nPROUD to dispose of unused drugs launched in Kozhikode
The initiative, implemented in association with the Drugs Control department, is being initially launched in the Kozhikode Corporation and Ulliyeri grama panchayat as a pilot study
Wild animal menace: Kozhikode Collector to convene meeting
The Collector announced the decision in response to queries from Nadapuram MLA E.K. Vijayan on the wild animal menace in upland areas
Safe to Eat project: pesticide residues found in 15.26% of tested samples in Kerala
Pesticide residues found in 14 types of vegetables and four types of fruits. Tests covered two corporations, 14 block panchayats and ten municipalities in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts.
Death of schoolteacher in Kozhikode: AKSTU seeks action
Urgent action should be taken on pending files in education offices, says AKSTU
Kerala Health Department to host cancer survivors meetup
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department is set to host meetups for cancer survivors as part of its ongoing campaign to encourage people to participate in cancer screening. The first event will be held in the Malabar region at the Gender Park in Kozhikode on February 22 at 4 pm. Cancer survivors from Malabar Cancer Centre, Kozhikode Medical College, and private cancer treatment centres will attend the event. Health Minister Veena George will be present, interacting with the survivors to spread the message of early cancer detection. A special screening session will also be organised for the female employees of Gender Park alongside the survivor meeting. Many people still fear cancer screening. The message from cancer survivors is clear: many cancers can be cured if detected and treated early. Their experiences and journeys will inspire others. If there are women who havent yet undergone screening, they should visit the nearest health centre as soon as possible, said the minister. The state health department has also launched a public cancer prevention campaign called Arogyam Anandam - Keep Cancer at Bay, which began on World Cancer Day. This initiative focuses specifically on breast and cervical cancer, encouraging women to prioritise regular screenings.
Amid soaring mercury, fire department braces to fight blazes in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With summer fast approaching and temperatures already soaring in February, the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services is bracing up to deal with a surge in fire incidents across the state. The department is on high alert, anticipating an increase in fire-related emergencies. The extreme heat and dry weather have already led to multiple fire incidents across the state this month. Last year the fire department responded to around 15,610 calls with the majority occurring during summer. In the past weeks, the state has witnessed many major and minor fire incidents. One of the major fires was reported in Kulathupuzha last week which destroyed around 5 acres of oil palm plantation. With fire-related calls increasing day by day, the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services have already launched comprehensive awareness campaigns across the state with the help of civil defence volunteers. Director general of Fire Department K Padmakumar told TNIE that awareness among the public is key to prevent such accidents. He said that rising temperatures have increased fire risks significantly in the state. There is a surge in incidents already and we are well prepared. We have launched extensive awareness campaigns across the state to sensitise the public as the majority of fire incidents are happening in private properties. We urge the public to avoid open burning, said Padmakumar. He said that scarcity of water sources is a major challenge when fire incidents happen. During summer and dry weather, water sources dry up and the major challenge we face during this time is unavailability of water to douse fire. To tide over this we have mapped all possible water sources including ponds across the state with the help of district disaster management authorities, he added. The fire department has also equipped fire stations with mist fire tenders, foam fire tenders and other state-of-the-art equipment to address fire outbreaks. Every week we are checking the fitness of these equipment. If there is a water crisis we can always use mist or foam fire tenders, added Padmakumar. Dumpsites and waste storage facilities are some of the hotspots in the state. There are thousands of material collection facilities and resource recovery facilities managed by local bodies across the state. With fire threat looming large, the local self-government department has issued an order to conduct fire auditing at all waste management facilities across the state. We issued the order last week and fire auditing will be undertaken at all facilities and dumpsites. Last year we also did a fire audit and this year we are planning to do it early, said U V Jose, executive director, Suchitwa Mission. Total number of fire calls in 2024 15,610 Thiruvananthapuram 1,551 Kollam 1,538 Kottayam 978 Alappuzha 979 Pathanamthitta 631 Ernakulam 1,927 Idukki 547 Thrissur 1,574 Palakkad 1,821 Malappuram 902 Kozhikode 1,012 Wayanad 231 Kannur 1,112 Kasaragod 811 Safety Precautions Keep your surroundings clean & burn dry leaves in small quantities Avoid burning waste between 11.30am and 3pm Do not burn waste near electric lines; Keep water as a safety measure while burning waste Create firebreaks along property boundaries to prevent fire from spreading Avoid carelessly discarding cigarette butts and matchsticks Do not fill fuel tanks to full capacity during summer Do not store multiple gas cylinders inside homes Ensure that fire safety equipment (as per NBC guidelines) is installed and fully functional in high-rise buildings, shops, and homes
CPI(M) welcomes 86 Congress workers in Kozhikode
Man held on chain snatching charge in Kozhikode
NHAI yet to respond to police notice over food delivery executives death in Kozhikode
The accident claimed the life of a 40-year-old food delivery executive on February 3
Proper training in initial stage crucial for agri-based ventures, says Minister
Rise Up entrepreneurs meet held at Indian Institute of Spices Research in Kozhikode
Youth arrested on charge of battery thefts in Kozhikode
Ragging horror in Kerala continues, demand for a strict action from administration
Another case of ragging has been reported in Kerala where a first year BSC biotechnology student of a government college in Thiruvananthapuram was allegedly assaulted by seven members of SFI, the student wing of Keralas ruling SPI (M). The members, all final-year students named Alan, Anandan, Velu, Salman, Shravan, Pardhan and Immanuel have been suspended from the college on Tuesday and a case has been registered against them. After the complaint of the first year student named Binz Jose, the Anti-ragging cell of Kariavattom Government college submitted a report which led to the suspension of the SFI members. As per the complainant, there was a clash between the seniors and juniors in the campus on February 11 in which a first year student got injured. This led the SFI members barging into the hostel looking out for the student who filed the complaint. When they couldnt find him, they took hold of Jose taking him to a room of SFI used for organizational activities. The seniors attacked Jose with sticks and stones at the campus before locking him in the room. They started beating him, and forced him to kneel down on his knees in front of them for an hour. When asked for water, the student was given a bottle by one of the members after spitting in it. He was beaten up further after refusing to drink. The anti-ragging cell checked the CCTV footage, verifying the allegations. The matter was then handed over to the police. A case has been registered under the Section 4 of Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act and other sections of BNS for unlawful assembly, rioting, wrongful restraint among others. There is already a public outrage in the state over the physical assault of juniors by senior students at Kottayam Government Nursing College. Earlier, a college student named Sidharthan died by suicide on February 18, 2023 in Wayanad, Kerala. He allegedly faced ragging, leading him take his life. SFI was criticized back then also, for its members involvement in the case. The incidents recently have triggered a political row where other political parties are demanding for the disbandment of SFI. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also expressed his concern over the incident, calling it appalling. He took to X, One more case in todays news, this time from Thiruvananthapuram. Appalling. Evil clearly lurks not far from the surface of our society. The challenge for responsible adults is to stamp it out and also to instil the behavioral standards that alone will guarantee the survival and progress of our civilization. Kerala Minister of Higher Education and Social Justice, Dr. R Bindu has said that they are planning to form a state level anti-ragging cell in order to prevent ragging activities in campuses. She even stated that they have sought reports from Directorate of Collegiate Education and will ensure strict action in this regard. Until this happens, six more students from third-year have been booked for ragging a first-year BBA student in campus on February 14. The incident is of Holy Cross Institute of Management and Technology at Erhanipalam in Kozhikode city, Kerala. The Nadakkavu Police has registered a case against them on Tuesday, based on the victims complaint. The incident occurred after a cultural event, where the first-year student was asked to remove sunglasses he had worm for the programme. When he refused to do so, the seniors started beating him and kicking him. Two students have been suspended and disciplinary action was taken against the others. Its not that the incidents are only in recent times, ragging has existed in various institutions since long. Its just that a few are brought to attention and get reported. The rising ragging cases demand strict action and a serious attention towards these, until more students face brutality and lose their lives.
KOCHI: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday announced 31 upcoming road projects with a total length of 896 kilometres, costing Rs 50,000 crore. The Union Minister was addressing the inaugural event of the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 at the Lulu International Convention Centre virtually on Friday. Expressing the Union government's complete support to the state in garnering investments, Gadkari said, The one major factor that plays a very vital role in attracting investments is good road infrastructure. In Kerala, we have completed projects costing more than Rs 20,000 crore, and at the same time, there are ongoing projects worth Rs 60,000 crore. He added that five packages have been mooted for the Palakkad-Kasaragod stretch. Four-laning of the Palakkad-Malappuram-Kozhikode NH 996, with a length of 120 kilometres, at a cost of Rs 10,840 crore, he added. All five packages are in the bidding stage. Within three months, we will start work on this project. This is one of the important routes, costing Rs 10,800 crore. The seamless connectivity between Palakkad and Kozhikode in Kerala and the connectivity between northern Kerala and the industrial town of Salem is very important, said Gadkari. Another important project is the six-laning of the Ernakulam bypass from Angamaly to Kundanoor in the NH section 554, with a length of 45 kilometres, costing Rs 6,500 crore, he added. Within six months, we will start this project. The stretch bypasses the entire Kochi city and ensures seamless connectivity to NH 544 from Thrissur, passing on to NH 66. This decreases the travel time from the existing 1.5 hours to 20 minutes. The work will begin in six months. Another project is the Rs 5,000 crore Thiruvananthapuram outer ring road project, with a length of 68.7 kilometres. We are going to start the land acquisition process, and once 90 per cent of the land is acquired, we will start the project. The DPR is all ready. The outer ring road will ensure seamless connectivity to Vizhinjam port, said Gadkari. The other project announced by the Union Minister was the Rs 3,000 crore four-laning of the Edamon-Kollam NH. The work will begin in four to five months. The DPR is in progress. The road will ensure seamless connectivity between Kollam in Kerala and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It will decrease the travel time from six hours to two hours.
