Opposition leader in Kerala alleges CPM role in Payyannur BLO suicide case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, V.D. Satheesan has alleged that CPM had a 'role' in the suicide of booth-level officer Aneesh George in Payyannur. He said the CPM leaders threatened the BLO for taking the Congress BLA along for SIR-related activities. He added that the pressure of this threat and the stress due to workload pushed the officer to end his life. He demanded a serious and convincing investigation by the government and said that the Election Commission should study the issue with greater seriousness. He said BLOs across the State have been reporting heavy workload. Most of them are women who struggle to complete the assigned tasks. They must visit each house three times, and each booth has between 700 and 1500 voters. He alleged that both the BJP and CPM are trying to misuse the SIR system to prevent UDF-supported votes from being added. According to him, the BJP implements SIR with malicious intent, and CPM carries out the same intent in another manner in Kerala. He said the UDF will resist such attempts and will challenge any disruption of honest poll procedures both politically and legally. BLO dies by suicide in Kannur; family blames pressure from SIR work The opposition leader said the BJP has witnessed two suicides and one suicide attempt recently. He said the suicide notes refer to financial dealings involving BJP leaders. He also asserted that senior BJP leader M S Kumar has raised grave allegations against the party leadership, and veteran leaders too have made serious charges against the new leadership. He alleged that CPM is trying to establish links with the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram at a time when the party is embroiled in allegations and financial dealings. He said two former CPM leaders, who were a block panchayat president and a Deshabhimani bureau chief, have made serious allegations against Kadakampally Surendran. Senior leaders who left the party have alleged that the former minister is a BJP agent. He said CPM has fielded a person who used to be in RSS as the LDF candidate in Pangode ward. Kerala SIR: ECI receives first filled-out enumeration form from tribal voter He alleged CPM has stepped in to help BJP in Thiruvananthapuram as the party weakens. He described this as the latest example of what he called the BJP-CPM illicit nexus. He also alleged that in Thrissur, the Chief Minister asked ADGP M R Ajith Kumar to hold talks with RSS leader Hosabale to help the BJP win, which also affected the Pooram. On Vyshna Suresh's issue, he said she is a voter in the ward where she is contesting. Her name was removed from the voter list due to an incorrect house number. He said she produced clear evidence during the hearing and is not a bogus voter. He alleged that the complainant has multiple votes and that both CPM and BJP are trying to tamper with the voter list. He warned that the Election Commission must not support what he described as a vile attempt to remove her name in anticipation of her candidature. He pressed that the commission must make her eligible to vote.

Indefinite traffic ban on Kerala's key interstate highway

KOCHI: Traffic movement will be completely banned on the crucial interstate Anamala Road (SH 21) from Vazhachal to Malakkapara from Monday. The restriction is necessitated by the perilous condition of a culvert along the road. The closure would last for months as the public works department (PWD) is struggling to secure a contractor for the repair work in the deep forest region. The culvert, located approximately 17km from Vazhachal in the forest area, is in a dangerous condition and can collapse at any time, said Rakesh C, executive engineer, Road Division, Thrissur. A portion of the culvert has already collapsed, and cracks have reappeared even after the repair work. The engineer emphasised the gravity of the situation, noting that its complete failure would sever connectivity between the two regions. Despite securing an administrative sanction of Rs 40 lakh for the repair work, the PWD is still unable to find a contractor. A significant hurdle is the culverts location in the forest area with a high threat from wildlife, specifically from elephants. We couldnt get a contractor there despite our best efforts, the official said. The bans duration remains uncertain. The PWD has written to the forest department seeking permission to build a temporary road nearby, which would allow single-vehicle passage and help restore some traffic flow. If we get the nod, well construct a temporary road so that the traffic could be restored. However, we are yet to get the permission from the forest department, said Rakesh, adding that failure in securing the permission would mean that the traffic may not be restored until the completion of the entirely new culvert, a process that may take three months. The PWD is now preparing to float new tenders for demolishing the existing structure and constructing a new culvert. To expedite this, the department has written to the district collector seeking a relaxation from the election norms currently in place. Meanwhile, the ban would result in bus services between Chalakudy and Malakkapara, operated by both the KSRTC and private operators, getting cancelled. The PWD is yet to inform us. We have four services to Malakkapara from Chalakudy, besides the budget tourism trips. With the traffic ban in place, they will be cancelled indefinitely, said a senior KSRTC official. The Anamala Road (SH 21), also known as the Chalakudy-Malakkappara Road, is a vital 86-km-long route known for passing through the picturesque rainforests and linking Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Thrissur Revenue District School arts festival from Nov 18 to 21 in Irinjalakuda

Equal representation drive demands action, not excuses, from Keralas political leadership

State convention of Thulya Pradinithya Prasthanam organised at the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Hall in Thrissur

Back-to-back exits haunt the Congress in Thrissur

Two district-level leaders quit the party, unhappy with denial of party ticket in the local body election. Another leader resigns from all party positions

Rajeev Chandrasekhar launches NDAs Kerala local body poll campaign in Thrissur

Key suspect in organ trafficking case in NIA custody

KOCHI: The NIA Special Court, Ernakulam, has granted custody of Madhu Jayakumar of Ernakulam, the key accused in a case related to the alleged trafficking of people to Iran for illegal organ donation, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) till November 19. The NIA suspects that Madhu is the mastermind behind an organ-trafficking network operating in Iran, allegedly coordinating with hospitals there. It suspected that around 20 Indians have been taken to Iran under his leadership since 2019. The organ-trade racket came to light when Immigration Bureau officials questioned Sabith Nasar, a Thrissur resident, who arrived from Iran in August 2024. He had been taken to Iran to donate a kidney after being promised a large sum of money. Apart from Sabith, Sajith Shyam and Bellamkonda Ramaprasad who were intermediaries in Madhus network were arrested last year.

Colourful rally marks Childrens Day in Thrissur

Childrens president, prime minister, and speaker take part in festivities. A special stamp released on the occasion

LDF councillor joins BJP in Thrissur Corporation

Sheeba Babu will contest as BJP candidate from Krishnapuram division

Home and away Can Twenty20 up its game?

