Digitisation of SIR forms yet to pick up pace in district
Residents of mental health care facilities can vote unless declared as disqualified: HC
Individuals with mental health issues and those with intellectual disabilities too are citizens of the country, says court; dismisses plea that such persons are incompetent to cast their votes as per their free will
Kerala govt moves Supreme Court for deferment of SIR exercise untill local body elections
Kerala's government has moved the Supreme Court. It seeks to halt a special revision of electoral rolls. The state fears this will clash with local body elections in December. Conducting both simultaneously could create administrative chaos. The court is asked to defer the revision until after the local polls conclude. This move highlights potential disruptions to governance and election processes.
Accidents tribunal awards 1.15 crore to survivor in Chorod hit-and-run case
Congress bid to field BJP leader in Cheralayi division falls flat
Shyamala S. Prabhu declines to contest as an Independent backed by the UDF in Cheralayi; says she remains loyal to the BJP; Congress announces Meenu Rajan, an ASHA worker, as its candidate in the division
Fire breaks out at pharma facility at Kannettumukku
Sabarinadhan files nomination for Thiruvananthapuram Corporation polls
Girl child found in Ammathottil
ASHAs stage dharna; demand incentive arrears pending since August
Conclave on migration ends; stressed need to address social aspects of migration
International Institute of Migration and Development chair S. Irudaya Rajan says there has been a rise in suicide cases of Indians in countries like Canada, where at least one migrant attempts suicide every week
Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Vedhi moves SC against Division Benchs Munambam order
Thiruvananthapuram Rural police invoke UAPA over alleged radicalisation of teenager
16-year-old boy allegedly persuaded to join the Islamic State by mother and stepfather
Kerala B.Tech students develop EVM Track software for State Election Commission
Aashin C. Anil and Jeswin Sunsi were felicitated by State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan for their contribution to the electoral process
Kerala Man Arrested For Creating Viral AI-Generated Zipline Accident Video
The Wayanad Cyber Police have arrested a 29-year-old man from Kerala's Alappuzha district for creating and circulating an AI-generated video that falsely depicts a zipline accident involving a woman and child.
Missing candidates vexes opposing electoral campaigns
Political parties discovering their candidates missing from the voters list at the last minute is threatening to upend campaigns in at least two corporations and one municipality.
Candidates launch ward-level campaigns across Kozhikode district
Seven apartment complexes in Kochi yet to submit affidavits on STP issue
Ayyappa Seva Sangham raises alarm over crowd management
Thrissur Revenue District School Arts Festival begins at Irinjalakuda
LDF finalises plan for district panchayat in Pathanamthitta
Of the 17 seats, CPI(M) will contest in 10, CPI in three, Kerala Congress (M) in two seats while RJD and JD(S) will contest in one seat each
Drinking water scarcity worsens in Poonithura after tank collapse
Houses damaged in wild elephant attack in Edamalakkudy
Three houses damaged in attack
Ernakulam Rural police record 3,328 drug cases this year, seize nearly 500 kg of suspected ganja
He was speaking at the LDF's election convention at the Putharikandam Maithanam here on Tuesday.
Transgender man approaches HC seeking right to cryo-preserve his egg cells
Shashi Tharoor Hails under-publicised Talent Ravichandran Smaran After Another Double Ton
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Shashi Tharoor has heaped praise on Karnatakas rising batting star Ravichandran Smaran, calling attention to his extraordinary domestic form and lamenting how players like him often remain under-recognised. Batting first in Hubli, Karnataka were rocked early at 13 for 2 and later 64 for 3, but Smaran once again stood tall, producing a career-best unbeaten 227 off 362 balls against Chennai on Monday. Remarkable. Important to draw attention to such under-publicised talents. No doubt he will have to excel in the IPL before the selectors will notice! Tharoor posted on X, after the 22-year-old struck yet another monumental double century in the Ranji Trophy. His innings, decorated with 16 fours and two sixes, formed the backbone of Karnatakas massive first-innings total of 547 for 8 declared. He was supported by Karun Nair, who crafted a solid 95 during a 119-run stand, followed by valuable contributions from Shreyas Gopal (62) and Shikhar Shetty (59). This knock marked Smarans second double century in three games and his third overall in first-class cricket, all inside his first 13 matches. He had earlier scored an unbeaten 220 against Kerala and a 203 against Punjab in January. With this latest effort, he has surged to fourth in the seasons run-scoring charts with 595 runs at an astonishing average of 119, trailing only Sanat Sangwan, Karun Nair and Arman Jaffer. This knock marked Smarans second double century in three games and his third overall in first-class cricket, all inside his first 13 matches. He had earlier scored an unbeaten 220 against Kerala and a 203 against Punjab in January. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Picked as a replacement by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2025 and retained for IPL 2026, Smaran is yet to make his debut, but his domestic form continues to demand attention. His last 13 innings across formats read like a prodigys logbook: 76 in a VHT semifinal, a match-winning 101* in the final, a 203, 133*, 220*, scores in the 70s, 50sand now this unbeaten 227. Article Source: IANS
Heavy rain disrupts normal life in southern Kerala
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority issued an orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha districts applicable for the next 24 hours.
