Over 5.75 lakh devotees visit Sabarimala temple in first week of pilgrimage season
KOCHI (Kerala), Nov 22: Over 5.75 lakh devotees have visited the Sabarimala temple since it opened for the mandala-makaravilakku season on November 16, authorities said on Saturday. A press release from the Information and Public Relations Department said that as of 7 pm on Saturday, more than 5.75 lakh pilgrims had visited the hill shrine. On Saturday alone, 72,845 devotees reached the sannidhanam till 7 pm. While the flow of devotees continues without interruption, all arrangements for smooth darshan have [] The post Over 5.75 lakh devotees visit Sabarimala temple in first week of pilgrimage season appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Battle for the ballot a burden on the pocket
Though the State Election Commission has set a ceiling of 1.5 lakh as election expenses for candidates in district panchayats and Corporations, the real cost overshoots the limit by a huge margin. Parties bear a portion of the expenses, but the candidate has to shoulder the actual burden
Student leaders give a campus vibe for local body elections in Kerala
CPI(M) has fielded 48 leaders of Students Federation of India in the polls while the Congress has found 79 candidates from the Kerala Students Union. MSF, the students union of the Indian Union Muslim League has fielded 47 leaders, while 14 from the All India Students Federation, the CPIs student wing, are also in the fray
Real-life Manjummel Boy in the fray in Kerala local body polls
JCO, Agniveer die in separate accidents in Poonch
Mendhar/Jammu, Nov 22: A junior commissioned officer (JCO) of the Army and an Agniveer died in separate incidents in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday. JCO Sajeesh K, a resident of Kerala, was leading a search party in the Seri Mastan area of Behramgalla on Friday evening when he lost balance [] The post JCO, Agniveer die in separate accidents in Poonch appeared first on Northlines .
Border Security Update Kerala-Karnataka Police: Border Meet - Deccan Herald
Border Security Update Kerala-Karnataka Police: Border Meet Deccan Herald
Sanju Samson Included In Kerala Senior Team For Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
BCCI Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: India white-ball player Sanju Samson will lead the Kerala senior men's cricket team in the BCCI Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26 (Elite Group-A, League Stage) cricket tournament to be played at Lucknow from November 26 to December 8, 2025. The Kerala Cricket Association informed in a release that Sanju Samson will be the captain of the squad, which will leave for Lucknow on November 22, 2025, from Indore. Samson, who recently joined five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings from Rajasthan Royals in a trade that involved Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran going the other way in the biggest trade this season, was part of the Indian squad at the recent Asia Cup T20 that India won in the UAE a few months back. Samson will be hoping to maintain his recent form ahead of the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The squad coached by former India batter Amay Khurasiya also includes Vignesh Puthur, who was recently released by the Mumbai Indians. Also among other prominent players are Mohammed Azharuddeen M and Rohan S Kunnummal. The Kerala squad: Sanju V Samson (C)(WK), Rohan S Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharuddeen M (WK), Ahammed Imran (VC), Vishnu Vinod (WK), Nidheesh M.D, Asif KM, Akhil Scaria, Biju Narayanan N., Ankit Sharma, Krishna Devan R.J, Abdul Bazith P.A, Sharafuddeen N.M, Sibin P Gireesh, Krishna Prasad, Saly V Samson, Vignesh Puthur, Salman Nizar. Sanju V Samson (C)(WK), Rohan S Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharuddeen M (WK), Ahammed Imran (VC), Vishnu Vinod (WK), Nidheesh M.D, Asif KM, Akhil Scaria, Biju Narayanan N., Ankit Sharma, Krishna Devan R.J, Abdul Bazith P.A, Sharafuddeen N.M, Also Read: Live Cricket Score P Prasanth - Chairman of the Selection Committee will accompany the team. Article Source: IANS
50 booked, 3 held for disrupting flash mob
Kadamakudy shocker for Congress as candidates nomination gets rejected
The nomination papers filed by Elsy George was rejected after it was found that a person who had seconded her candidature was a voter outside the division
New labour codes aimed at creating trade union free-atmosphere: Elamaram Kareem
Panchayat Polls: Transwoman's Candidature Accepted In Women Reserved Seat In Kerala
The transwoman Amaya Prasad is conesting as Congress led UDF candidate from Pothencode ward of district panchayat. Earlier, the DEO had expressed doubts about her candidature from a ward reserved for women.
Consumer panel orders compensation for not repairing faulty air conditioner unit
Nomination of transpersons to contest from womens wards accepted
The candidatures of Amaya Prasad and Arunima M. Kurup, fielded by the UDF in Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha respectively, were approved by the respective returning officers on November 22, 2025, thus paving the way for them to contest the civic polls
Gold Bars Robbed From Kerala Goldsmith Inside Bandipur Tiger Reserve
The Kerala jeweller/goldsmith is identified as Vinu (49) a resident of Calicut and the incident occurred on November 20 at around 7.30 pm
Art has to ask difficult questions: T.M. Krishna
Carnatic musician receives fifth P. Govinda Pillai memorial national award in State capital
NIT-C students develop autonomous drone for disaster-relief operations
Local body polls: 2261 nominations rejected, shows latest update from State Election Commission
Money laundering: eight trusts with PFI links under ED scanner
Properties worth 67 crore were recently attached as part of an intensified investigation into the role of these trusts in handling funds for the banned Popular Front of India
Cruise season kicks off amid hopes of revival
A new addition to this years package tours is Kadamakkudy, which is fast emerging as one of the sought-after tourist destinations in Kochi
Action taken against illegal online sale of drugs
TiE Kerala awards 2025 presented
Scrutiny of nominations complete in Pathanamthitta
Clashes erupt after wedding procession blocks road in Thrissur
UDF has alternative plan for Keralas development, claims Satheesan
Special Intensive Revision: fake voters in Palakkad Lok Sabha, Assembly constituencies, allege BJP
Ticket number JD 545542 wins Pooja bumper lottery
Army JCO, Agniveer Die In Separate Accidents In J&Ks Poonch
Mendhar/Jammu, Nov 22: A junior commissioned officer (JCO) of the Army and an Agniveer died in separate incidents in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday. JCO Sajeesh K, a resident of Kerala, was leading a search party in the Seri Mastan area of Behramgalla on Friday evening when he lost balance while negotiating a steep slope and fell into a deep gorge, the officials said Army troops launched a rescue operation and recovered the body of [] The post Army JCO, Agniveer Die In Separate Accidents In J&Ks Poonch appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Revised fitness test fee sparks State-wide protest from motorists
Fishermen list long-standing woes ahead of local polls in Kozhikode district
They say an affordable housing scheme without relocating them from the existing location is the top priority which they want to materialise with the support of local administrators
Sabarimala spot booking to be raised based on daily footfall
Review meeting resolves to address shortcomings in the crowd-management arrangements. At present, an average of 70 pilgrims climb the 18 holy steps each minute. This will be raised to 85, allowing more devotees to have darshan
With no opposition, LDF secures four wins in Kannur
CPI(M) bags two seats in Anthoor municipality and two in Malapattam grama panchayat. DCC president says UDF candidates nominations were rejected to help the LDFs cause
Union government approves heritage mission for Kumaranalloor manuscripts
Among the 14 research institutions approved by the Mission across India, Sevadhi has been classified as an independent research institute
IAV develops tests for checking the efficacy of anti rabies vaccination
Special Intensive Revision: Efforts on track down untraceable voters
Labour codes: Kerala Minister assures not to adopt any anti-worker stand
Kerala Minister V Sivankutty has assured that the state government will not adopt an anti-worker stance while implementing the new central labour codes. The government is carefully evaluating the reforms, which aim for universal social security and improved worker rights. Discussions with trade unions and industry representatives will shape state-level rules.