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

Road works likely to worsen logjam amid pilgrimage rush

KOCHI: The annual Mandala pilgrimage season to the revered Sabarimala Ayyappa temple is set to commence in a week, bringing with it the customary massive influx of devotees from across South India. However, this year, the sacred journey threatens to devolve into a chaotic ordeal, thanks to the unfortunate timing and sluggish pace of major road works that are creating severe bottlenecks across Central Kerala. The convergence of heavy traffic and widespread construction is set to test the patience of pilgrims and local commuters alike. NH 544 bottleneck at Amballoor One of the most immediate and critical gridlocks is forecast for the Thrissur-Angamaly section of NH 544, specifically at Amballoor. The construction of an underpass here is progressing at a snails pace. The work should have been completed before the pilgrimage season began. A heavy traffic congestion is being experienced at Amballoor now. Neither have they readied any alternative roads nor any traffic diversion plans have been formulated so far. Most of the alternative roads are in a dilapidated condition, said lawyer-cum-Congress leader Shaji J Kodankandath. He warned that the issue will turn much worse with the impending arrival of vehicles from neighbouring states, highlighting a serious lack of foresight in planning. A top NHAI official, however, refuted the charges, maintaining that measures are in place. In Amballoor, the police have identified diversion roads to help ease traffic congestion. Additional traffic marshals have also been deployed, and necessary traffic signboards have been installed, the official said, placing the responsibility for traffic management squarely on local law enforcement. Elevated highway woes on NH 66 Further south, the construction of the elevated highway on the 12.75-km-long Aroor-Thuravoor section of NH 66 presents another critical choke point. The dilapidated Ezhupunna-Kumbalangi road through which heavy vehicles are being diverted from Thuravoor due to highway construction The dilapidated condition of alternative routeslike the Thuravoor-Thycattussery and the Thuravoor-Ezhupunna-Kumbalangi Coastal Roadwill force most vehicles onto the main highway, where construction is heavily under way. While a slight, temporary relief has been felt following court intervention, which led to the deployment of traffic wardens and the start of tarring work on marshy stretches, the overall situation remains precarious, said Sanoob Aziz, a member of the Janakeeya Jagrata Samiti. Aziz emphasised the need for authorities to hasten the process before the pilgrimage starts and to immediately clear construction waste and rebuild roads where work is complete, demanding a war-footing response. Responding to the concerns, a senior NHAI official claimed significant progress, stating, Weve already completed 80% of the construction works in the Aroor-Thuravoor section. The official promised to complete structural elements like piers by January but shifted blame for immediate delays to another agency. A major hurdle is the setting up of high tension power lines at two locations. The KSEB is going slow on the same, he said. Tough ride on MC Road, and a distant solution The anguish is not confined to the National Highways. The MC Road from Angamaly to Muvattupuzha will also suffer due to existing works, with heavy congestion expected around Kalady and Muvattupuzha town. While the finance department recently sanctioned a significant Rs 377.8 crore for the renovation of 82 roads, this relief will not materialise in time for the current pilgrimage. Regarding the perpetually clogged Muvattupuzha Junction, a senior NHAI official offered a future solution, confirming that the tender for the detailed project report for a Muvattupuzha bypass has been awarded to a consultancy firm, HEC Pvt Ltd, which has been given six months to prepare the report. For the thousands of pilgrims set to arrive in the coming days, however, this promise of a bypass is a far-off hope. The acute traffic congestion at Amballoor junction

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

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

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

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

Capture myopathy caused by scare behind death of 10 deer at Puthur Zoo

THRISSUR: The postmortem examination of the 10 spotted deer, that were found dead inside their enclosure at the Zoological Park at Puthur, found capture myopathy as the cause of the death. Capture myopathy is a condition in which the animals experience acute pressure when they get scared. It should be the attack of stray dogs that scared them and resulted in their death, said veterinary surgeon Arun Zacharia. Meanwhile, small bite marks were found on the body of three spotted deer during the autopsy of the carcasses. The deer were found dead in the morning on Tuesday. Stray dogs had trespassed into the enclosure where spotted deer were accommodated. While all other animals are kept inside the kraal, spotted deer are left to wander around in their enclosure, considering their habits. Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G Krishnan said that the zoo authorities had identified the way through which stray dogs had entered the enclosure. Steps have been taken to close any such passages that could allow stray dogs into the zoo campus. Waste management will also have to be taken care of seriously, as it is the main factor that attracts stray dogs, he added. Meanwhile, Forest Minister A K Saseendran had sought a report on the incident within two days and a detailed report within 2 weeks. Friends of Zoo, an informal organisation that played a crucial part in setting up of Puthur Zoo, had sought a safety audit into the entire zoo to avoid any unlikely incidents that risk the lives of animals in the future.

First-off-the-blocks UDF looks to press advantage in local body polls

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After a gap of nearly 15 years, a sense of renewed hope appears to be sweeping through the ranks of the Congress-led UDF. Workers believe the alliance is finally poised to reemerge as a formidable force before the assembly election in 2026. According to senior leaders, the last time the UDF stormed the local bodies was in 2010. Since then the front has consistently disappointed, especially in 2015 and 2020 when the LDF consolidated its position. With these polls being viewed as a do-or-die battle, the Congress and allies see it as a curtain raiser to the assembly election. Despite a series of setbacks in recent years, the Congress has succeeded in energising its workers and local leadership. The end justifies the means, a Congress political affairs committee member said. We will not settle for nothing less than success, he said. At its Wayanad chintan shivir, the party unveiled Mission 2025, detailing its strategies and road map for local-body polls. Our workers visited homes before our opponents even began preparatory work, said KPCC working president P C Vishnunadh. We distributed leaflets highlighting the failures of the state and central governments, and for the first time, ward committees were authorised to collect funds from the public through coupons, he said. The UDF also focused on ensuring that voters affiliated to the front are added to the voters list. For the first time in decades, the Congress candidate selection process was uneventful. In Thiruvananthapuram corporation, the party released its list while both CPM and BJP were still finalising candidates. In the 2020 local-body election, the UDF lost Kochi and Thrissur corporations as rebels played spoilsport. This time, we were able to fix issues that arose at the grassroots level, Vishnunadh said. KPCC leaders were named to oversee activities in 14 districts, while senior party leaders were given charge of the six corporations. The leaderships decision to leave candidate selection to ward committees resulted in lowering the number of defectors. The UDF will raise the Sabarimala gold-theft controversy as a key issue this election. The opposition front will also look to milk any anti-incumbency against the LDF government. It will also focus on unemployment, the states financial strain and setbacks in the health sector, besides local issues.

