Heavy rain lashes high ranges of Kerala; orange alert in four districts
Kerala is currently grappling with relentless downpours and fierce winds, resulting in significant waterlogging and widespread traffic disruptions. The high altitudes of Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode are experiencing unyielding rainfall. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued orange alerts for four districts, indicating the potential for extremely heavy rain. It is recommended that residents in flood-prone areas evacuate to safer grounds.
Reorganisation not based on opinion of Church: KPCC president Sunny Joseph
KOZHIKODE: Congress state president Sunny Joseph has said that party reorganisation is not carried out on the basis of opinion of any Church. Addressing reporters in Kozhikode on Sunday, he also said that he was unaware of the resentment aired by the Orthodox Church over the reorganisation. The reorganisation has been carried out after a long time. Im not claiming 100% satisfaction. They may be people who wanted party positions. Congress is a big democratic party and all issues will be sorted out, Sunny told reporters in Kozhikode on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Latin Catholic Church too has publicly voiced resentment over a lack of representation for the community in the Congress party. Bishop of Kannur Alex Vadakumthala raised the issue in the presence of the Congress state president at an event organised by the Latin Catholic Association here. I came to know about the revamp of the KPCC. I understand there are three members from the Latin Catholic community in the state committee. And none from this part of the state. Im raising the issue in the presence of KPCC president, Bishop Vadakumthala said. Govt vitiated hijab situation Congress state president said that the issue over hijab at St Ritas School in Palluruthy, in Kochi, had been amicably resolved and that it was the government that tried to vitiate the situation. He also wanted to know whether the CPI would stick to its stand on the PM SHRI issue. It is not enough to issue statements in the media. The party should air its view in the government and in the LDF, Sunny said. Kerala govt does a U-turn, to sign up for PM SHRI
Four districts in Kerala have recurrent summer water stress, says CWRDM study
As much as 24.74% of the wards in Kasaragod, 22.01% in Thiruvananthapuram, 20.72% in Pathanamthitta, and 20.48% in Kozhikode are experiencing water shortage in summer months
De-addiction centre turns nightmare for residents in Kozhikode
Smart mobility project BUSZ set to transform public transport in Kozhikode
BUSZ offers a comprehensive suite of digital tools, including real-time bus tracking, a commuter-friendly mobile app, smart passenger information displays and automated onboard announcement
Rapid Response Team rescues leopard from well after five days in Kozhikode district
The big cat reportedly fell into the well at Koodaranhi on October 14
When Mohanlals 5-year wait for a Namboodiri painting turned blessing
KOCHI: Speaking at the first Artist Namboodiri Samman ceremony in Kochi on Saturday, actor Mohanlals voice dripped with admiration and nostalgia. Recounting a deeply personal memory, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner shared how he once waited five long years for a painting by the legendary artist a work inspired by a sloka from the Soundarya Lahari. It was on the sets of Vanaprastham that Mohanlal became close to Namboodiri. Struck by Namboodiris creative depth, the actor later requested him to paint a scene based on the sloka brimming with divine imagery and many characters. The actor patiently explained the essence of the verse, and the artist agreed to make it a reality. But what seemed like an exciting collaboration soon turned into a test of artistic patience. Namboodiri agreed to try, but there was no painting for several years, Mohanlal recalled. Eventually, he began to avoid me whenever we met. He admitted that he could not complete the work and was wondering why I hadnt enquired about it. I told him, I understood it was difficult to recreate, said Mohanlal. Years passed. One day, while in Kozhikode, Namboodiri sent word to Mohanlal asking for brushes and paint. Soon after, the long-awaited piece arrived. When I saw the work, I held his fingers and placed them on my head for his blessings. Thats all I remember, the actor said, visibly moved. Namboodiris paintings give me strength Even after that, Mohanlal asked Namboodiri to create another piece -- a Gandharvan. Years later, when he visited my home and saw the painting (Soundarya Lahari), he humbly asked, Did I draw that. It was a moment of quiet surrender that revealed the humility of the master, said the actor. Mohanlal, who treasures nearly 150 of Namboodiris works, said the artists lines and strokes continue to give him strength and courage.
Woman dies in lightning strike at Pullaloor in Kozhikode
Food street at Kozhikode beach to be opened on Oct. 20
Sajitha murder case: Palakkad court sentences accused to double life imprisonment
A Palakkad court sentenced Chenthamara to double life imprisonment and a Rs 3.25 lakh fine for the 2019 murder of Sajitha. He was also convicted for killing Sajitha's husband and mother-in-law after being granted bail. Separately, Kochi Police arrested three individuals in Kozhikode for a Rs 25 crore investment cyber fraud, seizing numerous devices and accounts.
Cyber police nab Kozhikode trio for alleged role in 25-crore fraud
The trios arrest comes a month after a woman from Kollam, Sujitha G., was arrested in the case; as many as 250 SIM cards, 40 mobile phones, laptops, and debit cards seized from a flat used by the accused
Kozhikode to be declared extreme poverty-free city today
The Corporation has identified 722 people who need support, says Mayor
Youth held for alleged attack on woman security guard at Kozhikode MCH
The alleged incident took place at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital on October 15
Messis visit to Kerala: Conflicting views shadow the much-awaited ArgentinaAustralia match
CHENNAI: Once, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter famously called India the sleeping giant of world football a country with immense potential waiting to be awakened. More than a decade later, that giant still sleeps. Indian football, weighed down by administrative confusion and poor results, stands at one of its lowest points in recent memory. The mens national team has failed to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time since 2019 and currently sits outside the top 120 in FIFA rankings. A nation once viewed as a land of promise now struggles to remain relevant in Asias fast-evolving football landscape. Yet, a spark of hope has returned from an unexpected corner of the footballing world. When Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team arrive in Kochi on November 15 to play a friendly match against Australia on November 17, it will feel as though that sleeping giant has been gently nudged awake. The excitement surrounding the event is unlike anything India has witnessed in years. However, the much sought-after match that is expected to be a historical event not only in Kerala but in the whole nation with the presence of Lionel Messi is still not a sure-shot event as conflicting views are emerging from the sponsor firm and the state sports ministry. In Kerala and West Bengal, football is more than a game it is an identity. During every FIFA World Cup, places like Kochi, Malappuram, and Kozhikode transform into miniature versions of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. Streets are decorated in the colours of Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, and Germany, while massive cutouts of players like Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar tower over buildings. GOAT's own country: Ahead of Messi's arrival, Kerala readies itself for more than just a football match For Kerala, Messis visit is not just a sporting event it is a dream come true. The State, known for producing some of Indias finest footballers and one of its most passionate fan bases, sees this as a moment of pride and validation a reminder that Kerala remains at the heart of Indian footballs emotional map. According to Kerala Sports Ministers office, preparations are in full swing. We are happy to welcome the Argentina and Australia football teams to Kochi for the friendly match on November 17, said a senior official. The Argentina team will arrive on November 15. However, we are not yet sure if Lionel Messi himself will be part of the squad. That decision rests with him, the official added. While confirming that a delegation led by the Kerala Sports Minister and the Sports Council Secretary travelled to Madrid last year to meet officials from the Argentina Football Association (AFA) and finalise the friendly match as a pre-World Cup engagement at the government cost -- the trip costed the state exchequer around Rs 13 lakh including travel and accommodation expenses, the official sounded uncertain about Messi's participation. State Preparation for the match In the wake of recent stampedes at the Chinnaswamy Stadium and the TVK political rally stampede in Karur , the State government is taking no chances. Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladithya has been appointed to oversee all security arrangements. We have conducted multiple high-level meetings, the official said. An IAS officer will be appointed as match coordinator, while the Chief Secretary will head the State-level committee. The District Collector will supervise coordination at the local level. Speaking to press persons, Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladithya said, The district administration and the police are also coordinating with other departments in case their services are required. We are trying to finish all required arrangements by the end of this month. We are expecting nearly 50,000 people at the stadium. On the possibility of large crowds thronging the city to get a glimpse of Argentinian team members, Mr. Vimaladitya said a system would be put in place to ensure that only those who had bought tickets for the event would get near the stadium. Options to livestream the match on big screens at other grounds are being explored. Necessary arrangements will be made if a fans meet is organised, he said. He added that the strength of the required police force was yet to be finalised. The force will be multiplied using technology such as CCTVs and drones. There will also be barricades, he said. Argentina official satisfied with preparation in Kerala; venue to be ready in 30 days Organisers' promise Argentina A team Anto Augustine, Managing Director of Reporter Broadcasting Company the official sponsor and organiser of the event confirmed that the match will feature Argentinas full-strength squad. We are bringing the Argentina A team, including Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martnez, and Emiliano Martnez, he said. They will land in Kochi on November 15, and the match will take place on November 17. He added that while an open-bus parade through Kozhikode was initially planned, it had to be cancelled due to time constraints. Instead, we are planning a fan meet with the team on November 18. The venue will be announced soon, Augustine said. We believe this match will bring new energy to Indian football, which is going through a difficult phase. The national team has gone nearly two years without a competitive win and has fallen outside the top 120 in the world rankings. Economically, this tournament will also benefit Kerala by putting the State on the global football map, he added. Kochis Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium the venue for the match is undergoing a major renovation worth Rs 70 crore. The upgrades include new seating, improved floodlights, enhanced parking, upgraded security systems, and a temporary concourse meeting FIFA standards. Officials dismissed reports suggesting that Argentina might skip the Kerala leg. Those rumours are completely false, Augustine said. The match will go ahead as planned on November 17. We have received official confirmation from the Argentina Football Association. Addressing concerns about the stadiums structural safety, officials said that a team from the National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) inspected the venue and declared it fit to host an international fixture. A senior media professional explained that the stadium, built in 1996 with a designed capacity of 55,000, has an expected structural lifespan of around 6070 years provided it is maintained properly. During the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, spectator capacity was restricted to 29,000 due to safety concerns raised by FIFA, and since then, Indian Super League matches have been limited to 30,000 spectators. For the Argentina-Australia match, authorities are preparing to accommodate around 60,000 spectators, the media professional said. However, given the expected crowd and the lack of multiple emergency exits in the 1996 design, organisers must ensure strict safety protocols to prevent any possible chaos or stampede. For Kerala, this is more than just a match it is history in the making. A moment where fans, who have cheered for Argentina and Messi from thousands of kilometres away, will finally see their heroes in person. As the sleeping giant stirs, even for one magical night in Kochi, Indian football may find a reason to dream again.
