduced herself as Christina and obtained his number during a film shooting in Kozhikode in November last through another friend. She told the petitioner she was a fan of his and watched all his films. She had once called him all of a sudden and offered him cannabis for sale. Thereafter, she sent a WhatsApp message, do the petitioner needs. He thought that it was the woman teasing him and replied saying wait. However, the petitioner never replied to her chats later. Bhasi insisted he was entirely innocent. He stated in the withdrawn petition that he was now acting in a film, the shooting of which is in the Ernakulam district.

Munambam land dispute: Waqf Tribunal approves land holders plea to implead them in the case

The order was passed by the three-member tribunal in Kozhikode on Monday

Kerala Congress to address nepotism in local body poll candidate selection

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In light of candidate selection for the upcoming local body election, the Kerala Congress leadership is set to address nepotism in the process. The party believes that local leaders' intervention at all levels, from Mandalam to DCC, has resulted in political setbacks. The decision to address nepotism as Congress and UDF candidates lost in the last local body elections, after several defectors contested against the party's chosen candidates. We analysed the situation and found out that in those cases, candidates were picked by district leaders against the majority opinion of the ward committees, a KPCC leader told TNIE . He stated that close associates or blood relatives of local leaders were often presented as new candidates even after the ward committee officially came to a consensus. Hence, the leaders who were pushed away by local leaders contested the election and they became the spoilers for the party. We will not allow that kind of intervention. The KPCC has decided that the decision of the ward committees will be final as far as candidates are concerned. In any case where there are any issues, the DCC leadership will intervene to resolve amicably, he said. The benchmark for selecting a candidate is solely fixed on his or her winnability in each particular seat, taking into account the majority community in each area. In coming the local body election, the KPCC has marked two corporations--Kochi and Thrissur--as ones the Congress-UDF has a chance to win. Leader of opposition VD Satheeshan is given the charge of Kochi corporation while Roji M John is in charge of Thrissur corporation. K Sudhakaran is in charge of Kannur corporation, the lone corporation where UDF is in power. Ramesh Chennithala (Kozhikode), PC Vishnunath (Thiruvananthapuram), VS Siva Kumar (Kollam) are the other leaders. This is the first time top leaders have been given charge of the corporations. Sudhakaran, Satheeshan and Chennithala will also coordinate and monitor the works. If there is a need to replace a leader, it will be carried out without any delay, a leader said. The KPCC will soon organise a state level training for the selected master trainers each from the 140 assembly constituencies at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Development Studies on April 5 and 6.

Christians have lost faith in UDF, LDF over Waqf bill row, says BJP leader Surendran

KOZHIKODE: BJP leader and former state president K Surendran stated that Christians in the state have lost faith in both the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Citing dissatisfaction among Christian communities following the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Surendran emphasised that prominent Christian leaders themselves have openly voiced concerns about being sidelined by both alliances. Both UDF and LDF are giving undue preference to Muslims while sidelining Christians, Surendran asserted, suggesting that a deep-rooted perception of bias is now firmly taking hold among Kerala Christian voters. He defended BJP support for the Munambam protest, stating that the party involvement was not a vote-seeking tactic but a response to a genuine cause. The BJP supported Munambam only after discussions with the national leadership and the Union government. It was about justice, not politics, he said. He ridiculed the Congress claims that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is unrelated to the Munambam issue, stating that their narrative is falling apart. The BJP leader alleged that current controversies surrounding the Waqf bill are being stirred up deliberately to deflect attention from the internal friction within Congress, particularly over Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhis non-participation in key discussions.

Protests mount over speed limit violations by private buses on KozhikodeKuttiyadi route

