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UDF sweeps four Corporations, LDF reduced to one, BJP opens score
The UDF secures 46 out of 76 seats in Kochi and gains ground in Thrissur and Kollam, highlighting a changing political landscape. The LDF retains Kozhikode Corporation, while the NDA celebrates its first municipal victory in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kerala local body polls: Twenty20 crashes in Kochi as Kitex outfit shrinks to margins
While the outfit retained power in Kizhakkambalam panchayat, its headquarters, and Aikkaranadu panchayat, it lost Kunnathunadu and Mazhuvannoor panchayats
LDF wins only 22 seats, including two independents it supported, which was worse than its tally of 24 in 2010
Kerala local body polls: After five years, Congress-led UDF romps back to power in Kochi Corporation
By noon, UDF was leading in 45 divisions, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) was ahead in only 20. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was leading in six divisions, and independents in five. The UDF is on the cusp of replicating its best performance in recent times, the victory in 2010 when it bagged 48 seats.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress-led United Democratic Front showcased a thumping victory in both rural and urban civic bodies, as the counting of votes for the 2025 Kerala local body elections came to a close. The UDF has won in four out of six corporations: Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur. The LDF retained Kozhikode, whereas the NDA has wrested Thiruvananthapuram from LDF. The UDF also won 59 district panchayats, 1063 block panchayats, and 7451 grama panchayats; the LDF won 30 district panchayats, 823 block panchayats, and 6137 grama panchayats; while the NDA won just one district panchayat, 50 block panchayats, and 1363 grama panchayats. LoP in Kerala Assembly and Congress leader V D Satheesan called the UDF's sweeping victory a warning against the state government and a protest of the people against those who misgoverned Kerala. KPCC president Sunny Joseph said on Saturday that the front's results indicated the people had rejected the LDF government. LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said the results would be closely examined. Why such a verdict happened will be examined at the micro level. People's opinion will be considered and further steps will be taken, he said. Kerala local body polls: Public anger against Pinarayi govt fueled UDF momentum, says VD Satheesan NDA secures 50 seats in Thiruvanathapuram Corporation In the biggest gain for the BJP in the local body polls, the NDA secured 50 seats in the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Council. Kerala is fed up of UDF and LDF. They see NDA as the only option that can deliver on good governance and build a #VikasitaKeralam with opportunities for all, wrote Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platform X. A few of BJP's remarkable wins include its possible mayor candidates, ex-DGP R Sreelekha in Sasthamangalam and VV Rajesh in Kodunganoor wards. However, one of the BJP's star candidates, Padmini Thomas, faced a bitter result in the Palayam ward. The election results come as a shock for the LDF, having lost half of its seats from its previous tenure. The LDF secured only 29 seats. Ajin SL, Left candidate from Thrikkannapuram ward, is becoming one of the party's 'saving graces'. A BJP worker had died by suicide in the work. The UDF improved its status in the corporation, gaining six seats this term, a total of 19 seats. Vaishna Suresh, who fought a legal battle to secure her candidature, won from the Muttada ward with a lead of 393 votes. Ex-MLA KS Sabarinadhan, who was UDF's mayoral candidate from Kowdiar, also made a remarkable win. Thiruvananthapuram Corporation stands different from the pro-UDF wave across the State. Congress candidate who moved Kerala HC for name reinstatement in electoral roll, wins Muttada ward Kollam Corporation: UDFsecures 25 seats UDF candidates secured victories in a majority of divisions in Kollam Corporation. UDF candidate Xavier Mathias won in Shakthikulangara Harbour Division. NDA candidate Shiji won the Shakthikulangara Division by a margin of 1,385 votes. UDF candidates B Deepu Gangadharan won Meenathuchery by 2,166 votes. and Radhika Saji won Kavanad by 1,732 votes. Vallikkeezhu Division was won by LDF candidate Vidya Manoj with a margin of 1,459 votes. LDF candidate A M Mustafa won in Kureepuzha West Division, while UDF candidate B Ajith Kumar won in Kureepuzha Division. Neeravil Division was won by LDF candidate Mahesh R by a margin of 1,751 votes. UDF candidate Richa Sugunan won in Anchalumood West Division, while in Anchalumood East Division, UDF candidate Adv. M S Gopakumar won. UDF candidate Dhanya Raju won in Kadavur Division. LDF candidate B Prashanth won in Mathil Division. NDA candidate B Shailaja won in Thevalli Division, while BJP candidate C Suresh Kumar won in Ashramam Division. UDF candidate Shaima won in Pallimukku Division. Ayathil Division was won by LDF candidate Jariath by a margin of 1,467 votes. UDF candidate T Lailakumari won in Kilikollur Division, while P Rajendran Pillai (UDF) won in Pandalathazham Division. NDA candidate R Destimona won in Palathara Division, while UDF candidate Sadakath A won in Manakkad Division. Thrissur Corporation: UDF leads The UDF has made a historic comeback in Thrissur Corporation, securing 33 out of 56 divisions. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), which ruled the corporation for two terms, won 11 seats. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 8 seats. The UDF's victory is attributed to voters' disappointment over the LDF's development projects. Suby Babu, former deputy mayor of Thrissur Corporation, has won in the Gandhinagar division. Raghunath C Menon, who led the campaign works of Suresh Gopi in the Lok Sabha election, has won in the BJP's stronghold, Poonkunnam. The LDF has won 21 out of 30 divisions in Thrissur district panchayat, a clear majority. The UDF has increased its presence from 7 to 9 seats, while the NDA has failed to win any seats despite fielding prominent leaders. The LDF continues to dominate municipalities too, securing five out of seven. Kerala local body polls: UDF makes a strong comeback in Alappuzha, sweeps Malappuram Kottayam district panchayat: LDF, KC (M) defeated in Pala The UDF, this time, reclaimed power in the Kottayam district panchayat, all sixmunicipalities, and a majority of gram and block panchayats. The LDF faced a significant setback this year. In the 2020 local body polls, the LDF had secured the district panchayat, 51 out of 71 block panchayats, 10 out of 11 block panchayats, and three out of sixmunicipalities. Notably, the LDF faced a significant defeat in Pala municipality, traditionally a stronghold of the Kerala Congress (M), suggesting a shift in the party's corevoter base. Speaking to media persons, KC (M) chairman Jose K Mani stated that the party respects the people's mandate and will conduct a 'thorough' analysis ofthe reasons behind the electoral defeat. In 2020, the UDF lost Pala municipality for the first time ever,after KC (M) left the UDF to join the LDF. UDF leadersbelieve this victory will provide a substantial boost to the coalition in the lead-up to the upcoming Assembly elections, scheduled for April-May 2026. Meanwhile, the NDA did not perform as expected. Although they secured Poonjar Thekkekkara panchayat, the BJP lost its existing panchayats, Pallikkathodu and Mutholi. Post-poll arithmetic pushes UDFLDF talks in Palakkad municipality to block NDA
The United Democratic Front was leading in 12 municipalities in Ernakulam out of the 13 in Ernakulam district at 10 a.m.
KOCHI: Declaring that the trial courts verdict in the actor abduction and assault case represents not just a setback but a failure to treat a grave crime with the seriousness it warranted, the prosecution and the survivors counsel said the judgment amounted to a stark denial of justice. Minutes after the court sentenced all six accused, including the prime accused, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, special public prosecutor V Ajakumar described the ruling as deeply disappointing and one that sends a wrong message to society. He noted that the punishment awarded for gang rape was only the statutory minimum. We will urge the government to file an appeal. The judgment delivered today is not a matter of the courts generosity. This is our right, Ajakumar said. He added that the prosecution had endured over three and a half years of intense courtroom battle, hoping for a judgment that reflected the brutality of the crime. All those hardships will be placed before the appropriate authorities. We remain hopeful that justice will ultimately prevail, he said, adding that a detailed study of the full judgment was necessary before further comments. The survivors counsel, T B Mini, echoed the disappointment, stating that the survivor has not received justice in any form. She criticised the court for considering the age, circumstances, and family backgrounds of the accused while failing to account for the survivors trauma. Actor abduction and rape case: Minimum punishment for maximum crime Court invokes legal maxim The court declined to address the prosecutions allegations that actor Dileep attempted to influence the judges who handled the case at various stages, particularly the trial court judge. Dileeps counsel argued that the prosecution and the investigating team made every effort to malign the judicial system, especially targeting the trial judge personally. The judge stated that all such matters were left unattended, invoking the legal maxim Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum (Let justice be done though the heavens fall). Actor abduction and rape case: Relieved defence side expresses plans to seek further reduction in sentence
KOCHI: Though relieved that the trial court imposed the minimum sentence prescribed for the gang-rape charge 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in the actor abduction case, the counsels for the accused indicated plans to appeal before higher courts. Their pointed to the possibility of the punishment getting reduced further, as the period the accused spent in custody during the trial will be set off against total sentence. According to Pratheesh Kurup, counsel for prime accused Sunil N S, aka Pulsar Suni, the judgment is commendable given that his client received the minimum sentence for the gang-rape charge. Contrary to the prosecutions claim that their arguments were ignored, we presented strong submissions. While the prosecution sought a punishment comparable to the Nirbhaya case, we argued that the sentence should reflect the lesser gravity of this case. The court applied its judicial mind, and we have received a fair order, he said, adding that he hopes for an acquittal of his client and will definitely move an appeal before higher courts. Further, Adv Alex Joseph, counsel for second accused Martin, said there was no evidence against his client. When the charges against him were read out in the judgment, he became broke down in tears. Martin has repeatedly said that he has committed no crime. Actor abduction and rape case: Minimum punishment for maximum crime We pointed out to the court that he was merely the driver and had even told the others not to harm the survivor. We will raise these points again before the higher courts, Alex said. Echoing a similar sentiment, Adv Kumar, counsel for Vijeesh V P (fourth accused), said he was somewhat relieved that the court awarded the minimum sentence to his client. The defence team will approach the higher courts, seeking a reduction of the sentence and an acquittal, he said. Meanwhile, counsel for Salim, alias Vadival Salim, and Pradeep (accused nos 5 and 6), expressed displeasure with the judgment. When you look at the charges against them, they should be considered minimal. But the punishment imposed on my clients is excessive. The gang-rape charge does not stand in their case, nor does the conspiracy charge. How can someone who was at the scene only as a casual driver for barely 1015 minutes be given such a severe sentence? asked K V Sabu, the counsel. AMMA is with the survivor, says Shwetha Menon KOCHI: Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) president Shwetha Menon, on Friday, reaffirmed that the association stands with the survivor in the 2017 actor assault case. Shwethas comment came after the pronouncement of the verdict. We are happy that the convicts have been punished. We waited eight years for this. The survivor has set an example, she said, reacting to the sentencing. Actor abduction and rape case: Who is madam behind quotation?
Actor abduction and rape case: Who is madam behind quotation?
KOCHI: While acquitting actor Dileep in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case, the trial court observed that the first accused Pulsar Suni had initially claimed that the quotation for the crime came from a madam, and the prosecution was duty-bound to investigate that angle. The order, accessed by TNIE , stated that Suni had first claimed the quotation originated from a woman but later changed his version and alleged that it was at the instance of actor Dileep. If this be the situation, the prosecution is bound to conduct an investigation into the so-called involvement of the lady claimed by Suni during the commission of the offence. In this context, considering the fact that the prosecution failed to prove conspiracy between Suni and Dileep, the suppression of matters relating to Sreelakshmi, Shiny Thomas, and Kevin Thomas assumes relevance. The prosecution ought to have ruled out the involvement of those persons in the commission of the offence, the order stated. The court also held that there was no clear evidence that the first accused received money from Dileep. It found inconsistencies in the claim that a phone reached the prison and that, using this phone, Nadhirsha was contacted to seek money from Dileep. There was no clear proof for this. Nor was there evidence of a conspiracy involving Dileep. Martin Antony and Manikandan B The court observed that the letter written by Pulsar Suni to Dileep demanding money did not bear Sunis handwriting, which weakened the attempt to establish a connection between them. The survivor did not initially give any statement against Dileep. His alleged involvement was identified by the police, who later arrested him. Therefore, the usual weight given to a survivors statement in sexual assault cases did not extend to the allegations against Dileep. The prosecution argued that Dileep and Suni were acquainted, had been seen together at various places, and had appeared under the same mobile tower locations. However, the court found these circumstances insufficient to establish a conspiracy. The trial court did not criticise the decision to arrest Dileep, stating that an investigating officer has the authority to arrest based on available information and evidence. The court also questioned why Jinson, Pulsar Sunis fellow inmate, was not made an accused, noting that he was a prosecution witness. Meanwhile, the investigation team failed to establish that Dileep had deleted digital records. No digital evidence supporting the allegations raised by the investigation team was presented. The prosecutions claim that Dileep instructed the accused to include the ring in the visuals to help identify the survivor was rejected by the court. It noted that this allegation appeared for the first time only in the final report. Similarly, the claim that the conspiracy between Dileep and Pulsar Suni began in 2013 lacked supporting evidence showing where Suni was or what he was doing during that time. N S Sunil (Pulsar Suni) and Vijeesh V P The allegation that Suni had worked as actor Mukeshs driver while absconding after the crime was also not proven. The prosecution did not produce evidence to substantiate the statements of Balachandrakumar, a key witness. The devices allegedly used by Dileep to view the visuals were never recovered. The complete version of the phone messages that Balachandrakumar claimed belonged to Dileep was also not submitted. Actor abduction case down the lane Feb 17, 2017: A six-member gang led by Pulsar Suni abducts and assaults a Malayalam actor in a moving car near Athani, Ernakulam Feb 18, 2017: Nedumbassery police register an FIR based on the First Information given by the survivor before P K Radhamany, the then woman police officer. The survivors driver Martin Antony is arrested Feb 19, 2017: Police arrest Vadival Salim and Pradeep Feb 23, 2017: Prime accused Pulsar Suni and accomplice Vijeesh V P attempt to surrender before the court, but police take them into custody from the courtroom at District Court complex, Ernakulam. The duo had jumped the court wall in an effort to enter and surrender before the court without being detected by the police April 18, 2017: Babu Kumar, DySP, who initially probed the case, files the chargesheet against six accused persons including Pulsar Suni, before JFCM, Angamaly May 18, 2017: Baiju Poulose M was appointed as the new Investigating Officer. A report regarding further investigation was filed by police upon receiving information about a criminal conspiracy involving more suspects including Dileep in the case July 10, 2017: Actor Dileep arrested and lodged in Aluva sub-jail October 3, 2017: After spending 85 days in jail, Dileep gets bail January 6, 2020: Trial court frames charges against Dileep and nine others March 1, 2021: Supreme Court grants six more months to the trial court to complete the trial December 25, 2021: Director Balachandra Kumar, a close associate of Dileep, makes several disclosures against Dileep, and SIT begins further investigation based on the revelation January 9, 2022: Police file a new FIR against Dileep and five others following audio clips submitted by Balachandra Kumar July 22, 2022: Further investigation is concluded and an additional final report is filed, adding Sections 201 and 204 against Dileep December 11, 2024: Final hearing begins in trial court. January 23, 2025: The arguments of prosecution completed. The court examined 261 witnesses. November 25, 2025: The trial court decides to pronounce the verdict on December 8. December 8, 2025: The trial court acquits actor Dileep. The court finds six other accused persons, including Pulsar Suni, guilty. December 12, 2025: The trial court sentences all six convicts, including prime accused Pulsar Suni, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.