Coastal highway project in Kozhikode gains momentum with plans to float tenders in three months
Recurrent clashes among migrant workers on the rise in Kozhikode
Akkulam glass bridge to be opened on October 22
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The much-delayed and controversial glass bridge at Akkulam Tourist Village is finally set to open to the public on October 22. The bridge, first of its kind at a government-run tourism centre in Kerala, had drawn attention for all the wrong reasons after encountering engineering challenges and reports of cracks that surfaced during the trial phase. Built using three layers of 12-mm-thick laminated glass panels with a 1.5 mm safety film, the 50-metre-long and 2-metre-wide structure can accommodate up to 20 visitors at a time. It features artificial fog, simulated rainfall, illusion of cracking glass and mist effects, along with premium lighting systems designed to enhance the visual experience. The entry fee to the glass bridge has been fixed at `200 for adults and `150 for children. Ratheesh C S, president of VYBECOS (Vattiyoorkavu Youth Brigade Entrepreneurs Cooperative Society) the agency that implemented the project said that the opening of the glass bridge will give a major boost to adventure tourism in the state. He said that the glass bridge will be a major attraction at the Akkulam Tourist Village, which has already evolved into a key leisure and adventure hub in the capital district. The centre already features a zipline, sky cycling, multiple high-rope activities, a musical fountain and laser show theatre, Indian Air Force museum, 12D theatre, computer gaming zone, fish spa, kids soft play area, toy train, and other amenities. The glass bridge was constructed by VYBECOS under the BOT (Build Operate Transfer) model. The glass bridge offers visitors a sweeping view of the park and Akkulam lake. A technical committee from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kozhikode, recently inspected and cleared the bridge for public use. We did all the safety upgrades suggested by NIT and one of their main recommendations was to give beadings for the glass panels. We completed the work and the expert team visited and gave clearance, said Ratheesh.
Insufficient workforce hits pace of NH widening works in Kozhikode
The decision, taken at a district-level meeting convened by District Collector, has not been implemented, leading mainly to slow progress on VengalamAzhiyoor stretch
Decision to reduce width of concourse at Kozhikode railway station sparks protest
Kashmir Girls Find New Horizons in Kerala as Nadakkavu Model Inspires Dream School in Srinagar
SRINAGAR: When ten Kashmiri girls from Srinagars Government Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh, arrived in Keralas Kozhikode this week, they were stepping not just into another school, but into a vision of what their own classrooms back home could soon become. The students, accompanied by their teachers Maryam Akbar and Humaira Shah, visited the Government Vocational []
Perambra row: Cops say UDF workers hurled explosives
KOZHIKODE: Perambra police have confirmed that UDF workers hurled explosive materials at police personnel during the clashes that erupted in the town. Following the verification of video footage, the police stated that visuals clearly showed UDF protesters throwing bottles at the police, which led to an explosion moments later. The police have now included charges under the Explosive Substances Act in the case. Officers clarified that the explosion did not resemble the usual effect of police grenades or tear gas shells, confirming that it originated from an external source. The LDF had earlier alleged that UDF workers attacked police personnel using explosive materials during the protest. The incident has sparked a political controversy after Kozhikode Rural SP K E Baiju publicly admitted that the police resorted to lathicharge against Congress leaders, including Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil, without orders from senior officers. The SP said those responsible for the disturbance would be identified and action taken. The police have registered cases against nearly 700 people, including Shafi. Meanwhile, Shafi, who sustained injuries in the police assault at Perambra, was discharged from a private hospital in Kozhikode.
A mothers 37-yr-old gift stirs organ donation drive
KOTTAYAM: Around 37 years ago, when organ donation was not widely accessible and posed significant procedural challenges, he realised that both his kidneys were irreparably damaged. The recent death of M G Ramachandran, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, having survived just three years after undergoing a kidney transplant in the United States, also threw up questions about the efficacy of the medical intervention. Despite these daunting circumstances, the young man from Koothattukulam, then just 27, refused to give up. When his own mother came forward to donate her kidney, he underwent a transplant in 1988. Nearly four decades later, K Mohanan and his mother K N Thankamma serve as enduring inspirations. Both 83-year-old mother and 63-year-old son continue to lead normal lives. In recognition of their contribution to organ donation, Mohanan and his mother were honoured by friends in Pala on Monday. The event also served to promote organ donation and alleviate public concerns surrounding it. Following his diagnosis, Mohanans journey was far from easy. The kidney donated by his mother was rejected by his body nearly six months after surgery. Later, with the support of his friends, he was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai, where a second transplant was performed on September 18, 1990. Despite concerns of a possible further rejection, Mohanan has led a healthy life ever since, even taking to farming after his retirement from government service. Interestingly, some medical practitioners even discouraged him from undergoing the procedure. After the first transplanted kidney was rejected, the uncertainties that life had kicked up forced him to decide never to marry. Mohanan and his mother Thankamma I was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease while working as a temporary staff in the agriculture department. A transplant was the only option available. At that time, transplants were performed only at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. It was my friends and classmates who supported me and gave me the courage to undergo the procedure, Mohanan told TNIE. Recognising the ongoing societal concerns surrounding organ transplant, Mohanans former classmates organised the Mohanam, Mahaneeyam programme in Pala to honour the mother and son. We are from the Vellayani College of Agricultures class of 1986. Mohanan was active in sports and other activities. Post-surgery, he secured a government job and held various positions, before retiring as a deputy director with the agriculture department, said Bimal Ghosh, retired joint director at agriculture department. Apart from honouring Mohan, his friends also organised a seminar with the support of Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization to impart awareness and allay concerns related to organ transplants. Around 50 participants signed up for organ transplant with more expected to join soon, said organisers. There are many misconceptions about organ donation still prevailing in society, including the belief that recipients do not live long and that transplants are facilitated by hospitals as a way to make money. These misconceptions have led to defensiveness among medical professionals in the field. It is in this context that a person who, after suffering from kidney disease early in his career, successfully underwent a transplant and enjoyed a healthy life for 35 years, complete with a fulfilling career and family. It is an opportunity to think and discuss organ donation, Muralee Thummarukudy, a disaster
Kashmir students visit Kozhikode school to study PRISM model of transformation
Aided school teachers stage protest in Kozhikode
Lathi-charge allegation: Shafi Parambil moves Lok Sabha seeking action against police
Vadakara MP submits petition to Lok Sabha Speaker and Parliaments Privileges Committee with the names of some of the senior police officers in Kozhikode district
Communication expert Syed Amjed Ahmed passes away
KOZHIKODE: Dr Syed Amjed Ahmed, communication expert who moulded scores of researchers and journalists across the country, died in Bengaluru on Monday morning. Former head of Department of Journalism and founding director of Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC) at Calicut University, Dr Amjed had imparted lessons on practical sides of journalism and on subtle theories of communication with equal ease. Dr Amjed was admitted to a hospital in Bengaluru where he breathed his last. He was 76. Dr Amjed did post-graduation in geology from Bangalore University before doing MS in Mass Communication. His students recall that it was his base in science that helped him to develop a clinical approach to the topics he handled. A no-nonsense human being, Dr Amjed tried to inculcate the quality of objectivity in his journalism students. Dr Amjed had a brief stint at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) before joining the University of Calicut as a journalism teacher, where he handled topics such as communication theories and research. He was also the research guide to many young scholars. The University Grants Commission (UGC) recognised his talents and made him an Emeritus Fellow. Dr Amjed pursued his passion even after retirement and undertook a research project under the Department of Electronic Media at Bangalore University. Dr Amjed is survived by wife Rahana and son Saad.
