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Monsoon expected to reach Kerala by June 3: Met department

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:45:03 +0530

As North India boils under intense heat, the Met department has said that monsoon is expected to hit the Kerala coast by June 3. "Monsoon is expected to reach Kerala close to its normal date that is June 3," DS Pai, Director (Long Range Forecast), Met Department said.

Plea to withdraw National Anthem complaint against Tharoor rejected

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:24:21 +0530

A Court in Kerala on Tuesday dismissed a plea to withdraw the complaint in the National Anthem case against Union Minister Shashi Tharoor.

Kerala, Himachal to cooperate in rural development

Sun, 19 May 2013 05:04:03 +0530

Kerala and Himachal Pradesh on Saturday announced they will strengthen implementation of their rural development projects by sharing information about feasible models and best practices. Ministers and senior government officials from the two Congress-ruled states met here to discuss ongoing projects and ways to enhance cooperation.

Kerala court orders DNA test on Bitti Mohanty

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:41:59 +0530

A Sessions Court in Kannur on Friday ordered DNA test on Bitti Mohanty to obtain scientific proof for establishing his identity following his arrest in March this year after being on the run for several years. Bitti remained absconding by jumping bail following his conviction for raping of a German woman at Alwar in Jaipur.

Sreesanth dropped from State Lottery advertisement

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:29:20 +0530

Tainted pacer S Sreesanth, arrested in spot-fixing allegation case, was on Friday dropped from the advertisement for the state run Kerala Lottery. Sreesanth, who appeared in the advertisement for 'Karunya Lottery', was removed from the celebrities advertisement panel, State Lottery Directorate officials said in Thiruvananthapuram.

Rahul to address rally in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:21:23 +0530

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will address a rally in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday in connection with the culmination of the Kerala Yatra, led by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala.

Thiruvananthapuram: Meet Suryalayam, the messiah of the hungry

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:32:21 +0530

A man in Thiruvananthapuram is on a mission to ensure the poor do not go hungry. Feeding over a 100 people every day for the past 30 years, Suryalayam is known as the messiah of the hungry.

IPL 6 spot-fixing: Shock and dismay among Sreesanth fans in Kochi

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:48:59 +0530

As more details pour in about the IPL 6 spot-fixing probe, there is shock and dismay among cricket fans, especially in Kochi. The fans still can't believe that their boy, S Sreesanth, is involved.

Wife swapping a common practice in the Navy: Naval officer's wife

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:29:52 +0530

The Indian Navy has been hit by fresh charges of wife swapping. CNN-IBN spoke to the wife of a naval officer, who last month accused her husband of wife swapping. She said that the practice is common in the Navy. Defence Minister AK Antony has ordered an inquiry into the matter.

Monsoon will hit Kerala coast on June 3: Met

Wed, 15 May 2013 07:22:13 +0530

Monsoon rains may arrive on the southern coast around June 3, the weather office said on Wednesday, a late debut that will raise fears any revival for drought-hit tracts of southern and western farmland could be delayed.

Three close aides of Achuthanandan thrown out of CPI-M

Mon, 13 May 2013 05:13:17 +0530

The long-delayed sacking from the CPI-M of three staff members of Kerala's Leader of Opposition VS Achuthanandan was effected on Sunday at the two-day politburo and central committee meeting of the party in New Delhi.

Kerala: Ship rams into British-era bridge in Kochi

Sat, 11 May 2013 11:30:58 +0530

A ship rammed a decades old bridge near the Southern Naval Command in Kochi on Saturday. The dredger MV Bhagwati Prem hit the Venduruthy bridge, which has now been closed for traffic.

Kerala MPs seek Antony's intervention to resolve crisis

Wed, 08 May 2013 02:25:39 +0530

In a virtual snub to Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and PCC Chief Ramesh Chennithala, Congress MPs from the state on Tuesday sought senior leader AK Antony's "services" for putting the "house in order" in the party-led UDF government in the state. The MPs made this demand during their interaction with Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi at Parliament House.

First rank is a mix of luck, hard work: Civil Services Exam topper

Sat, 04 May 2013 09:45:51 +0530

For the third consecutive year, a girl Haritha V Kumar has topped the prestigious Civil Services Examination 2012.

Kerala girl emerges topper in civil services exam

Fri, 03 May 2013 10:52:45 +0530

Haritha V Kumar, who emerged topper in the All-India Civil Services Examination, initially did not believe it was true as she thought her friends had played a prank.

Keralites outshine others in UPSC 2012 results

Fri, 03 May 2013 06:13:08 +0530

Keralites have outshone others in the UPSC civil services examination 2012. Three of the top four belong to the state, including the top two. The top 50 has eight candidates from the state.

Father arrested for allowing his minor son to drive Ferrari

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:50:56 +0530

The father of a nine year-old boy, who drove a Ferrari F430 recently with his five-year-brother along side, causing widespread outrage, was arrested on Monday and released on bail.

Kerala: Parents allow 9-year-old son to drive Ferrari

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 02:16:18 +0530

Charges have been filed against a man who allowed his 9-year-old son to drive his Ferrari, Kerala Police said on Monday. Mohammed Nisham was charged with endangering the life of a child and allowing a minor to drive, said Inspector MV Verghese.

Kerala: Pro-CPI(M) DYFI to launch 'secularism' campaign

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:03:49 +0530

The pro-CPI(M) youth outfit Democratic Youth Federation of India would launch a campaign to "uphold secular culture" in Kerala from April 30 to May 8.

NIA will continue to probe Italian marines' case: SC

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:22:18 +0530

The National Investigation Team (NIA) will continue with its investigation against the Italian marines, who allegedly killed two fishermen off the Kerala coast in 2012, ruled the Supreme Court on Friday.

Fishermen killings: SC to give verdict on plea challenging NIA probe

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 06:11:27 +0530

The Supreme Court will decide on Friday on a plea by the Italian government challenging a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the killing of two Indians by two Italian marines off the Kerala coast.

Hindu seers helped India progress, says Narendra Modi

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:34:06 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that it was the teachings of Hindu seers had kept the country going forward. He was speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of the Sivagiri Mutt's headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham, established by Sree Narayana Guru, who propagated the concept of 'One Caste, One Religion, One God'.

Modi visits Narayana Mutt in Kerala amid controversy

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:29:04 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited Sree Narayana Mutt at nearby Sivagiri in Kerala for an event amid a controversy and protests by the Left activists. Modi's five-hour visit to the state came against the backdrop of the Left attacking the authorities of the Mutt, which is dedicated to the ideals of 20th century saint-reformer Sree Naryana Guru who preached the message of unity of humanity, for inviting him to an important function.

Kerala: Untouchability continuing in politics, says Modi

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:39:58 +0530

Apparently alluding to the protest by CPI(M) and resentment by Congress over his visit to Sree Narayana Mutt at nearby Sivagiri, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday regretted "untouchability" was increasing in politics.

Kerala: BJP workers accord rousing reception to Modi

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:30:12 +0530

BJP workers accorded a rousing reception to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived for a five-hour visit in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday to attend a jubilee function at Sree Narayana Mutt at nearby Sivagiri.

Modi to visit Kerala amidst tight security, protests

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:56:12 +0530

Amid tight security and protests against his visit, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Kerala on Wednesday. Modi who will be on a day-long visit to the state, will address a public rally in Varkala.

SC defers pronouncement of order in Italian marines case

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:48:14 +0530

The Supreme Court on Monday deferred the pronouncement of its order on the question of National Investigating Agency's (NIA) jurisdiction to probe the case against two Italian marines who allegedly killed Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast in 2012.

Fishermen killings: SC to give verdict on plea challenging NIA probe

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:19:47 +0530

The Supreme Court will decide on Monday on a plea by the Italian government challenging a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the killing of two Indians by two Italian marines off the Kerala coast.

Kerala: Thousands witness Thrissur Pooram

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 11:11:38 +0530

Kerala's popular temple festival Thrissur Pooram was held here on Sunday with thousands of people, including foreign tourists, witnessing the parade of 30 richly caparisoned pachyderms and performance by over 500 top-ranked percussionists.

Kerala minister faces Congress's criticism for meeting Modi

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 03:46:23 +0530

Labour Minister and Revolutionary Socialist Party (Baby John) leader Shibu Baby John has run into trouble over his recent meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, with leaders of the Congress and its United Democratic Front (UDF) allies taking exception to it, holding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader's development model is unacceptable to Kerala.

Give voters a greater say in choice of candidates: Rahul

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:21:55 +0530

Ruing that in many states it is a selected few who decide on distribution of tickets, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that political parties should reflect the voters' views in the choice of candidates for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Sexual harassment case: Navy officer's wife meets AK Antony

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:06:23 +0530

A Navy officer's spouse, who has levelled charges of wife swapping against her husband and his superiors in Kochi, met Defence Minister AK Antony to complain about the harassment faced by her.

Wife swapping case: AK Antony promises strong action

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:40:08 +0530

Defence Minister AK Antony on Tuesday promised to take strong action if anybody was found guilty in the alleged Kochi wife swapping case in which the wife of a navy officer has filed an FIR against her husband and his superiors.

History museum opened in Kerala Assembly

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:23:32 +0530

A history museum, throwing light into the country's freedom struggle and evolution as a modern democracy over the decades, was inaugurated at the Kerala Assembly by state Governor Nikhil Kumar on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said the Kerala Assembly had set a model for other states by creating such a museum which would also help the young generation know about the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi to visit Kerala on Tuesday

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:43:37 +0530

Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi will arrive in Thrissur on Tuesday on a visit to Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) at nearby Mulamkunnathukavu.

17 years on, Suryanelli girl still awaits justice

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 09:18:29 +0530

The Suryanelli girl goes to the office in the morning with her long, wavy hair neatly combed, tiny gold earrings glinting, packed lunch in hand, like a normal working woman in India. But once she leaves her front gate, she holds her body tight, with shoulders hunched and arms wrapped around her, and looks down.

Strict action against any Navy officer found guilty in Kochi harassment case: Antony

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:15:27 +0530

Defence Minister AK Antony on Saturday said that no leniency would be shown to anyone found guilty on the complaint filed by a Navy officer's wife alleging that she had been harassed by her husband and his seniors. "The Defence Ministry treats this type of complaint very seriously. An inquiry will be conducted and strict action, including dismissal, will be initiated against anyone found guilty," Antony said.

Kerala CM Oommen Chandy meets Prime Minister of UAE

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 01:43:21 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has met Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai and discussed ways of boosting bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The Vice-President met Chandy on Thursday at the headquarters of Dubai Executive Council at Emirates Towers. Shaikh Mohammed hailed the historic relations between the people of the two friendly countries, highlighting the role the Indian community and workforce play in UAE's development.

Kerala HC approves ex-minister and wife's settlement

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 07:33:57 +0530

A settlement seems to have been reached for the family discord between former state minister KB Ganesh Kumar and his wife with Kerala High court on Friday permitting the closure of cases registered by police against both of them.

Suryanelli survivor withdraws request of special prosecutors

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 07:09:08 +0530

The Suryanelli gangrape survivor on Friday withdrew her request to appoint Special prosecutors to contest the appeals of the 35 accused in the case in the Kerala High Court. However, the court permitted the survivor to make an application to appoint a counsel of her choice to assist the prosecution.

Kerala: Former minister, wife move joint divorce plea

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:09:09 +0530

Marking the climax of the long-drawn family rift, former Kerala Forest Minister KB Ganesh Kumar and his estranged wife Yamini Thankachi on Thursday moved a joint divorce petition in the family court in Thiruvananthapuram. Admitting the petition, the magistrate posted hearing for October 21 and suggested that they undergo counselling before that date as a final attempt to patch-up.

Fishermen killings: 'CBI to take over Italian marines' case'

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 03:02:02 +0530

The case of the two Italian marines, who are accused of killing two Kerala fishermen in 2012, will be transferred from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), said sources on Thursday.

Navy officer's wife says husband forced her to sleep with colleagues

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:40:58 +0530

A Naval officer's wife stationed in Kochi has alleged sexual harassment. The Kochi police have registered a case against 10 officers after the wife of a lieutenant alleged that her husband made her sleep with them.

Kerala: Ex-minister moves toward settlement with wife

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:21:53 +0530

Seeking to end the controversy, triggered by the domestic discord with his wife Yamini, through an out-of-court settlement, former Kerala minister KB Ganesh Kumar on Tuesday openly expressed regret for the 'unsavoury' comments made against her.