ED says Anwar could not explain the surge in his assets from 14 crore to 64 crore in five years
The ED had conducted search operations at multiple premises linked to Mr. Anwar and others on Friday
MVD seizes 15 jazzed up tourist buses in Ernakulam
Counsellor suspended in Palathayi POCSO case after criticism by court
Allegations surfaced that the counsellor with the Women and Child Development department mentally harassed the survivor during the case
BJP expels Yuva Morcha office bearer arrested for alleged assault of woman
Kerala aids mass migration of second generation of nurses to Germany
The mass recruitment of nurses is being managed jointly by Kerala govt. and German Federal Employment Agency
Rain to gain strength in south, central Kerala; yellow alert for four districts on November 22
Thiruvananthapuram recorded the highest amount of rainfall during the last 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday
It was an emotional scene at one of the emergency rooms at a hospital in Kerala's Kochi where a man married the injured bride. The couple Avani and V M Sharon were forced to tie the knot in the hospital after the bride met with an accident and sustained serious injuries. With the permission of hospital authorities, the marriage of Avani of Kommadi, Alappuzha and V M Sharon of Thumboli was solemnised at VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi.
BLOs not pressured, focus on timely completion of SIR: Kerala chief electoral officer
Ratan U Kelkar, the Chief Electoral Officer for Kerala, emphasized that Booth Level Officers are getting comprehensive support for the electoral roll revision process. The focus is on achieving targets efficiently without imposing pressure. District collectors have been instructed to lend their full assistance to BLOs.
Trip on vintage charm with Vrischikolsavam in Tripunithura
Every year, the sleepy town of Tripunithura is jolted into a socio-cultural melange with the onset of Vrischikolsavam , the festival held in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (NovemberDecember). Held at the Poornathrayeesa Temple, this years eight-day festival began on November 19. It will conclude with the aarattu on November 26. It is believed that when the Perumpadappu Swaroopam (the erstwhile kingdom of Cochin) shifted its capital from earlier centres such as Mahodayapuram and later Thrissur to Tripunithura around the 14th century, the worship of Poornathrayeesa (Lord Krishna) acquired deeper political and familial significance, establishing the deity as the family god of the Cochin royal house. The temples annual Vrischikam festival subsequently evolved into the Rajotsavam , the official royal festival of the Cochin kingdom. Over the years, the festival has grown beyond its religious and royal origins to become a hotspot for Keralas major temple art forms, widening its popularity across communities. The temple premises transform into a vibrant 24-hour stage where performances unfold around the clock. Each day offers a curated roster featuring Panchari Melam and Thayambaka, Kathakali, Ottanthullal, and classical vocal and instrumental concerts. The ensemble Panchari Melam sets the primary auditory tone of the festival, giving the processions their momentum. This is also where a Tripunithura native often encounters a long-lost friend, a distant relative or gains new ulsavam buddies. Vrischikolsavam is anchored as much in musical rigour as in visual pageantry. Connoisseurs mark their calendars for specific melams often led by renowned maestros. Discussions on kalapramanam (tempo) and nadasoukhyam (tonal richness) continue long after the last beat of the chenda. The festival concludes on the eighth day with the aarattu at the Chakkamkulangara Temple, where the idol is taken for a ceremonial bath.
Kerala Lottery Pooja Bumper BR-106 Result 2025 Today: First Prize Rs 12 Crore
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, November 22, 2025: Check the complete list of winning numbers for the Pooja Bumper BR-106 lottery draw held on Saturday.
BJP cancels membership of Yuva Morcha leader arrested for assaulting live-in partner in Kerala
Gopu Paramasivan, a native of Thevara, was arrested on Friday (November 21) after allegedly assaulting his live-in partner at their rented house in Vyttila
After Congress initial suspense, Ravipuram division braces for high-stakes triangular contest
Ravipuram has traditionally been an impregnable stronghold of the party until sitting councillor and independent candidate S. Sasikala breached it in 2020
Kerala cybercrime police probe Fake Video of Chief election commissioner
Thiruvananthapuram: A case has been registered by the Cyber Wing of the Kerala Police after a fabricated post featuring a morphed image and edited video of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was circulated on social media ahead of the Kerala local body elections. The misleading content, traced initially to the social media platform X, allegedly Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Unidentified woman found dead in Kochi; man seen sitting beside body detained
The police said it is suspected that George murdered the woman following a financial dispute and his attempt to abandon the body failed as he was allegedly drunk and too tired
Kerala local body polls: Defections, narrow margins define fierce battle for Koothattukulam
Despite setbacks, both fronts remain confident of wresting power in the upcoming election
Woman found murdered, body wrapped in sack in Kochi
KOCHI: An unidentified woman was found murdered and wrapped in a plastic sack in the compound of a house in Thevara here, police said on Saturday. The body, discovered on the tiled courtyard beside the house, was first spotted by the volunteers of Haritha Karma Sena, the cleaning squad. The house owner was also found near the body. They soon informed the local councillor who in turn alerted the police. As per the preliminary investigation, the man was in relationship with the woman and murdered her following an argument. An investigation is on to find out the exact reason and method of killing, a police officer said. His arrest would be recorded soon and a probe is on to find out the details of the deceased woman, police added.
