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Death of candidate: election in Vizhinjam ward postponed
National womens panel to hold adalat in Kerala capital on December 19
Ernakulam votes today to elect representatives to 111 local bodies
Dileeps acquittal a failure of prosecution and govt: C.P. John
ED notice will not derail States development plans, says Pinarayi
This is not the final verdict: B. Sandhya
Collector visits Edamalakkudy and reviews polling arrangements
Pinarayi Vijayan suffering from selective amnesia over LDFs engagement with WPI, claims M.K. Muneer
She says the ruling raises a lot of questions which need to be answered at some point since the survivor actor needs to get closure
Watch | Bina Paul: WCC will stick with the survivor, whatever her decisions are
More than eight years after the abduction and sexual assault of a popular actress, a crime which shook the Malayalam film industry and Kerala society, a trial court today has pronounced its verdict on the case. The first six accused were found guilty of the crime, while actor Dileep, the eighth accused and the alleged mastermind who spent close to three months in jail, was found not guilty. Bina Paul, film editor and founder of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), which was formed in the aftermath of the incident, speaks to The Hindu on the verdict. Interview: S. R. Praveen Editing: Thamodharan B
Hyd Students Turn Daily Challenges Into AI solutions
Sixty-four teams from Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Odisha brought ideas shaped by everyday concerns they see at home and in school: Reports
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | Rahanesblitzkrieg powers Mumbai to a crushing win
Defending champion tops Group-A standings, sails into the Super League; skipperShardulsets the tone with two maiden overs as Odisha batters falter; Assam edges out Kerala
Loco pilots urge Railways to learn from IndiGo crisis
BJPs Vande Mataram propaganda is hollow, says Venugopal
HC reserves verdict on appeals against the film Haal
Anti-government mood fuels UDF strategy in Palakkad
Of the seven municipalities, the LDF governs five, while the UDF and BJP govern one apiece. The spotlight is on Palakkad municipality largely because the BJP is in power
Mamkootathil bail plea in second rape case: court to deliver verdict on December 10
Special train services, additional coaches for select trains to assist passengers
Kerala actor rape case: Verdict was on expected lines, but it is not the end of road, say activists
Film bodies considering reinstatement of Dileep following acquittal
Move by AMMA, FEFKA, and Kerala Film Producers Association
Kozhikode district all set for local body polls: Collector
C.N. Vijayakumari granted bail
Kerala actor rape case: When the court complex resembled the premises of a cinema hall
As Kerala votes, Mahe cries for its own election
Kerala government to challenge verdict acquitting actor Dileep
After Malayalam actor Dileep was acquitted of all charges in the 2017 actress assault case, the Kerala government now plans to appeal the verdict, claiming the survivor didn`t get complete justice through the present verdict
First phase of Kerala local body polls on Tuesday; voting to begin at 7 a.m.
Votes will be polled from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Phase-I of the local body elections covering wards in 595 local bodies across Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam districts.
Dileep had been made accused without evidence: Senkumar
Fronts trade barbs, claim big gains in Kochi on poll eve
Survey flags alarming rise of otters in lower Meenachil
Special Commissioner cracks down on fleecing of Sabarimala pilgrims
Sabarimala Special Commissioner inspects Erumely town and issues a series of directives to step up enforcement
Ambayathode clash: heavy police deployment in Thamarassery, Perambra ahead of polls
The major news headlines of the day and more
Top 10 Indian & International destinations to explore in 2025 for an unforgettable year-end holiday
Check out the top 10 travel destinations both in India and abroad: As 2025 ends, plan a memorable getaway. Explore India's Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Meghalaya. Experience pleasant weather for skiing, beaches, hill stations, desert safaris, and trekking. International options include Dubai, Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, and Turkey. These destinations offer ideal conditions for diverse experiences before 2026 begins.
Watch: How the rape case against Malayalam actor Dileep unfolded
Eight years after the abduction and sexual assault of a leading actress, a Ernakulam District and Sessions Court found six people guilty, but acquitted actor Dileep in the case. Heres a timeline of the case.
Kerala Court Grants Temporary Relief To MLA Rahul Mamkootathil In Second Rape Case
Kerala court grants Rahul Mamkootathil temporary relief in second rape case, withholding coercive action until verdict on his anticipatory bail plea is delivered on December 10.
Kerala government to appeal Dileep's acquittal in actor assault case
The Kerala government has decided to challenge the recent court verdict that acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep and three others in a high-profile 2017 female actor assault case.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi slams PM Modi in Parliament: 'We're debating Vande Mataram because...'
Gandhi, MP from Kerala's Wayanad, said PM Modi had selectively quoted from the letter during his address in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day. The so-called objection against the remaining stanzas of Vandra Mataram was manufactured by the communalists, she said during the debate.
Anand Mahindra fulfilled his December travel promise by visiting Kadamakkudy, a serene floating village near Kochi. He described the tranquil Kerala backwaters, dotted with launches and abundant birdlife, as among the most beautiful villages on earth. This archipelago of 14 islands offers a glimpse into vibrant rural life, ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Kerala Government To Appeal Against Verdict Acquitting Actor In 2017 Sexual Assault Case
Kerala government will appeal the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court verdict acquitting actor Dileep in the 2017 actress assault case.
Actor Dileep Acquitted In Rape Case. Revisiting The Crime That Shook Kerala
The acquittal of actor Dileep, accused of masterminding a prominent Kerala actor's abduction and rape, comes at the end of a nearly nine-year legal battle that raised a storm in the Malayalam film industry
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live: Bhagyathara BT-32 Winning Numbers For December 8, 2025
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 8-12-2025: Heres full list of winning numbers for Bhagyathara BT-32 lottery for Monday, December 8.
Kerala government to appeal against acquittal of Dileep in 2017 actor assault case
KOCHI: The Kerala government on Monday announced that it will appeal against the verdict of the Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court that acquitted actor Dileep in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case. Law Minister P Rajeeve said the government stands firmly with the survivor and will take all necessary legal steps to ensure that justice is pursued to its fullest extent. The court had found accused 1 to 6including prime accused Sunil N S, alias Pulsar Suniguilty, while acquitting accused 7 to 11. Dileep, the eighth accused, was among those cleared of all charges after the court held that the prosecution failed to prove the conspiracy allegation. Rajeeve said every stage of the investigation and prosecution was carried out in close consultation with the survivor and the prosecution team. From the very beginning, we have remained committed to supporting the survivor and upholding her faith in the justice system. Our resolve is clear and unwavering, he said. The government will decide its next legal course after studying the full judgment, he added.
Kerala court acquits actor Dileep, convicts six in 2017 actress assault case
Kochi: A Kerala court on Monday acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep in the 2017 sexual assault case involving a south Indian actress, while finding six others, including prime accused Sunil N S alias Pulsar Suni, who directly committed the crime, guilty. Apart from Dileep, the court also acquitted three others in the case. The verdict was 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 .
School holiday alert for parents: Check state-wise details on December 914 closures across India
School holiday alert: Schools in India will close from December 9 to 14. Jammu and Kashmir faces a cold wave. Kerala schools shut for local elections. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh see rain disruptions. Maharashtra faces a statewide teachers' strike. Parents should monitor local advisories for student safety and study arrangements.