LDF is banking on its welfare plank, history to retain edge in Kerala local body polls

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: One of the trolls doing the rounds on October 29, the day Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rolled out a slew of welfare measures, was a tale of shared lament of two CM-hopefuls in the opposition UDF. It served to highlight, in no uncertain terms, how the out-of-the-blue dole outs would weigh on the upcoming local-body polls. Eyeing no less than a convincing win in the election to the three-tier bodies -- which is being viewed as a semi-final, coming as it does a few months ahead of the assembly election -- the LDF hopes to ride the wave of its welfare push. Determined to repeat the fronts success in previous elections, Pinarayi seems to have left no stone unturned. Over the past decade, the Left has held a upper hand in local-body polls. Moreover, being the ruling front has its advantages, as the very fact that it controls the levers of policy making can convert into votes. With this in mind, the front is opting for a multi-pronged approach, in which highlighting the state governments initiatives and how they reflect at the grassroots level is key. On the other hand, sufficient attention has been accorded to candidate selection by fielding a judicious mix of known faces, youngsters and women. What could, however, go wrong for the LDF would be a backlash on two fronts: Sabarimala and human-wildlife conflict. The gold theft controversy linked to the hill shrine and subsequent allegations could spell doom in the assembly election, if not the local-body polls. Countering the public perception over Sabarimala at the macro-level and fighting the human-wildlife narrative at the micro-level could be major challenges before the front. CPM secretariat member M Swaraj exuded confidence that the LDF governments development and welfare initiatives would reflect positively in the polls. The CPM feels that Congress early announcement of candidates may not yield the desired results. Even while the Left projects the UDF as its primary opponent, it perceives the challenge posed by the BJP, especially in corporations such as Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur. At a time when it is nurturing hopes of a third consecutive assembly term, nothing short of a compelling win will do for the LDF!

Election Page | Mayors not in fray in civic polls, but may have a larger political responsibility awaiting them

Kozhikode Mayor Beena Philip and Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar express a desire to return to organisational roles in their parties, while Thrissur Mayor M.K. Varghese hints at political ambitions. Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran also appears to be primed for a larger political assignment

SIR enumeration forms distributed to 42 per cent in Kerala: Electoral officer

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Eight days after the launch of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala, over 1.15 crore enumeration forms have been distributed among the 2.78 crore voters who figure in the electoral roll as on October 27, 2025. With SIR reaching nearly 42% of voters by November 11, Chief Electoral Officer-Kerala Rathan U Kelkar exuded hope that the first phase of the exercise, that includes distribution and collection of enumeration forms, would be completed by November 25. Meanwhile, as part of SIR, the District Election Office, Thrissur, in collaboration with online food delivery partners, launched an innovative voter awareness initiative. Pamphlets providing guidance on filling the enumeration form will now be delivered along with every food order. The initiative is aimed at informing and engaging urban voters about the SIR process. The initiative was inaugurated by Thirussur District Election Officer & District Collector, Arjun Pandian, who handed over the first set of pamphlets to an online delivery partner. Electoral Registration Officer & Sub Collector Thrissur Akhil V Menon, Additional District Magistrate Murali T, Assistant Collector Swathi Mohan Rathod, ERO & Deputy Collector (LA) Manoj, and Deputy Collector (Election) Krishnakumar K were present at the event.

10 deer killed by stray dogs in Thrissur Zoological Park

THRISSUR: Ten spotted deer were found dead inside their enclosure at the newly inaugurated Thrissur Zoological Park at Puthur on Tuesday. Preliminary investigation revealed that the animals were attacked by stray dogs that might have entered the deers enclosure at night. The incident has raised questions on the security of animals at the 336-acre zoological park that was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on October 28. Forest Minister A K Saseendran has ordered a probe into the incident, while Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G Krishnan visited the zoological park for a preliminary assessment of the situation. The stray dogs would have scared the deer and while running away from the dogs, they might have hit the walls. However, the exact cause of death will only be known after postmortem examination, said zoo director B N Nagaraj. Call to conduct safety audit at zoological park Nagaraj said the possibility of stray dogs entering the enclosure was low and only a proper investigation could give a clear picture. According to sources, while all other animals were taken back to their kraal by evening, the spotted deer were left to wander inside their enclosures as these animals prefer it. Shifting of spotted deer from the old zoo at at Chembukkav was one of the challenging tasks that the authorities faced as these animals succumb to stress immediately. Despite the challenges, the shifting was done successfully and they were seemingly adapted to the environment at Puthur. Puthur zoo currently has about 63 species of animals and birds that were shifted from the old zoo. A hippopotamus was set to be shifted to Puthur soon. However, the transfer of animals is likely to be delayed further in the wake of the latest development. In the wake of the death of deer, Friends of Zoo, an informal organisation that played a crucial part in implementation of Puthur Zoo, urged the forest department to conduct a safety audit at the zoological park before proceeding with the transfer of animals from the old zoo. M Peethambaran, secretary of the organisation, urged the authorities to form a team of zoo designers and evaluate the completed facilities to avoid any such incident in future. The organisation also urged the authorities to obtain a certificate of fitness from Central Zoo Authority before allowing more people into the park.