Case registered over circulation of fake video of Chief Election Commissioner
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A case has been registered after a fake video of the Chief Election Commissioner related to the local body election in Kerala circulated on social media platforms, officials said on Saturday. According to officials, Thiruvananthapuram City Cyber Police registered a case after the fake video was found during cyber patrolling operations on Friday. Police []
1.08 lakh aspirants file papers for local body polls in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As many as 1.08 lakh candidates filed a total of 1.64 lakh nominations for the local body elections scheduled in December, the State Election Commission said on Friday, the last day to file the papers. At 57,227, women aspirants outnumber men. Malappuram had the highest number of candidates and nominations 13,595 and 19,959, respectively while Wayanad had the lowest at 3,180 candidates and 5,227 nominations. The lone transgender candidate from Thiruvananthapuram submitted three sets of papers. Scrutiny of nominations will be done on Saturday. A final picture of those in the fray will emerge after the last date of withdrawing nominations on Monday. In Kannur, six LDF candidates are unopposed. They are K Rajitha and K Premarajan (Anthoor municipality), I V Othenan and C K Shreya (Malapattam grama panchayat), and Rethi P and Reshma P V (Kannapuram grama panchayat).
Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR — a Starbucks Reserve® location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening India’s coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, India’s coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from India’s key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical “model farms” in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing “model farms” within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen India’s entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, “India is one of our fastest-growing markets. We’re partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. It’s a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup .” Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, “ Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape India’s thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tata’s footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India .” Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for India’s ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the company’s plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve® coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve® experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating India’s coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the world’s finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of India’s coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, “ As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening India’s coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks .” About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.
Smooth darshan continues, pilgrim turnout crosses five lakh at Sabarimala
SABARIMALA: With crowd pressure easing considerably on Friday, Sabarimala witnessed a smoother darshan experience for devotees even as the pilgrim turnout crossed five lakh since the MandalaMakaravilakku season began on November 16. By 7pm on November 21, the pilgrim count stood at 4,94,151. On Friday alone, up to 7pm, 72,037 pilgrims completed darshan. Reports from the base camp and hill trek not only point to improved crowd flow, but also indicate that the queue has stretched longer in some spots. On various sections of the forest path, waiting periods are rising despite spot-booking controls being in place, said devotees. At the base camp at Nilakkal and along the Pampa-Sannidhanam route, organisers have stepped up various amenities for pilgrims. Those standing in queue for long periods are being provided seating, snacks, and water. Many devotees said the management measures had eased the climb. Officials said the challenge will be on maintaining smooth movement as large batches of devotees are expected to arrive in the days ahead. Meanwhile, the cap of 5,000 spot bookings per day continues to remain in force to avoid overcrowding. Based on sector-based capacity assessments, the TDB authorities have assessed that up to 66,936 pilgrims can be accommodated safely between Pampa and Sannidhanam at any given time, including 12,500 at Pampa, 2,500 around the darshan complex, 1,500 on the flyover, 1,200 at Thirumuttom and 800 on the precincts of Malikappuram. HC RELAXES CAP ON PILGRIM ENTRY Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday permitted the Sabarimala executive officer, in coordination with the chief coordinator and the special commissioner, to make minor modifications to the cap imposed by the court on the number of pilgrims visiting the hill shrine. If the inflow of pilgrims is low, the authorities can relax the rule and allow entry to more devotees provided the concentration of pilgrims shall, at all times, remain strictly within the green zone limits, the court said. Travancore Devaswom Boards counsel submitted that after the orders of the court and the curbs imposed on the inflow of pilgrims, crowd density has significantly reduced. It may be appropriate to permit the executive officer and the chief coordinator to take decisions based on the actual inflow of pilgrims. The court allowed the request and adjourned the case regarding crowd management to December 3.
Party will not protect anyone in gold theft case, says CPM state secretary M V Govindan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Facing attack from all corners, CPM state secretary M V Govindan has reiterated that the party would not protect anyone in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The culprits must be punished, he said. It is the declared position of the CPM that not even a speck of gold must be misappropriated. The party stands with the devotees. The chief minister had stated in the assembly that stern action would be taken. We did not take the issue on the basis of party politics. CPM has welcomed the arrests made by the special investigation team. The real culprits must be brought before justice, he said. He also made it clear that the party would examine whether there was any lapse on the part of individuals in discharging duties entrusted to them by the LDF government. It would be applicable to all to whom it is applicable. However, Govindan said that CPM would consider disciplinary action against former TDB president and party leader A Padmakumar only if the court finds him an offender. Now he is only an accused in the case. How can we say that he is an offender? Dismissing the oppositions allegations, he claimed that the Sabarimala issue would not have any effect on the local body election. People know that the intention of the government was sincere. The government could have taken a political decision on the appointment of the new TDB president. However, the government went for a consensus choice. He also said the party does not intend to inquire about the gold theft since it does not involve any organisational issues.