Kerala duo helped launder Rs 718 crore through mule bank accounts for Chinese loan app scam
KOCHI: An Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into money laundering by Chinese loan apps has revealed that two individuals from Kerala arranged 479 mule bank accounts, facilitating transactions worth Rs 718 crore until 2023. A significant portion of these funds was transferred to China via cryptocurrency. The arrested individuals, Sayid Muhammed M M, 36, from Ayancheri, Kozhikode, and Varghese T G, 35, from Fort Kochi, Ernakulam, were produced before the ED Special Court in Kochi on Friday. The court granted ED custody of the duo for four days. Earlier, the ED had arrested four individuals from Tamil Nadu in connection with the case, following a probe into shell companies operated by them for Chinese-based fraudulent loan apps. According to ED officials, Sayid arranged 289 mule bank accounts for Chinese online loan operators, which saw transactions worth Rs 377 crore. He received Rs 2 crore as remuneration. Similarly, Varghese facilitated 190 mule bank accounts with transactions amounting to Rs 341 crore until 2023. He was paid Rs 70 lakh for his role. ED arrests four Tamil Nadu natives linked to Chinese bogus loan apps The mule bank account details, including the account holders name, ATM card number, and ATM PIN, were sent to two individuals named Leema and Angel via WhatsApp. Sayid, who received Rs 2 crore for arranging mule bank accounts, distributed Rs 30 lakh to people who provided their accounts for fraudulent activities, sources said. The ED investigation found that the proceeds of the crime were layered through bank accounts arranged by Sayid and Varghese. A portion of these funds was routed to accounts linked to Zanmai Labs Pvt Ltd, also known as WazirX, a cryptocurrency platform, for purchasing virtual digital assets and cryptocurrencies for cross-border remittance. USDT, a cryptocurrency representing the US dollar, was purchased on the WazirX platform and later converted into ether cryptocurrency before being transferred to four foreign wallets. Using this modus operandi, the fraudsters, in active connivance with Sayid and Varghese, remitted proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 115.68 crore through 26 bank accounts linked to the mule accounts they provided, the ED stated in its court filing. ED arrests four TN men for aiding Chinese loan app firms The agency also found that a portion of the laundered money was routed through shell entities, including Xoduz Solutions, Vicky Venkat Technology, and Vikrah Trading Enterprise. Funds were sent abroad through normal banking channels under the guise of importing software and digital goods, using fake invoices. Earlier, the ED had arrested Daniel Shivakumar, 37, director of Xoduz Solutions, Jawahar Nagar, Chennai; Kathiravan Ravi, 42, director of Future Vision Media Solutions, Mudichur, Kancheepuram; Anto Paul Prakash, 32, proprietor of Global Exposition and Infomedia Solution, Alandur, Kancheepuram; and Allen Samuel, 29, director of Aprikiwi Solutions, Alandur, Kancheepuram. According to ED officials, several Chinese loan apps in APK format are being circulated on social media platforms, where advertisements for easy loans lure people into installing the apps. Once installed, these apps gain control over sensitive mobile phone data. The probe also revealed links between mule bank accounts and bogus gambling and investment apps, further exposing the scale of financial fraud facilitated through these illicit transactions.
Captive elephant involved in Kozhikode temple tragedy was close to musth, reveals report
Final report submitted by Conservator of Forest (Social Forestry), Northern Region, highlights carelessness of temple authorities
Central excise officer, mother and sister found dead inside quarters in Kochi
KOCHI: An additional commissioner of central excise and GST, his mother and younger sister were found dead at the central excise and customs quarters near TV Centre, Ichamukku, Thrikkakara, on Thursday. The deceased are Maneesh Vijay, 44, of Rajarshi Apartment, Radium Road, Ranchi Jharkhand, sister Shalini Vijay, 38, and mother Shakunthala Agarwal, 65. Maneesh, an IRS officer, had been working as additional commissioner (audit) at central excise and GST office at Kacheripady in Kochi. Maneesh stayed at independent quarter no. 114 for the past four months. According to GST officials, Maneesh had been on leave for the past one week. He was to return to the office on Thursday. However, he did not turn up. When officials at his office tried to contact him over the phone, he did not respond. By evening, two officials reached his house which was found locked from inside. As strong stench had pervaded the area, they checked the surroundings and opened the windows to check what had happened inside. They found Maneesh and his sister hanging from the roof of a room close to the kitchen of the house. Soon, the police were informed about the matter. The police and forensic team reached the place and entered the house after breaking open the door. Shakunthalas body was found lying in the bedroom. A family photo was found placed close to the body of Shakunthala. It was found that they died a few days ago and their bodies were in decaying state. Police suspect it to be a case of suicide. Thrikakkara police have registered a case for unnatural death and started an investigation. Police recovered mobile phones of deceased persons. A diary and several books were also recovered from the house. Forensic officials also examined the place. Later the bodies were shifted to Ernakulam Medical College after inquest procedure. The postmortem procedures will be held on Friday. Maneesh was a 2011 batch IRS officer. He served as the joint commissioner of customs (preventive wing) in Kozhikode before he was transferred to Kochi last year. Shalini had cleared Jharkhand Government Service examinations and was awaiting an appointment. Further investigation is on into the incident. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
Kerala: Social media rallies behind snowballing Nafeesumma after scholars jibe
KOZHIKODE: Who decides the freedom of a 55-year-old widow to travel? This question has ignited intense debate on social media, with discussions centring on Nefeesumma, a resident of Nadapuram, whose December trip to Manali with her daughter became the subject of criticism. The controversy began after Ibrahim Saqafi Puzhakkattiri, a scholar from the Samastha AP faction and the editor of Sunni Voice, condemned Nefeesummas viral video showing her joyfully playing in the snow. In a speech a few days ago, Saqafi remarked that a widow whose husband died 25 years ago should remain at home engaged in prayer instead of travelling. His comments, implying that it was inappropriate for a widow to take a vacation, have sparked widespread debate. Saqafis remarks have left Nefeesumma and her family facing intense scrutiny, with relatives and neighbours openly criticising them. In response, her daughter Jifana took to Instagram, revealing that her mother has been deeply affected by the backlash and has barely left the house since. During our wonderful trip, my innocent mother, who was seeing snow for the first time, was overwhelmed with joy, and we shared that happiness as an Instagram reel. What followed was a flood of curses and hateful comments, Jifana wrote. I was able to comfort my mother and help her regain confidence. However, I never imagined that our moment of joy would be twisted into a religious controversy, she said. She expressed her outrage over the issue. A prominent scholar has disrupted the peace of our family. He said, Is it not enough for a great-grandmother, whose husband has been dead for 25 years, to sit in a corner and recite prayers? Why should a widow be forbidden from experiencing the world? Was the world created only for men, she asked. Netizens condemn scholars outdated remarks The travel company Plantogo.in, which shared Nefeesummas video, also responded to the controversy. We arranged Nefeesummas visit to Manali with her daughter Jihana last December. We captured her excitement and shared it on social media because of the sheer happiness she felt, said Plantago.in co-founder Shahana Safar L S. She told us, I have never been this happy in my life. The video quickly went viral, gaining over 8 million views on Instagram. No one inquired about her well-being when she worked tirelessly for 25 years to raise her three daughters after her husbands passing. Had she stayed home then, what would have happened to her family? She is not a woman who sat idle. She worked hard, raised her daughters, got them married, and continues to support herself. Why should she not enjoy life now? Nafeesumma is an inspiration to all the mothers who are spending their life inside their houses toiling for their families, Shahana said. Meanwhile, Saqafi is facing mounting criticism online as social media users have rallied behind Nefeesumma. Many have condemned his remarks as outdated and unjust. This religious preachers outrage stems from the fact that a widow, who endured years of hardship, dared to take a trip with her children, wrote Facebook user Yasar Nadapuram. No human being can stoop this low. It seems religious preachers possess a special ability to degrade themselves beyond reason. Even vultures, which feed on the dead, would not attack the living in this way. At least they act out of necessity, but what excuse does this scholar have?
Kerala mission: TMC MP Mahua bid to gain foothold for Trinamool in state
KOZHIKODE: In a curious political development, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra is spearheading the partys expansion plans in Kerala. She has reportedly scheduled a series of private meetings in Kozhikode and Malappuram, with the aim of strengthening TMCs presence in the state, on February 22 and 23. The move signals TMCs intent to establish a stronghold in Keralas political landscape. Mahuas two-day visit includes crucial discussions with prominent Christian and Muslim leaders. Among the key individuals she is scheduled to meet are IUML state president Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, senior leaders of Samastha Kerala Jemiyyathul Ulama, and Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil, Bishop of the Thamarassery diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church. She will also visit the historic Tali temple in Kozhikode. All India Trinamool Congress Kerala (AITC-Kerala) has scheduled a leadership conclave named United for progress on February 23 at PVR Metro Village Manjeri as part of the senior leaders visit. Joining Mahua in these strategic meetings are fellow TMC MPs Derek OBrien and Yusuf Khan Pathan, further underscoring the partys serious approach. The initiative is reportedly backed by Abhishek Banerjee, TMCs national general secretary, who has commissioned the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) to conduct a detailed survey of Keralas political landscape. According to sources, the groundwork for this survey has already commenced, and its findings will shape TMCs state-level strategy. Organisational efforts A closed-door meeting is also planned with TMCs cadre in Kerala. P V Anvar, the partys state coordinator, is set to lead discussions with existing members, where decisions regarding office-bearers and committee formations will be made. Currently, TMC has around 500 active members in Kerala, as per an internal assessment by the partys national leadership. Although TMCs presence in Kerala remains nascent, Mahua Moitras leadership in this initiative reflects the partys ambition to carve a niche in the states crowded political landscape. Given her reputation as a fiery orator and a staunch critic of the centre, her entry into Kerala politics has sparked interest among political observers.