KOCHI: Over eight years after the chilling actor abduction and rape shook Kerala, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court witnessed another emotionally charged day on Friday though without the overwhelming frenzy that had gripped it on Monday. Earlier in the week, the entire state waited with bated breath to see whether actor Dileep would be convicted. But on Friday, with the spotlight turning to the sentencing of the six found guilty, a smaller but steady crowd gathered still tense, still angry. They stood shoulder to shoulder outside the gates as the bus carrying the convicts made its way from Viyyur Central Jail in Thrissur. Their numbers may have been fewer than on Monday, but the intensity in the air had not dissipated. Judge Honey M Varghese arrived just before 10am, composed in her crisp white saree a visual reminder of the justice many hoped would prevail. Public prosecutor V Ajakumar followed shortly after, acknowledging the press before entering. At 10.52am, the convoy appeared. Under tight police protection, the fifth and sixth accused Pradeep and Vadival Salim stepped out first, their faces masked and heads hung. Prime accused Pulsar Suni walked in next, strangely self-assured, followed by Vijeesh, and finally Martin Antony and Manikandan, who avoided the cameras entirely. T B Mini, counsel for the survivor, arrived later, visibly shaken by the weeks events particularly Mondays shock acquittals and the cyber bullying that followed. All that matters to me now is the judges decision on the memory card, she said softly, encapsulating the strain and pain of years of relentless legal battle. Notwithstanding their numbers, the opinions voiced by the crowd were sharp and unfiltered. Philomina Joy, a retired postmaster from Kochi who had come to court on personal work, watched the accused being escorted in and shook her head in dismay. I dont believe justice is delivered here anymore. That girl waited eight years eight years! and for what? Justice delayed is justice denied. Completely denied. M V Thomas Mangalam from Aluva echoed a sentiment shared by many: Yes, the court depends on evidence. But what about the origin of the crime? Has the survivor actually received justice? I dont think so. Prakashan Thekkechira from Alappuzha was openly cynical: Evidence can be made and destroyed. All it takes is money. In the court, anticipation grew as the hours dragged on. The sentencing, expected at 3:30pm, was delayed. Offices closed, the corridors emptied, and the sun softened but a determined group stayed behind, unwilling to leave without witnessing the outcome. At 5pm, the judgment was finally pronounced: 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. Not life. Not the toughest penalty available. Just 20 years for gang rape, abduction, and a chain of crimes that had horrified the state. For the few dozen still waiting, it felt like a second blow. Murmurs pierced the quiet: Only twenty? After all this? Media crews scrambled to capture the convicts being taken back to prison as disappointment settled thickly across the courtyard. From the veranda of an adjacent building, Saif, a young man from Ernakulam observing the chaos, summed it up bluntly: I respect the court. But this? This is not justice not for her. And the punishment is shockingly light. How can a rape case end like this in Kerala? The lower court may have delivered its verdict, but the public anguish remains unresolved. Eight years later, Kerala is still asking: Where does justice stand for a rape survivor?
Madhurageetham FM makes Malayalis feel at home in Canadas multicultural mosaic
KOCHI: If you are in Canada and happen to come across Malayalam songs while surfing the channels on your radio, dont be surprised. For thats Madhurageetham 101.3 FM, a channel born out of the founders desire to provide a platform that would give a voice to the Malayali diaspora in the North American country. Vijay Sethumadavan and Mridula Menon, who hail from Palakkad, launched the channel in 2004. When we arrived in Canada, we saw that though the Malayali expat community was growing, it lacked a dedicated cultural space. Especially one that formed a bridge connecting them to their roots back home, Mridula said. In the heart of Torontos multicultural mosaic, the sound of Malayalam melodies has found a homethanks to Madhurageetham. We launched the channel long before social media transformed how we connect. Madhurageetham began with just two radio jockeys (RJs) and a dream. Today, its a powerhouse with over 20 RJs, broadcasting a rich mix of film, music, current affairs, and celebrity interviews, creating a living bridge between Kerala and the Malayali diaspora in Canada, she said. According to the couple, there was a need for the Malayali diasporas voice to be heard in Canada. Another aspect was that our community was underserved in the mainstream media, and there was no platform to highlight the achievements and talents of Malayalis. We sensed a gap. The turning point in our journey as founders of the channel began with our understanding that no such platform existed for Malayalis in Canada. Now, 21 years down the road, Madhurageetham continues to be the voice for Canadian Malayalis, Mridula said. While Canada gave them opportunities, the Malayali community gave them purpose, the founders stressed. That purpose is what continues to guide our journey to this day, Vijay pointed out. From star-studded interviews to vibrant community events, and from launching Canadas first Miss and Mrs Malayali pageants to their latest podcast series Chayakada Chats, the founders have kept the rhythm alive and the stories flowing. Our programmes were shaped by one simple question: What does a Malayali in Canada miss the most? From that starting point, the ideas began to grow naturally, he said. The founders are thankful that social media has amplified their reachlive shows, digital events and now their popular podcasts have extended the stations audience far beyond Canadian borders. Over the years, they have welcomed more than 100 icons to their airwaves, including K J Yesudas, K S Chitra, Suresh Gopi, Jayaram and many more. With more than 10,000 listeners, Madhurageethams programme line-up remains a reflection of community voices rooted in Kerala, yet evolving with Canadas multicultural spirit, the couple pointed out. As the first and most loved Malayalam FM channel in Canada, Madhurageethams strength lies in its ability to evolve, staying rooted in culture while embracing modern formats. Our broadcasting details can be found on our Instagram page. Madhurageetham 101.3 FM is living proof that in an age where trends fade in weeks, the channel stands tall... a reminder that music, culture, and community are timeless, Mridula said. And they have stayed true to their mission keeping Malayalis connected to home. As long as theres a song left to play, the story isnt over, Vijay signed off.
Actor abduction and rape case: Minimum punishment for maximum crime
KOCHI: Holding that the 2017 actor abduction and rape case did not warrant the maximum sentence, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court on Friday sentenced all six convicts, including Pulsar Suni, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs50,000 each the minimum punishment for gang rape. The court slapped another 20-year RI and Rs 50,000 fine each for the criminal conspiracy carried out to commit the crime. Judge Honey M Varghese stated both sentences will run concurrently, meaning the convicts will spend only 20 years in prison. The period already spent in custody during the trial will be set off against the sentence. The prosecution vehemently argued for life imprisonment for all the accused, particularly Suni, but the court held that this was not a case warranting the maximum sentence. All six convicts will now be shifted to Viyyur Central Jail in Thrissur. The acts of the accused against the survivor are a blow to the supreme dignity of the woman, the court observed. The 1709-page judgment noted that while awarding the sentence, a court must consider the impact of the crime on the victim as well as on society. Sentencing, it said, must be balanced to ensure justice to both society and the accused. The court must take into account the nature of the offence, the possibility of reforming the accused, and the objectives of punishment. It should not be guided by emotions or act with bias while imposing the sentence. At the same time, the court cannot ignore the fact that the acts of the accused violated the womans dignity, subjected her to fear, humiliation, helplessness, and caused psychological trauma, it said. However, the court also took into account the age of the accused, their family circumstances, and the argument that, apart from the first accused, none of the others have any prior criminal background. All the convicts are under 40 years of age. The observations made by the Supreme Court in Nirbhaya case were cited as relevant, particularly regarding how crimes against women affect not just the individual but the progress of society as a whole, it said. The court directed that Rs 5 lakh be paid to the survivor once the fine imposed is realised. A gold ring seized during the probe should be returned to the survivor. Materials containing explicit content shall be sent to the State Forensic Science Laboratory for permanent destruction. The laboratory shall file a detailed destruction report, which must be preserved as a permanent record, with all details entered in the register maintained for recording items containing sexually explicit content. The pen drive containing visuals of the attack, currently in the custody of the investigation officer, shall be handled with due diligence, keeping in mind the survivors privacy, the court added. Jail term Remaining period of punishment each accused must undergo N S Sunil aka Pulsar Suni (37): 12 years, 4 months Martin Antony (32): 15 years, 4 months B Manikandan (38): 15 years, 5 months V P Vijeesh (38): 15 years H Salim aka Vadival Salim (32): 18 years, one month Pradeep (31): 16 years, 7 months
Kerala actor abduction case: All six accused sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment
KOCHI: In a significant setback for the prosecution, the Ernakulam District and Sessions Court on Friday sentenced all six convicts, including prime accused Pulsar Suni, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in the 2017 actor abduction and rape case. The prosecution had strongly argued for life imprisonment for all the accused, particularly Suni, but the court held that this was not a case warranting the maximum sentence. All six convicts will now be shifted to Viyyur Central Jail in Thrissur. Delivering a judgment running over several pages, District and Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese noted that although the case attracted intense public attention, sensationalism has no bearing on sentencing. She emphasised that all the convicts are below 40 years of age and, except for Suni, none have a prior criminal record. The time served during the pendency of the trial will be set off against the conviction period. Taking this into account, Suni and Martin, who have each spent nearly seven years in custody, will now serve around 13 more years, while Manikandan and Vijeesh, who have served about three and a half years each, will spend roughly 16 and a half more. Salim and Pradeep, who have each spent about two years in jail, will serve approximately 18 more years. The courts sentencing remarks underscored the balance required in criminal justice. While awarding the sentence, the court must take into account the impact the crime has had on the victim and on society. Sentencing should be balanced in a way that ensures justice both to society and to the accused. The court must also consider the history of the offence, the possibility of reforming the accused, and the objectives of punishment. The court should not be swayed by emotions or act with bias while imposing the sentence, the court said. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers At the same time, the court cannot ignore the fact that the acts of the accused questioned the dignity of the woman. The victim's right to safety was violated, and she was subjected to fear, humiliation, and helplessness. This also caused her psychological trauma. It should also be considered that she was attacked while on her way to a friends house, and that the incident was unexpected.However, the court also considers the age of the accused, their family circumstances, and the argument that, except for the first accused, the others have no other criminal background. All the accused are below 40 years of age. The observations made by the Supreme Court in the Nirbhaya case (Mukesh v. State of Delhi) are relevant here. Crimes against women affect not only their dignity but also the progress of society. The judgment also mentions the need to raise public awareness regarding gender justice.In light of the circumstances mentioned above, the court finds that this is not a situation requiring the imposition of the maximum punishment, the order said,awarding the sentence. The court also noted mitigating factors: the age of the accused, their family circumstances, and the fact that, except for Suni, none of the others had any other criminal background. Earlier in the day, the courtroom witnessed tense scenes as the judge, prosecution, survivors counsel TB Mini, and defence teams assembled at 10.15 am The accused, brought under heavy escort from Viyyur, heard the prosecution call for a life term, describing the assault as a gang-rape case that required the strongest possible message. The defence argued that sentencing must reflect the different roles played by each accused. The judge also questioned the demand for a uniform sentence, asking whether one accused should receive the maximum and others the minimum based on background and involvement. Several of the accused broke down while pleading for leniency. Suni said his mother was his only support, while others insisted they had no role in the crime and cited dependent families and lack of criminal history. The court acknowledged that only Suni committed the rape, but noted that the actions of the others had a facilitating role.Judge Honey Varghese also cautioned the media to report the case responsibly and noted that several contempt petitions related to public commentary on the case would be heard on December 18. Public prosecutor Advocate Ajakumar, after the judgment, expressed total disappointment in the verdict.It is a highly disappointing judgment from the trial court. The punishment awarded for the rape charge is the minimum prescribed under our parliamentary system, and this could send a wrong message to society. A detailed reading of the full judgment is required before offering further comments. Overall, this is not a setback for the prosecution, he said. Meanwhile, Malayalam actor Dileep, who had been acquitted earlier by the Principal Sessions Court, through his counsel, sought the return of his passport surrendered during bail. The court said it would consider the request after roll call. The 2017 assault had triggered an unprecedented reckoning in the Malayalam film industry, prompting several women to speak publicly about harassment, discrimination, and institutional apathy. The incident ultimately led to the formation of the Hema Committee, whose report, released last year, called for wide-ranging reforms to ensure safer and more equitable workplaces for women in cinema. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: How conspiracy narrative fell apart
Dramatic scenes in court as actor abduction case awaits sentencing at 3.30 pm today
KOCHI: The verdict on the quantum of punishment for the six convicted men will be pronounced at 3:30 pm, following intense arguments from both the prosecution and defence earlier in the day. Tense and emotional scenes unfolded at the Ernakulam District and Sessions Court on Friday as the trial court prepared to deliver its judgment in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case. The long-running trial saw multiple rounds of evidence, witness statements, and legal challenges before the court found the six guilty earlier this week. Sentencing is expected to conclude the latest phase of the case, which continues to draw widespread public attention. By 10:15 a.m., District and Sessions Court Judge Honey M Varghese, Special Public Prosecutor Ajakumar, survivors counsel T B Mini, and the defence teams representing accused A1 to A6 had assembled in court. The accused, brought under heavy police escort from Viyyur Central Jail, sat through proceedings as the prosecution pressed for life imprisonment for all six, calling it a gang-rape case warranting the strongest message to society. The defence countered that sentencing must align with the individual roles and past conduct of each accused. The court, too, questioned the prosecutions demand for identical punishment. Shouldn't one accused be given the maximum sentence and the others the minimum? The sentence should be decided after considering the accused persons past background, the judge observed, adding later: Are we writing this judgment for the sake of society? Judge Varghese also instructed advocates and journalists to report the case with caution. The judges past can be examined, but the courts directions must be strictly followed, she said. Inside the packed courtroom, several accused broke down while addressing the court personally. Pulsar Suni (A1): My mother is the only person I have. His counsel argued that compared to the Nirbhaya case, this incident was relatively minor and sought a reduced sentence. Martin (A2), in tears, said: I havent committed any crime Ive never had even a petty case against me. Yet I was jailed for five and a half years. My parents are unwell. Manikandan (A3) said: I never planned anything with the others. My wife, nine-year-old daughter, and two-and-a-half-year-old son depend solely on me. Vijeesh (A4) requested a reduced sentence and asked to be shifted to Kannur jail, while Salim (A5) and Pradeep (A6) reiterated they had no involvement. The court noted that only the first accused committed the rape, and said this must factor into determining sentences for the remaining five. The prosecution maintained that A1 could not have assaulted without the coordinated support of the others. All the accused should be given the maximum punishment, the prosecutor insisted. The magistrate also remarked that several contempt petitions linked to public comments on the case were pending and would be heard on December 18. The accused have undergone long periods of imprisonment during the course of the trial: A1 Sunil N.S. ~7 years; A2 Martin ~7 years; A3 Manikandan ~3.5 years; A4 Vijeesh ~3.5 years; A5 Salim ~2 years; A6 Pradeep ~2 years. Dileep seeks the return of the passport Meanwhile, Malayalam actor Dileep, who was acquitted in the same case by the Principal Sessions Court, appeared before Judge Honey M. Varghese to seek the release of his passport, which he had surrendered as part of his earlier bail conditions. The court said the plea would be considered after roll call. Following the morning session, the court broke for lunch and will reconvene for the sentencing order at 3.30 p.m. today.
