CET accident: Court grants bail for first accused

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court Wednesday granted bail to Baiju K Balakrishnan (21), first accused in the case in connection with the death of a girl at the College of Engineering (CET) in the capital city. The accident happened on August 19 during Onam celebrations held in the college.

The girl has been identified as Thesni Basheer, a fifth semester civil engineering student from Nilambur in Malappuram, of the College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET) in Thiruvananthapuram. She was run over by the jeep driven by Baiju during a procession taken out as part of the Onam celebrations organised by the men’s hostel union at CET.

Baiju who surrendered later admitted to have driven the jeep but said the accident was nota deliberate act.

Don’t cut down on Ration share: CPM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM State Secretariat has urged the government to withdraw from the decision to cut down on the Ration share. In a statement, it said that if the government was not ready to interfere in the issue and ensure fair implementation of ration distribution, the CPM would begin agitation.  

The situation has reached to such an extent that the card holders are not getting now the ration share they are eligible for. The retailers are moving towards agitation mode as the government is not taking any action to rein in whole sale dealers who often indulge in unfair practices.

The Centre government’s move to distribute ration subsidy through banks will backfire as the poor will have to buy commodities without subsidy at first by paying the full amount.

Don’t cut down on Ration share: CPM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM State Secretariat has urged the government to withdraw from the decision to cut down on the Ration share. In a statement, it said that if the government was not ready to interfere in the issue and ensure fair implementation of ration distribution, the CPM would begin agitation.  

The situation has reached to such an extent that the card holders are not getting now the ration share they are eligible for. The retailers are moving towards agitation mode as the government is not taking any action to rein in whole sale dealers who often indulge in unfair practices.

The Centre government’s move to distribute ration subsidy through banks will backfire as the poor will have to buy commodities without subsidy at first by paying the full amount.

Don’t cut down on Ration share: CPM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM State Secretariat has urged the government to withdraw from the decision to cut down on the Ration share. In a statement, it said that if the government was not ready to interfere in the issue and ensure fair implementation of ration distribution, the CPM would begin agitation.  

The situation has reached to such an extent that the card holders are not getting now the ration share they are eligible for. The retailers are moving towards agitation mode as the government is not taking any action to rein in whole sale dealers who often indulge in unfair practices.

The Centre government’s move to distribute ration subsidy through banks will backfire as the poor will have to buy commodities without subsidy at first by paying the full amount.

Don’t cut down on Ration share: CPM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM State Secretariat has urged the government to withdraw from the decision to cut down on the Ration share. In a statement, it said that if the government was not ready to interfere in the issue and ensure fair implementation of ration distribution, the CPM would begin agitation.  

The situation has reached to such an extent that the card holders are not getting now the ration share they are eligible for. The retailers are moving towards agitation mode as the government is not taking any action to rein in whole sale dealers who often indulge in unfair practices.

The Centre government’s move to distribute ration subsidy through banks will backfire as the poor will have to buy commodities without subsidy at first by paying the full amount.

Searches on at residences of Tamil actor Vijay, others

CHENNAI: Ahead of the release of actor Vijay's mega budget movie "Puli", Income Tax sleuths Wednesday carried out searches at his residence and also at the premises of actresses Nayanthara and Samantha in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Hyderabad.

"The raids started at 7 AM. Several teams are jointly conducting (them) at various locations," in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Hyderabad, Income Tax officials said.

Those who came under the I-T search ambit included the producers of the film 'Puli,' and actresses Nayanthara and Samantha.

The multi-starrer film, also featuring Sridevi and Shruti Hasan, is all set to hit the screens tomorrow.

In Kerala, searches were being carried at two residential premises of Nayanthara, a top-paid star of Tamil cinema.

Searches were being conducting at her residences in Kochi and Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district, according to Income Tax officials.

Manappuram Robbery: Six including Company manager arrested

DINDIGUL: In acase in which gold ornaments worth Rs 6 crore and cash were stolen from Batalagundu branch of Manappuram Finance, the manager of the bank and five others were arrested.

Police said company manager Sankili Pandy and another staff there had helped a four-member gang to perpetrate the big robbery. Police Superintendent Saravanan said they did the crime to cover up embezzlement of gold pawned by them in the bank.   Six and a half kilogram gold and Rs 8 lakh out of Rs 17 lakh have been recovered from them.

“Sankili and his aides had taken lakhs of rupees as loan after pledging fake gold. Later they decided to commit the robbery once higher bank officials had come to the bank for inspections,” said Saravanan, explaining Sankili and his team’s confession.

Five Malayalis die in Tirunelveli accident

TIRUNELVELI: Five Malayalis died near Nangeri in Tamil Nadu after the Maruti van in which they were travelling overturned.
The van had lost control after its tyre burst, according to sources.

The dead have been identified as Christa Tima (50), Suma (33), Divya (16), Siluva Tima (40) and driver Jose. All were natives of Vizhinjam.

Eleven persons from the same family were inside the van. Six persons were injured in the accident. Out of that the condition of five persons are serious.

Two injured have been admitted to Asharipallam Medical College hospital in Nagercoil and the rest have been admitted to Kayakumari General Hospital.

The accident happened on Thirunelveli-Kanyakumari Road at around 5 pm on Monday.

They were on their way back home after visiting St Michel's church as pilgrimage.

I’ll quit my job if proved that I have stashed black money: Vellapally

NEW DELHI: Vellapally Natesan has come forward giving a befitting reply to opposition leader V S Achuthanandan. If VS proves that I have stashed black money, then I will quit my job, said Vellapally. VS should not forget that he approached me to collect money for the party.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Vellapally said that if he talks more then I will be forced to reveal those stories.

The party had awarded capital punishment for VS. A person like him is doing his best to remain in the party. He has changed into a person not needed by the party. Don’t make me talk more, he said.

Vellappally accepts bribe for appointment in S N Trust, says VS

ALAPPUZHA: SNDP yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan accepts bribe for the appointment of teachers in colleges coming under the S N Trust, alleged opposition leader V S Achuthanandan.

Inaugurating an anti-communal seminar organised by the CPM in Kanichikulangara, he said Vellapally had accepted an amount of Rs 100 crore in the past four years through it.

VS said, “He is not hesitant to accept bribe even from Ezhavas. He is trying to unite with the Sangh Parivar and the BJP on fear after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to seize black money. He is trying to hide his own fraud.”


Organisations under the S N Trust were earlier in the name of Sree Narayana Guru but after Vellappally became the general secretary, educational organisations started in Kattachira and Kollam were given his own name. An insult bigger than this cannot be showed to the followers of Guru, said VS.

The wound will not heal if politics is mixed with religion. During Guru’s time, the state was not in the way we see it today, he said.

Two electrocuted

PERINTHALMANNA: Two persons were electrocuted after a lorry rammed an electric post. The incident happened near Perinthalmanna. The dead has been identified as Unnen (36) and Shefiq (20), natives of Alanalloor.

The lorry which lost control rammed the electric post.