Why MVD cant act on illegal online taxi aggregators in Kerala

KOCHI: Despite the Kerala transport minister openly labelling the operations of multinational online taxi aggregators like Uber and Ola as illegal for their failure to register under state regulations, the motor vehicles department (MVD) is unable to take specific punitive action. The core issue, as articulated by traffic experts and legal professionals, is a critical gap between policy and law. To be precise, policy exists but specific rules do not. The Union government, through amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 (specifically, Sections 93 and 193), made it mandatory for aggregators to hold a licence from the respective state to operate. Following this, the Kerala government framed a policybased on central guidelinesrequiring registration with the State Transport Authority (STA). However, as former Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer (RTO) B J Antony noted, the state has not yet formulated the rules necessary to implement and enforce the policy. Though the Central Act is there, the lack of specific rules, to be framed by the state, are rendering the authorities powerless to act against the online taxi services. These rules would define key administrative aspects such as who should be the licensing authority, the exact licensing system and fee structure, the process for penal action if rules are violated, and so on. Without legally binding rules, the states aggregator policy lacks the legal backup required for the MVD or the transport commissioner to issue formal notices or register cases against the companies, despite the ministers strong statements, Antony pointed out. The situation is further complicated by the popularity of these services, which, according to experts, serve the aim of public transportation. The governments aim too is to provide sufficient travel facilities. Instead of terming their operations as illegal, the authorities should bring in a legal framework that allows for their smooth functioning, but in a controlled way. For instance, the state rules should have clauses that the data of online taxi drivers should be provided to the MVD, which driver is attached to which vehicle, whether the cabs have undergone pollution test, etc, said transport expert G P Hari, former additional general manager (urban transport), Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. Backlash and demand for comprehensive law Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumars illegal tag has ignited a backlash from the Online Taxi Drivers Union (OTDU). Citing recent incidents in Kozhikode and Thrissur, the union charged that the irresponsible statements have escalated violence and physical assaults against online cab drivers by local taxi and autorickshaw unions. OTDU, which is seeking clarity on the legal status of online taxis from the Kerala High Court, is demanding a comprehensive law to govern the sector. The current central and state aggregator policies are too vague for effective implementation. We challenge the government to register cases if the operations are truly illegal. So far, no official notice has been served to Uber or Ola to cease services, said OTDU legal advisor T R S Kumar.

10 Deer Killed By Stray Dogs At Newly Opened Kerala Zoo

A major security lapse was reported at Kerala's newly inaugurated Puthur Zoological Park in Thrissur, where at least 10 deer were killed by stray dogs.

SIR: Thrissur District Election Office collaborates with food delivery partners

SFI, KSU clash at Thrissur college over SIR banner

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

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

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

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha and Ernakulam will go to polls on December 9. Thrissur, Malappuram, Wayanad, Palakkad, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kannur and Kozhikode on December 11

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

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

SC order: Kerala faces tough task to shelter lakhs of stray dogs

KOCHI: The Supreme Court order directing states to remove stray dogs from public places and rehabilitate them in shelters after conducting sterilisation and vaccination in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules has landed the state government in a tight spot. At a time when Kerala is preparing for the local body elections, it will be a Herculean task for the government to implement the order within the stipulated time. The state has to file a compliance report before the apex court after eight weeks, on January 13, 2026. We will hold discussions with the department of local self-government (LSGD) on implementing the order. It is difficult to find space to open shelters for stray dogs in all districts, Minister for Animal Husbandry J Chinchurani told TNIE. Kerala being a densely populated state, there is stiff resistance from the public against establishing ABC centres, she said. We have decided to open ABC centres in the districts of Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kannur this year. Recently, I went to Ochira in Kollam to lay the foundation stone for an ABC centre, where we had to deploy police because of protests. In Kannur, we have established a centre, spending `1 crore, but the local residents are demanding to shift it, the minister said. The state has 19 ABC centres functioning under the animal husbandry department. According to officials, 15,767 stray dogs were sterilised and 88,744 dogs vaccinated in 2024-25. In the current financial year, 9,737 strays have been sterilised and 53,401 vaccinated, till September 30. As per the 2019 livestock census, there were 2.89 lakh strays in Kerala and the results of the 2024 census are yet to be released. Stray dog case: Supreme Court directs authorities to move stray canines to designated shelters Despite the ABC drive, the stray dog population is estimated to have increased 30 to 40% after 2019. We opened a portable ABC centre at Nedumangad in Thiruvananthapuram district on October 29 and plans are afoot to open such centres in all 152 block panchayats. The government has set aside Rs 2 crore to establish ABC centres in all districts and the block panchayats have also arranged funds for the same. One portable ABC centre with air-conditioned operation theatre requires Rs 28 lakh. Kennels will be arranged at such centres, where the dogs will be kept under observation for five days after sterilisation. We had submitted a report regarding the plan before the Supreme Court, the Chinchurani said. The state has reported around 2.25 lakh dog-bite cases and 17 deaths during the first eight months of 2025. A rise in deaths due to rabies had spread panic in the state recently. The SC order has brought cheer to activists who have been demanding the culling of stray dogs. However, animal rights activists said the order is against existing rules. Activist Jose Maveli, who was reprimanded by the Supreme Court for announcing a reward to people who kill strays, said the order is a huge relief. As many as 21 cases have been registered against me at various police stations across the state for fighting to ensure the protection of the common man from dogs. I was made to tender an apology before the SC for raising my voice. The SC order will ensure the safety of the common man on the streets, he said. However, State Animal Welfare Board member M N Jayachandran said the SC order will send a wrong message. If you shift 10 dogs from the street to a shelter, another pack of dogs will arrive at the locality within a month. The real problem is improper disposal of slaughter waste, he said.

Ekm-Bengaluru Vande Bharat, Keralas 3rd, chugs off today

KOCHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the new Vande Bharat Express to Kerala -- between Ernakulam Junction and KSR Bengaluru -- through videoconferencing on Saturday. The main event will be held at the Banaras railway station in Uttar Pradesh, from where the Prime Minister will flag off four Vande Bharat services -- Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow Jn-Saharanpur, and Firozpur Cantt-Delhi, besides the Ernakulam-Bengaluru train. This will be the third Vande Bharat service for Kerala and the first inter-state Vande Bharat service linking Kerala with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, a Railways spokesperson said. With the introduction of the service, 12 pairs of Vande Bharat trains will serve the Southern Railway jurisdiction. The new Vande Bharat Express will provide seamless connectivity between Bengaluru and Ernakulam. This train traverses major cities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, including Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem, before reaching Krishnarajapuram and KSR Bengaluru. The service will greatly benefit IT professionals, businessmen, and students, among others, the spokesperson said. The function at Varanasi will be live-streamed at the Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem stations. Elected representatives, other dignitaries, students, passengers, and the general public will participate in the event. The train will be accorded a warm reception at all the stations, the spokesperson added.