1191 Posts Lying Vacant In SAI, Recruitment Process Initiated: Sports Minister In Lok Sabha
New Delhi, Dec 8: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday acknowledged that over 1,000 posts are currently lying vacant in the Sports Authority of India (SAI), a concern that was highlighted in a recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report which had described the body as critically under-funded and under-staffed. The minister was responding to a question from Congress MP Adoor Prakash, who represents Keralas Attingal constituency, in Lok Sabha. Asked whether the government has noted the concerns raised by the Parliamentary [] The post 1191 Posts Lying Vacant In SAI, Recruitment Process Initiated: Sports Minister In Lok Sabha appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kerala Govt To Appeal Against Trial Court Judgement In 2017 Actress Assault Case
Earlier today, the Kerala court acquitted the prominent Malayalam actor and the 8th accused, Dileep, in the 2017 case
Complainant in second rape case against Rahul Mamkootathil gives statement to police
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The complainant in the second rape case against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has given her statement to the police. The statement was recorded by a team led by AIG G Poonkuzhali, who monitors the investigation. The 23-year-old in her statement said that Rahul established a relationship with her with the promise of marriage. She was asked to come to a homestay to discuss future plans. She was brutally raped at the homestay despite her protests, she reportedly told the cops.He also allegedly issued threats whenever she refused to answer his phone calls. Rahul also allegedly insisted that the woman get pregnant, but later backed off from the relationship citing his political ambitions. The police produced the victim's statement and other documents before the principal district and sessions court, which is considering Rahul's anticipatory bail plea. Meanwhile, Congress leader Sandeep Warrier has been granted immunity from arrest by the principal district and sessions court. He was booked for allegedly disclosing the identity of the woman, who had filed a rape complaint against Rahul Makootathil. Activist Rahul Easwar, another accused in the case, is still in judicial custody after the court denied him bail.
This verdict was made possible thanks to the strong stance adopted by the former Thrikkakara MLA, the late P. T. Thomas. If not for him, there would not have been a case in the first place, says Satheesan
'Not the final verdict': Retd DGP B Sandhya on actor assault case verdict
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Responding to the sessions court verdict in the actress assault case, acquitting actor Dileep of conspiracy charges, former DGP B Sandhya said that this is not the final verdict in the case. Conspiracy is always a challenge to prove in court, and this is not the final verdict. We have higher courts too, and let us see how things unfold, she said while addressing the media here. Sandhya led the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that investigated the case. Hinting that the survivor will approach the higher courts, the IPS officer also said that she hopes the investigation team and the prosecution will fight for justice. We will be there with the victim, both the prosecution and the probe team, and we will go forward, she said. Appreciating the probe team for their efforts, Sandhya also noted that the issue has led to several positive changes in the Malayalam film industry. On the other hand, Cultural Minister Saji Cherian said that the government will look into the court's observations in detail, check for any shortcomings in the evidence, and act accordingly. We will have to take a collective decision, and it will be taken likewise, the minister responded. Reiterating that the government is always with the survivor, irrespective of whoever is on the other side, the minister said that further comments will be made after studying the court verdict.
Kerala actor rape case: State govt to appeal verdict acquitting Dileep
Law Minister Rajeeve says he has spoken to Chief Minister and that the government has decided to appeal against the verdict. The prosecution has been directed to take the initial steps in this regard
Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof to chair Kerala film festival jury
The 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) has announced its opening film, jury chairperson, and lifetime achievement award recipient.
Dileep alleges he was framed after ex-wife Manju Warrier sought probe into Kerala actor rape case
A concocted lie was framed against me by a then senior Police official and a team selected by her with the help of the prime accused. They also used the help of a section of the media and mediapersons to spread this false narrative he alleges
Dileep targets former wife Manju, calls actor assault case a 'conspiracy' after acquittal
KOCHI: Moments after his acquittal in the 2017 actor abduction cas e, actor Dileep launched a sharp attack on his former wife, actor Manju Warrier, alleging that the eal conspiracy against him began after she hinted at foul play in the case. The conspiracy against me began after Manju claimed there was a conspiracy behind the case, Dileep said, directly linking her public statements to what he described as a coordinated attempt to frame him. He alleged that a senior official and certain criminal police officers then moved to push the investigation in a particular direction. According to him, the police fabricated a false story in collusion with the co-accused inside the jail and amplified it through mainstream and social media with the help of certain news channels and journalists. But today, that false story has collapsed before the court, he said. The real conspiracy was to implicate me to destroy my career, my reputation, and my life. The actor thanked his family, friends and the crores of people who supported him throughout the eight-year legal battle. They stood with me even without seeing or hearing me, he said. Dileep also mentioned his ex-wife and actor, Manju Warrier's speech, made at the Durbar Hall in Kochi, saying it led to the case being 'framed against him'. @MSKiranPrakash @PaulCithara @pendown #Dileep #ActorAssaultCase #Kerala pic.twitter.com/h0yInWE7ix TNIE Kerala (@xpresskerala) December 8, 2025 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Vagaries and vicissitudes of justice
Kerala court acquits actor Dileep; six others convicted in 2017 actress abduction & assault case
In a landmark judgment that brings a major chapter of Keralas most sensational crime case to a close, the Ernakulam Principal District and Sessions Court has acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep in connection with the 2017 abduction and sexual assault of a prominent actress. The verdict, delivered after years of intense investigation, courtroom battles, and widespread [] The post Kerala court acquits actor Dileep; six others convicted in 2017 actress abduction & assault case appeared first on India Legal .
Conspiracy Against Me: Actor Dileep Acquitted In 2017 Actress Rape Case
A Kerala court on Monday acquitted actor Dileep over the abduction and rape of an actress in 2017.
Kerala Court Acquits Dileep In Actress Sexual Assault Case, He Says 'Gratitude To All'
Actor Dileep was acquitted in the 2017 Kerala actress abduction and assault case, while accused 1 to 6 were found guilty of abducting, assaulting, and gang-raping the survivor.
Actor Dileep has been acquitted in the Kerala actress assault case after eight years of trial, with the court ruling that the prosecution failed to prove conspiracy allegations. The first six accused including Pulsar Suni were found guilty of gang rape, kidnapping and criminal conspiracy. Dileep attended the verdict hearing and celebratory scenes unfolded outside the court.
Actor Dileep acquitted in 2017 Kerala actor assault and abduction case
A Kerala court on Monday found actor Dileep, accused number eight, not guilty in the 2017 actor assault case. The case relates to the abduction and alleged sexual assault of a leading Malayalam actor inside her car for nearly two hours in Kochi on February 17, 2017. Dileep was accused no 8 in the case.