Heavy rains bring heavy losses; lighting kills one

KOZHIKODE: Rain wreak havoc in hilly regions of Kozhikode causing damages and losses. A woman died after being struck by lightning. The dead has been identified as Kattippara Mampalikkara Surendran’s wife Pushpa.  

At Parappan Koyilil three houses were damaged after a tree fell on it. More agricultural and financial losses are being reported as it continues to rain heavily.

Teachers' transfer put off

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  The Education department has frozen the highly controversial transfer of higher secondary school teachers in Kerala. The decision in this regard was taken following the directions of the Election Commission. The government has also cancelled the transfer of VHSE teachers. 

Today’s government order will be effective till October 18. With this, teachers who have taken charge in their new school, will have to return to their old schools.

State Election Commission Secretary P Geetha had written to Higher Secondary Director to freeze the transfers in order to facilitate smooth conduct of local body elections. The government was also asked to cancel all transfers done after September 20. Transfer at this time would be a breach of Commission’s earlier order, it was pointed out.                     

College student dies in bike-tanker collision

ATTINGAL: A college student died after his bike collided with a milk tanker on the national highway near Varuvilakam Devi Temple at Korani. He has been identified as Arun (21), son of Sunny Kumar and Padmakumari of Assembly Mukku.

Arun was a student of M G College in the capital city. His bike collided with the milk tanker proceeding to Thiruvananthapuram from Kollam while he was returning from the gymnasium. Though he was taken to the medical college hospital, his life could not be saved. The tanker driver, who sustained injuries has been admitted in the medical college hospital. Achu is his brother.

Stop schools students from biking to school

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ADGP Rishi Raj Sngh has asked parents to prevent school students from riding two-wheelers to their tuition centres and then to school.

He was inaugurating the second phase road safety training held by NATPAC for school teachers at Loyola College at Sreekaryam on Monday.

He also inaugurated the documentary on NATPAC's research works 

Kasargod bank theft: One held

KASARGOD: The police Tuesday arrested a person in connection with the bank theft at the Vijaya Bank in Kasargod. The person arrested has been identified as Yousuf, a native of Vellappa.

It was Yousuf who helped the thieves to rent the ground floor of the building where the bank is located. Meantime, it is hinted that the accused have fled to Bengal. As hints have obtained on the accused, the police is likely to release the sketch of the accused soon.
The bank authorities have put the loss at Rs 5 crore in gold jewellery and around Rs 3 lakh in cash.

Heavy fine if electric meter reading cannot be taken

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The electricity board has decided to squeeze the public by bringing in a new system. A heavy fine will be charged from people if the reading cannot be taken. If reading cannot be taken twice, a fine of Rs 250 to 500 will be charged from the people. A move is on to execute the system from next month beginning onwards.  The explanation given by the authorities is that the new system is being implemented as per the directive of the electricity regulatory commission.

Some houses remain closed when people come to take the reading. Due to this, the bill will have to be prepared as per the previous charge and this is causing a heavy loss to the board. Some purposely go out locking their houses when it’s time for the reading to be taken. Arrangement should be made to take the reading even if people go out.

Heavy fine if electric meter reading cannot be taken

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The electricity board has decided to squeeze the public by bringing in a new system. A heavy fine will be charged from people if the reading cannot be taken. If reading cannot be taken twice, a fine of Rs 250 to 500 will be charged from the people. A move is on to execute the system from next month beginning onwards.  The explanation given by the authorities is that the new system is being implemented as per the directive of the electricity regulatory commission.

Some houses remain closed when people come to take the reading. Due to this, the bill will have to be prepared as per the previous charge and this is causing a heavy loss to the board. Some purposely go out locking their houses when it’s time for the reading to be taken. Arrangement should be made to take the reading even if people go out.

500 sovereign gold stolen from NRI businessman's house


THRISSUR:  Five-hundred sovereign gold was stolen from a locked house of an NRI businessman at Vadakkekadu, Thrissur. The robbery happened at Vadakke Thadakam Kunnhu Muhammed’s house.

As the occupants of the house had gone for ‘Gulf’ visit, the house had been kept locked for some days.

When the family members returned from Gulf the other day, they were startled to see the gold missing.

The police have started investigation into the incident.

500 sovereign gold stolen from NRI businessman's house


THRISSUR:  Five-hundred sovereign gold was stolen from a locked house of an NRI businessman at Vadakkekadu, Thrissur. The robbery happened at Vadakke Thadakam Kunnhu Muhammed’s house.

As the occupants of the house had gone for ‘Gulf’ visit, the house had been kept locked for some days.

When the family members returned from Gulf the other day, they were startled to see the gold missing.

The police have started investigation into the incident.

Sathish Babu admits killing another nun, says police

KOTTAYAM: A day after the state police revealed that a man arrested from Haridwar for killing and 69-year-old nun at her convent near here had a fetish for nuns, he told the police that he had killed another nun in April this year.

Sathish Babu, 38, was arrested from Haridwar last week.

“Our probe and questioning have now revealed and he has admitted to have killed another nun at a convent in the same district in April this year. We have registered a separate case,” a police official probing the present murder told reporters here on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, police had brought Babu to the convent where he had killed Sister Amala, 69, using a wooden club on September 17.

Following the latest revelation that Babu had hit 83-year-old Sister Jose Maria at her convent room at Erattupettah near here in April, the police would now exhume the body that was interned at her parish.

It may be noted that Sister Maria had been found in an unconscious state in April. She was moved to a hospital, where she passed away after a few days. It was seen as natural death.

Police have gone on record after their detailed questioning that Babu had a peculiar fetish for nuns and he derived some sort of sadistic pleasure while attacking elderly nuns.

He has also confessed of conducting thefts in a few convents in Kottayam.

Babu was arrested in Haridwar last Thursday by local police after the Kerala Police traced a phone call made by the accused to his brother in Kasargode town and was brought to Kerala, Sunday.

Care Your Heart scheme will be implemented: Siva Kumar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  Health Minister V S Sivakumar has said that a special work project titled ‘Care Your Heart’ will be implemented in State schools in order to create awareness on heart diseases. Heart Clubs will also be started in schools as a part of LEAP (Life-care Education Awareness Programme).   

The minister was speaking at the state-level inauguration of World Health Day programmes in Thiruvananthapuram VJT hall on Tuesday.

“An awareness programme titled Art For Heart will be organised in schools utilising the capabilities of students with artistic talents and using the tools of social media. In order to encourage students to do regular physical exercises, a walk way named Good Morning will be built at Shankumugham,” he informed.   

The minister said as part of expanding the cardiology department in Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, most modern Cathlab will be established at an expense of Rs Five core. “The third storey of the six-storey multi-speciality block that will become operational from December will be allotted for cardiology. The fourth floor will be set apart as Cardiac surgery unit. Formalities to begin a heart transplantation unit have been completed. The cardiology unit of Kottayam Medical College will be upgraded to Regional Heart Institute,” he said.

Vellapally to meet Modi

NEW DELHI: SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellapally Natesan has left for New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in order to invite him for unveiling the statue of R Shankar.