Kerala HC breather for ADGP Ajith Kumar
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday quashed a Vigilance Court order directing an inquiry against ADGP M R Ajith Kumar in a disproportionate assets case. The court said the state governments sanction is needed to initiate proceedings against him in the case that had been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Meanwhile, the court also expunged all disparaging and adverse remarks against the chief minister, who had accepted the vigilance reports as part of official duty, in the order issued by the Vigilance Court. The court issued the order on a petition filed by Ajith Kumar seeking to quash the order of the Vigilance Court, Thiruvananthapuram, that rejected the report of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau giving a clean chit to the officer in an allegation regarding amassing of wealth, and constructing a house spending crores of rupees. The court said the governments sanction is needed to initiate proceedings against him in the case that had been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The petitioners in such cases can re-approach the court if the government accorded the sanction to prosecute the ADGP.
ED raids P V Anvars residences in Rs 22.3-crore KFC loan fraud case
MALAPPURAM: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials on Friday carried out extensive searches at the residences of former Nilambur MLA P V Anvar and his driver Ziyad Ambayathingal in connection with a money laundering probe linked to an alleged loan fraud at the Kerala Financial Corporation (KFC), which reportedly caused a loss of Rs 22.30 crore. The raid, which began around 6.30am, went on for over 12 hours and concluded by 9.30pm. The ED team probing a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, backed by CRPF personnel, reached Anvars house in Othayi early in the morning, secured the premises and commenced the search. A separate team simultaneously searched the KFC Malappuram office, Ziyads house and multiple office establishments linked to Anvar. The probe stems from a vigilance case registered on July 29 by the Thiruvananthapuram Special Investigation Team against KFC Malappuram chief manager Abdul Manaf, deputy manager Mini, technical officer P Muneer Ahmed, former MLA Anvar, and Ziyad. The case is that the loans were sanctioned without adequate collateral and in violation of key procedures. The vigilance probe followed a complaint by a Kollam-based industrialist and planter Murugesh Narendran, who later appeared before the ED and handed over what officials described as crucial evidence pointing to alleged black-money transactions involving Anvar. According to the probe, Ziyad was sanctioned a `7.50-crore loan on September 23, 2015, from the KFC Malappuram branch for construction purposes under Malamkulam Constructions Pvt Ltd., despite insufficient income proof. After there was default on repayment, the same property pledged as collateral was reused to grant two loans of `5 crore each totalling `10 crore to Anvar under PVR Developers on December 8, 2015. Officials allege that Ziyad concealed his existing liability and falsely certified that no dues to KFC existed, enabling disbursal of the later loans. The ED is now scrutinising the financial transactions of Malamkulam Constructions, PVR Developers, and other entities linked to Anvar and Ziyad as part of the money laundering probe.
LDF MLA Jaleel accuses IUML of reviving Muslim unity slogan with extremist backing ahead of polls
KOZHIKODE: K T Jaleel, MLA, has alleged that the IUML has the shameful history of raising the slogan of Muslim unity whenever the party is in crisis. In an article published in the Deshabhimani daily on Friday, he said the party is using the same weapon in the ensuing elections too, this time with the help of Islamic extremists, cyber warriors and anti-communists. Jaleel said the slogan of Muslim unity was first raised after the merger of the IUML and the All-India Muslim League. League arrogated that all mainstream Muslim organisations have paraded behind the party. But the people had decided to keep the UDF and the IUML in the opposition, he said. After the failed attempt, the party is now raising the same slogan. The IUML could not digest the fact that the LDF returned to power in 2021. The party joined hands with the Jamaat-e-Islami, which was once its arch enemy, he said. The kind of communal propaganda unleashed by the Jamaat-IUML combine is worse than the previous one, he added. Jaleel said the WhatsApp groups of IUML sympathisers and family members are now filled with communally provocative materials. The party is under the false impression that it is the Jamaat media which shapes the thought process of the Muslim community, he said. According to Jaleel, this has resulted in similar materials getting circulated in Hindu and Christian family groups and are being spread widely by the Sangh Parivar and CASA. He believes that this process will be strengthened if the communal forces are not defeated. Jaleel said the election of Zohran Mamdani as the mayor of New York from a place where there are less than 5%Muslims should be a lesson. He was elected from a place where the Jews and Christians are the majority. Mamdani would not have won if every community had thought of its own issues, he said. Jaleel exhorted the people to make the LDF, a coalition of people from all religions, victorious in the upcoming polls.
New species of deep-sea octopus squid found in Kerala
KOCHI: Scientists at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have found a new species of deep-sea squid in the Arabian Sea. The species, scientifically named Taningia silasii (Indian octopus squid), is the second confirmed species of the globally rare genus Taningia and has been formally described in the international journal Marine Biodiversity. The specimen was collected from nearly 390m depth off the Kollam coast. Measuring 45cm in length, the squid belongs to the family of Octopoteuthidae, the adults of this species are known for their distinctive absence of tentacles, though they are true deep-sea squids. Principal scientist Geetha Sasikumar and technical officer Sajikumar K K led the research. Until now, Taningia danae found in Atlantic waters was the only known species in this genus. DNA barcoding showed more than 11% genetic divergence from the Atlantic species, confirming the specimen as a distinct species, said Geetha. Although called the octopus squid, it is a squid that possesses only eight arms and lacks the two long tentacles typically seen in other squid species. Members of this family can also attain large sizes, said Sajikumar. The species has been named in honour of marine biologist and former director of CMFRI E G Silas.
