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NCB Disrupts Inter-State Cocaine Trafficking Network in Kerala, Seven Arrested

The NCB has arrested seven individuals linked to an inter-state cocaine trafficking network in Kerala, seizing over 33 grams of cocaine. NCB Disrupts Inter-State Cocaine Trafficking Network in Kerala, Seven Arrested

Daily Kiran 18 Sep 2026 2:44 am

Former Keralam DGP gets four-year jail term in DA case

A Kottayam Vigilance Court has sentenced former Kerala DGP Tomin J Thachankary to four years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 30.84 lakh in a disproportionate assets case. This marks the first time a DGP-rank officer in Kerala has been convicted for such an offence, with the court finding him guilty of amassing wealth 135.80 per cent in excess of his known income between 2003 and 2007.

Rediff 18 Sep 2026 2:04 am

Union Minister Suresh Gopi Praises Kerala Government Under Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan

Suresh Gopi commends Keralas government for unprecedented cooperation in development projects, amidst ongoing political tensions. Union Minister Suresh Gopi Praises Kerala Government Under Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan

Daily Kiran 18 Sep 2026 1:28 am

Migrant worker killed in wild elephant attack in Idukki

The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on the road between Ayyanpara and Kampani estate near Pethotty

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 10:43 pm

Puthoor zoo a model for relocation: expert

Says it is evident that the Thiruvananthapuram zoo faces space constraints

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 10:24 pm

NCB arrests seven traffickers, including two foreigners; seizes 33 gm cocaine

Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 17 (IANS) The NCB disrupted an interstate cocaine trafficking network with the arrest of seven accused, including three persons deported from the UAE and two foreign nationals, and seized 33.1 grams of cocaine valued at Rs 16.55 lakh, an official said on Thursday. The Narcotics Control Bureau, Cochin Zonal Unit, made the arrests on September 10 based on credible information regarding certain persons who had been deported from the UAE in connection with drug-related offences, the official said. The NCB had been closely monitoring their activities and their linkages with a drug trafficking network operating between Bengaluru and Kerala, he said in a statement. On September 10, the NCB intercepted Gurpreet Singh of Kapurthala, Punjab, Hamdan Ahammed of Beypore (N), Kozhikode and Aflah P of Arakkinar, Kozhikode, at Faroke Railway Station, Kozhikode, and arrested them with 8.12 grams of cocaine. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the contraband had been procured from Bengaluru, said the statement. The interrogation of the accused revealed the involvement of Sidharth Damor, who was intercepted while travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to Kozhikode on September 10, said the statement. Damor is an upcoming DJ associated with the party scene in Kerala and also owns a resort in Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. His examination led the NCB to Arun Rajkumar, who was identified as a key facilitator in the network. Accordingly, Rajkumar was also arrested, the NCB said. Rajkumar, a Tamilian based in Bengaluru and employed in the IT sector, was found to be sourcing cocaine from certain foreign nationals and facilitating its supply to other peddlers as well as consumers. Based on the interrogation of Damor and Arun Rajkumar, the NCB identified the involvement of two foreign nationals in the cocaine trafficking network. Chizoba Helen Anthony alias Sonia, a Nigerian national, who had entered India on a Medical Attendant Visa and had been overstaying for the past 10 years, and Mufukare Vittalis Tadiswanashe, a Zimbabwean national, who had entered India on a Student Visa and had been overstaying for the past two years, were apprehended from Bengaluru on September 12 and 13, respectively, the NCB said. They were found in possession of 16 grams and 8.98 grams of Cocaine, respectively, it said. During interrogation that NCB found out that Sidharth Damor, Hamdan Ahammed and Aflah P had earlier been convicted and incarcerated in the UAE in connection with drug-related offences before being deported to India. During their period of incarceration, Aflah, Gurpreet and Sidharth had come in close contact and subsequently attempted to establish a stronger drug trafficking network, the NCB said. Further trails are being pursued to identify and disrupt the remaining linkages of the network and to completely destroy the trafficking chain, the NCB said.

bhaskarlive 17 Sep 2026 9:46 pm

Kerala High Court directs Railways to shift electrical infrastructure at Pachalam

Court issued the direction based on a public interest litigation filed in this regard

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 9:45 pm

Panchayats facing crisis as material costs for MGNREGS in previous financial year yet to be disbursed

The total material costs owed to the panchayats in the State is estimated at over 500 crore