Police bank on CDR to crack down on drug pushers in Kozhikode
DANSAF accesses Call Detail Records of more persons who were recently arrested in connection with synthetic drug smuggling cases in Kozhikode city
Education dept. orders inquiry into death of schoolteacher in Kozhikode
KOCHI: A Payyoli, Kozhikode, resident missed his flight to Kuala Lumpur last evening from Kochi airport and was detained by the police following an irritated response by the passenger to security officials. When told his cabin luggage was heavy, he responded on the spur of the moment that his bag contained a omb. The incident happened late on Wednesday evening when Rishad, 35, reached Kochi airport in Nedumbassery to board a Batik Air flight at around 10 pm to travel to Kuala Lumpur. The flight was scheduled to take off at around 12:30 am. While undergoing a check at the Terminal 3 departure area, security personnel of Batik Air and CISF told Rishad that his cabin luggage was heavy. Agitated over it, Rishad told officials that there might be a bomb in the bag. Soon, a security alert was issued, and Rishad was detained by officers. His entire bag was checked to confirm that it was a bogus claim. However, as per security protocol, Rishad was handed over to the police. He was later shifted to Nedumbassery police station, where a case was registered against him under Section 353(3) of BNS for spreading false rumours and Kerala Police (KP) Act 118(b) for giving false alarms and misleading police and other essential services. He was released on bail by Thursday morning. The flight operation was unaffected by the omb scare, and it took off at the right time. According to police officers, there has been an increase in passengers mentioning the word omb in anger over checks conducted by security officials. Police officers said that even uttering the word omb inside airport premises would trigger a security alert, affecting other passengers.
Kerala's Aakri App in Forbes list of promising startups
American business magazine Forbes has featured Kochi-based Aakri App on its list of Top 100 Promising Startups, earning a significant milestone for the firm that provides a one-stop solution for waste disposal. Incubated under the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), six-year-old Aakri has successfully processed over 10,000 tonnes of garbage. The app was earlier selected under IDFC First Banks Leap to Unicorn project. Operational in Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, Aakri aims to expand in all 87 municipalities and six corporations across Kerala. The platform is spearheading efforts in scientific sanitary waste disposal, an area that has long been neglected, according to its founder C Chandrasekhar. Aakri has received numerous accolades for its contributions to sustainability and waste management. It won the JCI Social Impact Award 2023, K. 2023 Best Startup Award, Yuva Prathibha Vivekananda Award 2023, Lulu Sustainability Digex Award and more in the recent years. The startup aims to tackle the shortage of biomedical incineration plants in the state. It is planning to set up two major biomedical treatment facilities in Kerala.
Kerala NGO Union activists stage protests in Kozhikode collectorate against transfer order
The order violated general guidelines for transfer of officials, claim activists
Pilot project for safe disposal of unused, expired drugs in Kozhikode
nPROUD has been conceived for the collection of unused or expired drugs directly from homes or to create spaces for their safe disposal
Six students booked for ragging junior in Keralas Kozhikode
According to FIR, the six senior students demanded that the fresher remove sunglasses he had worn for a programme. When he refused, two seniors forcibly removed his sunglasses and beat and kicked him
Kerala to launch first ever project on collection, disposal of expired medicines
Kerala's Drugs Control Department is set to launch the 'nPROUD' project, a first in the country, to collect and dispose of expired and unused medicines from homes. The initiative aims to prevent environmental pollution and health risks by following Biomedical Waste Management protocols, starting February 22 in Kozhikode.
Demand for life-like elephant statues up
KOZHIKODE: In the wake of the week-long ban (until February 21) on parading of elephants during temple processions in Kozhikode, a surge in demand for life-like elephant statues is reshaping traditions across the district. The ban, prompted by the tragedy in Koyilandy that left three dead, has prompted temple organisers to seek alternatives to maintain the sanctity and grandeur of their rituals while ensuring public safety. The impact of this shift was witnessed at the Sri Krishna Temple in Kinalur, where a realistic elephant statue replaced a live jumbo in the temples grand procession on Monday. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail by artisan Rajeev from Punnassery, the statue drew widespread appreciation from devotees and festival-goers. We take immense pride in ensuring these statues honour our traditions, said Rajeev. Our goal is to create sculptures that not only look real but also evoke the same sense of reverence and grandeur as a live elephant, he said. A temple committee member said the shift to life-like statues allows them to continue their traditions without compromising on safety. We see it as a necessary step in balancing devotion with responsibility, the member said. Meanwhile, the unexpected surge in demand for high-quality elephant statues Rajeev has received orders for four to be delivered within a week has placed immense pressure on artisans. Sculptors specialising in wood, fibre, and metal are now working round-the-clock to meet tight deadlines. Many are experimenting with new materials to create durable, realistic, and transportable statues capable of withstanding the rigours of temple festivals. Though the elephant ban sparked controversy among traditionalists, it has also opened up new avenues for creativity and employment within the artisan community. While some devotees remain nostalgic, many are gradually embracing the innovative substitutes as a safer and more sustainable alternative for temple rituals. New avenues Artisans flooded with orders for high-quality elephant statues Sculptors specialising in wood, fibre, and metal are now working round-the-clock to meet tight deadlines. Many experimenting with new materials to create durable, realistic, and transportable statues capable of withstanding the rigours of festivals
New initiative to be launched for safe disposal of expired drugs
Veena George to inaugurate nPROUD in Kozhikode. As part of the project, unused/date-expired drugs will either be collected directly from home or spaces will be created where these can be safely disposed of
Two Taiwan nationals arrested from Gujarat in Kerala's biggest online fraud
ALAPPUZHA: A special investigation team took two Taiwan nationals into custody from Gujarat on Tuesday in connection with the biggest online fraud registered in Kerala. According to the Crime Branch, Wang Chun Wei, 26, and Shen Wei Haw, 35, living in Taoyuan City, Pingzhen district of Taiwan, were arrested by the Gujarat police for ripping Rs 7.65 crore from a doctor couple from Cherthala in Kerala's Alappuzha district, offering a big profit in online share trading in the April-June months last year. The Crime Branch investigation found that the duo were the brain behind the online fraud, the biggest single instance in Kerala. Earlier the Crime Branch arrested five others including three Malayalees in the case. The Taiwanese were the brain behind the multi-crore fraud and a Chinese company was behind the fraud, officials said. Earlier the Crime Branch team led by the District Crime Branch Dy SP A Sunil Raj arrested Rajasthan native Nirmal Jain, 22, from Pali in Rajasthan. He had a direct link with the company. He converted the stashed money into cryptocurrency. The incident came to light after a complaint was received at the portal of the District Crime Records Bureau (DCRB) on June 20, 2024. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case and started an investigation. The fraudsters duped the amount in the name of Invesco Mutual Fund and Goldman Sachs. The fraudsters introduced them as top officials of the share trading companies and offered high profits for investments. They also showed the profit statement of Rs 39.72 crore in the internal equity account of the investor, when the investor deposited Rs 7.60 crore. The fraudsters also advised the doctor to increase the investment to Rs 15 crore. It created suspicion and the couple approached police and the department constituted a special investigation team. The special team arrested Muhammad Anaz, 25, a native of Kodakunnummel, Koduvally in Kozhikode, Pravish, 35, of Puthoor, Omayoor, and Abdul Samad, 39, East Valley Apartment, Chevayoor in July last year. Later the investigation team arrested Bhagavan Ram Patel, a native of Thamakkuru, Karnataka. After the arrest of Bhagavan, the police team identified the role of Nirmal. After the arrest of Bhagavan, Nirmal went into hiding. The special team from Alappuzha reached Pali and started a search for Nirmal, but found that he had abandoned the mobile phone and went to hide in a mutt, which is located around 50 km away from Pali. The team arrested him from the hideout on October 11, 2024. It led to the arrest of the Taiwanese nationals who lived in Taiwan. They were brought to Cherthala and will be produced in the court on Wednesday, officials said.
Missing 7-km hill highway stretch in Kerala sparks row
KOZHIKODE: On February 15, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan officially opened the 34-km Kodenchery-Kakkadampoyil road in Kozhikode district the first phase of the much-anticipated Hill Highway project. However, much to the shock of the local residents, a 7.217-km stretch (Anakkulampara-Akampuzha-Thazhekakkadampoyil) that was originally included in the hill highway plan was missing in the completed work. And, while the CM announced the completion of the 34-km highway, Thiruvambady MLA Linto Joseph said only a 27-km stretch had been finished, triggering confusion and widespread discontent. Saithalavi, a human rights activist from Kozhikode, accused the officials of altering the project alignment against the 2018 Detailed Project Report and government order. He had also filed a petition with the vigilance department in this regard. The complaint alleged that the original alignment of the Kodenchery-Kakkadampoyil road was arbitrarily modified by officials and contractors, despite land owners surrendering their land free of cost based on the original 34.35-km plan. It also alleged financial mismanagement claiming that despite the exclusion of the 7.217-km stretch, the total project cost increased from the estimated Rs 144 crore (2018) to Rs 198.35 crore in 2024. The contract for the road was initially awarded to ULCCS with a 10% increase over the original estimate. Instead of reducing the cost for the excluded stretch, the contractor allegedly raised the project estimate multiple times, the complaint said. An amount of Rs 26.5 crore was separately sanctioned for the 7.217-km segment under another project, an action deemed inappropriate at the official level, the complaint alleged. It also cited Section 3 of 13(1) (d)2 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, arguing that the officials involved abused their positions for personal or external gains, leading to financial loss and erosion of public trust. 7-km stretch didnt meet gradient requirements for hill highway: MLA The complaint demanded that responsible officials and contractors face legal consequences and that the financial losses incurred be recovered. The vigilance on Monday held the first hearing based on the petition filed by Saithalavi. Meanwhile, MLA Linto Joseph defended the projects modifications, explaining that the 7-km stretch was a village road that did not meet the gradient requirements for a hill highway. He stated that incorporating the stretch would have required six hairpin bends, which was technically unfeasible under state highway regulations. Linto also clarified that the projects revised cost increased due to GST adjustments, land acquisition, and utility shifting. Eight families had to be rehabilitated, further contributing to cost escalations, he said. The MLA said the work on the 7-km stretch has been instead sanctioned under a separate village road project with an allocation of Rs 26 crore. He asserted that the allegations are baseless, and the vigilance verification provides an opportunity to clarify the facts. The first reach of the hill highway features modern amenities, including a 12-metre-wide carriageway, underground cables and pipes, solar lighting and traffic signal systems, bus stops, guard rails, and concrete pavements. Two bridges at Koombara and Veettippara are also part of the road that connects Kodenchery, Thiruvambady and Koodaranji panchayats. It also has links to the upcoming Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road. The next phase of the hill highway will extend from Kakkadampoyil to Nilambur.
