Searches at locations in cities, including Kochi, Kozhikode and Chennai, linked to R. Premkumar, founding member and de facto chairman and managing director of BLM, and some others
18-year-old arrested after car with burst tyre hits over a dozen vehicles in Keralam
Police said the teenager, who had hired the car, was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or narcotic drugs, though this was yet to be ascertained
Vivek Ramaswamy loses Ohio race; Amy Acton becomes first Democrat to win office in 20 years
Digital Desk | Washington, Nov 4 (IANS) Indian-American Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, whose family traces its roots to Kerala, conceded Ohio's gubernatorial election to Democrat Amy Acton, ending a high-profile campaign strongly backed by President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. The defeat represented a major electoral setback for Republicans in a state Trump won comfortably in 2024. Acton, a 60-year-old physician and former Ohio health director, on Tuesday night (local time) became the first woman elected governor of Ohio and the first Democrat to win the office since 2006. Late election-night returns showed Acton receiving approximately 51 per cent of the vote against Ramaswamy's 46 per cent, with Libertarian Don Kissick securing about three per cent. The result represented a swing of roughly 16 percentage points towards Democrats compared with Trump's 11-point victory margin in Ohio in the 2024 presidential election. Speaking at his election-night gathering in Ohio, Ramaswamy acknowledged defeat and said he had contacted Acton to congratulate her. In his remarks, Ramaswamy thanked supporters and spoke about continuing to serve Ohio outside public life. He also thanked his parents, wife Apoorva, their three children and his running mate, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley. Ramaswamy, 41, had sought to become Ohio's first Indian-American Governor after emerging as a prominent national Republican figure through his unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign. His defeat carried significance beyond Ohio because Trump and Vance had invested considerable political capital in his candidacy. Addressing a Republican rally in Chillicothe on October 28, Trump had declared: Six days from now, the people of Ohio are going to elect Vivek Ramaswamy as your Governor. Trump subsequently held another campaign event by telephone on October 31, urging Republican voters to turn out for Ramaswamy and other party candidates. Vance, a former Ohio senator, returned to his home state on November 2 for an election-eve rally in Swanton. So I know that we are going to elect Vivek Ramaswamy and Jon Husted, Vance told supporters. The results went against both predictions. Democrat Sherrod Brown also defeated Republican Senator Jon Husted, handing the party another significant Ohio loss. Ramaswamy's campaign had become increasingly bitter in its closing weeks after an advertisement featuring Acton's estranged mother accused the Democrat of dishonesty. The advertisement drew criticism from Democrats and Republicans, including outgoing Governor Mike DeWine, while Trump defended Ramaswamy's decision to use it. Ramaswamy campaigned on lowering taxes, deregulation and reducing government expenditure. Acton emphasised affordability, healthcare, education and relief for working families. The Republican candidate also invested heavily in the race, lending more than $36 million of his own money to his campaign by late September. Born in Cincinnati in 1985, Ramaswamy is the son of Indian immigrants with ancestral roots in Vadakkencherry in Kerala's Palakkad district. His father, V.G. Ramaswamy, studied in Kerala before moving to the United States, where he worked as an engineer. His mother, Geetha Ramaswamy, is a psychiatrist. Ramaswamy graduated from Harvard University and Yale Law School and founded the biotechnology company Roivant Sciences in 2014.
Charges in connection with a road construction project undertaken under Kerala State Transport Project nearly two decades ago when the current CEC was serving as PWD Secretary in Keralam
Kerala To Launch Anonymous Campus Complaint App, Set Up 300 Science Centres
Kerala will open 300 centres promoting scientific thinking among 15 lakh youths and launch a mobile app for anonymous campus complaints.
Forget visa stamps! Kerala man's passport is filled with phone numbers and maths sums
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has directed the VACB to investigate new bribery allegations against Gyanesh Kumar. The allegations involve a former contractor who claims Kumar demanded a bribe during a road construction project. This project was part of the Kerala State Transport Project conducted nearly two decades ago. A previous Vigilance inquiry was closed without establishing the claims made by the contractor.