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 9:37 pm

Kerala Brahmana Sabhas Kalanjali arts fest to begin in Alappuzha on September 19

The seventh edition of the arts fest will have nearly 700 participants competing in 61 events

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 9:20 pm

Vigilance seeks action against Pallassana village officials

Vigilance inspection finds that owners of a private quarry acquired government and private land using forged documents with the support of village officials

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 9:06 pm

Vigilance seeks action against Pallassana village officials

Vigilance inspection finds that owners of a private quarry acquired government and private land using forged documents with the support of village officials

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 9:06 pm

Anto Augustine remanded in judicial custody in Abkari case

The managing director of Reporter TV was arrested on September 17 by the excise officials on charges of alleged possession of liquor in excess of the legally permissible limit

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 9:01 pm

Oil India to spend 15,000 cr over three years on deepwater drilling

State-run Oil India plans to drill deepwater exploration wells across the Andaman, Krishna-Godavari, Mahanadi and Kerala-Konkan sedimentary basins over three years.

Business Standard 17 Sep 2026 8:51 pm

Kerala's former DGP Thachankary convicted in corruption case, sentenced to four years jail (Lead)

Digital Desk | Kottayam (Kerala), Sep 17 (IANS) A court in Kerala's Kottayam on Thursday convicted former Kerala Director General of Police Tomin J. Thachankary, once regarded as one of the most influential and controversial officers in the state police, in a disproportionate assets case that had remained pending for nearly two decades and sentenced him to four years rigorous imprisonment. The Kottayam Vigilance Court also imposed a fine of Rs 30,84,892 on Thachankary. With the sentence being four years, Thachankary cannot seek bail from any lower court and will have to approach the Kerala High Court for relief. The sentence was pronounced by Kottayam Vigilance Court Judge K.V. Rajneesh, hours after the court found Thachankary guilty of accumulating assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Thachankary becomes only the second IPS officer in Kerala to be sentenced to imprisonment. The first was retired Inspector General of Police Lakshmana, who was convicted in a firing case. Thachankary becomes the first Kerala IPS officer to retire from the rank of Director General of Police and subsequently be sentenced to imprisonment . The case relates to the period between January 2003 and July 2007, when the Vigilance alleged that Thachankary had accumulated assets 135.80 per cent in excess of his known sources of income. The agency had quantified the disproportionate assets at Rs 64.70 lakh. The Vigilance registered the case in 2007 following allegations that Thachankary had acquired houses, flats and other properties disproportionate to his known income. The investigation was completed, and the charge sheet was filed in 2013. Thachankary had challenged the proceedings and sought discharge, contending that some of the properties had come to him through family partition and gifts. The court rejected his plea and proceeded with the trial. The trial assumed particular significance because Thachankary continued to rise through the police hierarchy while the Vigilance investigation was underway. He had become Additional Director General of Police by the time the charge sheet was filed and later rose to the rank of DGP before retiring in 2023. The Public Prosecutor described Thursday's verdict as a significant one, pointing out the difficulties faced by the investigating officers when the accused was a serving senior police officer. It was a tough time for the then investigating officers, who were Deputy Superintendents of Police, as the accused was a serving ADGP, the Public Prosecutor said. He said Thachankary would be taken to Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail and that Vigilance Department officials would complete the necessary procedures. When the court asked Thachankary whether he had anything to say before sentencing, he referred to his health condition and told the court that he had suffered chest pain two days ago and was physically unwell. The defence produced medical documents and sought maximum leniency. The prosecution, however, sought the maximum punishment. The verdict brings a major judicial setback to an officer who held several key posts in the Kerala Police and was once considered close to the top political leadership of the state. The case, which began when he was a senior serving officer, has now ended with his conviction and imprisonment after almost two decades.

bhaskarlive 17 Sep 2026 8:44 pm

Seven Arrested In Major Cocaine Trafficking Bust

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested seven individuals, including two foreign nationals, for their involvement in an interstate cocaine trafficking network operating between Bengaluru and Kerala. The operation, named 'Domino', led to the seizure of 33.1 grams of cocaine worth Rs 16.55 lakh and uncovered links to individuals previously deported from the UAE for drug offences.

Rediff 17 Sep 2026 8:39 pm

Construction of rural district jail moves at a snails pace in Kozhikode

The Puthuppanam project remained on paper for nearly a decade before gaining momentum earlier this year. Although 60 cents of land has been transferred from the Irrigation department to the Home department and work on the compound wall sanctioned, the new jail is still far from becoming operational.