Tushar Vellapally, SNDP yogam vice-president and son of Natesan, will also accompany him. They will be meeting the Prime Minister on Thursday (Oct 1).

Vellapally may apprise Modi their plan to float a political party. The yogam had earlier decided to field candidates for the local body polls.

Self-financing issue: Clash at SFI march

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A clash broke out at the secretariat march staged by the SFI seeking a solution to the self-financing issue. The police resorted to lathicharge and used water cannons. Some activities sustained injuries in the clash.

The police stopped the march when it was about to reach the secretariat. Following that, a clash broke out between the students and police. The police resorted to lathicharge when stones were pelted at them. 

Passenger in possession of 20 bullets taken into custody

KOCHI: Police took a passenger bound for Hong Kong via Kuala Lumpur into custody with 20 bullets in his baggage at the Nedumbassery international airport in the early hours of Monday.

According to police the passenger, identified as Salim (52), a native of Pazhyangadi in Kannur, and said to be employed in Hong Kong, was taken into custody as he had with him 20 bullets (.32 mm) concealed in his baggage. This came to light during screening at the airport.

On preliminary interrogation, the passenger told the police that he had licence for the revolver and also possesses 150 cartridges. He said he could produce the licence for them.

Police have begun investigation. The passenger was now in police custody, the sources said.

However, Kannur District Collector, the licence issuing authority, told UNI on phone that, during the past two years, licence to possess large number of cartridges, to his knowledge, was not issued and the case would be looked into. He said the office had also issued instructions to bring down the number of cartridges one can possess.

Three of family killed in car-lorry collision

ALAPPUZHA: Three members of a family were killed when the car in which they were travelling collided with a lorry near Thiruvizha in Cherthala on the national highway. The dead has been identified as Radhakrishnan (55) of Punnapra, his wife Sathy (50) and son Sudheer Krishna (22).

The accident happened early Monday morning. The car in which the family was proceeding to Punnapra from Ernakulam collided with the lorry which was proceeding to Coimbatore from Kayamkulam.

The car has been completely damaged in the accident. The couple died on the spot and their son on way to the Alappuzha Medical College.

Radhakrishnan is an ex-service man. Sudheer was working in Hyderabad. Sudheer’s brother Subin Krishnan is also working in Hyderabad.

The bodies of Sudheer and Radhakrishnan are kept at the Cherthala taluk hospital and Sudheer Krishna’s at the medical college hospital. The bodies will be handed over after post mortem. The Mararikkulam police have reached the spot. Transportation was disrupted for some time following the accident.

Major bank theft at Vijaya Bank in Kasargod

KASARGOD: In yet another major bank robbery in Kasargod in a month, burglars walked away with a huge quantity of gold and cash from Vijaya Bank at Cheruvathoor.

Police said the robbers, entered the bank by drilling a hole from a shop on the ground floor and broke open the lockers. The extent of the loss could be identified only after preliminary investigation, they added. However, reports said cash of Rs 3 lakh and gold worth Rs four crore were stolen from the bank.

The theft is suspected to have taken place on Sunday. It was noticed when employees examined the store room after opening the bank today. The gold was kept in four safes. The burglars broke open three lockers and stole the gold. Attempt was made to break open the fourth locker also.

District Police Superintendent Srinivas said a police team led by a DySP has been rushed to the bank. It would also assess the loss and added a special team has also been formed to crack the heist.

Rs 13 lakh and 21 kg gold were looted from Kudlu Co-operative Bank at Eriyal in the district by five masked men after holding two women employees hostage on September 7. Police successfully nabbed almost all the accused in this case.

Major bank theft at Vijaya Bank in Kasargod

KASARGOD: In yet another major bank robbery in Kasargod in a month, burglars walked away with a huge quantity of gold and cash from Vijaya Bank at Cheruvathoor.

Police said the robbers, entered the bank by drilling a hole from a shop on the ground floor and broke open the lockers. The extent of the loss could be identified only after preliminary investigation, they added. However, reports said cash of Rs 3 lakh and gold worth Rs four crore were stolen from the bank.

The theft is suspected to have taken place on Sunday. It was noticed when employees examined the store room after opening the bank today. The gold was kept in four safes. The burglars broke open three lockers and stole the gold. Attempt was made to break open the fourth locker also.

District Police Superintendent Srinivas said a police team led by a DySP has been rushed to the bank. It would also assess the loss and added a special team has also been formed to crack the heist.

Rs 13 lakh and 21 kg gold were looted from Kudlu Co-operative Bank at Eriyal in the district by five masked men after holding two women employees hostage on September 7. Police successfully nabbed almost all the accused in this case.

Major bank theft at Vijaya Bank in Kasargod

KASARGOD: In yet another major bank robbery in Kasargod in a month, burglars walked away with a huge quantity of gold and cash from Vijaya Bank at Cheruvathoor.

Police said the robbers, entered the bank by drilling a hole from a shop on the ground floor and broke open the lockers. The extent of the loss could be identified only after preliminary investigation, they added. However, reports said cash of Rs 3 lakh and gold worth Rs four crore were stolen from the bank.

The theft is suspected to have taken place on Sunday. It was noticed when employees examined the store room after opening the bank today. The gold was kept in four safes. The burglars broke open three lockers and stole the gold. Attempt was made to break open the fourth locker also.

District Police Superintendent Srinivas said a police team led by a DySP has been rushed to the bank. It would also assess the loss and added a special team has also been formed to crack the heist.

Rs 13 lakh and 21 kg gold were looted from Kudlu Co-operative Bank at Eriyal in the district by five masked men after holding two women employees hostage on September 7. Police successfully nabbed almost all the accused in this case.

Man hacked to death in capital city

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A man was found jabbed to death with a knife at Palode in the capital city. The dead has been identified as Mohanan Nair of Ilavattom. 

Mohanan Nair was found killed with a knife pierced into his chest on Thenkasy-Thiruvananthapuram National Highway at Ilavattom. 

He owned Karthika Hardware and a Fancy Centre near his house and a private finance company at Moozhy.
According to his family members a man wearing blue jeans had come to meet Mohanan at around 10 in the night. He asked his elder son and Engineering student Sandeep about Mohanan Nair, who came out and talked to him for a while.

Nair went inside his room, put on his shirt, took his mobile phone and went out with the man in an auto, saying he was going to Palode police station.       

But Sadeep and his sister Sariga, a plus two student, said the auto went towards Nedumngadu instead of Palode.

As they had no other suspicion, the family members closed the door of their house and went to sleep.
Mohanan Nair is an active BJP worker.  

The body was spotted by one bike rider who came that way late in the night.

Palode police later shifted his body to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College for post-mortem.

His wife is Usha Kumari. The police have intensified the investigation under Palode CI Jayakumar and SI Harilal.

Amit Shah meets Vellapally

KOLLAM: BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday met SNDP yogam general secretary Vellapally Natesan, who has expressed his desire to form a political party.

Natesan, the supreme leader of the powerful Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Sangom - the social organisation of Ezhavas - and Shah met on the sidelines of an event here to celebrate 62nd birthday of Mata Amritanandamayi.