Haritha Kerala Mission reclaims 2,742.44 km of watercourses in Western Ghats
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of Lets Secure Western Ghats, an initiative that aims to mitigate mudslides and landslides in vulnerable areas in the Western Ghats by retrieving stalled watercourses, Haritha Kerala Mission jointly with the local bodies has reclaimed around 2,742.44 km of the watercourse network. The Haritha Kerala Mission has completed the mapping of natural watercourses and drainage systems of 216 out of 230 grama panchayats. 4,6531.63-km-long canal networks have been identified in the 230 panchayats. According to officials, this year priority will be given to retrieving watercourses in grama panchayats of Idukki and Wayanad districts that are most vulnerable to landslides and mudflows. With the majority of interventions for rejuvenation required in forest areas, the Haritha Kerala Mission recently held meetings with the forest department to get the necessary permissions. It is learned that many streams in forest areas are blocked by fallen trees and such hindrances can be removed only with the permission of the forest department. Assistant coordinator Abraham Koshy of Haritha Keralam Mission said that in many places streams have been diverted for construction activities. Our aim was to complete the mapping by 2024 but owing to adverse weather we couldnt do the mapping as per schedule. However, we have begun parallel efforts to retrieve the courses in many panchayats already. Systematically tracing and reclaiming the whole watercourse networks of Western Ghats to channelise rainwater is crucial for the growing landslides and mudflows in these regions, said Abraham Koshy. This year we will be giving top priority to disaster-prone panchayats in the Wayanad and Idukki districts. Around 13,604 km of watercourses have been identified in Idukki district and Wayanad has around 5280.86 km. We are preparing an action plan to implement the initiative in these two districts and there are budget allocations to execute it. Besides this, we are looking for other possible funds under other schemes, he added. People engaged in reinstating the stalled watercourses in Kollam district Retrieving the stalled watercourses, ensuring smooth flow of water through channels and restoring and revitalising the entire watercourse system are the primary objectives of the initiative. We have identified the network of natural streams and drains using satellite imagery and our volunteers, mainly the student community, go there and locate the hindered watercourses and mark the current plight of the waterway in the software, said Abraham Koshy. In Kollam, there are around seven panchayats in Western Ghats, of which watercourses have been retrieved in three panchayats Alayamon, Yeroor and Thenmala. The work has been completed. District coordinator of Haritha Kerala Mission S Issac said that many small streams have been retrieved and rejuvenated as part of the initiative. In all, 52 streams in Alayamon panchayat, 175 streams in Yeroor panchayat and 62 streams in Thenmala panchayat have been cleared. Watercourses and natural drains mapped as part of the initiative Total districts: 8 Total grama panchayats: 216 Kollam: 3,341.81 km (385 .086 km retrieved) Pathanamthitta: 5,778.99 km (96.73 km retrieved) Kottayam: 4,443.61 km (68.9 km retrieved) Idukki: 13,604 km Ernakulam: 2,263.01 km (566.37 km retrieved) Palakkad: 6,649.57 km (1,372.19 km retrieved) Kozhikode: 2,406.19 km (3.65 km retrieved) Wayanad: 5,280.86 km (77.4 km retrieved) Kannur: 2,762 .71 km (171.9 km retrieved)
Kozhikode Corpn. struggles with wayside bin misuse, seeks public cooperation
Kozhikode native arrested at Bengaluru airport for online trading fraud in Kerala
The accused, along with an accomplice, had been absconding since the case was registered. Police had issued a look-out notice against the duo
Residents agitated as severe water shortage plagues Karunagappally
KOLLAM: A severe water shortage has gripped Karunagappally taluk, leaving residents struggling for weeks to access clean water. Divisions such as Kannetti, Alumkadavu, Alappadu, Kozhikode, Panickerkadavu, Pakalveedu, Thurayilkunnu and Mampozhil are the most affected, according to the Karunagappally municipality. Municipal sources indicate that outdated and frequently damaged water pipelines in these areas have disrupted the water supply. To mitigate the crisis, the municipality has been relying on borewells, however, many are in a collapsed state, rendering the water unfit for consumption. As a result, the municipality is currently distributing water using tanker trucks. The pipeline network in Karunagappally is decades old. The water resources department seems unwilling to replace them, possibly due to a lack of funds. For now, the only option is to depend on tanker-supplied water, said M Anzar, ward councillor of Karunagappally municipality. Adding to the woes, the ongoing construction of a national highway has exacerbated the crisis. Excavation work for drainage has damaged several pipelines, worsening the water shortage. Meanwhile, the water resources department has assured residents that repair work on the broken pipelines is underway.
In a first for Kerala, nun takes charge as medical officer at govt hospital
KOCHI: Sr Jean Rose of the Sisters of the Destitutes earned the distinction of becoming the first nun to take charge as a medical officer in the state when she joined the Family Health Centre (FHC) at Marayoor in Idukki district last December. Having settled into the job, Dr Jean Rose told TNIE that the posting fulfilled her desire to help the marginalised. The FHC under the Marayoor block caters to the medical needs of around 25 tribal hamlets, Sr Dr Rose said. The centre caters to around 200 outpatients every day. We are also responsible for the health and well-being of the tribal population of the hamlets. She did her MBBS and MD at the St Johns Medical College Hospital in Bengaluru, specialising in anesthesiology. Her case is different from the usual practice of Christian religious persons with medical degrees entering church-owned hospitals or institutions. Id like to thank the initiative of my former superior at the convent, who retired as a nurse from the Kozhikode Medical College, for motivating me to appear for the Public Service Commission (PSC) exam. I cleared the PSC and was appointed at this centre, the nun said. Dr Rose had earlier worked with the Kattapana Taluk Hospital, a church-owned private hospital for 10 years, and at KIMS in Thiruvananthapuram. According to her, a lot of programmes are being implemented to ensure that the tribal people get medical attention. We are involved in the immunisation drive that sees us trek more than 18km into the forest to immunise infants. However, it is tough dealing with the tribal people as they tend to disappear into deep forest when they see outsiders. But we are slowly getting them to acquiesce with the help of anganwadi teachers and government officials, she added.
Anti-ragging cells to be formed in schools in Kerala
KOZHIKODE/KOCHI: The general education department has decided to ask all schools in the state to form anti-ragging cells amid reports of ragging in some schools. Incidents like ragging, which are not conducive to the welfare of society, are taking place in some educational institutions in the state, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said on Sunday. To prevent ragging, strict measures need to be taken, along with organising awareness activities and grassroots-level interventions. Therefore, the department of general education is considering introducing anti-ragging cells in every school. The department is planning to form a committee of senior officials to arrive at the structure and functioning of the cells, Sivankutty said, while addressing the Kerala School Teachers Association state conference in Kozhikode. He said the committee will be asked to submit its report, based on which anti-ragging cells will be created. The anti-ragging cells are mandatory in higher education institutions while its not compulsory in schools until now. The government move to form anti-ragging cells comes in the wake of a 15-year-old boy taking his life last month by jumping from his apartment allegedly following ragging and bullying at his school at Thiruvaniyoor in Ernakulam district. In another incident on February 12, five students of a government-aided higher secondary school in Kannur allegedly assaulted a junior for not respecting seniors and not obeying their orders. Wont allow entrance examinations for Class I admissions: Sivankutty Sivankutty said action has been taken against a clerk who was found guilty in connection with the suicide of a student in Thiruvananthapuram. The tragic incident of a student jumping from a flat in Ernakulam is also being taken seriously, with even stricter measures being enforced. Many such incidents occur in management-run schools, though some government schools also face issues, he said. Though disciplinary committees, counselling schemes and school protection groups are in place in schools, ragging has not yet been fully eradicated, the minister said. According to Sivankutty, the anti-ragging cell should be able to instil in students the right attitude to adopt not only at the school level but also when they enter college. Steps will be taken to strengthen the teacher-student relationship. Children should be able to tell their teachers about the difficulties they are experiencing. Teachers should also listen to them with empathy and work together accordingly, he added. Sivankutty also said no entrance exam or interview will be allowed for admissions to Class I in schools across Kerala. A timetable and circular will be issued to regulate the admission process, and strict action will be taken against any violations, he said. As part of the state governments efforts to enhance the quality of education, a comprehensive education quality improvement plan will be implemented. The subject minimum rule the minimum passing score that a student must obtain in each subject of an examination will be introduced in the eighth grade this year and subsequently extended to the ninth and tenth grades in the coming years. Dismissing any form of corporal punishment, the minister emphasised that students who fail to meet minimum academic requirements will receive orientation classes instead of punitive measures. The government has also prepared a list of unrecognised schools, he said, adding that institutions failing to meet the required criteria will not be granted permission to operate.
KSTA State conference concludes in Kozhikode
Monalisa will soon be seen in a Hindi movie. Monalisa experienced her first flight as she journeyed to Kozhikode, Kerala, on February 14.