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 8:37 pm

With southwest monsoon set for withdrawal, rain deficit in Keralam widens to 28%

State likely to receive showers around September 19 and 20, followed by widespread rain, as a low-pressure area develops in the Andaman Sea and nearby areas. With El Nio firmly established, experts do not anticipate a normal or above-normal northeast monsoon season too this year

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 8:35 pm

Vigilance court convicts former Thiruvananthapuram Corporation officials and building owner

For sanctioning the construction of a building in violation of the Kerala Municipality Building Regulations

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 8:22 pm

Union Minister Suresh Gopi praises V.D. Satheesan government

Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 17 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi on Thursday praised the Kerala government led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, saying the Centre was receiving unprecedented cooperation from the state in taking forward development projects. Gopi said the state government was now extending support in a manner that had not been seen during the previous 10 years. He said he could approach Chief Minister Satheesan and other members of the state government on matters concerning development and central projects. Today, we can approach Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and others for anything, he said. He said the improved coordination between the Centre and the state would help bring more Central government projects to Kerala. Gopi's remarks assume significance as the BJP and the Congress-led state government have often been political rivals in Kerala. His comments indicate a willingness to work with the new state government on development projects despite political differences. Gopi also came out in support of the police action in the recent raid on the office of Reporter TV in connection with the investigation into alleged financial fraud. Defending the police action, he said raids were part of normal procedure and could take place at any time. He questioned the different reactions to police searches depending on whether the person being searched was a journalist or an ordinary citizen. When police enter the house of an ordinary person, nobody usually reacts, he said. Gopi said officials conducting searches would normally take possession of phones and carry out inspections as part of the procedure. He also rejected the suggestion that journalists should be treated differently during such searches, saying journalists were also ordinary citizens. His remarks come amid a political controversy over the police action against Reporter TV and its Managing Editor Anto Augustine. Opposition parties and others have questioned whether the action could have implications for media freedom. The Kerala government has maintained that the police action was connected to the investigation into alleged serious offences and had nothing to do with the functioning of the media organisation or its news coverage. Gopi, however, backed the police action and questioned the basis of objections raised in the name of press freedom. Asked specifically about media freedom in the context of the raid, the Union Minister responded sharply, asking the questioner: Who are you? His comments on both issues, cooperation with the Satheesan government and the Reporter TV raid, came at a time when relations between the Centre and the newly elected state government are being closely watched. While the BJP remains the principal political opponent of the Congress in Kerala, Gopi's statement suggested that political differences need not stand in the way of cooperation on development projects. His support for the police action, meanwhile, is likely to add another dimension to the ongoing debate over the raid and the limits of police powers when a media organisation is involved.

bhaskarlive 17 Sep 2026 8:21 pm

THINK Gas urges State agencies to Dial Before You Dig

Against the backdrop of a recent gas pipeline leak during roadwork in the capital

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 8:10 pm

THINK Gas urges State agencies to Dial Before You Dig

Against the backdrop of a recent gas pipeline leak during roadwork in the capital

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 8:10 pm

Kader Attia to unveil curatorial vision for seventh edition of Kochi Muziris Biennale on November 14

The noted Algerian-French artist has initiated site visits and conversations in Kochi ahead of the next edition of the international art event, say KMB organisers

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 7:59 pm

Two arrested on charges of rape

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 7:50 pm

Schoolteachers union to take out protest march in Keralam

Demands include reversal of the States educational policies that align with the communal policies of the Union government

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 7:45 pm

Case over allegations of Keralam CMs second marriage: city police start investigation

The FIR cites multiple charges, including forgery and defamation, as authorities try to verify the authenticity of documents related to the supposed marriage, which is claimed to have occurred in Karnataka in 2012.