Keralam CM Satheesan urges nationwide drive to clear PAC backlog and questions CAG audit methods
The News Mill
Rajiv-Farooq rigged 1987 polls: Ram Madhav
Jammu, Nov 3:BJP national vice president Ram Madhav on Tuesday, in a direct dig at LOP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and his ally NC leadership, alleged that contrary to Congress accusations (against BJP), it was former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi joined by the then Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, who had massively rigged assembly elections in 1987, leading to emergence of terrorism in J&K. Referring to the Congress allegations against the Modi government of committing electoral frauds, Madhav asserted, In fact, in the history of the country, only two Prime Ministers actually committed such proven electoral frauds. One was Rahuljis grand-mother Indira Gandhi, whose election was declared void by Allahabad court proving the charge that the official election machinery was misused by her to emerge victorious. In response, Indira imposed an emergency in the country. Secondly in 1987 in J&K assembly elections, Rahuls father and the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in league with Farooq Abdullah, who was then J&K Chief Minister had resorted to large-scale irregularities in the election process, leading to emergence of terrorism here (in J&K). These are well-recorded facts, he maintained. Madhav, accompanied by J&K BJP general secretaries Gopal Mahajan, Baldev Singh Billawaria, chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi and other senior leaders, was addressing a press conference at BJP headquarter, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. He accused the Congress of attempting to fulfill its avowed objective of regime change through anarchy, violence and riots as it could not win power through democratic means of electoral battle. But people are with Modiji and this became evident again during their oppositions much hyped Ramlila Maidan rally, where 23 parties together could hardly bring 50,000 or 60,000 people against their haughty claims of 1 million people. BJP, even in a normal rally in an assembly constituency of Jammu, can bring 5000 people, he maintained. With regard to questions about NC rebellion post cabinet expansion and speculations linking his visit to efforts of BJP government formation, he refused to make any comment. Im here to address only the issue related to fake propaganda being run by the opposition on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) across the country and particularly in the union capital. For the past few months, the main opposition party Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi have been busy spreading lies that the Election Commission has manipulated the country's electoral system, Madhav said. The Election Commission will reply to these allegations and they have already submitted a detailed affidavit in the Supreme Court vis-a-vis entire process of SIR and all facts related to it. But we want to expose Congress real intentions behind the controversy they wilfully created to achieve its objective of regime-change but not through democratic means. Their leaders are spelling out openly at every public forum and social media that they wanted regime-change like it happened in Bangladesh and Nepal, he said. It was because the opposition had realised that they could not defeat BJP, the Prime Minister Narenda Modi electorally, so they (Congress and other opposition parties) wanted to overthrow democratically-elected regime and wrest power through anarchy, creating doubts about constitutional institutions, Madhav alleged. However, the people of India will never allow the Congress to succeed in its intentions to spread anarchy in the country, he asserted. Madhav described all allegations of Congress regarding SIR exercise, presently underway in many parts of the country and already completed in several states, as out and out white lies. BJP national vice president reiterated that the Election Commission, through constitutional exercise SIR, was actually cleansing the electoral system of all sins of Congress which fiddled with the electoral rolls during the past several decades. He asserted that the Congress's politics of confusion, confrontation and institutional distrust would not succeed in India. Madhav stated the SIR exercise, being undertaken after nearly two decades, was a legitimate democratic process in which Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were conducting door-to-door verification to ensure the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls and identify illegal entries, including those of foreign nationals residing illegally in India. He alleged that the Congress wanted illegal voters to remain on electoral rolls because its political calculations depended on manipulating the electoral environment. He said the opposition's repeated allegations against constitutional institutions were part of a larger conspiracy to create street unrest and engineer political instability, drawing parallels with developments in neighbouring Bangladesh and Nepal. Regarding Congress main allegation that the names of 13 crore voters were deleted (through SIR exercise), Madhav questioned why it could not bring those people to the fore. Where are those 13 Cr voters whose names, according to the Congress, have been deleted? SIR is cleansing electoral rolls of discrepancies through constitutionally valid SIR exercise, happening after a gap of 20 years. The names of dead (around 2-3 Cr), transferred (around 6 Cr), non-existent voters (1 or 2 Cr) and infiltrators who are illegal voters have been deleted and are being deleted. Like in Jammu, Rohingyas have settled at many places. The names of such infiltrators, illegal immigrants get deleted. This is imperative. Does the Congress want those infiltrators to be included in the electoral rolls as its prospective voters, he threw a poser. He asserted that one to two crore people, who were genuine voters yet their names were deleted through computer based mechanism, could go and get their names included in the electoral rolls as per the set procedure and there was no bar on it. He alleged that earlier Congress was blaming EVMs for its defeats but could not establish the charge and currently, it was accusing BJP of stealing mandate through vote-Chori. Between 2014 and 2024, the Congress lost 56 assembly polls and three parliamentary elections i.e., 2014, 2019 and 2024. But that time present Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar was not there. Then how was Congress defeated? They (Congress) have no logic and it is resorting to political conspiracy. The government is willing to convene a special Parliament session but they (opposition) are running away. They are only trying to provoke people through false propaganda, Madhav alleged. He mocked that the Congress was crediting BJP for its electoral victories in Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana stating that they were made to win by it (BJP) so that it (BJP) could justify its electoral fraud in other states and parliamentary polls. Nothing could be more ridiculous than this illogical explanation about their wins through the same electoral system, which they are criticising. This depicts how pitiable their condition is, he said. Madhav explained that they (Congress) were seeking replacement of EVMs with the ballot papers. In the recent municipal polls conducted through ballot papers in October, Congress could win only two wards out of 42 wards. In MLC elections, which are always conducted through ballot papers, out of 28 seats, BJP-allies won 16 seats and BJP won 13 seats but Congress could win only one seat. Responding to another question, he said that there could be possibilities of some discrepancies or errors in SIR exercise, conducted through computer-based mechanisms. Those errors can always be rectified. If the names of genuine voters get deleted, they can get their names added in the voter lists through relevant forms. Revision is a constitutional process. In Uttarakhand, where Im (BJP) Prabhari, names deleted mainly comprised Hindu voters and this happened at some other places. Eligible persons can always get their names included, he explained.