Kerala church roof collapse: Death toll rises to two

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:59:19 +0530

With one more worker succumbing to his injuries in the wee hours on Tuesday, the toll in the collapse of an under construction church at nearby Aroor rose to two. Nine others are being treated at different hospitals in Kochi and here for injuries sustained when concreting work of a new structure of St Augustine Church came crashing down on Monday evening.

Kerala: 1 dead as under-construction church collapses

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:40:38 +0530

A worker was killed and 10 others were injured as an under construction Church in Kerala's Alappuzha district collapsed on Monday evening. At least 20 workers were present at the construction site when the dome of the church collapsed. Most of them were rescued later but three are still missing from the site. An inquiry has been ordered.

Supreme Court to hear Mullaperiyar dam row today

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:25:11 +0530

The Supreme Court will begin hearing final arguments in the contentious Mullaperiyar dam row between Kerala and Tamil Nadu on Tuesday. There has been tension between the two states over the safety of the dam which is 120 years old.

Chandy suggests ways to deal with Saudi labour law

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:59:25 +0530

Kerala on Monday urged the Centre to find a permanent solution to the problem emerging out of Saudi Arabia deciding to implement Nitaquat law which would adversely affect expatriate workforce there. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who was in Delhi on Monday, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, Defence Minister AK Antony and Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and submitted proposals which can be taken up with Saudi Arabia as a permanent solution to the problem.

Three NIT-Kozhikode students killed in road mishap

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 04:10:02 +0530

Three NIT-Kozhikode students hailing from Andhra Pradesh were killed and four others injured when their car collided with a lorry near Vadakara in the district on Sunday, police said.

Kerala guzzled alcohol worth almost Rs 9000 cr in 2012-13

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 02:34:36 +0530

Liquor sales touched an all-time high in Kerala at Rs 8,841 crore for fiscal 2012-13, show figures. Figures provided by the sole wholesaler of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer, the state-owned Kerala State Beverages Corporation (KSBC), shows that the overall sales jumped from Rs 7,860 crore in 2011-12 to a record Rs.8,841 crore in the last fiscal (2012-13).

Chandy warns CPI-M against 'politicising' family issues

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 06:25:07 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday asked the opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) not to "politicise" family issues, warning it of a "heavy price".

Kerala's literacy drive brand ambassador dead

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 03:08:00 +0530

Cholakkodan Aysha, hailed as the brand ambassador of Kerala's universal literacy mission, passed away at her residence at nearby Kavannur.

Kerala: Man tries to stop molestation, thrown out of train

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:43:41 +0530

A 28-year-old man, who tried to prevent some inebriated youth allegedly from molesting a woman co-passenger, was seriously injured after he was thrown out of a moving train at nearby Cheruthurthi, police said on Thursday.

Marital dispute: Chandy rejects opposition's charge

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 05:54:13 +0530

The Kerala Assembly was rocked for the second day on Wednesday over issues relating to former minister KN Ganesh Kumar with opposition LDF demanding that Chief Minister Oommen Chandy quit for allegedly shielding him in his wife's domestic violence complaint. Chandy on his part rejected the charge that he had sought to shield Kumar by declining to act on his estranged wife's complaint, saying this was totally untrue.

Bitti Mohanty's judicial custody ends today

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 01:19:36 +0530

Judicial custody of Bitti Mohanty, convicted in March 2006 for raping a 26-year-old German national in a hotel in Alwar, ends on Wednesday. Mohanty, who has been in Kerala Police custody in Payyanur, jumped parole in 2006 and was traced in Kannur in March. Police have sought more time to investigate charges of forgery, cheating and impersonation against Miohanty.

Kingpin of inter-state chain snatching gang arrested

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 01:45:41 +0530

The kingpin of an inter-state chain snatching gang based in New Delhi has been arrested from Delhi and brought in Kozhikode on Tuesday, police said. The kingpin identified as Haji Naziruddin Sony (46) was arrested on March 31, 2013 from Gokulpuri in New Delhi by a police team from Kerala with the help of their Delhi counterparts, Kozhikode City Commissioner of Police, Sparjankumar, told reporters.

Kerala ex-minister's marital spat rocks Assembly, Oppn says CM must quit

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 07:59:43 +0530

The Opposition alleged Oommen Chandy "misled" the House over the complaint by former Kerala minister Ganesh Kumar's wife.

Kerala ex-minister marital spat: Oppn says CM must resign

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:10:13 +0530

The Kerala Assembly witnessed high drama and had to be adjourned after the controversy surrounding former Forest Minister Ganesh Kumar and his estranged wife created an uproar. Opposition LDF demanded that Chief Minister Oommen Chandy should step down on moral grounds.

Kerala minister quits, accuses wife of blackmail

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 07:58:52 +0530

Kerala's Forest Minister Ganesh Kumar was forced to step down following allegations of domestic violence. The minister, though, has claimed that he is being blackmailed by his wife. He has filed for divorce alleging physical abuse.

Kerala minister accused of domestic violence submits resignation

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:54:58 +0530

Kerala Forest Minister KB Ganesh Kumar, accused of domestic violence by his wife, on Monday submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. Troubles mounted for the beleaguered minister after his wife alleged on Monday that she had been a victim of "domestic violence" hours after he filed a divorce petition, putting the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala in a spot.

Kerala minister's wife alleges domestic violence, govt in a spot

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:23:54 +0530

Troubles mounted for beleaguered Forest Minister KB Ganesh Kumar with his wife alleging on Monday she had been a victim of "domestic violence" hours after he filed a divorce petition, putting the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala in a spot.

Kerala minister files for divorce after spat with wife

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:56:02 +0530

A Kerala minister on Monday expressed willingness to resign after a public divorce spat with his wife. Forest Minister KB Ganesh Kumar moved court and filed for divorce, alleging that his wife beat him up and submitted photographs of his alleged injuries as proof.

Italian marines trial: Special court to be announced

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:43:14 +0530

The announcement for the special court where the trial of the two Italian marines will be conducted is expected on Monday. The announcement will be made by the Attorney General.

India raises concern over Saudi's new labour policy

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 01:47:07 +0530

India on Friday raised its concern with Saudi Arabia over its policy of reserving 10 per cent jobs for locals, a decision which will hit over 3 lakh low-and semi-skilled workers from India with a sizable number coming from Kerala.

Kerala: 8-yr-old infected with HIV virus; govt orders probe

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:34:01 +0530

A young life put in jeopardy, thanks to a blatant medical negligence. In Kerala, an eight-year-old girl's life is in danger, after she was given blood infected with HIV.

Kerala: 8-year-old girl tests HIV positive after blood transfusion

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:28:44 +0530

An eight-year-old girl, suffering from thalassaemia, has been afflicted by HIV after blood transfusions at two government hospitals, including one here in Wayanad district, her relatives claimed on Thursday. In a complaint lodged with health department, they said the girl was being given blood transfusion every fortnight as she had been suffering from thalassaemia for the past six years.

Rs 297 crore additional funds for Kochi Metro

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:45:58 +0530

Kerala government on Wednesday sanctioned an additional Rs 297.75 crore for the Kochi Metro project. Out of this, Rs. 88.50 crore is state government's equity share and Rs 209.25 crore for land acquisition, a Kochi Metro press release said.

Plea to withdraw National Anthem case turned down by court

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 06:28:17 +0530

A local court on Wednesday declined to permit withdrawal of the complaint in the national anthem case filed against Union Minister Shashi Tharoor for the time being. The petitioner Joy Kaitharath had last week submitted that he did not want to continue with the case. The case was registered against Tharoor, Minister of State for HRD, on the basis of a private complaint by Kaitharath of Ernakulam in the Additional Chief Magistrate court stating that Tharoor had committed offences under section 3 of the Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act, 1977, enacted to prohibit desecration or insult to the country's national anthem.

Suryanelli gangrape case: Court sends notice to Kurien

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 02:15:11 +0530

A Kerala district court on Wednesday sent a notice to Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha PJ Kurien and five others in connection with the Suryanelli gangrape case, after the survivor filed a fresh petition demanding Kurien be made an accused. A similar attempt by the survivor early in 2013 was shot down by another district court.

Kerala: 5 engineering students dead in bus accident

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 03:44:43 +0530

Five engineering students died on Monday after a bus they were travelling in fell into a gorge. The accident took place in the hilly Idukki district of Kerala.

Patiala House Court to try Italian marines

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:30:29 +0530

The Delhi High Court has designated the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) of Patiala House Court in New Delhi for holding the trial of the two Italian marines, accused of killing two Indian fishermen. According to official sources in the High Court, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Amit Bansal would be hearing the case.

'SC took too long to say marines' trial in Kerala was wrong'

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 08:45:32 +0530

Speaking to Karan Thapar on 'Devil's Advocate', Italy's Deputy Foreign Minister Staffan de Mistura admits that Rome made a lot of mistakes in the marines' issue. He, however, adds that the crisis is over now and India and Italy should move on as "they definitely deserve more than simply having a crisis".

Chandy writes to PM, asks for fast track court to try Italian marines

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 09:34:29 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy has written to the Prime Minister asking for the setting up of a special fast track court in Kollam to try the two Italian marines who are charged with the murder of two Kerala fishermen.

Italy maintains marines must be tried in Rome

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 07:27:27 +0530

The two Italian marines, Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, charged with the murder of two Kerala fishermen, may be back in the country, but the drama is far from over. Italy, who agreed to send back the marines, reversing its earlier decision, still maintains they must be tried in Rome.

Kerala CM seeks special court to try marines at Kollam

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 08:34:11 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Monday asked the Centre to set up the special court at Kollam district to conduct the trial of the two Italian marines charged with the killing of two Indian fishermen. In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chandy demanded that the Sessions court at Kollam be designated as the special court.

Kerala Police lured marines in Indian waters: Italian minister

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 06:22:20 +0530

A day after the Delhi High Court issued order for setting up a special court to try the Italian marines, who are facing murder charges in the killing case of two Kerala fishermen, the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister has claimed that the marines were lured in the Indian waters by the Kerala Police. He was speaking to Karan Thapar on CNN-IBN show 'Devil's Advocate'.

Nikhil Kumar sworn in as Governor of Kerala

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 01:50:45 +0530

Former Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar was on Saturday sworn in as the 20th Governor of Kerala at the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram.

Special court to hear Italian marines case

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 08:25:33 +0530

Italian government's decision to send back two of its marines charged with the killing of two Kerala fishermen seemed to signal the end of the diplomatic standoff between India and Italy over the issue. However, it is still not clear what made the Italian government change its stand.

Delhi HC issues order for setting up special court to try marines

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:51:57 +0530

The Delhi High Court has issued order for setting up of special court to try Italian marines, said sources on Friday night. The two Italian marines accused of killing two fishermen off the Kerala coast reached Delhi on Friday after India gave an assurance that they will not face death penalty nor will they be arrested, bringing to an end a raging 11-day diplomatic row between the two countries.

National Anthem case against Tharoor posted to March 27

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:03:21 +0530

A local court on Friday posted to March 27 hearing of the National Anthem case against Minister of state for HRD Shashi Tharoor. The petitioner Joy Kaitharath made a submission in the court that he did not want to continue with the case.

Marines' return a victory for us: Fishermen workers' forum

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 08:07:53 +0530

The Italian marines, facing trial for shooting dead two Indian fishermen in February 2012, returned on Friday.

Fishermen killings: Italian marines return to India

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 06:55:59 +0530

Italian marines, Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone, charged with killing of two Kerala fishermen, reached Delhi on Friday evening to face murder trial in the case. While External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said there was no "deal" between India and Italy on the issue, he assured Rome that the marines won't be arrested or given death sentence in the case.

India had no deal with Italy on marines' issue: Khurshid

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:49:46 +0530

Insisting the government had "no deal" with Italy on the marines' issue, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on Friday said that India kept channel of communication opened despite pressure from public. "We always kept alive the hope that marines would return," said the Union Minister, while addressing a press conference in New Delhi.

Italian marines to return, but won't be arrested or given death

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 02:35:39 +0530

The two Italian marines, Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone, charged with killing two Indian fishermen are set to return to India. While India has called it a diplomatic victory, it has also assured Italy that the marines will not be arrested on their return and neither will they face death penalty as the case is not a rarest of rare case.

Law will remain as it is: Salman Khurshid on Italian marines

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:02:13 +0530

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has said that the Italian marines charged with the murders of two Indian fishermen will face trial as usual in India and that the law won't change. This comes even as the Italian foreign office said that they have been assured there will be no death penalty for the marines. Sources also say there is a possibility that the marines could serve their prison term in Italy.

Live: Italian marines won't get death, says Khurshid

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:05:07 +0530

Attorney General GE Vahanvati has said that the Italian marines charged with killing two Indian fishermen will not be arrested immediately on their return to India on Friday. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has said that the marines will face trial as usual in India and that the law won't change. This comes even as the Italian foreign office said that they have been assured there will be no death penalty for the marines.