164 of 165 CCTVs faulty at Viyyur prison, admits superintendent in court
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a stunning disclosure, the superintendent of Viyyur high-security prison admitted that 164 of the facilitys 165 CCTV cameras are defunct, leaving the prison without meaningful surveillance for over a year. Rajesh Kumar R S made the revelation before the Ernakulam NIA special court on Thursday. Installed on February 28, 2019, the cameras stopped working after the five-year warranty expired. The assistant engineer of PWDs electronics division in Thrissur reported that both the network switch and cameras are damaged, rendering the entire system useless. The court was hearing a petition filed by NIA case undertrial Manoj P M, in which he alleged that he and fellow inmate Azharuddin were brutally assaulted by prison staff following an altercation with the warden on November 13. When the court sought CCTV footage, the superintendent submitted that since the cameras are malfunctioning he could not produce it. The medical records submitted before the court also purported to throw light on the systematic legal and human rights violations at the facility. According to the petition, around 15 jail officials dragged the two prisoners out of their cells after 6pm, in violation of prison regulations that prohibit removal after lock-up. They were allegedly beaten, denied medical treatment, and transferred before dawn the next day -- Manoj to Poojappura central prison and Azharuddin to Kannur central prison -- though a Thrissur district hospital doctor advised further treatment for Manoj. Manoj claims that he was further beaten up by Poojappura prison staff. He was reportedly admitted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, after he began a hunger strike. The medical reports submitted to the court state that the patient sustained trauma to head and abdomen around 5pm on November 13. He had sustained severe injuries including subcutaneous hematoma to left premaxillary, left frontal and left periorbital region. He also alleged that while his plea to file a complaint was denied, a counter complaint was registered against him for allegedly assaulting prison staff. Unimpressed by the explanations of both the superintendents of Viyyur and Poojappura prisons after they failed to produce Manoj on a video call, the two-member NIA court on Thursday directed the superintendent of Viyyur prison to appear in person on November 24. The superintendents of central prison Poojappura shall produce the accused personally on the 24th, the order said.
Kerala cocoa gets global boost as Japanese chocolatier places major order after farm visit
KOCHI: When officials from a 100-year-old Japanese chocolate company arrived at Renny Jacobs farm in Kerala a few weeks ago, they werent there for courtesy. They spent two full days walking through his cocoa fermenting sheds, cracking open fresh cocoa pods, tasting pulp, studying the aromas rising from drying yards, and following Renny through mist-covered slopes in Idukki and Kottayam, where he has worked for more than three decades. By the time they boarded their flight back, they had placed a firm order: a full container load 13 tonnes of Indian cocoa. For Renny, chairman of India Cocoa, a company he owns, it felt like a moment that had been years in the making. They told me this was only the beginning, Renny tells the TNIE . And for Indian cocoa, which has long lived in the shadow of Latin American and African origins, it may indeed be the beginning of a new chapter. Renny knows what a turnaround looks like. He began his journey in the 1990s as the exclusive agent for Cadbury. The contract expired some years back, he says. That partnership shaped Indias early cocoa supply chain, but it also locked Indian beans into a low-end bracket, destined for bulk chocolate. When the relationship ended, most would have stepped away from the commodity. Instead, Renny chose to reinvent his role in cocoa. He decided to chase the one thing Indian cocoa had never been known for: flavour. He wasnt making an empty bet. The Western Ghats among the oldest mountain ranges in the world offer a natural canvas for flavour diversity. In Idukki, moist air moves through slopes layered with spice trees. In Pollachis shade-grown belts of Tamil Nadu, humidity wraps around every plantation. In Andhra Pradesh, cocoa thrives in Eluru and East Godavari districts. Every valley produces a slightly different profile, from bright fruit notes to mellow floral tones. Our geography gives us the unique flavours others dont have, says Renny. Yet, for decades, all that natural advantage was wasted at one stage: what happened after harvesting. Once cocoa beans were scooped out of pods, fermentation should have become the star of the process. Instead, it became Indian cocoas undoing. Farmers rushed through it, unaware of how dramatically fermentation influences flavour. Post-harvest handling was our biggest weakness, Renny says. Fermentation can either lift a bean or completely flatten it. To fix this, he began working directly with farmers, travelling across villages, building small fermentation units, teaching them how to manage temperature, timing, and turning cycles, and insisting on slow, controlled drying. He promised better prices for better beans and paid them, even when global prices were volatile. Cocoa prices are now soaring internationally, but Renny continues to offer premiums. If you want flavour, you reward the farmer. Thats the rule, he says. And the farmers have responded. In Kerala, the season is from April to June. He buys during these months, as the cocoa during these months offers quality. He buys cocoa from the Anamalai Hills region in November, December, and January, as these months offer him an excellent crop. And in Andhra Pradesh, its February, March, and April. This staggered rhythm means Renny can access fresh beans for nearly the entire year, a luxury most origins dont enjoy. As the quality improved, global buyers began to take note. The Japanese visit is only one part of the shift. Rennys premium batches carefully fermented, meticulously sun-dried, and sorted by region are now drawing interest from chocolate makers in Switzerland, the US, and other parts of Asia, like Korea. Some buyers start with tiny trial lots. Others, like the Japanese team, commit quickly. They said our beans were clean, bright, and unlike the India they remembered, Renny says. That one container order is only a fraction of his ambition. India Cocoa is now pushing towards a processing capacity of 1,000 tonnes, aiming to become the countrys largest premium cocoa processor and one of the most reliable flavour origins in the Asian region. From being Cadburys contract supplier to becoming one of the most important champions of premium Indian cocoa, Rennys journey reflects the larger transformation happening in Indian agriculture: a shift from volume to value. His fermenting units, drying yards, and training sessions scattered across three states are creating what India never had a disciplined, flavour-first cocoa culture. We have the soil, we have the climate, we have the uniqueness, he says, standing in the afternoon sun as fresh beans dry behind him. Now, we have the technique too. And the world is finally tasting the difference. Indian cocoa, once sold cheaply and quietly, is stepping into the global spotlight. And leading it is a man who believed the Western Ghats held their own flavour gold, long before anyone came looking.