K-FON setting stage for entry into wider Indian broadband market
MALAPPURAM: KFON, Kerala's ambitious public broadband venture, is gearing up for a major leap beyond state borders. The government-owned network recently secured national Internet Service Provider-A (ISP) and National Long Distance (NLD) licences, setting the stage for its entry into the wider Indian broadband market. With over 32,000km of fibre laid across the state, including 2,600km of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) cables linked through 110 kilovolt transmission lines, K-FON already boasts Kerala's most extensive digital infrastructure. We currently have 10 clients using dark fibre and 16 temporary connections for special events. Now that we have the national ISP-A and NLD licences, our next goal is to expand outside Kerala, said K-FON director Dr Santhosh Babu IAS. The only hurdle might be meeting the turnover criteria in central tenders, so we plan to form consortiums with private firms to bridge that gap. The homegrown broadband network has so far connected 1,26,905 users, including 85,553 paid home subscribers and 14,195 Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. In addition, 23,114 government offices connected through Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) now rely on K-FON's network. Subscription growth has been phenomenal, Santhosh Babu said. We have another 14,000 BPL families waiting for connections, and once funds are released, we can bring them online too. In the 2024-2025 financial year, K-FON reported a turnover of Rs 66 crore -- exceeding its target of Rs 48 crore -- and is eyeing Rs 250 crore by 2025-2026. From next year, we will begin repaying the (KIIFB) loan. To sustain momentum, we are launching new projects, including expansion into other states, he added. Malappuram tops the list of beneficiaries under K-FON's free connection scheme, with 3,435 economically weaker families already linked. Applicants holding yellow or pink ration cards were given priority. Kollam follows with 1,453 families, Palakkad with 1,296, and Thrissur with 1,219. Other districts that have benefited include Ernakulam (993), Kozhikode (964), Thiruvananthapuram (867), Kannur (853), Kasaragod (583), Wayanad (687), Alappuzha (581), Kottayam (471), Idukki (404), and Pathanamthitta (388).
Rural SP admits to cops misconduct in Perambra clash, sets off political storm
KOZHIKODE: Kozhikode Rural superintendent of police K E Baiju has acknowledged that some police personnel deliberately tried to create trouble during the Perambra protest, in which Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil was injured. Conceding that some officers were in the wrong, he confirmed that a probe is under way to identify those responsible for the assault on the Congress MP. He was speaking at an event organised by a charitable organisation in Vadakara on Sunday. We did not carry out a lathi charge. One can see a baton charge coming there will be a command, a whistle, and coordinated action. None of that took place. But, we later realised that some individuals within the force intentionally created disturbance. We are now using AI tools to identify them, Baiju said. The MP was struck from behind with a baton. Before making any public statement, I examined all available visuals and confirmed that there was no official lathi charge. That remains my position, he reiterated. The remarks have triggered a political uproar, as they contradict earlier police claims that no officer had acted improperly during the clash. Following the SPs admission, the Kozhikode District Congress Committee (DCC) filed a complaint with the DGP demanding disciplinary action against Perambra DySP Sunil Kumar, Vadakara DySP Hariprasad, and a civil police officer accused of striking Shafi. DCC president K Praveen Kumar warned that if the government fails to act, the party will escalate protests, including a blockade of the rural SPs official residence. The Congress also plans to move the Parliamentary Privileges Committee, alleging that police violated the rights of an elected representative. We will not allow this issue to fade away. If justice is denied, we will march to the homes of the officers involved, Praveen Kumar said. A medical bulletin issued by the private hospital treating the MP revealed fractures in both nasal bones, confirming serious blunt-force trauma. Shafi underwent emergency nasal surgery and remains in ICU observation. Doctors have advised at least five days of rest. Even an elected representative is not safe from police brutality, said Congress MLA T Siddique. This was a deliberate attack, not crowd control, he said. The CPM, however, struck back. District secretariat member S K Sajeesh claimed that UDF workers hurled explosive material at police, asserting that the first blast was not of a tear-gas shell but that of an explosive thrown by UDF protesters. Sajeesh alleged that the device injured several officers, adding the UDF wanted to target LDF workers, a plan that failed as no LDF supporters were present at the spot. The CPM is reportedly planning a public meeting in Perambra on Tuesday to defend its stance. With visuals circulating online showing police officers striking Shafi from behind, the CPM finds itself in a politically difficult position. Initially, the party echoed the SPs no-lathi-charge claim, but the video evidence has shifted public sentiment. KPCC president Sunny Joseph, reacting from Dubai, accused the police of carrying out a premeditated attack. The police deliberately assaulted Shafi because he is a headache for the CPM. This is an attempt to silence a strong opposition voice. Those responsible must be immediately suspended, he said. The police department has initiated an internal investigation to determine whether senior officers were misled or if rogue personnel acted independently. Meanwhile, the Congress continued its statewide protests. According to political analysts, Baijus open admission has shifted the narrative: The controversy is no longer limited to the clash itself but has become a question of police accountability and political ethics. Aftershock Following the SPs admission, Kozhikode DCC filed a complaint with DGP demanding disciplinary action against officers accused of striking Shafi DCC president K Praveen Kumar warned of escalating protests The CPM struck back saying that UDF workers hurled explosive material at police first. The party is planning to hold a public meet to defend its stance
Aroor Olor mango sets sight on sweet GI tag; work on, says minister
KOZHIKODE: The fragrant, sweet and century-old Aroor Olor mango is on track to receive the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, with the governments confirmation sparking optimism among farmers in Kozhikodes Purameri region. Responding to a submission by Kuttiady MLA K P Kunhammad Kutty in the assembly recently, Agriculture Minister P Prasad confirmed that the necessary groundwork for the same had been done, with the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) having finalised its crucial study on Aroor mangos unique characteristics. As per the minister, the KAU study on the Aroor Olor mango, a variety cherished for its sweetness and cultivation history spanning a hundred years, is reaching the final stage. The minister emphasised the economic benefits the GI status would unlock. This GI tag is not just a label, but a passport for Aroors mangoes to the global market. We are committed to ensuring that our farmers receive fair value for their quality produce, he said. The Olor varietys history traces back to approximately a century when pioneers like the late Edakkatt Krishnan Vaidyar and his friend Padinjarakkandi Kelappan Nair planted the saplings, allowing cultivation to flourish across Aroor. To manage the upcoming certification and export process, Kunhammad Kutty announced that Purameri panchayat is spearheading the formation of a dedicated society comprising Olor mango farmers. Sudeep Edakkatat, a long-time local cultivator and president of the newly-formed Aroor Olor Manga Ulpadaka Sangam, Purameri, welcomed the governments plan and formation of the welfare society, noting its protective aspect. We have been cultivating this unique mango for generations, often struggling against market price fluctuations and imitation products, he said. The GI tag, combined with the promised assistance from the welfare society, will finally protect our heritage and give us the tools we need to compete and thrive, he said. The governments plan includes providing expert training to farmers on maintaining quality standards and exploring collaborations with business consortiums to boost the marketing and export of value-added mango and coconut products from the region.