India's tough stand forces Italy to agree to send back marines

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 07:42:41 +0530

It is a victory for India in the stand-off with Italy over the fate of the two Italian marines, Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone, accused of killing two Kerala fishermen. The Italian government has said that the marines will be sent back to India on Friday.

Italy says will send back two marines sought by India

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:50:56 +0530

Italy said it will send back two marines to India, who face trial for killing two Kerala fishermen, after receiving an assurance from the Indian government about the protection of their fundamental rights. "The two sailors will start tonight (Thursday night CET) for India," the Italian government said in a statement, reversing an earlier decision not to send them to India as agreed when they were granted permission to return home to vote in elections.

Suryanelli gangrape case: HC grants bail to 31 accussed

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:52:58 +0530

Kerala High Court on Thursday granted bail to the 31 accused in the 1996 Suryanelli gangrape case. A Division Bench comprising Justices KT Shankaran and ML Joseph Francis allowed the bail pleas filed by the accused last month.

Italian marines row: SC to have final word as govt attempts to resolve deadlock

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 08:31:05 +0530

The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up Italian ambassador Daniel Mancini saying he can no longer claim immunity after the breach of trust.

Will abide by Supreme Court's order on Italian envoy, says MEA

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:05:11 +0530

The Ministry of External Affairs said it will abide by the Supreme Court's order on the Italian envoy and that a study of India-Italy relationship is underway. Coming down heavily on Italian Ambassador Daniel Mancini while hearing the case of Italian marines, the Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir not only restrained him from leaving the country till further orders, he also added that a person who comes to the court and gives an undertaking has no immunity.

India will bring back Italian marines: Oommen Chandy

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 01:16:21 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy informed the state Assembly on Monday that India would go to any length to see that the two Italian marines were brought back to stand trial for killing two Indian fishermen.

Bitti Mohanty to remain in Kerala Police custody till March 21

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 08:33:20 +0530

The Kerala Police have taken Bitti Mohanty, convicted in March 2006 for raping a 26-year-old German national in a hotel in Alwar, back to Kannur after questioning him in Cuttack. Bitti will remain in the custody of the Kerala Police till March 21.

Italian envoy likely to claim full immunity in SC today

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 08:18:37 +0530

Days after the Italian government refused to send back the two marines charged in the killing of two Indian fishermen in Kerala, Italian ambassador Daniele Mancini is expected to respond to the Supreme Court's notice on Monday. Will the apex court act against the envoy?

Kerala achieves lowest school dropout rate in India

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 04:30:59 +0530

Kerala, which stands out from the rest of India with 94 per cent literacy rate, has achieved another distinction of having the lowest dropout rate of school students in the country at just 0.53 per cent.

'In many respects, govt badly handled Italian marines case'

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 10:01:14 +0530

Former counsel of the Italian marines in the Kerala fishermen killings case told Karan Thapar on 'Devil's Advocate' that international arbitration would have been a better way to resolve the matter. He insisted that the Supreme Court has not been lenient on the Italian marines and has all the right to send the Italian Ambassador to jail as he was the one on whose assurance the apex court had allowed the marines to go back home to vote.

'Italian envoy has no immunity against arrest order by SC'

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 06:49:59 +0530

Former counsel for the Italian marines in the Kerala fishermen killings case, Harish Salve has said that there is no legal bar or immunity to the Italian ambassador, Daniel Mancini, from an arrest order by the Supreme Court.

SC to take up Italian marines issues on Monday

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 04:49:42 +0530

The issue of the Italian marines - Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone - who are facing a trial in India for killing two Kerala fishermen, will come up in the Supreme Court on Monday.

Even an Indian can become pope, says Cardinal George Alencherry

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 10:25:03 +0530

Cardinal George Alencherry said the Church was already open to the reality of electing a pope that was outside Europe.

BB Mohanty didn't help Bitti jump parole: Kerala Police

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 10:11:26 +0530

After nearly four hours of questioning of Bitti's father, the special investigation team of Kerala Police said on Saturday that BB Mohanty was innocent and didn't help his son jump parole and assume a fake identity of Raghav Rajan.

Bitti's father BB Mohanty is innocent: Kerala Police

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 06:04:32 +0530

Bitti's father former Odisha DGP BB Mohanty is innocent, said Kerala Police after quizzing him in Cuttak on Saturday. A special investigation team of Kerala Police, which is probing impersonation and forgery charges against Bitihotra Mohanty, convicted for raping a German woman, interrogated BB Mohanty at the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Bitti's father quizzed by Kerala police

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 04:50:50 +0530

Former Odisha DGP BB Mohanty was on Saturday quizzed by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Kerala police probing impersonation and forgery charges against his German rape case convict son Bitti Mohanty. Before questioning the retired IPS officer, the four-member Kerala police SIT met the present Director General of Police Prakash Mishra at the state police headquarters in Cuttack and apprised him of the case following the arrest of a man Raghav Rajan at Kannur who police claimed was Bitti, Odisha police said.

Bitti Mohanty's father BB Mohanty questioned by police

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 01:30:28 +0530

Kerala Police on Saturday began questioning of rape convict Bitti Mohanty's father BB Mohanty in Cuttack. Earlier there was a delay in questioning the former Odisha DGP as they did not have permission from the Kerala DGP. Bitti's father is being interrogated for his role in helping his son evade arrest for seven years.

Bitti Mohanty's identity verified, he'll be brought back to Kerala

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 07:29:45 +0530

The identity of German woman rape case convict Bitti Mohanty was on Saturday established after Kerala Police matched his finger prints and examined records.

Bitti Mohanty to be brought back to Kerala on Saturday

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:37:15 +0530

Rape convict Bitti Mohanty, on the run for six years, will be taken back to Kerala from Rajasthan on Saturday.

Bitti Mohanty forged B.Tech certificate, confirms Kerala Police

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:27:51 +0530

Kerala Police on Friday confirmed that rape convict Bitti Mohanty forged his B.Tech certificate from KIIT University in Bhubaneswar and the certificate is in the name of Raghav Rajan, the alias he used for several years while living in Kannur in Kerala.

Police likely to question Bitti Mohanty's father today

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:17:29 +0530

A team of Kerala Police team is likely to interrogate rape convict Bitty Mohanty's father and former Odisha DGP BB Mohanty on Friday. BB Mohanty had on Thursday refused to speak to the media about the case. The police will also visit Bitti's school and college to conclusively establish his identity.

The Last Word: Has SC's order asking Italian envoy not to leave India further complicated the issue?

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:02:56 +0530

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Italian ambassador to not leave India without its persmission. The apex court also asked him to explain his government's decision of not returning the Italian marines, who are facing a trial in the killings of two Kerala fishermen, to India.

Italy must abide by agreement signed by its envoy: MEA

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 05:34:51 +0530

The Ministry of External Affairs has initiated a study of India's interactions with Italy and would take an appropriate decision in the marines issue once the process was over, said the ministry's spokesperson on Thursday.

Watch: Rape convict Bitti Mohanty being taken to Rajasthan

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 04:31:32 +0530

Bitti Mohanty is being taken to Rajasthan by the Kerala Police.

Kerala CM meets PM, says Italian marines must return to India

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 03:58:39 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy met the Prime Minister and discussed the issue. After the meeting Chandy said the marines will have to come back to India to face trial in the Kerala fishermen murder case.

PM sends a stern warning to Italy over marines

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 03:50:51 +0530

India took a stern stand against Italy on Wednesday with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh warning it of consequences if doesn't send its marines to India to face trial in the fishermen killing case. In fact, sources have indicated that the Ministry of Home Affairs has informed the Ministry of External Affairs that Italian envoy Daniele Mancini should not be given diplomatic immunity. Sources say he may even be expelled soon.

Send marines or face consequences: PM warns Italy

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 01:22:53 +0530

Taking a tough stand, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday accused Italy of violating "every rule of diplomatic discourse" and asked it to send back the two marines undergoing trial for killing Indian fishermen, failing which there will be consequences on bilateral ties.

Italian envoy shouldn't get diplomatic immunity, say MHA sources

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:16:57 +0530

There was uproar in the Lok Sabha over the Italian government's decision of not sending back its marines to India for trial in the fishermen killings case.

India threatens diplomatic action as Italy refuses to send back marines

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:04:44 +0530

Two days after the Italian government snubbed India by deciding not to send back its marines charged with the murder of two Indian fishermen, the Indian government is finally taking strong steps against Italy and threatening tough diplomatic action. Sources have told CNN-IBN that India may expel Italian ambassador Daniele Mancini and a decision on this is likely to be formalised within a week.

Harish Salve quits as Italy's lawyer in fishermen case

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:06:40 +0530

In another counter-blow to Italy from India, senior counsel Harish Salve has refused to appear for Italy any more in the Kerala fishermen killings case. This comes after Italy refused to send back its marines to India. In a statement, Harish salve said, "I have informed the Italian ambassador that it will no longer be possible for me to appear or be associated with this case."

Italian envoy to India may be asked to leave, say sources

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 07:36:27 +0530

The stand-off between India and Italy is fast snowballing into a diplomatic crisis. Two days after Italy refused to send its marines back to stand trial in Indian fishermen murder case, India is taking steps to regain lost ground. Sources have told CNN-IBN that the Italian ambassador to India Daniele Mancini will be asked to leave.

Bitti Mohanty exposed by letter allegedly sent by jilted lover

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 07:27:42 +0530

The Kerala Police have revealed that it was an anonymous note sent to the State Bank of Travencore - where Bitti Mohanty was working under a alias - that helped them nab the rape convict. Reports say that the note might have been sent by a jilted girlfriend and bank colleague.

India says Italy's stand on marines not acceptable

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:56:26 +0530

India-Italy diplomatic row intensifies after marines who are accused of killing Indian fishermen refuse to return and face trial...the PM says its unacceptable...BJP cries conspiracy.. the Italian ambassador is summoned..

The Last Word: Has confusion over anti-rape bill undermined govt's image, sincerity?

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:19:52 +0530

With the Cabinet divided over the government's proposed anti-rape Bill, Karan Thapar on his show 'The Last Word' asked if the confusion and indecisiveness has damaged the government's sincerity and resolve.

India demands Italian marines be sent back

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:15:03 +0530

Rape convict Bitti Mohanty being brought to Jaipur

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:15:57 +0530

Rape convict Bitti Mohanty was brought to Jaipur on a train on Tuesday evening by Kerala police. Bitti was sent to 10-day police custody on Monday.

Italian marines row: Govt colluding with Italy, says opposition

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 02:50:17 +0530

Opposition leaders on Tuesday alleged that the government was colluding with Italy in protecting the Italian marines involved in the Kerala fishermen killings.

Italy's refusal to send back marines a betrayal: BJP

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 01:49:04 +0530

The BJP on Tuesday termed as 'betrayal and bluff' the Italian government's refusal to send back two marines charged with shooting dead two Indian fishermen and demanded that all efforts be made to bring them back to face trial in the case.

Italy's refusal to send back marines unacceptable: PM

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 01:36:25 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday termed as "unacceptable" Italy's refusal to send its two marines back to India where they were facing trial for killing two fishermen and said the issue will be taken up with that country. Singh conveyed this to delegations of Kerala MPs from Left and Congress, who met him separately to express anguish and demand his intervention in the "serious" matter.

Italy's decision on marines unacceptable: Oommen Chandy

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:30:01 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Tuesday termed as unacceptable Italy's decision not to send its two marines to India, who were being tried for killing two fishermen. He said he will take up the issue with the External Affairs Ministry.

Italian marines row: Dead fisherman's wife seeks justice

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:20:05 +0530

The two Italian marines who had fatally shot two Indian fishermen must be brought back to India to stand trial, demanded the wife of one of the two fishermen who were killed. Italy has decided not to send the marines back to India.

Live: Honour commitment made to SC, India tells Italy

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:10:25 +0530

The Italian Ambassador met the Indian Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai on Tuesday evening. Mathai said Italy's stand is "not acceptable" to India.

Fishermen killings: Govt to consult A-G on Italy's decision

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:14:29 +0530

The Indian government has reacted to Italy's decision of not sending the Italian marines charged with the murder of two Kerala fishermen back to India. Government sources say the sanctity of sovereign guarantees has been violated by Italy.

Rape convict Bitti Mohanty to be taken to Rajasthan today

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:51:22 +0530

Rape convict Bitti Mohanty will be taken by the Rajasthan Police back to Rajasthan on Tuesday. Mohanty was sent to 10-day police custody on Monday. He had jumped parole in 2006 while serving a seven-year sentence in Alwar in Rajasthan on charges of raping a German tourist.