This was for the second time in as many months that Natesan and Shah have met.

BJP state unit president V Muraleedharan and Natesan's son, Tushar Vellapally, also took part in the meeting that assumes significance as Ezhava community leader wishes to form a political party.

But, Natesan said: "We did not discuss politics at today's (Sunday) meeting."

"Why people are so restless on my meeting? Don't I have the freedom to meet people? Moreover, he (Shah) is the national president of the party that rules the country. I will also meet the prime minister...," Natesan told the media.

The SNDP owes its allegiance to social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.

In Kerala, Hindus constitute over 50 percent of the 3.30 crore population and in numbers the Ezhava community is slightly ahead of the Hindu Nair community.

Over the years the SNDP, even though it claims to maintain a policy of equidistance with the rival political fronts - the Left Front and the Congress-led United Democratic Front - in the state's political spectrum, it was known that a majority of the Ezhavas often backed the CPI-M-led alliance.

Ever since Narendra Modi became the prime minister, the BJP was doing its best to woo the SNDP and for that Natesan was offered a deal to name a central university in the state after the revered guru.

For the BJP, which is yet to open an account in the 140-member Kerala assembly, getting Natesan into the NDA fold is expected to yield dividends, and with local body polls to be held in November and the assembly polls next year, the BJP is doing every bit of politicking.

PSLV Successfully Launches India’s Multi Wavelength Space Observatory ASTROSAT

In its thirty first flight (PSLV-C30) conducted today (September 28, 2015), India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle successfully launched ASTROSAT, the country's Multi Wavelength Space Observatory along with six foreign customer satellites into a   644.6 X 651.5 km orbit inclined at an angle of 6 deg to the equator.  The achieved orbit is very close to the intended one.   This was the thirtieth consecutive success for PSLV.

PSLV was launched today in its heaviest ‘XL’ version with six strap-on motors of the first stage. The launch took place from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota, the spaceport of India.

The 320 tonne, 45 m tall PSLV-C30 carrying  seven satellites including the 1513 kg ASTROSAT, lifted off at 10:00 Hrs IST. About twenty two minutes after lift-off, ASTROSAT was successfully placed in orbit and separated from the fourth stage of PSLV-C30.  The separation of all the six co-passenger satellites was completed in the subsequent three minutes. The seven satellites carried by PSLV-C30 together weighed about 1631 kg at lift-off. 

After a 50 hour smooth count down, the 320 ton PSLV-C28 was launched with the ignition of its first stage. The important flight events included the ignition and separation of the strap-ons, separation of the first stage, ignition of the second stage, separation of the payload fairing after the vehicle had cleared the dense atmosphere, second stage separation, third stage ignition and third stage separation, fourth stage ignition and fourth stage cut-off.  

Through 30 successful flights during 1994-2015 period, PSLV has launched a total of 84 satellites including the seven satellites successfully launched today. The vehicle has repeatedly proved its reliability and versatility by successfully launching satellites into a variety of orbits including polar Sun Synchronous, Geosynchronous Transfer and Low Earth orbits of small inclination thereby emerging as the workhorse launch vehicle of India. 

So far, 51 satellites have been launched by PSLV for customers from abroad. Today’s launch of six co-passenger satellites by PSLV-C30 was facilitated by Antrix Corporation Limited, the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), a government of India Company under the Department of Space (DOS). 

Soon after its separation from PSLV-C30, the two solar arrays of ASTROSAT were automatically deployed and the Spacecraft Control Centre at the Mission Operations Complex of ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Bangalore took control of ASTROSAT.

ASTROSAT is India’s first dedicated multi wavelength space observatory. This scientific satellite mission endeavours for a more detailed understanding of our universe.  ASTROSAT is designed to observe the universe in the Visible, Ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum simultaneously with the help of its five payloads. 

ASTROSAT was realised by ISRO with the participation of all major astronomy institutions including Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) of Pune, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) at Mumbai, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP) and Raman Research Institute (RRI) of Bangalore as well as some of the Universities in India and two institutions from Canada and the UK.

In the coming days, ASTROSAT will be brought to the final operational configuration and all its five scientific payloads will be thoroughly tested before the commencement of regular operations.

Today’s successful flight of PSLV further underscores the reliability and versatility of PSLV as well as the robustness of its design.  

Bangladeshi woman attempts suicide in Kozhikode

KOZHIKODE: A Bangladeshi woman,a victim of sexual assault, housed in a Mahila Mandiram, attempted suicide. The woman admitted in the hospital was sexually assaulted at a flat in Eranhipalam.

The 34-year-old-woman, who was working as a beautician, was sexually assaulted by five persons at a flat in Eranhipalam on May 27. The woman was brought to Kozhikode by a couple after making her unconscious. She was locked in a room and then abused by the five. The court sent the woman to Mahila Mandiram.

Congress groups join hands to protect the corrupt, says VS

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress A and I Groups have joined hands to protect the corrupt and to do corruption, said opposition leader V S Achuthanandan. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala are competing to protect the corrupt, said VS in a statement.

The public are watching the races of the chief minister and the home minister to protect the corrupt. The people will give a reply in the coming elections. Chennithala had stated that the corrupt will not get any group protection. Chennithala who supported corruption and the corrupt of the consumerfed and the Cashew Corporation till the last minute is now delivering an anti-corruption speech.

Chennithala should have welcomed the demand for a CBI probe, he said.

Rare 'Supermoon' Lunar Eclipse Coming Sunday: Skywatching Tips

A rare supermoon lunar eclipse will grace the night sky on Sunday (Sept. 27), and if you live in the Western Hemisphere, you could have spectacular views of this celestial treat.

During this weekend's supercharged eclipse, not only will the moon appear up to 14 percent larger in the night sky, but it will also look red in color. This so-called "Blood Moon" effect is caused by light refracting through Earth's atmosphere from sunsets and sunrises, according to NASA. The last time this type of lunar eclipse occurred was in 1982, and it won't happen again until 2033.

People in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and parts of western Asia and the eastern Pacific should be able to get a clear view of the sky show. The moon will pass through the dark part of Earth's shadow beginning at 9:07 p.m. EDT on Sunday (0107 GMT), and the total eclipse will start at 10:11 p.m. EDT, NASA officials said in a statement. The full total eclipse show will last 1 hour and 12 minutes.

Gas cylinder bursts, setting hotel on fire

PANOOR: A gas cylinder burst in a hotel at Chokli town, setting the hotel on fire. The incident happened yesterday around 12 pm. It was Chicknow hotel under the ownership of Nadukkandi Sameer that got burnt almost completely.

As it was holiday for hotel on Bakrid, the fire was noticed only much later. Fire force units from Thalassery and Panur rushed to the spot and put out the fire. The total loss has been estimated to be Rs 6 lakh.

Three more Keralites killed in Mina tragedy

MALAPPURAM: The death toll of Keralites killed in the stampede at Mina has risen to four.

The relatives Saturday obtained information that Sulfikkar of Kollam, Saji Habeeb of Punalur and Shameem of Malappuram were among the pilgrims killed in the pilgrimage.