Moms of Kochi to organise Purple Carnival, a lifestyle exhibition
This is the fourth edition of Momspo, organised by the womens collective in Kochi
Kochi-Muziris Biennale: Sixth edition of art extravaganza commences today
KOCHI: The countrys only biennale, a spectacular showpiece of Asias largest contemporary art event, is poised to enter its sixth edition, promising expansive and immersive art experiences for nearly four months from Friday by turning the Kerala port city into a site for dialogues around emerging global perspectives. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) will feature 22 venues besides seven collaterals, significantly widening the socio-historical as well as political footprints of Indias new-age art exhibition, which has earned the moniker Peoples Biennale, deeply rooted in the countrys modern identity, diverse culture, and aspirations for an inclusive, democratic society. To be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on December 12 at 5.30 pm, the KMB-6 will run till March 31, 2026. The 110-day event hosts works by 66 artists/collectives from 25 countries, apart from a range of parallel shows. KMB-6, curated by Nikhil Chopra with HH Art Spaces, Goa, has its curatorial theme titled for the time being that embraces process as methodology. The show envisions a living ecosystem where each element shares space, time and resources amid constant engagements with each other. The opening ceremony of KMB-6 will be held at the Parade Ground in Fort Kochi at 6 pm, followed by a public concert by Shanka Tribe featuring Neha Nair, Resmi Satheesh and Shahabaz Aman. The Biennale flag will be hoisted at the nearby Aspinwall House venue at 12 noon after a chenda recital by Margi Rahitha Krishnadas. Entry fee Inaugural day: Free Adults: Rs 200 Students, senior citizens: Rs 100
Prosecution to demand three life terms for actor assault convicts in Kerala
KOCHI: The prosecution is set to seek three life terms for accused numbers one to six, who were convicted in the 2017 actor abduction case, with the Ernakulam Principal and Sessions Judge scheduled to conduct the sentencing hearing and pronounce the quantum of punishment on Friday. On December 8, the trial court found the first six accused, Sunil aka Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh V P, Salim H aka Vadival Salim, and Pradeep guilty. The court acquitted actor Dileep, stating that the prosecution failed to establish the conspiracy charge against him. It also acquitted Charly Thomas, who had been charged with harbouring the offender; ninth accused Sanil Kumar alias Mesthiri Sanil, charged with conspiracy and aiding the crime; and 15th accused Sarath G Nair, charged with causing the disappearance of evidence. The prosecution will seek the maximum possible punishment for the accused, which is life imprisonment. The convicted accused could get life imprisonment for three major offences criminal conspiracy, gangrape, and abetment, Special Public Prosecutor V Ajakumar told TNIE. The court convicted them under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (outraging modesty), 354B (assault with intent to disrobe), 357, and 376D (gangrape) of the IPC, as well as sections 66E and 67A of the Information Technology Act. According to the prosecution, on the night of February 17, 2017, six men abducted the actor while she was travelling from her home in Thrissur to Kochi. The men held her captive in her car and drove around Kochi, while Pulsar Suni, a history-sheeter, allegedly assaulted her. Suni recorded the act on his mobile phone. Later, the accused abandoned the actor near the house of film director Lal, who helped her contact the police. An FIR was registered the same day. Ajakumar said that he would cite the Supreme Court verdict in the case Nipun Saxena vs Union of India, as it accurately reflected the prevailing social reality. The 2018 judgment stated: Unfortunately, in our society, the victim of a sexual offence, especially a victim of rape, is treated worse than the perpetrator of the crime. In the State of Punjab vs Ramdev Singh case, the Supreme Court had observed that sexual violence, apart from being a dehumanising act, is an unlawful intrusion into the right of privacy and sanctity of a female. Ajakumar added that this argument is being put forward to ensure the maximum punishment for the convicts. When asked about filing an appeal before the Kerala High Court, Ajakumar said the prosecution is awaiting a copy of the final verdict, which will be released on Friday. Once the judgment is received, they will examine the reasons for acquittal and identify grounds for appeal. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Probe team pins hope on higher courts Verdict letter posted from Ernakulam The police have obtained information about the sender of the anonymous letter alleging a leak of details from the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case. According to the police, the letter, sent via Speed Post, was posted by a man from a post office under the jurisdiction of the Ernakulam police station. CCTV visuals show the man, wearing a mask, arriving at the post office at 1.42 pm on December 3. He had sent 33 Speed Post envelopes. The from address on the letter was given as Ramkumar.https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Dec/10/actor-abduction-and-sexual-assault-case-conspiracy-or-not-many-questions-need-answers Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers
CM Pinarayi, Resul skip IFFK opening ceremony
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As curtains for the International Film Festival of Kerala set to rise on Friday, top-guns are set to give the prestigious 30th edition a miss. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and state Chalachithra Academy chairperson Resul Pookutty will not attend the inaugural event, to be held at the capitals Nisagandhi auditorium in the evening. The noticeable absence of Resul Pookutty from the international festival has already triggered discussions within film circles. Despite this being the first IFFK after he took over as Academy chairperson, the Oscar winner will not be present for a major portion of the festival, as he has a pre-scheduled film shoot abroad, said sources. The chairman has conveyed that he would be away during the initial days of the festival. He would try to attend the valedictory function, said an academy executive member. Theres resentment within the academy over the chairmans absence during the crucial event. How can the chairman stay away during the festival, which is the biggest event being organised by the academy, that too when the festival completes three decades? asked another official. Pinarayi Vijayan The chairman is unable to make it due to pre-committed work, confirmed academy vice-chairperson Kukku Prameswaran. Hes out of India, working on a project that he committed to, way before taking over as academy chairperson. He has no choice but to complete it, she pointed out. Unlike the usual practice, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan too would give a miss to the festival inauguration, this time around. For the past many years, it was CM Pinarayi who as the chief guest, inaugurated the festival and presented the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award. This year however the CM is scheduled to inaugurate the sixth edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale in Fort Kochi on Friday evening, and hence would not be able to physically attend the IFFK inauguration. With no CM in the picture, academy officials did try to rope in actor Mohanlal who recently won the Dadasaheb Phalke award as the chief guest, but he was unavailable due to personal reasons. In the absence of the chief minister, Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan will inaugurate the festival. Chilean film director Pablo Larran will be the chief guest. Since the model code of conduct is in place, the minister had taken prior clearance from the Election Commission to attend the event. Palestine Ambassador Abdullah Abu Shawesh and German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann will be special guests at the event. The minister will present Spirit of Cinema award to Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall. The 30th IFFK to begin on Friday will screen 206 films from 82 countries, in 26 categories.
Biennale welcomes visitors to experience art with all the senses
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to inaugurate the sixth edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale, themed For the Time Being, on December 12; event to showcase works of66 artists from 25 countries
UDF, LDF and BJP express confidence as Kochi Corpn. awaits poll verdict
What to see at the Kochi Muziris Biennale 2025
The Island Mural Project, Art By Children, the Collaterals and Invitations Programmes, here is a sneak peak into the countrys most anticipated art event
Sixth edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale opens on Friday
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will formally inaugurate the international exhibition at Parade Ground in the evening. The exhibition features works by 66 artists/collectives from 25 countries, alongside a range of parallel shows
BLS International secures renewal of attestation, apostille services contract with MEA
MUMBAI, Dec 11: BLS International Services on Thursday said it has secured the renewal of its contract for attestation and apostille services with the External Affairs Ministry. The renewed contract covers its existing service operations across Delhi, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Panaji, Kochi, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Jaipur, Patna and Puducherry, BLS International said in a statement. Under this agreement, BLS International will provide MEA attestation and apostille services for educational, non-educational, and commercial documents across [] The post BLS International secures renewal of attestation, apostille services contract with MEA appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Comic Con to Debut in Kochi on February 28March 1, 2026
Presented by Maruti Suzuki Arena and powered by Crunchyroll, the maiden edition will be hosted on February 28 and March 1, 2026, at AICC Angamaly, Ernakulam.
Vimoo Sanghvis retrospective Whispering Clay is heading to Kochi in time for the Biennale
A retrospective on one of Indias first studio potters tracks three decades of crafting and countless experimentations. Plus, what to catch at this years Kochi-Muziris Biennale
At three per cent decline, Phase I turnout in Kerala sinks below pandemic-year levels
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Voter turnout has been slipping across successive local body elections in Kerala and the first phase of polling in the states southern districts has reinforced the trend. All seven districts posted a uniform 3% dip, offering a clear preview of the statewide trend. Notably, voter participation figure in these districts have dipped to levels lower than those recorded in 2020, a year marked by the Covid crisis. Pathanamthitta, known for its large NRI population and chronically low turnout, stayed true to pattern once again. It posted the lowest voter participation in Phase I at 66.78%, extending a trend it has held across multiple election cycles. The district also posts low turnout in assembly and Lok Sabha elections, largely because a significant share of its electorate lives overseas. Thiruvananthapuram registered the second lowest turnout that slipped to 67.47% from 70.02% in 2020. The decline was sharper when compared to the turnout of 71.9% recorded in 2015. Even more concerning was the voter participation in Thiruvananthapuram corporation, which fell to 58.29%, down from 59.96% in 2020 and 62.90% in 2015. Ernakulam, despite its largely urban profile, posted the highest turnout among the seven districts at 74.57%. However, there was also a nearly 3% dip compared to the previous election. Notably, Kochi corporation was the only major civic body to better its previous performance, inching up from 62.04% to 62.44%. Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki districts also saw voter turnout fall by around 3%. State Election Commissioner A Shajahan said a clear statewide polling picture would emerge only after the northern districts also vote, on Thursday. Voter turnout in northern districts have traditionally been on the higher side compared to the south. So, when the final figures emerge, we may be able to analyse the overall trend, Shajahan told TNIE. Meanwhile, experts cite a mix of factors behind the trend. According to K M Sajad Ibrahim, psephologist and professor of political science at Kerala University, increasing voter apathy could be one of the prime factors for the dwindling turnout. Local body polls simply dont command the same seriousness among urban voters as state or national elections. Add to that the confusion over a separate civic voters list. Many find out too late that theyve been left off the rolls, he said. Also, several electors in Phase I complained that party workers were far less active in distributing voter slips compared to previous elections. Local body elections demand a well-oiled party machinery and committed cadre. We arent convinced if all parties bring the same energy to civic polls that they do to larger elections. That lack of drive may be showing up in the turnout as well, Ibrahim added.
Kerala HC to examine letter that predicted actor assault case verdict
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court is set to examine the alarming revelations in the anonymous letter that predicted the verdict in the 2017 actor abduction and assault case a week before it was pronounced. The administrative committee of the HC comprising the Chief Justice and four other senior-most judges will meet on Thursday. At the meeting, it is expected to consider the matter in view of the communication sent by the president of the Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA). The anonymous letter, dated December 2 and signed by an Indian citizen, was sent to the association via registered post. It reached advocate Yeshwant Shenoy, the KHCAA president, on December 6 and he forwarded it to the Chief Justice on December 8, the day the sessions court delivered its ruling. Describing the contents of the letter as suggestive of a serious breach of confidentiality, Yeshwant had requested the HC to hand over the matter to its vigilance wing for a detailed investigation. The letter stated: ...the 7th accused Charly Thomas, the 8th accused Gopalakrishnan alias Dileep, and the 9th accused Sanilkumar alias Mesthiri Sanil will be acquitted, and only six accused will be convicted. Former Kerala HC judge Justice B Kemal Pasha confirmed to TNIE on Wednesday that he too received the letter on December 4, but disregarded it as it was anonymous. However, when I heard the verdict, I was shocked, as the revelations in the letter were almost identical, he said. A fool-proof investigation is needed regarding the origin of the letter and whether details of the verdict were leaked. Meanwhile, the KHCAA distanced itself from the communication sent by Yeshwant to the Chief Justice. In a statement, advocate M R Nandakumar, KHCAA secretary, said the communication was issued without the knowledge or concurrence of the association. Judgment leaked? Key details of actor assault case verdict out a week before We are not against any probe into letter: Advocates assn secy The KHCAA meeting held on Wednesday further resolved that any communication by office-bearers should henceforth be made only with prior approval of the executive committee. The executive committee places on record its firm belief that the Sessions Judge concerned commands unquestionable integrity. As the matter has been placed before the Chief Justice, the committee does not consider it appropriate to make any further comment, the statement read. Speaking to TNIE later, Nandakumar clarified: We are not against any investigation based on the letter. Let there be one. Justice Pasha said the Chief Justice can order an inquiry by the HC vigilance wing, and such an inquiry is essential as the issue raises questions on the sanctity of the judicial system. Meanwhile, taking to Facebook, Yeshwant defended his decision to forward the letter to the Chief Justice, stating its subject line clearly mentioned a Potential Breach of Confidentiality and that it sought an inquiry only into a possible leak of details of the judgment before pronouncement. I never questioned the integrity of the judge or the advocates who worked laboriously for nearly a decade to conclude the trial. Just because celebrities are involved, the matter is receiving heightened media attention. As president of the association, my interest is in the integrity of the judicial institution, he wrote. Yeshwant noted that the case had witnessed allegations of confidentiality breach earlier, including claims the memory card containing the assaults visuals which was in courts custody was accessed by certain people. He stressed such lapses were unacceptable. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet
2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Probe team pins hope on higher courts
KOCHI: Amid controversies surrounding the actor-abduction case verdict, the probe team that filed charges against the suspects expressed confidence that all the accused including actor Dileep who was acquitted in the case will be convicted in the higher courts when the appeals are considered. Though the trial court may not have considered some of the evidence submitted by the prosecution, we believe the higher courts will, said a top source with the SIT. As part of the investigation, we collected and submitted more than 1,500 documentary evidence along with substantial volume of digital evidence. This case is among the few in India where such an extensive amount of digital material has been produced, said the officer. Further, Byju Paulose, DySP with the Crime Branch and the investigating officer with SIT, stated, The verdict is not a setback to the prosecution or the probe team. We carried out the investigation with utmost sincerity, and we remain fully confident that the evidence we placed before the court will lead to conviction of the culprits. As affirmed by the prosecution and the government, cases will be filed before the appellate courts. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: How conspiracy narrative fell apart When asked about the widely discussed anonymous letter linked to the verdict, Byju Paulose declined to comment, adding, We are waiting for the trial courts final order, and the authorities concerned will take appropriate action. Responding to the allegations raised by the defence against the SIT, an officer from the team clarified that claims about the investigation being led by a junior officer were baseless. At the time of probe, the investigating officer had over 15 years of service, and the team itself was constituted under the directives of the Director General of Police. These accusations are merely attempts to undermine an SIT that worked with complete unity, said the officer. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Chaos, cheers and questions
Petronet LNG secures Rs 12,000 crore loan for petrochem project
Petronet LNG has secured a significant 12,000 crore loan. State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda are providing the funds. This financing will primarily support Petronet's petrochemicals project. It will also cover other capital expenditure needs. The agreement follows a competitive bidding process. Petronet is India's largest LNG importer. It operates regasification terminals in Dahej and Kochi.
Public-facing Mass: 200 parishioners occupy Kochi basilica in protest
One Church One Qurbana Movement protested the move, saying parish members who supported the Uniform Holy Mass had not been informed about the decision to hold the service at the Basilica
Coastal outskirts keep democracy moving in Thiruvananthapuram amid low turnout
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For a city long shadowed by its reputation for lacklustre polling, Thiruvananthapuram seemed to slip deeper into that pattern on election day. In the citys upscale neighbourhoods, where voter apathy has become almost ritual, the silence was unmistakable. By noon, turnout still hovered stubbornly below 30%, a telling sign of the indifference that had marked the morning. At the Kowdiar LP School, nestled in one of the citys quietest upscale pockets, the polling station wore a unhurried look through the morning. Only a handful of voters trickled in at a time, the queue seldom growing beyond two or three people. Then, just before 10.45am, the hush lifted. The arrival of Governor Rajendra Arlekar briefly transformed the otherwise languid booth into a flurry of activity, drawing curious glances. Although the governor arrived prepared to wait his turn, the sparse early-morning turnout meant his time in the queue was fleeting. But as the sun climbed higher, the scene began to shift. Slowly, elderly voters emerged, some leaning on canes, others guided by family. Retired college teacher Johny K John and his wife Elizabeth Thomas have treated every election like an unbreakable family ritual since settling in the capital three decades ago. Their sons John and Thomas, working in Kochi and Kozhikode respectively, boarded overnight trains just to make it home in time to vote alongside their parents. There is definitely a sense of apathy, especially among the younger generation, Elizabeth said. However there are still many who realise that their vote matters, she said. Aparna V P, a first-time voter in the local body polls, echoed that sentiment. My vote is for development and for a city with better, more reliable infrastructure, the BCom student said. Coastal wards told a very different story. By afternoon, polling stations in Beemapally, Valiyathura and the Port wards were buzzing, with queues that refused to thin even after the 6pm deadline. For us, our daily bread comes first. Food first, democracy later, said Jeremias, a 59-year-old fisherman from the Port ward. He had stepped out to get his fishing net repaired but sprinted back as the clock neared closing time. At Kachani ward, voting flowed steadily from early morning. But not everyone arrived in calm spirits. Senior citizen Krishnankutty stood fuming outside the Kachani Government High School booth, where the premises had been dug up for construction. Moments earlier, he had nearly stumbled over the debris while trying to navigate his way to the entrance. No wonder people stay indifferent, he said, frustration unmistakable in his voice. We are already tired of pothole-ridden road. Now, even the polling station is a mess. My vote will definitely reflect my resentment. he said.