Malayalam actor assault case: Dileep walks free, targets ex-wife Manju Warrier
KOCHI: The Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court on Monday acquitted actor Dileep (P Gopalakrishnan), the eighth accused in the 2017 abduction and sexual assault of a prominent Malayalam actor, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish the conspiracy charge against him. The verdict came eight years after the sensational case shook the Malayalam film industry and triggered widespread conversations on misogyny, power and accountability in cinema. Judge Honey M Varghese held that the evidence presented by the prosecution did not conclusively link Dileep to the alleged conspiracy to abduct and assault the survivor. The prosecutions case had hinged on the claim that Dileep had masterminded and financed the crime as an act of personal vengeance, allegedly because the survivor had informed his then-wife, actor Manju Warrier, about his relationship with actor Kavya Madhavan, now his spouse. Dileep was arrested on July 10, 2017, and later granted bail. While the conspiracy charge against Dileep collapsed, the court found six accusedN.S. Sunil alias Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B., Vineesh V.P., Salim H., and Pradeepguilty of abducting and sexually assaulting the survivor inside a moving vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017. These accused, the judge ruled, had direct involvement in the crime. The court will pronounce the quantum of sentence on December 12. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Vagaries and vicissitudes of justice Pulsar Suni, identified as the prime accused, was held guilty of carrying out the assault and recording the visuals used to extort the survivor. The prosecution had argued that the chain of events leading to the attack could not have unfolded without Dileeps instructions, but the court found gaps and inconsistencies in the evidence presented. Speaking to the media after his acquittal, Dileep said there had been a criminal conspiracy to frame him in the case, alleging that a few police officials used the first accused and the media to spread a false narrative against him. He thanked his family members and fans for standing by him throughout the ordeal and expressed gratitude to his lawyer, Advocate B Raman Pillai, and his legal team. The real conspiracy was to make me an accused in the case and destroy my career, Dileep said. Dileep targets former wife Manju Warrier Moments after his acquittal in the actor abduction case, Dileep launched a sharp attack on his former wife, actor Manju Warrier , alleging that the eal conspiracy against him began after she hinted at foul play in the case. The conspiracy against me began after Manju claimed there was a conspiracy behind the case, Dileep said, directly linking her public statements to what he described as a coordinated attempt to frame him. He alleged that a senior official and certain criminal police officers then moved to push the investigation in a particular direction. According to him, the police fabricated a false story in collusion with the co-accused inside the jail and amplified it through mainstream and social media with the help of certain news channels and journalists. But today, that false story has collapsed before the court, he said. The real conspiracy was to implicate me to destroy my career, my reputation, and my life. Manju Warrier's speech & testimony The incident was initially portrayed as an unexpected act of violence with no apparent motive. However, the narrative shifted just two days later, on February 19, 2017, when Manju Warrier addressed a solidarity gathering at Durbar Hall Ground in Ernakulam. Her speech raisedfor the first time in publicthe possibility that the attack may have been the result of a planned criminal conspiracy. Later, on June 21, 2017, Manju Warrier gave a statement to the police, saying that the survivor had confided in her about the relationship between Dileep and Kavya Madhavana relationship the survivor believed had caused resentment in Dileep. Dileep thanks advocate Raman Pillai Soon after the verdict was delivered, the first person Dileep thanked was his advocate, B Raman Pillai. Dileep walked up to him, expressed his gratitude, and touched the senior lawyers feet. Advocate Pillai later stated that Dileep had been hounded throughout the case, indirectly alleging that a senior woman police officerbelieved to be IG B Sandhyawas behind a conspiracy against the actor. He added that the judgment reaffirmed the values of truth and justice. There was not a shred of evidence against Dileep. You cannot win a case by fabricating evidence. The initial statements given by the survivors mother, her friend Ramya Nambeesan, and her fianc made it clear that she had no enmity within or outside the film industry, he said. Advocate Raman Pillai has been associated with several controversial cases, including the rape case linked to Bishop Franco Mulakkal. A trial court had found the bishop not guilty in the case. The survivors counsel, advocate T B Mini, declined to make any immediate comments, stating that she would speak after studying the judgment in detail. Special Public Prosecutor V Ajayakumar said, We need to examine the judgment to understand why the court did not consider the evidence presented against Dileep. 'Not the end of the road' Responding to the sessions court verdict in the actress assault case, acquitting actor Dileep of conspiracy charges, former DGP B Sandhya said that this is not the final verdict in the case. Conspiracy is always a challenge to prove in court, and this is not the final verdict. We have higher courts too, and let us see how things unfold, she said while addressing the media here. Sandhya led the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that investigated the case. Fans distribute laddoos Meanwhile, outside the court, members of his fans association marked the verdict by distributing laddoos. The case, long considered one of the most closely watched trials in Kerala, has seen multiple twists, including allegations of evidence tampering, witness hostility, and institutional pressure. With Mondays verdict, the focus now shifts to sentencing, even as the survivors statement and the courts detailed reasoning are expected to shape the next phase of the legal battle. (With inputs from TNIE Online Desk) Dileep also mentioned his ex-wife and actor, Manju Warrier's speech, made at the Durbar Hall in Kochi, saying it led to the case being 'framed against him'. @MSKiranPrakash @PaulCithara @pendown #Dileep #ActorAssaultCase #Kerala pic.twitter.com/h0yInWE7ix TNIE Kerala (@xpresskerala) December 8, 2025
A court in Kerala is set to pronounce the judgement in the sensational rape case involving actor-producer Dileep. Now, it has emerged that the actor reportedly sent a personal message to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan just five days before the alleged assault on the morning of February 22, 2017.
Are schools closing this week across India? Check latest updates on holidays and regional situations
Schools in India will remain closed from December 8 to 14 in several regions due to severe weather, local body elections, and a statewide teachers strike, as reported by local media. Jammu & Kashmir will observe its scheduled winter break, Kerala schools will close on December 9 and 11 for elections, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh may face rain-related closures, and Maharashtra schools continue to be affected by the strike. Parents should monitor updates.
Verdict Today in Kerala Actress Assault Case, Dileep Among Accused
District and Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese will deliver the judgment against 10 accused who remain on trial, excluding those discharged or who later turned approvers
The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court will deliver its verdict on Monday in the high-profile actor abduction and rape case. Actor Dileep is accused of conspiring to hire a gang for the crime, which involved the alleged molestation of a Malayalam actress in 2017. The trial has been lengthy, with numerous witnesses examined and several turning hostile.