Kerala University Syndicate members accuse V-C of contempt for High Court, governing bodies
Left-backed Syndicate members decry Mohanan Kunnummals decision to postpone a Syndicate meeting scheduled for Tuesday
Fr. Jolly Vadakken appointed apostolic visitor for faithful in the Gulf
Shifting loyalties continue to shake up Thrissur ahead of local body elections
Rebels emerge across parties as denial of seats and internal rifts trigger mass resignations. What began as sporadic rumblings of discontent has now grown into a district-wide wave of political realignments, setting the stage for one of Thrissurs most unpredictable and fiercely contested local body elections in recent memory
Calicut varsitys academic council to discuss regulations for FYIP again
Idukkis Gothic-style 19th century church gets a website
Kerala local body polls 2025: Strict rules for election printing
Except for handwritten materials, name and address of printer and publisher must be clearly displayed on front page of all election leaflets, posters, and notices
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The prolonged suspension of young IAS officer N Prasanth has emerged as a rare and contentious episode in Keralas bureaucratic history, with the duration stretching beyond one year. The ongoing tussle between Prasanth, a 2007 batch IAS officer, and Chief Secretary A Jayathilal has drawn significant attentionnot only within the IAS fraternity but also across social media, where Prasanth enjoys considerable popularity as Collector Bro. Prasanth was originally placed under suspension in November 2024 after he levelled serious allegations against Jayathilak, accusing him of file tampering, document fabrication within the states e-office system, and other irregularities. Several senior IAS officers say they cannot recall any other officer in the state serving a suspension period exceeding a year, a factor that has made his case particularly noteworthy. The latest twist came earlier this month, when the suspensiondue to end in Novemberwas extended for another six months. The order, issued by the Chief Secretary on November 4, just a day before the suspension was set to lapse, extends the period to May 6, 2026. The move, reportedly made with the concurrence of the Centre, surprised many within the bureaucracy. Since Prasanth continued his fight against the Chief Secretary even during the suspension by posting more allegations online, I expected some action. But I never thought the suspension would be extended for six more months, a senior IAS officer said. Under the All India Services (AIS) Rules, the suspension of an officer in cases not involving criminal or corruption charges cannot ordinarily exceed one year. Officials say the administration bypassed this limitation by citing new disciplinary proceedings initiated against Prasanth. Another senior officer said the young IAS official should have pursued his grievances through official channels. In my personal opinion, it would have been better if Prasanth had fought the system internally instead of making public allegations. If such conduct is tolerated, it sends a wrong signal, the officer said. Among younger officers, the episode is being viewed as a defining clash between junior and senior ranksone that could set a precedent for future internal disputes. I have no idea how this case will end. Since Prasanth continues his fight even after the extension of suspension, it has become unpredictable. Whatever the outcome, this will remain a lesson. Many junior officers are already being warned by seniorsremember the Prasanth casewhenever they show signs of dissent. So the outcome is crucial, a junior IAS officer said. With the confrontation intensifying, several eminent retired IAS officers feel the issue should be resolved quickly instead of dragging on as a prolonged tussle. I cant recall any IAS officer in Kerala being suspended for more than a year. I personally dont want this suspension to extend further and hope this tussle ends soon, a former chief secretary said. The loop November 9, 2024: Prasanth made serious allegations against Jayathilak on social media. November 11, 2024: Acting on a report submitted by the chief secretary, the Kerala government suspended Prasanth for alleged violations of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules. December 2024: A formal charge memo was served to Prasanth, accusing him of publicly vilifying senior colleagues and engaging in conduct unbecoming of an IAS officer. January 2025: The Suspension Review Committee (SRC) extended his suspension by another 120 days, till the end of April 2025. April 2025: The suspension was extended again for six months, up to November 2025. July 2025: The government appointed a two-member panel to carry out a detailed inquiry into the disciplinary charges. November 2025: As Prasanth completed one year under suspension, he continued to make serious allegations against senior bureaucrats. His suspension was extended further by 180 days.
India launches updated action plan to combat rising antimicrobial resistance
NEW DELHI: Marking the start of the WHOs World AMR Awareness Week (1824 November), India has launched an updated National Action Plan to address the countrys rapidly growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. The Centre emphasised that AMR, which threatens critical medical procedures and long-term treatments, demands urgent and collective action. Union Health Minister JP Nadda, while unveiling the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR 2.0), said AMR poses significant risks, particularly in surgical procedures, cancer treatment and other essential healthcare interventions. He added that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics has unfortunately become common practice, underscoring the urgency for corrective measures. The NAP-AMR 2.0 is a significant step in tackling AMR through a One Health approach. With participation from over 20 ministries and clear timelines and budgets, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting public health, the ministry said in a statement. The second version of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (202529) addresses gaps identified in the first NAP-AMR and strengthens efforts to create public awareness and private sector participation, among other areas. Nadda noted that Indias AMR journey began in 2010 with initial discussions, followed by the launch of the first NAP-AMR in 2017. Stressing the key strategies to be implemented under NAP-AMR 2.0, he highlighted the importance of increasing awareness, education and training. He said there is a requirement for enhancing laboratory capacity and infection control in healthcare facilities, emphasising the need for regular stakeholder meetings to resolve challenges promptly. At the launch, Dr A.K. Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said the updated plan is a timely initiative for generating a more coherent and coordinated response to AMR, noting that it was being released appropriately on the first day of the WHOs AMR awareness campaign. He added that India is one of the pioneers in driving this effort globally and described AMR as like a pandemic affecting many developing countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. He highlighted several steps taken by India to counter AMR. Kerala and Gujarat, he said, are the first states to ban over-the-counter sales of antibiotics. Some antimicrobials and pesticides have also been banned for use in crops. The India AMR Innovation Hub was established involving both national and international stakeholders to build a novel technology platform. It has helped in mobilising resources, bringing out innovation and enhancing collaboration between multiple stakeholders, he added. The development of NAP-AMR 2.0 began in 2022 through a series of stakeholder consultations involving the human health sector, research institutions, professional associations, civil society organisations, and the environment and animal husbandry sectors. This process was followed by high-level meetings at NITI Aayog with representatives from more than 20 ministries and departments. Each stakeholder ministry or department developed its own action plan with defined goals and timelines. The updated NAP-AMR includes specific action plans for each key stakeholder ministry or department, complete with timelines and budgets to allow effective monitoring of progress. It also establishes well-defined mechanisms for coordination and collaboration within and across sectors. Each stakeholder is expected to develop an implementation roadmap ensuring the engagement of the private sector, technical institutions, professional groups, industry, cooperatives, NGOs, international partners and other relevant organisations, the ministry said.
Schools in Tamil Nadu may face closures on November 19 due to heavy rain alerts. Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha are expected to have normal school operations. Parents and students should stay updated with local school administrations for any changes. Weather conditions are being closely monitored for student safety.