Did India let Italian marines get away with murder?

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 07:52:50 +0530

India and Italy are set for a diplomatic stand-off after the Italian government refused to send back the two marines charged with the murder of Indian fishermen in Kerala. The Ministry of External Affairs is still processing the statement from Italy.

Father of Bitti Mohanty refuses to speak to media

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:59:02 +0530

Former Odisha DGP BB Mohanty, father of rape convict Bitti Mohanty, has been holed up inside his house and has refused to come and speak to the media. Mohanty had denied allegations that he has been helping his son run from the law for the past seven years.

Kannur residents still coming to terms with Mohanty's identity

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:45:07 +0530

Bitti Mohanti, the rape convict arrested after being on the run for seven years, has been sent to 10-day police custody and will be taken by the Kerala police to Rajasthan on Tuesday. Meanwhile, residents of Kannur, who knew him as Raghav Rajan, are still coming to terms with the reality.

Rape convict Bitti Mohanty was an exemplary student, says college official

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 05:10:40 +0530

Krishna Kumar, Director of Education of Chinmaya Institute of Technology, where the rape convict Bitti Mohanty received his MBA degree, said Mohanty was an exemplary student and was an affable person.

Rape convict Bitti Mohanty sent to 10-day police custody

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 03:53:29 +0530

Rape convict Bitti Mohanty was on Monday sent to 10-day police custody after being produced at a local court in Kannur, Kerala. Bitti was sentenced to seven years imprisonment on charges of raping a German tourist whom he had befriended in 2005, in Alwar, Rajasthan. However, he jumped parole in 2006 and was on the run for seven years. On Saturday, the rape convict was arrested in Kerala.

Suryanelli gangrape: HC seeks statement on cases against Kurien

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:59:41 +0530

Kerala High Court on Monday directed the state government to file a statement regarding details of cases filed by the Suryanelli rape victim against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien before the magistrate and higher courts. The direction in this regard was issued by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and justice Vinod Chandran on a PIL filed by Kamala Sadanandan, General Secretary of Kerala Mahila Sangam, a wing of the CPI.

India's biggest shopping mall opens in Kochi

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:22:10 +0530

Billed as India's biggest shopping mall, the Lulu Shopping Mall was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in Kochi on Sunday. Built at a cost of over Rs 1,600 crore, the mall is spread over 2.5 million square feet of space and is owned by EMKE group of United Arab Emirates (UAE) businessman MA Yousuf Ali, who hails from Kerala.

Rape convict Bitti Mohanty to be produced in court on Monday

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:29:15 +0530

Former Odisha DG BB Mohanty is under scrutiny for allegedly aiding his son Bitti Mohanty, a rape convict, while he was absconding. Rama Rao, a former headmaster of a school in Puttaparthy, Andhra Pradesh, where Bitti worked under a false name while he was on the run, claims he had a regular visitor who he can identify as BB Mohanty.

Bitti Mohanty: Rajasthan Police team to leave for Kerala on Monday

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 05:17:11 +0530

A police team from Jaipur will fly to Kerala on Monday to identify and take into custody Bitti Mohanty, who jumped parole in 2006 after being convicted for raping a German woman.

Trail of deception: How loopholes in the system helped Mohanty assume new identity

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 09:53:31 +0530

For seven years, rape convict Bitti Mohanty hoodwinked the police. Since he jumped parole, Mohanty, the son of former Orissa DGP BB Mohanty, has remained incommunicado. His arrest in Kerala where he was working in a bank under a false name, highlights how the loopholes in the system helped him assume a completely new identity.

Ex-employer says Mohanty was frequently visited by father

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 05:34:32 +0530

Even as Rajasthan Police prepares to seek custody of rape convict Bitti Mohanty two days after he was arrested in Kerala, the role of his father, former Orissa DGP BB Mohanty, has come under suspicion. BB Mohanty had consistently maintained he did not know Bitti's whereabouts, but a former headmaster at Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh, who employed Bitti at his school, said a man used to visit the convict frequently.

AP: Bitti Mohanty's stay in Puttaparthi under the scanner, police to help Kerala Police

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 10:56:43 +0530

Rape convict Bitti Mohanti's stay in Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh and how he got MBA degree and a bank's job is also under the scanner.

Bitti Mohanty sent to judicial custody, Rajasthan Police may seek a transit remand

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 08:50:30 +0530

Two days after rape convict Bitti Mohanty was arrested in Kerala, a team of Rajasthan Police officials will reach Kannur by Sunday evening to seek his custody. Bitti was sent to 14 days judicial custody in Kerala.

Rajasthan police team heads to Kerala for Bitti's custody

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 11:20:59 +0530

Armed with an arrest warrant, a state police team is heading to Kerala to take custody of Bitti Mohanty, the convict in rape of a German national in Rajasthan who was arrested nearly seven years after jumping bail.

Kerala: Rape convict Bitti Mohanty jailed for 14 days

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 07:42:52 +0530

Nearly seven years after he jumped bail while serving a seven-year sentence for raping a German national in Rajasthan, absconder Bitti Mohanty from Odisha was on Saturday arrested by Kerala police and remanded to judicial custody. Son of former Odisha DGP BB Mohanty, Bitti had been working as a Probationary Officer in a public sector bank here for the last three years impersonating as "Raghav Raja" from Andhra Pradesh, police said.

How did rape convict Bitti Mohanty manage to evade arrest for 7 years?

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 07:08:55 +0530

The long arm of the law finally caught up to rape convict Bitti Mohanty. The son of the former Odisha DG BB Mohanty, Bitti, was arrested in Kannur, Kerala, on Saturday, seven years after he was convicted of raping a German national in Jaipur.

Arrested man is Bitti Mohanty, says Kerala Home Minister

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 10:32:38 +0530

Bitti Mohanty was convicted of raping a German tourist in 2006 and has been absconding since 2006 when he jumped parole.

Scared of mingling with women: Cong MP Sudhakaran

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:25:50 +0530

Known for making controversial comments, Congress MP K Sudhakaran was at it again on International Women's Day on Friday, stating that under the prevailing situation it was difficult for men to move around without being scared of women.

India talks: 'No decline in crimes against women'

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 05:44:11 +0530

Women in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, said that if women wanted to see the change they wished to see, they needed to make it happen.

Family restrained by church: Suryanelli victim's mother

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 01:55:30 +0530

The mother of the Suryanelli gangrape victim on Friday alleged that her family members had been restrained from attending the church by the Vicar of their parish in view of recent developments in the 1996 case. The church, however, refuted the charge maintaining that no ban of any kind had been imposed on anyone from coming to the church and saying prayers or attending the mass.

Kerala minor rape: Culprits identified, says govt

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:44:23 +0530

The culprits behind the rape of a three-year old girl at Tirur in this district had been identified and would be nabbed very soon, Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said on Thursday. In a brief interaction with mediapersons, the Home Minister said the police probe into the incident was progressing satisfactorily and that all out efforts are being made to nab the culprits.

Kerala: Unidentified men kidnap, rape 3-year-old girl

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 03:07:08 +0530

In a horrific incident, a three-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by some unidentified persons and later abandoned near a building in Tirur, police said on Wednesday.

Kerala: Husband, mother-in-law burn woman's private parts in a bid to abort baby

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:51:02 +0530

In a shocking incident, a pregnant woman near here was allegedly made to drink water mixed with chilly powder and her private parts burnt using fire logs and cigarette butts by her husband and mother-in-law after she refused to go in for an abortion as demanded by him.

Pakistan has become a Jurassic park: Justice Katju

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:20:22 +0530

PCI chief Markandey Katju on Monday likened Pakistan to Jurassic Park, saying violence and deaths are being reported everyday due to inherent faults in that country's formation. Delivering the second Rajiv Gandhi memorial lecture organised by the Institute of Parliamentary Affairs here, he said the commotion in that country was the natural consequence of setting up a theocratic state.

Suryanelli gangrape: HC to hear the bail pleas of 17 accused

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 07:49:41 +0530

The Kerala High Court will hear the bail pleas of 17 accused in the Suryanelli gangrape case on Monday. A day after a local court rejected the survivor's plea for a re-investigation into the alleged involvement of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien.

Suryanelli rape: Kerala court rejects plea against Kurien

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 04:29:09 +0530

Even as the Kerala High Court was yet to decide on a PIL seeking orders to make Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien an accused in the 1996 Suryanelli gangrape case, a lower court in the state has backed him saying there were no grounds to accept a case against him.

Kerala MPs seeks PM's help to get more budgetary allocation

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 02:35:49 +0530

Alleging negligence towards Kerala in the rail budget, MPs from the state's ruling Congress-led UDF on Friday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and sought his intervention to get an improved budgetary allocation.

Budget evokes mixed response amongst Kerala industrialists

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 07:34:28 +0530

The Budget presented by Finance Minister P Chidambaram evoked a mixed response amongst the leading industrialists and bankers of Kerala. At least 30 odd industrialists participated in the budget viewing session organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) here.

Suryanelli case: No evidence against Kurien, says Kamal Nath

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 02:45:45 +0530

The government stood firmly behind Congress leader and Rajya Sabha deputy Chairman PJ Kurien as the Suryanelli rape case came up for debate in the House. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said that no evidence had been found Kurien by the investigating agencies and that the lawyer who represented the rape survivor in the Supreme Court had said that no case could be made against him.

Kerala: 'Kochi Metro rail a reality in three years'

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:21:09 +0530

The Kochi Metro rail project would be completed in three years if various issues like strikes and labour problem in Kerala are avoided, principal advisor to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation E Sreedharan said on Tuesday. "The Metro rail project can be a reality within three years if various issues like strikes, shortage of sand and labour problem are avoided," Sreedharan, also the principal advisor of the Kochi project, said.

Anti-Kurien FB posts: Tharoor defends police action

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:14:36 +0530

Union Minister Shashi Tharoor has reportedly defended police action against 111 people for posting and sharing 'defamatory' remarks against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien in the Suryanelli gangrape case. The Cyber cell of the Kerala Police had filed cases against the Internet users, based on a complaint filed by Kerala Mahila Congress leader Bindu Krishna, who alleged that many of the comments also targeted her.

Woman Congress leader slams those who wrote Facebook posts against Kurien

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 07:50:04 +0530

Even as 111 people were booked for posting Facebook messages against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien, Bindu Krishna, President of Kerala State Mahila Congress attacked them and said, "Someone posted defamatory comment on my social media for defending PJ Kurien. Those comments were against the woman community. My right ends where other person right starts. No one should be harassed in the name of right."

Suryanelli gangrape: Bail hearing of 14 accused postponed

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:20:58 +0530

The Kerala High Court on Monday posted till March 4 the bail hearing of 14 of the 36 accused in the Suryanelli gangrape case. The bail pleas had come up for hearing on Monday following an order from the Supreme Court. The list of the accused, however, does not include Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien.

Suryanelli rape: Case against 111 people for FB posts on Kurien

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:42:00 +0530

A case was filed against 111 people on Monday for defamatory remarks against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien on Facebook over the Suryanelli gangrape case. Bindu Krishna, a Mahila Congress leader in Kerala, had filed a complaint with the cyber cell of the Kerala Police against the defamatory comments.

Suryanelli gangrape: HC to hear bail pleas of 14 accused

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:43:49 +0530

Following an order from the Supreme Court on the Suryanelli gangrape case, the Kerala High Court will start hearing the bail pleas of 14 of the 36 accused on Monday. The list does not include Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien as he is not an accused in the case.

Kerala doctor invents syringe that can't be reused

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 05:24:09 +0530

In a major breakthrough, a doctor in Kerala has developed a cheap, effective and eco-friendly medical syringe that can never be reused.

Suryanelli gangrape: Survivor writes to police against Kurien

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 05:35:32 +0530

Suryanelli gangrape survivor, who had filed a fresh police complaint against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien, has now sent letters to Kottayam and Idukki SPs asking them to register her plea. The survivor, along with her parents, had gone to the Chingavanam police station to file the complaint on Friday, but it was not registered by the Assistant Sub-Inspector stating that the Station House Officer (SHO) and SI were away at a meeting.

Malayalam to soon get classical language status: Chandy

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 03:59:06 +0530

Malayalam is all set to get the status of a classical Indian language, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said on Saturday.