School teacher from Keralams Kozhikode held for alleged sexual assault
Traffic regulations at Palarivattom in Kochi for a month
SFI leader arrested over protest against Minister at Maharajas College in Keralams Kochi
Youth held for alleged bid to kill minor in Keralams Perumbavoor
SIT report says charges against KSU activists in Veena George case cannot be sustained
SIT finds no grounds to sustain charges of rioting, wrongful restraint and trespass; says black flag protest is not a criminal offence; final report says KSU activists did not obstruct police or wrongfully restrain former Health Minister
Kochi Corporation Council passes SIR resolution amid protests; BJP councillors walk out
The resolution, backed by Left Democratic Front parliamentary party leader V.A. Sreejith, criticised Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar for allegedly bringing disrepute to a constitutional position through the purported sabotage of the democratic process by stripping over 13 crore voters of their voting rights
Lawyer approaches Kerala High Court against adverse remarks by district judge
Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad seeks reconstitution of governments health task force
It does not include members who have directly worked within the States public health sector, possess practical experience with its healthcare system, or have conducted significant research on the health issues
A song or two for the reconstruction of Tagore Centenary Hall in Kozhikode
Cultural activists urge Corporation to expedite reconstruction of the demolished 1,200-seat auditorium
Excise submits report on case against premium hotel in Keralams Kochi
Action will be taken if it is found that illegal activities were taking place in the cover of bar licence, says Excise Minister
Kochi Corporation clears 30 projects worth 1,500 crore for Urban Challenge Fund
Projects include mobility hubs, civic tower, cultural district and waste-processing facility under Kochi@2050 vision; Union government to provide 25% of project cost as grant; Opposition councillors raise concerns over prioritising revenue-generating projects and use of land earmarked for welfare initiatives
Keralam CM Satheesan says social media trends, ratings race threaten journalistic credibility
Inaugurating the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, CM says established mainstream media organisations, despite their rich traditions and heritage, were increasingly following trends set by social media
Student Arrested After Minister's Event Disruption
Police in Kochi have arrested a former student, Sidharth Sunil, in connection with the disruption of an event at Maharajas College last week where Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M John was speaking. Another former student has also been taken into custody. The disruption was reportedly by SFI activists protesting the suspension of students from another university.
Kerala Launches Digital Systems for Real-Time Crime Monitoring and Complaint Management
Keralas Home Minister launches digital platforms to enhance police efficiency and ensure timely action on complaints and crime data. Kerala Launches Digital Systems for Real-Time Crime Monitoring and Complaint Management
Retired Pilot, Kerala High Court Judge Conquer Gruelling Goa Ironman 70.3
For Augustine, a qualified divemaster, swimming was relatively easy. Even cycling 90 kilometres felt like a warm-up. But running in the Goan heat, with exhausted legs and a steep hill to climb three times, became his real test.