No sign of leopard at Parakkamala; search called off
Ranji Trophy 2025-26 | Kerala holds all the aces going into the final day
Eden stars with a four-for as Madhya Pradesh gets bowled out for 192 in its first innings; the visitor, on the back of a 144-run stand between Baby and Aparajith, swells the advantage to 315 runs
Woman arrested for allegedly inflicting burns on 4-year-old daughter in Kochi
SIR Phase 2: Nearly 99% enumeration forms distributed to electors in 12 States, Union Territories
Among these States and UTs, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and West Bengal will go to the polls in 2026
ECI working on 'sinister design' to 'destroy' democracy, Opposition parties through SIR: Congress
The SIR is underway in Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep
Special Intensive Revision: Election officials announce measures to ease workload of BLOs
Criterion for the appointment of booth level agents (BLA) by political parties modified. Parties can set up help desks for the collection of filled-up enumeration forms for easing the workload of BLOs assigned to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
Official Suspended For Sharing Video Of Dead Deer At Newly Opened Kerala Zoo
A week after at least 10 deer were killed by stray dogs at Kerala's newly inaugurated Puthur Zoological Park in Thrissur due to a major security lapse, the state's Forest Department suspended an official for allegedly sharing footage of the dead deer
Amid heavy rush at Sabarimala, authorities to bring in more regulations
The entire stretch from Nilakkal to Sannidhanam witnessed an unprecedented inflow of pilgrims, with many devotees spending Many devotees forced to stand in queues for up to 14 hours to have darshan.
Sex racket busted at lodge in Keralas Kasaragod
The lodge owner and the woman managing the establishment have been booked
Navy sailor arrested in Keralas Kochi for alleged sexual assault on minor girl
Responding to the incident, the Southern Naval Command says it is looking into the matter with utmost seriousness'
Kerala's Commissioner for Entrance Examinations has reopened applications for the second stray vacancy round of AYUSH NEET UG counselling 2025. New applicants can apply until November 20, 2025, to fill vacant seats in Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Siddha, and Unani programs. Eligibility requires passing Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. A revised rank list will be published post-deadline.
Kerala Mother, Stepfather Charged Under UAPA For 'Luring' Son To Join ISIS
A 16-year-old boy from Thiruvananthapuram was allegedly persuaded to join the Islamic State by his mother and stepfather, prompting police to register a UAPA case.
Police say the accused, who was brought to the station in Kasaragod in connection with a warrant case, smashed window glass by hitting his head against it before turning on two officers who intervened
Shiv Sena says 'disenchanted' Kerala worker who allegedly killed self was always BJP member
Anand K. Thampi decided to cooperate with Shiv Sena (UBT) because BJP denied him a seat, but this association lasted only for one day, says Senas State secretary Peringamala Aji
Serene Communities by Columbia Pacific, Asset Homes to build senior living projects in Kerala
The partnership between Serene Communities by Columbia Pacific and Asset Homes will deliver four senior living projects across Kerala, including developments in Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram, and a waterfront ultra-luxury project in Kochi
Lakhs queue up for Sabarimala pilgrimage; devotees complain of lack of water
Following complaints and large crowd of devotees, newly appointed TDB president K. Jayakumar says 200 additional personnel have been assigned to reach out to people in the queues and provide them with water
Kerala Govt Moves SC to Defer SIR Exercise Until Local Body Polls
It said that conducting the SIR simultaneously with local body elections will create significant administrative complications and potentially disrupt the smooth conduct of the local polls
KOCHI: The Cardiological Society of India (CSI), Kerala Chapter, has issued a strong statement condemning the circulation of false and misleading media reports across India that wrongly linked Dr Arif Mohammed, a young cardiologist from Kozhikode, to the recent Delhi bombing incident . Several media outlets and social media posts have misused Dr Arifs photograph and identity, causing severe distress to him and those around him. Dr Arif, who is currently working at the Metromed International Cardiac Centre in Kozhikode, completed his DM in Cardiology from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College in 2021 and has no connection whatsoever with the incident in Delhi. Terming the incident 'deeply disturbing,' Dr P K Asokan, President, CSI Kerala, said the careless publication of incorrect information has inflicted immense mental trauma on an innocent doctor, his family, and the medical community. An innocent professional has been dragged into a situation he has nothing to do with. The reckless circulation of his picture and personal details is unacceptable. We urge authorities to intervene urgently, stop the spread of this misinformation, and take strict action against those responsible, Dr Asokan said. The CSI Kerala Chapter emphasised that the episode underscores a major lapse in responsible journalism and fact-checking practices. Media houses and social media users must verify facts with utmost care. Publishing unverified information can destroy reputations and lives, Dr Asokan added. In the statement issued by Dr P K Asokan, president, and Dr Jo Joseph, secretary, the organisation has called upon all media outlets to immediately retract the erroneous reports, issue clarifications where necessary, and exercise restraint in future reporting. The public has also been urged not to share or amplify misleading content.
Serene Communities, Asset Homes to invest 500 crore in four senior living projects across Kerala
This collaboration is part of Serenes broader South India expansion strategy, with Kerala positioned as a key growth market due to its large NRI base, higher life expectancy, stronger health indices, and reputation as a retirement-friendly state. The combination of strong purchasing power and cultural readiness makes Kerala a natural hub for world-class senior living communities.
Migrant girl molested in Kerala; two West Bengal natives arrested
The accused entered the house when the girls parents were away at work and molested her, say police
Keralas growing artsy socks business
In Thiruvananthapuram, far from the usual global fashion circuits, a small group of friends are experimenting with socks. The project started three years ago. They never imagined how far the idea would eventually take them. Now, the project has turned into Haspo a brand that exclusively designs socks. Hapso didnt begin as a business idea at all. It grew out of an art community called Happyccino, formed five to six years ago by engineers, designers, photographers, and self-taught artists who simply wanted a space where creativity felt accessible. They gathered over coffee, small workshops, and started experimenting with wall and pebble arts. We were constantly thinking about how to bring our designs into a real, but unique, product. We tossed around a lot of ideas, but nothing felt like us. Around that time, I saw a friend receive a pair of bright, funky socks as part of a Google Local Guide reward. It caught my attention. We had never seen socks with that kind of design language here, says Vijith V S, co-founder of Hapso. So Vijith started digging deeper. Thats when I realised there was an actual business opportunity. Big brands like Nike, Adidas, and Jockey all make socks, but theres barely any innovation. The designs look exactly the same. When I brought this up with the group, the idea clicked. That conversation eventually became Hapso. Vijith, along with other co-founders Anees S S and Ananthu S B, began researching textile technology, knitting constraints, the challenges of manufacturing, etc. They discovered that India had only a handful of homegrown designer sock brands, and almost none operating in south India. Minimum order quantities were intimidating. Getting the right materials and reliable manufacturing partners took time. Still, the idea felt aligned with the collectives creative instincts, so they kept going. And two more joined the core team, Amal Dev and Nanda Gopan. Before we committed to production, we designed around forty concepts and sent the mock-ups to friends across different age groups. They ranked them by preference, and the top seven or eight became our first collection. The response was way beyond what we imagined. At a small stall at the Olam festival, we sold 500 pairs in just three days, he says. Nanda Gopan, Amal Dev, Ananthu S B, Anees S S, Vijith V S Hapsos early collections leaned into this playful spirit, with cotton socks featuring fun and expressive visuals. As they grew, the team pushed deeper into material innovation. They began working with bamboo fibre, drawn to its antimicrobial properties, comfort, and durability. This led to designs suited for athletic use, expanding their customer base to those looking for performance-oriented options. What surprised the team was that people never bought just one or two pairs. Many bought sets of four or five, mixing designs the way people collect small artworks. As Hapso expanded its catalogue from an initial eight designs to around fifty today, orders also started coming from outside India. Right now, we are already present across major e-commerce platforms. We are even exploring something that is still unusual in India a first-of-its-kind all-socks store. Its a long-term goal, but we hope to introduce the concept soon through retail showrooms in cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, the founders say.