Kumki elephants brought in to drive away rogue tusker in Kerala's Thrissur

The wild elephant has been frequently straying into Irumpupalam region at Kuthiran for past two weeks, creating panic among residents

KPCC finalises three more general secretaries amid factional pressure

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

Sabarimala gold theft row: Kerala HC finds alarming irregularities in repair of sanctum door

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday uncovered a trail of glaring inconsistencies in the repair of the Sreekovils main door at Sabarimala, revealing how prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti was given unfettered control over a process that should have been tightly supervised. Verifying the report filed by the Special Investigation Team in a sealed cover, the court identified discrepancies related to the repair of the Sreekovils main door. Records reveal that Potti was granted permission to carry out the repairs in 2019. Based on this permission, he employed Nandan, a carpenter, who was brought to Sannidhanam to take measurements of the door. Because Nandan arrived at a time when the Nada was open, the Keezhsanthis (sub-priests) removed the doors and handed them over for measurement, after which they were replaced. This was possible because the doors were hung from an inverse lock and could be removed easily without much intervention. Nandan then purchased teakwood in Thrissur and took it to the Sree Rampuram Ayyappa Temple in Bengaluru. After completing the work, the door was brought back to Sannidhanam via Thrissur and its fitting was tested. Once confirmed to be satisfactory, the doors were taken to Hyderabad for copper plating, and was brought back again to test the fitting, and finally transported to Chennai for gold plating. The investigation revealed that when the doors were in Pottis custody, a function was organised at the Elampally Temple in Kottayam, attended by an actor, the-then TDB president, and Board members. As per practice and the manual, repairs of the main door should have been carried out under the strict supervision of the Maramath Department. Instead, Potti was given a free hand. The front door of the Sreekovil and the artwork above it had originally been covered with 2,519.760 grams of 24K gold in 19981999. After the court ordered a Vigilance investigation, the old doors were found lying exposed to the elements near the Ashtabhishekam counter, after which they were finally moved to the strongroom. It needs to be ascertained whether the doors seized by the SIT after commencement of the present proceedings are indeed the original gold-cladded doors installed in 19981999. It must also be determined whether TDB officials permitted Potti to remove the original door and replace it with the one he brought, plated with only 324.400 grams of gold. The court further noted that the TDB Minutes Book has been updated only up to July 28, and even those entries are irregular and incomplete. The court found it alarming that the Board Order dated September 2, 2025, granting permission to undertake repair and gold-plating of the Dwarapalakas at Smart Creations, Chennai, finds no entry at all in the Minutes Book. Incomplete records The court noted that the TDB Minutes Book has been updated only up to July 28, and even those entries are irregular and incomplete The Board Order granting permission to undertake repair and gold-plating of Dwarapalakas finds no entry at all in the Minutes Book

Kerala to host own Kumbh Mela from January 18

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Taking a cue from the mega religious gathering in the north, Kerala, the land of Shankaracharya, is gearing up to host its own Kumbh Mela for the first time in history. Shankaracharya is believed to have founded the akhara system to oversee the propagation of Sanatana Dharma in North India, under which Kumbh Melas are held. On the lines of the four major Kumbh Melasin Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and PrayagrajKerala will hold its Kumbh Mela from January 18 to February 3, 2026 on the banks of the Bharathapuzha in front of the Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple in Malappuram. A reception committee will be constituted on November 23 to coordinate the events. Juna Akhara, the countrys largest monastic order and one of the principal bodies responsible for organising the Kumbh Melas, will oversee the festival in Kerala, the akharas Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharathi told TNIE. He is only the third Keralite to reach the coveted spiritual rank. Once an SFI leader in Thrissur, he parted ways from red ideology to embrace the saffron order. Swami Anandavanam said Kerala has a rich religious tradition similar to Kumbh Mela. In Thirunavaya, Maha Makham was held during the time of Cheraman Perumal. This was equivalent to the Kumbh Mela held in north India, he said. Juna Akhara to seek backing of devaswom boards Apart from Thirunavaya in Kerala, Maha Makham was also observed at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. This festival is associated with the appearance of the Makam star, Swami Anandavanam said. On Wednesday, he visited the Thirunavaya temple. Maha Makham was traditionally held every twelve years, bringing together the seers, scholars, kings and warriors to deliberate the Sanatana Dharma. During the festival, yanjam and yagam were performed and a new king was selected. After the reign of the last Perumal, Sundara Moorthi, the leadership of the festival passed to Perumpadappu Swaroopam and later to Valluva Konathiri. Then it took a more martial form, he added. In 2016, the main priest of Thirunavaya temple started river worship rituals at the bank of Bharathapuzha beginning the revival of Maha Makham, which have continued except at the time of Covid- 19 pandemic. The Juna akhara has now decided to organise the grand festivalMaha Makham (Kumbh Mela)in 2028 marking the next 12 year cycle. The akhara will approach both the Malabar and Travancore devaswom boards and seek their cooperation for the 2026 Kumbh Mela. The seers from other akharas will also come. All the seers and ashrams in Kerala will be part of this, Swami Anandavanam said.

Remand prisoner escapes police custody in Thrissur

Kerala State Awards 2025: From Mammootty to Shamla Hamza, here's all the winners!

The Kerala State Film Awards 2025 brought together Malayalam cinemas finest, honouring talent, creativity, and powerful storytelling. The event, also known as State Film Awards 2025, was filled with anticipation and excitement as industry icons gathered in Thrissur.