Oachira religious school in Keralams Kollam sealed following arrest in minor abuse case
Its director was arrested for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl under the pretext of exorcism
Hartal in ESA-affected areas of Palakkad on Nov. 6
First import container at Vizhinjam bolsters Keralams development aspirations
Boys death in Parassala: panel registers suo motu case
Seeks reports from police and child protection officer after 14-year-old dies at wedding function; relatives blame faulty ornamental light installation
Keralam to announce new womens policy on March 8
Deputy Speaker calls for 50% reservation for women in policy framing committees
KSSP demands reconstitution of task force on public health
Says panel lacks representation of public health experts and government doctors; warns against giving commercial interests precedence over peoples healthcare needs
Demand to open Nadakkavu overbridge ahead of Kalpathy fest in Keralam
Nadakkavu Overbridge Action Council says nearly 95% of the construction work has been completed; keeping the bridge closed during the festival will cause inconvenience to local residents and motorists, it adds
Demand to open Nadakkavu overbridge ahead of Kalpathy fest in Keralam
Nadakkavu Overbridge Action Council says nearly 95% of the construction work has been completed; keeping the bridge closed during the festival will cause inconvenience to local residents and motorists, it adds
Planning Board Vice-Chairman to visit Idukki on Nov. 30
The Vice-Chairman and his team will visit the district to discuss ideas, recommendations, and problem-solving strategies related to the hilly regions development
17-year-old Rudresh from Thiruvananthapuram donates organs, offering six people a new lease of life
Following the consent given by the family, Rudreshs both kidneys, pancreas, liver, both corneas, and the abdominal fascia and vessels were harvested
Three Arrested, Including 18-Year-Old Girl Student, In Kerala Teen's Murder
A special investigation team has been constituted to probe the case.
Extension of MEMU to Ernakulam raises concerns among Kottayam-Kollam commuters
Under the revised arrangement, the 66315 MEMU, which currently leaves Kottayam for Kollam at 5.40 p.m, will instead originate from Ernakulam at 5.25 p.m. and reach Kottayam at 6.45 p.m.
Urvil Patel Shines with Unbeaten Double Century Against Kerala in Ranji Trophy
Urvil Patel scores an unbeaten double century, leading Gujarat to a strong position against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy match. Urvil Patel Shines with Unbeaten Double Century Against Kerala in Ranji Trophy
Joint training for India-Sri Lanka NCC cycling expedition commences in Kollam
CPI(M) to launch indefinite sit-in protest over Adoor police station attack
Around 5,000 party workers will take part in the protest on the first day and the agitation will continue until action is taken, says CPI(M)
Nirmalam campaign launched in Keralams Kozhikode Corporation
The campaign aims at bringing about a comprehensive transformation in waste management through public participation
Controversy Erupts Over DSP Recruitment in Kerala, Home Minister Orders SIT Investigation
Keralas Home Minister directs an SIT to investigate allegations of irregularities in a police recruitment process. Controversy Erupts Over DSP Recruitment in Kerala, Home Minister Orders SIT Investigation
Opposition creating anarchy to come to power: Karandlaje
Opposition creating anarchy to come to power: Karandlaje
Revenue department to conduct hearing for landowners in Keralams ecologically fragile Chokramudy
Move follows a recent High Court order directing the Devikulam Subcollector to grant landowners an opportunity to submit relevant land records and to conduct a formal hearing
Revenue department to conduct hearing for landowners in Keralams ecologically fragile Chokramudy
Move follows a recent High Court order directing the Devikulam Subcollector to grant landowners an opportunity to submit relevant land records and to conduct a formal hearing
Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala assures strict action in Adoor police station incident
Youth Congress workers, led by Pathanamthitta district panchayat member Sreenadevi Kunjamma and Feni Ninan, was accused of allegedly trespassing into the police station and confronting a person in the lock-upon July 11
Court sentences man to 13 years RI for assaulting minor
Court sentences man to 13 years RI for assaulting minor
PWD sets target to build 350 bridges, 15,000 km of BMBC roads in five years in Keralam
PWD sets target to build 350 bridges, 15,000 km of BMBC roads in five years in Keralam
Fishers demand continuous Coast Guard patrols off Colachel coast following mid-dea attack
Keralam announces 50% concession on traffic fines under e-challan amnesty scheme
The offer covers violations recorded up to March 31, 2026, and applies to fines imposed by both the MVD and the police
Belagavi artist participating in Kerala charity show
Meghalaya Lok Bhavan celebrates foundation day of 15 states, UTs
Shillong, Nov 3: Meghalaya Lok Bhavan on Tuesday organised a grand cultural programme to commemorate the foundation and statehood days of 15 States and Union Territories, celebrating Indias unity in diversity. The states and UTs celebrated were Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya [] The post Meghalaya Lok Bhavan celebrates foundation day of 15 states, UTs first appeared on Highland Post .