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 7:43 pm

CBSE school arts fest begins in Palakkad

4,000-odd students from 73 CBSE schools across the district are taking part in the three-day festival

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 7:41 pm

CIAL to unveil development master plan for next 25 years

The plan to cover development across airside, terminal, cargo, landside, connectivity, utilities, commercial expansion and sustainability, while also anticipating land requirements for future growth

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 7:37 pm

Interstate drug trafficking network busted, claims NCB Kochi unit

A total of 33.1 grams of suspected cocaine seized as part of the operation

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 7:30 pm

Comprehensive master plan for development of hospitals in capital city

Infrastructure Kerala Limited (INKEL) has been entrusted with the task of preparing the master plan

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 7:16 pm

Comprehensive master plan for development of hospitals in capital city

Infrastructure Kerala Limited (INKEL) has been entrusted with the task of preparing the master plan

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 7:16 pm

Frequent water supply disruptions hit life in Kochi amid summer-like conditions

Multiple incidents of pipe bursts reported in the city and neighbouring municipalities over the past month; recurrent power failures at pumping stations blamed for pressure variations in pumping lines

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 7:16 pm

Frequent water supply disruptions hit life in Kochi amid summer-like conditions

Multiple incidents of pipe bursts reported in the city and neighbouring municipalities over the past month; recurrent power failures at pumping stations blamed for pressure variations in pumping lines

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 7:16 pm

KVASUSAVAK conclave to focus on emerging needs of veterinary practice

A key focus of the deliberations will be on equipping veterinary graduates with the competencies required to meet emerging global challenges and opportunities in veterinary practice.

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 7:12 pm

KVASUSAVAK conclave to focus on emerging needs of veterinary practice

A key focus of the deliberations will be on equipping veterinary graduates with the competencies required to meet emerging global challenges and opportunities in veterinary practice.

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 7:12 pm

LSGD allocates 16 crore for land acquisition for Ayyankuzhi families

Kunnathunadu MLA V.P. Sajeendran says acquisition measures will be initiated shortly; around 9.30 acres to be acquired for a scientific landfill

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 6:56 pm

Kerala University B.A Time Table 2026 Out - Check Sixth Semester Exam Dates at exams.keralauniversity.ac.in

Kerala University released the Sixth Semester B.A Honours English Language and Literature Supplementary exam time table 2026 for 2022 and 2023 admission candidates on 17.09.2026. Check exam dates for BAHE 161 to BAHE 164, exam timing, and the official notification PDF link

FreeJobAlert 17 Sep 2026 6:24 pm

Kannur Warriors Aim for Back-to-Back SLK Titles, Faces Tougher Competition Ahead

Andre Chernyshev, manager of Kannur Warriors, seeks to defend their title in the Super League Kerala amidst heightened competition. Kannur Warriors Aim for Back-to-Back SLK Titles, Faces Tougher Competition Ahead

Daily Kiran 17 Sep 2026 6:13 pm

Digital University Kerala Project Technical Support Recruitment 2026 - Walkin

Digital University Kerala Recruitment 2026 for 2 posts of Project Technical Support. Candidates with Graduate, BTech/MTech can attend walkin. The Walk-in on 22-09-2026. For detailed information please visit Digital University Kerala official website.

FreeJobAlert 17 Sep 2026 5:27 pm

Kerala State Womens Commission raises concerns on safety of elderly women

Kerala State Womens Commission chairperson P. Sathidevi says elderly women are often being abandoned by their families after receiving their share of property. Women face severe isolation in old age when they need love and care, she says, adding that such a situation was not healthy for society

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 4:30 pm

KSET Hall Ticket 2026 Out - Download Admit Card at lbscentre.kerala.gov.in

Download KSET Hall Ticket 2026 has released for the Kerala SET July 2026 exam scheduled on 20 September 2026. Check the direct hall ticket download link, exam date, Paper I and II timings, login details, exam centres, and required documents.

FreeJobAlert 17 Sep 2026 4:25 pm

Fire and rescue forces swift response to emergencies its biggest strength: Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala

141 new recruits trained in firefighting, rescue operations and disaster response pass out from Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy in Viyyur

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 4:25 pm

Gold jewellery sector seeks MDR exemption on high-value UPI transactions

S Abdul Nazar, State General Secretary of the Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association, said it would particularly impact small and medium enterprises

The Hindu Businessline 17 Sep 2026 3:44 pm

Ex-Keralam DGP Tomin Thachankary gets four-year jail term in disproportionate assets case

Vigilance court imposes a fine of 30.84 lakh on Thachankary, who is set to be shifted to Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 3:37 pm

Vigilance seizes unaccounted 44,000 in raids at sub-registrar offices in Thiruvananthapuram

Inspections based on information that officials were accepting bribes through document writers for services

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 2:16 pm

Kerala High Court Office Attendant Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 17 Posts

High Court of Kerala has released the Office Attendant Recruitment 2026 notification for 17 anticipated vacancies. Candidates who have passed SSLC or an equivalent examination and have not acquired a graduation degree can apply online from 23 September to 26 October 2026.