Man from Tamil Nadu gets new lease of life at Kozhikode MCH
Prashanth, 32, of Tirupathur met with a road accident in Kozhikode while travelling to Sabarimala from Kannur
Minor, infant shifted to shelter home in Kozhikode
The move is part of the legal and protective measures initiated for the two after the alleged sexual abuse of the minor girl came to light when she recently delivered the baby, say police
Minor, infant shifted to shelter home in Kozhikode
The move is part of the legal and protective measures initiated for the two after the alleged sexual abuse of the minor girl came to light when she recently delivered the baby, say police
Field survey to identify feasible route for Poozhithode-Padinjarathara bypass completed
The survey to finalise the optimal alignment of the proposed bypass has been completed under the supervision of engineers from the Kozhikode-based Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society
Field survey to identify feasible route for Poozhithode-Padinjarathara bypass completed
The survey to finalise the optimal alignment of the proposed bypass has been completed under the supervision of engineers from the Kozhikode-based Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society
Kozhikode DCC seeks action against DySPs, officers for attack on Shafi
The attack on the MP happened after workers of the UDF and the LDF came face-to-face while taking out separate protest marches, following a conflict over the union election at CKG Memorial Government College and a hartal called by the UDF
Thiyyas and Ezhavas are different: Study
KOZHIKODE: Amid calls for a separate caste identity for Thiyyas, a study by Kerala Institute for Research, Training and Development Studies of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (KIRTADS) has found that Thiyyas in Malabar and Ezhavas in South Kerala are two different communities culturally and anthropologically. The institute undertook the study following a direction from the Kerala State Commission for Backward Classes. The Thiyya Kshema Sabha had approached the commission with the request that Thiyyas should be considered as a separate caste and should not be bracketed with Ezhavas and Billavas. It is learnt that KIRTADS found that Thiyyas are different from Ezhavas, though toddy-tapping was the principal vocation of both communities. The institute is likely to submit its report to the commission soon. In a related development, Minister for Welfare of SC/STs and Backward Classes O R Kelu told the assembly that Ezhavas and Thiyyas are recorded as single entry ever since the formation of Kerala State Service Rule in 1958. In a reply to MLA N A Nellikkunnu, the minister said Thiyyas are not considered as a sub caste of any other caste. However, the minister did not give a direct answer to the question as to whether a separate identity will be given to Thiyyas. Thiyya Kshema Sabha said the ministers reply has only complicated the issue. The government says Thiyyas are not a sub caste of any other castes, but is silent on our demand for separate consideration. If Thiyyas are not a sub caste, what prevents the government from giving a separate status to them, asked Vinodan Thiruthi, general secretary of Kshema Sabha. Meanwhile, the SNDP Yogam has come out strongly against separating the two communities, saying it is a move to weaken the Ezhava community. A divisive attempt that will affect community This is a divisive attempt that will adversely affect the community, said Sudheesh Keshavapuri, secretary of SNDP Yogam Kozhikode taluk union. It was the Thiyyas of Malabar who whole-heartedly welcomed Sree Narayana Guru. Thiyyas of Thalassery were the first to install the statue of Guru at Sree Jagannath Temple, he said. Sudheesh said there are many families in Kerala, the members of which are known as Ezhavas in southern and central parts while their counterparts in Malabar are known as Thiyyas. This shows that the two communities are one and the same, he said.
IMD predicts heavy rains in Kerala, issues orange alert in 3 districts
The IMD issued an orange alert for Idukki, Kannur, and Kasaragod in Kerala on Saturday, predicting very heavy rains, while Pathanamthitta, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad received yellow alerts for heavy rain. Thunderstorms and gusty winds up to 40 kmph are expected due to a cyclonic circulation over the southeast Arabian Sea between October 1115.
Orange alert for three districts in Kerala after heavy rain alert
Orange alert for Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod and yellow alert for Pathanamthitta, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad on October 11
Police book MP Shafi Parambil, 700 Congress workers over clash in Perambra
KOZHIKODE: The Kozhikode police registered a case against Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil and more than 700 Congress party workers in connection with theviolent clashes that broke outduring a protest march at Perambra on Friday According to the police, the UDF workers and leaders on Friday night carried out a rally that obstructed the public way, and when they were stopped, they attacked police personnel with stones to deter them from doing their duty. A case under sections 189 (unlawful assembly), 191 (rioting), 285 (danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation), 121 (causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty) and 132 (assault to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered against Parambil and more than 699 others. Parambil was injured in the police lathi charge at the UDF rally. The incident occurred after UDF and LDF rallies came face-to-face at Perambra bus stand. The confrontation followed a hartal called by the Congress to protest Thursday's police action against its leaders and Kerala Students' Union (KSU) activists after violence erupted over the college union election at CKGM Government College, Perambra. Police used tear gas and resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Visuals aired on TV channels on Saturday showed Parambil being hit by police lathis on the head during the incident. He reportedly underwent surgery at a private hospital here for injuries to his nose. Senior Congress leaders M K Raghavan and Mullappally Ramachandran slammed the police action against Parambil. Raghavan, the Congress MP from Kozhikode, termed the incident as an example of police brutality towards a peaceful rally. Shafi and other UDF leaders were cruelly assaulted. He was attacked while he was trying to defuse the situation, he claimed. Ramachandran, a former KPCC chief, said the attack on Parambil cannot be viewed lightly as it is not the first time he has been assaulted. This is unacceptable. We strongly condemn it. There will be statewide protests against this, he said. He also alleged that the assault on Parambil was intended to divert public attention from the Sabarimala gold issue and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) proceedings against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's son.
Youth Congress, Yuva Morcha activists taken into preventive custody
THRISSUR: A group of Youth Congress and Yuva Morcha activists, who allegedly gathered here to protest against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, were taken into preventive custody in this central Kerala district on Saturday, police said. Five activists of the Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the BJP, gathered near the government guest house here to protest against the CM, reportedly over the Sabarimala gold-plating row . Television visuals showed that the protesters forcefully taken into custody and shifted to a police vehicle by the personnel. They could be seen raising slogans against the CM and the government. Some Youth Congress workers were also taken into preventive custody from a nearby place amidst reports about their possible protest against the chief minister in view of police action against Shafi Parambil MP in Kozhikode. Congress leader Shafi Parambil and several party leaders were injured on Friday when police resorted to a lathi-charge after the Congress and CPI(M) rallies came face-to-face at Perambra. Both Youth Congress and Morcha activists were taken into preventive custody in view of possible protests, a police officer said.
MP Shafi Parambil injured as CPM, Congress clash in Perambra
KOZHIKODE: A violent clash broke out between CPM and Congress workers in Perambra on Friday. The police resorted to lathicharge and fired tear gas shells to control the situation. Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil suffered injuries on his nose amid police action that included the use of tear gas and baton charge to control the situation. Shafi, who was later admitted to a private hospital in Kozhikode for treatment, has to undergo a surgery. Eyewitnesses said, chaos unfolded when UDF and CPM supporters came face-to-face near Perambra town. The police intervened as heated arguments turned violent and they resorted to lathicharge and tear gas firing to disperse the protesters. Several UDF activists also suffered injuries, sources said. The violence is believed to have stemmed from the ongoing tensions related to student union elections at Perambra CKG Memorial Government College. The unrest began on Wednesday after clashes between SFI and MSF activists over the UDF-backed UDSFs victory in the college union elections. The police had since declared a local hartal to restore order, but the situation remained volatile. On Friday, both the UDF and CPM announced separate demonstrations in the town the UDF in protest against police action and the CPM in retaliation for the alleged attack on Perambra panchayat president V K Pramod during Thursdays hartal. As the two groups processions advanced toward each other, confrontations reignited, leading to stone pelting, chaos, and police action. Meanwhile, the Perambra police stated that nearly ten police personnel were injured in the clash, but the UDF workers who were attacked denied the polices claims. Traffic movement in Perambra came to a standstill, and local shops were forced to shut down as the clashes intensified. Police officials later confirmed that additional forces had been deployed to prevent further escalation and maintain law and order in the area. District authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident and appealed for restraint from both political fronts. Meanwhile, leaders from both the UDF and CPM traded accusations, blaming the other for instigating the violence. Kozhikode DCC president Praveen Kumar alleged that the police deliberately targeted and assaulted Shafi Parambil. He said the DySP stopped the UDF protest claiming that CPM workers were standing nearby with weapons. Praveen Kumar added that both he and MP Shafi Parambil had reached the spot only to pacify the party workers. Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala strongly condemned the brutal police assault on Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil in Perambra. He demanded immediate and strict action against the police officers who led the attack. Chennithala stated that the police brutally assaulted Shafi Parambil and others while they were trying to restore peace in Perambra.