Shameem along with his wife Risli went for the pilgrimage. She sustained injuries in the stampede.

Youth dies in bike accident


THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A bike-borne youth who sped past the police who were inspecting the vehicles died after his bike collided with a lorry. The accident happened at Parottukonam near MG College. The dead has been identified as Sanju (26), a native of Parottukonam.  

Religious interests being imposed on society: Sreedevi S Kartha

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Writer and translator of APJ Kalam’s book Sreedevi S Kartha has said that the stand taken by Current Books Publishers in prohibiting  her from attending the book release function exposes the narrow mindedness of the publishers.

“For the past several years the practice of religious organisations imposing their interests on the general public has been in vogue. The instruction that girls should not share a public venue with Brahmavihari Das is part of this practice. What is the difference between such organisations and fundamentalist elements like Taliban and ISIS. Are they also not trying to force their motives down others throat?,” she quipped.

She told media persons in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday that “such inhumane practice can’t be accepted in the land where greats like Sree Narayana Guru, Swami Vivekananda and Chattambi Swami lived. Such actions hurt one’s dignity”.

“Sara Joseph’s statement that the translator need not take part in the book release function deserves flak. The writer, who is also a feminist, has taken such a retrograde step in order to please the publishers to whom she has certain obligations,” she allleged.

T N Prathapan seeks CBI probe into corruption in Consumerfed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: T N Prathapan MLA Saturday sent a letter to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala seeking a detailed investigation on the corruption in the consumderfed.

Prathapan said as there is inter-state connection, the case should be investigated by the CBI. Constant allegations have been voiced on the consumerfed. A CBI probe is sought as a vigilance probe will not nab the real accused.

The government had the other day suspended the governing body of consumerfed on charges.

MA Baby’s son ties knot

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ashok Betty Nelson (Appu), son of CPM politburo member M A Baby and Betty Louis, and Sanidha, daughter of Antony and Annamma, got married at a simple function held at the AKG Centre.  The wedding garlands were handed over to them by noted playback singer K J Yesudas and noted mridangam player Dr Umayalpuram K Sivaraman.

The marriage function came to an end after the two exchanged Thulasimala. The two later got down from the dais and went to the guests to seek their blessings. Before exchanging the garlands, mridangam concert by Umayalpuram was there.

Ashok is a guitarist of the famous music band Thaikkudam Bridge. The couple registered their marriage at the register office in East Fort.

Governor P Sathasivam, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, opposition leader V S Achuthanandan, CPM politburo members S Ramachandran Pillai, Pinarayi Vijayan, state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, KPCC chief V M Sudheeran, poetess Sugathakumari, actors Mammootty, Madhu director Faasil, ministers, MPs, MLAs, political leaders and many from the film field.

After the marriage function, tea and a bite were served. The snacks served were prepared by members of the Kudumbashree of Kollam.

Kochi boat tragedy: Fasting councillors arrested

KOCHI: Police today arrested and removed Opposition councillors who was sitting on a fast in front of the Kochi Corporation, demanding judicial inquiry into Fort Kochi boat tragedy. Oppostion councillors Benny Fernandes and Sreejith were arrested.

Heist at Manappuram finance office

BATALAGUNDU: Batalagundu branch of Manappuram Finance came under the attack of robbers today. The robbers who barged into the office looted Rs 6 crore after threatening the staff with a gun.

Dindigul police later reached the office and started the inquiry.

Merin Joseph transferred to Munnar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Merin Joseph IPS has been transferred soon after her picture went viral in the social media. The picture showed a policeman holding an umbrella for her during a strike staged in the capital city. She has been transferred to Munnar as ASP. Unconfirmed reports say the order regarding the transfer was issued Thursday morning.

Top police authorities informed that she was not transferred in the name ofdisciplinary violation. She was given an independent charge as she had completed her training.

She was earlier warned for posting her picture along with actor Nivin Pauly in the Facebook.

Fahadh injured during shooting

IDUKKI: Actor Fahadh Faasil was injured today while he was shooting for the film Maheshinte Prathikaram, being directed by Dileesh Pothen. The shoot was going on near Cheruthoni dam in Idukki.

The camera was capturing an action sequence when he accidentally got hit by his co artiste Sujith’s leg. The doctors have instructed him to rest for two days.

Mamalakkandam High School students end strike

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has decided to allot additional posts to Mamalakkandam government school in Ernakulam, following which the students have withdrawn their strike.

The additional posts became necessary as the school, originally a UP school, was upgraded to a High School two years ago.
PRDS LP school in Kottayam, which was upgraded to UP school, has also been allotted additional posts.

Mamalakkandam school students had the other day started fast in front of Public Education Director’s office, demanding recruitment of sufficient teachers in their school. Following today’s Cabinet decision, the students ended their strike.  

Though Mamalakkandam School was upgraded, the required number of teachers were not appointed accordingly. The school is the only educational solace for Adivasi students of Kuttampuzha Panchayat in Idukki.

CBI to probe Cashew Development Corporation scandal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala high court has ordered a probe into corruption in Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation based on inquiry reports.

Anomalies to the tune of Rs 600 crore are reported to have happened in the corporation.

The State government should issue an order, handing over the inquiry to the CBI, within two weeks. The court order also clarifies that the CBI will take up the case.

The court order came in response to a petition filed by  Kadakampally Manoj pointing out corruption in the procurement and sale of cashew nuts.

The division bench comprising Chief Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice P R Ramachandran also dismissed the government's argument that a vigilance inquiry has been ordered into the allegations. The court held that a vigilance inquiry would not suffice as the issue had international ramifications.

Meanwhile, Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Chairman R Chandrasekharan has said that he would resign from the post and he was ready to face any inquiry. He said he would put in his papers on Friday. 

Accused in Sister Amala murder case held in Haridwar

KOTTAYAM: The accused involved in the murder of Sr Amala of Lisieux Carmelite Convent in Pala, has been arrested in Haridwar. Sathish Babu alias Sathish Nair (39) of Kasargod was arrested last night from the Ayappa Swamy Temple in Haridwar where he was hiding.


However, the investigating team has not confirmed his custody officially. Sathish, who reached Haridwar after the murder told the temple authorities that he was a sanyasin. He told them that he lost his purse while having bath in the Ganga and sought their help.

Though strangers are not allowed to enter the ashram, he somehow got in after meeting some Keralites there. He tried to escape from there after police released the image of his picture. When the ashram refused to give him money, he went to a nearby hotel and sent an SMS to his relative. The police who was observing his relative’s phone immediately informed the SP of Haridwar. Following that, the Haridwar police arrested Sathish Babu. The investigating team will soon reach Haridwar and take him into custody and then will produce him in the court.

Sister Amala was found dead in a pool of blood in her convent room on September 17.

Actress Sharada discharged from hospital

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Actress Sharada, who had collapsed on Wednesday evening while she was attending the cremation ceremony of veteran film maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s wife Sunanda at Shanthi Kavadam at Thycaud, was discharged from hospital on Thursday. She was admitted in the PRS hospital yesterday evening and had been kept under observation.