Former legislator P. T. Thomas and director P. Balachandrakumar played pivotal roles at different points during the eightyearold case
Kerala local body polls 2025: With over 100 young candidates, CMP hopes to make a comeback
As a political group with no community support and religious leanings, we are happy at the representation we got from the UDF. Though we have complaints with rebels from within the UDF camp in Wayanad, we are satisfied due to the increased representation in other districts
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: First-time voters will be accorded a warm reception on Tuesday as they arrive at the two model polling stations in the district to caste their vote in the local body elections. Besides, the model booths, set up on the southern and northern sides of Government LPS at Chemmaruthi, will have special facilities for persons with disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens, pregnant women and sick persons. They include wheelchairs, seats, first-aid, drinking water and clean toilets. Sick people, pregnant women and senior citizens and PwDs will have priority in queue. There will also be four Young polling stations, in Neyyattinkara, Nedumangad, Attingal and Varkala municipalities, where the polling officers will be youngsters. The highlight would be selfie points where youngsters can take photos. There will be Pink polling stations, where the staff will be women. They are booth 33-Medical College, booth 3-Medical College HS Staff room number 110, 58-Karamana, 04- Government Girls High School, 38-Nanthancode, 5-Holy Angels ISC main building, 42-Pangode, 02-Seventh Day School north portion, Pangode, 43-Thirumala, 08-Saraswathy Vidyalayam, Arappura, 50-Valiyasala, 06-LBS Institute, Poojappura, 86-Vanchiyoor, 05-St Josephs School, 89-Chakka, 06-Government UPS Chakka. Women arriving with infants will be given seating. First-time women voters will be given reception. The booths will be decorated with pink balloons. EVM commissioning Commissioning of all EVMs has been completed. Commissioning of machines under the Pothencode block division was held at St Xaviers College, Thumba. District Collector Anukumari, ADM Vineeth T K and training nodal officer Saji R S reviewed the commissioning. Election guide An election guide for the district was brought out by District Information Office and District Election Wing. It has details on all local self-government institutions, officers holding different positions, candidates, details of voters, model code of conduct, polling stations, distribution and collection centres. Inclusive space The two model booths, set up on the southern and northern sides of Govt LPS at Chemmaruthi, will have have facilities for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women
Conclave in Kerala to suggest changes to Centres labour code
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The one-day Labour Conclave, being convened to suggest changes towards the nationally implemented labour code, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on December 19, at Hotel Lemon Tree here. Labour Minister V Sivankutty will preside over the event which is aimed at identifying the issues with the labour code in regard to Keralas labour market and how changes can be implemented to resolve them. The conclave will be attended by Finance Minister K N Balagopal, Law Minister P Rajeeve, national level trade union leaders, scholars, law experts, and academicians from across the country. Organised by the state government in association with the Kerala Institute of Labour and Employment (KILE), the conclave will have multi-faceted discussions regarding the state-specific aspect of the law. Top officials from the labour department have said that the suggestions and concerns put forward by the stakeholders will be consolidated and sent to the Union government and the President within a week or two of the conclave. We will be discussing how certain elements in the labour code are not suitable for our state, a senior official said. The sources from the labour department said all key trade unions have been invited to participate in the conclave. Ministers from non-BJP ruled states have also been invited to the event. Two sessions the implications of labour codes within the context of the states labour market and alternative strategies to address the adverse impact of the codes will be held at the conclave. The officials have also said that the people involved in drafting the codes are also likely to take part in the event to provide more insights. Earlier, Minister Sivankutty had said that the state will not implement the labour codes, after a meeting with the representatives of various trade union leaders.
Man held for murder of 65-year-old grandmother in Chavara
KOLLAM: A 65-year-old woman was found murdered inside her home in Chavara on Sunday night. Her grandson has been taken into police custody in connection with the incident. The deceased has been identified as Sulekha Beevi, a resident of Vattathara. The accused is her grandson, Shahnaz. Sulekhas body was discovered under a bed with her throat slit. Police said the incident came to light after Shahnazs mother returned home and could not find Sulekha Beevi. After questioning Shahnaz and searching the house, she reportedly found the body hidden under the bed. Chavara police reached the spot and began inquest procedures. Local residents told the investigators that Shahnaz had a history of creating trouble in the area. Police are also probing whether he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crime. Interrogation of the accused is currently under way, and further investigation is ongoing.
Thiruvananthapuram resonates with colourful kottikalasham as campaigning ends
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the curtains fell on public campaigning for the local body elections, political parties brought their 20-day campaigns to a vibrant close with high-decibel celebrations across major junctions of the capital city during the traditional kottikalasham on Sunday. From 3 pm onwards, party workers thronged junctions including Peroorkada, Vazhottukonam, Pettah, Kodunganoor, Kazhakoottam, Jagathy, PMG, Muttada, and Sasthamangalam. Supporters, particularly women, turned the streets into a spectacle, dressed in bright colours, and traditional attire bordered with party flag motifs. Party workers danced to drumbeats, waving festoons and balloons, while police maintained order by standing between rival groups. District leaders joined the festivities to project confidence ahead of the polls, expressing optimism about the outcome in the tightly contested corporation. In Peroorkada, candidates arrived in open vehicles accompanied by drumbeats. NDA candidates drew attention by climbing onto a crane lifted high above the crowd, while UDF and LDF candidates chose to wave from vehicles or the ground. The day began with candidates touring their wards in open vehicles and bike rallies adorned with massive party flags. Many supporters sported Che Guevara-style berets, while in Kunnukuzhi, the LDF candidate surprised the public with yellow shirts emblazoned with his image in red. At Jagathy, Kerala Congress (B) candidate Poojappura Radhakrishnan campaigned alongside party chief and Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, aiming to wrest the seat from the BJP, which has held it for 15 years. The high-octane finale was not without tension. In Pothencode, clashes erupted between UDF and LDF supporters, prompting police intervention. Across the corporation, a triangular contest has emerged in many wards. Both NDA and UDF have leaned heavily on anti-incumbency sentiment. The Congress leadership, determined to wrest control from the LDF, has fielded a mayoral candidate and intensified campaigning in coastal areas where it suffered losses in the previous election. The LDF, meanwhile, anticipates that Congresss push may erode BJPs urban vote base, strengthening its own prospects. All three major fronts also face intense competition from rebel candidates.
30th International Film Festival of Kerala to open with Palestine film
Thiruvananthapuram: The 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) beginning here on December 12, will open with the film Palestine 36, directed by Annemarie Jacir. Historical drama portraying Palestinian uprising against British colonisation The film is an epic historical drama which portrays the Palestinian uprising against the British colonisation. The opening film takes its name 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 .
Congress leader Chennithala links Sabarimala gold theft to global smugglers
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Adding a new dimension to the Sabarimala gold theft row, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has alleged that international antique smugglers are part of the conspiracy. In a letter addressed to the special investigation team (SIT), dated Saturday, Chennithala said he received this information from a person in the know of these smugglers activities, which he later verified. The SIT will take a statement of the senior leader on Wednesday. Even though Chennithala mentioned that the informer is willing to furnish facts and figures before the SIT, no additional summons have been issued. In a complaint addressed to ADGP H Venkatesh, the Congress leader alleged that a deal worth Rs 500 crore was struck as part of a conspiracy between the devaswom board and antique smugglers. Calling it a tip of the iceberg, he adds that the Sabarimala gold theft is part of a well-orchestrated plan to plunder and smuggle priceless antiques, idols and other valuable articles from prominent Hindu temples. Chennithala said he has information about the involvement of certain ill-famed businessmen and organised rackets who have spent huge sums within the state for this purpose. The fact that the original gold and other items smuggled from Sabarimala have not been recovered is proof of the involvement of international rackets, he wrote, adding that the High Court observation that the theft resembles the operation of notorious antique smuggler Subhash Kapoor deserves more attention in this context.
Supreme Court to hear petition against Paliyekkara toll resumption
KOCHI: The Supreme Court is set to commence a crucial hearing on Monday in the appeal filed by KPCC secretary Shaji K Kodankandath, challenging the Kerala High Courts order that allowed the resumption of toll collection at the highly contentious Paliyekkara toll plaza on the Angamaly-Mannuthy stretch of National Highway 544. The plea is the latest in a prolonged battle that centres around the poor condition of the stretch and the concessionaires right to levy user fees. A severe traffic congestion, largely stemming from the ongoing construction of underpasses and other infrastructure work along the busy corridor, had earlier seen the High Court suspending toll collection on August 6. The court underscored a fundamental principle: the publics obligation to pay toll hinges on the road authority, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in this case, ensuring a safe and obstruction-free experience. Subsequently, the NHAI and the concessionaire Guruvayoor Infrastructure Ltd challenged the High Courts order in the Supreme Court, which initially upheld the ban, emphatically stating that commuters cannot be compelled to pay tolls for poorly maintained roads. The apex court also noted that the citizen who pays the toll has the right to demand well-maintained roads. However, the legal landscape shifted on October 17 when the High Court, after receiving status reports and noting efforts by an interim traffic management committee, lifted the suspension of toll collection. Crucially, the High Court prevented the NHAI from collecting an enhanced toll from motorists until further orders, acknowledging that the matter was still under judicial watch due to continuing grievances. The latest appeal by Shaji Kodankandath challenges the allowance of the resumption of the toll. The resumption was permitted without fully guaranteeing safe and smooth passage for thousands of daily commuters. An expert committee, including the district collector, in its interim report submitted to the court, pointed out that tarring was not carried out in a scientific manner and that waterlogging persisted due to the unscientific construction of drains. Also, the petition included a plea that the toll should be cut in line with the traffic congestion, which was not considered by the High Court. Hence this petition, Shaji said.