NH-66 widening on the fast lane in northern Kerala; south lags
KOCHI: The six-laning of NH 66, Keralas most ambitious infrastructure project, has split the state into contrasting halves. In the north, smooth, shining highways are taking shape at remarkable speed, while southern stretches especially through Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram struggle against delays, disputes and design controversies. The drive on these new express corridors will soon come at a cost. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to set up 11 toll plazas across the entire length of NH-66, with two more under consideration. The first of the new plazas, at Mambuzhappalam in Pantheerankavu (Kozhikode), is set for trial this week. Northern Kerala surges ahead A success story is unfolding in northern districts. The 39-km Thalappady-Chengala stretch in Kasaragod, developed by Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS), is open to traffic the first completed leg of the project. South of it, the 37-km Chengala-Nileshwaram and 40-km Nileshwaram-Taliparamba stretches, executed by Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL), are powering ahead. The main carriageway from Chengala to Taliparamba will be ready by October-end or the first week of November, said V K Abdul Nizar, liaison officer for MEIL projects in Kerala. In Malappuram, where construction once drew national attention after a 250-m elevated portion collapsed at Kooriyad in May, work has rebound impressively. The Ramanattukara-Valanchery (39.68 km) and Valanchery-Kappirikkad (37.35 km) stretches are 99.5% complete. Malappurams section, executed by KNR Constructions under the hybrid annuity model, is being celebrated for both its pace and visual appeal. The Vattappara viaduct in Valanchery Keralas longest at 2 km is already being hailed as one of the most scenic drives in the state. A 116-camera surveillance grid, including 60 rotating 360-degree cameras, is now live along the corridor, with control rooms at Vettichira and Kuttippuram overseeing real-time traffic. Work progressing on Vengalam-Azhiyur segment Kozhikodes contrasting tale Kozhikode presents a study in contrasts. The VengalamRamanattukara (28.4 km) stretch part of Kozhikode bypass is almost ready, boasting multiple flyovers, smart junctions and a digital traffic monitoring network. Forty-six CCTV cameras feed into a central control hub at Mampuzha toll plaza. On either ends, toll booths at Mambuzhappalam North and Koodathumparaeach with five lanes on each sidestand ready. Meanwhile, the Azhiyoor-Vengalam (40.8 km) stretch has become a symbol of delay and discontent. Handled by Adani Infrastructure and sub-contracted to Wagad Infraprojects, work has barely crossed 45% completion. The Taliparamba-Muzhappilangad (30 km) stretch in Kannur, managed by Hyderabad-based Vishwa Samudra Engineering Pvt Ltd, is 78% complete. Engineers here are battling wetlands using prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) a specialised technique to stabilise soft soil and extend the roads lifespan. The southern struggle If the north is cruising, the south is crawling. The Kadambattukonam-Kazhakoottam (30 km) stretcharguably the toughest segmenthas managed just 41% progress. Disputes with contractors, material shortages, and repeated protests demanding design tweaks have pushed the finish line to July 2026. In central Kerala, the KodungallurEdappally (26 km) reach is 64% done after months of delay caused by red soil scarcity an issue now resolved through a tie-up with Cochin Port Trust. The AroorThuravoor elevated corridor (12.75 km) is at 74% completion and likely to finish by June 2026. (With inputs from Shainu Mohan, Lakshmi Athira, Jithul Narayanan &Arockiaraj J) Know your working model Of the stretches, the Thuravoor-Paravoor (38.38 km), Paravoor-Kottankulangara (37.5 km) and Kadambattukonam-Kazhakoottam (29.83 km) are being built on the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. Work on the rest of the stretches is being undertaken on the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). In EPC, a single contractor is responsible for the entire project, from the initial design and engineering to the procurement of materials and final construction. HAM blends aspects of the EPC and Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT)-annuity models The cost-sharing equation The state government is bearing 25% of the land acquisition cost for the widening of NH-66 from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, except Thalassery-Mahe bypass and Nileshwaram ROB. As per the NHAIs annual report 2023-24, against a deposit of J1,919.78 crore received from the Kerala government, NHAI has spent J1,702.03 crore on land acquisition alone.
Kozhikode Coprn. to hand over upkeep of stadium to KFA
The stadium had been maintained by Gokulam Kerala FC since 2023 while serving as its home ground in the I-League. However, the club recently had a fallout with the Corporation over an alleged breach of contract
Kozhikode cyber police nab key suspect in alleged 1.2 crore financial fraud
The suspect was detained after police analysed and collected digital evidence related to the fund transfers against him
Union Minister reviews redevelopment works at Kozhikode railway station
The redevelopment of Kozhikode railway station aims to transform it into a modern, passenger-friendly terminal equipped with upgraded infrastructure, enhanced amenities, and improved aesthetics in line with Indian Railways vision for world-class stations
New list of 94 home guards prepared to optimise traffic management in Kozhikode
The selection process was completed under the leadership of a district-level panel headed by District Police Chief (Kozhikode city) T. Narayanan
Chief Minister requests Nadda to sanction a national institute for geriatric care in Kerala
Pinarayi calls for expediting financial clearances required to realise Keralas long-standing demand for an AIIMS at Kinalur in Kozhikode
Gadkari promises completion of NH-66 reaches in Kerala in December
Work on the Palakkad-Kozhikode greenfield highway and Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road will begin in January, Union Minister tells Kerala Chief Minister
Kerala CM Pinarayi meets PM, Union ministers; urges Centre to approve AIIMS, release aid for Wayanad
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said that he had personally met and briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Union ministers about the financial crisis faced by the state. Reiterating Keralas major financial and development demands, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged the Centre to approve an AIIMS for the state and release funds for the Wayanad rehabilitation package, among others. The CM said the state had already identified suitable land at Kinalur in Kozhikode for AIIMS and has sought immediate sanction for the project. The chief minister has also requested the easing of borrowing restrictions and permission for the state to raise an additional 0.5 per cent beyond the existing limit. He pointed out that a shortfall of Rs 5,100 crore in the borrowing limit has delayed welfare schemes and development projects. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was requested to take steps to ease the states fiscal pressure. He said the state faces a GST revenue gap of Rs 9,765 crore. The state also sought a grant of Rs 2,221 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund for Wayanad rehabilitation and asked that disaster relief assistance not be treated as a loan. The issue of pending IGST recovery worth Rs 965 crore was also raised, the chief minister said. A request to release the pending dues for paddy procurement was also made. The chief minister said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that the states demands would be considered. Meanwhile, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari appreciated the states efforts on national highway projects and said all stretches of NH66 would be completed by December. He is expected to visit the state soon to review the progress, the CM added.
Migrant worker beaten up by mob, cops after fleeing employers sexual assault
KOZHIKODE: A 19-year-old migrant worker from Assam was brutally assaulted by a mob and subsequently by the police in Koodaranji on Tuesday after a local resident falsely accused him of chain snatching to cover up an alleged sexual assault attempt. The worker, Maminul Islam, was left injured and traumatised by the ordeal that began after he fled from his employers house in terror. The incident unfolded after Islam completed his work at the residence of Saji Mazhuvanchery, 56, a former expatriate. According to Islams statement to the police, the homeowner then insisted he perform a body massage, during which Saji allegedly attempted to sexually harass him. Terrified, the young man immediately fled from the residence. Sensing trouble, the homeowner Saji alleged that the worker ran away after stealing his gold chain and raised an alarm. Following this false accusation, a crowd of local residents quickly gathered and began assaulting the migrant worker. The trauma was compounded when Thiruvambady police officers, who arrived at the scene, also allegedly beat up the worker before taking him to the police station. The people never listened to my side of the story and beat me up, a distraught Maminul Islam stated. It was only during a detailed interrogation at the police station that the truth began to surface. Islam consistently denied the theft and narrated his terrifying account of the alleged sexual assault. This prompted the police to summon Saji Mazhuvanchery for a detailed questioning. A subsequent search of Sajis house led to the discovery of the gold chain he had reported stolen, confirming that his complaint was entirely false. Fellow migrant workers in the area have rallied in support of Islam, alleging that the complaint filed by Saji was a malicious fabrication from the start. In response to the incident, Thiruvambady police have filed a case against Saji Mazhuvanchery for assault. SHO Prajish K acknowledged the events, stating, There was a minor conflict when the residents stopped the Assam- native man as the accused Saji was repeatedly saying that his gold chain was stolen. Even the police also questioned him, but there was a communication gap and later we came to know about the incident when the victim explained. There was no intentional confrontation, said Prajish. Despite the official statement, the incident has cast a harsh spotlight on the recurring issue of police assaults. The latest case echoes a recent incident in Meppayur, where a young man was assaulted by police following a misunderstanding over an accused persons identity. Maminul Islam said: I will go ahead with the police complaint against the accused. He is determined to take legal action for the false accusation, the alleged sexual harassment, and the assault he endured. Police are continuing their investigation into the conduct of the homeowner.