Mobile units lying idle as ABC project grinds to halt post SC order in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme in Kerala has come to a grinding halt following the recent Supreme Court directive prohibiting the release of sterilised dogs back into the same locations. Local bodies across the state have stopped catching stray dogs for sterilisation, as the court has mandated that they be relocated to shelters instead. With the stray dog crisis worsening, the state government has decided to write a letter to the Centre urging to amend the ABC rules. In the absence of shelters, ABC programmes across the state have landed in trouble. The newly launched mobile ABC unit is also lying idle, as the captured dogs cannot be released or accommodated anywhere. An official told the TNIE that after the inauguration they were planning to launch the operations of the mobile ABC unit immediately. The SC order came as a bolt from the blue and if we capture the dogs for sterilisation we cannot release it back. Hence we have put on hold its operation, said an official source. The mobile ABC unit was launched on a pilot basis at Nedumangad municipality in Thiruvananthapuram as an emergency strategy to address the growing stray dog attacks. The portable unit designed with the support of the Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) and the NGO CAWA comes equipped with facilities for two simultaneous surgeries, a fully air-conditioned theatre, generator, refrigerator, and a Wi-Fi-enabled camera monitoring system. Minister for Animal Husbandry, J Chinchu Rani, told TNIE that the existing ABC rules need to be revised in light of the current situation. The ABC rules should be rewritten. We dont have any shelters in the state, and people are even against the setting up of ABC centres. Its a densely populated state, we simply dont have the land for shelters. We are going to write to the Centre soon, as the recent SC directive contradicts the ABC Rules themselves, said Chinchu Rani. She said the suspension of ABC operations could lead to an increase in stray dogs. Other states are also facing the same problem. Because of the ongoing LSG polls, we havent been able to make any immediate interventions, but more discussions will be held soon to find a solution, she said.
Kerala leaders say grassroots politics shapes stronger ministers, legislators
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is not the MLA or minister you call when a water pipeline ruptures or a death occurs in the locality. Neighbourhood concerns tend to be the domain of ward members or councillors. But, these representatives may not always remain the guy next door. Local-body polls have given rise to several prominent political figures in Kerala. From panchayats and municipalities, to halls of assembly and Parliament, TNIE talks to some of the key figures whose political careers began at the institutions of grassroots democracy. General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who was the Thiruvananthapuram corporation mayor from 1995 to 2000, termed the local-body polls the toughest political test. The key is in fostering personal ties with voters. Here, politics takes a back seat. People mostly vote for individuals. Your voters are your extended family, he said. Higher Education Minister R Bindu, who served as Thrissur mayor (2005-10), said the experience one gains by working as a representative in a local body is unmatched, adding that it serves as a guide for all politicians. In my ten years in Thrissur corporation, I have directly interacted with people living in slums, erstwhile colonies, and many more. When you are part of local bodies, you understand the issues of commoners. The experience has helped me in my tenure as a minister, she added. A legislator who has had a stint in a local body knows how to combine peoples issues with the development needs of the state or country, Bindu said. My tenure as mayor helped me understand the dynamics between local bodies and government, and how they plan and execute projects, she added. Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan, who was a member of the Pampady grama panchayat, in the 1988-93 period, said his days as a panchayat member taught him how people must be accorded prime priority in a democracy, and that politicians work for the welfare of these citizens. Unlike legislative assemblies or the Lok Sabha, local bodies deal directly with people, which gives its members a hands-on idea of their views and desires. Once the youngest municipal chairman in the state on being named to lead the Angamaly civic body in 1979, Congress leader K Babu recounted how others had doubts when a 28-year-old was placed in that position. People naturally expect a seasoned politician to hold the office. However, when I was elected, I decided to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, which later strengthened my political journey, he said. The Tripunithura MLA said there was the larger trend of local-body members contesting assembly or Lok Sabha polls, which has given way to fresh faces being named as candidates. Kollam MP and RSP leader N K Premachandran fondly recalled his days as the panchayat member of Navaikulam -- which according to him laid the founding stone of his political career. The best takeaway from being the member of a local body is the ability to distinguish what is good and bad for people, especially when it comes to ministerial positions, Premachandran said. Speaking of his tenure as Thiruvananthapuram mayor (2015-19), Vattiyoorkavu MLA V K Prasanth said ground work is key in politics. People should understand that we work for them, which is what I did being part of flood-relief activities. When your work is seen, they will help you help them, he remarked. The teamwork and coordination do not happen overnight, but is the result of years of effort, said Prasanth. My stint in the corporation was a mix of ground-level interaction and office work, both of which have helped me in my political journey, he added.
Kochi's Chellanam 20-20 suffers collective meltdown after success in last poll
KOCHI: In the local body elections of 2020, Chellanam, a coastal village in Kochi, saw a unique collective gaining traction. Declaring an all-out war against all mainstream political parties, a WhatsApp collective that grew into a political party contested the elections and snatched power. Fast forward to 2025, Chellanam 20-20 is nowhere to be seen. The aspiring collective has lost ground and support, and matters have come to such pass that is it not contesting the elections this year. The attrition within the party defection of members and disintegration has led to the decline of the collective. Formed as a volunteering group during the Covid surge, like-minded residents of the village engaged in a daily battle with a battering sea, contested the ensuing local body elections, surprising all major fronts. Campaigning through social media and gathering support, Chellanam 20-20 contested in all 21 wards of the panchayat, winning eight seats. The collective has not held any activities or meetings under the party banner in the last few years. After snatching power in the panchayat, and losing it later in a no-confidence motion, the party has technically ceased to come together, said Simal Antony, who had won from ward 7 (Police Station ward) under the Chellanam 20-20 banner. Coming to this years elections, none of us who won last time as part of the collective is planning to contest, he added. Since the last civic polls, Chellanam panchayat has seen a dramatic turn of events and multiple presidents being sworn in. The LDF, with a clear majority under CPMs K D Prasad as its president, ruled the local body till October 2021 (for around 9 months). But the front was ousted after eight Chellanam 20-20 members and four UDF members voted in favour of the no-confidence motion. The change saw the UDF-Chellanam 20-20 alliance gaining power in the local body with the collectives K L Joseph becoming the panchayat president. Shortly afterwards, two members of the party -- Joseph and member Mary Simla -- defected to the LDF, and the alliance lost majority. The party disintegrated gradually and ceased operations completely. Chellanam 20-20 had joined hands with the successful collective of Kizhakkambalam Twenty20 in the last Lok Sabha polls, but its members told TNIE that there was no merger of the two apolitical parties.