Kerala approaches Supreme Court to postpone Special Intensive Revision
The State said the 'cumbersome' SIR will coincide with the local bodies election and there are no human resources to conduct SIR and local bodies poll simultaneously
Kerala local body polls: Prakashan couple in electoral contest at Kochi Corporation
Kerala local body polls: Fierce three-cornered battle on the cards in Varkala
In the 2025 local body elections, the BJP will be pushing for supremacy and the LDF careful not to lose its weakened grip on the municipality. On its part, the UDF will seek to recover lost ground, but it continues to be troubled by internal issues
Kerala Lottery Result Today, November 18, 2025 Live: Sthree Sakthi SS-494 Winning Numbers
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 18-11-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Sthree Sakthi SS-494 for Tuesday, November 18. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
The Vande Bharat Express on the Kerala-Bengaluru route impresses passengers with clean coaches, scenic views, and quality meals. Social media users praised the modernised travel experience, while some highlighted the need for better civic awareness and maintenance along railway tracks.
Teen stabbed to death amid clash near Thycaud in Thiruvananthapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a shocking incident, a 19-year-old was stabbed to death after he intervened in a clash that broke out between a group of youngsters on Monday near the Shri Dharma Shastha Temple at Thycaud. The deceased has been identified as Alen, a resident of D-47, Thoppu, near Aristo Junction. Cantonment Police have taken four youths into custody following the incident. The incident took place around 5 pm. According to the police, about 30 youngsters had gathered near the temple after an argument broke out during a football match. Students from the Model School, teenagers from Jagathy and Rajaji Nagar often play together in the Model School ground. While they were playing on Monday, an argument escalated into a fight. Alen reached the spot with his friends to calm both sides, yet the situation turned violent. He suffered a single stab wound on the left side of his chest, reportedly inflicted with a pocket knife. The injury caused severe internal bleeding and damaged his heart. Two youths who were present but not involved in the fight took him on a scooter and rushed him to the General Hospital, but he succumbed to the injuries. Police said the group fled the area through a narrow lane behind the temple that opens to the main road near Sastha Gardens A Block. The location is usually busy as it lies close to C V Raman Pillai Road, the police training ground, and several houses. Residents heard the commotion and alerted the police soon after. Alens family had moved from Manikanteswaram in Peroorkada to a rented house near Aristo Junction six months ago. He had returned to the city three months ago after pursuing a job-oriented course in Kochi. His mother Manju works as a housemaid. The family had already suffered a tragedy a year ago with the death of his sister Andrea. The body has been shifted to the Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. Police have intensified efforts to identify and locate those involved in the fight. Further investigation is under way.
SHRC orders Kerala govt to pay Rs 1-lakh aid to victim of police custodial torture
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Human Rights Commission has directed the state government to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation to a construction labourer, who was subjected to custodial torture by a sub-inspector earlier attached with Varkala police station. The directive issued by SHRC chairperson Alexander Thomas said the government can deduct the amount from the police officer. Suresh Koyippad, a native of Chathannoor, was beaten up by then Varkala SI P R Rahul on August 30, 2022. Suresh sustained injuries on his abdomen, resulting in the blockage of urine, in the incident. The officer had alleged that Suresh was detained for illegal soil mining, but the commission observed that the vehicle used was not detained. Moreover, Suresh was booked for obstructing the duty of the police officer and not for soil mining, the commission found. Additionally, the police officer had responded that Suresh sustained injuries when he was forcefully made to enter the police jeep. But the commission rejected the allegation. It was also revealed that Suresh was detained by 3.30 pm and kept in the station till 9.30pm. The reports submitted by the home additional chief secretary, the state police chief, the SHRC investigation wing and the Kollam district police chief reckoned that the human rights of Suresh were violated.
BJP to push Sabarimala gold theft narrative amid turmoil over suicide
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Seeking to regain control of the political narrative after the suicide death of Anand Kumar Thampi and another suicide bid by a BJP woman worker triggered criticism from the Congress and the Left, the BJP on Monday kicked off a statewide signature campaign demanding a detailed probe into the Sabarimala gold theft case and alleged irregularities in other temples. The campaign was launched at the Pazhavangadi temple in Thiruvananthapuram, with the party targeting to collect one crore signatures over the next few weeks. Party sources said bringing the Sabarimala issue back to the forefront is expected to provide a strong defensive shield against the Opposition, which has intensified attacks by linking both the suicide incidents to internal BJP factionalism and denial of election seats. Some senior leaders, however, maintained that the drive had been planned well in advance. The Sabarimala gold scam, development and unemployment are among our major agendas for this election. This campaign was scheduled earlier, and we started it from Thiruvananthapuram as part of our broader strategy, a senior BJP leader said. Another leader, however, admitted that the initiative would help counter what the party alleged were attempts by the Congress and the Left to divert the campaign away from development issues. It is unfortunate that a person took his life, but he was not a BJP worker. The Opposition is spreading deliberate misinformation. Hence, we have rolled out counter-strategies, including more campaigns centred on Sabarimala and development. They are using these tragedies as political weapons, and we will expose their cynical politics, the leader added. Meanwhile, the ground-level workers acknowledged that circulating photos of Anand participating in BJP events had created confusion among cadre.