2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Vagaries and vicissitudes of justice
KOCHI: The case, already fraught with twists, turns, and explosive revelations, deepened into one of Keralas most unsettling judicial sagas. The prosecution claimed this was the first time in the history of criminal law that a quotation had been issued for committing rape. In another major development, a memory card containing crucial visuals of the assault, kept in the trial courts safe custody, was found to have been accessed multiple times without authorisation, with forensic reports confirming changes in its hash value. Allegations also surfaced that the accused had established contact with the trial judge, raising serious concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. In the early phase of the probe, prime accused Pulsar Suni misled sleuths with a fabricated story about dumping the primary phone, a crucial piece of evidence, into the Kochi backwaters from Goshree bridge. Five Navy divers searched for hours on February 27, 2017, but found nothing. To this day, the original phone and memory card have not been recovered. As the investigation progressed, the police arraigned actor Dileep. Surprisingly, his second wife Kavya Madhavan moved an anticipatory bail application, claiming Dileep did not know Suni by name or face. The petition said that filmmaker Sreekumar Menon, who had long-standing enmity with Dileep, could have influenced the accusations. The petition was disposed of after the prosecution clarified that Kavya was not an accused. In a bombshell disclosure in 2022, it was revealed that the memory card had been tampered with while in the courts custody. The Forensic Science Lab found that the card had been used on a Vivo mobile phone with an Android operating system, with apps such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram installed. It was accessed on January 9, 2018, December 13, 2018, and again on July 19, 2021. The High Court noted that the first two accesses occurred at odd hours with no connection to court proceedings and issued guidelines for handling sexually explicit evidence in trial courts. A later probe by the trial court found that Leena Rasheed, the then Judicial First Class Magistrate Court (JFCM) judge, Angamaly; Mahesh Mohan, senior clerk of the Principal and Sessions Court (now an HC judge); and Thajudeen, then sheristadar of the trial court, Ernakulam, had accessed the card. Further action on the report remains pending. In the subsequent investigation, based on revelations by late filmmaker Balachandra Kumar, former police officer R Sreelekha made statements in favour of Dileep, claiming he was innocent and falsely implicated. She also alleged that the mobile phone used by Suni in jail was supplied by the police to fabricate evidence and contradicted several findings of the investigation. Sreelekha, who served as director general of prisons during Dileeps custody, was questioned by police in this regard. Another surprising turn was when the survivor petitioned the HC, blaming trial court judge Honey M Varghese of bias and harbouring a hostile attitude, and seeking a new judge. Interestingly, judge Honey was appointed after the survivor had requested for a woman judge to oversee proceedings. However, after allegations of bias arose, both the survivor and the state government filed multiple petitions to transfer the case to a different court. But it was rejected. (Concluded) Milestones & millstones Three-phased investigation The first phase began on February 18, 2017, led by Vishal Johnson, then CI, Aluva. The probe was later taken over by Babukumar, then DySP, Aluva, who filed the final report against seven accused before the JFMC, Angamaly on April 18, 2017. A report for further investigation was submitted on May 18, 2017, indicating a wider criminal conspiracy. On the same day, Baiju Poulose M was appointed investigating officer. He continues in that role. Prosecutors move aside Two prosecutors resigned, citing issues with the trial judge. Special public prosecutor A Suresan stepped down in December 2020 after raising objections to allegedly derogatory remarks made by the judge. He was replaced by V N Anilkumar on January 3, 2021, who put in his papers during the cross-examination of prosecution witness 202. Following this, additional public prosecutor Sunil Kumar K B completed the examination of several witnesses until February 7, 2022. V Ajayakumar was appointed special public prosecutor on February 18, 2022. Three turn approvers Vipinlal (the 10th accused) and P K Aneesh (the 14th accused and then civil police officer) were pardoned by the CJM, Ernakulam, after they turned approvers. On February 17, 2021, the court also accepted the plea of another accused, Vishnu, to turn approver. Vishnu had allegedly arranged a mobile phone and SIM for the first accused, Pulsar Suni, while he was lodged in the Kakkanad jail. Prolonged cross-examination The cross-examination of the investigating officer, Baiju (witness number 261), lasted eight months and seven days, making it one of the longest cross-examinations of a police officer in the states history. Dileeps counsel examined him for 95 days. The Supreme Court expressed concern over the extended process. 28 witnesses, including actors, turn hostile Several film actors turned hostile, including Bhama, Bindu Panicker, Siddique, Edavela Babu, and producer Renjith, despite their initial statements helping the prosecution establish Dileeps alleged enmity towards the survivor and outline the conspiracy.Bhama and Siddique had initially told police that Dileep openly threatened the survivor at a rehearsal venue in Kochis Hotel Abad Plaza, even making remarks about setting her on fire. Both also acknowledged Dileeps anger over the survivors role in exposing his relationship with Kavya. They later retracted these statements.Babu had earlier deposed that the survivor submitted a written complaint to industry body AMMA against Dileep, alleging he denied her opportunities in films. However, during examination, Babu stated he did not remember such a complaint. Witness examined online The late filmmaker, Balachandra Kumar, who made crucial revelations against Dileep, was examined for 49 days. During the process, he fell ill, and for 37 of those days, his examination was conducted online. Accused A1 Sunil N S aka Pulsar Suni A2 Martin Antony A3 Manikandan B A4 Vijeesh VP A5 Salim H aka Vadival Salim A6 Pradeep A7 Charly Thomas A8 P Gopalakrishnan aka Dileep A9 Sanilkumar aka Mesthiri Sanil A10 Sarath G Nair Two accused, advocates Pratheesh Chacko and Raju Joseph, were discharged during the course of the trial. Three persons initially implicated in the case later turned approvers Charges Accused 1 to 6 and 8th faced trial for charges under Sections 120A (when two or more persons agree to do, or cause to be done: an illegal act), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354B (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 357 (assault or use of criminal force on any person), 376D (gang rape), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), 366 (kidnapping or abducting a woman), 506 (i) (criminal intimidation), and 109 r/w 34 (aiding or abetting a crime) of IPC and Section 66E and 67A of IT Act Eighth accused Dileep was additionally charged under Sections 201 (aiding or abetting a crime) and 204 (destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence) The seventh accused was charged under Section 212 (harbouring an offender) of IPC. The ninth accused was charged under Sections 120 B (criminal conspiracy and 109 (instigating or aiding a crime). The 10th accused faced trial for offence under Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender)
A final good-bye that transcended boundaries of religion, tradition
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On the premise of an ancestral home now rests a man who was born a Hindu, lived as a Muslim, and was loved by all! Yet, having chosen to convert to Islam in his middle age, the man from Mudapuram, in Chirayinkeezhu, never forced anyone in his family to follow in his path. On Sunday, the family of Abdul Rahman, 76, previously known as Suvarnan, bid farewell to him following Islamic practices. Heartwarming scenes unfolded at their home near the family temple, adding another chapter to the real stories from Kerala! After serving in the Indian Navy as a petty officer for a brief period, Suvarnan migrated to Saudi Arabia for employment. Interactions with friends there attracted him to the Quran and Islam. If something captures his interest, he would carry out thorough research about the subject and come to a conclusion. That happened here, too, when he decided to lead his life as a Muslim and changed his name to Abdul Rahman around 35 years back, says Suhas, Abduls son. Even though the extended families had their concerns about the conversion, he laid everything to rest through his friendly dealings with each and every one. Not even once did my father ask my siblings or me to choose Islam. All he stressed was to choose what we feel right, and today we give that space to our children too, Suhas said. While fighting cancer over the last two and a half years, Abdul asked his family to perform his last rites in the Islamic tradition. And when Abdul breathed his last on Saturday, his children sought help at nearby mosques. In no time, they were assured support of the Islamic fraternity. People from several masjids nearby arrived to bid farewell, said one of Suhas friends. And the crowd, included people from other faiths who flowed in large numbers to honour a man who lived a unique life. Hasan Musaliyar, who led the janazah prayers, hailed all the mourners. This is something I have not seen in my 20 years as imam. It was a sight where humanity was placed on a higher pedestal above religious boundaries, he said.