Early local body push by Congress to regain lost ground in elections

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a strategic move ahead of the crucial assembly election, the state Congress has done the unthinkable - announcing a 47-member candidate list for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation while finalising the names for the remaining five corporations and other local bodies. Both the CPM and BJP are yet to release their candidates list, making Congress the first to make a decisive start in the local body election preparation. In a surprise decision, the party has fielded former MLA and KPCC general secretary K S Sabarinathan, as the mayor candidate in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation. The leadership has projected this as a model to be followed in other corporations. In Kochi corporation, KPCC general secretary Deepti Mary Varghese will contest, while in Thrissur corporation KPCC secretary John Daniel is on the list. These decisions are the outcome of the brainstorming session held in Wayanad under the banner Mission-2025, a KPCC office-bearer said. For the first time, the party has entrusted six seniors with the charge of corporations - Opposition leader V D Satheesan (Ernakulam) three former KPCC presidents - Ramesh Chennithala (Kozhikode), K Muraleedharan (Thiruvananthapuram), K Sudhakaran (Kannur), working president P C Vishnunath (Kollam) and AICC secretary Roji M John (Thrissur). The 2020 local body election results were disastrous for the party as we lost five corporations except Kannur. In Ernakulam and Thrissur, we lost power because of rebels. Having lost two consecutive assembly elections, this local body election is a do or die battle for Congress, said a senior leader. According to party sources, the current blueprint was proposed by AICC general secretary K C Venugopal during the Mission 2025 session in Wayanad. Venugopal reportedly advised the state leadership to field former MLAs and senior leaders in the local body elections. Apart from Sabarinathans name, he also suggested that former minister V S Sivakumar contest in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, said a leader who attended the meeting. The party has given top priority to strengthening its base in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, where it currently has only eight councillors. If we fail to perform well here, it will have a direct impact in the southern districts in the assembly election, said a senior office-bearer. To prevent the emergence of rebel candidates, the leadership has directed the district Congress presidents and KPCC leaders not to propose any names other than those recommended by ward committees.

National awards did not deserve Mammookka, says Prakash Raj

THRISSUR: The national awards didnt deserve Mammootty and no one could compete with his portrayal of Koduman Potti in the film Bramayugam, chairman of the state film awards jury Prakash Raj said on Monday. Justifying the jurys selection of Mammootty, whom he referred to as Mammookka, as best actor at a time when many young actors are also vying for the honour, Prakash Raj told reporters that being a senior actor cannot be a disqualification for the award In fact, there is a lot that young actors can learn from senior actors, including Mammootty, he said. To a question on whether politics played a role in denying Mammootty the national award, the noted actor responded that it was clear for all to see. It became certain when some random files and piles received the recognition. While extending the invite to chair the jury, according to Prakash Raj, the state government promised not to interfere in the decision making. He said that though Malayalam movies are well appreciated across the country, only 10% of films that were submitted for the awards met the necessary standard. This should change -- there is a huge expectation from Malayalam films. He added that crafting a movie like Manjummel Boys from a true story was no simple task and the team did well. To a question on Vedan being selected best lyricist, he said that Vedan stood out with his song and his selection was a break with tradition. Prakash Raj urged the state government to appoint a committee to scrutinise films to receive public funding. It is taxpayer money and funds should be sanctioned to films that meet a certain quality. It is definitely a great gesture to empower people to do films, he added.

Desi breeds no longer the preferred choice of Kerala Polices K9 squad

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Here is something to chew on. Desi dog breeds, loved by police and paramilitary forces across the country due to their climate resilience and impressive capabilities, are not or at least, no longer the favourites of the Kerala Police. Surprisingly, the Kerala Police were the pioneers when it came to drafting indigenous canine breeds to the K9 squad and training them as sniffers. In 2019, much before other states had warmed up to the idea, Keralas K9 unit had drafted a Mudhol Hound, two Chippiparai and two Kanni dogs. In 2020, another batch of 12 Chippiparai and Kanni dogs were added. Many of them were trained to become efficient sniffers, breaking the conventional thinking that the desi breeds could only perform guard duties. However, the state polices interest in these breeds has since dwindled. Though Keralas K9 squad made multiple purchases after 2020, indigenous breeds were overlooked, as the officials favoured exotic dogs. This, even as several police units and paramilitary forces, including the Border Security Force, continue to draft native breeds into their dog squads. It is largely due to lack of interest among top cops, said a source with the Kerala Police. The decision to draft desi breeds was taken when Loknath Behera was the state police chief. Not only are these breeds sturdier and better at adapting than many other breeds, but purchasing them is also easy on the pocket. They are also easier to handle. Mudhol Hound is predominantly seen in Karnataka and Maharastra, while Chippiparai and Kanni hail from Tamil Nadu. Ramesh P, who had trained the dogs at the Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur, said desi dog breeds were equally good compared to exotic breeds and responded really well to training. What matters the most is the age of the pups. If we get pups that are two months old considered the ripe age for starting training the outcome will be good, he said. Ramesh said once desi pups were taught obedience, they fared better. The Kerala Police were the first to successfully experiment with having desi breeds as scent hounds, he said. The indigenous breeds, Ramesh said, were found to be sturdier, more disease-resistant and terrain-adaptive. They could withstand the tropical climate better than exotic breeds, work longer hours, and were even playful while searching for articles during training. Their maintenance and handling were also easy and they stayed calm even during disturbances, Ramesh said. A source in the K9 squad said desi breeds are also cheaper to purchase than exotic breeds. However, due to reluctance of top officials who did not want to think out of the box, exotic breeds were casually selected, he said. According to the source, the batch of desi dogs in the K9 unit is in the last phase of career as police dogs are expected to be in service for nine to 10 years at most. Kerala Polices K9 squad has 142 members. There are plans to augment the bench strength by drafting 38 new canines.