Patient who suffered double heart attack recovers at Kozhikode beach hospital

Varkala to host second edition of international surfing fest

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas will inaugurate the second edition of the International Surfing Festival to be held at Varkala from Thursday. The famous Edava Beach of Varkala will host the surfing festival organised by Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) jointly with the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) with the technical support of Surfing Federation of India and International Surfing Association. The competitions will be held under various categories -- National Womens Open, National Mens Open, National Groms (16 & under-Girls), National Groms (16 & under-Boys), International Mens Open, and International Womens Open. Winners of the competition under each category will be awarded with a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh. The event will feature competitions in categories like SUP Technical Race, Paddle Board Technical Race, and SUP Surfing. Around 60 local and international surfers will participate in the festival. Besides the competition, the Surfing Festival also offers free surfing sessions worth Rs 1 lakh for 50 lucky winners through a special contest. They will be selected from five categories -general public, educational institutions, Techies, working professionals, vloggers/content creators/photographers and influencers. The minister in a press release issued here said that the event will help attract more tourists to Varkala, which is already a trending destination internationally because of its beautiful beaches, vibrant cafes and diverse culinary experiences. He said that surfing culture has become a part of Varkala. There are many professional surfers, surfing clubs and coaches in there, making it a perfect destination to hold an event like an international surfing festival, he added. The tourism department will also organise the Mountain Terrain Biking Championship (MTB Kerala 2025) at Mananthavady in Wayanad in May and the International White Water Kayaking Festival in Kozhikode from July 24 to 27.

Kerala Christian community ready to emerge as political force: Archbishop Pamplany

KOZHIKODE: The Christian community will no longer remain a mere vote bank but is prepared to evolve into a political movement if necessary, declared Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany of the Thalassery Archdiocese. He was addressing a protest rally and public meeting organised by the Catholic Congress of the Thamarassery Diocese, along with other diocesan organisations, to denounce what they described as ongoing government neglect and injustice. Archbishop Pamplany accused successive governments of deliberately sidelining the Christian community. During the meeting, he put forward a list of 19 demands, including the release of the JB Koshy Commission report, which investigated the socio-economic backwardness of the community. Dismissing concerns over the Church Bill, the Archbishop asserted that the Churchs institutions and infrastructure were the result of tireless effort and dedication, and warned against attempts to undermine them.If the Church has any assets, it is because it has been built with sweat and sacrifice, he said. In move to appease Church, Kerala Congress (M) engages in political manoeuvring

From rockets on bicycles to Chandrayaan missions, India has come a long way: ISRO chairman

KOZHIKODE (Kerala), Apr 5: From carrying rocket parts on bicycles and satellites on bullock carts in the 1970s, India has become one of the world leaders in the space sector through its successful Mars orbiter and Chandrayaan missions, which have also made several world records, ISRO chairman V Narayanan said here on Saturday. Speaking at the 27th convocation of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, Narayanan said the country has come a long way from when it launched [] The post From rockets on bicycles to Chandrayaan missions, India has come a long way: ISRO chairman appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

ISRO Chairman attributes success of Indian space programmes to teamwork

A total of 1,318 students from the Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode

Retired HC judge duped for Rs 90 lakh in cyber scam, three arrested

Kochi: Three people have been arrested for allegedly cheating a retired Kerala High Court judge of Rs 90 lakh through a fake share trading application, police said on Saturday. The arrested have been identified as Mohammed Sha (33) of Kannur, and Mirshad N (32) and Mohammad Sharjil T (22), both natives of Vadakara in Kozhikode 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 .

From rockets on bicycles to Chandrayaan missions, India has come a long way: ISRO

Kozhikode: From carrying rocket parts on bicycles and satellites on bullock carts in the 1970s, India has become one of the world leaders in the space sector through its successful Mars orbiter and Chandrayaan missions, which have also made several world records, ISRO chairman V Narayanan said here on Saturday. Speaking at the 27th convocation 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 .

ED seizes Rs 1.5 cr from L2: Empuraan producer's firm

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized Rs 1.5 crore in cash from the premises of a chit fund company owned by Gokulam Gopalan, one of the producers of the Malayalam movie L2: Empuraan, in connection with foreign exchange law violations. The searches were conducted at locations in Kozhikode, Kerala and Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The ED alleged that the company collected subscription to chit funds from persons residing outside India without due permission and violated regulations framed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

ED raids in 'Empuraan' producer Gokulam Gopalan's premises: Incriminating documents, Rs 1.5 crore seized