FreeJobAlert 17 Sep 2026 1:54 pm

Former Kerala DGP Tomin Thachankary convicted in disproportionate assets case

Digital Desk | Kottayam (Kerala), Sep 17 (IANS) Former Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Tomin J. Thachankary, once regarded as one of the state's most influential police officers, was on Thursday convicted by the Kottayam Vigilance Court in a disproportionate assets case that has been pending for nearly two decades. The court is expected to pronounce the sentence later in the day. The verdict marks a significant turn in the career of an officer who occupied several key positions in the Kerala Police and rose to the rank of DGP. The court found him guilty of accumulating assets disproportionate to his known sources of income during the period from January 2003 to July 2007. He retired from service in 2023. According to the Vigilance case, Thachankary had accumulated assets 135.80 per cent in excess of his known sources of income during the period under scrutiny. The agency had quantified the disproportionate assets at Rs 64.70 lakh. While the investigation traced documents relating to his expenditure and assets, the prosecution maintained that he could not satisfactorily establish the source of the corresponding income. The Vigilance registered the case in 2007 following a complaint alleging that Thachankary had acquired houses, flats and other properties disproportionate to his income while in service. The investigation was completed and the charge sheet filed in 2013. Thachankary had challenged the case and sought discharge, contending that some of the properties had come to him through family partition and gifts. The court rejected the plea and held that the prosecution case was maintainable. The trial involved the examination of a large number of witnesses, including a former Joint Secretary of the Home Department. The defence examined a former Additional Chief Secretary, a former ADGP, Income Tax officials and others. With the court finding him guilty, the focus has now shifted to the quantum of sentence. When asked whether he had anything to say, Thachankary cited his health condition and told the court that he had suffered chest pain two days ago and was physically unwell. The defence produced documents relating to his health and sought maximum leniency. The prosecution, however, sought the maximum punishment. The case had acquired added attention because Thachankary continued to rise through the police hierarchy even as the Vigilance investigation progressed. He had become ADGP by the time the charge sheet was filed and subsequently reached the DGP rank. The verdict thus closes one long chapter in the career of one of Kerala Police's most prominent and controversial officers, while the court is now set to decide the punishment.

bhaskarlive 17 Sep 2026 1:52 pm

Union Minister Suresh Gopi praises Keralam CM, UDF govt for support to his projects

Thrissur MP says the support extended to him now was not available during previous Left front government

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 1:50 pm

Debate rages over plan to shift Thiruvananthapuram zoo in Keralam

Former Mayor V.K. Prasanth alleges commercial interests after current Mayor V.V. Rajesh backs Chief Ministers proposal

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 1:28 pm

Gold merchants association proposes 2,000-crore jewellery park in Keralam

KGSMA says the proposed project is expected to attract an investment of more than 2,000 crore and would require around 30 acres of land

The Hindu Businessline 17 Sep 2026 1:17 pm

Keralam power crisis: Electricity consumption soars in September

Consumption so far in September has averaged 93.6 mu, which is arguably unprecedented for Keralam which is accustomed to cooler weather and lower State-wide electricity usage during June-September southwest monsoon season

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 1:13 pm

CPI(M) back in familiar opposition role, questions Satheesan's zoo relocation plan

Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 17 (IANS) The CPI(M) in Kerala has moved swiftly to oppose Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan's proposal to relocate the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo to a forested setting, with senior party leader and former mayor V.K. Prasanth questioning the rationale behind the move and alleging that commercial interests could be driving the plan. Prasanth alleged that the proposal was driven by commercial interests and wondered whether the prime 36-acre property in the heart of the capital was being eyed for handover to private business interests. He also questioned why such a move was being taken without consulting the people. The quick reaction has placed the CPI(M) in familiar territory, opposing a major initiative floated by a Congress-led government, even before the idea has moved beyond the discussion stage. Kerala's political history is replete with examples of projects that faced resistance depending on which political front championed them. Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy often remarked that in Kerala, the identity of the proposer frequently mattered more than the proposal itself. Chandy had himself faced strong Left opposition after introducing computers in the Finance Department in 1991 while serving as Finance Minister. He later pointed to the irony that several Left leaders who had opposed computerisation eventually embraced the technology. Similarly, the Kochi Smart City project encountered stiff resistance from the Left when it was pursued by the UDF government, only to be carried forward later under the LDF administration. Several infrastructure projects in the state have witnessed comparable political reversals over the years. Satheesan unveiled the zoo relocation proposal during the three-day 'Reimagining Keralam' forum on Wednesday. He suggested shifting the zoo towards the Neyyar forest region, arguing that the animals could live in surroundings closer to their natural habitat. The Chief Minister also proposed converting the valuable city-centre land into a major public space modelled on world-class urban recreational hubs. Highlighting the zoo's significance, Prasanth noted that it attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually and generates around Rs 8 crore in revenue. Interestingly, BJP Mayor V.V. Rajesh welcomed the proposal and suggested that the Central Jail, another major government property located in the city centre, could also be shifted to a rural area. For now, the zoo remains where it is. But the political battle over its future has already begun.