Mollywood split as Mollywood push back against the rush to reinstate Dileep
KOCHI: A swift pushback is emerging in the Mollywood against the urgency shown by major industry bodies to reinduct actor Dileep, who was acquitted in the 2017 actress abduction and assault case on Monday. Several from the industry, particularly women, have criticised the haste with which organisations signalled their willingness to reinstate the actor, terming it a betrayal of the survivor and a continuation of an unsafe culture within Malayalam cinema. Senior dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi was among the first to react, resigning from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) in protest. Bhagyalakshmi said the federations eagerness to welcome Dileep back clearly showed that the organisations will never stand with survivors. She said the major bodies were backing those with money and power instead of taking a principled stand. Scriptwriter and Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) member Deedhi Damodaran also questioned the sincerity of those claiming solidarity with the survivor while continuing to remain members of AMMA, the association the survivor had quit in protest. Real solidarity would mean stepping away from organisations that maintain status quo, she said. The backlash comes after FEFKA, the Kerala Film Producers Association, and the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (AMMA), signalled support for Dileep within hours of the verdict. FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan said the actor would be reinstated as soon as he submitted a request letter. Kerala Film Producers Association president B Rakesh echoed the view, saying there were no hurdles in taking Dileep back. AMMA, meanwhile, put out a post on social media welcoming the verdict. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet Actor-filmmaker Lal, a key witness in the case, said he was satisfied the accused had been convicted. He, however, declined comment on the conspiracy charge. I will continue to help the case at every stage, even in the Supreme Court if required, he said. Interacting with reporters after casting his vote in the local body polls in Idukki, actor Asif Ali said he welcomed the verdict and reiterated that the survivor must get justice. He, too refrained from making a detailed comment, citing contempt of court. As the industry recalibrates in the wake of the verdict, the divide between those rushing to reinduct Dileep and those insisting on standing firmly with the survivor has once again exposed the fault lines in Malayalam cinemas institutions. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers
Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers
KOCHI: The trial court has acquitted actor Dileep in the actor abduction-assault case on the ground that the conspiracy charge against him could not be established. However, the fact that the conspiracy angle was not proved doesnt mean there was no conspiracy in the attack. The verdict, that convicted six persons and acquitted Dileep and three others, has left many questions unanswered. Hopefully, there will be more clarity when the court pronounces the sentence for those convicted and the details of the judgment are available in public domain. As of now, the question thats foremost on peoples minds is: if Dileep is indeed not guilty, who was behind the attack? And what about the justice for the survivor if all those involved arent made to face the consequences? Underlining the conspiracy angle, legal experts ask why a six-member criminal gang would target this particular actor and orchestrate a plot to assault her. The High Courts observations in the past on Pulsar Sunis financial capacity to repeatedly file bail pleas also suggest that someone may have been supporting him from behind the scenes. While rejecting Pulsar Sunis bail plea in June 2024, Justice P V Kunhikrishnan noted that the accused had filed ten different bail applications through multiple lawyers. The court observed: If the petitioner has financial difficulties, he can approach the Legal Services Authority to engage a lawyer. But he chose to engage his own lawyers, which is his right. However, from the petitioners conduct, filing bail application after bail application before the High Court and the Supreme Court, it is clear that either he is financially fit or there are some others behind the curtain helping him file these bail applications. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet Regarding the trial courts rejection of the prosecutions conspiracy charge, Advocate Raghul Sudheesh, a lawyer at the Kerala High Court, pointed out that any crime of this nature must involve a clear conspirator and motive. If it was for blackmailing, then the question arises: for whom was this act committed? he said. In the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case, the prosecution may have failed to present sufficient evidence to incriminate the eighth accused, Dileep. The final verdict, which is to be pronounced by the District and Sessions Court, Ernakulam, on December 12, may shed light on the doubts of common people regarding the acquittal, Raghul added. A High Court lawyer who wished to remain anonymous said several crucial questions still need answers, particularly why Pulsar Suni and the five others, who were found guilty by the trial court, would take such risks to target a specific actor. According to him, the survivor may have been singled out as part of someone elses plan. The offence committed by the six-member gang was a pre-planned act, carried out as part of a quotation given by somebody, the lawyer said. He also pointed out that the financial backgrounds of the convicted accused are extremely poor, suggesting that someone else was likely coordinating and funding the operation. He added that in criminal cases of this nature, the efforts taken by the police to establish conspiracy must be carefully evaluated.
Judgment leaked? Key details of actor assault case verdict out a week before
KOCHI: Raising serious concerns about judicial confidentiality in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case, a top advocates body on Tuesday confirmed it had received an anonymous letter detailing the crucial content of the verdict in the case, a week before it was pronounced. Dated December 2, the letter, sent by an Indian citizen, claimed that the upcoming verdict scheduled for December 8, 2025, in the high-profile case would exclude seventh accused Charly Thomas, eighth accused Gopalakrishnan alias Dileep, and the ninth accused Sanilkumar alias Mesthiri Sanil, and that judgment would be delivered only against the remaining six accused. The letter was sent to the Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA) which forwarded it to the Chief Justice on December 8, the same day the Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court pronounced its order. Association president Yeshwanth Shenoy confirmed to TNIE that the association did receive the letter and that it was forwarded to the Chief Justice for appropriate action. Describing the situation as a potential serious breach of confidentiality, Shenoy stressed that an inquiry ought to be initiated to determine how such sensitive information could have leaked. I have not yet received a response from the High Court. The content of the letter has the potential to denigrate the judicial system. Hence, a proper investigation is needed to find the origin of the letter, he said. According to the letter, there were 12 accused persons in the case, SC 118/2018 Pulsar Suni vs State of Kerala, pending before Ernakulam Principal District Judge Honey M Varghese. Among them, the 10th accused was made an approver, and the 11th and 12th accused were discharged. After this, 9 accused remained, it stated. Advocates association seeks thorough probe The letter alleged that Judge Honey M. Varghese prepared the judgment through her close associate, Shirley, and, by showing it to Sharath, a hotel businessman and the close companion of the 8th accused, secured a deal, and is going to pronounce this order on December 8, 2025. The letter claimed that two senior Kerala High Court judges and another judge, who is in charge of Ernakulam district, have extended support to her in all matters, which is what encourages the sessions judge to engage in such acts that undermine justice. In its letter to the Chief Justice, the KHCAA stressed that, regardless of the cases outcome, the individuals named in the letter must be verified. Pointing out that this will have serious repercussions on the reputation of the judiciary and its integrity, the association requested the chief justice to forward the same to the vigilance registrar or any other agency to thoroughly probe the entire episode.
Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet
KOCHI: In a verdict that has stirred up feelings of disbelief, agony and pain among large sections of people who had rooted for the survivor, the Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court on Monday acquitted actor Dileep in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case, after concluding that the prosecution failed to establish the conspiracy charge against him. Soon after the acquittal, the state government said it would appeal the verdict. Judge Honey M Varghese held that the evidence presented did not conclusively link Dileep (P Gopalakrishnan), the eighth accused, to the alleged plan to abduct and assault the survivor. The prosecution had argued that Dileep masterminded and financed the crime as an act of personal vengeance, alleging that the survivor had disclosed to his then-wife, actor Manju Warrier, his relationship with actor Kavya Madhavan, his current spouse. But the court refused to accept the conspiracy theory. Dileep was arrested on July 10, 2017, and later released on bail. While the conspiracy charge against Dileep fell through, the court found six accused N S Sunil alias Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijeesh V P, Salim H alias Vadival Salim, and Pradeep guilty of abducting and sexually assaulting the survivor inside a moving vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017. These accused persons, the court held, had direct involvement in the crime. All the six were remanded to judicial custody, with sentencing scheduled for December 12. They have been sent to Viyyur Central Jail. Since the offences are grave and serious in nature and perpetrated against a woman, the accused are not entitled to the benevolence of the Probation of Offenders Act. Bail bonds of A1 to A6 are cancelled and they are remanded to custody. They shall be heard on the question of sentence on December 12, the court stated. 'Won't accept double standards': Dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi on FEFKA's plan to readmit Dileep The court also acquitted Charly Thomas, charged with harbouring the offender; ninth accused Sanil Kumar alias Mesthiri Sanil, tried for conspiracy and aiding the crime; and 15th accused Sarath G Nair,charged with causing disappearance of evidence.The court said that Mesthiri Sanil is in judicial custody in this case. He will be released if his detention is not required in connection with any other case. Detailing the sequence of events, the court noted that the survivor was travelling from Thrissur to Kochi on February 17, 2017, when a van, with the accused, rammed her car near Athani, staging an accident to abduct her. Inside the moving vehicle, Pulsar Suni raped her, recording the assault on his mobile phone for blackmail. Based on witness testimonies and digital evidence, the court convicted the six accused under Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (outraging modesty), 354B (assault with intent to disrobe), 357, 376D (gang rape) of the IPC, and Sections 66E and 67A of the Information Technology Act. 'Won't accept double standards': Dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi on FEFKA's plan to readmit Dileep
Kerala local body elections: Big promises, bigger dreams
KOCHI: keralas local body elections have traditionally centered on the basics roads, drains, streetlights and waste management. But this time, the three major fronts the CPM-led LDF, Congress-led UDF and BJP-led NDA have released manifestos that read less like routine civic checklists and more like ambitious blueprints for parallel futures. If polls were a contest for imagining the most expansive version of Keralas cities, this election would easily qualify as the masterclass in political imagination. The full-fledged, multi-page poll documents for corporations and districts in particular carry a flood of promises some practical, some aspirational and some that wander into the territory of wishful planning. Growing public expectation Micro-level manifestos in local body elections mark a significant shift in Keralas political culture. While many promises may be aspirational or beyond the immediate powers of local governments, the trend itself signals a growing public expectation for accountability and decentralised decision-making. Detailed ward or city-specific pledges push parties to engage more closely with voters everyday concerns and create a record against which their performance can later be measured. In an increasingly urbanised and globally aware electorate, such granular manifestos encourage healthier debates on governance and, over time, can strengthen the relevance and responsiveness of local bodies even if the feasibility of the promises remains uneven. Im happy, said D Dhanuraj, founder-chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR). Praising the sudden surge in detailed manifestos, he said, This will help prompt more discussion on decentralised government, and the public will demand such things. He also believes that global political trends and high-profile campaigns elsewhere may be influencing Keralas political tone. He sees the trend as healthy: When you promise 100 things and dont implement even 10%, someone will question you. I see it as the next level of development as we move towards greater decentralisation. For him, the very presence of detailed manifestos marks a shift toward increased accountability. Economist Jose Sebastian, however, has a sharply different view. The manifesto is a wrong trend. Its becoming a mockery, he said. According to him, none of the fronts, regardless of ideology, explain how they plan to mobilise funds for these expansive promises. Its all tall promises without any substance. Just to create a narrative, he says. Sebastian also argues that Keralas local governments are not autonomous enough to shoulder these grand visions. They have become implementing agencies of central and state schemes. If they had focused on their own resource mobilisation, we wouldnt be in this situation. With the first phase of polling over on Tuesday and the second set for Thursday, the electorate has already begun casting its verdict on these big-ticket manifestos. Saturdays results will reveal which promises resonated, and which remained on paper. OLYMPICS IN TPURAM & METRO TO COIMBATORE? Leading the pack in audacity is the BJP. Its manifesto for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation promises to prepare the capital to serve as one of the venues for the 2036 Olympics. The host city is still undecided, and Ahmedabad is widely tipped as Indias official bidder, but the NDA is confident Thiruvananthapuram can aim high. If that wasnt bold enough, the party has also promised to extend the Kochi Metro all the way to Coimbatore a proposal that would involve overcoming the trifecta of funding challenges, inter-state coordination and monumental infrastructure planning. Alongside these headline-grabbing pledges, the party has also offered more grounded commitments: a Surat-inspired drainage system, Indore-style waste management, and centrally-monitored street lighting. A FULLY SMART KOCHI The Congress-led UDF has filled its Kochi corporation manifesto with everyday urban concerns: garbage, mosquitoes, traffic jams, stray dogs and public health. Its major pitch is a Zero Waste Kochi project aimed at resolving the long-standing issues surrounding the Brahmapuram waste plant. The manifesto also promises to turn Kochi into South Indias first total smart city, a vision based on efficient mobility, digital governance and better civic services. The list of promises is sweeping: garbage-free streets, mosquito control, smoother traffic and a crackdown on drug lobbies. If executed, it would address many chronic complaints of Kochis residents. However, whether these proposals survive the constraints of local body finances remains unclear. INFRA-HEAVY AGENDAS FOR KOCHI, U.N. GOALS ROADMAP FOR KOZHIKODE The CPM-led LDF has released detailed manifestos for multiple corporations. In Kochi, its focus is on practical improvements: canal rejuvenation, systematic road cleaning, value-added waste products, and EVs for the Haritha Karma Sena. It also proposes an electric bus network with KSRTC, renovation of key bus stands and new mobility solutions like multi-level parking and bike sharing. In Kozhikode, the LDF has gone a step further. Its manifesto states the corporation will work to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2031 if the front returns to power. The document outlines a sweeping development agenda: Transforming Kozhikode into an IT hub; implementing a light metro project; continuing the City Road Improvement Project; building new roads and infrastructure; and constructing a flyover at Eranhipalam. LDF, which has governed Kozhikode for over 45 years, attributes its long run to timely implementation of development projects, an argument it hopes will resonate again.
Kerala local body polls: Name missing, Mammootty unable to cast vote in election
KOCHI: While Ernakulam district celebrated democracy on Tuesday, Malayalam actor Mammootty missed out as his name was not found in the electoral rolls. The actor, who now resides in Vyttila under the Ponnurunni division of the Kochi corporation, was unable to vote in the 2020 local body elections owing to similar reasons. He (Mammootty) cast his vote in the previous assembly and Lok Sabha elections, but not in the 2020 corporation polls. When we realised his name was missing from the electoral rolls, we contacted his manager and requested the necessary documents to complete the formalities. However, at the time, the actor and his family were abroad for his treatment and were unable to proceed, said a public representative in Ponnurunni who is also a CPM supporter. However, she said the name of Mammoottys wife, Sulfath, was in the voters list. The actors family had last cast votes at booth 4 of CKC LP School in Ponnurunni.