KOCHI: Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized Rs 1.5 crore in cash during a search operation at the offices of Gokulam Group and the residence of its Chairman, Gokulam Gopalan. The search, which concluded on Saturday, was part of an ongoing probe into alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). According to ED officials, the operation was conducted by the Kochi Zonal Office team at the Sree Gokulam Chits and Finance office and Gokulam Gopalans residence in Chennai, beginning on Friday. A parallel search was also held at the groups office in Kozhikode. In addition to the cash seizure, several incriminating documents were recovered. In a press statement, the ED revealed that the investigation was initiated based on specific intelligence indicating that Sree Gokulam Chits and Finance was collecting subscriptions for chit funds from persons residing outside India, without proper authorisation from the competent authority. Further, the subscription amounts were being collected in cash, in violation of regulations framed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the statement noted. This activity constitutes a violation of Regulation 4(b) of the Foreign Exchange Management (Permissible Capital Account Transactions) Regulations, 2000, read with RBI Circular No. 107 dated June 11, 2015. The investigation found that the company had collected an amount of Rs. 371.80 Crore in cash from the persons resident outside India and Rs 220.74 Crore in cheque from persons resident outside India. It was also revealed that significant amounts were paid in cash to the persons resident outside India in violation of Section 3(b) of FEMA, 1999, stated in the press release. ED searches Empuraan producer Gokulam Gopalans offices in Chennai and Kerala in FEMA probe ED officials confirmed that the investigation will now focus on identifying NRIs who made substantial investments in the chit-fund scheme. We will soon begin examining the seized documents. Statements from Gokulam Gopalan and others associated with the firm will be recorded later. It will take at least two weeks to complete the assessment of the seized materials, an ED officer said. The investigation has been ongoing since 2023, during which Gopalan has been interrogated multiple times. Gokulam Gopalan is also the producer of the recently released film Empuraan, which drew criticism from BJP activists in Kerala, leading to the trimming of several scenes. However, ED officials have clarified that the raid and ongoing investigation are solely related to FEMA violations and not connected to the film or the associated controversy. ED raids Empuraan producer Gokulam Gopalan's office in Chennai

Poor show by many local bodies in Plan fund utilisation in Kozhikode

Only 13 local bodies in Kozhikode able to achieve the 100 per cent target; lack of timely planning and the delay in implementing spill-over projects cited to be the prime reasons

Kozhikode Corporation to distribute 60,000 menstrual cups

Minor Irrigation and Waterbody Census to begin soon in Kozhikode

ED quizzes Gokulam Gopalan in suspected foreign exchange violation case

Ahead of the interrogation, ED squad carried out extensive searchesat his house at Vadakara and other regional offices in Kozhikode

ED searches Empuraan producer Gokulam Gopalans offices in Chennai and Kerala in FEMA probe

KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday searched the office's of Gokulam Groups in Chennai and Kerala as part of an ongoing probe into alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The operation, reportedly covering 21 locations across multiple states, included searches at the groups premises in Kodambakkam. The EDs Kochi unit led the raid in coordination with their Chennai counterparts. The action is being undertaken against Gopalan and his company Sree Gopalan chit and Finance Co Ltd for alleged FEMA violations of Rs 1,000 crore with certain NRIs and some related unauthorised transactions, the sources said. The agency is also understood to be analysing some cheating cases against the company for possible investigation under the anti-money laundering law. The Gokulam Group, headed by Gokulam Gopalan, is under the ED's scanner since 2023. Gopalan, who has already been interrogated several times in connection with the case, is a well-known figure in the business and entertainment landscape. His business interests span chit funds, finance, movie production, sports, and hospitality. Gopalan is also the producer of the controversial film Empuraan, which recently sparked outrage among BJP members, leading to the trimming of several scenes. However, ED officials have clarified that the ongoing raid is unrelated to the film controversy and is solely focused on the investigation of FEMA violations. Visuals from the ED raid at the Gokulam Grand Hotel in Kozhikode. @MSKiranPrakash @PaulCithara @GOKULCHELIYA #Gokulam #EDraid #Kozhikode #Kerala pic.twitter.com/XzIAfSu1Cz TNIE Kerala (@xpresskerala) April 4, 2025 The movie, touted as one of the costliest productions in Malayalam cinema, became a topic of hot debate over its critique of right-wing politics and the covert mention of the Gujarat riots of 2002. Apart from Gopalan, its other producers include Antony Perumbavoor and Subaskaran under the banner of Aashirvad Cinemas, Sree Gokulam Movies and Lyca Productions. The film is a trilogy directed by Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also acts in the movie along with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal. The film, written by Murali Gopy, also features Manju Warrier, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Jerome Flynn and Eriq Ebouaney among others. Mohanlal expressed regret over the raging row and assured that the controversial portions would be removed from the movie. Perumbavoor told reporters in Kochi early this month that a little over two minutes of scenes have been deleted from the movie following the controversy.