Zero-vote candidate has nothing to lose, everything to gain in Kerala
KOZHIKODE: O P Rasheed, the candidate who made headlines in the 2020 local-body elections by failing to secure even a single vote, is back in the fray. Far from being disheartened, Rasheed insists that his previous defeat was not a setback but a successful strategic move crafted by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to ensure the victory of Karat Faizal. Speaking with discernible confidence, Rasheed maintains that the zero-vote episode will not be repeated this time. In 2020, the LDF initially selected Faizal as its candidate for the Chundapparamba division. However, Faizal was at the receiving end of public criticism owing to allegations linked to the infamous gold smuggling case. Growing protests and intense backlash put the LDF leadership in a difficult position. To quell the unrest, the LDF replaced Faizal with O P Rasheed, who represented the National Youth League. But the election results were shocking as Rasheed did not receive even a single vote, not even his own. Running as an independent, Faizal went on to win the seat by a margin of 82 votes. It was all planned, claims Rasheed. Now, Rasheed asserts that the surprising numbers of 2020 were no accident. According to him, the LDF had never abandoned Faizal in spirit, even though his official candidature was withdrawn. Voters did not reject Faizal. LDF workers and committees rallied behind him. My candidature was part of a strategy. Zero votes were part of that plan. It was our victory, he says. Rasheed notes that he actively participated in the early stages of the campaign and insists that had he received even a few votes, Faizal might have lost. I stood as a candidate only to ensure Faizals win, he claims. This time, Rasheed is contesting from KTK (Kedekkunnu) division and is confident of a clear victory. He asserts that he is no longer playing a strategic role but is genuinely contesting to win. Meanwhile, Faizal whom Rasheed helped secure victory earlier is contesting the upcoming election as an LDF-backed independent from South Koduvally. Faizal maintains that the issues surrounding the gold smuggling allegations no longer matter, and the CPM reportedly sees no problem with his candidature.
Rs 7 cr ATM cash van heist: Bengaluru police crack case, recover over 5 cr, arrest cop
BENGALURU: The South division police investigating the Rs 7.11 crore broad daylight heist have reportedly made a breakthrough by recovering more than Rs 5 crore in cash of the Rs 7.11 crore robbed. The police recovered the money from Chennai and also Andhra Pradesh. A police constable attached to the citys East division, who is said to be the mastermind, and a former employee of the Cash Management Services (CMS) from Kerala have reportedly been arrested. Both close friends, they had been hatching the plot for the last six months after the latter quit CMS. The police are said to have also arrested three others for providing logistical support. The police have also zeroed in on two brothers, said to be kingpins in the incident. The brothers, sons of an ex-serviceman, are from Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, and were working in the city. The police, based on the CCTV footage, have identified five robbers who are said to be habitual offenders involved in similar cases. The police are also questioning over 30 suspects. Cop made route map, friend gave inside info The role of the constable and his friend came to light when the police officers started checking the mobile phone details of past employees of CMS. Both had exchanged several calls during the robbery. The former CMS staff was interrogated and he reportedly spilled the beans about their involvement in the heist. The police, who knew the criminal past of the constable, took him in for questioning on Thursday evening. The constable reportedly made the route map, while his friend provided inside information of CMS and the safety features of a Cash-In-Transit-Vehicle (CITV). The constable picked a few youth from Banaswadi to carry out the heist. The constable, who was on patrolling duty, had seen a Swift car parked inside a house and used its registration number for the Innova SUV used in the heist. The constable had a criminal past and had been arrested in one of the crimes committed on the citys outskirts earlier. During his custody, he had spoken to a few criminals inside the prison and became friends with them. The police suspect the involvement of some criminals who are in jail. A team of police officers visited the Bengaluru Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara. The two brothers are from Gudipala in Chittoor, the same place the SUV was found. They had kept in touch with the cop, while they were working in Bengaluru. Home Minister G Parameshwara said the police have got vital information, but he did not want to reveal it in public as it would alert the criminals. He said a time limit cannot be fixed in such cases.
LDFs rise in Nilambur reshapes political landscape after IUML,UDF collapse
MALAPPURAM: Nilambur municipality stands as a political anomaly in Malappuram -- the only local body where the IUML does not hold even a single seat. Once a fortress of the Congress, the municipality witnessed an unprecedented political reversal in 2020 when the Left Democratic Front (LDF) stormed to power, winning 23 of 33 seats, dismantling decades of uninterrupted UDF dominance. Since its formation in 2010, the municipality had been governed twice by the UDF. Even earlier, during its grama panchayat phase, the LDF had tasted victory only once. But the political tide in Nilambur changed dramatically after P V Anvar emerged as the disruptor. His 2016 assembly victory defeating then-municipality chairman Aryadan Shoukath was not just an electoral upset; it became the turning point that catapulted the LDF into power in the municipality. Anvars political muscle erased IUML from the council altogether and pushed Congress down to just nine seats. Though Anvar retained his seat in 2021, his growing estrangement from the LDF culminated in his switch to the TMC in 2025. Yet, the LDF that arose in the wake of Anvars influence remained remarkably stable. The party maintains that their development narrative continues to be their strongest political armour. Coming to power for the first time placed enormous responsibility on us. We focused on total development -- not token works, says chairperson Mattummal Saleem. We built 497 houses under LIFE Mission, established three health centres, launched three Janakeeya hotels, ensured `4,000 monthly support for dialysis patients and expanded healthcare to cancer patients and trans persons. We transformed all government schools into high-tech schools. Development in Nilambur has been comprehensive, not cosmetic. But the ground realities have shifted since Anvar resigned to join TMC. In the 2025 assembly bypoll, the CPM managed to register only 10,393 votes -- while Anvar secured just 2,124 votes. Congress Aryadan Shoukath won by a margin of 14,362 votes, reasserting his personal clout in the region. In Nilambur, unlike most parts of Malappuram, Congress holds the upper hand within UDF, and it is determined to consolidate this dominance. For the IUML, however, this election is a battle for relevance -- an attempt to reclaim the political terrain lost entirely in 2020. The IUML has been aggressively pushing to induct Anvar and the TMC into the UDF fold, but the Congress leaderships resistance has created fresh cracks within the alliance. The tension is now palpable. We have decided to work with Anvar wherever he has influence, says IUML district general secretary Abdul Hameed. Even if Congress is unwilling, IUML will form ties with him. This election is crucial for us. Reports from the ground suggest IUML is contending with potential rebel threats, adding another layer of uncertainty to their campaign. Meanwhile, Anvar has pledged full support to the UDF, instructing TMC workers to back UDF candidates across Nilambur. But the LDF remains unshaken. We are not afraid of Anvar or Congress tactics. Our development work speaks for itself -- that is our campaign, asserts Saleem. With Nilambur expanding to 36 wards this year, the LDF has finalised a broad-based slate: CPM in 28 wards, CPI in 5, NCP in 1, INL in 1 and KC(M) in 1.