A growing fascination for old timepieces keeps Kochi's watch repairers ticking
As fast fashion and easy-to-replace gadgets take over our lives, something unexpected is happening inside Kochis smallest shop fronts. Repairers say they are now seeing more young faces teenagers and people in their early twenties coming in with watches that have stories behind them. Instead of throwing an old piece away, they want it repaired and given a second life. Its a small but telling shift back to valuing things that last. Ambika P R, who runs Nice Watch and Services near Shastri Nagar in Maradu with her husband Ramesh C M, says the shift is unmistakable. The younger generation is much into this trend of using and reusing vintage products, she says. Students and young professionals often walk in with their parents Titan pieces or inherited mechanical watches, wanting them to be brought back to life. At the 80-year-old Gejo Watch Centre on Sahodaran Ayyappan Road, Ravipuram, the story is more layered. The shop, established in 1945, has seen the industry evolve. We are old people. Customers these days are fewer than in our prime, says George C V, the shop owner. Smartwatches, he explains, have encouraged a use-and-discard attitude. But those who come in usually do so for deep personal reasons. One boy wanted his watch repaired because it was a core memory he got it as a gift after clearing SSLC, George recalls. That sentiment keeps this trade going. Meanwhile, at Sruthy Times, Panampilly Nagar, owner Shaji K D takes a more cautious view. He says repairing old watches is not always practical. If the inside is broken, the parts must be fully replaced, and even then, we cant guarantee perfect functioning, he explains. Still, he remains committed to servicing the older styles analogue, winding and automatic watches insisting that the newer smart ones are basically unrepairable. A snap from Lonan Watch House in Thevara Junction Yet, even he admits that emotional value often wins. People bring their grandparents watches or clocks, some almost 85 years old, just to preserve the vintage charm, he says. At Ganesh and Sons Watch & Old Clock Repair, Chittoor Road, Valanjambalam, Ramesh T G highlights the biggest hurdle: spare parts. The motive is to keep something meaningful alive in a world where such pieces are becoming rare, he says. But getting original parts is difficult. He notes that younger customers increasingly request specific strap colours or metal finishes to suit their personal style another sign of vintage aesthetics finding relevance. And its not just heirlooms from decades past. Some young customers are taking charge of preserving their own family possessions. Take Angel Saju, a college student from Thevara, who still uses her mothers 20-year-old Swiss watch. She brings it in regularly for battery replacements and servicing. It still works perfectly, and it feels special to use something my mother wore every day, she says. For her, maintaining it is not a chore. Its a connection. Across Kochi, the revival is quiet but noticeable. Motivated by nostalgia, sustainability, aesthetic reasons or the desire to preserve family heirlooms, young customers are giving watch repairers something they havent felt in years: the sense that their craft still matters.
Kochi Corporation records 62.52% turnout; youth apathy, roll errors blamed for slow polling
Political parties complain of electoral roll discrepancies in Kochi
A flashback to Kochis first thriller corporation election
Kochis engagement with organised civic governance began long before India became independent. The Dutch established the Fort Kochi municipality as early as 1664, marking one of the oldest experiments in municipal administration in the subcontinent. By 1866, Fort Kochi had become the first modern municipality in the state, during a period when the British residents took over the charge and served as the chairmen. As administrative systems evolved, voting rights were gradually extended to tax-paying citizens, setting the stage for more participatory urban governance. Mattancherry municipality followed in 1873, while Ernakulams municipality had been formed even earlier in 1823, by the British residents to oversee the regions administration. Together, they laid the foundation for what would eventually become a consolidated urban entity. Fast forward to November 1, 1967. It was almost certain that CPM leader M M Lawrence would become the first mayor of the newly formed Kochi corporation that day. The Left front had secured 13 seats, while the Congress-led fronts A A Kochunni Master had managed 11. The Left front workers were ready with crackers to celebrate the win. There was huge excitement, considering that it was the first corporation election ever. But things flipped in a matter of hours, says former mayor and historian K J Sohan. A single cross-vote pushed the mayoral contest into a tie. The final tally stood at 1212. Hence, the election of Kochis first mayor came down to chance. The draw of lots sealed the result, and Kochunni Master became the first mayor of Kochi. The idea of merging Kochis fragmented local bodies had been discussed throughout the early 1960s. It was the Mattancherry municipal council that first passed a resolution in 1960 recommending a unified civic administration. The Kerala Assembly later endorsed the proposal, and by July 1967, the plan for a consolidated corporation received formal approval. The new civic body combined the municipalities of Ernakulam, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, together with the panchayats of Palluruthy, Edappally, Vennala and Vyttila. The newly created urban entity spanned roughly 83.5sq.km , bringing together neighbourhoods with distinct histories and identities under a single administrative structure for the first time. It was a challenging time for the newly elected leaders, as they had to concentrate on the budgeting and integration of the wards that had been formed under a single corporation, says Sohan. While the first council was elected for a five-year term, elections were postponed, and the council continued for over a decade. The second election to the corporation was held only in 1979. It would take another decade for true democratic reforms. The turning point came with the 74th Constitutional Amendment in 1992, which granted municipalities across India a clear constitutional status, says Sohan. Regular elections every five years became mandatory. Provisions for reservation, including one-third representation for women, were introduced. As Kochi heads into another municipal election, its civic history stands as a reminder that surprises are nothing new. Will there be any this time?
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The larger-than-life arc of actor Dileep
KOCHI: The fate of actor Dileep acquitted in the actor assault case after an exhausting over five-year trial has turned out to be nothing short of an anti-climax, especially for someone once accused of conspiring in the brutal assault of a fellow actor. From a scrawny mimicry artist to an actor, and eventually a producer, distributor, and theatre owner, Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan alias Dileeps ascent to stardom and his later slide into notoriety, before being cleared of all charges extends far beyond the contours of a film script. Until the assault case erupted, Dileep was among the most influential power centres in the Malayalam film industry, commanding clout that extended across production floors, distribution networks, and exhibition circuits. Dileep entered cinema through the back door of Kochis mimicry troupes in the early 1990s. A friend who knew Dileep since his college days recalled, He was very ambitious from the very beginning and had an insatiable hunger for stardom. He started as an assistant director before he took to acting as a career. He had the gift of the gab, which made him desirable in social circles... He climbed his way up through a network of fellow comic artists and friends. Dileep came from an impoverished family and money was always a major factor. His marriage to actor Manju Warrier in 1998 was a surprise to many, he added. By the early 2000s, that charm had crystallised into a distinct on-screen persona. Films like Punjabi House, C.I.D Moosa, Meesha Madhavan and Kalyanaraman turned him into a bankable star. But Dileeps ascent was not limited to acting alone. As his stardom grew, he ventured into production, and into distribution, controlling significant circuits in central Kerala. His investments in theatre chains further cemented his presence. Liberty Basheer, a theatre owner and producer, said Dileep had decisive influence in AMMA and FEFKA, the trade bodies of actors and technicians. He was not satisfied with it and split the theatre owners union just before the actor assault incident. Basheer told TNIE that legally, all the unions/associations are bound to take him back if he applies formally but the actor might not be as powerful as he was as the ecosystem has evolved. This consolidation of power earned him both admiration and unease. The turning point arrived in 2017 with the actor abduction and assault case. The star who once drew lakhs to theatres found himself boycotted and fighting a prolonged legal battle. Today, Dileeps trajectory stands as one of Malayalam cinemas most dramatic arcs: A meteoric rise, decades of dominance, and an equally steep fall from grace. His acquittal from the case has sparked curiosity about his future, with the industry and society eagerly awaiting to see if hell reclaim his top position.
In backing survivor, WCC ushers in change
KOCHI: In 2017, when 18 women came together to stand with the survivor, they knew their lives would never be the same again. As key Mollywood insiders refused to support the survivor, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) was formed to speak out, for the survivor and against injustice and gender issues in the industry. The unfortunate incident was definitely a trigger. There was no platform to raise such issues earlier, members said during the collectives press conference in Kochi in 2018. The group, comprising prominent actors including Parvathy Thiruvothu, Manju Warrier and Rima Kallingal, met with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to request government support in pushing for an investigation into the assault. Jolly Chirayath, a member, said gender disparities and issues related to workplace safety existed before the assault case. The incident became an inflection point. The discussions and developments in society became more gender-focused, she said. In 2017, during the Kerala State Film Awards, in response to industry figures supporting Dileep, the WCC launched the #Avalkkoppam campaign. What justice? And we watch a carefully crafted screenplay unfold so cruelly now, Parvathy wrote on social media following the verdict. Fellow members Rima and Remya Nambeesan shared avalkkoppam posts. Jolly said the WCCs efforts played a key role in altering public attitudes. In the past, survivors and their supporters were targeted by society. Today, we see several social media posts with the hashtags avalkkoppam and athijeevithakkoppam. That is the change the survivor and the WCC have brought to society, she said.
2017 Kerala actor abduction case: SHO who first recorded ordeal still rankled by it
KOCHI: Living the retirement life of a former police officer and helping out at her familys tiny spice unit in Aluva, P K Radhamani couldnt find comfort in the fragrance enveloping her. She was unsettled, awaiting the much-anticipated verdict in the 2017 case. It was her pen that first brought the incident to lightshe was the one who recorded the victims statement, and the first person to hear what would be repeated in the halls of the legal system. Radhamani had just taken charge as station house officer (SHO) at Infopark police station, after serving in the Womens Cell. It was around midnight that she received a call from then Kochi commissioner M P Dinesh. It comprised a simple instruction: There is an important case. You must come immediately. She had no idea that she was being sent to actor-director Lals residence. As they entered the approach road to Lals house in Padamugal, Kakkanad, she noticed several other vehicles moving to and from the premises. She encountered P Rajeeve (now a minister), who told her, You should proceed to Lals house. At the residence, the commissioner instructed Radhamani to record the statement of the survivor, who was inside. When I entered the room, I saw her in an extremely distressed state. So, instead of immediately beginning the procedure, I spent some time consoling her. I waited for her to regain composure. What I heard that night was something no woman should ever have to experience. I was deeply shaken, she said. Radhamani was part of the probe until a special team was formed, but continued to accompany the survivor on several occasions, including the medical examination, until retirement. The trial of the case is a stage in her service life that she would never want to revisit. As the officer who recorded the survivors statement and took part in the initial proceedings, I had to undergo four to five days of cross-examination. The defence counsel B Raman Pillai even alleged we had fabricated the statement. If an officer like me felt so traumatised, try to imagine what the survivor went through, said Radhamani. Radhamani said she still carries the pride of never deviating from what the law directed. She also appreciated the survivor for standing firm with courage, and noted that her family and close friends played a crucial role in supporting her.
2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Chaos, cheers and questions
KOCHI: The Ernakulam district sessions court complex had not seen a morning like this in years. Long before sunrise had settled into the city on Monday, the premises were rumbling with tension. By 7am, camera crews, reporters and excited supporters of actor Dileep had taken over the narrow lanes leading to the court. Everyone knew they were about to witness one of Keralas biggest judicial showdowns and nobody wanted to miss a single frame. By 9.45am, the first real hint of the momentous day ahead arrived. Judge Honey M Varghese, calm and composed, dressed in a white saree and clutching her 1,000-page judgment, stepped into the court building. Minutes later, lawyers from both sides arrived. Advocate T B Mini, counsel for the survivor, was soon surrounded by mediapersons. She reiterated: All 10 accused will be convicted. Special public prosecutor Ajakumar followed. Stepping out of the police vehicle, he assured the crowd that justice would be served. By 10.15am, the accused started arriving. Actor Dileepthe eighth accusedslipped into the complex at 10.22am with tenth accused Sarath G Nair. The actor left the vehicle after it had moved far away from the crowd, and disappeared into the court through a backdoor. Fifteen minutes later, confusion erupted. A masked man stepped out of a car and rushed inside. Cameras zoomed in, people shouted. Was it Pulsar Suni? It wasnt. Suni arrived at 10.45am. Wearing a black T-shirt, he walked out of the Kia Carnival with practised swagger. Flanked by his lawyers, he glanced back at the crowd with the confidence of someone used to unsettling a room. At 11am, the court fell silent. Outside, the crowd held its breath. Seconds later, roars exploded across the street. Dileep had been acquitted. The verdict spread like wildfire, and celebrations broke out instantly. Prime accused Pulsar Suni and fourth accused Vijeesh V P ,Second accused Martin Antony ,Sixth accused Pradeep,Fifth accused Vadival Salim Fans danced, shouted his name, and distributed sweets. The actors exit was straight out of a film. While onlookers waited near the backdoor, Dileep appeared at the main staircase at 11.18am, like a hero emerging for his curtain call. Now smiling broadly, he descended through a tunnel of black-robed lawyers, hands raised, wrist wrapped in prayer threads. Supporters surged forward. Cameras flashed. A few even wept. For the first time in nine years, Dileep spoke about the case, thanking God and making a veiled swipe at his ex-wife, actor Manju Warrier. What followed next painted a stark contrast. One by one, the six convicts, handcuffed, were brought out and escorted to a bus. Pulsar Suni was now flanked by officers. The convoy moved toward the general hospital where they would undergo medical examination before being taken to Kakkanad district jail. Dileep resurfaced at the house of senior counsel Raman Pillai. There were hugs, tears, and celebrations. By noon, he reached his home in Aluva, where his wife Kavya Madhavan, daughter, and others awaited him with applause, garlands, and fireworks. But even as he was welcomed like a returning hero, uneasy questions were being asked outside the court. Will he get back the family audience he once had? wondered a man watching the incidents from a distance. Im not sure. Lets see. For all the noise, all the chanting and camera flashes, one truth lingered: The court had spoken, but the debate over justice had just begun.
AMMA and FEFKA consider reinstating Dileep
KOCHI: With the court acquitting Dileep in the 2017 actor assault case, film bodies including the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) and the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) have initiated discussions to give membership to the former, who was suspended from the association in July 2017. FEFKA was the first film body to suspend actor Dileep from his primary membership soon after his arrest in the case. As a trade union, we suspended Dileep after his arrest. Now, he has been acquitted in the case and we are considering reinstating his membership. We have requested the directors union to look into the verdict and consider revoking his suspension, FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan said. Though AMMA expelled Dileep, he was later reinstated, leading to a controversy. In October 2018, he eventually resigned from the association under pressure from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). He was also the treasurer of the artists association during the late Innocents term as the president. Malayalam actor assault case: Dileep walks free, targets ex-wife Manju Warrier Let law take its course. AMMA respects the court, AMMA wrote on social media on Monday. Addressing the media in Kochi, AMMA vice-president Lakshmi Priya welcomed the verdict. I personally welcome the court verdict. I dont think Dileepettan would attempt such a crime. This does not mean we are not with the survivor. Both of them are our colleagues and friends. But I dont think he would do this, she said. Dileep is also the founding president of the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala.
Prosecution counters Dileeps allegations against Manju
KOCHI: Soon after the acquittal, Dileep came out against Manju Warrier , alleging that she hatched a conspiracy against him. He pointed out that Manju, during a gathering of film stars two days after the incident, had said the sexual assault on the woman actor was organised and should be thoroughly probed. However, the prosecution countered this by saying that if they had intended to implicate him based on Manjus remarks, they could have done so while filing the main chargesheet against Pulsar Suni and five others. Special Public Prosecutor V Ajakumar told TNIE, Dileeps statement is absolutely wrong. We have produced all evidence against him. There was no deliberate attempt to arraign him as an accused in the case. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: No evidence ever existed against Dileep, says Pillai He clarified that the probe proceeded based on a letter sent by Dileep alleging extortion to the then Director General of Police (DGP) Loknath Behera, along with a letter sent by Pulsar Suni from jail. Behera forwarded both to the SIT for examination. Ajakumar said, after Behera was relieved from the DGP post, T P Senkumar took charge. Senkumar, who reportedly had a longstanding professional rivalry with B Sandhya, who headed the SIT, issued an order restraining the team from arresting Dileep. Later, Senkumar left the post and Behera returned as DGP. Sandhya then explained all the findings against Dileep, after which Behera granted the liberty to proceed against him, he said.