'No one will be evicted in name of waqf': CM Pinarayi Vijayan
KOZHIKODE: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that an impression has been created deliberately that the minorities are getting more than what is due to them. Inaugurating the new building of the Kerala Waqf Board regional office here on Saturday, he said there is a situation in the country where minority rights are robbed off them. We will take a strong stand against such attempts. No one will be evicted in the name of waqf but at the same time the rights of minorities will be protected, he said ostensibly referring to the Munambam controversy. Pinarayi expressed concern over the developments related to waqf at the national level. Efforts are moving at a great pace to amend the Waqf Act. The Joint Parliamentary Committee has submitted its report without considering the 500-odd suggestions from opposition parties, he said. The chief minister said the Central government has gone back to protecting the rights of the minorities. There is a significant decline in the allocation of funds for the financial projects for the minorities. The state government has introduced pre-matric scholarships considering the development. The government has earmarked a total of Rs 106 crore in the budget for various projects for the minorities in the state, he said. The CM said that the development of minorities is not the development of any particular minority community, but the overall development of society. Minister for Waqf V Abdurahiman, Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas, MPs P V Abdul Wahab, M K Raghavan, MLAs Ahmed Devarkovil and P Ubaidulla were among those who attended the function.
Shashi Tharoor's praise for Kerala government in TNIE article invites sharp response from Congress
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOZHIKODE/MALAPPURAM: The Congress leadership in Kerala has found itself in an embarrassing situation after party MP Shashi Tharoor praised the Left government for its new industrial policies. In an article in The New Indian Express on Friday , Tharoor had highlighted the government's achievements in fostering a positive startup ecosystem and introducing new industrial policies in the article. Soon Industries Minister P Rajeeve shared the article on social media, thanking the Congress leader for acknowledging the government's achievements. In the article, Tharoor cited that between July 1, 2021 and December 31, 2023, Kerala's startup ecosystem recorded a remarkable 254% compound annual growth rate -- far exceeding the global average of 46%. He also praised Rajeeve's recent announcement that businesses could now be opened in Kerala within wo minutes. Additionally, Tharoor pointed out that Kerala significantly improved its ease of doing business ranking, moving from 28th (out of 29 states) to a top position. Tharoor's article offered the ruling LDF a chance to refute the opposition UDF's claims that the state has been lagging in development and economic growth. Unhappy with Tharoor's stance, the UDF leadership is reportedly planning to escalate the matter to the Congress high command. The Congress leadership in the state reacted sharply to Tharoor's article. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan rejected Tharoor's claims and questioned the basis of his remarks. Kerala does not have a great industrial environment, though we aspire to improve it. We do not know on what basis or using what statistics Shashi Tharoor wrote his article, he said. The industries minister claims that three lakh enterprises were established in Kerala over the past three and a half years. If that was true, at least 2,000 enterprises should have been started in each constituency. We should not count bakeries and small shops set up by Gulf returnees as enterprises. We do not agree with the claim that three lakh businesses were launched. The party will examine the circumstances under which Tharoor made such a statement, Satheesan said. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala also dismissed the view that Kerala is business-friendly. If someone opens a tailoring shop in Kerala, it is still counted as an enterprise under Minister Rajeev's record. Small-scale ventures like these emerge naturally. Including them in the government's industrial growth figures is misleading. Tharoor has likely been misinformed about Kerala's reality. Here, industries are not started in a minute -- they are shut down in a minute, a skill the CPM has mastered. This has been demonstrated repeatedly in the past, Chennithala said. Congress leader K Muraleedharan took a dig at Tharoor, saying ordinary Congress leaders like himself could not comment on matters involving a global citizen like Tharoor. The national leadership of the Congress should respond to Shashi Tharoor's article. He is a member of the Congress Working Committee and a global citizen. It would be inappropriate for ordinary Congress workers like us to comment on matters concerning such individuals. Let the Congress high command take appropriate action. The views of Tharoor are not the opinion of the Congress in Kerala. We do not support the policies of the Left government, and both the party and the UDF will continue protests against the state government, Muraleedharan said. Even as his article triggered a storm in the Congress, Tharoor reiterated his earlier position saying that when someone does something good, it should be appreciated. Meanwhile the CPM leadership came out in support of Tharoor. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said it was a factual statement about the development achieved by Kerala, without naming Tharoor. Pinarayi said a people's representative who understands things has made it clear that the development of the state is a model for the world and the country. Our state's infrastructural development is a model for the country and the world. A representative who understands the issues in detail has made it clear to our society by citing facts. He did not give an ordinary speech. His statements were based on facts and numbers,' said Pinarayi. If we calculate the development of start-ups in the IT sector in the world, Kerala has achieved many times the level of the world. That is what he pointed out with data, Pinarayi added. Meanwhile, Satheesan also disagreed with Tharoor's view that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the US was a success. Modi's visit cannot be considered successful. None of India's key demands were addressed as a result of the visit. Moreover, it did not bring even the slightest change in Trump's stance towards India. The US has adopted a tough position on economic cooperation, including in export and import sectors. Modi's visit failed to bring any improvement in this regard, he added.
Chief Minister inaugurates first reach of hill highway in Kozhikode
The 34.76-kilometre stretch of the highway built by the Uralungal Labour Contractors Cooperative Society includes two bridges, 84 culverts, 42 kilometres of drainage, bus stops, interlocked footpaths in main towns, and streetlights
Video Viral: Monalisa Bhosle, Mahakumbh sensation, takes first-ever flight to Kozhikode
Monalisa Bhosle, originally from Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone district, became an internet sensation after attending the Maha Kumbh Mela with her family to sell Rudraksha beads.
Local self-government department tops vigilance corruption cases in Ernakulam
KOCHI: The highest number of government officials facing probe in corruption cases belongs to the local self-government department in the district, according to the data available with the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) since 2021.In the last four months alone, as many as four officials of Kochi corporation were arrested by the VACB for accepting bribes. As per VACB data, as many as 44 vigilance cases have been registered against government servants in Ernakulam district since 2021. Similarly, in eight cases officials were caught red-handed while accepting bribes. As many as 11 corruption cases were registered against officials of LSG institutions. This is followed by the cooperative department with five cases, and forest and police departments with four cases each. VACB registered three cases each against officials of Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and revenue department. Two cases each were registered against officials of the civil supplies, excise, PWD, and mining and geology department. Four cases were registered against officials of LSG bodies after they were caught red-handed. One trap case each was registered against officers of PWD, KWA, revenue and central labour department. In the last two months alone, we arrested four officials of Kochi corporation for taking bribes. All the officers were from the health wing. There are several business firms functioning in Kochi. As part of renewing licence, these firms have to obtain clearance from health inspectors. In one case, three health officials of Kochi corporation were arrested in a trap case after they demanded Rs 50,000 as bribe from a businessman who is running an accessory shop in West Kochi, a VACB officer said. Since November 2024, VACB registered six trap cases in Ernakulam and arrested nine officers. The arrested officers belong to Kochi corporation, the central labour department, the agriculture department, KWA and the police. A positive change is that more people are approaching us with complaints when government servants demand bribes from them. However, there is still a long way to go. We can nail officials who demand and accept bribes if people give us proper information. Even now, several people without hesitation give bribes to get various services from government offices, he said. Across Kerala, 393 cases were registered by VACB against government officials since 2021. Similarly, 146 trap cases were registered during the same time period. The highest number of vigilance cases was registered in Thiruvananthapuram district (72) followed by Kozhikode (56), Ernakulam (44) and Thrissur (36). However, VACB does not encourage anonymous complaints as a majority of them turn out to be bogus during further inquiry. As per recent data, 81% of anonymous complaints received by VACB officers turned out to be bogus in Ernakulam district since 2016. As many as 673 anonymous complaints were received by VACB units in Ernakulam via mail and online since 2016. However, only 132 anonymous complaints were found worth proceeding with the investigation and the rest were found to be fake. Most of the anonymous complaints are filed out of personal grudge against government officials. In some cases, complaints are filed against honest officials who take action against illegal activities. Some file anonymous complaints due to family feuds, an officer said.
Experts highlight Union Budgets growth potential at Kozhikode panel discussion
KOZHIKODE: Experts have emphasised that the proposals in the Union Budget have the potential to drive the countrys economic growth, fostering development across various sectors. They were speaking at a panel discussion organised by the Dr John Mathai Centre, Thrissur, Department of Economics, Calicut University, and Kerala Exporters Forum, in collaboration with the Malabar Group. Kozhikode sub-collector Harshil R Meena inaugurated the discussion held at the Malabar Center for Excellence, Montana Estate, Kuttikkattur, the headquarters of the Malabar Group. Dr D Dhanuraj, moderated the discussion, which featured panelists, including M P Ahammed, chairman, Malabar Group, Vipin P Veetil, assistant professor, Indian Institute of Management, Alfin Santosh, business development manager, APEDA (under the Ministry of Commerce); and Ashwin John George, joint commissioner, Kochi Customs. Dhanuraj, chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research, Kochi, said that the Union budget is not a policy document but rather a statement outlining the governments income and expenditure. M P Ahammed said that tax evasion is one of Indias most significant challenges, emphasising the urgent need for stricter measures to curb it. He advocated for adopting digital monetisation methods, similar to those in Singapore.
Help desk for taxpayers opened at Kozhikode Corporation office
Saudi court postpones final verdict for Kerala man on death row for 8th time
Riyadh: The Riyadh Criminal Court in Saudi Arabia has once again postponed the final verdict in the case of Abdul Rahim, a native of Kodampuzha in Kozhikode district of Kerala. He has been imprisoned for the last 18 years for the alleged murder of a 15-year-old Saudi boy. Citing incomplete procedures, the court on Thursday, 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 .
3 Killed As 2 Elephants Run In Panic, Cause Stampede At Kerala Temple
Three people died and over 30 others were injured after two elephants caused havoc, a wall collapse, and a stampede at the Manakulangara Temple in Kerala's Kozhikode on Thursday.