BLOs boycott SIR work across Kerala after officers suicide
The Kerala NGO Association also staged protests across the state, demanding that SIR procedures be stopped to prevent further suicides. Meanwhile, the body of George was handed over to his relatives after the postmortem on Monday
IUML moves Supreme Court against SIR in Kerala
MALAPPURAM: The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters list in Kerala ahead of the local body elections. Rajya Sabha MP Haris Beeran will present the partys plea before the court, making the IUML the first political party in the state to legally challenge the SIR. The petition raises concerns over the SIR notification itself, stating that conducting a radical revision of the electoral roll simultaneously with local body elections has placed unbearable pressure on field staff, including BLOs. It also alleges that the SIR is being used as a tool to remove voters, particularly non-resident electors. IUML state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal told reporters on Monday that the revision has dragged the public into a chronic legal tangle and created widespread anxiety. We have seen how election results were tampered with in Bihar, and there are suspicions about the Election Commission s role there. A similar situation could arise in Kerala during the local body polls, Thangal said. IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty has accused the ECI of showing unholy haste in conducting the revision. He reiterated that except the BJP, all major political parties in India are demanding a free and democratic voters list.
Name deletion: Kerala HC tells SEC to consider Vyshnas plea
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the State Election Commission to consider the appeal filed by Vyshna Suresh , the Congress candidate for the Muttada division of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, against the deletion of her name from the voters list, and to pass an order on or before November 19. Justice P V Kunhikrishnan made it clear that a 24-year-old woman should not be denied her right to participate in the election on mere technical grounds. In these types of cases, the winner should be democracy and not technicality or party politics, the court observed. The court directed Vyshna and the complainant, Dhaneesh Kumar, of Palayam, who raised objection to the inclusion of her name in the voters list, to appear before the State Election Commission for a hearing on November 18. The order was issued on a petition filed by Vyshna challenging the deletion of her name. According to the petitioner, she and her family were included in the draft voters list published on September 29. However, she alleged that Dhaneesh, branch secretary of the CPM, raised a baseless objection after her candidature was announced, claiming she was not an ordinary resident of the Muttada ward. She stated that no documents were produced by him to support his objection. The petitioner submitted her voter ID issued by the State Election Commission, Aadhaar card, and driving licence. All these documents, she contended, clearly show that she is a resident of erstwhile ward 3 and the present ward 18.
Aneeshs suicide: BLO was under pressure from CPM, alleges Congress
KANNUR: The Congress has alleged that booth-level officer (BLO) Aneesh George, who died by suicide on Sunday, was pressured by the CPM. Releasing audio of a phone conversation between the BLO and Congress worker and booth-level agent (BLA) Vyshakh at a news conference here on Monday, DCC president Martin George said that BLAs deputed by political parties are supposed to accompany BLOs to help identify households. However, instead of sending the BLA, CPM deputed its branch secretary Chandran to accompany the BLO. On the second day, Chandran was replaced by a DYFI leader. On the third, Aneesh reportedly called Vyshakh and told him not to accompany him as there were problems. Martin said the CPM put pressure on the BLO not to take the Congress BLA along with him on house visits. But the CPM dismissed the allegation. Party local secretary T Thamban termed it politically motivated. Opposition leader in Kerala alleges CPM role in Payyannur BLO suicide case Meanwhile, rejecting the Kannur district collectors claim that Aneesh had not been subjected to any work-related pressure, his family members and those close to him said that pressure was mounting on the BLO. According to them, Aneesh had been visibly stressed in the days leading up to his death, struggling with the responsibilities assigned to him as part of the electoral list revision work. T Vijayan, the CPM candidate from Ettukudukka and a close acquaintance of Aneeshs family, shared how the latters parents had described the mounting stress he was under in the days before his death. According to them, Aneesh would often stay awake late into the night, sometimes even until 1am, overwhelmed by the stress of his BLO duties and frequently walking back and forth. Seeing him struggle, his parents would sit with him and try to comfort him, unaware that the pressure he faced was far heavier than he let on. Vijayan said Aneesh was unfamiliar with the area he was assigned to and felt he lacked the confidence needed to handle the responsibilities of BLO, leaving him increasingly distressed. Those who knew Aneesh described him as someone who kept to himself and had limited interaction with people outside his daily routine. He would go from home to school and church, rarely spending time with neighbours or the wider community. Because of this, he was not well acquainted with residents in the booth area assigned to him. This lack of familiarity added to his stress, as he struggled to carry out his duties as BLO in a place where he barely knew the people. Shyju, a relative, said Aneesh had become fully absorbed in his booth-level duties, leaving him with little to no time to spend with his family. He only wanted to complete the duty. In a statement released on November 16, the district collector noted that Aneesh had been making good progress with his form distribution work. He had distributed 825 of the 1,065 forms, with 240 pending. On the morning of the incident, around 8.45am, the BLO supervisor called Aneesh to ask if he needed any help with the remaining forms. Aneesh replied that he would complete the work on his own, the collector said.
SIT collects gold plate samples from Sabarimala
PATHANAMTHITTA: The special investigation teams (SIT) probe in the Sabarimala gold theft case has entered a decisive phase, with officers carrying out scientific examination at the Sannidhanam on Monday. The team, led by SP Sasidharan, removed the gold-clad plates from the sanctum sanctorum as part of the scientific examination to determine the purity and quantity of gold. The process, suggested by the Kerala High Court, was carried out in compliance with court directives. Officials said the process began at 1.15pm after the deva anujna (divine permission) rituals and the temples closure following ucha pooja, and continued till 3pm when the temple was reopened for rituals. The sculptors of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) assisted the team in removing the gold-clad plates from the pedestals of dwarapalaka idols, side pillars and the door frames of the sreekovil. The removed plates will be reinstalled after the scientific tests are completed. The entire procedure was videographed and photographed. Sources said the weight of the gold plates will also be measured as part of the investigation. The plates were transferred to another room, where their weight was recorded and samples collected for forensic analysis. Forensic experts, chemical analysts part of team Besides police personnel, the SIT included 20 members, comprising forensic experts and chemical analysts. The team has been stationed at Sabarimala since Sunday. Earlier, the SIT had sought permission from the High Court to conduct a scientific examination of the gold plates on dwarapalaka idols to determine the extent of gold loss following their electroplating in 2019. The court subsequently directed the SIT to weigh the dwarapalaka idol plates and the side-pillar plates of the sreekovil. It also instructed investigators to collect samples of the gold cladding to assess purity and quality, measure the surface area of the plates, and gather copper samples from the plates and door frames. The samples are to undergo scientific analyses, including electrical conductivity, spectroscopic, and microstructure examinations.