Former TDB chief Padmakumar conspired in Sabarimala gold theft, says SIT report
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president and senior CPM leader A Padmakumar played a direct role in the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala by conspiring with the co-accused, the police remand report filed before the Kollam vigilance court says. Padmakumar, who was TDB president when the alleged offence took place, was arrested on Thursday after hours-long interrogation. The remand report, details of which were accessed by the TNIE , said Padmakumar ignored guidelines, which barred the displacement of temple wealth, and connived with the co-accused to move the gold-clad sheets to Chennai on the pretext of repair. He also identified gold-clad copper sheets as copper sheets in the agenda notice of the board meeting held in March 2019. This, the report said, was done deliberately to ensure first accused, Unnikrishnan Potti got hold of the gold sheets without hindrance to carry out the pilferage. SIT searches Padmakumars house, to seek custody today The report added it was on Padmakumars insistence that then TDB secretary S Jayashree issued an order sanctioning Potti to receive the gold-clad sheets. When the sheets were brought back from Chennai, Padmakumar did not examine the artefacts to ascertain their condition, which was a lapse on his part, it said. Meanwhile, the SIT probing the case searched Padmakumars ancestral home in Aranmula on Friday afternoon. The seven-member team aimed at recovering crucial documents linked to the crime. The team will seek Padmakumars custody on Monday. The co-accused in the case had told the SIT that Padmakumar took the final call on moving the artefacts from the temple to Chennai. He had denied the allegations and told the probe team that the subterfuge was the handiwork of TDB staff. The SIT had earlier arrested former TDB president N Vasu, former Sabarimala administrative officer Murari Babu, former Sabarimala executive officer Sudheesh Kumar, middleman Unnikrishnan Potti and former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K S Biju in connection with the case.
In Kerala, a snakebite that sparked a change
Last month, Kerala declared snakebite envenomation a notifiable disease. Though snakebites are common in the State, a 2019 incident triggered a systemic overhaul. A 10-year-old girl had died of a venomous snakebite in a school in Wayanad, and people were outraged. Since then, a digital rescue network has been launched and school infrastructure upgraded.Sarath Babu Georgereports on Keralas quest for zero snakebite mortality
Congress fields senior leader in Vengad panchayats 15th ward in Kannur
25 lakh SIR enumeration forms distributed in Ernakulam
UDF, LDF trade charges in Kalamassery and Eloor
Kerala local body elections 2025: Confusion prevails over last minute candidature withdrawals
Kerala local body elections 2025: A mothers gesture of gratitude
Wedding held in Kochi hospital after bride suffers spinal injury
Mayavi represents LDF: Kothattukulam candidate becomes overnight social media star
KOCHI: Whats in a name, people may ask. For Maya V, the LDF candidate for ward number 26 in Kothattukulam, a good name means great fame. When the CPM picked her as candidate, everything was normal. But within a day, she became a star on social media as memes comparing her with Mayavi, the mischievous and playful goblin from a cartoon series published by a childrens magazine. People were creating memes based on the movie Mayavi with actor Mammootty in the lead role. Everything was normal till I went to bed two days ago. In the morning my comment box was filled with notifications. I enjoy the trolls and I am happy that it gave me big publicity. There were memes with Dakini, Kuttoosan and Luttappi, the evil characters of the cartoon series looking at me with jealous eyes. People welcome me with smiles and it is a big advantage in an election. Today, as I went to file the nomination media persons were eagerly waiting for me. It is an honour, says Maya V. A stand up comedian by profession, Maya V has been participating in a comedy programme of a popular TV channel for the past three years. A resident of Pavithreswaram in Kollam district, Maya settled down in Koothattukulam after her marriage with Siji Damodaran, who works as a chef in Ernakulam. My mothers name is Vasanthi and the initial V was added to my name during school admission. After all Mayavi of the cartoon series is a good character, she said. Maya V is locked in a triangular fight with Bhaskaran of the UDF and Jayan of the BJP in her ward.
Rebels will not affect our prospects in Kalamassery: CPI(M)
Catholic youths enter the fray at Churchs behest
Catholic youths from 32 dioceses are contesting under UDF, LDF, and NDA banners in various local bodies, says KCBC Youth Commission. The KCBC issued a circular on July 6 urging Christian youngsters to join active politics
Two fishing boats gutted in fire on Ashtamudi Lake
Local body elections: over 1.08 lakh candidates file nominations, scrutiny on Saturday
Of these, 57,227 are female candidates, 51,352 are male and one is a transgender candidate
Providential escape for German tourists in Chinese net mishap in Fort Kochi
Special Intensive Revision: close to 20 lakh forms digitised, says Chief Electoral Officer (Kerala)
45,249 voters have submitted their information using the online facility
UDF accuses Mayors office of involvement in removing candidates name
An alleged video shows two officials collecting a written affidavit from the resident of a house claimed by the UDFs candidate as her own residence
Visually impaired to get training to cast votes independently
Scientific training is being offered to visually impaired voters on using electronic voting machines, supported by a team of 30 volunteers who recently completed their training in Kozhikode city
Decision on transgender candidates plea on gender to be taken today
Amaya Prasad contesting the Pothencode division of the Thiruvananthapuram district panchayat approaches Returning Officer to get her gender changed into female in the EPIC
Nipah survivor in Kerala leaves hospital after four months
Governor to inaugurate valedictory of diamond jubilee year of Sahrudaya
Kerala HC Quashes Vigilance Court Order Against Kerala ADGP
The High Court removed all remarks made against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the Vigilance Courts order