2017 Kerala actor abduction case: No evidence ever existed against Dileep, says Pillai
KOCHI: Senior advocate B Raman Pillai and his team, by his own submission, had never encountered a trial of this nature in a criminal case. Pillai, who represented Dileep in the actor assault case, said he had never argued a case where there was no evidence whatsoever against the accused. On the verdict, Pillai, who was assisted by his team comprising advocates Sujesh Menon and Philip T Varghese, said he was relieved and pleased, asserting that the case against Dileep was fabricated. He (Dileep) was deliberately dragged into the case, with the involvement of certain senior police officers and others. Even the advocates who appeared for him were targeted and faced difficulties, Pillai told TNIE. He said once the full judgment is received, they will consider further steps if it becomes clear that Dileep was victimised and there was conspiracy to drag him into the case. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: We had complete freedom, support from seniors throughout, says probe officer By December 2021, nearly 200 witnesses had been examined, and the investigation officer the final witness was next. However, Pillai said the prosecution suddenly delayed proceedings without explanation, prompting the defence to file the petition that prompted the High Court to set a timeline for completing further investigation. From the beginning, I understood the case against Dileep was fabricated and lacked evidence. That is why I stayed with the defence. In my entire career, I have never handled a case dragged out for this long, and even when my health was failing, I remained firm, he said. Pillai also said that Balachandra Kumars entry into the case was pre-planned and part of a larger conspiracy. Malayalam actor assault case: Dileep walks free, targets ex-wife Manju Warrier
KOCHI: The delivery of the long-awaited verdict in the actor abduction case has cast a renewed spotlight on the crucial role played by the investigation teams in bringing the case to its legal conclusion. With the case featuring high-profile names like Dileep in the chargesheet, the probe involved meticulous processes of framing charges, collecting evidence, and completing every procedural step with precision. We had complete freedom throughout the investigation, and the support from our senior officers enabled us to conduct the probe independently, said investigation officer Byju Paulose, a DySP with the crime branch. A case involving high-profile individuals and intense public attention comes with unique challenges. Many witnesses from the film industry were initially hesitant to give statements, while common people were more willing to come forward, he said. Citing his own instance, the officer said he underwent chief and cross-examination for eight and a half years four days a week. The probe team worked in complete coordination, and we were able to collect and present a massive volume of digital evidence before the court, perhaps one of the highest produced in India in a conspiracy case, Paulose said. Malayalam actor assault case: Dileep walks free, targets ex-wife Manju Warrier An officer with the initial probe team led by DySP Babu Kumar, who requested anonymity, said the investigation made a crucial breakthrough linking actor Dileep to the case. During our inquiry, the team uncovered a lead involving an alleged letter written by prime accused N S Sunil, aka Pulsar Suni, which pointed towards Dileep. Based on this, we arrested the actor, he said. After Babu went on deputation, a special investigation team (SIT) was formed with Byju taking charge, he said. Binu P P, an officer with the SIT, said the team encountered numerous hurdles throughout the investigation, though none of them ever stalled the probe itself. Rather, the real obstacles emerged during trial phase. Kerala government to appeal against acquittal of Dileep in 2017 actor assault case
Mollywood post 2017: The quiet yet firm reset
KOCHI: The actor assault case can indeed be imputed for splitting Malayalam cinemas recent history into two distinct phases the before and after. Few events in the states cultural sphere have shaken the collective conscience as profoundly as the 2017 abduction and sexual assault of a prominent actor. The incident not only exposed troubling power imbalances within the industry but also forced long-overdue introspection among its stakeholders. Polarisation was immediate between those who stood with the survivor and those who rallied around the accused actor. Yet the industrys evolution in the years since has been striking, marked by institutional reforms and solidarity among women. A key catalyst for this shift has been the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). It has been instrumental in pushing for systemic change, advocating for safety, dignity, and gender equity in the workplace. The sustained interventions of WCC kept the issue alive in the public discourse and led to the government making internal complaints committees must across film sets. One of the most significant changes has been the flood of revelations that followed the case. As WCC noted in a post on X: Culture of silence is the term coined by the Justice Hema Committee report to describe the effect of power groups in Malayalam cinema. Fear fuels silence and silence amplifies fear. But once silence is broken, it becomes an opportunity to break the fear as we have seen in our industry. Over the years, production houses have slowly aligned with new expectations. Awareness sessions have become more frequent, contracts include clauses on harassment, and informal hiring networks are giving way to more structured processes. Judge Honey Varghese scripts final chapter in high-profile assault case Implementation remains uneven, but the mindset shift is evident: Female actors and technicians now speak more openly about rights, workplace safety, and pay equity, subjects once considered off limits. Actor and WCC member Archana Padmini said the collective fight of women brought long-suppressed issues to the forefront. Earlier, every abuse was brushed aside by the assertion that we are a family. The conversation on the dignity and rights of female actors found resonance in society Blatant abuses and sexual predation are now almost absent, she told TNIE. Archana said, The fight of the actress gave a sense of direction to thousands of women who say they are thankful to her for standing up As a WCC member, it has meant less work but more respect and dignity in whatever little work I get. Calling it a small but decisive turnaround, she said theres still a long way to go. 'Not the final verdict': Retd DGP B Sandhya on actor assault case verdict
Judge Honey Varghese scripts final chapter in high-profile assault case
KOCHI: Tension hung heavy in the District Sessions Court on Monday morning as the clock struck 11. Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese stepped into a jam-packed courtroom, greeting those present with folded hands. As directed by her, all accused, including the eighth, moved to the stand. A stillness enveloped the hall as lawyers were asked to step aside so she could address the accused directly. I want to communicate clearly to the accused, the judge said. After keeping the case file for more than seven years and presiding over five years of trial, Judge Honey Varghese began delivering the verdict. Her voice rose as she read out the brutal acts committed by Pulsar Suni and five other accused, who were all found guilty. The court, however, acquitted actor Dileep. Members of the legal fraternity described Judge Honey Varghese as meticulous in her courtroom proceedings, compassionate in matters where needed, and firm where the law leaves no room for leniency. Honey Varghese, who hails from a family rooted in Left politics, began her career in Thrissur. She joined the judicial service in 2012 after being appointed as a district and sessions judge. Over the years, she has presided over several sensitive cases. Her transfer to the Additional Special Sessions Court, designated to hear the actor assault case, marked a turning point. She was assigned the trial after the survivor moved the High Court, seeking a special judge. Dileep targets former wife Manju, calls actor assault case a 'conspiracy' after acquittal The HC appointed Honey while she was serving as a CBI Special Court judge. In 2021, she was promoted to head the Ernakulam Principal and Sessions Court but was allowed to continue with the trial. She is now awaiting elevation as a Kerala HC judge. She concluded the trial after examining 261 witnesses. The trial itself saw several dramatic turns. Both the state government and the survivor moved the HC, seeking a change of judge. In a plea filed in 2022, the survivor alleged she had lost faith in the trial court, citing a voice clip recovered from the mobile phone of actor Dileep that purportedly suggested attempts by the accused to establish contact with the judge and her husband, an excise circle inspector accused in a custodial torture case. However, the High Court declined the plea. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, extended the deadline to finish the trial nearly eight times.
Anand Mahindra keeps tryst with Kadamakkudys serene beauty
KOCHI: Industrialist Anand Mahindra has fulfilled a personal promise, visiting the idyllic Kadamakkudy islands on the outskirts of Kochi and returning utterly captivated by their rustic beauty. His recent visit, following the Mahindra Groups M101 annual leadership conference in the city, has put this tranquil destination firmly on the national, and possibly international, tourism map. Mahindra shared his experience on X, articulating the profound effect the islands had on him. I lived up to a promise I had made to myself, he posted. His description painted a picture of pristine serenity: Clean and pristine. Tranquil kayals (backwaters) stretching as far as the eye can see, with small launches chugging gently along their waters. Egrets and black cormorants, preening and drying themselves in the sun. Mesmerising. He concluded with a poignant observation: Some landscapes dont just impress; they recalibrate you. The visit was the culmination of a desire sparked earlier. In July, Mahindra had posted about Kadamakkudy being often listed amongst the most beautiful villages on earth, adding it to his personal bucket list for his December business trip to Kochi. The industrialists effusive praise instantly set the social media platform alight. The posts garnered widespread attention, with countless users sharing the news and praising the hidden gem. Capitalising on the moment, Kerala Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas had then quickly extended an official invitation, also via X, stating, Always welcome to the land of incredible destinations and experiences Anand Ji @anandmahindra.. It will be a privilege for #KeralaTourism to host you at #Kadamakkudy. The excitement generated by Mahindras spotlight has significantly accelerated plans to improve accessibility to Kadamakkudy, a cluster of 14 tranquil islands. The Kochi Water Metro is actively working to launch its much-anticipated services to the popular tourist destination. Initially, the Water Metro had aimed to start operations to Kadamakkudy in December, a timeline intended to coincide with the industrialists planned visit. The final launch has faced a slight delay. Kochi Metro authorities recently announced that the work of the pontoon installation at Kadamakkudy is still pending, pushing the services commencement to January. Historically, these islands thrived on water-based transport. Therein lies the solution. Water Metro connectivity will be a big boost for the place. The tourism department could also deploy solar boats. Another possibility is bringing in houseboats, after dredging some shallow regions, said Dilraj Nalukandathil, director of GDM Travels, a startup promoting sustainable community tourism. Despite the minor setback, Anand Mahindras commitment to his promise has yielded a significant outcome: transforming a serene, lesser-known island cluster into a must-visit destination. His personal endorsement has provided an invaluable boost to Keralas tourism sector, promising a new era of recognition and connectivity for the islands of Kadamakkudy.
Bun maska-chai: The viral combo sweeping Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Yummy butter spread between a tasty bun, dipped in hot tea this simple combination has endeared itself to Keralites. Originally from the Irani cafes of Mumbai, the dish is trending all over Kerala, with food vloggers making it the talk of the town. And the origin of this sudden craze for bun maska in the state could be traced to a couple from Kochi The Chai Couple and what they call their single-minded decision. When Saran Dileep and Sreelekshmi T S decided to return from abroad and choose and pursue a passion in Kochi, they were unsure about where to start. An avid tea lover, Sreelekshmi felt there should be a place that answers an everyday question: Where can we get good chai? That thought grew: What if we add some snacks, but not the usual oily ones? Overnight, the duo bought some charts, took a table from their house and borrowed their grandmothers flask. The next morning, they were ready in front of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor, armed with a limited number of buns and some tea. The Chai Couple Cafe, and the viral bun maska-chai combo, took off. Instead of beginning a fully-fledged shop, we thought of experimenting, to see if people like what we offer, said Saran. Maintaining that the dish is their version of bun maska, he said never in their dreams did the two think it would become a statewide trend. Terming it a result of both word of mouth promotion and support of food vloggers, Saran commented they are happy to see the dish going viral. Our confidence is in our customers, said Sreelekshmi, adding that many, including their first-ever tea customer, return to their food spot. One of our customers is even developing our new token system, she said, adding that they have always been keen on not compromising on quality. Food vloggers across the state say the bun maska-tea combo has gone viral. Niyadh Basheer (@foodencyclopediatrivandrum) said the key complaint he hears from foodies is the dish being out of stock. There are shops open till 2am, selling bun maska and tea in Thiruvananthapuram. Techies have taken over spaces in the Technopark side, where they sell bun maska, he said, adding that the capital citys thattukada culture has boosted peoples love for the dish. Devayani S Thilakan (@toastory) says the affordable nature of the dish has made it attractive for college students in Kozhikode. We commonly see students who are visiting the beach, gathering at shops selling the items, she said.
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 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 .
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
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
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)
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.
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.
Antony Kattiparambil ordained as 36th Bishop of Kochi
Adding more merry to the festive season, the countdown to the countrys biggest art carnival has begun. The sixth edition of the 110-day Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), titled For the Time Being, will open on December 12. TNIE walked the Biennale route in the Fort Kochi - Mattancherry area to get a sense of how preparations are shaping up for the mega festival. There is indeed an air of excitement and suspense around the venues. Artists, officials, contractors, architects, and workers are racing to ready all venues for the opening day. Tourists, meanwhile, pause to enquire about the goings-on. Hearing hammering and welding sounds from the heritage structure of Arthshila Kochi, a German tourist asks whether a renovation was under way. No, its the Kochi Biennale, replies a young volunteer, who goes on to explain the nitty gritty. Though initially disappointed that he would miss the event because of his holiday schedule, the tourist brightens up upon learning the Biennale runs until March. Oh, so I will plan another trip I will be back here, he beams. This years Biennale will showcase 66 artist projects from more than 25 countries, under the curatorial direction of Nikhil Chopra with HH Art Space, Goa. Eight venues will host the highlight exhibitions. A highlight is the display of works at St Andrew Parish Hall (Students Biennale), Fort Kochi, by young artists from the northeast, curated by the Anga Art Collective. St Andrew Parish Hall (Students Biennale), Fort Kochi This heritage hall will host budding artists from across India, transforming its corners, walls, and floors with their creations. A key highlight is the display of works by young artists from the northeast, curated by the Anga Art Collective. Introducing two young women artists from Arunachal Pradeshs Adi tribe in Upper Siang district, the curator notes that their project addresses menstrual issues. Overall, there will be 10 projects from the northeast. Another standout is an interactive project on Naturalism by Mahalakshmi, an MFA student from Chennai. Additional Students Biennale venues include BMS Warehouse, SPACE, Arthshila, and VKL Warehouse. The hall will also feature invitation projects. Arthshila Kochi (Students Biennale), Fort Kochi This revitalised heritage structure on Parade Road will house installations, new media works, documentary projects, and site-responsive pieces. Students Biennale projects here explore material ecologies, migration, digital identities, and climate anxieties concerns resonating strongly with emerging artists across the subcontinent. David Hall, Fort Kochi Built around 1695 by the Dutch East India Company as the residence of Governor Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede tot Drakenstein, David Hall will soon feature artwork by an artist from Nairobi. The project is curated by the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI). The building later took its name from Jewish businessman David Koder. Other invitation venues include Space, Simi Warehouse, Oottupura, Jail of Freedom Struggle, and Devassy Jose & Sons, which will also host residencies. Arthshila Kochi (Students Biennale), Fort Kochi, where Students' Bienale projects will be shown. Anand Warehouse Pepper House, Fort Kochi A central courtyard installation by Utsa Hazarika an artist and writer based in New York will anchor the space. Her research-driven practice spans video, installation, and sculpture. Anand Warehouse, Mattancherry A major draw here will be Parliament of Ghosts by Ibrahim Mahama, known for large-scale collaborative installations, drawings, and sculptures. The project is being realised with the labour of Mattancherry women and materials sourced from local furniture shops. It is supported by the Sandeep and Gitanjali Maini Foundation. Nine artists will exhibit at this venue. Simi Warehouse, Mattancherry Alice Yard, a contemporary art collective from Trinidad and Tobago, will present An Instigators Handbook for Play, Friendship, Generosity and Autonomy. Devassy Jose Building. SPACE, Mattancherry Artists Jyoti Bhatt and Sujith S N will feature as part of the KMB exhibition here, alongside invitation and Students Biennale projects. Cube Art Space, Mattancherry This venue will host the final work by celebrated artist Vivan Sundaram, who passed away in 2023 Six Stations of a Life Pursued, a photography-based installation. It is structured as a journey marked by six stations, each a pause to release pain, witness beauty, confront horror, relinquish memory, and reclaim life. Aspinwall House & Directors Bungalow, Fort Kochi The Biennales most prestigious venue is nearing completion and promises to impress visitors. Installations and projects are being set up in the coir godown and the directors bungalow, while the garden will feature three outdoor installations, each presenting distinct concepts and visions. Twenty-five artists will exhibit here. Srishti Hall. The Pavilion, Bastion Bungalow, Fort Kochi Expected to be one of the liveliest venues, this Pavilion will host performances, sessions, and talks, and can accommodate around 250 people. Adjacent to it is a dedicated space for the Art by Children (ABC) project, which will also run near the Fort Kochi Water Metro terminal. New additions Other noteworthy venues include Willingdon Island Warehouse, hosting 12 artists including Marina Abramovi and Sabitha Kadannappally, and Durbar Hall, where works by Gulam Mohammed Sheikh will be shown, curated by the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art.