Chennithala orders SIT probe into alleged fast-tracked DSP recruitment for SFI leader
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 3 (IANS) Kerala Home Minister, Ramesh Chennithala, on Tuesday directed the Crime Branch Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations that the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) attempted to appoint an SFI leader as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) through special recruitment in violation of prescribed rules. Chennithala asked Ajitha Begum, head of the Crime Branch SIT, to investigate a complaint filed by Save University Forum chairman, R.S. Sasikumar. The complaint alleges that the recruitment move was pushed under the leadership of PSC chairman M.R. Baiju. The PSC had decided to appoint K.J. Jithin, an SFI leader from Ernakulam, through the special recruitment route. The complaint alleges that the move was intended to secure his appointment before the previous LDF government's term ended. As many as 17,392 candidates had applied for the post and the last date for applications was September 10, 2025. The written examination was held on December 31, followed by the physical efficiency test on March 16, 2026. Interviews were conducted on April 22 and the final rank list was published on May 6. The complainant alleged that the entire process was completed in unusual haste. He also questioned how Jithin could be considered for direct appointment as a DSP when, according to the complaint, he had passed his B.Com examination only with grace marks and failed to figure even in the main list of candidates in the Police Constable recruitment examination. The complaint further alleged that Jithin was facing several criminal cases and that his direct appointment as a DSP amounted to a serious violation of recruitment norms. The issue had surfaced on Monday, adding to the mounting scrutiny of the PSC over alleged irregularities in recruitment. The PSC chairman and three members had earlier been questioned by the Crime Branch SIT in connection with another recruitment-related controversy. Jithin had denied any irregularity in the selection process and maintained that the complaint was aimed at blocking his appointment. The latest direction from Chennithala is expected to bring the special recruitment proposal under the SIT's scrutiny.
CPI(M) protests sharp cut in Kerala Sahitya Akademi funding
Party demands withdrawal of October 11 government order slashing allocation to 50 lakh; alleges funding crunch has disrupted Akademis functioning and delayed staff salaries
The initiatives are aimed at improving grievance redressal, strengthening police administration and enabling real-time monitoring of crime statistics in Keralam.
The single judge had on October 30 allowed the suspended students to write the exams, scheduled to commence from November 4, and directed the university to accept the necessary examination fees
The Division Bench of Justices Anil K. Narendran and S. Muralee Krishna held that the single Bench erred in issuing the directions in the absence of evidence from the students demonstrating their eligibility to appear for the examinations
School holiday news: The IMD has issued heavy rainfall warnings for parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Odisha and Chhattisgarh on November 4, 2026. The weather alerts have raised the possibility of school closures in affected districts. However, no statewide school holiday has been confirmed, and the final decision will depend on local administrations and state authorities.
Future Kochi Conclave on November 6
Kochi: The Kochi Corporation and Jain Universitys Future Kerala Mission will jointly organise the Future Kochi Conclave on November 6 and 7 to help formulate a comprehensive development policy for the city. The conclave will be held at the Jain University campus in collaboration with Cardiff University, UK. The conclave will be inaugurated by Minister []
Keralam CM Satheesan questions CAG audit methods
The estimated loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore in the 2G spectrum allocation was not an actual realised loss but a hypothetical, presumptive projection, he said
Kerala Man Accused In Child Abuse Case Walks Out Of Jail, Tries To Kill Her
Weeks after walking out of jail, Mohammed Adnan, a resident of Perumani near Arakkappady, allegedly broke into the girl's house in the afternoon, assaulted her and tried to kill her with a knife.
UDF poised to recast LDFs permissive liquor policy as it prepares to promulgate it on November 30
Excise Minister M. Liju told The Hindu that the UDF would dismantle the rules and amendments that gave deputy excise commissioners the power to grant bar licenses
The late Communist leader T.V. Thomass role in Punnapra-Vayalar uprising sparks CPI-CPI(M) row
The controversy, which has played out largely on social media, centres on a special edition of Chintha, the CPI(M)s ideological publication, brought out to mark the uprisings 80th anniversary as CPI leaders took strong exception to the way it documented the struggle and its leaders
Excise departments 'hasty granting' of bar licenses wrong-foots UDF government
The contentious granting of licences, which reportedly angered the UDFs prohibitionist base comprising Christian and Muslim social organisations, occurred as the Cabinet formulated the States liquor policy for the current fiscal year
IAS Reshuffle in Kerala To Facilitate Corrupt Activities: CPI(M)
So, they (government) are moving senior bureaucrats, who are their favourites, to sectors where corruption is possible, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan alleged
After keeping her relationship away from the spotlight, Malayalam singer Rimi Tomy has finally revealed who she plans to marry. Her fianc is Libin Mathew, a bodybuilder and fitness trainer from Kerala who is currently based in Mumbai. The two are set to get married this November in a low-key ceremony in Dombivli.