With 450 buses, KSRTC gears up for Sabarimala pilgrimage season
KOCHI: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will operate three buses every minute on the Pampa-Nilakkal route during periods of heavy rush for the ongoing Sabarimala pilgrimage season. It has deployed a total of 450 buses in the first phase, focusing on both the critical chain service and long-distance routes. A total of 202 buses have been brought to Pampa for the chain service, a fleet which includes both low-floor AC and low-floor non-AC buses. As the pilgrim count increases, KSRTC is prepared to induct more buses onto the circuit, said Roy Jacob, special officer, KSRTC Pampa. To manage this high-volume operation, 350 drivers and 350 conductors have been specifically assigned to the route. Furthermore, 95 personnel have been designated for the coordination and control of all operational activities at Pampa. The management has also made provisions to ensure adequate rest for all staff to maintain service quality and safety. In addition to the high-frequency chain service, KSRTC will operate 248 long-distance services to Pampa from various major depots across Kerala. These services will link vital urban centres and transport hubs directly to base camp, providing seamless connectivity for pilgrims arriving from outside the state. Direct services are available from key locations such as Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Chengannur, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. Special shuttle services have been arranged to ferry pilgrims arriving by train at key railway stations including Chengannur, Tiruvalla, and Kottayam directly to Pampa. The KSRTC has established several support services to maintain the fleet and ensure pilgrim well-being. A fully functional mechanic garage is operational at the Pampa bus stand for immediate maintenance and repair of buses. Additionally, mobile workshops have been strategically placed at Pampa, Nilakkal, Plappally, and Perunad, to address any mechanical issues on the route. For emergency situations, KSRTC has also set up an ambulance facility at Pampa. Authorities have promised to increase the number of services as the crowd size grows. Pilgrims can contact the KSRTC Pampa at 9497024092 for inquiries and assistance. In large numbers Over 1.36 lakh pilgrims have had darshan since beginning of Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season on Sunday Around 55,000 devotees visited on opening day alone 18,000 police personnel to be deployed for pilgrimage season; 3,500 officers currently posted A maximum of 90,000 pilgrims to be allowed darshan per day -- 70,000 via virtual queue, 20,000 through spot booking
Three-fourth of expats wives remain jobless in Kerala: Study
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While migration remittances remain one of the key contributors to the states economy, the wives of male expatriates appear to have little workforce participation within the state. A new study by independent researcher Nafeesath K A, to be presented at the Annual International Migration Conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, found that not even one-fourth of the highly educated women from migrant households are taking part in the states workforce. The study, carried out in collaboration with Prof Archana K Roy of the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, ties the reason for this to patriarchy. Based on the data collected from the Periodic Labour Force Survey from 2017-18 to 2023-24, the National Family Health Survey 2015-16, and the Kerala Migration Survey 2018, the study found that only 24.9% of women, with an educational qualification of graduation or above, and their husbands abroad, are employed. The statistics gain gravitas when 42.6% of women of the state attain higher education, while men remain at 35.8%, as of 2023-24. The study also evaluates that this lack of workforce participation exists even when the wives of the NRIs exhibit decision-making skills and financial autonomy. However, this autonomy tends to increase only when the husbands are absent, and diminishes once they return, which makes this study more relevant, said Nafeesath. Suggesting that the gains through remittances come at the expense of womens lack of workforce participation, the study analyses that the womens withdrawal from workforce participation is less of their choice, and more of their domestic duties, and reduced financial pressures due to the remittance inflow. Another common trend we have seen is that some women tend to feel more respected by society when they are educated but not working, she pointed out.
Kerala trans man fighting historic legal battle to preserve egg cells
KOCHI: A 28-year-old from Attingal who was assigned female at birth, identifies as a transgender man and has undergone gender-affirming treatment including hormone therapy and double mastectomy in 2023 is currently involved in a landmark legal battle. Hari Devageeth is seeking the right to cryo-preserve his gametes (egg cells) for use at a later stage in life. In a petition filed before the Kerala High Court, Hari stated that he has not yet completed sex-reassignment surgery. Once he undergoes the procedure, he will lose all remaining feminine reproductive features and will have to undergo a complete hysterectomy, including removal of the ovaries. Before taking that irreversible step, Hari said he wishes to preserve his gametes to keep open the possibility of having a biological child in the future. However, the situation is not in his favour. The central government has informed the court that under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, the procedure can only be accessed by a commissioning couple, defined as a married man and woman, or a single woman. Single men and transgender persons are not covered under the ART Act or its Rules, leaving Haris request outside the existing legal framework. The court will consider the issue on December 1. In his plea, Hari said he approached a private clinic in Thiruvananthapuram for freezing and storing his eggs. The clinic advised him to undergo an abdomen and pelvis ultrasonography, which did not indicate any significant abnormalities. After the tests, he approached the clinic again with a request for cryo-preservation. However, the private facility relayed its inability to do so, on the grounds that there is no provision under ART Act or the Rules which enables it to cryo-preserve the gametes of a transgender person. Regulatory limits arbitrary and illegal, says petitioner Hari argued that the ART Act and the Rules which limit the benefits of the act only to couples or women are arbitrary and illegal. In an affidavit, the undersecretary of the central health and family welfare ministry submitted that the transgender man cannot avail ART treatment. After undergoing sex-reassignment surgery, the petitioner can no longer avail the benefit of ART services, as for undertaking an IVF procedure, a womb of a mother is required for implantation of embryo as well as carrying the child to term. The only option available with the petitioner would be to undergo surrogacy using his eggs which is also not permitted under the provisions of the Surrogacy Regulation) Act, it said.