Industrialist Anand Mahindra recently visited the Kadamakkudy Islands, fulfilling a personal resolution to experience their renowned natural beauty. He found the region remarkably unspoiled, with vast backwaters and abundant birdlife creating a calming and hypnotic atmosphere. The fourteen-island cluster, located near Kochi, offers a tranquil rural retreat showcasing traditional livelihoods and a harmonious blend of land and lagoon.
Try mediation, says SC in sexual abuse case involving Litmus 7 Systems CEO
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday urged parties involved in a sexual harassment case against Venu Gopalakrishnan, CEO of Kochis Litmus 7 Systems Consulting, to explore mediation to resolve their dispute. A bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and K V Viswanathan said, ...We find that in the interest of all parties, there ought to be a settlement. The matter is referred to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre. The parties are directed to appear before the Centre on 07.01.2026 in person or through videoconferencing. On September 11, the Kerala High Court had denied anticipatory bail to Gopalakrishnan, citing the very serious nature of allegations. The other accused in the case Jacob P Thampy, Eby Paul, and Bimalraj Haridas were granted anticipatory bail. Gopalakrishnan had approached the Supreme Court, which on September 26 stayed all coercive actions against him. Senior counsels Mukul Rohatgi and Raghenth Basant, representing the petitioner, said the complainant, a former employee, had filed the charges after getting bail in an extortion case initiated by Gopalakrishnan. Justice Nagarathna expressed skepticism about the harassment claims. The accused alleged the woman and her husband had demanded Rs 30 crore during a hotel meeting on July 23, including an immediate Rs 10 crore transfer, with Rs 50,000 transferred from Venus account on July 28. The couple was arrested for extortion soon after. The woman denied knowledge of the Rs 50,000 transfer and alleged sexual harassment. The next hearing is on February 2.
Crime branch probes claims linking Dileep to Pulsar Suni, threats to investigators
KOCHI: On November 25, 2021, while the trial in the case was progressing, fresh trouble surfaced for the eighth accused, actor Dileep. Filmmaker P Balachandra Kumar levelled grave allegations, claiming that Dileep possessed a copy of the visuals of the assault captured by prime accused Pulsar Suni. He also alleged a close relationship between the two and accused Dileep of conspiring to endanger the lives of investigating officers. The revelations led the Crime Branch to register a fresh case against Dileep and others. In a petition submitted to the chief minister, Kumar said he visited Dileep at his Padmasarovaram residence in Aluva on December 26, 2016, to discuss a movie. On that day, he happened to travel with Suni, who was at the house along with Anoop, Dileeps brother, in a red Maruti Swift car. Anoop introduced Suni to him during the trip. From Anoops words, I understood that the young man had a lot of money with him and was taking it somewhere, Kumar stated. He also referred to a deliberation he had with Dileep on Suni, when the actor allegedly revealed certain details about the sexual assault. They met again on April 15, 2017, in Thiruvananthapuram as part of talks over the movie Professor Dinkan. When Kumar brought up Suni, Dileep reportedly responded saying that nothing happened, before going on to describe the abuse in detail, as though he had witnessed it firsthand. Dileep also instructed the director not to disclose the fact that Suni had visited his residence. In his plea, Balachandrakumar said that on September 12, Anoop, over a WhatsApp call, relayed the desire of Dileep, who was then in jail, to meet him. He met Dileep at Aluva sub jail the next day. Emerging from the meeting, he found Dileeps brother and brother-in-law waiting outside, and the latter handed him `50,000. According to Kumar, Anoop messaged him again, on October 6, to convey Dileeps intention to hold another meeting. The two met at a house in North Paravoor, and spent the entire day together. Dileep repeated the warning not to disclose that Suni had been to his house. The petitioner further stated that he visited Dileep on the morning of November 15 for discussions on a film. During their conversation, Dileeps friend Baiju arrived and the conversation veered toward the clips. Growing suspicious, Kumar recorded parts of the exchange, claiming that the recording pertained to offences in this case. He also recorded a phone conversation between Dileep and Anoop where they talked about how a witness had been influenced and that `5 lakh had been spent for this purpose. Dileep allegedly said that he could have easily coughed up `1.5 crore. Hearing this, his brother-in-law Suraj remarked that Suni could have collected the money from any place of his choice. Another friend of Dileep arrived and discussed the investigation and a plot to attack Suni and his gang on their release from jail. The filmmaker said that on the same day, a person who had come to meet Dileep entered the room with a tablet. Dileep, Suraj, Anoop, and another man named Appu watched a video, and Dileep invited Balachandrakumar to view it, saying it showed the cruel deeds of Pulsar Suni. In his petition to the CM, Kumar expressed the fear that Dileep or his associates may kill him, and that the actors manager had urged him not to reveal anything for his own safety. He produced a pen drive containing 24 voice clips to substantiate his allegations. Based on his revelations, the ADGP (crimes) of the crime branch headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram registered a case on January 9, 2022. The crime branch found that within days of Kumars disclosure, Dileep and others had discontinued using their mobile phones, concealed them and begun using new ones. Dileep deliberately withheld a phone he had used for 221 days, during which time he had made 2,075 calls, claiming it was not in his possession. Investigators identified 81 points from Kumars statements and collected evidence connecting them. Dileep and five others were booked under sections 116 (abetment), 118 (concealing design to commit offence), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC. Following the revelations, the survivor approached the High Court, submitting that further investigation was necessary to arrive at the truth. (to be concluded)
Fringe political players eye local gains in Kerala, challenging Keralas dominant fronts
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Meet the political parties that command other states but barely make a blip on Keralas electoral radar. Branded as fringe actors, the modest seat tallies of such parties are often mocked when set against the states entrenched fronts. Yet political observers caution that dismissing them outright may be a mistake. Their strength in select strongholds could send out quiet tremors capable of nudging the trajectories of Keralas major political fronts. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leads the pack in terms of the sheer number of candidates fielded in the upcoming local body election. The party, that once ruled Delhi and is now in power in Punjab, had entered the civic election arena in 2015 with around 80 candidates but failed to open its account. AAP first tasted success in 2023 when its candidate won a panchayat ward in Idukki in a bypoll. In the upcoming civic polls, AAP has fielded a total of 380 candidates across various local bodies in all districts. We will put up an impressive performance in this local body election and are particularly confident of winning seats in Kozhikode and Kochi corporations and a district panchayat division in Idukki, said Vinod Mathew Wilson, AAP state president. AAP could be an alternative for voters who are averse to the ideologies and practices of the three major fronts. But it would be a form of negative voting that is not beneficial in the long run. Instead, AAP should offer positive alternatives such as revival of the anti-corruption plank on which it was originally based, and taking up issues facing the marginalised sections and the downtrodden to stay relevant, opined Prof M N Karassery, political observer and social critic. Meanwhile, DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), the ruling party in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, is upbeat about a rousing performance in the local body election in Kerala. The party, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, has fielded candidates in 23 wards. Of these, nine candidates are in Kollams Punalur municipality and one in Thenmala grama panchayat while.the remaining 13 have been fielded in Devikulam and Peermade taluks of Idukki. It is for the first time that DMK is contesting under the partys official rising sun symbol in Kerala, and we are confident of a good show this time around, said K R Murugesan, DMK Kerala state secretary. Punalur has been a stronghold of the Dravidian party for many years. Notably, in the 2023 election to Punalur Service Cooperative Bank that falls under the municipal limits, all 13 candidates fielded by the DMK came second, pushing the UDF to third spot. AIADMK (All Indian Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), the main opposition party in Tamil Nadu, has been a player in Keralas electoral scene for the past few decades. As the partys official two-leaves symbol has been reserved for Kerala Congress (M) in the state, the partys candidates have been contesting under the hat symbol. As many as 30 AIADMK candidates are contesting the upcoming local body election, mostly in its strongholds in Idukki and Palakkad. We have renewed our ties with the BJP-led NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu but in Kerala we have decided to go it alone. In the two wards where our candidates are contesting in Thiruvananthapuram district, the BJP is also in the fray, pointed out Haribabu V Pillai, Kerala state secretary, AIADMK. He added that the party would put up an impressive performance in Idukki and Palakkad districts where it has fielded candidates in 16 and 12 wards respectively. We are hopeful of improving our tally in 2015 when we won as many as six wards, he added. Meanwhile, a section of political analysts are of the view that other-state parties see the local body election in Kerala as part of a larger game-plan. For many such parties, fielding candidates is primarily part of reviving their cadre ahead of the assembly election. Though they may not win the seats they contest, the votes they poll would be shown as a sign of strength in certain pockets and used as a bargaining chip against major fronts in the upcoming elections, opined A Jayashankar, political commentator. It is more of a spoiler effect that parties from other states pose in their strongholds in Kerala, Jayasankar said. In areas where linguistic minorities are a sizeable number, disillusionment with the LDF and UDF favours such fringe parties, he said. Most of these voters would have been taken for a ride in successive elections by the dominant fronts and they would naturally be on the lookout for a platform to express their resentment. Whether their favoured candidate would win the election is a different question altogether, he remarked. Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), that has made inroads into the migrant population and also minorities in the states hilly areas, has opted out of the fray this time around. Owing to differences between the state unit and its newly appointed state convener P V Anvar, the partys symbol has been frozen by the poll panel. AITC state president C G Unni dismissed claims that independents backed by AITC are contesting the civic elections. The party will face the elections officially only after its internal elections are completed, he added. AIADMK Total candidates THIRUVANANTHAPURAM TPuram municipal corporation: 1 (Medical College ward) Neyyattinkara municipality: 1 (Perumpazhuthoor ward) PALAKKAD Palakkad town & Kozhinjamapara panchayat: 12 candidates IDUKKI Devikulam, Marayoor & Munnar areas: 16 candidates DMK Total candidates KOLLAM (10) Punalur municipality: 9 wards Thenmala grama panchayat: 1 ward IDUKKI (13) Devikulam taluk: 7 Peermade taluk: 6
Supreme Court suggests mediation in sexual harassment case involving Kerala tech CEO
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday suggested that the parties involved in a sexual harassment case against Venu Gopalakrishnan, CEO of a Kochi-based IT firm, attempt mediation to settle their differences. A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and K V Viswanathan referred the matter to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre and directed both sides to appear before it on January 7, 2026. We have heard learned senior counsel for the petitioner, learned counsel for the respondentState as well as the learned counsel for the complainant. Having regard to the facts of this case, we find that in the interest of all parties, there ought to be a settlement. Hence, we adjourn this matter. In order to explore the possibility of a settlement between the parties, the matter is referred to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre. The parties are directed to appear before the Centre on 07.01.2026 either in person or through videoconferencing at 11.30 am, the bench said. Fixing the case for its next hearing on February 2, 2026, the bench also directed that the mediators report be placed on record. Earlier, on September 11, the Kerala High Court had refused anticipatory bail to Gopalakrishnan, CEO of Litmus 7 Systems Consulting Private Limited, observing that the offences alleged against him are very serious and that, given his alleged influence, there was a risk of his influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence. The High Court, however, granted pre-arrest bail to the other accused, Jacob P Thampy, Eby Paul and Bimalraj Haridas. Gopalakrishnan then approached the Supreme Court, which on September 26 directed that no coercive steps be taken against him in the interim. On Friday, Senior Advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Raghenth Basant, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the woman, a former employee, filed the case against Gopalakrishnan and three others after obtaining bail in an extortion complaint he had lodged. After hearing the parties, Justice Nagarathna voiced doubts regarding the sexual harassment allegations, and the court advised both sides to pursue mediation. According to the accused, the woman contacted three company staff members on July 23 and asked them to meet her at a Kochi hotel, where she and her husband allegedly demanded Rs 30 crore to settle the matter. They allegedly sought written assurances and asked him to transfer Rs 10 crore immediately, along with two cheques for the balance. On July 28, Rs 50,000 was transferred from Venus account to her account, and the next day the couple was arrested on extortion charges and remanded to judicial custody. Contradicting this, the woman said that she and her husband were preparing to file a complaint against the CEO when three company representatives arrived for mediation. She alleged that they told her Venu was willing to apologise, and asked the couple to meet at a hotel on July 29, where they were then arrested. She further alleged that Venu transferred Rs 50,000 to her account without her knowledge and detailed several alleged incidents of sexual harassment in her complaint.
Congress terms CMs claims on Kochi Corporation far from reality
The Chief Minister is trying to whitewash the LDF, which had failed to address basic infrastructure issues in the city during its five years of governing the Kochi Corporation, says Ernakulam DCC chief
LDF accuses unholy UDF-BJP nexus in at least four divisions in Kochi Corporation
BJP has allotted seats to BDJS to help the UDF, alleges former Mayor M. Anilkumar
HC gives interim protection from arrest to Rahul Mamkootathil in rape case
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Saturday gave interim protection from arrest to expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in a case of rape and forced abortion against him. Justice K Babu said the court will hear Mamkootathils anticipatory bail plea on December 15 and till then he should not be arrested. Also ReadRemarks against Army: 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 .
Kerala HC restrains police from arresting rape-accused MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil till December 15
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Saturday restrained the police from arresting Rahul Mamkoottathil, MLA, until December 15 in a case registered against him for allegedly raping a woman and forcing her to terminate her pregnancy. When the anticipatory bail plea came up for hearing, Justice K. Babu said the matter would be posted foradetailed hearing. During the pendency of the case, I will not permit the police to arrest the petitioner because he has raised serious contentions, the court observed. No man shall be condemned unless proven guilty. When a matter is pending before a constitutional court, he will not be arrested. The petitioners case is that it was a consensual relationship. And admittedly, there is a consensual relationship. I am not in any way prejudiced. I have made sure that he shall not be arrested, considering his contentions, Justice K. Babu added. According to the petition, the complainantwho claimed to be separated from her husbanddeveloped an intimate relationship with the petitioner. They regularly communicated, met on several occasions, and grew closer over time. The complainant told the petitioner that she had takenalong leave from her workplace, and upon her return, the management insisted she submit a written statement declaring that she had a relationship with the petitioner and that differences of opinion had led her to take leave. Only then would she be permitted to rejoin the firm. The petition further states that certain voice clips circulated on social media harmed the complainants privacy. It argues that the source of the leaked conversations and chats must be identified. This breach of privacy allegedly created mistrust and disputes between the two, despite their close relationship. The complainant feared that the petitioner might have leaked the chats. The petitioner also claims that political motives are influencing the case, particularly with elections approaching. The complainant was allegedly worried about media propaganda and felt compelled to deny the relationship to protect herself. The petitioner asserts that he has communication records supporting his version,but requires time to produce them, as he was being chased by the police before he could approach the court,and the investigation continued without waiting for judicial direction. According to the petition, political influence has affected the investigation, and the complaint was submitted belatedly, directly to the Chief Minister instead of through the proper channel.