What began with the discovery of unevaluated answers in a 2023 examination for senior posts in the State Planning Board has snowballed into a wider investigation by the Crime Branch
Keralam Home Minister introduces HM Acts and HOMeS to enhance ministry and police coordination
The News Mill
Student Federation of India Returns to Campus Protests Amid PSC Controversy Silence
The Student Federation of India resumes protests in Kerala after government change, raising questions over its silence on PSC recruitment issues. Student Federation of India Returns to Campus Protests Amid PSC Controversy Silence
Coimbatore prisoner who escaped custody twice questioned for second day
Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 3 (IANS) A 25-year-old remand prisoner, who escaped from police custody twice within 24 hours before being arrested from the Sathyamangalam forest area in Erode district, was questioned by Coimbatore police for the second consecutive day on Tuesday. The accused, Raghavan, also known as Kozikaran, is being interrogated by the Racecourse police to establish how he managed to evade security personnel and travel to the forest area after escaping from the premises of Coimbatore Central Prison. Police sources said investigators were examining whether Raghavan received assistance from anyone during his escape and subsequent movements. His statement has been recorded, and further questioning is underway to reconstruct the sequence of events. Raghavan was apprehended during a nighttime operation after a special police team located his hideout using drone surveillance. Following his escape, six special teams were constituted to trace him. The search extended across Erode and the Nilgiris districts, besides neighbouring Karnataka and Kerala. Acting on intelligence that he was hiding in the Sathyamangalam forest region, police intensified surveillance and deployed drone cameras to identify his location. The team surrounded the area and arrested him. Raghavan, a resident of the Sri Lankan Tamil Rehabilitation Centre at Bhavanisagar in Erode district, faces several criminal cases, including robbery and theft. The accused has a history of escaping from police custody. In June 2026, he reportedly escaped while being transported to Bengaluru. Police arrested him on October 30, but he managed to escape from Annur police station that evening. However, officers immediately pursued and apprehended him. Later that night, four police personnel, including a sub-inspector, escorted him to Coimbatore Central Prison for remand. While being taken into the prison premises, Raghavan allegedly assaulted the accompanying personnel and escaped once again, triggering a major security alert. The incident prompted authorities to suspend all four escorting police personnel for alleged negligence. A separate case was also registered in connection with the escape. Investigators are examining the circumstances that enabled the accused to repeatedly evade custody despite being under police escort. Police are expected to produce Raghavan before the jurisdictional court after completing the interrogation and make arrangements for his detention under enhanced security to prevent another escape.
SFI returns to campus protests, but silence on Kerala PSC row raises questions
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 3 (IANS) The Students Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the CPI(M), has returned to aggressive campus activism in Kerala following the change of government in the state. However, its silence on the ongoing Public Service Commission (PSC) recruitment controversy has drawn attention and criticism. SFI protests have been reported at several universities, including Calicut, Kalady and Kerala universities, since the Congress-led government under Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan assumed office. Some of these demonstrations have also resulted in clashes with the police. Several of these protests have also led to clashes with the police. But what is drawing attention is not just the return of SFI to street politics, but its conspicuous silence over the ongoing Public Service Commission (PSC) recruitment controversy. During the Pinarayi Vijayan government, SFI protests were relatively rare. One major exception was its agitation against then Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who was also the Chancellor of state universities. Now, with a change in government, the student organisation is back in an aggressive mode. Last week's incident at Maharaja's College in Kochi was particularly striking. State Higher Education Minister Roji M. John faced protests from SFI activists when he arrived to attend a convocation ceremony. The incident underlined the sharp change in the political atmosphere on campuses. The Satheesan government and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala have taken a firm position on such protests, and confrontations with the police have become more visible. But on the PSC issue, SFI's silence has surprised many. The investigation into alleged irregularities in PSC examinations and appointments has already led to the arrest of a senior commission official and a former employee. The Special Investigation Team has questioned PSC Chairman M.R. Baiju and three other members. Notices have also been issued to the remaining 12 members of the 16-member commission, all appointed during the previous Vijayan government. The issue concerns the credibility of a recruitment system that thousands of young people depend on for government jobs. It is also a matter that directly affects students and job aspirants, a section SFI claims to represent. That makes the organisation's silence particularly difficult to overlook. SFI may have returned to the streets over the change of government, but its reluctance to speak on an issue affecting the future of thousands of young job seekers raises a larger question -- where is the student organisation when the interests of students and job aspirants are at stake?