Panakkad family members remark on womens mosque entry sparks debate in Kerala
MALAPPURAM: A single remark from a young member of the influential Panakkad family has spiralled into a wave of cyber attacks, turning what began as a theological comment into a digital assault on a 16-year-old and her family. For days, social media platforms have been ablaze with targeted posts aimed at Fathima Nargis, daughter of Kerala Muslim Youth League president Sayyid Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal and the Panakkad family itself. What was a very brave statement from a young mind has now exploded into one of the most hostile online and ideological flare-ups Keralas Muslim community has witnessed in recent times. The controversy began last week when Fathima responded to a question about restrictions on womens entry into Sunni mosques. Islam didnt say that women cannot enter masjids. It is some individuals, as part of certain culture, who made this rule. That should be changed. This will be part of a female revolution and I believe this change will come soon, she said. Once the Youth League shared her video and Munavvar Ali posted a newspaper clipping of the event, the reaction on social media turned fierce, with hundreds of accounts -- many anonymous -- piling on the teenager and the Panakkad family for her liberal upbringing. While both the EK and AP factions of the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama criticised the remark, the AP groups responses became the primary fuel for cyber attackers. Hardline leaders and Sunni groups repeatedly shared posts portraying the Panakkad family as abandoning religious values, triggering coordinated hate towards the teen and her family. Among the most widely circulated attacks was a post by Vahab Saquafi Mambad of the AP wing: Now, beevis (women of Panakkad family) from the highest families are coming out demanding womens right to enter politics and compete! And now, they demand entry into Sunni mosques. Soon, they may even demand to become qazi of thousands of mosques. This post, amplified by dozens of accounts, became a rallying point for hostile comments. Munavvar Ali Thangal then issued a detailed clarification, emphasising his daughter was a minor who had been confronted with a complex questionunexpectedly. My daughter is 16. Her reply is not in line with the mainstream belief systems of Kerala or the rulings of the scholarly community. I request that this be seen as a hasty opinion by a child who has not attained the necessary religious study. As a father, I am correcting her statement with full responsibility, he wrote. His intervention did little to deter the cyber attacks, but it marked the first attempt to shift the focus back to the fact that a minor was at the receiving end of a massive online storm. After initial silence, the Samastha EK group backed Thangals clarification. EK leader Nazar Faizi Koodathai wrote, Islam has not said women are forbidden from entering mosques. But they are prohibited from attending Jumuah congregations with men. Women may pray at home, but can enter mosques under certain conditions. Many womens colleges have separate prayer spaces. He also reminded the community that ideological maturity should not be expected from a 16-year-old, calling the fathers correction commendable. But the AP faction escalated their criticism further. Rahmathulla Saqafi Elamaram said, If families allow their children to roam in liberal environments without sufficient religious learning, this is what happens. Parents must be careful especially those who are role models for the community, he said. Salafi organisations, meanwhile, openly supported Fathimas remark. Wisdom Islamic Organisation general secretary T K Ashraf said her statement was the correct Islamic position that deserves wide discussion. In Islamic matters, none of us have the right to turn truth into falsehood under pressure. Personal positions or relationships do not matter before principles, Ashraf said. Youth League national secretary Najma Thabsheera told TNIE , I have been seeing Fathima excel in public speaking from a very young age. She, with great knowledge, is clear in her vision. These scholars should understand one thing: if they have any hate towards the Panakkad family, it should not be taken out against a 16-year-old girl.
Kerala cops request for officers info over MDMA seizure to further strain ties with customs
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The frosty ties between the police and the Commissionerate of Central GST, Excise and Customs are expected to worsen as the cops have served a notice on the latter seeking information of customs officers in connection with the probe into the seizure of 1.25 kg of MDMA in July. The MDMA was brought from Oman to Thiruvananthapuram airport and trafficked in a container carrying dates. Acting on a tip-off, the police tailed the vehicles and arrested four people in Attingal on July 9. In August, the Varkala DySP wrote to the customs seeking detailed information of officers who were on duty on the day, to ascertain whether the traffickers received any inside help. Since there was no response, notices were sent repeatedly, the latest a month back. This did not go down well with customs officials who felt the police were exceeding their powers. Customs sources said the police action was devoid of legal standing and meant to create a bad impression about the agency. When a flight lands, there will be around 300 passengers, who will be carrying around 600 bags. Its neither possible nor prudent to open and inspect every luggage. We go for intrusive checks of a person if we have any inputs, or if something suspicious comes up during baggage screening or frisking, said a source. The police justify the notices citing suspicions as to how the traffickers managed to evade every security measure at the airport. However, customs sources said organic items going through the baggage scanner are highlighted in a particular colour. Since the drug was placed with organic food items, it could not be detected. The customs policy is not to go for detailed inspection of all passengers by opening their luggage. Nowhere is that allowed. Harassing passengers in the name of inspections is something no customs agency in the world will attempt, said the source.
KSRTC to go digital in managing court battles
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The KSRTC is all set to overhaul its legal operations with the rollout of an integrated Case Management System (CMS). The initiative aims to replace manual registers and fragmented processes that have slowed compliance and increased financial risks. As the corporation grapples with thousands of cases pending before Motor Accident Claims Tribunals, civil courts, commissions, the High Court and the Supreme Court, the new system will help in speeding up processing of the legal issues. According to an official, the CMS will act as a centralised digital platform to monitor and manage every stage of litigation. A key feature is the dashboard facility, which will give senior management, including the chairman and managing director, real-time visibility into case volumes, disposal rates and compliance status. Region-wise trends, accident claim statistics and advocate performance reports will be available instantly, enabling top officials to intervene and make data-driven decisions.