Rajan exhorts all to be part of the journey towards Nava Keralam

Minister inaugurates the Vision 2031 Cultural Seminar organised by the Department of Culture in Thrissur

Kerala State Film Awards 2024: Mammootty, Shamla Hamza bag acting honours

THRISSUR: Veteran actor Mammootty won the Best Actor award for his performance as Koduman Potti in Bramayugam , while Shamla Hamza was adjudged Best Actress for her role in Feminichi Fathima at the Kerala State Film Awards 2024. Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian announced the winners in Thrissur on Monday, with the blockbuster Manjummel Boys declared Best Film of the Year. Jury chair Prakash Raj noted that while the Malayalam film industry continues to be appreciated for its quality, only about 10% of the films evaluated were truly remarkable. He urged the state government to form a curator committee to ensure quality in government-funded films. Its taxpayers money, and people have the right to expect good-quality films, he said. Minister Saji Cherian expressed disappointment over the lack of good childrens films, observing that simply casting actors as parents and children does not make a film suitable for the category. Children are part of our evolution, and society should understand their thoughts and feelings, he said. Consequently, the award committee did not announce any awards in the childrens film category this year. Kerala State Film Awards 2024 Winners List Best Film: Manjummel Boys (Directed by Chidambaram) Second Best Film: Feminichi Fathima (Directed by Fazil Muhammed) Best Director: Chidambaram ( Manjummel Boys ) Best Actor: Mammootty ( Bramayugam ) Best Actress: Shamla Hamza ( Feminichi Fathima ) Best Character Role (Male): Soubin Shahir ( Manjummel Boys ), Sidharth Bharathan (Bramayugam) Best Character Role (Female): Lijomol Jose ( Nadanna Sambhavam ) Best Storywriter: Prasanna Vithanage ( Paradise ) Best Cinematographer: Shaiju Khalid ( Manjummel Boys ) Best Scriptwriter (Original): Chidambaram ( Manjummel Boys ) Best Script (Adaptation): Lajo Jose and Amal Neerad ( Bougainvilla ) Best Lyricist: Vedan (Kuthanthram Manjummel Boys ) Best Music Composer: Sushin Shyam ( Bougainvilla ) Best Background Score: Christo Xavier ( Bramayugam ) Best Playback Singer (Male): K. S. Harishankar (ARM) Best Playback Singer (Female): Seba Tomy (Am Aah) Best Film Editing: Sooraj E. S. ( Kishkinthakandam ) Best Art Director: Ajayan Chalissery ( Manjummel Boys ) Best Sync Sound: Ajayan Adat ( Pani ) Best Sound Mixing: Fazal A. Backar and Shijin Melvin Hutton ( Manjummel Boys) Best Sound Design: Shijin Melvin Hutton and Abhishek Nair ( Manjummel Boys) Best Processing Lab/Colourist: Sreek Warrier Special Jury Awards Best Film: Paradise (Directed by Prasanna Vithanage) Best Actor: Tovino Thomas (ARM), Asif Ali ( Kishkinthakandam ) Best Actress: Jyothirmayi ( Bougainvilla ), Darshana Rajendran ( Paradise )

Kerala State Film Awards set to be announced; Prakash Raj heads jury as 128 films vie for top honours

Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian will announce the awards for 2024 at a press conference in Thrissur at 3.30 p.m.

Thrissur completes preparations for SIR of voters list

The Election Commission has scheduled the form distribution and collection period from November 4 to December 4.

Railway Ministry approves Vande Bharat service between Bengaluru and Ernakulam, via Coimbatore

The train will stop at Krishnarajapuram, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, and Thrissur, Says the Railway Board communication

Over 10,000 families get land titles across the State

Revenue Minister K. Rajan inaugurates a State-level Pattaya Mela in Thrissur. A total of 1,349 pattayams distributed across Thrissur district and 225 handed over personally by the Minister at the Town Hall.

Vision 2031 cultural seminar in Thrissur on November 3

Discussions to focus on Keralas secular, humanist and cultural vision for the future

Cultural fete of Bhavans schools in Thrissur on November 1

Higher secondary students from 25 Bhavans schools across the State will compete in 23 on-stage and off-stage events across 15 venues. Around 450 students will participate.

CM opens countrys first designer zoo and Asias second largest at Puthur

Built on 338 acres, the world-class Thrissur Zoological park redefines the idea of a zoo from cages to coexistence. Designed by Australian architect Jon Coe, the park boasts nine zones that showcase diverse ecosystems.

Never said AIIMS will come to Thrissur, says Suresh Gopi

He clarifies that he never promised a metro rail service forThrissur

Thiruvananthapuram makes a big splash at State School Sports Meet.

Thiruvananthapuram garnered 649 points to finish way ahead of Thrissur (149 ponts) and Ernakulam (133) in the points table.

Major robbery on ThrissurPalakkad National Highway; bus owner robbed of 75 lakh

Gang arrived in a car and escaped with the cash; police suspect insider involvement

Isolated heavy showers to continue in Kerala; yellow alert for six districts on October 26

Yellow alert for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Thrissur

Rains Batter Kerala, Trigger Mudslides and Dam Alerts

Heavy downpour continues across Palakkad, Idukki, and Thrissur; authorities open dam shutters as water levels reach danger marks

Rains continue in Kerala, causing mudslides, rise in water levels of dams

Kerala is experiencing heavy rainfall. This has caused dam water levels to rise in Palakkad, Idukki, and Thrissur districts. Authorities have opened dam shutters. Tamil Nadu will release surplus water from Periyar Dam. This will increase the water discharge significantly. Minor mudslides have also occurred in Thiruvananthapuram.

CM to inaugurate Thrissur Zoological Park on Oct. 28

Thrissur declared free from extreme poverty

A total of 5,013 families in Thrissur district have now been officially declared free from extreme poverty

20th International Film Festival of Thrissur kicks off, women directors and new talents take the spotlight

Celebrating the theme Diversity and Resistance, the week-long festival will showcase over 52 films

Video: Teen Jumps Signal, Hits Senior Citizen With Bike In Kerala, Arrested

A 19-year-old man was arrested after his two-wheeler knocked down a 68-year-old woman when he tried to jump the traffic signal, in Kerala's Thrissur last week.