Suryanelli rape: Girl lodges complaint against Kurien

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:32:41 +0530

In a new twist to Suryanelli gangrape case, the survivor on Friday lodged a police complaint insisting that Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien be made an accused. The complaint lodged at Chingavanam police station also sought that Dharmarajan, an absconding convict who had jumped bail in the case and was arrested recently from Karnataka, and two other persons - Unnikrishnan and Jamal, be also arraigned as accused.

Suryanelli rape: Govt asked to probe assault of CPM MP

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 01:22:02 +0530

Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari on Friday directed the government to probe the alleged "manhandling" of CPI-M member TN Seema by Delhi Police during a protest demanding removal of Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien who is facing charges in the Suryanelli rape case.

Fishermen killing: SC permits marines to travel to Italy

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:51:41 +0530

The Supreme Court on Friday permitted the two Italian marines in a Kerala jail to travel to their country for four weeks. The duo, accused of shooting dead two Indian fishermen off the Kochi coast, had approached the apex court seeking permission to travel to their country to participate in the Parliamentary elections there.

Kamal Nath to make statement on Kurien issue in RS on Friday

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 05:45:12 +0530

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath will on Friday make a statement in the Rajya Sabha on the allegations levied against PJ Kurien in connection with the Suryanelli gangrape case.

Strike enters second day, Kerala still paralysed

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:28:27 +0530

Normal life in Kerala was paralysed as the two-day nationwide strike called by Central trade unions entered the second day on Thursday with workers from most sectors ranging from transport to banking keeping away from work.

Bharat bandh: Strike disrupts normal life in Kerala

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 10:07:47 +0530

The 48-hour nationwide strike called by central trade unions hit normal life across Kerala on Wednesday with workers from varied sectors, including transport and banking, staying away from work to protest the UPA government's economic and labour policies.

Cauvery water dispute: Deadline to notify tribunal today

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 09:37:03 +0530

The deadline for the Centre to notify the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal Award ends on Wednesday. After the notification, the future sharing of water among all Cauvery basin states, which are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, will be based on the final award. Currently, water sharing is based on the interim award of the Tribunal.

Kerala girl who thrashed men for verbal abuse faces court case

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 02:26:04 +0530

A college girl who hit the headlines by kicking and punching molesters recently has landed in trouble with the city police registering a case against her based on a local court order.

Suryanelli rape: PJ Kurien issues defence statement

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:14:36 +0530

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien on Tuesday released a defence in connection with the Suryanelli gangrape case, with just two days to go for the Budget Session in Parliament. Referring to the Supreme Court judgement which cleared him, he said that his name was not even in the FIR filed in the case.

Fishermen death: Italian marines want to return to Italy for polls

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 03:15:57 +0530

The two Italian marines in a Kerala jail want to travel to Italy to cast their votes in january elections. They have sought permission to travel to Italy and the matter will be heard on Friday.

Kerala: Man installs camera in neighbour's bathroom, arrested

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:40:39 +0530

A 44-year-old electrician has been arrested for allegedly installing a hidden camera in a water heater he had fixed in his neighbour's bathroom. The electrician, identified as Reghunath, installed the miniature camera inside the heater's altometer box to capture images from the bathroom, police said.

Cong silent on leaders demeaning Suryanelli rape survivor: Brinda Karat

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 02:04:33 +0530

There is furore over comments by Congress MP K Sudhakar against the Suryanelli gangrape survivor. K Sudhakaran has been criticised after he reportedly called her a prostitute.

Cong MP calls Suryanelli rape survivor a prostitute

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 08:29:03 +0530

There is furore over comments by a Congress MP against the Suryanelli gangrape case survivor. Congress MP K Sudhakaran has been criticised after he reportedly called the survivor a prostitute. He made the controversial comment during a press conference in Muscat.

Suryanelli rape: Cong MP's comment on victim kicks up row

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 06:45:52 +0530

With Congress leadership under pressure over allegation against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien in connection with the Suryanelli gangrape case, a party MP in the state has kicked up a row by making insulting comments on the rape victim.

Suryanelli rape: Absconding convict sent to sub-jail

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 07:00:45 +0530

Dharmarajan, the absconding convict in the Suryanelli gangrape case who was arrested from Karnataka, was sent to the sub-jail in Kottayam by the District and Sessions Judge before whom he was produced on Saturday.

Suryanelli case: Dharmarajan produced in court

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 01:45:43 +0530

Dharmarajan, the absconding convict in the Suryanelli gangrape case who was arrested from Karnataka, was sent to the sub-jail here by the District and Sessions Judge before whom he was produced on Saturday. The third accused in the 17-year-old case, Dharmarajan was arrested Friday by a special team of Kerala Police, three days after his interview to a Malayalam TV channel from an undisclosed location, wherein he alleged that Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien was involved in the case as charged by the victim.

Kerala CM rules out re-investigation in Suryanelli rape case

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 05:59:59 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy on Friday ruled out re-investigation in the Suryanelli gangrape case. The state government had on Wednesday received legal opinions that there was no need to re-investigate the case as the victim was repeating the charge she had earlier raised and there was nothing in her new revelation.

Suryanelli case: Key convict Dharmarajan taken into custody

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:09:05 +0530

The third accused in the Suryanelli rape case, SS Dharmarajan, was taken into custody by a special team of the Kerala police on Friday. Dharmarajan was arrested from an undisclosed location in Karnataka and will be brought to the special court in Kotayam where he will be presented before the magistrate. Dharmarajan, who was granted bail in 2005, had been absconding since then.

Suryanelli gangrape: Is Cong trying hard to defend Kurien?

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 07:51:25 +0530

Just as the Congress party prepares to defend Rajya Sabha MP PJ Kurien in the Suryanelli gangrape case, it faced yet another embarrassment in Kerala. This time around, it was Union Minister Vayalar Ravi who made some sexist comments to a female journalist. When she asked him about Kurien, Ravi's response was shocking. In the video, he was seen asking the reporter if she has had a personal problem with Kurien.

Protests over Vayalar Ravi's sexist remarks

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 02:05:56 +0530

There is outrage in Kerala after Union Minister Vayalar Ravi was caught on video making a personal swipe at a female reporter who wanted his reaction to Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien's alleged involvement in the Suryanelli gangrape case.

Vayalar Ravi seen making sexist remarks at a female reporter

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:09:20 +0530

There was an outrage in Kerala after Union Minister Vayalar Ravi was caught on video making a personal swipe at a female reporter who wanted his reaction on PJ Kurien's alleged involvement in the 1996 Suryanelli gangrape case.

After chicken curry, Kerala prisoners to make cakes

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:20:56 +0530

After netting a handsome revenue of Rs 6.75 crore in nine months through food-making venture, prisons in Kerala are planning to diversify into more products like cakes, 'pappad' and footwear with an aim of fruitfully engaging prisoners and selling these items to the common man at affordable prices.

Suryanelli gangrape: Ex-investigating officer backs Kurien

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 07:23:01 +0530

Former Investigating Officer in the Suriyanelli gangrape case K Ittoop on Wednesday backed Rajya Sabha Deputy chairman PJ Kurien, saying he was not involved in the infamous case that continues to haunt the Congress politician since the past 17 years. Ittoop, who headed the investigation team in the case before Sibi Mathews took over, told reporters here that Kurien was not involved in the case.

Suryanelli: Kurien's wife rubbishes rape charge against him

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:17:18 +0530

Amid growing clamour for resignation of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien in the Suryanelli gangrape case, his wife has rubbished the allegations against him and said those hurling "malicious charges" never bothered to appreciate sentiments of her family.

Suryanelli: Special team set up to trace absconding convict

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 01:31:17 +0530

Kerala Police has set up a special team to trace and arrest the absconding convict in the Suryanelli gangrape case, who appeared on a Malayalam TV channel alleging that Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien was involved in the case, as claimed by the victim. The four-member team has left for Karnataka from where Dharmarajan purportedly gave the interview to the channel on Monday and made the startling claim.

Kurien writes to Sonia on allegations against him in Suryanelli case

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:45:07 +0530

Caught with allegations in the Suryanelli gangrape case, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien has written to Congress President Sonia Gandhi. He has said that the allegations on him in the Suryanelli gangrape case are political vendetta.

Suryanelli: Petition filed against Justice Basant

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:05:15 +0530

A petition seeking sanction to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against former judge of Kerala High Court R Basant, whose controversial remarks on Suryanelli rape case victim has sparked off protests, was filed before the state Advocate General.

Suryanelli: Will go by court verdict on Kurien, says Cong

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 07:07:31 +0530

A day after Congress leader from Kerala, PC Chacko, said that the party would formulate its stand on the demand for removal of PJ Kurien as the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman before the Budget Session of Parliament commences, the party on Monday distanced itself from the statement saying the decision would be taken by court hearing the Suryanelli gangrape case. Since Kurien's name figured in the case, demand for his sacking has been growing in Kerala.

Suryanelli: LDF protests ex-judge's comments

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 02:45:42 +0530

Controversial comments by former Kerala High Court judge R Basant about Suryanelli gangrape case on Monday echoed in the state Assembly with the government rejecting LDF demand for registering a criminal case against him following which the Opposition staged a walk out.

Suryanelli gangrape: 'PJ Kurien was never made a part of test parade'

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:50:51 +0530

In what may spell serious trouble for Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien, one of the convicts in the Suryanelli gangrape case has claimed that he was actually involved in the case. The third convict in the case SS Dharmarajan made the revelation while speaking to a local television channel from an undisclosed location.

Suryanelli gangrape: More trouble for Kurien as PC Chacko speaks against him

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 06:30:52 +0530

Amidst growing calls for the removal, more trouble is piling on for Rajya sabha deputy chairman PJ Kurien in the Suryanelli gangrape case. Kurien's own party spokesperson PC Chacko has now spoken out against him, saying the Congress party will take a decision on him before the Budget Session. The rape survivor has demanded that Kurien be made an accused in the case.

Let the law take its course: Antony on Suryanelli gangrape

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 02:20:14 +0530

Declining to be carried away by the clamour for removal of PJ Kurien as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman facing charges over the Suryanelli gang rape case, Defence Minister and senior Congress leader AK Antony on Sunday said "let law take its own course".

Kerala: Teen girl found abandoned after being 'tortured'

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:38:50 +0530

A 15-year-old girl from Tamil Nadu was found abandoned in an exhausted condition after being allegedly raped by her lover and at least two others at nearby Kottarakkara on Sunday, police said.

Groupism in party should not cross Lakshman rekha: Antony

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 09:14:09 +0530

Defence Minister and senior Congress leader AK Antony on Sunday emphasised the need to control groupism in the state unit and work unitedly for the party's success in the coming Parliament election in 2014.

Cong to take call on Kurien before Budget Session: Chacko

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 03:11:43 +0530

Amidst growing calls for the removal of Deputy Chariman of Rajya Sabha PJ Kurien, Congress spokesperson and Kurien's colleague from Kerala, PC Chacko has said the party will take a decision on his removal before the Budget Session.

Suryanelli gangrape: Judge's controversial remarks spark protests

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 06:43:35 +0530

The High Court Judge who acquitted the 35 accused in the Suryanelli gangrape case, was caught on camera making a controversial statement, saying the survivor was used for child prostitution and not raped. The sting operation has led to massive protests in Kerala. The survivor is now planning to take the judge to court.

Suryanelli: Ex-judge says girl was used for prostitution

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 09:44:29 +0530

Stoking controversy, a former Kerala High Court judge on Saturday defended his judgement acquitting 35 accused in the Suryanelli gangrape case, in which Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien was allegedly involved, saying the victim was used for child prostitution and not raped. "There was ample evidence to show the girl was used for child prostitution, which is not rape," Justice R Basant, part of a two-judge bench that acquitted the accused in 2005, was shown as saying on a Malayalam TV channel.

10-ft-long cobra caught from Kerala Assembly complex

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 02:23:24 +0530

A 10-feet-long cobra has been caught from the library of the Kerala Assembly complex here by a snake-catcher after the staff alerted him about the presence of the deadly reptile in the place frequented by lawmakers.

Suryanelli rape case: Brinda Karat submits memo to V-P against Kurien

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 07:20:35 +0530

The pressure is mounting on Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien. CPM MP Brinda Karat has submitted a memorandum against him to Vice President Hamid Ansari. Kurien, however, has ruled out resigning. In an interview to CNN-IBN, the Congress MP remained defiant despite demands of a fresh probe against him in the 17-year-old Suryanelli gangrape case.

Suryanelli gangrape: Kurien remains defiant, says won't resign

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:19:21 +0530

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman and Congress MP PJ Kurien remained defiant amid fresh calls to re-investigate him in the Suryanelli gangrape case. Kurien has alleged that the girl was being used by political opponents to settle scores.