Some IndiGo flights depart from Chennai airport, but spate of cancellations continues
Delays persisted, but from 3 a.m. onwards, flights to cities including Pune, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, Coimbatore, and Kochi departed from the city airport
Twin LDF terms helped bring changes, says CM Pinarayi Vijayan; Kochi Corporation praised
KOCHI: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said the two consecutive terms of the LDF government in 2016 and 2021 helped bring major changes and achievements in Kerala. He was inaugurating the LDFs Kochi corporation election convention held on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium premises in Kaloor on Friday. When the LDF assumed office in 2016, Kerala was in deep crisis due to years of mismanagement, Pinarayi said, adding that sectors including education and health were on the verge of collapse. We put forward proposals to create changes. People accepted them. The devastated sectors were revived. People gave us a second term as the government met their expectations, he said, citing the example of the social security pension dues in 2006 and 2016. When the LDF came to power in 2006, there were 28 months of social security pension dues. The first thing we did after coming to power was clear the pending pension dues. In 2016, it was 18 months. Thats how the UDF functioned. The LDF government, which cleared the arrears, increased the welfare pension from Rs 600 to Rs 1,600 and now to Rs 2,000, the chief minister said. The event was presided over by CPI Ernakulam district secretary N Arun. The chief minister also appreciated the Kochi corporation council for its performance in the past five years. Highlighting a few projects, he said the corporation brought about a change in the city through the initiatives.
2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Pulsar Sunis jail letter pulls Dileep into shadow of conspiracy
KOCHI: In the days following the horrific assault inside a moving SUV in Kochi, Malayalam film industry insiders joined hands in grief and outrage. Among them was actor Dileep, who publicly expressed solidarity and vowed to support his colleagues pursuit of justice. But within months, that atmosphere of empathy would be overshadowed by a startling turn of events. A letter smuggled out of jail, beginning with the desperate plea, I need money, now triggered a chain of revelations that would eventually place Dileep in the shadow of suspicion. Penned by N S Sunil aka Pulsar Suni, the prime accused, and passed on through fellow inmates, the letter hinted at a prior connection and agreement between the two. Each new piece of evidence tightened the noose around Dileep, leading to his arrest on July 10, 2017 a development that stunned the public and shook the film fraternity. ...ever since I got involved... it feels like my life itself has come to an end, the letter further said. On June 3, the survivor issued a statement to the police, implicating Dileep for nurturing deep enmity towards her since 2012. He had been telling everyone that it was the survivor who had ruined his marriage to Manju Warrier. According to police records, Dileep told the survivor in a threatening tone that no one who stood against him in the industry had ever succeeded. As it turned out, Dileeps letter dated May 1, 2017 to the state police chief also rebounded on him. While objecting to Dileeps bail plea, the investigation team filed a report stating that his complaint to the DGP said that his friend, actor-director Nadirshah, received a phone call from a person claiming to be the friend of Suni. This was besides a letter that had been received on his drivers WhatsApp. Both the phone call and letter sought to extort money from Dileep, by threatening to implicate him in the case if he does not pony up. The investigation revealed that Suni had managed to get hold of a mobile phone and SIM card, through accused Vishnu, who was a fellow prisoner in Kakkanad district jail, which were used to make calls to Dileeps associates. It also came to light that the SIM card was stolen from Coimbatore. And, according to the confession of accused Sanal alias Mesthiri Sanal, the phone and SIM card were recovered from his house in Pathanamthitta. The probe further said the letter was originally written by accused Vipinlal in jail and handed over to Vishnu to be passed on to Dileep. The police report objecting to the bail plea of Dileep further said that when questioned in jail, Suni confessed to having entered into a criminal conspiracy with Dileep at their meeting in room 410 of Kochis Abad Plaza Hotel in March-April of 2016. They were both in the city in connection with the rehearsal for a stage show. This was confirmed using witness statements and hotel bills. The room was booked in the name of Dileep for the period from March 26 to April 7. There was a quarrel between Dileep and the victim over the latter having informed on him to Manju. This happened during the rehearsal in the presence of other members of the movie industry, the report stated. Police records stated that Suni confessed to having hatched the plot with Dileep at various shooting locations. The investigation into his statement revealed that the two had met at the Kinattingal Tennis Club in Thrissur, CIFT Junction on Willingdon Island, Ernakulam, and Thodupuzha Santhigiri College in connection with the shooting for the film Georgettans Pooram. Dileep argued that the case against him was the result of a deep-rooted conspiracy, and that it was without any basis. (to be continued) 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: No more, no less... only the truth
Political stability a dream for Koothattukulam
KOCHI: Six chairpersons in 10 years! For the Koothattukulam municipality, formed in 2015, political stability remains a dream. For years, the urban body with 14,625 voters has been craving for wider roads to end congestion. In the past two terms, independent councillors were crucial in deciding the fate of the council as frequent defections kept disrupting governance. Though the UDF grabbed power in Koothattukulam in 2015 with 13 councillors in the 25-member council, the municipality saw four chairmen during the five-year term as independents switched loyalties. The LDF gained control of the municipality in the last one-and-a-half years of the first council. The Left returned in 2020 with the support of 13 councillors, including an independent. However, CPM member Kala Raju and independent P G Sunilkumar supported UDFs no-confidence motion this August, ending LDF rule. Subsequently, Kala assumed charged as chairperson while Sunilkumar was made vice-chairman for the remaining three months. Kala had severed ties with CPM last year alleging the party did not support her when she faced financial crisis and the bank served an auction notice. On January 18, Kala was allegedly abducted in the official car of chairperson Vijaya Sivan when she arrived at the municipal office to vote for UDFs no-confidence motion, and was reportedly kept captive at the CPM area committee office till 4.30pm. Six months later on August 6, UDF moved another no-confidence motion and managed to ouster the LDF. Kala said she opted out of contesting this time as LDF had invoked the anti-defection law against her. She accused LDF of spreading fabricated stories against her at corner meetings. They have foisted cases against my son, too, she said. This year, four ex-chairpersons of the municipality are in the fray. Prince Paul John, the first chairman of the municipality, is the UDF candidate from Ward 10, while Roy Abraham, who was elected as a Congress rebel in 2015 was made chairman with LDF support, is contesting on a BJP ticket. Biju John, a Congress rebel in 2015, is the partys candidate in Ward 3. Vijaya Sivan, the chairperson from 2020 to August 2025, is CPMs pick for Ward 23. The UDF has allocated three seats to Kerala Congress (Jacob) and one to KC. Congress has fielded 22 candidates. In LDF, CPM is contesting from 18 seats, CPI six, and KC(Mani) and NCP one each. The LDF is confident of returning to power. We achieved complete housing in the municipality and ensured 24-hour medical care at Koothattukulam government hospital. In our manifesto, we have promised to raise the hospitals stature to that of a taluk hospital and construct a bypass to end congestion in Koothattukulam town, said leader of opposition in the council Sunny Kuriakose (CPM). Though UDF claims an upper hand, rebels in two wards are posing a challenge to the front. We will return to power with good majority. People are frustrated with LDF as there has not been any development in five years. Besides, there are allegations of corruption. We have fielded leaders with integrity and the response from voters is positive. Rebels do not pose a challenge, declared Prince Paul John, the parliamentary party leader of the council. The NDA, which failed to get any representation in previous councils, is contesting in 19 wardsBJP in 18 and BDJS in one. We dont want to make tall claims, but there is positive response from voters. We are urging them to give us a chance to bring the good governance of Modi regime to Koothattukulam, which has not seen development for 10 years. We are confident of winning a few seats, said BJP state committee member M D Divakaran.
Two youths held with 20 grams of suspected MDMA in Kochi
Kerala CM Pinarayi tears into UDFs unholy pact with Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of local body polls
KOCHI: With just three days left for the first phase of the local body elections , Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched a blistering attack on the Congress-led UDF, accusing it of striking an unholy alliance with Jamaat-e-Islamis Welfare Party of India . Speaking at a Meet-the-Press organised by the Ernakulam Press Club, the CM said the Congress was risking Keralas peace and harmony for a handful of votes. Pinarayi alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami, which he described as a group that does not recognise the Sunni and Mujahid streams followed by the majority of Keralas Muslims, is fundamentally rooted in the ideology of establishing an Islamic state as envisioned by its founder, Maududi. Just as Hindutva works towards a Hindu nation, Jamaat-e-Islami dreams of an Islamic nation. Political Islam and Hindutva are birds of the same feather, he said. He criticised the Congress for aligning with a group whose ideology, he claimed, is rejected by the vast majority of Muslim voters who traditionally back the UDF. Even many Congress supporters are opposing this tie-up, he said, adding that the Welfare Partys formation in 2011 was the culmination of Jamaat-e-Islamis political ambitions. Pinarayi also targeted the Indian Union Muslim League, saying the party leadership had ignored strong internal objections to the alliance. Despite resistance from within its own ranks, the IUML is supporting this nexus, the CM said. Calling the CPM a common foe of both majority and minority communal forces, Pinarayi accused the UDF of failing to heed warnings from within its own coalition. For a few votes, they are compromising Keralas long-standing secular fabric, he said, framing the alliance as a direct threat to the states social harmony. UDF has tie-ups with Jamaat-e-Islami, RSS and BJP, alleges CPM Ernakulam district secretary
Two youths arrested with 1.5 kg of suspected meth in Kochi
Grinding stone in the middle of railway track in Kochi triggers panic, probe on
CM Pinarayi accuses Congress of shielding suspended MLA; flags Governors violation of SC directive
KOCHI: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday sharply criticised the Congress over its handling of allegations against suspended MLA Rahul Mankootathil, accusing the party of having shielded him for long despite being aware of his perverted behaviour. Speaking at a Meet the Press organised by the Ernakulam Press Club, the Chief Minister said the information emerging about the MLA was deeply shocking and unacceptable, and that Congress leaders must introspect instead of projecting their action as a model of political probity. Pinarayi also rejected Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesans claim that the CPM had not acted against its own leaders in similar situations. How can they call this model action? There are Congress MLAs who have gone to jail. Were they expelled from the party? he asked. Referring to former home minister Ramesh Chennithalas remark that he would have ensured the MLAs arrest within 24 hours, Pinarayi said, Police are doing their job effectively. Some people have taken steps to protect the accused and help him evade the police. At least now, they should stop protecting him, he said. Pinarayi came down strongly on the Congress leadership, saying the nature of the allegations would shock any society. These are not things one can expect in normal life. I dont want to repeat the allegations, but the sexual perversion reported is totally unacceptable, especially from a public representative. The Congress knew about his behaviour from the beginning, yet presented him as an asset with a future. Any party with a legacy would distance itself from such people. They must think about how they allowed this. Rahul Mamkoottathil approaches Kerala HC seeking anticipatory bail in alleged rape case On the Sabarimala gold theft case, in which a CPM district committee member is currently in jail, the Chief Minister declined detailed comment, pointing out that the High Court is supervising the investigation. A comprehensive probe is underway and monitored by the High Court. The CPM has made it very clear that the party will not protect anyone if found guilty, he said. The Chief Minister strongly criticised Governor Rajendra Arlekars decision to forward alternative names to the Supreme Court for appointing Vice Chancellors to APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology, ignoring the priority list submitted by the government as mandated by the court. The Centre has taken several steps that undermine the federal structure, and governors are acting in ways that weaken it further. The Supreme Court had directed that if a panel of names comes before the Chief Minister, he must send a priority-ordered list to the Governor, and the Governor should appoint someone from that list. This is a clear directive. How can the Governor openly violate it? Pinarayi asked. He is not even considering the names in the list. This is a blatant violation. On IAS officer B. Ashok moving the court against the appointment of K. Jayakumar as Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president, Pinarayi said such a move by a serving bureaucrat against the government was inappropriate. The government had appointed Jayakumar, a retired civil servant, citing his proven expertise in Sabarimala-related matters. When Jayakumar was appointed, it received wide public acceptance. Ayyappa devotees welcomed it. The government believes he can make meaningful interventions at Sabarimala. There is no friction between board members and Jayakumar, all have accepted his leadership, the Chief Minister said. Woman IPS officer to lead probe in second rape case against Rahul Mamkootathil
Pinarayi Vijayan likens Jamaat-e-Islami to Hindutva groups
Kochi: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said that Jamaat-e-Islami and Hindutva organisations are birds of the same feather and accused the Congress of joining hands with the Muslim outfit for electoral gains, terming their alliance as suicidal. Speaking at the Meet the Press event in Ernakulam Press Club on Friday, the chief minister said 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 .
Rahul Mamkoottathil approaches Kerala HC seeking anticipatory bail in alleged rape case
KOCHI: Rahul Mamkoottathil, MLA, has approached the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a case registered against him for allegedly raping a woman and forcing her to terminate her pregnancy. According to the petition, the complainant, who claimed to be separated from her husband, developed an intimate relationship with the petitioner. They regularly communicated, met on several occasions, and grew closer over time. The complainant allegedly told the petitioner that after taking a long leave from work, her company asked her to submit a written statement acknowledging her relationship with the petitioner and explaining that differences of opinion had led to her absence. Only then, she claimed, would she be allowed to rejoin. The petition further states that certain voice clips circulated on social media harmed the complainants privacy. It argues that the source of the leaked conversations and chats must be identified. This breach of privacy allegedly created mistrust and disputes between the two, despite their close relationship. The complainant reportedly feared that the petitioner might have leaked the chats. The petition also claims that political motives are influencing the case, particularly with elections approaching. It says the complainant was worried about media propaganda and felt compelled to deny the relationship to protect herself. The petitioner claims to have communication records supporting his version but says he needs time to produce them because he was being pursued by the police before he could approach the court, and the investigation continued without waiting for judicial direction. According to the petition, political influence has affected the investigation, and the complaint was submitted belatedly, directly to the Chief Minister, instead of through the proper channel. The petition states that the petitioner has not been given copies of the FIR and FIS despite applying for them. It cites the lower courts reference to the Lalita Kumari judgment, noting that in delayed complaints, the prosecution is required to conduct a preliminary inquiry. It also argues that the allegations in the FIS do not constitute rape and notes that the claim of miscarriage and forced abortion surfaced later. The petitioner alleges this was an attempt by the investigating agency to distort facts and says he has sufficient documents to establish the truth.
Local Sustainability Fest in Kochi to bring together creators, artists and ecopreneurs
The second edition of the fest will feature over 50 curated stalls from different parts of the country
Doha-Kochi Air India Express Flight Diverted To Thiruvananthapuram Amid Bad Weather
The flight safely landed at Thiruvananthapuram and later departed for Kochi once conditions improved.
KSEB issues surge alert for river banks as power production resumes at Moolamattom
KOCHI: The trial run for electricity production has successfully resumed at the Moolamattom Power House on Thursday, following the completion of critical maintenance work on the facilitys penstock. The KSEB has issued an urgent warning regarding a potential sudden and significant surge in water level in the canal stretching from Moolamattom to Malankara. The residents on both banks of the river and anyone entering the water should exercise extreme caution as there is a possibility of sudden surge in the water level, KSEB deputy chief engineer said in a statement. The Moolamattom power house, a vital component of Keralas power grid, was completely shut down on November 12, ceasing all power generation for essential repairs. The shutdown, approved by the chief minister, was deemed necessary by the electricity minister as the most suitable time with continuous rain ensuring sufficient water storage, mitigating the water shortage concerns. The minister also highlighted the increasing danger posed by a leak in the spherical valve, which was becoming uncontrollable. He said that an emergency, unscheduled shutdown later could have resulted in more serious complications. While initial permission was granted for a 30-day closure, the KSEB successfully completed the extensive repair work within the targeted 25-day period.