Will focus on mentality of players, playing attacking game: KBFC head coach

KOCHI: The new head coach of Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) is keen on engineering a return to form by focusing on the mentality of players and playing aggressive football. The results of this season of the ISL have affected a lot of players in the team and that needs to change before the Super Cup, David Catala told a press conference at the JLN stadium on Thursday. As the first thing, I would like to change the mentality of the players. They need to improve to be a compact and solid team, an analysing and attacking team, Catala, who was accompanied by club CEO Abhik Chatterjee and sporting director Karolis Skinkys, stressed. Catala, who took charge on a one-year deal on March 26, is the third coach to guide Blasters this ISL season. He replaces T G Purushothaman, who was named interim coach after Mikael Stahre, the Swede who was appointed at the beginning of the season, was sacked. Blasters finished eighth on the table and failed to make it into the playoffs. The new coach emphasised that he understands the pressures in meeting the expectations of the clubs large fan base. The appointment of a new coach at the end of the season gives the team enough time to prepare for the next ISL season, Karolis said. The full squad is preparing for the AIFF Super Cup, which gets underway on April 21, Catala added. Kozhikode as addl venue CEO Abhik confirmed that the club is exploring the possibility of hosting games in Kozhikode as well in the upcoming season. Since the teams inception in 2014, Blasters have played all their home matches at Kochis JLN stadium. The management had been in discussions with the league for the possibility of a multi-city format, similar to the one adopted by NorthEast United FC this year. We are definitely interested in playing a couple of games in Kozhikode if things align in the next season itself. There is a sizable chunk of fan base there that we wish to explore, Abhik told reporters.

How a homeopathic medicine landed a KSRTC driver from Kozhikode in trouble

The driver, who calls himself a complete teetotaller, tested positive in a breath analyser test to check alcohol content in his body on March 31

High Court judge to probe allegation of sexual misconduct of district judge

District judge in Kozhikode accused of outraging the modesty of a woman court employee in his official chamber. Judge, placed under suspension, denies charges

Indian expat dies in UAE car accident after Eid staycation

In a tragic incident, a 53-year-old Indian expat, residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), lost her life in a car accident while returning from an Eid staycation. The deceased has been identified as Sajinabanu C, a native of Marikkunnu in Kozhikode district in the Indian state of Kerala. She is survived by her husband, 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 .

Linguist, teacher T B Venugopala Panicker passes away at 80 in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: T B Venugopala Panicker, 80, a renowned teacher, linguist, and grammarian, passed away in Kozhikode on Wednesday. A native of Ezhikkara near North Paravoor, he had presented papers at over 100 national and international seminars, including the First International Dravidian Seminar (2003) organised by the University of Cologne in Stuttgart, Germany. A prolific writer, he authored several books and received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award for his translation of Thoppil Muhammed Meerans Koonan Thoppu. Venugopala is survived by wife P Rajalakshmi (retired professor, Malayalam department, Government Arts College, Meenchanda). Children: Kannan (Onmanorama, Kottayam) and Athira (dancer). Daughter-in-law Sajana and son-in-law Rajesh (software engineer, Thiruvananthapuram). The cremation will be held at Mavoor Road crematorium in Kozhikode at 10am on Thursday.

Bill will affect not only Muslims, but also all minorities: IUML

KOZHIKODE: IUML has asserted that the Waqf Bill will affect not only Muslims but all the minorities in the country. The constituents of the INDIA bloc are against the Bill precisely because of the reason, said IUML state president Panakkad Syed Sadik Ali Shihab Thangal . IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty told reporters n Malappuram on Wednesday that certain vested interests are connecting the Bill to some other issues. The Bill is an intrusion into the rights of all religious minorities in the country., he said. The Munambam issue can be settled amicably in Kerala but some political groups have linked it with the Waqf Bill, Kunhalikutty said. The IUML leaders added that the party would approach the court against the Bill. Meanwhile, KNM Markazudawa has said that the organisation will isolate those who support the Bill or abstain from the voting. In a statement, the organisation said that true secularists are against the Bill. The parties like the JD (U) and the TDP have supported the Bill but the people of the states will certainly show their place. The release also came out strongly against the Christian organisations that supported the Bill. Jamaat-e-Islami amir P Mujaeeb Rehman said that the Bill is an affront to the constitutional rights of Muslims. The move to allow the government to freely handle waqf properties is a violation of the spirit of the Constitution, he said. Samatha Kerala Jem-Iyyathulm Ulama president Syed Muhammad Jiffiri Muthukoya Thangal said that vested interests are trying to reap political benefits from the controversy. In a statement he said the proceedings in Parliament over the issue are making the Muslims in the country anxious. He expected secular forces to act judiciously in Parliament. Wisdom Islamic Organisation said the intervention of secular forces in the issue should be vigilant. There should not be an emotional response to the issue, said T K Ashraf, the general secretary of the organisation.