Party rejig: CPM, BJP neck to neck in social engineering; Congress in catch-22
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As CPM stretches its wings after district conferences, the leadership has gone for deft social engineering by electing nine out of 14 district secretaries from the Ezhava community. The party has successfully implemented an inclusive policy ensuring sufficient representation for the powerful minority communities. Though the leadership claims that the secretaries were elected based on organisational grounds, insiders said the harsh reality faced by the party in the last Parliament election, has reflected in the experimentation. The CPMs new positioning in a changing political sphere comes in the wake of SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesans criticism. Natesan had criticised that even though parties desperately go after Ezhava votes, the community is ignored when it comes to selecting party functionaries and candidates. Except in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Idukki and Pathanamthitta where secretaries belong to either Muslim or Christian communities secretaries in other districts belong to Ezhava community. In the cabinet, the CPM had maintained community balance with five ministers belonging to the Nair community. The CPM has been promoting leaders from Ezhava community to the CM post for the last 15 years, political analyst Ajith Sreenivasan told TNIE . In Congress, the chief minister post is now a declared reserved seat for the Nair community. CPM has now realised the mistake it committed in the Parliament election when it played the minority appeasement card, which cost it dearly. In many party villages, especially Dharmadam, Mattannur, Taliparamba and Kalliassery the base Ezhava votes of the CPM went to BJP candidates though they had no chance of winning, he said. Meanwhile, Congress has been facing a stiff challenge in maintaining community balance. Out of the partys 21 MLAs, only a single MLA belongs to the Ezhava community. In Parliament, the communitys representation is limited to two. After C Kesavan and R Shankar, the Congress never had a CM from the Ezhava community. Though there were leaders like Vayalar Ravi, who was elected to Congress Working Committee at a younger age, he was never made a CM candidate while his colleagues A K Antony and Oommen Chandy made it to the top post. Vakkam Purushothaman, V M Sudheeran, and Mullapally Ramachandran, who were second to none in terms of political credentials, were also ignored. Even K Sudhakaran could not emerge as a contender for the CM post, Ajith said. UDF leaders like CP John hold the view that the Congress must address the issue of lack of representation for the Ezhava community seriously. In 80 assembly seats spreading from Thrissur to Thiruvananthapuram, winnability mostly depends on social factors than political reasons, UDF secretary C P John told TNIE . The influence of SNDP Yogam is crucial in these districts. Earlier, Congress had many tall leaders who were also top functionaries of SNDP Yogam. After BDJS became a part of the NDA, there is a dearth of influential leaders from the Ezhava community in Congress, much to its disadvantage, he said. Congress leaders, however, pointed out that the perception that the party lacked leaders from the Ezhava community is not true. There are leaders like KPCC general secretary M Liju in addition to DCC presidents in Kottayam, Kollam and Palakkad who belong to the Ezhava community.| BJP appoints Christian, Ezhava, Nair leaders as district presidents in Kerala Meanwhile, the BJP is in a close fight with the CPM. BJPs alliance with BDJS, has resulted in the appointment of new district presidents with nine belonging to Ezhava community . However, around 13 are from the dominant Nair community, two are from SC and three from Christian community.
Elephant attack at Kerala temple: Major tragedy averted, say eyewitnesses
KOZHIKODE: The toll of the tragedy at Manakulangara Bhagavathy Temple , Kuruvangad, on Thursday, would have been much higher had the elephants rushed straight at the crowd or if it all happened a little later. The festival is quite popular and attended by hundreds of people. Since Thursday was the last day of the festival, a large number of devotees had been arriving at the temple, said Bindu P B, Anela-Kuruvangad ward councillor. However, at the time of the incident, there was not much crowd near the elephants. Things would have been much worse had the incident taken place a little later, she said. K K Radhakrishnan, member of the festival committee, said it all happened while a special procession from Manakkulangara temple to the nearest temple led by the two elephants Peethambaran and Gokul was being taken out on the final day of the festival. Suddenly, Peethambaran turned violent while the procession was taking a right turn in front of the temple and attacked Gokul near the old building housing the temple office. The structure came crashing down and people suffered injuries after getting caught under it and in the resulting commotion, he said. Radhakrishnan said the two elephants, however, ran out of the temple through the east gate. As a result, a more serious tragedy was averted, he said. Kuruvangad resident Balakrishnan, too, said the elephants turned violent while turning in front of the temple. It all happened right before my eyes. Normally, fireworks are carried out in the nearby ground. However, this time, the fireworks were arranged near the pond next to the temple, he said. Videos on social media showed the elephants damaging the building and approaching people aggressively. Fireworks can be heard in the background. As for the fireworks, Radhakrishnan said they followed the rules and took insurance. We are not sure whether the incident took place due to the fireworks, he said.
Three die as elephants run amok at temple festival near Koyilandy
KOZHIKODE: Three devotees died and 35 sustained severe injuries during a temple festival at Manakkulangara Bhagavathy Temple near Koyilandy after an elephant went on a rampage on Thursday evening. The deceased have been identified as Leela, Ammukutty and Rajan. First, an elephant turned violent and attacked another elephant standing beside it. Followingly, both the elephants ran amok leaving a portion of the temple office building damaged. Two people were killed and several others injured after two elephants went on a rampage at Manakkulangara Temple in Koyilandy on Thursday evening. The elephants also caused extensive damage to the temple. @MSKiranPrakash @PaulCithara @GOKULCHELIYA #Elephant #Temple #Kozhikode pic.twitter.com/PBqLzsBA4j TNIE Kerala (@xpresskerala) February 13, 2025 Five people are in critical condition at a hospital. As per primary information received, the elephants turned violent due to fireworks and loud music. The bodies of Leela and Ammukutty were shifted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Rajan passed away as he was taken to Meitra Hospital. The injured persons have been admitted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, said Kanathil Jameela, Koyilandy MLA. The visuals of the incident surfaced on social media in which elephants were seen damaging the building and aggressively moving towards people. The event was attended by hundreds of devotees and many more were turning up as it was the last day of the festival. There could have been an increased toll had the incident occurred a little late, said Bindu PB, Anela-Kuruvangad ward councillor.
Three killed in Kerala as two elephants run amok during temple festival at Koyilandy
Thirty six persons sustained injuries and admitted to various hospitals in Kozhikode district
Theft attempt in ATM counter: Malappuram native arrested
The incident took place at Parambil Kadavu in Kozhikode district at 2.30 a.m.
First stretch of Hill Highway in Kozhikode district is to be opened on February 15
KOZHIKODE: The Kodenchery-Kakkadampoyil road, the first completed reach in Kozhikode district of the statewide Hill Highway, will be opened to traffic on Saturday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the 34.3km stretch at the St Sebastians HSS ground in Koodaranji. Built at a cost of Rs 195 crore, the road is 12 metres wide. Drains, provisions for underground cables and pipes, solar lights, and signal system have been set up on either side of the road. Prominent streets along the stretch have bus stops, concrete pavements, and guard rails. Two bridges at Koombara and Veettippara, in Koodaranji, are also part of the road. Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas will preside over the inaugural function scheduled to begin at 3pm. The next phase of the development of this road is from Kakkadampoyil to Nilambur. The Kodenchery-Kakkadampoyil road, which passes through Kodenchery, Thiruvambady and Koodaranji panchayats, joins the Thiruvambady-Maripuzha road at Pulloorampara, leading to the proposed Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road, said Kodenchery panchayat president Alex Thomas. The Hill Highway, or State Highway 59, stretches from Nandarapadavu in Kasaragod to Parassala in Thiruvananthapuram. The construction of the highway is being carried out in three reaches in the Thiruvambady constituency, the longest of which is now being inaugurated. The road is expected to provide a huge boost to the agriculture sector in the hilly parts of the district. Tourism also stands to benefit as the road connects Kakkadampoyil, Iruvanjipuzha in Elanthukadavu where the Malabar River Festival is held, and the Thusharagiri waterfalls. The road passes through an area donated fully by people. Protective walls have been built for those who gave up their land for the reach constructed by the Uralungal Labour Cooperative Society. Advanced technologies including full-depth reclamation which strengthens the foundation of the road and ensures longer life have been used in the construction of the road, besides improved road surface, markings, and basic safety systems. The Hill Highway -- passing through 13 districts, Alappuzha being the only exception -- is the longest state highway in Kerala. The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) is providing financial assistance for the work in 54 reaches. KIIFB has approved Rs 3,593 crore for 793.68 kms of the highway. While 506.73km of road work has received technical approval, work on 481.13km has been contracted. So far, 166.08km of the Hill Highway has been completed at a cost of Rs 1,288 crore. The construction of about 250km of the highway is scheduled to be completed by December 2025, the PWD minister said. Hill highway will help in devpt of tourist centres, says MinisterMohamed Riyas
First stretch of hill highway project completed in Kozhikode
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to open the 221-crore project, completed by Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society, on February 15
Chief Minister to meet scientists in Kozhikode on February 15
Keralites lost Rs 1,021 crore to cyber fraud in past three years