11 districts in Kerala brace for intense rains on October 21

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad

Hours-long traffic snarl-up brings Amballur in Thrissur to a grinding halt

Congestion on the national highway, which began in the afternoon, persisted well into the evening, leaving hundreds of motorists frustrated and exhausted

BBA student in Bengaluru ends life allegedly due to harassment by her senior

Based on the complaint filed by Abdul Nazeer, a civil contractor at Virajpet in Kodagu district, the Bagaluru police have registered a case of abetment to suicide against the accused, identified as Refaas, a native of Thrissur, Kerala., for further investigation.

Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple Has A New Chief Priest

Prasad E D from Thrissur has been selected on Saturday as the new 'melsanthi' (chief priest) of the famed Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple.

Sabarimala Temple gets new 'melsanthi'

Prasad E D from Thrissur has been appointed as the new chief priest of the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple ahead of the annual pilgrimage season. Manu Namboothiri M G will serve as the melsanthi for the Malikappuram shrine. The selections were made through a traditional draw conducted by children from the Pandalam royal family.

Petitioners disappointed at HC decision to lift toll collection ban at Paliyekkara

Petitioners plan to explore scope of moving Supreme Court and say suspension period had been a lesson for both the National Highways Authority of India and the contractor. The order came even as the Thrissur-Angamaly stretch of the NH continues to witness heavy congestion

Ouseppachan, Fakruddin Ali share stage with BJP leader B. Gopalakrishnan at Thrissur rally

Film composer praises national unity; BJP leader invites them to join party and contest Assembly polls

Water bottle row: Kerala High Court sets aside KSRTC drivers transfer

The transfer (from Kottayam to Thrissur) can only be treated as a colourable exercise of power, a Bench of Justice N. Nagaresh said and allowed a petition filed by Jaimon Joseph

A Kerala zoo story

Kerala is set to witness a new approach in zoo management. Ending the traditional practice of confining animals in enclosures, Thrissur Zoological Park, which will be opened soon, will offer animals a dignified and near-natural life. Mini Muringatheri visits the park to get a view of the facilities there

CBI probe essential on Sabarimala gold theft, says Kodikunnil Suresh

Congress leader lashes out at CPI(M) and LDF government during Vishwasa Samrakshana Yatra in Thrissur district

Exit of southwest monsoon, onset of northeast monsoon likely to be on October 16

Orange alert issued for Idukki and Kottayam on Thursday; yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram

Exit of southwest monsoon, onset of northeast monsoon likely to be on October 16

Orange alert issued for Idukki and Kottayam on Thursday; yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram

Thrissur Revenue District School Sports Meet from October 16 to 18

Over 3,600 young athletes to compete in 98 events at Kunnamkulam

KPCCs Faith Protection March to tour Thrissur district on October 15

Congress Leader Anil Akkara Seeks ED Action Against Kerala CMs Son

The Life Mission scam involves the construction of apartments in Wadakkancherry, Thrissur, funded by the UAE Red Crescent for families affected by the 2018 Kerala floods

Cops identify 24 suspected abusers from visuals during training

Police personnel identified the perpetrators of child sexual abuse during the victim identification task force training conducted at the Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur between September 29 and October 9

Thrissur will get KSRTC double-decker bus: Minister K. Rajan

Open-top electric double-decker bus expected to boost tourism

Good News for Passengers: Bengaluru-Ernakulam Vande Bharat to launch soon, set to cut travel time by..., check route, stoppages, price and more

The new Vande Bharat Express between Bengaluru and Ernakulam, launching in mid-November 2025, will drastically improve travel time and comfort. With stops at key cities like Coimbatore, Thrissur, and Salem, it aims to boost connectivity and economic activity in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

True care emerges only from a heart that feels anothers pain: Sara Joseph

At World Hospice and Palliative Care Day observance in Thrissur, author Sara Joseph calls for greater empathy and collective reflection on dignified end-of-life care

Efforts under way to bridge skill gap between education and employment: Minister R. Bindu

Minister inaugurates Skill Pooram at Government Engineering College, Thrissur

Former Plus Two teacher held in Thrissur with 70 g of MDMA

Ragil, who lost his job after a previous drug arrest, was caught again while on his way to court for trial

State to launch mega campus placement mission

Vijnana Keralam Skill Pooram to be held on October 11 at Thrissur Govt. Engineering College

BJP lays siege to Thrissur Corporation office over neglect of Central projects

Party accuses Mayor and Corporation of blocking Suresh Gopis development funds for political reasons

ATM theft attempt foiled by alarm at Punjab National Bank in Thrissur

Kerala Man Hacks Father With Machete, Locks Himself In House For Hours

A family dispute over land papers spiralled into violence and high drama at Kerala's Thrissur on Saturday, when a man hacked his father with a machete and later threatened suicide by barricading himself inside a house for hours.

Thrissur comes alive with Vidyarambham ritual as children step into the world of letters

The ceremony, blending spirituality with cultural heritage, was celebrated at temples and institutions across the district

Kerala Police launches training to tackle rising child sexual abuse material cases

Victim identification taskforce programme at Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur equips officers with advanced skills and emotional support to strengthen child safety efforts

Union Minister Suresh Gopi sparks row with remark that those elected by corpses are cheating Kerala

Participating in a neighbourhood town hall meeting in Thrissur, Suresh Gopi says cadavers dead for 25 years have voted in elections in Kerala

Vision 2031 for a developed and progressive Kerala

Thrissur to host first Vision 2031 seminar on social justice on October 3

State school arts festival in Thrissur will be a grand success, says Sivankutty

Over 14,000 students from across the State will compete in 249 events across 26 venues from January 7 to January 11

African Swine Fever: pigs culled at two farms in Thrissur

Strict restrictions have been imposed on the sale of pork, operation of meat shops, and transportation of pigs outside the district

8 kg ganja seized in Thrissur, two Odisha natives arrested

Kinaloor best location for AIIMS, says M.K. Raghavan

MP says Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has promised to consider Keralas demand in the next phase of PMSSY. A recent statement by Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi that AIIMS should be set up in Thrissur or Alappuzha had drawn criticism

Thrissur govt. MCH makes fertility care affordable for common man

Modern IVF clinic opens at hospital offering low-cost treatment