Autonomy debate rages after IIM director quits
RAIPUR: The resignation of IIM Raipur Director, Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, highlights the inconsistencies between the IIM Act and the institutes HR policies, which some academics acknowledge have persisted for years and are seen as a key reason behind his decision to step down. Prof. Kakani said the contradiction between the institutes HR policies and the spirit of the IIM Act of 2017 was limiting his professional scope, thereby hindering his work and decision-making. He resigned abruptly on July 22, well before his tenure was scheduled to end in March 2027. For more than two months, Prof. Sanjeev Parashar has served as Director in charge. He could not be reached for comment. Prof. Kakani is the third director of a premier IIM in the past five years to resign, reportedly due to differences with the Board of Governors. Two former directors of IIM KolkataAnju Seth (2021) and Uttam Kumar Sarkar (2023)resigned over disputes with their boards. A respected academic, Prof. Kakani has previously taught at IIM Kozhikode, XLRI Jamshedpur, and LLBSNAA Mussoorie. He is now the vice-chancellor of RV University, Bengaluru. Faculty and senior students at IIM Raipur said disputes over administrative authority between directors and board chairpersons have increased since the IIM Act, 2017. They said these differences affected the institutes administrative autonomy and functioning. Prof. Kanai had reportedly raised these concerns during his tenure. A source explained the probable circumstance behind Prof. Kakanis resignation. A grave academic integrity issue involving the institutes faculty member allegedly implicated in a forgery acted as a primary catalyst for the sudden exit of Kakani. The fraud specifically related to a doctoral students signature to reorder the co-authorship of a research article accepted in an A-star journal, the source said. 3rd head in five yrs to quit over rift with board Prof Ram Kumar Kakani resigned abruptly as the IIM Raipur Director on July 22 this year, well before his tenure was scheduled to end in March 2027. Prof. Kakani is the third director of a premier IIM in the past five years to resign, reportedly due to differences with the Board of Governors.
Fever-induced pneumonia led to Anayas death: Report
KOZHIKODE: Nearly two months after the death of nine-year-old Anaya, who was suspected to have succumbed to amoebic meningoencephalitis, the post-mortem report has finally reached the Thamarassery police. The report, received on Thursday, attributes her death to fever-induced pneumonia, though officials maintain that the chemical examination report is still awaited to confirm the precise cause. Speaking to TNIE, Thamarassery DySP P Chandramohan said, The delay in receiving both the post-mortem and chemical analysis reports appears to have triggered the anguish of Anayas father, Sanoop, who had repeatedly expressed distrust in the earlier preliminary report. The DySP noted that the Regional Chemical Examiners Laboratory in Kozhikode, which handles samples from five north Kerala districts, is overburdened with backlog cases, causing significant procedural delays. The chemical examination results will be crucial in establishing the exact medical cause of death. The waiting time is longer because the laboratory prioritises cases based on urgency, and many samples from across Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod are pending, the officer said. The delay, and Sanoops growing frustration over what he perceived as medical negligence, tragically culminated in a violent episode at the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital on Wednesday. CCTV footage has since emerged, capturing the chilling moments leading up to the attack on Dr Vipin P T, casualty doctor at the hospital. In the footage, Sanoop is seen entering the doctors room after instructing his two children to wait outside. One of the childrens school bags, investigators said, contained a concealed machete (koduval), its handle visibly sticking out. Moments later, Sanoop charged at Dr Vipin, inflicting a deep head wound before bystanders intervened and restrained him. Dr Vipin, who sustained a seven-centimetre-deep wound on his scalp, was rushed to Baby Memorial Hospital, Kozhikode, where he underwent emergency plastic surgery. Hospital officials confirmed that his condition is stable and there is no brain injury. Dr Vipin was shifted from the ICU to a room and is recovering well, said hospital authorities. He underwent a successful procedure under Dr Krishna Kumar, chief of plastic surgery department. Meanwhile, Sanoops wife, Rambeesa, condemned her husbands violent act, saying he should have sought justice through legal means. She revealed that Sanoop had been emotionally devastated since their daughters death on August 14, and that doctors at the medical college had hinted that her life could have been saved had she been brought in sooner. He couldnt sleep at night and often cried while holding our children, she said. I still want justice for Anaya, but violence was never the answer. The initial diagnosis was changed later, which made us doubt the reports. We will seek a proper legal investigation. She also voiced fears that the post-mortem findings might have been altered, though authorities have firmly denied this. Hospital superintendent Dr Gopalakrishnan dismissed claims of conflicting reports, reiterating that amoebic meningoencephalitis remained the confirmed diagnosis based on tests from Kozhikode Medical College. He recalled that Sanoop had visited the hospital multiple times seeking a death certificate, and staff had even assisted him with filing an online application through the municipal corporation. He never displayed aggression during those visits, the superintendent said. I now believe I may have been his intended target that day, but Dr Vipin happened to be present when the attack occurred. Police officials investigating the case stated that Sanoop showed no remorse during interrogation. Mystery behind death Anaya was admitted to the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital on August 14 with high fever and was referred the next day to Kozhikode Medical College, where she passed away. Her samples later tested positive for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis - a rare but deadly infection caused by an amoeba commonly found in contaminated water.
Much-awaited NH 66 to be reality by Jan, says Public Works Minister Riyas
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The highly-anticipated national highway project, NH 66, will be inaugurated in January. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate the completed stretches of the 678-km-long highway, state Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas said on Thursday. The decision was taken during a meeting that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Riyas held with Gadkari earlier in the day. After the meeting, Riyas told reporters that over 450 km of the highway project is already over. At the meeting, it was decided that a number of other projects, including the Palakkad-Kozhikode Greenfield Highway, which would reduce travel time between the two cities to one-and-a-half-hours from the current 3-4 hours, would also be inaugurated in January. NH66 dream project of Keralites: Public works min Asserting that NH 66 was a dream project of Keralites, Riyas said the state had pointed out certain issues related to its development. Construction along more than 450 km of NH 66 has been completed. Of the 16 reaches of the NH in Kerala, the government aims to complete maximum reaches by January. At some places, work is not progressing at the required pace due to the lackadaisical attitude of the contractors. The state wants strict action taken against them. To speed up the project, the number of workers has been increased at certain places, he said. Gadkari has promised that efforts will be taken to complete all reaches by January itself. An urgent meeting of contractors and officials will soon be held in Delhi to speed up construction. Taking into consideration Keralas special interest in NH development, Gadkari has agreed to write off `237 crore in lieu of land acquisition, Riyas said. Decisions regarding completion of the Thiruvananthapuram outer ring road project, the Kollam-Shenkottai Greenfield Highway inauguration, one-time improvement of NH 744 and DPR revision of Edamon-Kollam stretch, among others, were also taken at the meeting. During his Kerala visit in January, Gadkari will assess the progress of the construction along the remaining portions. Pointing out that the NH project had been abandoned in 2014, Riyas said attributed its completion to the stand taken by the state government. There were regional level issues along Kasaragod-Taliparamba, Azhiyooor-Vengalam, Vadakara and Thiruvananthapuram, but those have been addressed. As far as the state government is concerned, the project should be completed in a time-bound manner, Riyas said.