Verdict in 2017 Kerala actor abduction, assault case today
KOCHI: Over eight years after the traumatic incident and nearly five years since the start of trial, the long-awaited verdict in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case is set to be delivered at 11am on Monday. Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court judge Honey M Varghese will pass the verdict following extensive trial proceedings that commenced on January 30, 2020. Actor Dileep is the eighth accused in the case that shook Kerala. According to the prosecution, the survivor was abducted by a six-member gang and raped by first accused N S Sunil aka Pulsar Suni inside a moving car in Ernakulam on February 17, 2017. He also recorded the brutal assault on his mobile phone. Special public prosecutor V Ajakumar told TNIE the prosecution took all necessary steps to ensure the culprits were brought before the law. The prosecution produced all digital and documentary evidence, including CCTV visuals and material, to prove the offences levelled against the accused persons, he said, adding that the primary conspiracy was between Suni and actor Dileep to allegedly record videos of the sexual assault in order to defame and demoralise the survivor. After filing the chargesheet against the first six accused, the special investigation team moved against Dileep to establish the conspiracy. Dileep appeared before the team on July 5, 2017, and was questioned for around 12 hours. After gathering additional evidence, the police arrested him on July 10. He remained in jail for 86 days before being released on bail on October 3, 2017. According to the prosecution, Dileep believed the survivor had divulged to his wife Manju Warrier news of his relationship with Kavya Madhavan. The prosecution said its conspiracy case rests on a meticulous reconstruction of events, communications, custodial disclosures, and digital evidence, all of which point to a covert agreement between Dileep and Suni. The proceedings witnessed tensions, with both the prosecution and the victim filing petitions alleging bias by the trial judge. By the time 80 witnesses were examined, petitions seeking transfer of the case were filed, which were dismissed by the High Court. During the trial, 261 witnesses were examined.
Antony Kattiparambil ordained 36th bishop of Diocese of Cochin
KOCHI: Ending a one-and-a-half-year wait, Monsignor Antony Kattiparambil was on Sunday ordained bishop of the Roman Catholic Churchs Cochin diocese. The ceremony, held at the Parade Ground in Fort Kochi, was presided over by the Archbishop of Goa and Daman and seventh Patriarch of the East Indies, Cardinal Filipe Neri Antnio Sebastio do Rosrio Ferro. Antony Kattiparambil is the 36th bishop of the diocese, the churchs mother diocese in Kerala. The post remained vacant following the resignation of Bishop Joseph Kariyil on March 2, 2024. Bishop James Anaparambil of Alleppey was appointed administrator on October 12, 2024. Born in Mundamveli, Bishop Kattiparambil is the fifth Keralite and also the fifth Kochiite to lead the diocese since its establishment in 1557. The ceremony began with a procession from the bishops house to Santa Cruz Cathedral. Kattiparambil was accompanied by bishops in their ceremonial vestments, along with members of the clergy and the laity. The bishop-designate and staff laid a wreath at one of the remaining pillars of the first basilica, which was founded in 1505 and demolished by the British in 1806. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferro was the main celebrant of the ordination ceremony. The metropolitan of Varappuzha archdiocese, Dr Joseph Kalathiparambil, and Bishop Kariyil were co-celebrants. Kattiparambil lays a wreath at one of the remaining pillars of the first basilica at Santa Cruz Cathedral in Kochi. The Vatican ambassador and nuncio to India, Archbishop Dr Leopoldo Girelli, head of the Syro-Malabar Church Raphael Thattil, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India Andrews Thazhath, and president of the Kerala Latin Catholic Bishops Conference Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakkal, delivered the benediction sermons. The bishop-designates classmate and metropolitan of the archdiocese of Thalassery, Joseph Pamplany, delivered the homily. In his oration, Mar Pamplany said, When I looked up the etymology of the name Antony, I came across a reference to the Greek anthos, which means flower or blossom... Bishop Kattiparambil is a native flower who was born in Kochi, bloomed in Kochi, exudes the fragrance of Kochi and carries the love for Kochi in his heart. Unlike the negative publicity that Catholic priests have been attracting for some time, the announcement of Bishop Kattiparambils ordination attracted a deluge of positive comments and posts on social media, he added. The ceremony ended with the celebration of Holy Mass by Bishop Kattiparambil, followed by benedictory addresses by Cardinal Girelli, Mar Thattil, Mar Thazhath and Archbishop Chakkalakal.
Kerala local body polls: Broad narratives and ground realities
KOCHI: This has been a local-body election in which local concerns have been swept up by broader narratives. Instead of the familiar neighbourhood chatter on roads, drainage, or local development, high-voltage, state-level storylines from the dramatic episodes involving MLA Rahul Mamkootathil to the contentious gold-theft allegations linked to Sabarimala have permeated even the tiniest wards. Yet, amid this political noise, analysts insist that the final verdict will still be shaped by ground realities. In the end, it is micro-issues, visible development outcomes, and the sense of direct accountability that guide voter choices. The stakes have never been higher for the LDF, UDF, and NDA, observes Prof Pramod C R with the department of political science at Thrissur Sree Kerala Varma College. With barely six months left for the assembly elections, he notes, this contest is widely viewed as the crucial semi-final. All three fronts are attempting to frame the polls through state-level narratives driven from the top, according to Pramod. The LDF moved early to set the tone, projecting the narrative of a historic third term long before the campaign season began. They are seeking a mandate for continuity and development, with MLAs aggressively reinforcing this message at the grassroots, he explains. The UDF, compelled to counter the LDFs development narrative, has shifted focus towards the governments perceived failures. While they hope to tap into anti-incumbency, the front is simultaneously grappling with organisational weaknesses and internal discord challenges that make presenting a unified message more difficult. Meanwhile, the NDA is treating this election as an extension of its performance in the last Lok Sabha election. Its strategy is unambiguous: Expand its vote share by capitalising on recent momentum, Pramod points out. In the end, it is micro-issues, visible development outcomes, and the sense of direct accountability that guide voter choices. But despite these loud, dramatic agendas, he cautions that they may not decisively influence voter behaviour. Ultimately, people vote based on what they can see and experience tangible improvements, accessible services, and developments that affect their daily lives, he emphasises. Prof Ravindranathan P, of the department of geopolitics and international relations at Manipal University, emphasises the importance of a candidates performance in local elections. People evaluate what the ward member does and how efficiently he manages to do it. In fact, accountability is high in local polls... they are able to hold the person accountable and may even ask or question him on his failures, whereas such accountability is limited for MLAs and MPs. Rural constituencies present a more layered terrain, according to him. Welfare delivery, agricultural sustainability, local employment, cooperative sector management, and the functioning of panchayats remain central, he added. Krishnakumar K K, senior fellow at the Centre for Socio-economic and Environmental Studies (CSES), notes that in Keralas local elections, the candidate is the most important factor. Because it happens in a small area, and the major factor that comes into play is his or her appeal, accessibility, willingness to involve in issues, etc., rather than polity or development manifesto. He emphasises that trust and credibility are crucial for the people, and the ward member serves as the last-mile connectivity between the state machinery and the people. The top-driven narratives finally do not matter in the most hyper-local wards, whereas as the unit of election gets bigger, the personal appeal of the member gets diluted and other elements like politics, development agenda, winnability of the political front, etc., start getting mattered. According to Krishnakumar, the job of a ward member or councilor is extremely challenging, with minimal honorarium and little appreciation. He states, They have to be at the beck and call of the people, and they gauge the member by his willingness to do even the smallest task. Despite the swirl of state politics, the final outcome will most likely hinge on the micro-performance and personal credibility of individual candidates. In the end, the ward members effectiveness matters the most. Were they able to bring funds? Make use of state schemes? Build roads? Distribute laptops? More importantly, were they present and responsive when people needed them? Pramod adds.