Opponents using Suryanelli rape survivor: Kurien

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 04:49:20 +0530

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson and Congress MP PJ Kurien on Friday ruled out his resignation following allegations of his involvement in the 1996 Suryanelli gangrape case. Speaking to CNN-IBN the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson said, "There is no question of stepping down from my position."

Suryanelli rape: Cong under pressure to act against Kurien

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 03:09:00 +0530

The Congress is under immense pressure to act against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien as the demand for his resignation has grown with him being implicated in the 1996 Suryanelli gangrape case. Adding to the Congress's woes, the key witness KS Rajan, whose testimony was key to Kurien's acquittal, has retracted his statement.

Suryanelli rape: More trouble for Kurien, witness retracts statement

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 01:18:30 +0530

There has been a dramatic twist in the 1996 Suryanelli rape case in which Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman PJ Kurien has been implicated. KS Rajan, a key witness whose testimony was key to Kurien's acquittal, has now retracted his statement. Rajan has now said that his statement that placed Kurien away from the scene of the rape was not recorded correctly. "My friends took me to the bank and very casually asked if I had not met him there or not on that day. I said yes, which is all I said, nothing to protect him," Rajan said.

Kurien seeks appointment with Sonia as demand for his removal grows

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:13:57 +0530

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien has sought time to meet Congress President Sonia Gandhi. The attempt to meet Sonia Gandhi comes hours after the Suryanelli rape victim's mother wrote to Sonia asking her to intervene in the interest of justice for her daughter.

Suryanelli rape survivor's mother asks Sonia to sack Kurien

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 06:25:29 +0530

The mother of the Suryanelli rape survivor has written to Congress president Sonia Gandhi demanding the removal of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien. The development came even as the Kerala Assembly was adjourned once again on Thursday after the Opposition staged a walkout over the issue.

Suryanelli rape: Oppn walks out of Kerala Assembly

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:02:22 +0530

The Kerala Assembly was adjourned for the second time this week on Thursday over the Opposition's uproar following the Suryanelli rape controversy. The Opposition walked out of the assembly after allegations that women MLAs of the LDF were beaten up by the police.

Cong treads cautiously in Suryanelli gangrape case

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:40:39 +0530

Congress on Wednesday reacted cautiously on the demand for resignation of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien and a fresh probe into his alleged involvement in the Suryanelli gangrape case. "Party will consider what are the allegations and how serious are the charges and then will take a view (on the matter)," a senior party leader said requesting anonymity.

Suryanelli rape: CPI(M) calls for Kurien's resignation

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 02:27:30 +0530

Calls for the resignation of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien are increasing. The Opposition in Kerala, where Kurien hails from, has held demonstrations outside the state assembly asking for his resignation.

Kerala: Zoology professor builds homes for poor

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:00:27 +0530

Dr M S Sunil is a zoology professor at the Catholicate College in Kerala's small town of Pathanamthitta but what she does is much more than just teaching. It started a few years ago when she decided to build a home for one one of her students who lived in very shanty conditions. What started off as a solo effort has now grown into what many call the M S foundation.

Kerala: Students happy with direct cash transfer scheme

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:15:10 +0530

UPA-II's game changer direct cash transfer scheme is all set to go big across the country. CNN-IBN is taking a look at how its implementation is affecting lives. In the backward districts of Kerala, students are benefitting from it in the form of scholarships, but the tribals there are still apprehensive.

Suryanelli rape survivor's claims politically motivated: Kurien

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:56:31 +0530

Under scrutiny in the Suryanelli gangrape case, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha and Kerala Congressman PJ Kurien has claimed that he was a victim of a political conspiracy. Denying allegations against, Kurien has refused to step down.

Suryanelli gangrape case: Kerala Assembly adjourned

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:31:07 +0530

The Kerala Assembly was adjourned Monday morning after the Opposition shouted slogans against Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who had ruled out a re-investigation into the Suryanelli gangrape case. Chandy had ruled out the re-investigation citing court decisions, which cleared Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien of rape allegations.

Suryanelli rape case: Kerala govt to seek legal opinion

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 10:34:03 +0530

Kerala government on Saturday said it would seek legal opinion on whether a fresh investigation should be conducted into the allegations against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien, in the wake of the woman in the Suryanelli case persisting with her charge of being gangraped.

Suryanelli rape: Victim claims RS Deputy Chairman was one of the rapists

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 08:31:22 +0530

Sixteen years have passed but the Suryanelli rape case continues to shadow PJ Kurien, the deputy speaker of the Rajya Sabha. Troubles resurfaced for the Kerala Congressman after the rape survivor sent a letter to the Supreme Court last week, asking for a review of the apex court's order quashing all charges against Kurien.

Suryanelli rape case: Oomen Chandy defends PJ Kurien

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 07:14:08 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy on Saturday openly backed Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien, an accused in the horrific Suryanelli rape case, saying that he was being dragged into it. "This is an attempt to make a controversy out of an issue that happened 17 years ago. It is extremely unfortunate that PJ Kurien is being dragged into this," said Chandy.

Suryanelli case: SC sets aside verdict that had acquitted 36

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:59:48 +0530

The Supreme Court on Thursday set aside the Kerala High Court verdict in the 1996 Suryanelli rape case that had acquitted 36 accused. The apex court has remanded the gangrape case of a teenaged girl back to the Kerala High Court asking it to take a fresh look at it.

Kerala hails 'Vishwaroopam', says it doesn't hurt sentiments

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 06:20:09 +0530

Kamal Haasan's latest film 'Vishwaroopam' ran into trouble after Muslim groups in Tamil Nadu alleged that its content hurt their sentiments.

I was dropped from politburo for telling truth: VS

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:55:35 +0530

Unfazed by the organisational consequences, CPM stalwart VS Achuthanandan on Wednesday said he was dropped from the party politburo a few years back for telling the truth about a corruption case in which state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan was facing inquiry.

Kochi: Rape accused acquitted after victim turns hostile

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:59:47 +0530

The newly formed Additional District and Sessions court, for trying cases related to sexual atrocities against women and children, on Tuesday acquitted an accused of rape charges after the victim turned hostile. The special court, which was inaugurated by Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir on Sunday here, delivered its first verdict on Tuesday.

Notorious thief 'Bunty Chor' brought to Thiruvananthapuram

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:48:40 +0530

Devinder Singh alias 'Bunty chor', who was arrested in Pune on Saturday, was on Monday brought to the city as he is wanted by Kerala Police in connection with a burglary at an NRI's house last week.

Kamal Haasan fans head to Kerala to watch 'Vishwaroopam'

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 03:55:33 +0530

Kamal Haasan's die-hard fans are travelling to Kerala to watch his mega budget 'Vishwaroopam', which has been banned for two weeks in Tamil Nadu. Eager to view the movie, which released across the globe barring Tamil Nadu on Friday, the fans of the actor-director from here and neighbouring Krishnagiri are travelling to destinations in Kerala such as Thiruvananthapuram, about 500 km from Dharmapuri.

Kerala: Four tourists drown as houseboat capsizes

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 04:44:00 +0530

Four tourist from Tamil Nadu, including a child, drowned in Kerala's Alappuzha district after a houseboat capsized on Saturday. The incident took place at a popular tourist spot of the district, Punnamada lake.

'Vishwaroopam' opens to packed theatres in Kerala, limited screening in Karnataka

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:08:32 +0530

Vishwaroopam', facing a two-week ban in Tamil Nadu, is released in Kerala but its screening was stopped in Hyderabad.

Delhi's infamous 'Bunty Chor' now strikes in Kerala

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:24:16 +0530

Delhi's infamous Bunty Chor, who committed over 500 burglaries across the country, has struck in Kerala, the police said on Wednesday. Devinder Singh, alias Bunty Chor, reportedly broke into a high security home with latest electronic surveillance devices in the early hours of January 21 and drove off with a brand new SUV worth Rs 28 lakh, a laptop and two mobile phones.

Chandrasekharan murder: Trial stayed against 15 accused

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 06:07:21 +0530

Kerala High Court on Monday stayed the trial against 15 accused, including KK Rageesh, MLA and CPI(M) state committee member, in the case relating to the murder of Revolutionary Marxist Party leader TP Chandrasekharan. Justice VK Mohanan issued the order while admitting the plea of the 15 accused.

'India has jurisdiction to try Italian marines for fishermen deaths'

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 01:56:31 +0530

India has jurisdiction to try two Italian marines charged with killing two fishermen, India's Supreme Court said in a long-awaiting ruling on Friday, setting the stage for a criminal trial that could further sour ties between India and Italy.

Fishermen deaths: Special court will try Italian marines, says SC

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:15:46 +0530

In a major setback to the two Italian marines accused of shooting dead two Kerala fishermen in February last year, the Supreme Court on Friday said that the duo will be tried in a special court under the Chief Justice of India.

SC ruling on Italian marines' petition today

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 06:31:02 +0530

The Supreme Court on Friday will pronounce its judgement on the petition filed by two Italian marines who are facing trial for shooting dead two Indian fishermen off Kollam coast.

Court to consider Achuthananda's petition in February

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 01:05:22 +0530

A court on Thursday posted to February 5 a petition by Opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly VS Achuthanandan seeking to hear his views while considering the report into the allegations by KA Rauf, a businessman, in the ice cream parlour sex scandal case.

Are women more safe now?

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 06:22:07 +0530

One month after Delhi gangrape, has the city become any safe for women. Is the situation still vulnerable for women or the situation has changed more or less. Lets listen what public has to say on it!

Tharoor's plea to quash proceedings turned down

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 04:03:16 +0530

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday declined Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor's plea to quash a case against him for allegedly insulting the national anthem and directed him to approach the trial court for discharge. Disposing of the petition, Justice VK Mohanan directed Tharoor to approach the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate court for discharge and granted him time till Febuary 16 to move the trial court.

Armyman's wife files plea to produce 'missing' husband

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 06:10:19 +0530

An armyman's wife has filed a habeas corpus petition in the Kerala High Court seeking a direction to the Defence Security Corps to produce her "missing" husband, who she claimed was a whistleblower and was detained for informing higher ups about corruption in the DSC.

Woman helps patients with incurable bone disease lead normal life

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:04:31 +0530

Latha Nair in Kerala is making a difference by helping patients suffering from an incurable genetic bone disease lead a normal life. Along with her friend, her organisation, Amrithavarshini is helping hundreds of patients today.

Kochi: 11th Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas to end today

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:35:25 +0530

The 11th edition of the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas will end on Wednesday in Kochi with a valedictory address from President Pranab Mukherjee. The president will also present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards.

Suryanelli case: 16-yr-old raped by over 40 men awaits justice

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 08:45:47 +0530

It has been a 16-year long wait for justice in the Suryanelli rape case that rocked Kerala, where a girl was raped by over 40 men. The victim's father says, "Till date I didn't get any justice from anybody. So I boldly go after justice. I will fight till my last breath."

Full text: PM's address at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:59:49 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday addressed over 2,000 delegates at the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi.

Kochi: PM to address NRIs at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 08:54:09 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will formally inaugurate the global NRI meet Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi on Tuesday. Over 2,000 delegates are expected to participate in the three-day event that started in Kochi on Monday. The theme this year is 'Engaging Diaspora - The Indian Growth Story.'

Three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas kicks off in Kochi

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 12:56:44 +0530

The three-day 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) which kicked off in Kochi early Monday is the biggest ever held in the country, a Kerala minister has said. Minister for Diaspora KC Joseph said they are delighted by the response from the people as the event saw more than 2,000 registrations.

Kerala a front runner for IIT: Union HRD Minister

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 01:54:21 +0530

Kerala was the front runner for IIT, Union HRD Minister Pallam Raju on January 6 said. In the 11th plan, some IITs were granted. They were in various stages of progress. "We need to consolidate and definitely we will look into new requests and I think definitely Kerala is the front runner", he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here when asked about the state's long plea for IIT.

PM Manmohan Singh to release stamp on Gadar movement

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 07:28:23 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will formally inaugurate the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here on January 8 and release a stamp on the Gadar movement reflecting the saga of courage of overseas Indians who became trail blazers of the freedom struggle.

Centre gets till Jan 31 to decide on Cauvery water award

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 02:45:09 +0530

The Supreme Court on Friday gave the central government time till January 31 to decide whether it would notify the decision of the water resources ministry accepting the Cauvery Water Tribunal award on the sharing of Cauvery river water.

Achuthanandan rejects party charge against personal aides

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 01:06:11 +0530

In a virtual rejection of CPM state committee's charge against his three personal aides, party stalwart VS Achuthanandan asserted they had not done anything wrong warranting expulsion.