Trendy parodies in vogue, rap trumps conventional music
KOCHI: Ward number 10 aane Safiya Haris sthanaarthee! The catchy line set to the tune of the hit film Lokah has become one of the most viral election parody songs ahead of the local body polls. And Safiya Haris, contesting from ward 10 of Othukkungal panchayat in Malappuram, has gained wide attention, as candidates increasingly use such songs to strike a chord with voters. Besides, parody artists and social media influencers known for their musical content are now busy creating catchy tunes and lyrics to promote candidates who approach them. Around 35 to 40% of voters in most wards are youngsters, and many of them apolitical, disinterested, or unaware of whats happening. Election parodies styled after hit movie songs, rap, and new-gen compositions grab their attention quickly, and most candidates or parties now use them to connect with this group. Also, familiar tunes and catchy rhythms leave an impact on almost everyone, said Malappuram resident Akshay T, an independent artist and co-owner of Leh Studioz, who creates election parody songs. The demand this time for election parodies and original campaign songs has been unusually high, he pointed out. Earlier, this trend was mostly popular among Congress and IUML candidates, especially within Malappuram. But this year, we have received at least 10 pre-bookings from candidates of various political parties across districts outside Malappuram a sharp rise from the usual two or three in previous years, said Akshay, whose studio created official election parodies for Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, as well as rap songs for Shafi Parambil and E T Mohammed Basheer in the last Lok Sabha polls. An independent artist from Kannur said the spotlight has shifted from conventional film music. Rap styles inspired by artists like Vedan and Fejo, along with fully original compositions tailored exclusively for each candidate, are in vogue now, he said. Aflahul Ameen, popularly known as Aflu Song Killer and famed for his mock creations in the Mappilappattu style, is also active in composing election parodies. Explaining the process, he said: For parody requests, we adapt the lyrics to fit popular tunes, often suggested by the candidate or their parties. The same goes for rap versions. For original compositions, we create fresh tunes and craft lyrics highlighting the candidates name, promises, achievements, and sometimes even the shortcomings of rivals in a humorous or satirical tone. A Youth Congress state office-bearer said election parody songs are receiving far more traction than expected this election season. Unlike posters and banners, these songs reach voters instantly and help build familiarity with candidates. Most voters are young or music lovers, so they connect quickly, he said. While all parties now use such trends, the Congress and the IUML are using them more effectively.
BJP eyes hat-trick; UDF, LDF fight for existence in Palakkad
PALAKKAD: Palakkad Municipality holds a unique place in Keralas political landscape as the first urban body to be governed by the BJP. Having won in both the 2015 and 2020, the party is now aiming for an unprecedented hat-trick. The UDF, determined to reclaim power at any cost, is tightening its organisational grip, while the LDF has begun preparing for a strong contest with renewed strategy. In the 2020 elections, the BJP won 28 of the 52 seats, improving on its 2015 tally of 24 seats and securing control of the municipality. This time, it hopes a decades worth of development projects will help it retain power. However, internal feud present a major challenge, particularly in Palayam ward. Dissatisfaction has been simmering since the assembly by-election in which the present BJP state vice-president, C Krishnakumar was fielded as the BJP candidate. His defeat, coupled with the noticeable erosion of votes in municipal areas, sparked intense discussions and factional tensions within the party. Further cracks were exposed when the current municipal chairperson, Prameela Sasidharan, appeared at a public event alongside MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who the BJP had boycotted. Sensing an opportunity, the UDF is calculating that these factors may improve its chances. In 2020, the Congress secured 12 seats while the Indian Union Muslim League won four. The UDF has already finalised seat-sharing arrangements and is prepared for the contest, though concerns linger over allegations and factional issues surrounding Rahul. The coalition fears these controversies could turn electoral liabilities. Meanwhile, the CPM aims to expand its influence by highlighting what it describes as stalled development and the saffronisation of the municipality. The party currently holds seven seats and is strategising to increase its presence.
Hammer, sickle and star missing in Malappuram
MALAPPURAM: The ruling party in a majority of local bodies, the CPM faces a dramatically different reality in Malappuram. In this Muslim-majority district, where the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) maintains an unshakeable hold, the CPM is not merely weak, it lacks even a single official party member in 14 local bodies. The organisational vacuum runs so deep that the party often struggles to field candidates on its own symbol. Across several panchayats and municipalities, CPM-backed candidates now contest as independents, deliberately avoiding the iconic hammer, sickle and star. Of the districts 10 municipalities, the party has no official councillors in Tanur and Tirurangadi. In Tanur alone, six councillors aligned with the LDF are independents. We reversed our negligible presence in Tanur by contesting as independents, securing six seats in 2020. All of us are CPM activists or sympathisers, said P T Akbar, councillor of ward 13. Remarkably, Tanur elected seven BJP councillors, all under the lotus symbol. The crisis is starker in block panchayats. The CPM failed to win even a single seat, officially or through independents, in two of the districts 14 block panchayats. In Areacode, KC(M) and RMP have representation, but CPM has none. In Vengara, IUML swept 14 of 15 seats. One seat went to the Congress. At the panchayat level, the party continues to rely heavily on independents. Of the districts 94 panchayats, CPM has no official representation in 10. CPM district secretary Anil V P maintains this is intentional. We admit that CPM is weaker in Malappuram compared to other districts. So we need to be tactical to win more seats. Fielding independents is our tried-and-tested formula here, he said. In certain panchayats, our symbol simply doesnt work. There, we choose popular local figures who are party sympathisers or workers and allow them to contest as independents. We will continue this strategy in upcoming elections as well, he said.