Stung by bees, Kerala tourist dies in Nilgiris

NILGIRIS: A 26-year-old man from Kerala died after he was stung by hundreds of honey bees at Oosimalai viewpoint near Gudalur on Wednesday. Another man along with him was injured in the incident. The deceased has been identified as Sabir (26), and the injured is identified as Ashif (26), both hailing from Kozhikode, Kerala. Police said the two violated forest staffs warnings, and entered a restricted area and went to the honey bee site amidst rocky terrain. Forest department sources said one of them allegedly threw a stone at the honey bee comb which disturbed the bees and they stung them. Ashif was rescued by the forest staffs. Since the staff were also got stung by the bees, they could not rescue Sabir, and informed the fire and rescue service personnel. Later, the fire and rescue service personnel with protective gear rescued Sabir. But by the time they rescued Sabir, he died. His body is kept at the Gudalur government hospital while Ashif was taken to Wayanad for further treatment.

Yellow alert for 8 districts on Thursday; IMD forecasts excess rains in April

Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad are put on yellow alert

Digitisation of land records likely to be completed soon in 18 villages in Kozhikode

People will be able to access multiple online services related to their land with the integration of various services offered by Revenue, Survey and Registration departments

KSHRC at loggerheads with judicial panel on street vendors in Kozhikode

No concession during summer vacation: Ernakulam private bus operators

KOCHI: The Ernakulam District Private Bus Operators Association has announced that students attending classes during the summer vacation will not be granted concession fares. Thus, students commuting in private buses for vacation, special, and tuition classes from April 1 to May 31 will have to pay the full fare for the distance travelled. The decision is applicable across the state, according to the association. The regular academic year in Kerala for Classes 1 to 12 begins on June 1 and ends by the end of March. But many schools and private tuition centres remain open through the vacation for special classes. We accept the government-approved concession fares for students from June 1 to the end of the academic year. The minimum charge for students in the state is Rs 1. For a litre of diesel, we have to pay at least Rs 94. So, only if 90 students travel do we get the money equivalent to a litre of diesel. Students avail this concession even when they are ready to pay huge sums of money to their private schools and coaching centres. Bus operators have to suffer the loss, said K B Suneer, Ernakulam District Private Bus Operators Association president. The government should take the initiative to increase the student fares set a long time ago, in tune with the times, he added. Private bus operators had organised protest gatherings in Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kottayam in February, raising their demands.

Kerala familys plea for info on missing cat Simba moves netizens

KOZHIKODE: Four years ago, when their father Riyas gifted them Simba, Riffa, Risha and Risal were ecstatic. Within no time, the cat, a Russian breed, became an inseparable part of their lives. When the family from Karikamkulam in Kozhikode lost Riyas last year, Simba became their source of comfort, joy and solace. Now, the family is facing another tragedy. Simba has been missing from their home since Friday, and the family has been looking everywhere for it. A video of them pleading for their pets return went viral on social media in no time, with thousands extending their support to the family to help them find Simba. As per the family, the incident occurred when guests arrived at their home late at night. The gate was accidentally left open, allowing Simba and another cat to slip out. A frantic search was launched immediately with neighbours and locals, all fond of Simba, joining in. However, despite scouring the surrounding areas, none could find any trace of the beloved feline. Faseela, wife of the late Riyas, has been tirelessly following up on leads after sharing about Simbas disappearance on social media. Though several people called claiming to have spotted the feline, each lead ended in disappointment for the family. Yet, they remain hopeful. Simba is a part of our family, a cherished memory of Riyas. We will not give up until we find him, says Faseela. She and her children continue their relentless search, appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Losing Simba feels like losing Riyas all over again. We wont stop searching until we bring him home, says Faseela. The family has urged anyone who spots Simba or has any details regarding his whereabouts to contact the family at 9847017003.