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The collective loot from Kerala by cybercriminals over the past three years has exceeded Rs 10 billion, data with the police revealed. Fraudsters swindled Rs 1,021 crore between 2022 and 2024, of which Rs 763 crore was siphoned off last year. While Keralites lost Rs 48 crore to cyber fraud in 2022, the amount rose to Rs 210 crore in 2023. A total of 41,426 complaints were registered in 2024, which roughly implies that as many people lost money to various cyber fraud activities. At Rs 174 crore, Ernakulam topped the districts in terms of money lost in 2024, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with a loss of Rs 114 crore. Wayanad was the least affected at Rs 9.2 crore. Of the total amount lost since 2022, around Rs 149 crore has been recovered. Most of the recovery was made in 2024. During this period, the cops froze 76,000 fraudulent transactions and recovered Rs 107.44 crore. The recoveries made in 2022 and 2023 amounted to Rs 4.38 crore and Rs 37.16 crore, respectively. According to the victims demographics prepared by the cyber investigation division in 2024, one-fifth of the victims were employees of private companies (19.5 %), followed by pensioners (10.9 %), homemakers (10.37 %) and businessmen (10.25 %). Job scams preyed on the highest number of victims (35.34 %), followed by online trading fraud (34.96%), Fedex-type scam (7.17%) and loan scams (3.36 %). Last year, the cyber cops blacklisted nearly 50,000 smartphones/devices that were used for scamming. About 19,000 SIM cards, 31,000 websites and 23,000 social media accounts were also blocked after their involvement in cyber financial crimes were exposed. The surge in digital financial crimes had earlier prompted the state police chief to write to the Reserve Bank of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking certain policy changes and technological intervention to curb the menace. Vigil on the part of public key in curbing menace State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb had recommended reining in the unfettered use of current accounts of Indian banks from other countries. He had also sought a restriction on the number of electronic devices, using which digital transactions can be done from an account. Saheb also suggested preparing credibility scores for each bank account, which will help users verify their trustworthiness before carrying out transactions. A senior police officer said vigilance from the part of the public goes a long way in curbing the menace. A dip in cyber financial crime rate was observed in recent times after the police intensified awareness drives to sensitise the public about the matter, the officer said. The telecom operators have started broadcasting cyber crime awareness caller tunes to the subscribers on a daily basis and that seems to have an effect. People are getting acquainted with the message and it seems they are becoming alert to scam calls. Those who fall prey to the scam calls should immediately call 1930 and register their complaint. Only a coordinated effort of the public and the enforcement agencies can purge cyber financial crimes, the officer added. Amount swindled in 2024 Ernakulam - Rs 174 crore TPuram - Rs 114.9 crore Thrissur - Rs 85.74 crore Kozhikode - Rs 60 crore Malappuram - Rs 52.5 crore Kannur - Rs 47.74 crore Palakkad - Rs 46 crore Kollam - Rs 40.78 crore Alappuzha - Rs 39 crore Kottayam - Rs 35.67 crore Pathanamthitta - Rs 24 crore Kasaragod - Rs 17.63 crore Idukki - Rs 15.23 crore Wayanad - Rs 9 crore
CPM strengthens minority outreach
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the curtain falls on the CPM district conferences, for the first time in its history, by design or by chance, three district secretaries the party has chosen belong to the Muslim community. The party leadership, however, explains it away as a natural development. Meanwhile, two district secretaries Raju Abraham in Pathanamthitta and C V Varghese in Idukki represent the Christian community. The leadership was also careful to elect fresh and clean-image faces to lead the CPM in all 14 districts. K Rafeeq in Wayanad, M Mehboob in Kozhikode and K V Abdul Khader in Thrissur are the new district secretaries from the Muslim community. Though Wayanad (P A Muhammad) and Thrissur (A C Moideen) have had district secretaries belonging to the minority community, it is for the first time Kozhikode is getting a secretary from the community. Though the CPM state leadership claims that the election of new secretaries is a normal process considering the organisational skills and leadership qualities, party insiders term the appointments in Wayanad and Thrissur as a strategic move. CPM has made a calculated move given that Wayanad is a district with a high Muslim concentration where Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi won elections with the help of the IUML. CPM has been trying to make inroads into the community and the new move shows that the party is sensing a positive response, a Left leader tells TNIE. Rafeeq had been serving as the DYFI district secretary. Coming from the League bastion of Vellamunda, Rafeeq was instrumental in attracting many youths from the minority community to the organisation. According to the CPM leadership, in recent years, new cadre have joined the CPM from the IUML strongholds of Meppadi, Thondernadu, Panamaram, Kaniyambetta and Kambalakkad too. In Thrissur too, Abdul Khaders elevation is being viewed as a move to keep pace with the fast-changing political geography in the district. Khader, who represented Guruvayur in the assembly for 15 years, has a clean slate to start with. In all his contests, Khader managed to maintain a lead in Guruvayur town which is a Hindu-dominated area. The CPM is presenting Khader, a secular and at the same time a leader belonging to the Muslim community, against both the IUML and other Muslim fringe groups, a CPM Thrissur district committee member says. In Kozhikode, the development is seen as a change that was in the making for the past few years. The organic relation with the minority community and the party has improved as they now recognise that the CPM is not against beliefs. Our stand against majority and minority communalism is being increasingly accepted, former Kozhikode district secretary P Mohanan says. A district secretary from a Christian minority section too is a first for the CPM. The arrival of Raju Abraham, a Knayaya Jacobite, to the helm of the party in Pathanamthitta could resonate with many in the coming months. All denominations from the minority community now have representation in different area committees, CPM leader Udayabhanu says. In Idukki, though P M Manuel had served as the district secretary earlier, the election of Varghese is seen as a signal to the Christian community. The decision should be seen in the background of the UDF-BJPs move to have an upper hand in the district using minority politics, says a former Idukki district secretary. New district secretaries Thiruvananthapuram V Joy - Second term as district secretary - Varkala MLA Kollam S Sudevan - Third term as district secretary - Former district panchayat vice-president Pathanamthitta Raju Abraham - First term as district secretary - Former Ranni MLA Idukki C V Varghese - Second term as district secretary - District Planning Council vice-chairman Alappuzha R Nazar - Third term as district secretary - Former district panchayat president Kottayam A V Russel - Second term as district secretary - Former DYFI central committee member Ernakulam C N Mohanan - Third term as district secretary - CPM state committee member Thrissur K V Abdul Khader - First term as district secretary - Former Guruvayur MLA Palakkad E N Sureshbabu - Second term as district secretary - CITU district vice-president Malappuram V P Anil - First term as district secretary - District Sports Council president Wayanad K Rafeeq - First term as district secretary - District Football Association president Kozhikode M Mehboob - First term as district secretary - Consumerfed chairman Kannur M V Jayarajan - Third term as district secretary - Former MLA Kasaragod M Rajagopalan - First term as district secretary - Trikaripur MLA
Botched surgery: Harshina to stage satyagraha in Kozhikode on Feb. 13
Kozhikode South wins Sargotsav championship
CM to open new Waqf Board building in Kozhikode on Feb. 15
Patient in moribund condition revived through surgery in Kozhikode hospital
Understanding epilepsy: Diagnosis and treatment
Epilepsy is a chronic disease of the human brain characterised by recurrent seizures or fits. These are short periods of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, causing symptoms ranging from mild to severe. They may include impaired consciousness, abnormal limb movements, forceful turning of head, visual, psychological, and sensory experiences. In some cases, the seizures can last for hours. Its called status epilepticus, a serious medical condition which requires emergency hospitalisation and treatment. Three pillars of diagnosis Taking note of history: An eyewitness account of the episode will help the clinician make a diagnosis of epileptic seizure and differentiate it from conditions that mimic seizures. The patients history, starting from the antenatal period and also the medical history of the family are also highly relevant to make a diagnosis. EEG (Electroencephalogram): This is the single most important investigation in epilepsy. A carefully performed awake and sleep record (total 45 minutes) EEG will detect abnormalities in the majority of cases. However, in some cases, especially when the patient does not respond to medications, a longer recording (8 hours to a few days) may be required. Neuroimaging: A special protocol MRI Brain and other forms of neuroimaging are useful to find any structural brain abnormalities which could result in epilepsy. Investigative modalities like PET. Treatment The most important and commonly used form of treatment for epilepsy is medication, which has been scientifically proven to be effective with a good safety profile. However, adverse effects which occur in a minority of cases, instil fear among some, this stops them from taking long-term medications. In such scenarios, both the patient and family require constant reassurance from the treating doctor. Along with medications, it is also important to ensure a healthy lifestyle and daily routine (especially good sleep and reduced screen time). Surgery is the next option. This is reserved for patients who do not respond to anti-epileptic medications, and it is potentially curative in about 70 per cent of patients. Epilepsy surgery is a life-changing treatment option which must be performed only in a centre with a comprehensive epilepsy surgery programme. Those patients who cannot be considered for epilepsy surgery can be given neurostimulation. Stimulation of the vagus nerve in the neck or deep brain structures are the two procedures that are now available to reduce the seizure burden. The author is the senior consultant- neurology at Meitra Hospital, Kozhikode
Green title for over 400 establishments in Kozhikode
Mobility hub fails to take off in Kozhikode despite mounting traffic woes
Renovated Kozhikode Town Hall inaugurated
Division among INDIA bloc parties aided BJP's Delhi victory, says IUML leader Kunhalikutty
KOZHIKODE: IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty on Saturday said the division among parties in the INDIA bloc aided the BJP in emerging victorious in the Delhi elections. He told reporters in Kannur that the BJP doesnt have the strength to win the elections on its own, but the party is capitalising on the lack of coordination among the secular forces. It was evident in Maharashtra and elsewhere. The constituents of the INDIA bloc should immediately discuss the matter among themselves to avoid such a scenario in the future, he said. Asked whether it was the responsibility of the Congress to gather everyone together, Kunhalikutty said there is no point in blaming one party alone. The constituents of the INDIA bloc are contesting one another in states, but there should be a mechanism for better coordination, he said. At the same time, Kunhalikutty said he doesnt believe that the BJP is invincible. Defeat in one election is not the end of everything, he said. Meanwhile, the PDP said it was the arrogant belief of the AAP that it could rule Delhi without the support of anyone that led to the BJPs victory. In a statement, PDP vice-chairman Varkala Raj asked the Congress and AAP to apologise to people for paving the way for the BJPs win.