LDF seeks to galvanise coastal community against UDFs proposed high-value economic maritime corridor
The LDF has raised the spectre of large-scale displacement of fisherfolk, including the lack of free access to the coastline and the loss of homes and traditional livelihoods
The Kochi City Cyber police have registered a case against 18 social media handles for allegedly revealing the identity of a 17-year-old accused in the Cheranalloor luxury car crash case
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) The BJP on Tuesday rallied behind Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on infiltrators. Justifying his remarks, many BJP leaders concurred that that several opposition parties, who apparently banked on support of 'infiltrators' in influencing the poll outcome, were now apprehensive as the process of deleting such names from electoral rolls has begun. BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi said that Amit Shah was absolutely right and had repeatedly raised the issue on various platforms. Amit Shah was absolutely right. He has been saying this repeatedly on every platform, but these people are neither able to see nor hear it. In Congress-led states like Karnataka and Kerala, one crore names have been deleted in Karnataka. Senior ministers there are saying that the SIR was conducted properly, he said. BJP Telangana President Ramchandar Rao said that Amit Shah's padayatra in Hyderabad had received a good response and that the Home Minister had clarified the party's position on the issue. Yesterday, Amit Shah's padayatra was a great show in Hyderabad. He clarified to the people that Congress wants infiltrator voters to remain on the voter list so that they can win elections. They have won elections in many states because of infiltrators, and now that the process of deleting these voters has started, they are afraid, he said. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also backed the Home Minister's remarks, saying that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise had identified three crore people who had allegedly got their names illegally included in the country's electoral rolls and were consuming its resources. Home Minister Amit Shah was absolutely right. The SIR exercise clearly identified three crore people who had illegally got their names added to the country's voter list and were consuming the country's resources. Action must be taken against such people, he said. However, JD(U) National General Secretary Shyam Rajak said that ensuring the accuracy of electoral rolls was the government's responsibility and that officials and election authorities should also be held accountable for any irregularities. The question is not about Rahul Gandhi or Amit Shah. It is the government's responsibility to do its job. If someone is here illegally, has come from another country and got their name registered, then somewhere your own officials and election authorities are responsible for these mistakes. There is no need to look for who made the mistakes now. Remove whatever is incorrect and re-enter the names of those who are eligible, he said. Meanwhile, addressing a gathering during his padayatra in Hyderabad on Monday, Amit Shah alleged that the Congress was opposing the SIR exercise to protect Bangladeshi infiltrators from being removed from electoral rolls. By opposing the SIR, the Congress party wants to protect Bangladeshi infiltrators in the country's electoral rolls. But I have come here today to say that Rahul ji and Revanth Reddy ji can put in as much effort as they want. The BJP will ensure that every single infiltrator is removed from the voter list and driven out of the country, he said. He further alleged that the Congress and its allies were opposing the SIR because infiltrators constituted their vote bank, adding that the BJP stood firmly behind the exercise. Only those who are citizens of this country will be allowed to vote here, HM Shah said.
Kerala Islamic Preacher Arrested For Raping Minor, Cops Suspect More Victims
Investigators are preparing to examine the mobile phone and electronic devices of 34-year-old Mohammed Niyas Jouhari, who was arrested on Sunday.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan launches the initiative at Dr Joy Alukkass 70th birthday celebrations Kochi: Joyalukkas Group has announced a 100 crore allocation towards expanding its charitable initiatives and strengthening its support for underprivileged and vulnerable communities across the country. The announcement was made by Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan during the 70th birthday celebrations []
Kerala SIT gives clean chit to KSU activists in ex-Minister Veena George attack case
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 3 (IANS) In a major development in the alleged attack on former Kerala Health Minister Veena George, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday informed the court that none of the charges against the five KSU activists involved in the case can be sustained. SIT head U. Preman submitted the final report before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Kannur, stating that the activists had not committed any of the offences mentioned in the charge sheet. The report says charges of rioting and trespassing into the railway premises will not stand. It also makes it clear that the protesters did not obstruct the police from performing their official duties. A black-flag protest, the SIT says, does not amount to a criminal offence. The latest report marks a significant turn in the case, which had attracted considerable political attention after the police invoked serious charges, including attempt to murder, against the five Kerala Students' Union (KSU) activists. The SIT has found that the activists did not attack Veena George. It has also said that the protesters never managed to reach her during the demonstration at Kannur railway station, early this year. The alleged assault charge could not be established after the former minister's gunman, Abhilash, changed his statement before the investigating team. He told the SIT that he had not seen the protesters attempting to attack Veena George. The original case was based largely on his statement that the protesters had attempted to assault the minister using weapons. However, the SIT could not recover the weapons allegedly used in the incident. The investigation found that what took place was a scuffle between the KSU activists and the police. The team had earlier submitted a report to the Director General of Police (DGP), pointing out that the protest had been exaggerated and that the activists had not reached the former minister. The gunman also reportedly told the SIT that he had given a false statement at Veena George's direction. This disclosure had raised questions over the original version of the incident. The latest report before the court now places the entire case in a different light, with the SIT concluding that the protesters cannot be prosecuted for the offences originally alleged against them. The case had become a major political controversy, with the Congress and the CPI(M) taking sharply opposing positions over the incident. The CPI (M), as soon as the incident occurred in February, staged protest marches as elections were round the corner.