bhaskarlive 17 Sep 2026 1:07 pm

Life Term Upheld For Schoolgirl Rape

The Kerala High Court has affirmed the conviction and life imprisonment of a former state government employee found guilty of raping a 14-year-old schoolgirl over 45 days in 2009. The court dismissed the accused's appeal, stating the victim's testimony was sterling quality and corroborated by medical evidence, rejecting claims of false implication.

Rediff 17 Sep 2026 12:42 pm

Keralam to support development of new medical device parks, ensure fast-track approval: CM

The next step for medical device makers should be to develop products for global markets: Satheesan

The Hindu Businessline 17 Sep 2026 12:05 pm

Ex-Keralam DGP Tomin Thachankary found guilty in disproportionate assets case

Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau registered the case in 2007 alleging that Thachankary had amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income between 2003 and 2007

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 12:00 pm

IMD Update: TN, Puducherry, Kerala to get heavy rain in weekend as low brews

There is no model consensus on the strength of the brewing low-pressure area as it gathers steam over the Bay of Bengal during the weekend and into early next week

The Hindu Businessline 17 Sep 2026 11:50 am

LDF to launch protest over dysfunctional streetlights in Kochi Corporation limits

LDF accuses the civic body of continuing neglect in ensuring functioning of streetlights, while allowing companies entrusted with their operation to take advantage of advertisements

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 11:39 am

Influenza, leptospirosis emerge as major killers this season in Keralam

As on September 15, the State has reported 10,244 cases of influenza and 109 deaths due to the infection. Confirmed leptospirosis deaths touch 100, apart from 78 probable deaths

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 10:57 am

Anto Augustine arrested in liquor case as Messi probe gathers pace

Digital Desk | Kochi, Sep 17 (IANS) Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine was formally arrested by the Excise Department in a case relating to the possession of liquor beyond the permissible limit, as the police investigation into alleged financial irregularities surrounding the proposed visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team to Kerala gathered pace. An Excise team led by Assistant Commissioner Baiju reached the Reporter TV office in Kalamassery in the early hours of Thursday and took Augustine into custody. He was later subjected to a medical examination and is now being taken to Wayanad, a journey expected to take several hours. He will be produced before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Sulthan Bathery. The arrest followed the seizure of a large quantity of liquor from Augustines ancestral house at Vazhavatta in Wayanad during the SIT search on Wednesday. Excise officials seized 43 litres of foreign liquor, seven litres of foreign wine and 13 litres of homemade wine, besides liquor bottles not authorised for sale in India. The arrest at the Reporter TV office witnessed a tense sequence of events. After the Excise team read out the seizure mahazar, Augustine insisted that he be shown the FIR before being arrested. Though officials showed him a digital copy, he insisted on a hard copy. Perumbavoor Excise Circle Inspector Manoj Kumar subsequently arrived with the physical copy, following which the arrest was formally recorded. The developments came shortly after a nearly 20-hour search by the SIT at the Reporter Broadcasting Company office and premises linked to its owners in Kochi and Wayanad. The police seized several documents, memory cards and records relating to the Kaloor stadium, besides $6,300 in foreign currency. The searches were conducted under court warrants. State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, who returned from the US, said the SIT headed by ADGP P. Vijayan was constituted to investigate the Messi episode on the basis of a report submitted by the Sports Secretary. He said the report had been handed over to him by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. The SIT is doing its job according to law. It has acted only in accordance with the prevailing laws. The Home Minister does not intervene, Chennithala told reporters at the Cochin airport. He said any action found to be contrary to law would be examined. They had a search warrant and proceeded accordingly. What happened during the past one decade is known to everyone. Why did you not see that then? Many media personnel were under duress. We are making it very clear that if anything wrong has been done, it will be looked into, he said. The SIT search, led by Thrikkakara ACP Bijoy Chandran, began around 6 a.m. on Wednesday and concluded at about 2.30 a.m. on Thursday. The team also searched the flats of Augustine and his brothers at Chembumukku and the office of marketing company GOTAD, which investigators suspect has links with Augustine. Police said evidence had been collected and that the SIT chief would provide further details. The Excise case against Augustine carries non-bailable provisions under the Abkari Act, while the separate SIT investigation concerns alleged cheating and financial irregularities linked to the proposed Messi-Argentina event.