Kozhikode Corporation Council to review new lease proposal for CBG plant

No proposal for establishing special tribunal to hear medical negligence cases: Union Minister Anupriya Patel

NEW DELHI: The centre on Tuesday said there is no proposal for establishment of a special tribunal for dealing with the cases of alleged medical negligence. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State of Health and Family Welfare Ministry, Anupriya Patel, however, said the Medical Council of India (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 stipulates that any complaint with regard to professional misconduct of a medical practitioner can be brought before the appropriate Medical Council for disciplinary action. If a medical practitioner is found to be guilty of such misconduct, the Medical Council of the concerned State/UT may award such punishment as deemed necessary or may direct removal of the name of the delinquent medical practitioner from the register altogether or for a specified period, she said to a question from BJP leader, Dr Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade, whether government is not contemplating the establishment of a special tribunal for the impartial and scientific resolution of alleged medical negligence cases in the interest of natural justice? Further, the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) constituted under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, exercises appellate jurisdiction on appeals filed by medical practitioners against actions of State Medical Councils, the minister said. Homeguard candidate dies during treatment in Odisha; family alleges medical negligence To a question on the steps taken by the central government in collaboration with state governments to enhance oversight of treatment protocols in government hospitals ensuring that underprivileged individuals receive adequate and quality care, Patel said, health being a state subject, it is the primary responsibility of the states/UTs to enhance oversight of treatment protocols in government hospitals for ensuring underprivileged individuals to receive adequate and quality healthcare. On whether the government is aware of the increasing instances of alleged medical negligence in both government and private hospitals, the minister said, The states/UTs are also responsible for taking cognizance of the instances of alleged medical negligence in both government and private hospitals as well as for taking appropriate measures to address the issue. The complaints regarding medical negligence, as and when received by the central government, are forwarded to the concerned State/ UT for taking necessary action. Protest erupts over alleged medical negligence following death of twin babies in TN's Dharmapuri She, however, said the details of such cases are not maintained by the central government. Patel said the government of India enacted the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 (CE Act) and notified the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012 (CE Rules) to provide for registration and regulation of government (except those of Armed Forces) as well as private clinical establishments belonging to recognized systems of medicine. 57-yr-old woman dies after surgery at Kozhikode MCH; medical negligence alleged As per CE Act, the clinical establishments are required to fulfill the conditions of minimum standards of services provided for each type of service provided. The CE Rules also mandate all clinical establishments to comply with Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) issued by the central/state government. The states/UTs which have adopted the CE Act are primarily responsible for regulating their hospitals including private hospitals as per provisions of the CE Act and CE Rules to ensure the provision of affordable and quality healthcare to patients. The CE Act also provides for cancellation of registration of hospitals, if the provisions of the Act are not complied with. The clinical establishments in the states/UTs, which have not adopted and implemented the CE Act, are registered and regulated by the state Acts.