Kerala Man Loses Rs 7.7 Lakh To Fake SIR Name Correction Scam
Thrippunithura: A 72-year-old man lost Rs 7.7 lakh after cyber fraudsters allegedly targeted him with a fake message about discrepancies in his Special Intensive Revision (SIR) records and tricked him into sharing his banking details. The victim, identified as Parameswaran Nair, a resident of Eroor West in Thrippunithura, lost the money from two bank accounts []
The Most Influential Person in the Room May Not Be the One in Charge
Kerala : As organisations become more collaborative and decisions increasingly cross functional boundaries, the ability to command attention, build trust, and influence without authority is emerging as a defining capability for tomorrows senior leaders. Imagine a senior manager presenting a carefully developed business strategy to an executive committee. The analysis is rigorous, the recommendations are []
Termination of NHM staffs job contract likely to affect services in govt. hospitals in Keralam
Job contracts of 1,495 temporary staff working under the National Health Mission have been terminated from October 31; ninety-nine people have lost their jobs in Kozhikode district alone
Termination of NHM staffs job contract likely to affect services in govt. hospitals in Keralam
Job contracts of 1,495 temporary staff working under the National Health Mission have been terminated from October 31; ninety-nine people have lost their jobs in Kozhikode district alone
Cyclone Murasu: Heavy rain lashes TN; schools in Cuddalore closed
Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 3 (IANS) Schools across Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu have been declared closed on Tuesday following heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Murasu, which has made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast. The Cuddalore District Collector issued the holiday order as thunderstorms, lightning and persistent rain disrupted normal life in several parts of the district. The holiday applies to schools in Cuddalore taluk, including areas affected by intense rainfall around Cuddalore town, Reddichavadi and Nellikuppam. The precautionary decision was taken to ensure the safety of students amid continuing adverse weather conditions Cyclone Murasu, which developed over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur after intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm. Its influence has brought widespread rainfall and unsettled weather conditions to northern Tamil Nadu and neighbouring regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cyclones impact, combined with an atmospheric circulation prevailing over southern Kerala and adjoining areas, is likely to produce rainfall across several districts of Tamil Nadu. The weather department has forecast heavy rainfall at one or two places in the Nilgiris district on Tuesday. Moderate rainfall is also expected in parts of the Western Ghats districts, northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. Chennai and its surrounding suburban areas are likely to experience moderate rainfall during the day, with cloudy skies expected to prevail. According to the forecast, interior districts of Tamil Nadu may receive moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning on Wednesday. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Theni and Dindigul districts on Thursday. In the Cuddalore district, the weather conditions have deteriorated following intense thunderstorms and lightning in several localities. The district administration announced the school holiday after assessing the rainfall situation and potential risks to students travelling to educational institutions. The authorities are closely monitoring the weather situation as the cyclonic system moves inland and gradually weakens. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms, avoid unnecessary travel through waterlogged roads and follow official weather advisories. The IMD is expected to continue issuing updates on rainfall intensity and the movement of the weakened cyclonic system over the coming days.
CEC Faces Heat Over Kerala Corruption Charges
As CEC Gyanesh Kumar faces protests over electoral roll revisions, a 20-year-old Kerala corruption case resurfaces.
Police foil bid to snatch smuggled gold from woman at Karipur
Around 10 people had reached the airport in two cars to seize the gold and abduct her
The Union Cabinet raised the dearness allowance for central government employees and pensioners by 3%, from 60% to 63% of basic pay, effective 1 July, ahead of Diwali. Here are the other states that have also hiked DA amid the festive season.