As her health improved today, she was discharged from the hospital. From the hospital she went to Thycaud guest house, where she would rest before flying back to her hometown in the afternoon. 

Actress Bhavana bereaved

THRISSUR: The film fraternity Thursday bereaved the death of Balachandran (59), father of noted film actress Bhavana. He died at a private hospital in the district. He was admitted in the hospital yesterday in an unconscious stage and  died of cerebral haemorrhage.

He was a photographer and a cameraman. He was the cameraman of the film Atheena. Before that, he had assisted cameraman Sony. He left the film field after Bhavana became an actress.

Though his family was willing to donate his organs, only his eye could be donated as his other organs stopped functioning.

He leaves behind his wife Pushpalatha, son Jayadevan, daughter in law Vinaya and daughter Karthika (Bhavana).

The funeral will take place at 3:30 pm today at Santhighat crematorium in Paramekkavu

Conduct of 30 PSC exams may get hindered

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the chief minister assuring the sanctioning of Rs 48 crore to the PSC urgently, the body has not got even a single paisa. If the fund is not allotted immediately, it would hinder the conduct of about 30 exams to be held during October and November.  It will also delay the completion of Kozhikode  online examination centre.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
Every month PSC needs Rs 10 crore for its various activities. It had demanded Rs 48 crore for the next six months. Rs 41 crore is required only for the conduct of exams. Rs 5 crore is needed for bigger exams. 

The preparations for the exams should start before three month before the exam starts

The PSC secretary had written to the Finance department for the immediate release of the fund. But the finance department had in response ordered an inquiry into the PSC’s financial dealings. Later the PSC had to approach the chief minister for the fund.
In between this, the PSC chairman had to reject the promotion proposal of five additional secretaries recommended by the Finance departentmt. This also estranged the relationship between the PSC and the finance department.

Government exempts social media apps from encryption policy

NEW DELHI: The government has exempted Web and messaging services used by masses like WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter from the proposed new encryption policy which has raised privacy concerns.

In an addendum to the draft policy, the Department of Electronics and IT said it has exempted "the mass use encryption product, which is currently being used in Web application, social media sites and social media applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter etc".

Generally, all modern messaging services like WhatsApp, Viber, Line, Google Chat, Yahoo Messenger etc come with a high level of encryption and many a time, security agencies find it hard to intercept these messages.

As per the original draft, the new encryption policy proposes that every message a user sends -- be it through WhatsApp, SMS, e-mail or any such service -- must be mandatorily stored in plain text format for 90 days and made available on demand to security agencies.

The draft proposes legal action that could also entail imprisonment for failure to store and produce on demand the encrypted message sent from any mobile device or computer.

The draft, issued by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology, would apply to everyone, including government departments, academic institutions, citizens and for all kinds of communications -- be it official or personal.

An official spokesperson clarified that the proposal may not impact the common man and later, the government has issued a clarification. The new addendum or clarification has also exempted certain encryption products from being used in Internet banking and payment gateways as directed by the Reserve Bank of India and e-commerce and password-based transactions.

‘Mullukalilathaa Sooryakanthi’ photo exhibition begins

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Tuesday inaugurated the photography exhibition organised in memory of noted photographer and Kerala Kaumudi photo editor S S Ram by the daily titled ‘Mullukalilathaa Sooryakanthi’ at the Press Club.

His death is an inseparable loss and it happened at a time when his photography skills had to go miles. The photo exhibition organised is the biggest tribute for him.  He congratulated Kerala Kaumudi and Ram’s colleagues for taking the initiative to conduct such an exhibition.  His photography skills were absolutely amazing, the chief minister said.

Kerala Kaumudi deputy editor P P James presided over the function. Bureau chief M M Subai delivered the key note address and political editor B V Pavanan the vote of thanks. Kerala Kaumudi editor Deepu Ravi, Minister V S Sivakumar, Ram’s wife Jayalakshmy, brother Easwar, brother in law Ramakrishnan, other family members and friends attended the function.

Almost 150 pictures of Ram were exhibited at the exhibition.

Treat all self-financing managements equally: Majeed to govt

KOZHIKODE: Muslim League State General Secretary K P A Majeed has appealed to the government to treat all self-financing managements equally. In self-financing colleges, the government should implement 50:50 seat sharing proportion (i.e. 50 percent seats under management quota and 50 percent seats under government quota).

“There should be a unified fees structure and admission formalities. Christian managements are ready to sign contracts with the government. After solving issues with them, the government should implement 50:50 seat sharing proportion,” she said.  

However, Majeed didn’t respond to questions on the editorial that had appeared in Samastha daily. He said the daily’s proprietor himself would explain about the editorial.

Treat all self-financing managements equally: Majeed to govt

KOZHIKODE: Muslim League State General Secretary K P A Majeed has appealed to the government to treat all self-financing managements equally. In self-financing colleges, the government should implement 50:50 seat sharing proportion (i.e. 50 percent seats under management quota and 50 percent seats under government quota).

“There should be a unified fees structure and admission formalities. Christian managements are ready to sign contracts with the government. After solving issues with them, the government should implement 50:50 seat sharing proportion,” she said.  

However, Majeed didn’t respond to questions on the editorial that had appeared in Samastha daily. He said the daily’s proprietor himself would explain about the editorial.

Labourers start indefinite strike in Aralam Farm

KANNUR: Labourers at Aralam farm have started indefinite strike, demanding hike in salary and bonus. They were reportedly forced to strike work after talks held between labour union leaders and labour commissioner failed. Adivasi Gotra Mahasabha has also declared their support to the strike being held under the aegis of Trade Unions.

Currently, the workers are given wages as per the 2004 contract. Though several talks regarding salary revision were held earlier in the presence of ministers, nothing concrete had emerged. Discussions were also held with the chief minister in June, but in vain. The workers later alleged that the principle secretary and the finance department had come in the way of salary revision.

One missing after boat capsizes in Kodungalloor


KODUNGALLOOR: One person is missing after a fishing boat capsized at Kabanikkadu beach at Kaippamangalam Monday morning. Three persons have been rescued. The missing person has been identified as Rajith Kumar alias Kannan (30) of Kabanikkadavu. Search is on to trace him.

The boat developed an engine snag soon after they set out for fishing. The boat ‘Thottungal’ belongs to Harris, a fisherman of Kabanikkadavu. He was also in the boat. Rahim and Manoharan, who were in the boat, swam to safety. The Mathilakam police have reached the spot. The Azheekode coastal police and the fishermen are jointly involved in the search operations.

One missing after boat capsizes in Kodungalloor


KODUNGALLOOR: One person is missing after a fishing boat capsized at Kabanikkadu beach at Kaippamangalam Monday morning. Three persons have been rescued. The missing person has been identified as Rajith Kumar alias Kannan (30) of Kabanikkadavu. Search is on to trace him.