SFI, UDSF claim victory in college union polls in Kozhikode
Suspect in burglary case at doctors in Kozhikode house nabbed
A native of West Bengal,who is suspected to have burgled 45 sovereigns of gold ornaments and 10,000 from the house of a doctor, taken into custody
OP services hit as govt. doctors stage protest in Kozhikode
State government has been ignoring the demands to strengthen security steps on the premises of hospitals even two years after the murder of Vandana Das, claims KGMOA
Ticket sales by October 15 for Argentinas Kerala match
KOCHI: World champions Argentina, led by superstar Lionel Messi, are set to arrive in Kochi on November 14 for their much-awaited Kerala tour. The team will play a friendly exhibition match against Australia on November 17 at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor. According to the event sponsors, tickets for the match will be available from October 15. Ticket rates are being finalised and will be announced soon, said Anto Augustine, managing director of Reporter Broadcasting Company, the official sponsor. Plans for a road show in Kozhikode and fan meet events in Kochi are also under consideration, pending official confirmation. Renovation work to upgrade the Kaloor stadium to international standards is underway and expected to be completed ahead of the match. Officials said efforts are on to utilise the stadiums full seating capacity for the event. The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), which owns the venue, aims to accommodate around 60,000 spectators significantly higher than the 35,000-40,000 capacity utilised during Indian Super League matches. The Argentina tour, initiated by the state sports department, is the outcome of discussions led by Minister V Abdurahiman last year. An official announcement on the event is expected from the chief minister within the next two days.
160 schools in Kozhikode get sugar boards to fight childhood diabetes
The doctor, identified as Dr Vipin P T, 34, suffered a skull fracture in the assault. He will undergo a minor surgery at a private hospital in Kozhikode: Reports
KOZHIKODE: A doctor was seriously injured after being attacked with a machete at Thamarassery Taluk Hospital on Wednesday. Dr. Vipin P.T., who was working in the emergency ward, suffered a skull fracture and was moved to Baby Memorial Hospital in Kozhikode for urgent treatment. The attacker, Sanoop, is the father of a 9-year-old girl, Anaya, who died two months ago from a rare brain infection called Amoebic Meningoencephalitis. Sanoop came to the hospital with two children and asked to see the Medical Superintendent. When told the superintendent was in a meeting, he got upset. While Dr. Vipin was talking to another patient's bystander, Sanoop suddenly attacked him with a machete, blaming him for his daughters death. Hospital staff quickly locked the doors and called the police. Thamarassery Police arrested Sanoop, and they plan to file charges soon. Staff said Sanoop didnt seem dangerous at first and was carrying no obvious weapon. He was walking around the hospital complex from 11 am onwards, waiting for the superintendent. Dr. Vipin is now stable in the neurosurgery ICU at Baby Memorial Hospital. Anaya, a Class 4 student at Korangad Government LP School, died on August 14 after being admitted to the hospital with a fever. She passed away while being taken to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Health officials said her illness was a rare infection, not a common virus. In response, doctors in Kozhikodes government hospitals started a strike, stopping all non-emergency services. Thamarassery Taluk Hospital has also shut down most operations. The medical community is demanding better safety measures and support, while the police continue investigating. A doctor was attacked by the father of a girl at the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital. @MSKiranPrakash @PaulCithara #Doctor #Attack #Kerala pic.twitter.com/BZS6CsbpOP TNIE Kerala (@xpresskerala) October 8, 2025
Doctor attacked by father of girl who died of amoebic fever in Keralas Kozhikode
Eyewitnesses say the doctor was attacked with a sharp-edged weapon on his head at Government Taluk Hospital at Thamarassery
ED Raids Premises of Actors Dulquer Salman, Prithviraj
The searches by ED also covered certain vehicle owners, auto workshops, and traders in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kottayam and Coimbatore
ED raids prominent actors, agents in Kerala luxury cars smuggling case
KOCHI: The ED on Wednesday raided premises linked to actors Prithviraj, Dulquer Salman and Amit Chakkalackal and some others across Kerala as part of its investigation into a recent Customs case related to alleged smuggling of luxury vehicles from Bhutan to India, official sources said. The searches by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also covered certain vehicle owners, auto workshops, and traders in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kottayam and Coimbatore. A total of 17 premises are being covered, the sources said. The action is being taken under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in a recent case unearthed by the Customs related to alleged smuggling of high-end luxury vehicles and unauthorised foreign exchange dealings. North Keralas love affair with luxury, vintage cars faces harsh reality check The searches are based on inputs exposing a syndicate engaged in illegal import and registration of luxury cars such as Land Cruiser, Defender, and Maserati through the India-Bhutan/Nepal routes, they said. Preliminary findings, according to the officials, point at a Coimbatore-based network using forged documents (purporting to be from Indian Army, US Embassy, and MEA) and fraudulent RTO registrations in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and other states. The vehicles were later sold to high-net worth (HNI) individuals, including film personalities, at undervalued prices, they said.
Workload, uncertainty over promotion render HM unattractive
KOCHI: More than 600 headmaster and headmistress (HM) posts remain vacant in government lower primary (LP) and upper primary (UP) schools across Kerala. Teachers say the post has become increasingly unattractive due to the heavy administrative workload and uncertainties over promotion and service benefits. In Ernakulam district alone, around 55 to 60 headmasters retire every year, but only about 15 teachers or fewer take up the position, according to teachers representatives. The post comes with numerous responsibilities, many of which go beyond the schools scope. Headmasters have to coordinate with government departments such as the local self-government, handle schemes from the state and central governments, and manage day-to-day school administration all without clerical support, said Martin Abraham (name changed), a teacher at a government LP school in Ernakulam. A long-pending court case has also contributed to the shortage. The governments decision in 2011 to promote teachers above 50 years of age as headmasters was challenged in court. The Kerala Education Rules (KER) stipulate that promotion to HM requires 12 years of continuous graduate service and passing the Accounts Test (Lower) and the Kerala Education Act & Rules test, under Rule 44A(1). With the case pending for years, vacancies began piling up, especially after the Covid shutdown, said retired headmaster Basel K V, from Alappuzha. To address the shortage, the state introduced a new rule allowing promotion purely based on seniority, invoking Rule 13B of the Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rules (KS&SSR). This rule exempts officials over 50 years of age with 25 years of service from departmental tests. Promotions were also determined by Rule 27, which establishes seniority as the basis. However, many teachers contest this approach. In education, qualification and capability should matter, not just seniority. These emergency rules were never meant for regular academic promotions, said Alby, another teacher from Ernakulam. The temporary nature of such promotions has also created complications. Teachers promoted under these provisions often face delays in receiving salaries and benefits. Since the posts are not regularised, getting service benefits becomes difficult. One HM had to approach the court for his pending dues, Basel said. As the reluctance to accept promotions grows, the state government has issued a directive requiring teachers who wish to opt out of promotion to inform authorities before the seniority list is published. Once the list is out, they must accept the post or face disciplinary action, Martin said. Apart from administrative and legal issues, the workload itself discourages teachers. LP and UP headmasters have to give classes in addition to handling school administration. They oversee noon-meal schemes, coordinate education projects at the panchayat level, attend multiple meetings with block resource centres (BRC), assistant education officers (AEO), and even departments like police and excise, said retired HM Yeldho K V of Kottayam. They are also responsible for organising arts, sports, and science festivals. With so many duties, they rarely find time to manage their own schools, he said. With the post becoming increasingly burdensome, many teachers nearing retirement are willing to take it up, but younger teachers with years of service ahead prefer to avoid it. Several educators suggest that the government consider filling the post through the Public Service Commission (PSC) to ensure administrative efficiency and reduce the burden on teaching staff. Five districts with most vacancies in govt primary schools Malappuram: 121 Thiruvanthapuram: 99 Kollam: 54 Kasaragod: 54 Kozhikode: 49 Ernakulam: 42 (Source: Entered vacancy published by DDE office, as on 21-05-2025)
Super League Kerala 2.0: New coaches, smart marketing & a competition raising the bar
KOCHI: Keralas homegrown professional football league, the Super League Kerala (SLK), has entered its second season and everything about it feels bigger, sharper, and more ambitious. From a full-fledged marketing blitz led by film stars and celebrities to a revamped scouting system and a new wave of international coaches, the league seems to be getting transformed from a promising experiment into a confident, professional spectacle. If last years debut was about proving a point, Season 2 is about raising the bar. The fan engagement alone tells the story packed stadiums across Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Thiruvananthapuram, roaring crowds, and a record 21,903 spectators at the opener. The acceptance has been phenomenal, both in stadiums and online, says Mathew Joseph, CEO and director of SLK. This season feels like a movement. A major part of that movement has been the leagues focus on homegrown talent. Through Project Gamechanger, SLKs in-house scouting initiative, five young players have graduated into professional ranks this year. The first two assists of the season came from players scouted through Project Gamechanger Sangeeth Satish of Forca Kochi and Muhamad Sinan of Kannur Warriors, says Firoze Meeran, SLK managing director. With 100 Kerala players in the mix up from 90 last year the league is fast becoming the states strongest platform for nurturing future football stars. On the field, there is a new international flavour too. Every team has refreshed its setup with new managers, most of them from Europe and South America. D Arun Kumar of Calicut FC celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Forca Kochi FC Kannur Warriors retained their Spanish coach Sanches Murias, while Malappuram FC brought in Miguel Corral, Forca Kochi signed Miquel Plana, Thrissur Magic turned to Russian Andrey Chernyshov, Thiruvananthapuram Kombans appointed Englishman James McAloon, and Calicut FC, the defending champions, are now led by Argentine Ever Demalde. The arrival of ISL veteran Roy Krishna at Malappuram FC has further added to the star quotient. Behind the scenes, the marketing game has gone professional. A slick campaign featuring Basil Joseph, Prithviraj, Shashi Tharoor, and Sanju Samson has given the league unprecedented visibility. Social media campaigns, city-based fan drives, and an online prediction game have amplified fan engagement beyond the stadiums. When personalities like Tharoor and Sanju Samson back the league, it helps us reach a national and even international audience, Mathew says. Each franchise has used the Rs 2.5-crore spending cap smartly, bringing in key players and coaches to strengthen their squads. The league itself has expanded geographically, with Thrissur Magic and Kannur Warriors getting dedicated home turfs for the first time. Broadcast on Sony Sports Network and Doordarshan, with live streaming on Sports.com as part of a three-year deal, the 33-match season will culminate in a grand finale on December 14. With its mix of star-studded marketing, professional management, and a clear vision for nurturing local talent, Super League Kerala has evolved into more than just a state league it is Keralas bold statement in Indias growing football ecosystem.