bhaskarlive 17 Sep 2026 8:38 am

Practice Match Day 2: Qamran Iqbals 185 powers JKCA to 316/6 against Kerala

Qamran Iqbal struck a magnificent 185 as Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) reached 316 for six against Kerala on the second day of their three-day senior mens practice match at SK Stadium, Srinagar on Wednesday. Resuming their innings on Day 2, JKCA were powered by a commanding knock from Qamran, who emerged as the standout performer with a 185-run innings before being dismissed. Kanwalpreet contributed 29, while Musaif Ajaz scored 26 as JKCA posted 316 for six by the end of the day. At the close, Abid Mushtaq was yet to open his account, while Sahil Lotra remained unbeaten on eight. For Kerala, Edhan A Tom, Akhin Sathar, Ibnul Aftab, Abhishek P Nair, J S Anurajan and Pawan claimed a wicket each. Qamrans 185 was the defining performance of the day as JKCA head into the final day at 316/6.

Greater Kashmir 17 Sep 2026 6:46 am

Kerala Assembly Showcases Innovative Governance at Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town

Keralas Speaker highlights innovative governance and inclusivity initiatives at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town. Kerala Assembly Showcases Innovative Governance at Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town

Daily Kiran 17 Sep 2026 3:59 am

PIL in Kerala High Court seeks regulation of counsellors and mental health services

Court seeks the Union governments response on implementing regulations under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021

The Hindu 17 Sep 2026 1:43 am

Keralam to support new medical device parks, fast-track approvals, says CM V.D. Satheesan

Government is moving towards a 'single door, single document, single approval' system for new industrial projects, with amendments being made to 19 laws, says Chief Minister. The objective is to end prolonged delays and ensure approvals within a defined timeframe

The Hindu 16 Sep 2026 11:21 pm

CMs plan to relocate city zoo triggers debate

Some activists say the concept of zoo is outdated; others want green lung in heart of the city to be maintained

The Hindu 16 Sep 2026 10:10 pm

Clash during bank election: CPI(M) leader held in Kozhikode

Case relates to clash during Chevayur bank election on November 16, 2024, in which a native of Mukkom sustained serious injuries

The Hindu 16 Sep 2026 9:44 pm

MVD suspends licences of three bus workers in Kozhikode over alleged brawl

Argument over scheduled bus timings escalates into physical confrontation on road, causing significant traffic disruption, says MVD

The Hindu 16 Sep 2026 9:35 pm

Veterinarians trained in antimicrobial stewardship and One Health at KVASU

Field veterinarians trained in vaccination, alternatives to antibiotics, farm biosecurity and hygiene, animal welfare and gender-responsive veterinary services

The Hindu 16 Sep 2026 9:30 pm

Muslim Youth League protests against Mailampulli toll booth

Members of the Muslim Youth League blocked the Kozhikode-Palakkad National Highway 966 at Mailampulli on Wednesday, September 16, to protest the construction of a toll booth they claim would exacerbate safety issues on the newly expanded road

The Hindu 16 Sep 2026 8:59 pm

Case registered against Anto Augustine over allegations concerning Keralam Chief Ministers second marriage

FIR alleges that Reporter TV managing director and two unidentified persons conspired to defame the Chief Minister in public by circulating and retaining documents which they allegedly knew to be fabricated

The Hindu 16 Sep 2026 8:48 pm

Keralams electricity regulatory commission to hold consultations on draft tariff norms on Sept. 29, 30

Consultations, planned in hybrid mode, will be held in morning and afternoon sessions. The regulations, once finalised, will govern electricity tariff-related matters for the five-year control period starting 2027-28

The Hindu 16 Sep 2026 8:31 pm