The boat developed an engine snag soon after they set out for fishing. The boat ‘Thottungal’ belongs to Harris, a fisherman of Kabanikkadavu. He was also in the boat. Rahim and Manoharan, who were in the boat, swam to safety. The Mathilakam police have reached the spot. The Azheekode coastal police and the fishermen are jointly involved in the search operations.

SNDP council entrusted on formation of political party

ALAPPUZHA: A political party under the leadership of the SNDP Yogam will not be floated soon. The yogam Sunday entrusted the council to take a decision on the formation of the party at the meet held in Cherthala Sunday.

Briefing reporters the decisions of the meeting, SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan said a final decision in connection with the formation of a political party will bet taken after discussing with similar minded of the majority community.

Following the demand of the formation of a political party, a decision was taken through a secret voting. All except four supported the formation of a political party. However, some minor changes were made. A decision was taken to seek the opinion of majority communities before the formation of the party.

ASamrakshana Yatra will be staged from Kasargod to Thiruvananthapuram from November 15 to 30. Lakhs will attend the concluding function in the capital city. Any community from Nayadi to Namboodiri can partake in it. The aim of the yatra is to expose the negligence towards the majority community.

The Yogam has decided to permit members of the SNDP to contest independently in the local polls. But, they should get the permission of the unions. A decision has been taken to make the organisation more active, he said.

Date for local body polls to be announced next week

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state election commission will reach a consensus next week on the date for the local body polls. Things are moving in such a way that the polls can be conducted by the first week of November. Though there was a speculation that the polls would be held on November 7, the commission authorities have not confirmed it. It has been hinted that election would be held in 14 districts in two dates on alternate dates.

The commission is planning to complete the poll procedures before November 15. Meantime, the election commission are anxious on the delay over the procedures regarding the revamp of block panchayat.

Radhika Thilak passes away

KOCHI: Renowned Malayalam playback singer Radhika Thilak passed away at a private hospital here Sunday, her family sources said. She was 45.

Thilak was diagnosed with cancer one-and-a half years back and had since been under medication. She is survived by husband Suresh Krishna and daughter Devika, a student of law.  

A popular face on Doordarshan, Thilak had sung in around 70 Malayalam films including, 'Guru', 'Ottayal Pattalam' and 'Deepasthambham Mahashcharyam'. She was also known for her stage programmes.

Thilak was taken to hospital from her Panampally Nagar residence with fever. She lost her battle against cancer at 8.15 pm, hospital sources said.

Daughter of Thilak and the late Girija Devi, Radhika came to the world of singing through the light music programmes of All India Radio. She was also active in stage shows.

The death is an irreparable loss to the music world, film director Rajasenan said. Singer MG Sreekumar said Radhika Thilak had all the potential to be one of the top singers along with Chithra and Sujatha.

The cremation of Radhika, resident of Arwin Rosedale Apartments in Panampilly Nagar, is scheduled for Monday.

Govt should not deny financial aid to PSC: VS

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan has demanded the government not to deny financial aid to the PSC. “The government’s move to do away with the funding to the PSC will stall its activities. The future of thousands of job-aspirants will be doomed,” he said in a press statement on Monday.    

The Finance department that shows inordinate interest to examine the accounts of the PSC also owes the responsibility to resolve their financial problems. The government is more interested in giving promotion to officials in the finance department, flouting norms rather than providing the required help to the PSC. Now what the government is trying to do is to destroy the PSC for coming out against irregular promotions, “he alleged.

The Opposition leader also asked Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to interfere in the issue in order to provide financial help to the PSC.    

Medical negligence alleged over pregnant woman’s death at SAT

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The death of a pregnant at the SAT hospital here resulted in noisy scenes with the relatives alleging that she died due to medical negligence. The dead has been identified as Shyama from Uchakkada.

Though Shyama was first admitted in the Parassala hospital, she was later sent to SAT as cesarian was advised for her. It is alleged that the hospital staff waited for her normal delivery, resulting in her death. 

Following the death, her relatives protested in front of the hospital. They only stopped protesting after the police assured them of an inquiry into the death, by an official of Commissioner’s rank. 

Health Minister V S Sivakumar informed that he had given instructions to Medical Education Director to inquire into the incident and submit a report on it immediately.

SNDP not against floating political party, says Vellapally

ALAPPUZHA: The SNDP is not against floating a political party, said its secretary Vellappally Natesan. I cannot say now that the organisation will not float a new political party, said Vellappally. I will approve whatever be the decision of the members, he said.

Talking to reporters before holding a meet to discuss the future of SNDP, he said that he alone cannot take a decision on the issue. I am just an official to implement the decision of the yogam. Both the fronts had neglected the minority communities, he said.

The yogam will discuss the stand to be taken for the local body polls and along with that the organizational issues will also be discussed, he added.

Kodiyeri welcomes stand of SNDP

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Sunday welcomed the stand of the SNDP of not joining hands with the BJP.  However, it is doubtful whether SNDP yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan will stick to his stance, he said while addressing the media.

Kodiyeri said Vellappally met BJP national president Amit Shah to form a new party. All the candidates supported by Vellapally were defeated in the polls, he said. Without intervening in politics, the organisation should try to protect the visions of Guru, he added.

Buffalo runs amok, on its way to slaughterhouse

 
PATHANAMTHITTA: A buffalo which was taken to a slaughterhouse ran amok, creating scare among the people. After six hours, the animal was brought under control by locals and police. 

The animal had been kept tethered at the slaughterhouse at Konni. It snapped the rope in which it was kept tied and ran helter-shelter. In his attempt to catch the animal, Arun , a local, was gored by it. He was soon admitted to a private hospital.

The buffalo after freeing itself ran into a field at Vettoor, creating tense situation. Police were called in and they along with local residents caught the buffalo and chained it again.

Tipper lorry snuffs out 10-yr-old’s life


KANNUR: A 10-yr-old schoolchild who was on his way back home died after he was hit by a tipper lorry. The child died on the spot though the driver and conductor fled the place. The police have taken the lorry in custody.

The child’s name was Yuvaraj. The accident happened at Payannur Madathil padi in Kannur.

Case against Tata for usurping govt land

MUNNAR: Two cases have been registered against Tata in connection with the illegal occupation of government land. The case relates to the incidents in Udumpumchola and Devikulam.

Earlier, seven cases were registered against Tata. With the new case, the total number of cases against Tata has become nine.

Govt should clarify Jacob Thomas' 'flaw': Pinarayi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM Politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan has said that Chief Minister Oommen Chandy should explain the instances of DGP Jacob Thomas committing irregularities,if any, while he was the Fire Force chief.

“The chief minister says that he was transferred as he didn’t obey government instructions when he was the Fire Force head. Chandy should explain which instructions he had disobeyed. The chief minister’s allegations expose the government’s incompetency,” said Pinarayi, who was speaking to media persons in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. 

Will not allow SNDP to reach BJP camp: Gokulam Gopalan

KOCHI: Sree Narayana Dharmavedi chairman Gokulam Gopalan has come out against SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellapally Natesan. 

He said on Saturday that Vellapally had been trying to take SNDP to BJP camp and that would not be allowed. “A state-wide awareness campaign will be organised against Vellapally’s stand. He has been going ahead with such campaigns for political mileage,” he added.