Italian marines return to Kochi

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:25:13 +0530

The two Italian marines, jailed for the deaths of the Kerala fishermen, have returned to Kerala Friday morning as directed by the High Court. They were permitted to go home to celebrate Christmas in Italy. The marines will be appearing in court on Friday.

Italian marines likely to return to Kerala today

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 01:45:49 +0530

Putting an end to all speculations, the two Italian marines, allowed relaxation in bail conditions to fly back home to celebrate Christmas, are scheduled to arrive in Kochi on Friday morning, their lawyer said.

Man arrested for raping 6-year-old daughter for 6 months

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:23:42 +0530

A 40-year-old man, who was booked last month for allegedly raping his six-year-old daughter continuously for six months in Aluva area, was on Thursday arrested.

Police probe into fake pictures of Delhi braveheart

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 09:38:54 +0530

Kerala police's cyber wing has begun a probe into the uploading of the photograph of an engineering student from the state on a social networking site claiming it as the picture of the Delhi braveheart. The Hitech Inquiry Cell of the police started investigations after getting a complaint from the Kerala girl's father who said the matter had caused distress and pain to his daughter.

Kerala: Man gets death for raping, killing class 10 student

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 04:55:33 +0530

The Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court on Thursday awarded death sentence to Rajesh Kumar, who was convicted of raping and killing a young girl on March 6, 2012. The case concerned the murder of a class 10 student by an autorickshaw driver, Rajesh Kumar.

Kerala girl's photo used on Facebook as that of Delhi braveheart

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:32:13 +0530

The father of a girl whose photograph was circulated on social networking sites including Facebook as that of the 23-year-old paramedical student who was brutally gangraped by six men in a bus in Delhi on December 16, 2012, has filed a complaint with the cyber cell of Kerala Police. The girl in the photo belongs to Kerala and a family friend her father that her photo was being shared on Facebook.

2008 B'lore blasts: Kerala govt concerned about Madani's health

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:51:31 +0530

Abdul Nasser Madani, an accused in the 2008 Bangalore blast, is currently at a Bangalore jail facing trial. But his deteriorating health is becoming a political issue with his family claiming the state is denying him treatment, prompting the Kerela Chief Minister to fly to Karnataka to meet his counterpart.

Prayers for Ajmal Kasab at mosque: Police launch probe

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 07:20:16 +0530

Police have launched an investigation into the offering of prayers at a mosque in Kochi for Ajmal Kasab, who was hanged on November 21 for carrying out the Mumbai terror attack in 2008. The prayers were reportedly offered by an imam on November 23 after the Friday namaz at the mosque at nearby Trikkakara.

Kerala: Five NCC cadets drown in Periyar river

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 03:15:29 +0530

Five National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets drowned in the Periyar river in Kerala on Wednesday morning. The cadets had gone to participate in the Malayattoor trekking camp. The cadets are reportedly from Delhi.

Kerala: Two years on, rape victim's mother awaits justice

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 09:27:02 +0530

A brutal rape that had led to outrage in Kerala resulted in the fast-track court awarding the accused a death sentence. But two years later, CNN-IBN travelled to Thrissur to find out if justice has been done and whether things have changed.

Kerala: Diamond trader killed for Rs 300 crore jewels

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 07:47:31 +0530

A diamond trader who claimed to have hailed from a royal family was killed in Thiruvananthapuram while trying to trade precious stones worth hundreds of crores. Harihara Varma, was founded murdered in his friend's house on Monday afternoon.

Crime against women: Kerala sets up all-woman police team

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 05:00:07 +0530

Kerala government has decided to setup an all-woman police team to tackle cases of attack on women and ensure their speedy trial under a Inspector General of Police.

Italian marines leave for home

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 01:50:23 +0530

The Italians also executed Rs 6 crore bank guarantee as directed by the Kerala high court on Thursday allowing them to leave for two weeks.

Kerala court releases passports of Italian marines

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 04:41:11 +0530

Setting the stage for their return to Italy for Christmas, a local court on Friday released the passports of the two Italian marines, facing murder charges in Kerala, after they made an unconditional undertaking that they would return to the state by January 10.

Jaya urges PM to notify Cauvery Tribunal's final order

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 02:47:10 +0530

Citing an order of the apex court, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday urged Prime Minister Mammohan Singh to expedite the notification of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's final order before the end of this month.

Italian marines allowed to go home for Christmas

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 03:42:32 +0530

The Kerala High Court ruled that the two Italian Marines charged with the killing of two Indian fishermen off the coast of Kerala in February can be allowed to go home for Christmas.

Italian marines row kept Kerala in news in 2012

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:11:57 +0530

In another big news the Congress-led UDF government of Oommen Chandy won two assembly by-elections held during the year.

Kerala opposes Italians Marines' plea

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 05:06:40 +0530

The Kerala government on Tuesday opposed in the High Court the plea by two Italian marines, accused of killing two Indian fishermen in February, to facilitate their visit to Italy for Christmas, saying it would "torpedo" the trial even as the Centre's response was sought by Wednesday.

Kerala tackles rising rice prices amid Oppn fire

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 04:59:07 +0530

Even as the Congress-led government in Kerala tries hard to bring down skyrocketing prices of rice, Left parties have decided to take on the government over the issue.

Kerala: Girl raped by brother, friend for 2 years

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 03:27:14 +0530

In yet another incident of sexual abuse of minors by their family members in Kerala, a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her brother and his friend over the last two years. Both of them, hailing from Pavoor in Kasargod district, have been taken into custody, police said.

Italian defence minister visits marines in India

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 03:48:56 +0530

Italy's Defence Minister Giampaolo Di Paolo on Sunday visited two Italian marines accused of killing two fishermen off the coast of Kerala, stepping up pressure to allow the men home for Christmas after the case flared into a diplomatic spat. The sailors, members of a military security team protecting the cargo ship Enrica Lexie from pirate attacks, open fired on a fishing boat they mistook for a pirate craft in February. The killings of the unarmed fishermen triggered outrage in India.

Fishermen killing: 'Italy respects the Indian Supreme Court'

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 03:37:12 +0530

The Italian Defence Minister met the two marines facing criminal trial over the killing of two Kerala fishermen in Kochi early on Sunday.

Fishermen killing: Italian Defence Minister arrives in Kochi

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 08:48:24 +0530

Italian Defence Minister Giampaolo Di Paola arrived in Kochi on Saturday night to meet the two Italian marines who are facing criminal trial in a Kerala court in connection with the shooting to death of two Indian fishermen off the state's coast in February.

Kochi: Father, step-father rape 17-year-old

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 02:59:17 +0530

In yet another shocking incident of sexual abuse of minors by their kin in Kerala, a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her father and seven others over an year.

Kerala: Man hacks mother of daughter's lover to death

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 01:46:51 +0530

A middle-aged man hacked to death the mother of his daughter's lover at Punapra within hours of the girl committing suicide after he rejected the young man's plea to marry her, police said. The 17-year-old girl Haitha allegedly committed suicide by hanging, after which her father went to the home of her lover Aneesh and hacked to death his mother, who was alone at the time, they said. The man was later arrested.

Art show 'Biennale' comes to India, Kochi to host event

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 09:20:29 +0530

As the curtains go up at the greatest show of contemporary art around the globe, we realise that this time, the world famous 'Biennale' is happening in God's own country. The spectacular art show has come to India's shores. During the three-month long event, around 80 contemporary artists from 24 countries will showcase their artistic masterpieces.

Kerala to get 266 MW power from Kudankulam plant

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 01:26:52 +0530

Kerala will get 266 MW power from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu when the power plant is commissioned to its full capacity of 2x1000 MW, according to Kerala Electricity Minister Aryadan Muhammad.

Kochi Airport on high alert after bomb threat

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 10:44:04 +0530

Police and CISF personnel are on high alert at the Kochi Airport at nearby Nedumbassery following an anonymous call on Tuesday morning that a bomb had been planted there.

Kochi: India's first Biennale to open on Wednesday

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 10:01:51 +0530

The curtains will go up on the three month long extravaganza of international contemporary visual art -- Kochi-Muzeris Biennale -- on Wednesday when Chief Minister Ooomen Chandy will formally inaugurate the festival, organised in the country for the first time.

Kerala prepares for Christmas cheer

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 03:49:17 +0530

The first signs that Christmas is around the corner in Kerala comes in early December, when the mercury dips slightly. That's when the morning stroll becomes a pleasant experience.

Kerala Assembly pays homage to former PM I K Gujral

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 02:30:46 +0530

The Kerala Assembly was on Monday adjourned after paying tributes to former Prime Minister I K Gujral, who died at a hospital in Gurgaon on November 30.

Kerala: 6-year-old sexually abused by father

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 06:43:25 +0530

In yet another shocker, a six-year-old girl from Kurumpady in Kerala's Ernakulam district was allegedly sexually abused by her 40-year-old father for six months after being forced to drink alcohol. Police have registered a case against the man, who is absconding, following a complaint by the girl's mother that he had been sexually abusing the child for the past six months.

Kerala: Relief for Achuthanandan in land row

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 03:23:16 +0530

Veteran CPM leader V S Achuthanandan, who is the prime accused in a land controversy, on Thursday got reprieve when a single-judge bench of the high court quashed the FIR -- but the state government decided to go in appeal.

Kerala: Discuss Bills in Assembly, says Speaker

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 02:33:03 +0530

Political differences among parties should not prevent them from taking part in discussions on Bills and issues, Kerala assembly Speaker G Karthikeyan said on Wednesday hoping that the session commencing on Dec 10 will be productive.

Kochi Biennale: Afghan uses archaeology to show migration

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:39:31 +0530

Archaeology has become a tool of interactive art for Afghan artist Amanullah Mojadidi, who is working on a multi-media land installation art at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale beginning on Dec 12.

India sets up seaside 'village' to nurture start-ups

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:05:13 +0530

Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Indian information technology giant Infosys, stares out from a wall-to-wall poster in a modern office building near Kochi.

Kerala CM asks PM to impose country-wide ban on gutkha

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:53:03 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh requesting for a country-wide ban on gutkha. Gutkha is banned in 14 states of India and the union territory of Chandigarh.

Kerala tourism pins hopes on Kochi biennale

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:05:55 +0530

The three-month-long Kochi-Muziris Biennale that opens on Dec 12 with an art and music gala will be playing to packed houses in this ancient Kerala city's tourism industry that is currently stagnating.

Kerala: Kochi Biennale to open with M.I.A's performance

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 09:44:42 +0530

Artists and the general audience at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2012 will hear Mathangi Maya Arulpragasam, M.I.A as she is popularly known, perform for the first time in India on Dec 11 at the event's inauguration.

Kerala: Tiger shot dead for creating panic in villages

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 12:04:02 +0530

Weeks after a tiger sparked off panic at a village in Kerala's Wayanad district, a special team has shot it dead. The team comprised sharp shooters and vets from Kerala and Karnataka.

Cochin airport to be first in India to use solar power

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 10:15:04 +0530

Cochin International Airport is set to become the first airport in the country to use solar power for running its utility grid system. A Kolkata-based solar module manufacturing company, Vikram Solar, would be installing a 100 kWp solar power facility at the airport situated at Nedumbassery in Cochin. Giving details of the system, a senior company official said Vikram Solar would design, install and commission the solar photo-voltaic (PV) power system consisting of mounted solar panels.

Kerala CPM cooks food on highways to oppose LPG cap

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:06:51 +0530

The CPM in Kerala on Saturday staged a protest against the central government's decision to cap the number of subsidized LPG cylinders by cooking food at various points along highways in the state.

LPG cap: Higwayside cooking protest in Kerala

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 07:45:04 +0530

In a novel mode of protest against price rise and LPG subsidy cut, thousands of CPI(M) workers, sympathisers and their family members in Kerala on Saturday cooked food on highway sides in the entire stretch of the state to "symbolically express their anguish" at the anti-people policies of the central and state governments.

Kerala: Cleemis returns as the youngest cardinal

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 02:36:48 +0530

Rev Moran Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, head of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church who was elevated as cardinal at a ceremony at the Vatican six days ago, returned on Friday to an impressive welcome.

Kerala: Nurses in govt hospitals can now wear churidar

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 12:21:37 +0530

In a radical departure from over a century old dress code, female nurses in government hospitals in Kerala can now wear 'churidar and overcoat' as their uniform instead of sari.

35,000 bags of garbage collected in Sabarimala clean-up

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:42:25 +0530

As the popularity of the famous Hindu temple at Sabarimala increases with each year, authorities are faced with a huge garbage problem. This year, 35,000 big bags of garbage were taken out from the shrine complex and the foothills in a massive clean-up operation initiated by by the Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt.