Kozhikode cyberparks poised to offer global IT shifts amid H-1B visa costs
Kozhikode MP criticises delay in DPR for road widening
Kozhikode-based Council for Womens Rights and Safety has approached Kerala Governor, who is Chancellor of State universities, seeking appropriate action by V-Cs of the two universities over inclusion of song by Vedan who faces rape allegations
The CAT 2025 application correction window closes today, October 7, at iimcat.ac.in. Candidates can edit their name, photo, signature, and test city without extra charges. Details like DOB, email, and mobile number cannot be changed. IIM Kozhikode urges applicants to finalize edits before closure. The CAT exam will be held on November 30, 2025.
Facility for organ transplant institute to become operational in three months in Kozhikode
KGMOA slams suspension of doctors over Palakkad amputation case
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) has come out strongly against the suspension of two doctors from the Palakkad District Hospital, calling the move unjust and accusing the government of using health workers as scapegoats to deflect public anger. The Health Department suspended Junior Resident Dr Mustafa and Junior Consultant Dr Sarfaraz following preliminary findings of lapses in the treatment of a nine-year-old girl, which allegedly led to the amputation of her hand. The suspension was issued pending further inquiry and possible disciplinary action. In a press statement issued on Monday, the KGMOA termed the action arbitrary and demanded that the government immediately revoke the suspensions. The association argued that the incident involved a rare medical complication and that there was no evidence of negligence or protocol violation on the part of the doctors.The attempt to interpret a rare complication as treatment failure and scapegoat doctors is completely unacceptable, the statement read. Two separate expert committees have reviewed the case and confirmed that the doctors provided all possible care and committed no treatment errors, said Dr Sunil P.K., KGMOA President. The association further noted that the suspension order cited a violation of treatment protocols, but claimed that no formal orthopaedic emergency protocols have been issued by the Health Department so far. KGMOA also criticized the broader state of the public healthcare system, pointing to inadequate staffing, infrastructure, and a lack of clear guidelines as persistent issues. It cited the 2024 CAG report, which flagged deficiencies in Kerala's public health facilities, including non-compliance with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms. Government doctors are doing their best under extremely challenging conditions. Instead of addressing systemic failures, the government is targeting individuals to contain public backlash, said Dr Jobin G. Joseph, General Secretary of KGMOA. The doctors' body warned that such actions could demoralize healthcare workers and push them towards practicing defensive medicine, ultimately affecting patient care. The association has demanded a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the incident and threatened to launch a state-wide protest if the suspensions are not withdrawn. The controversy stems from an incident involving a nine-year-old girl who visited Palakkad District Hospital on September 24 with a fractured arm. Following the plastering, her condition deteriorated, and she returned to the hospital on September 30. She was then referred to the Government Medical College in Kozhikode, where doctors identified a blood clot and determined that amputation was necessary. The girl's family alleged that medical negligence led to the complication, prompting Health Minister Veena George to order an official probe into the incident after it drew widespread public and media attention.
Kerala girls hand amputation: Two Palakkad junior doctors suspended
9-year-old was initially treated at Government District Hospital in Palakkad for hand fracture on September 24, but her condition worsened, leading to amputation at Kozhikode MCH
Youth Congress leader flags structural lapses at PMSSY block of Kozhikode MCH
Merchants see red over Kozhikode Corpn.s move to shift Palayam Market to Kalluthankadavu
Seven car passengers injured in road accident at Ramanattukara
The accident took place at Ramanattukara on Sunday when they were coming back home after picking a family member from Kozhikode International Airport
Special squads formed to expose single digit lottery trade in Kozhikode
Action comes in the wake of confidential complaints submitted by the Lottery department furnishing the details of suspected tax evasion and financial loss
Rising awareness helps police register more cases under POCSO Act
Kozhikode stands second in the total number of such cases registered in Kerala between January and August 2025 as per figures available with the State Crime Records Bureau
Kozhikode DMO bats for change in food habits to combat lifestyle diseases
Drug abuse among private bus drivers triggers safety concerns in Kozhikode
Kozhikode-based Moonrocket Cheese Company offers artisanal cheeses with unique flavours
Founder Monisha Indulekhas experiments with flavours include a Kerala-themed kanthari chilli flavoured cheese
Kidnapping bid: man from Kasaragod nabbed in Kozhikode
Boom-and-bust cycles of sardine linked to monsoon and oceanographic changes, says CMFRI study
The study by CMFRI integrated fisheries biology and oceanographic data from Kochi, Vizhinjam, and Kozhikode
Kozhikode sessions court dismisses Nandakumars advance bail plea
Kozhikode to be declared extreme poverty-free district by October 15
Kozhikode Corpn. Council approves DPR for renovation of mofussil bus stand
Palestinian Ambassador to attend LDFs solidarity event in Keralas Kozhikode on October 2
CPI(M) Kerala State secretary M.V. Govindan to open the solidarity meet
Kozhikode MP seeks probe into assault on Kerala students in Delhi
Need to integrate trans-inclusive science in medical education, says study
NEW DELHI: As transgender people in India routinely face discrimination in health care, often encountering prejudice and ignorance from medical providers, the need of the hour is that Indias medical curricula integrate trans-inclusive science early in medical training so that the medical needs of transgender people are met, said the study published in the American journal Advances in Physiology Education. Not only in India, but globally, many medical schools dedicate few to no hours to LGBT health. Concerned by discrimination in healthcare and education, despite the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which prohibits it, a first-of-its-kind study was conducted, bringing fresh hope - at least for India - if it is incorporated into medical education. In India, the National Medical Commission (NMC), which regulates medical education, has failed to adequately address LGBT health, said Dr Satendra Singh, Director Professor of the Department of Physiology at the University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Delhi, and one of the studys authors. Unfortunately, the NMC has made repeated U-turns on including LGBTQI content in the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum, first in 2019 and again in 2024, Dr Singh told this paper. As per the 2011 census, India has 4.88 lakh transgender persons. It is the first study in India to integrate trans-affirmative competencies into the MBBS physiology curriculum longitudinally, said Dr Singh, who was recently selected for the prestigious WHO South-East Asia region award for Public Health Champion in the individual category for championing disability inclusion in health systems and medical education. This studys findings are crucial for the future of medical education in India. The pilot study tried to integrate trans-affirmative competencies into the MBBS physiology curriculum using a mixed-methods approach, said the primary author, Kozhikode-based Dr Athul KM. Prof (Dr) Aqsa Shaikh, Professor of Community Medicine, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, and co-author of the study, said, From dehumanisation in the old curriculum to human-centered approach in this pilot, we have taken a small step in the right direction.
Youth arrested in Kozhikode for alleged involvement in Telegram job scam
Pedestrian safety at risk as crosswalk accidents rise in Kozhikode