Assembly mayhem: Case against four UDF MLAs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A case has been registered against four UDF MLAs, who allegedly humiliated two women MLAs from the Opposition during the ruckus created in the Assembly on the budget presentation day.

The case has been registered against MLAs MA Waheed, Dominic Presentation, A T George and K Sivadasan Nair, according to the instruction given by Thiruvananthapuram First Class Magistrate.

The complaint lodged by K K Lathika and Jameela Prakasam forms the basis of the case . The four MLAs have been asked to be present in the court on April 20, next year. Deliberate detention, outraging woman’s modesty and attempt to harass are the charges made against the UDF MLAs by the complainants. The case has been registered under IPC 341, 341A and 354.

Earlier, statements of Congress as well as Opposition MLAs were recorded based on the women MLAs’ complaint. The Opposition had also protested for alleged inaction by the Speaker over the complaint.  

Sister Amala's killer, a convent frequenter: ADGP

KOCHI: ADGP Padmakumar has said that he has got valuable evidence related to the alleged murder of Sister Amala of Pala Lisieux Carmel Convent. “A person who is very much familiar with the surroundings and circumstances of the convent must have done the crime,” he said after attending a meeting held to evaluate the case’ progress. 

“After killing sister Amala, the killer had washed her body and changed clothes in order to destroy evidence. This is a strange thing. More investigation is needed before arriving at a conclusion. This finding points fingers at the fact that the killer must have been a person familiar to the convent and  who frequented the place. Police will examine all circumstances,” he said. 

Trade Unions behind success of Munnar stir: M M Mani

SURYANELLI: CPM leader M M Mani has said that the credit for the success of Munnar tea plantation strike goes to Trade Unions. It was because of their interference that the workers got 20 percent of the wage as bonus. He was speaking at a function, expressing solidarity with the workers of Suryanelli Harison Malayalam Plantation for their strike.   

“Those who held the strike had tried to compromise for low bonus. Blaming trade unions is same as blaming self. Only the trade unions will be with them till the last minute. Therefore the workers should not chop off the trunk on which they are sitting. Those who are speaking against Trade Unions are people who are trying to help the company,” he said. 

It was cabinet decision to transfer Jacob Thomas: Chandy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said that it was a joint decision of the Cabinet ministers to transfer DGP Jacob Thomas from Fire force chief’s post. “I owe the responsibility for that. Neither Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala nor Minister Manjalamkuzhi Ali had any hand in that,” the chief minister said. 

Chandy said there were many complaints raised against Jacob Thomas including denying permission to multi-storey buildings for the mere excuse that they don’t have skylift. Many of his dealings had put the government in the dock.

Killing all street dogs is not government policy: Muneer

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a relief to dog lovers, Minister M K Muneer has said that it is not the policy of the government to kill each and every street dog.

“The government will give utmost emphasis to spaying of dogs. The project in this connection will be implemented in all panchayats. Fund allocation for the purpose will be blocked in panchayts that do not come forward to implement the ABC programme,” he said.   

Sreedharan invited to UN's advisory committee

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Delhi Metro  Rail Corporation (DMRC) advisor E Sreedharan has got an invite to be part of an advisory committee of the United Nations.  

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon himself had invited him to the advisory board connected with road and transport development in the long run . The DMRC through a press release informed that Sreedharan had accepted the invitation. The posting is for three years.

ISIS link: Probe on couple begins in Kannur

KANNUR: The central agencies have started an investigation on the couple, natives of Kannur, suspected to have links with the ISIS, a terrorist organisation. The intelligence bureau and the NIA are collecting details of the couple who fled to Istanbul from Dubai recently.

The details of the couple regarding their job and stay have not been obtained. They have no connection with their relatives in the state. The state police had the other day registered a case against a native of Kozhikode for having links with the ISIS.

Lottery sold at Attingal wins Rs 7 cr


THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In this year’s Onam Bumper lottery draw, the ticket number TE513282 sold at Attingal has won the first prize. This lottery was sold today morning from Bhagavathy Lucky Centre. The prize cash is Rs 7 crore.

Harmful dogs can be put to sleep: SC

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Bringing embarrassment to hundreds of thousands of animal lovers across India, Supreme Court in its order on Friday said that "street dogs that prove a threat to human life can be put to sleep". The court was not ready to stay the 2006 high court order favouring killing of dogs that are harmful to human beings.     

The apex court also dismissed the petition filed by Animal Welfare Board against the above high court order. 

Kerala government had informed the court that many people including children and women came under the attack of street dogs. The state also had submitted before the court a detailed report in this regard. 

Saudi Missile attack: Four including Keralite killed

RIYADH: In the missile attack launched in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan bordering Yemen, four persons including a Malayali were killed.
The dead has been identified as Kochi Mattancheri native Farooq. Another Malayali got injured. The attack was unleashed by Houthi rebels.  

Farooq was an AC mechanic and he had been working in Saudi Arabia for the past 20 years. There were back-to-back shellings on the place he was staying.  

SNDP will not form party, says Vellapally

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The SNDP will not float a new political party, said Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan. The news regarding the formation of the party is baseless, he said.

CPM politburo member Pinarayi Vinayan is trying to crucify me, he said.

The communist party is a communal party, alleged Vellappally.

Seven die in separate accidents


 
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following separate incidents of vehicle accidents, seven injured persons were admitted to Medical College Hospital on Friday.

 The accidents happened yesterday night and today morning at Jagathy, on National Highway at Kallambalam and near Chackai.
In the Jagathy accident that happened at around 9:30 pm, a bike and a car collided, injuring Balaramapuram native Ansar (24) and Vellayani native Sreejith. The bike which Ansar was riding had a head-on collision with the car. The pillion rider Sreejith, who had taken ‘lift’ on the bike, also sustained severe injuries.  

On the national highway near Kallambalam, three Mayyanad natives were injured  in the accident that happened at 12:30 pm. They are Vishnu (24), Niyaz (24) and Girilal (21) and all the three have been admitted to the Medical College hospital.  

In the accident near Chackai along Kazhakoottam-Kovalam bypass that happened today morning, two bike travellers were injured. The injured Rupesh (21) and Darshan Kumar (25) have been admitted to Medical College Hospital. 

Women workers hold manager hostage

PUNALUR: About 300 women workers of a tea plantation factory have started their agitation against the management by holding its manager hostage. The strike which started yesterday evening is continuing.

The person who is facing the wrath of the women workers is the manager of Ambanad TR and Tea Company at Aryanad Arandal division. Tamil Nadu native Anil Maharaj is the manager

The agitation got intensified as AITUC and CITU union leaders chipped in after coming to know about the strike.
The protesters have demanded wage hike, medical help and proper maintenance of the factory.  

The workers have said that they were not ready for any compromise until and unless their demands are met. 

As the situation worsened, the Estate office that was opened in the morning was closed soon after. A huge posse of policemen is camping at the place. The manager has been trying to get in touch with the company management, it is reported.