IUML aims for young women to lead the party: Jayanthi Rajan
KOZHIKODE: IUML has fielded young women leaders in the local body elections to groom them for future responsibilities, says national assistant secretary Jayanthi Rajan. In a chat with TNIE , she speaks about the partys election strategies and the disputes it saw in some local bodies. Edited excerpts: Has fielding young women leaders in the local body elections boosted IUMLs image? Definitely. IUML has been prioritising womens leadership. We fielded young leaders like Fathima Thahiliya, Najma Thabsheera and Ayisha Banu in the local body elections. The party aims for these young women to lead it in future. IUML is making an effort to provide proper representation to the new generation in grama, block and district panchayats as we mould them for future. What major changes were you able to bring as the first woman member of IUMLs national council? As the national secretary of Womens League and now as the IUML national assistant secretary, I was able to intervene in the organisational system of the League as much as I could. Whether I could bring changes is not for me to say, but for the workers and leaders to assess. However, the League has always given me the space to voice my opinions in consultations and discussions. IUML faced seat sharing disputes in Kozhikode corporation and in Wayanad. Does this indicate a rift between the leadership and party workers? Workers should be people who move forward by keeping organisational interests before personal interests. Like many parties, the League experienced minor disputes during candidate selection. The leaders intervened and resolved what they could. For us, the fact that educated and highly-qualified workers are coming forward as Muslim League candidates is a positive change. What are the major issues raised by IUML in Wayanad? Everything, from rising wild animal attacks, unemployment, building tax hike and regional issues to the failure of the LDF administration is being discussed in the election. In Wayanad, the focus is on the Brahmagiri deposit scam and Wayanad Medical Colleges development woes. Also, LDF failed to coordinate with various voluntary organisations and parties to implement disaster relief work. Even IUMLs own rehabilitation project was delayed by the government.
LDF, UDF draw up independent route to win Kizhakkambalam
KOCHI: Aiming to defeat the Kitex-backed Twenty20 party, which has dominated the Kizhakkambalam panchayat for the past 10 years, both the Congress-led UDF and the CPM-led LDF have fielded independent candidates to avoid a possible splitting of votes in the upcoming local body elections. Out of the total 21 wards, the CPM has fielded a candidate only in the Choorakode ward, while the Congress has candidates in four wards Choorakode, Kanamburam, Kummanode and Kunnathukudy. BJP has also fielded candidates in four wards Pukkattupady, Kanamburam, Choorakode and Kummanode. A total of 59 independent candidates are in the fray in the panchayat. Following the move, the Twenty20 party leadership alleged that the LDF and the UDF have fielded common independent candidates to defeat the Twenty20 candidates in the panchayat. V Gopakumar, state vice-president of Twenty20, told TNIE that the workers of both CPM and Congress are working together in the panchayat. Congress and CPM party workers are campaigning for the same independent candidates. In some wards, they have a common party election office too. The aim is to defeat the Twenty20 party candidates, he said. After this years delimitation exercise, the number of wards has increased to 21. Earlier, when asked about their candidates in the panchayat, UDF and LDF leaders had denied having any understanding or tie-up between the two fronts. Between 2010 and 2015, the UDF was in power in the local body. In 2015, Twenty20 wrested the panchayat by winning 17 out of 19 wards. In 2020, the party won in 18 wards. After this years delimitation exercise, the number of wards has increased to 21. Meanwhile, the SDPI has also fielded two candidates in the panchayat. In the 2015 elections, SDPI candidate Abdul Rahman had won from the Kavanguparambu ward. The Twenty20 party, launched in 2013 with a medical camp in the area, gained public support through a series of development and welfare initiatives in Kizhakkambalam. Gopakumar added that UDF and LDF have candidates in the other three Twenty20-ruled panchayats Aikkaranad, Mazhuvannoor and Kunnathunad.
PALAKKAD: As Kerala enters the final phase of preparations for the local body elections, a deep sense of unease is growing among Tamil-speaking minority communities particularly in Palakkad over what they describe as a systematic reduction in linguistic recognition. Community leaders warn that the state, despite its long-standing tradition of pluralism, appears to be retreating from a fundamental commitment towards linguistic minorities. In the 2020 elections, Tamil was printed alongside Malayalam in 375 wards across Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad, and Wayanad districts. However, for the upcoming polls, this number has fallen to 338. The sharpest decline is visible in Palakkad, where Tamil cultural and demographic presence is the most pronounced. Five years ago, Tamil ballots were used in 229 wards across eight panchayats. Now, that number has shrunk dramatically to 93 wards in just six panchayats. Even in Chittur-Tattamangalam municipality -- located in the Tamil linguistic minority heartland of Chittur taluk, a region officially recognised as such since 1956 -- Tamil was removed entirely from the ballot, although three wards were Tamil-inclusive in the previous elections. Similar is the in Kollam, where the number of Tamil-language ballot wards has been reduced from 12 to 10. Only Idukki bucks the trend, showing a marginal rise, from 224 wards to 229, although community organisations note that this increase is too small to offset the statewide decline. Meanwhile, the picture in Kasaragod is mixed. Kannada-speaking minorities have seen improvements at the panchayat level, with the number of Kannada-ballot wards rising from 228 across 18 panchayats in 2020 to 283 this year. Yet, even here, inclusivity appears inconsistent. Kasaragod municipality, which previously had 38 wards with Kannada ballots, now includes only 18, raising concerns that linguistic rights in urban centres are being diluted. Election Commission officials pointed out that all decisions were made after population-based verification, asserting that linguistic-minority wards were designated strictly on demographic grounds. But Tamil community leaders argue that the methodology fails to capture historical realities and lived experiences in regions where Tamil has been embedded in public life for generations. They note that recognising linguistic minorities requires more than mathematical formulas and that electoral participation becomes inequitable when language itself becomes a barrier. These concerns deepen when considering the continued absence of Tamil-language versions of essential election documents. Since 1956, several regions in Kerala have been officially acknowledged as Tamil linguistic minority areas. Yet the SIR enumeration form crucial for preparing electoral rolls continues to be issued only in Malayalam. Voter lists, procedural manuals, and related legal documents also remain monolingual, making it difficult for many Tamil-speaking voters, especially older citizens, to navigate the electoral system fully and independently. M Pechimuthu, general secretary of the Kerala State Tamil Protection Councils linguistic minority committee, voiced strong criticism of the situation. Denying Tamil versions of mandatory election materials is not merely an administrative lapse but a direct infringement on the dignity and democratic agency of linguistic minorities, Pechimuthu said. He stressed that communities recognised under law should not be placed at a structural disadvantage during elections, particularly in a state that often sets national standards for inclusivity. The ongoing reductions in Tamil ballot wards, especially in Palakkad where the Tamil population is most concentrated, have raised profound questions about linguistic justice and democratic representation. The issue is no longer limited to administrative decisions about ballot paper design; it touches upon the commitment of the state to honour long-standing legal protections and cultural identities. As Kerala readies itself for another electoral exercise, the debate surrounding linguistic inclusion has become far more than a technical matter. It has evolved into a broader conversation about the rights of minority communities to participate on equal terms-and about the responsibilities of democratic institutions to ensure that no citizen is forced to cast a vote in a language they cannot fully claim as their own.
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