A Musical tribute to Kishore Da in Kochi
Songs have the power to transport listeners to different worlds, stir memories and alter moods. Few voices have done this as effortlessly as Kishore Kumar, and his songs are considered the masters of it. The playfulness of Roop tera mastana , the pain in O majhi re , and the unfiltered romance of Pal pal dil ke pass are just a few examples of his repertoire that spans emotions still influential decades after his passing. A maverick in every sense, Kishore Kumar was not merely a playback singer; he was an actor, composer, director and comic genius who redefined what versatility in Indian cinema could sound like. Celebrating this legendary voice and the moods he mastered, Kochi will play host to a special tribute concert titled Many Moods of Kishore Kumar. The event, presented by Voice of India in association with the Kerala Fine Arts Society, will be held at 6 pm on November 22, Saturday, at the Fine Arts Hall, Kochi. Kishore Kumar Leading the evening will be K T Anilkumar (IRS), who is known for his moving renditions of Kishore Kumars classics. It was the audience who pointed out that I sounded very similar to him, he shares, recalling an experience. I also sing songs by other renowned singers such as SPB, Jayachandran sir, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh and Yesudas as well, depending on the audiences requests. But a simple humming in Kishore Kumars style is captivating; there is a heaviness in his voice that no other singer has, and this is why I keep coming back to him. Anilkumar has been performing tribute programmes across the country this year to commemorate the 96th birth anniversary of the legendary playback singer. The upcoming performance is a part of the same. Joining him on stage are singers Rijiya and Beena Murali, each bringing their own distinct vocal style to complement the tribute. The musical arrangements and orchestra will be led by Susanth, who is based in Kozhikode. He is a master himself, informs Anilkumar. Talking about the range of songs that one can perform when it comes to Kishore Kumar, Anilkumar remembers an incident, I once performed 81 songs in a night, at a performance in Delhi, and still the audience came up and requested four more. We ended up performing 85 songs in total that night. I will never forget it, he smiles. Having performed in different cities, Anilkumar recalls having come across both positive and negative comments when singing in Kishore Kumars style. Some appreciate that I can bring his magic to the stage, and some complain that I only sing his songs majorly, he chuckles. Whatever the moods of the audience, he makes sure to tweak his playlist depending on the city he is performing in. One of my favourite places to perform in Kerala is Kozhikode, the audience there is very receptive and loving. They stay on till the end of the concert every time. Kochi does not disappoint either, Anilkumar shares. With a mix of unforgettable melodies, talented performers and the timeless charm of Kishore Kumars music, Many Moods of Kishore Kumar will bring back the celebration and nostalgia that lovers of classic Hindi film music will not want to miss. Many Moods of Kishore Kumar @ FIne Arts Hall November 22, 6pm. Entry is free. For details: 9388663345
Panel suggests repair of damaged Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple idol
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The High Court-appointed expert committee has reported damage due to wear and tear for the moolavigraham, the main idol at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The idol is made of a concrete-like mixture called kadusharka-rayogam. The damage includes those to the right chin of the idol, foot finger and reinforcement between the idol and the anantha. There are wear and tear to the lotus that grows from the idols navel and Lord Brahmas idol on top of the flower. The alankarangal or decorations on the idol including the tholvala, kaivala, poonool, and earrings too suffered damage. The use of nails to adorn golden and silver robes on the idol also caused damage. The expert co mmittee members were temple thantri Tharananellor Satheesan Namboodiripad, Kanippayyoor Krishnan Namboodiri, Pazhangaparambu Unnikrishnan Namboodiri, and Cheruvalli Easwaran Namboodiri. Climatic changes are a major reason for the wear and tear to the idol, according to Satheesan. A moderate climate is required for the idol to remain in good condition. Over the years, the temperature has risen. The tremendous increase in the number of devotees has made the sanctum warmer in recent years, he told TNIE. Idols made of kadusarkarayogam should not be exposed to water. Hence, the customary abhishekam is performed on a representative idol. The speedy decaying of tulsi leaves makes the idol wet which thereby affects the texture. Years ago, the flowers would remain dry until the next morning. But these days they start decomposing soon, maybe due to the climatic changes, he said. Kadusharkara is an indigenous concrete-like mixture prepared out of about 48 materials ranging from small conch shells to herbs and sand. Idols in kadusharkarayogam are noted for their stunning finish when compared to those in metal or stone, the thantri said. Only about fifteen temples in Kerala have such idols. The repair works, to be done by master craftsmen, would be expensive and time-consuming. It will be a challenging task to source materials for the preparation of the mixture. For example, the soil requires certain qualities, and they have to be sourced from distant places. The processing involves different phases, including grinding and baking the soil in herbal concoctions, he said.
After 40-day futile search for missing father, Bengaluru man leaves Kochi
KOCHI: After nearly 40 days of relentless search for Suraj Lama a Bengaluru resident who went missing in Kochi soon after being deported from Kuwait across every corner of the city, from crowded streets to quiet bylanes and almost every shortcut in between, his son Santon finally returned to Bengaluru late on Saturday. The junior Lama, known among friends and colleagues as Sunny, ended his final search along the inner routes of Aluva and Kalamassery on his rented bike, before quietly handing it back to its owners and leaving Kochi. Santon, though, is still holding on to a fragile hope of a call about his missing father. Something in my mind kept saying I should stay longer in Kochi, that my father was somewhere just within reach. But I had almost run out of money, and I needed to return to take care of my mother the only person I have left in this world, Santon told TNIE. As days went by with no progress from my search or the authorities, I told the police, my advocates, and the migrant worker friends who helped me that I am returning to Bengaluru. But I will remain just a phone call away because I still believe a positive call could come any moment, he said. He said, as the only son, he had to search for his father while also being mindful of his mother, who remains hopeful of Surajs return. Im going through a phase that most people cant even imagine, said Santon, his voice heavy with anguish. Expressing gratitude to his company and colleagues in Bengaluru, where he works as a marketing and SEO professional for Google Ads, Santon said, I could continue my search only because of the incredible support from my team. They helped me in so many ways, and I cant thank them enough. But I dont want to burden them any further, so Ive decided to rejoin the team this week. At the same time, he said none of the authorities concerned, including embassy and airport officials, gave a proper response regarding his fathers disappearance. The 59-year-old Suraj Lama, who had spent nearly 30 years in Kuwait running a restaurant, had landed at the Kochi airport on October 5, reportedly deported due to memory loss caused by methanol poisoning. But he went missing on October 10 after the police had admitted him to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kalamassery.
52 candidates submit nominations in Kozhikode district
Poll petition: M. Swaraj withdraws appeal before SC
Mr. Swaraj had earlier approached the Kerala High Court, alleging that his rival candidate had canvassed votes on religious grounds
Cashew scam: Kerala HC slams State govt for denying nod for CBI probe
The High Court asked if the governments stance on combating corruption was undermined by its protection of those facing serious allegations.
IUML declares candidates for Kochi Corporation, district panchayat
The party is contesting in six seats in the Corporation and two in the district panchayat
BLO given tearful farewell in Kannur
Kerala to observe World AMR Awareness Week
Bid to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance and encourage best practices among the public
Car Gets Stuck Between 2 Sections Of Under-Construction Bridge In Kerala
A Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire got stuck between two sections of an under-construction bridge and was left hanging mid-air in Kerala's Kannur district on Sunday after its driver entered the flyover while drunk.
Garment exporter-backed political outfit gears up to ruffle LDF, UDF in Keralas local body polls
Political party Twenty20, founded by Kitex Garments promoters, plans to contest in half of Kerala's districts for upcoming local body polls. The party aims to replicate its successful governance model, which has turned panchayats into revenue surplus entities, despite the chairman facing alleged harassment in Kerala.
BJP gives rest to speculations, announces candidates in Palakkad
NDA announces names of BJP candidates for 46 of the 53 wards of the municipality