New DCC office in Kozhikode to be opened in April
Quest launched to strengthen smart policing in Kozhikode
The scheme aims to ensure smart functioning of police stations by enhancing officers responsiveness to public grievances and guaranteeing accuracy and speed in crime investigations; trained officers from 21 police stations to lead local training
Kerala budget focuses on urbanisation, municipal bonds, metro rail expansion
KOCHI: The Budget 2025-26 has brought to the fore a very big reality - that Kerala is getting urbanised. Hence, better planning and improvement of urban infrastructure have become the need of the hour. Big plans have been devised in the budget to cater to the development of big cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. As per the budget, a detailed proposal would be formulated to aid the urban local governments and their consortia to raise an amount of Rs 1,000 crore through floating Municipal Bonds, Green Bonds and Pooled Municipal Bonds. These funds so mobilised can be used to implement projects like IT parks, Commercial Centres, Roads, Waste Management and Water Supply Schemes. In a big step towards improving the facilities in the big cities, Metropolitan Planning Committees will be formed in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. Schemes will be formulated in line with the recommendations of the Urban Commission which was formed to identify the unique issues faced by urban areas. As part of improving travel facilities in big cities, it has been decided to introduce metro rail systems in due course of time. The allocation of funds for the development of infrastructure at Technopark (Rs 21 crore) at Thiruvananthapuram, Infopark (Rs 21.60 crore) at Kochi and Rs 11.50 for Cyber Park at Kozhikode will play a big role in urbanisation.
Kochi gets little for road development vis-a-vis other cities
A total of 5,207.43 crore allocated for development of 48 roads in Kannur, Kozhikode, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram through KIIFB funding
Lukewarm response to State Budget in Kozhikode
Trade bodies welcome the Budget in general while being apprehensive about some facets; teachers protest
Over 100 cases filed against private bus drivers for traffic violations in Kozhikode
Kozhikode receives States best NCC group award
IIM Kozhikode Executive Associate Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online
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Kerala Budget: State has overcome fiscal strain, economy ready for 'take-off,' says Finance Minister
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has tided over the most difficult phase of fiscal strain, and its economy is poised for a 'take-off' in the coming years, Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal has said while presenting the Kerala Budget for the 2025-26 fiscal in the State Legislative Assembly on Friday. The Finance Minister began his budget with announcements for government employees and pensioners. Balagopal said that service pension arrears will be distributed in February. Two instalments of pay revision for government employees will be disbursed during this fiscal, and the two-year lock-in period for Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears will be removed, he added. As part of rebuilding landslide-hit Wayanad, Rs. 750 crore has been announced in the budget. This amount will be used for the first phase of reconstruction initiatives. Balagopal lamented the lack of support from the Centre for Wayanad's rehabilitation. An urban policy will be implemented this year, and metropolitan planning committees will be set up for Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. The Finance Minister announced that preliminary work for the Thiruvananthapuram metro rail will begin in 2025. Balagopal also said that 50 research projects will be sanctioned for higher education institutions to promote research and development. Other major announcements: Rs 1160 crore allocated for housing projects under the LIFE Mission for 2025-26. Rs 700 crore allocated for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) insurance scheme, which covers nearly 42 lakh families. The Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur development growth triangle project has been announced. Vizhinjam Port will be connected to production units, assembly units, and railway lines. The K Homes project has been announced to make use of the large number of unoccupied homes for tourism purposes. Rs five crore has been allocated for the project, which will come up within a 10 km radius of tourist destinations. A new IT park will be established in Kollam, and a centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be set up in Thiruvananthapuram. The Hydrogen Valley project will begin this year with an allocation of Rs five crore, while Rs 10 crore will be allocated for bio-ethanol research and production.
A month on, disappearance of Kannur tribal woman remains shrouded in mystery
KANNUR: More than a month has passed since N Sindhu, 40, a tribal woman from Kannavam Nagar in Pattiam, Kannur, went missing in the dense Kannavam forest. Sindhu, who was suffering from mental illness, ventured into the forest on December 31, 2024, to collect firewood but never returned. Despite extensive search operations involving the police, Thunderbolt commandos and local residents, she could not be traced. Drone surveillance and underwater radar technology were also used, but in vain. For the past five years, Sindhu had been living alone in a makeshift shed made of plastic sheets on an 85-cent plot she inherited. Her struggles with mental illness began 13 years ago, after which she was married to a native of Kanichar. However, one night, she went missing from her husbands home with their three-and-a-half-year-old daughter. Her husbands family found them the next day and took Sindhu to her parental home in Kannavam. Sindhu later underwent treatment at various mental health institutions in Kannur. Concerned about their daughters well-being, her husbands family took her back. The daughter, now 16, has been living with her paternal uncles family in Kolayad since. Sindhus husband remarried a few months ago. Over the years, Sindhu became increasingly reclusive, distancing herself even from her family. Though her parents and siblings lived nearby, she preferred solitude, surviving on wild roots and fruits, with occasional purchases from a local shop paid for by her father, P Kumaran. Kumaran last saw Sindhu on the evening of December 30. The next evening, her brother Ratheesh informed him that she had gone missing. Kumaran, along with others, joined the search. This isnt the first time she has gone missing, but every time, she returned the next day, he told the police. Sindhus mother, Premaja, broke down while recalling the last time she called out to her daughter. Search in Kannavam forest lasted over two weeks I work under the MGNREGA scheme. I used to call out to her whenever I passed by her shed. On the morning of December 31, I called, but she didnt respond. I assumed she was asleep. When she remained unresponsive in the evening, I panicked and informed my children. We then alerted the panchayat and the police, said Sindhus mother. Kannavam police inspector K V Umesh confirmed that Sindhu was last seen on December 31. A local resident, Bhalakrishnan, spotted her in an agricultural field that day. We were informed about her disappearance the same day and immediately launched an investigation. A missing person case was officially registered on January 1, he said. The search spanned across the length and breadth of Kannavam forest, extending to the Wayanad and Kozhikode borders. Authorities used underwater radar tech to scan water bodies and quarries, yet Sindhu was not found. We also checked bus stands, railway stations, hospitals, and even unidentified bodies, but there were no leads, Umesh added. One major challenge, he said, was the lack of a recent photograph of Sindhu. The only available picture is over 10 years old. She has become much frailer over the years, making it difficult for the public to recognise her. We have registered her details in various national and state-level man-tracking portals and update the information weekly. So far, we have recorded statements of over 150 people, he said. The search in the Kannavam forest lasted over two weeks before it was called off. Local residents have formed a committee, led by Pattiam panchayat president N V Shinija, to demand further investigation. We met with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and submitted a request for a higher-level probe into Sindhus disappearance, Shinija said. Despite use of modern search technology and the involvement of elite Thunderbolt commandos, forest officials, and police, not a single clue -- not even a piece of clothing -- has been found. Sindhus disappearance remains an unsolved mystery, leaving her family and the Kannavam community searching for answers.
Bus driver in Kozhikode arrested allegedly with ganja
Police, MVD squads intensify crackdown on unfit private buses in Kozhikode city
Licences of six drivers suspended following joint inspections held in the wake of recent bus accident at Arayidathupalam; traffic police to strengthen surveillance in school zones
11 MBBS students at Kozhikode medical college suspended after ragging incident
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Odissi dancer Madhulita Mohapatra to perform in Kozhikode
Two held with MDMA in Kozhikode
According to the police, the two mainly targeted schoolchildren and college students in Kunnamangalam and Karanthur
Dumping of waste by tourist vehicles along Kozhikode-Kannur NH remains unchecked
Inter-State and inter-district tourist vehicles are reportedly flouting waste management rules by not making proper arrangements to collect and dispose of waste; sanitation workers call for action against reckless dumping
Encroachments on waterbodies caused floods in Kozhikode: study report
Unplanned construction and absence of traditional structures like temporary dams affecting maintenance of water system in city
A shocking video footage of a rape attempt on a woman receptionist allegedly by the hotel owner and few other staff in Kozhikode, Kerala on Saturday night has emerged. The woman, aged around 30, reportedly jumped off from the first-floor of the ...
Motorcyclist injured in Kozhikode accident involving bus dies
50 injured as bus overturns in Kozhikode
TMC demands renaming of West Bengal to 'Bangla' in Rajya Sabha
NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday witnessed a demand for renaming West Bengal as 'Bangla', with an argument that the new name would better reflect the state's history and culture. The Upper House also witnessed demands by several other members of other parties on their respective concerns. During a Zero Hour mention, TMC MP Ritabrata Banerjee highlighted that the West Bengal Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution in July 2018 calling for the name change, but the Centre had yet to approve it. He also noted that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging that the re-naming would align with the state's history, culture, and identity while reflecting the aspirations of its people. Banerjee had pointed out that 'there is no East Pakistan today,' emphasising that the state's name should be updated to reflect modern realities. He further argued that he mandate of the people of West Bengal needs to be honoured. The last instance of a state name change occurred in 2011, when Orissa became Odisha. Over the years, several cities have undergone name changes, including Bombay to Mumbai in 1995, Madras to Chennai in 1996, Calcutta to Kolkata in 2001, and Bangalore to Bengaluru in 2014. In the same way in the Rajya Sabha, BJDs Debashish Samantaray called for national festival status for Bali Jatra, which is celebrated annually on the banks of the Mahanadi River to commemorate the time when mariners from the region sailed to places like Bali, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and Sri Lanka in ancient times for trade and cultural expansion. TMCs Saket Gokhale urged that the benefit of cheaper ethanol in petrol be passed on to consumers, while his party colleague Sushmita Dev requested that the Barak River in Assam be dredged to facilitate the movement of goods via waterway. BJPs Kavita Patidar advocated for water conservation strategies, such as groundwater recharge, to address the flooding of railway line underpasses. PT Usha (Nominated) called for the establishment of an AIIMS in Kinaloor, Kozhikode district, Kerala. Addressing the impact of climate change on agriculture, BJPs S Selvaganabathy highlighted how erratic weather patterns had harmed crop yields, causing significant losses to farmers. He recommended testing new varieties of seeds that could withstand these weather fluctuations.
Suspected sexual assault bid: Woman jumps off building in Kozhikode
Case registered against three suspects who made the alleged attempt in a lodge at Mambetta near Mukkom in Kozhikode district on Saturday night