On Eid-ul-Fitr, faithful swear to fight drug menace in Kerala

MALAPPURAM: Say no to drugs was a refrain at functions organised by Muslim religious organisations to mark Eid-ul-Fitr across the state on Monday. The Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation (SKSSF), under the EK faction of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama (Samastha), and the Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen (KNM) organised statewide initiatives against drug abuse. The Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) Malappuram East District Committee, under the Samastha AP faction, launched a campaign targeting the rising threat of alcohol and drug abuse at 652 unit centres across Malappuram. Hundreds took anti-drugs pledges in various mahalls across the state as part of the KNM state committees campaign. The state-level inauguration was held at the Eidgah ground of Chaliyam Umbichi Haji School in Kozhikode. Addressing the gathering, KNM state president T P Abdullakoya Madani emphasised the need for heightened vigilance against the growing drug menace. Reports emerging from different parts of the state are alarming. Even children and women are falling victim to drug addiction. At the same time, there are attempts to falsely portray Muslims as the primary consumers of drugs. Such narratives are unacceptable, and those spreading this propaganda should desist from doing so, he said. Former ISM state vice president Nisar Olavanna and Chaliyam Tanmiyyathul Islam Association secretary P B I Muhammad Ashraf led the event in Kozhikode. The SKSSF state committee organised a mass anti-drug pledge immediately after the Eid prayers at mahalls under its jurisdiction across the state. SKSSF branch committees, mahal officials, khateebs, and madrasa representatives led the initiative, aiming to involve the entire mahal community in the fight against drug abuse and to spearhead awareness efforts in their respective areas. Drug use, which disrupts social structures and cultural identity, has severe consequences, Samastha leaders said at a press conference. Pledges against drug abuse administered The solution lies in guiding the younger generation towards intellectual, cultural, and moral development while eliminating opportunities for vice, and integrating them into mainstream society, the Samastha leaders said. Beyond the festival-day campaign, SKSSF has planned various programmes to extend its outreach. In areas lacking anti-drug vigilance committees, SKSSF will take the initiative to establish them by involving public representatives and community leaders. Other planned activities include Kudumbakam (family gatherings), special counseling camps for drug addicts, poster and reels competitions, leaflet distribution, screenings of documentaries and public awareness meetings. Following Eid prayers, speeches and pledges against substance abuse were held at various mosques. The campaign also featured a signature collection drive and a public gathering where people united against the rising drug menace and its associated crimes. In Kozhikode, thousands of people, including women and children, formed a massive human chain under the banner Lets join hands against drug addiction. It grew into a human wall at several locations as participants gathered in large numbers in key areas to symbolically block drug trade. A pledge against drug addiction was administered to all participants. The event, led by the Peoples Committee, was inaugurated by CPM MLA Linto Joseph, with K V Abdusalam presiding. Kodiyathur grama panchayat president Divya Shibu was the chief guest.

Customised circuits planned to boost tourism potential of Kozhikode

A waterway will be constructed from Elathur to Kadalundi, connecting various rivers and canals. Circuit stations will be set up at Beypore, Kothi, Kallai, Sarovaram Biopark, Elathur, and Korapuzha, where water taxi services will be available

Trial run of portable traffic control light successful in Kozhikode

The product was brought to the city after a successful trial run by Nagpur police; the solar-powered unit costs around 2.10 lakh

Third eye network expands in Kozhikode to keep an eye on drug peddlers

Vadakara municipality has installed 20 new cameras at key locations within its limits; efforts are also under way in the municipal limits of Koyilandy, Payyoli, Mukkom, and Ramanattukara to upgrade the existing CCTV network

Police seize 6,000 litres of adulterated diesel in Kozhikode

UG student held for alleged impersonation during Plus One improvement exam in Kozhikode

The incident reportedly occurred at RAC Higher Secondary School, Katameri, during the English improvement examination

Plan to develop IT hub near Kozhikode railway station, says Union Minister George Kurian

27,100 sq. ft plot on the western side of the station will be developed as the IT hub, says George Kurian

Residents up in arms against late-night functioning of wayside eateries in Kozhikode

They allege that drug peddlers are frequently camping on Kovoor-Iringadanpally route; police to step up night patrol

Kozhikode district panchayat to organise mass awareness campaign to combat substance abuse

Eat Right Challenge makes headway in creating more safe-to-eat places in Kozhikode

Properties of two suspected drug peddlers forfeited in Kozhikode

Fisherman dies as boat capsizes with three workers in Kozhikode

Micro plays to be staged on World Theatre Day in Kozhikode

Aniyara, an experimental theatre group based in Kozhikode, is celebrating its golden jubilee

Minor girl under treatment dies in Kozhikode

Thomas hopeful of approval for AIIMS in Kozhikode, Nadda sidesteps questions in RS

Kozhikode court acquits all accused in attack on MCH security guards due to lack of evidence

Though the police submitted the surveillance camera visuals as evidence of the alleged attack, the injured guards turned hostile during the trial proceedings

Kozhikode District Panchayat Budget focusses on health, agriculture

An amount of 4.09 cr. allocated for agriculture sector of which 33 lakh will be utilised for solar fencing in upland regions; health sector gets 7.75 cr.; campaign against drug abuse announced

Kozhikode Corporation Budget passed without amendments

Distribution of drugs to fair price shop at Kozhikode MCH resumes

Kozhikode Corporation Budget gives a boost to City of Literature initiatives

3 crore allocated for activities related to project; international conference on Literature, Culture and Democracy to be held

Suspected drug peddler attacks cops in Kozhikode

Proposed buffer zone around Peruvannamuzhi reservoir triggers protests in Kozhikode

Peoples vigilance committees to monitor drug hotspots in Kozhikode