Kerala: Man arrested for raping his two minor daughters

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 06:02:55 +0530

In yet another shocker, police in Kerala have arrested a man for allegedly raping his two minor daughters for the past two years. The plight of the two girls, aged 13 and 15, came to light following a complaint by the man's wife, police said.

Kochi: 3-hour flight delay due to non functioning toilets

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:35:38 +0530

An Air India Express Kochi-Abu Dhabi flight was delayed by three hours on Wednesday evening after three toilets were found non functional. All 133 passengers and six crew had boarded the flight when it was found the three toilets were not functioning, AIE sources said.

Kochi Metro: Japanese fact-finding team on two-day visit

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 02:27:07 +0530

A 10-member fact-finding mission from the Japan Investment Corporation Agency (JICA) will arrive on Wednesday to discuss various issues relating to the Kochi Metro Rail project, including planning and technology updating.

Kerala: Rape victim alleges sister killed self for same reason

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:40:48 +0530

The father, brother and uncle of a 13-year-old girl in Kerala have been arrested for allegedly raping her for the past two years. The issue came to light when the girl, who is studying in the eighth standard, refused to go home after school hours. Reports say the girl narrated the incident to her teacher who later informed the police.

Kerala: Roadshow to woo tourists to shopping festival

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 04:42:05 +0530

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi on Monday flagged off a unique roadshow to woo tourists for the forthcoming Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) beginning on Dec 15.

Kerala: 13-year-old raped by father, brother, uncle

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 04:21:01 +0530

The father, brother and an uncle of a 13 year-old girl from nearby Dharmadom in north Kerala's Kannur district have been arrested for allegedly raping the minor for the past two years.

Kerala: Theatre veteran Venukuttan Nair is dead

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 12:14:23 +0530

Noted theatre personality and Malayalam film actor P K Venukuttan Nair died on Monday following a brief illness, family sources said.

Kerala: Father-son spat puts Chandy govt in a spot

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 11:38:03 +0530

'Issues' between K.B. Ganesh Kumar, a cabinet minister, and his father R Balakrishna Pillai, a former cabinet minister and veteran politician, have put Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and his government in a spot.

Kerala: CPM stalwart P Govinda Pillai is dead

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 10:21:37 +0530

Veteran CPM leader P Govinda Pillai passed away in a hospital here after age-related health problems, his family said on Friday. He was 86.

Kerala: CPM bandh against Mani's arrest hits normal life

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 03:21:13 +0530

The dawn-to-dusk hartal called by CPM in Idukki to protest arrest of party leader M M Mani for his refusal to turn up for a polygraph test in connection with a case registered in the wake of his controversial speech, hit normal life in the high range district on Thursday.

Kerala: Technopark phase III nears completion

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 12:22:45 +0530

The state-of-the-art twin tower of one million sq. ft built-up area, the third phase of Technopark, is nearly ready for inauguration. Some of the prominent firms that will be operating from the new tower are HCL, Oracle and CapGemini.

'Kasab's hanging will increase morale of soldiers'

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 05:43:17 +0530

Former NSG Commando PV Maneesh, who had suffered serious head injuries in the Mumbai 26/11 terror attack, said Ajmal Kasab's hanging will increase the "morale and courage" of soldiers who risk their lives to protect the Nation's interests. "Like all Indians, I also feel very happy hearing about his hanging," he said when contacted from Kochi.

Kerala: Mani held for not turning up for polygraph test

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:18:19 +0530

Senior CPM leader M M Mani was on Wednesday arrested for declining to turn up for a polygraph test as part of the probe in connection with his controversial speech in which he said his party had in the past eliminated some of its political rivals in Idukki district.

Kerala: Sabarimala pilgrimage continues amid hiccups

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 02:32:32 +0530

Five days after the Sabarimala pilgrimage season opened, some unsavoury reports about prasadam and fleecing of pilgrims have come in, but administrators say it is just media sensationalism.

Kerala: IUML questions Antony's remarks on Chandy govt

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 03:15:15 +0530

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), taking issue with Defence Minister A K Antony, on Monday published an article questioning why the minister was so harsh on the Oommen Chandy government, in a speech he made in the state capital last week.

Kerala: Special railway counter for Sabarimala pilgrims

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:57:56 +0530

Southern Railway has opened a reservation counter at Pampa on the foothills of Sabarimala to serve devotees visiting the hill shrine, where the annual pilgrim season is underway.

Kerala: Dalai Lama to inaugurate Sivagiri pilgrimage

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:27:31 +0530

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama will inaugurate the Sivagiri Mutt's 80th annual pilgrimage at Varkala on November 24 and attend a host of functions during his two day visit to Kerala.

Kerala: Man rides naked on bike for an hour

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 01:54:11 +0530

In a stunning spectacle, a 30-year-old man rode a motorcycle in and around the town here for about an hour before his naked quest was halted by police and local people. The daring show of the man riding the bike totally naked was first noted by some passersby at the busy KK Road area in the town around the dusk on Thursday.

Kerala: Antony's rare outburst cautions Congress men

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:40:13 +0530

On his maiden visit to his home state since becoming Number Two in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's team, Defence Minister A K Antony managed to set the cat among the pigeons with his remarks.

Seaplane service to be launched in Maha, Kerala in Dec

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:55:08 +0530

Maritime Energy Heli Air, which pioneered the launch of seaplane services last year, would commence its operations in Maharashtra and Kerala next month. The company said on Thursday that it has got the go-ahead from Maharashtra's costal zone management authority to begin seaplane services from the city and would start operations from next month.

Kerala: Man attacks estranged wife in court premises

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 01:28:08 +0530

A 60-year-old man attacked and seriously wounded his estranged wife of Sri Lankan origin at a court premises here, police said on Thursday. The man, identified as Kuriakose, attacked Dayanidhi on Wednesday at the veranda of the first class magistrate court, police said. Kuriakose has been arrested.

Kerala: Sabarimala pilgrimage to begin on Friday

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:03:53 +0530

The famous Sabarimala temple pilgrimage season is all set to begin when the sanctum sanctorum opens in the early hours of Friday. The pilgrimage season coincides with the first day of Malayalam month 'Vrishickam' (this year it falls on Nov 16).

Kerala women farmers battling all odds to save green paddy fields

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 09:01:28 +0530

Women farmers in Malappuram are battling against all odds to save their land. In God's own country, shocking reports have come to light on the green paddy fields, which are one of the attractions in the state - the 9 lakh hectares of the 1970s has now shrunk to just 2.3 lakh hectares. But the women farmers are now battling the odds to save what is left.

Kerala: CPM leader served notice for polygraph test

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 02:52:48 +0530

The Kerala Police on Wednesday served notice on Communist Party of India-Marxist's (CPM) former Idukki district secretary M M Mani to appear for a polygraph (lie-detector) test.

Kerala: Antony upset over feud within state Congress

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 09:32:49 +0530

With Kerala state Congress leaders attacking each other on TV channels, Defence Minister A K Antony on Tuesday asked his party colleagues to develop political maturity.

Phone romance goes sour as 'boyfriend' turns out 67-yr-old

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 05:56:57 +0530

This was one 'love affair' that did not have a happy ending. After professing love over a year over mobile phone, a 23-year-old engineering post-graduate had the shock of her life on seeing at their first meeting that her 'sweetheart' was a 67-year-old man.

Not joining UDF Cabinet: Kerala Cong chief Chennithala

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 05:31:04 +0530

Kerala state Congress chief Ramesh Chennithala on Monday categorically denied the possibility of his joining the party-led coalition government's cabinet.

Kerala: Govindan Nair sworn in as TDB president

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 04:09:10 +0530

Former Kerala Minister M P Govindan Nair was on Monday sworn in as the new president of the Travancore Devaswom Board at a function. The TDB administers temples, including the Lord Ayappa shrine at Sabarimala, in the Travancore region.

Kerala Governor suspends Information Commissioner

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 01:31:10 +0530

Kerala Governor H R Bhardwaj has suspended state Information Commissioner K Natarajan for allegedly intervening in the land-gift case involving CPM stalwart V S Achuthanandan.

Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2012 heading for trouble?

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:34:34 +0530

India's first biennale art festival Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2012, to be held in Kerala next month, appears to be heading for trouble after a leaked report revealed that the government has recommended a probe against the organisers for misuse of funds.

Boy lands in trouble for trying to dupe hotelier

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:37:13 +0530

A teenaged boy landed in trouble after he put fried cockroaches in biriyani at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram in a bid to extract money from the owner, cashing in on the government crackdown on unhygienic eateries.

Padmanabhaswamy temple wealth isn't public property: CM

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 03:33:33 +0530

A day after the CPM wanted the precious jewels and priceless assets of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple to be made a public possession, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday said that it cannot be and the property belonged to the temple only.

Bengal folk meets Kerala's spirituality in Baul's music

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 01:38:13 +0530

Art, performance and regional integration merge in the folk music of Parvathy Baul, one of the country's top Baul musicians from Bengal, who balances her training as an artist from Santiniketan's Kala Bhavan with the devotional music of the wandering minstrels that she has carried down south to Kerala.

Kerala: Roping in Gulf Malayalis to revive age-old arts

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:01:37 +0530

'Soorya' Krishnamoorthy is busy trying to rejuvenate Kerala's age-old arts, enable folk and theatre artists to live a more dignified life and also integrate Malayali artistes living outside Kerala, especially those in the Gulf countries.

Kerala: Cong at war with itself, threat of split in UDF

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:30:56 +0530

The Congress is at war with itself in Kerala and at least one leader says this is affecting governance while another says he will continue to air their grievances against the party.

Kerala: Now, track your file sitting at home

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 03:36:37 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday launched a facility which would enable people to track their file at the secretariat, while sitting at home.

Compelled to act due to hijack like situation: AI pilot

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 01:27:39 +0530

The woman pilot of the Air India flight involved in the hijack alarm case on Wednesday stuck to her stand that she was compelled to act as "a hijack-like situation" prevailed with protests by passengers after the Abu Dhabi-Kochi flight was diverted here on October 19. The pilot, Rupali Wagmore, who was questioned for about two hours in Thiruvananthapuram, told the Special Investigation Team that three passengers had allegedly barged into the cockpit of the Air India Express flight and three others supported them.

Kerala: Solar power only way out of electricity woes

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 06:01:23 +0530

With no additional power generation on the cards, the only way for Kerala to prevent a blackout is to go green and tap solar power, an expert said on Tuesday.

Dalai Lama to visit Kerala

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:23:38 +0530

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama will visit Kerala on November 24 in connection with the 80th annual pilgrimage season of Sivagiri Mutt at Varkala near Kollam.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple: SC to decide on report

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 08:20:19 +0530

The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday will look into an expert committee report on the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala. The report seeks time till August 2013 to file a complete inventory report on the items recovered from inside the temple vaults.

Kerala: MP tries to force release of man at police station

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 07:36:20 +0530

Yet another MP has been caught on camera showing his muscle power. Congress leader from Kerala K Sudhakaran was caught on camera trying to force the release of a man held for sand mining. Sudhakaran managed to pull-off a Mamata-like performance at a police station in Kannur.

Kerala: 8-yr-old batting genius is Internet sensation

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 08:48:01 +0530

Eight-year-old Krishna Narayan is an Internet sensation. But wait. It's not because of his singing talents or dancing skills. It's because of his batting technique. Krishna became a rage when his father posted a video of his batting skills on YouTube. In fact, one of his recent videos attracted over five lakh hits and even got the attention of Kerala Cricket Association.

President Pranab Mukherjee to visit Kerala today

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:29:15 +0530

President Pranab Mukherjee will arrive here on Monday for a two-day visit to the state capital. On his first official visit to the state as President, Mukherjee would arrive here in the evening by a special aircraft and stay at the Raj Bhavan.

Kerala: 13-year-old gives birth to a baby boy

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 01:14:54 +0530

A 13-year-old girl has given birth to a child at the SAT hospital here, police said. The girl was admitted to the hospital on September 20 in an advanced stage of pregnancy, with severe complications. She gave birth to the baby boy on Monday, they said.

Woman teacher moves rights panel against 'dress code'

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 01:31:08 +0530

A woman teacher, who has been suspended for a fortnight from an aided higher secondary school in Malappuram district for allegedly refusing to fall in line with the management's diktat to wear a "light green" overcoat, has approached the State Human Rights Commission, seeking justice. Authorities of Sullamssalam Oriental High School at Areekode in Malappuram in north Kerala, however, disputed the teacher's contention that the 'dress code' had been enforced by them.

AI hijack alarm: 'Felt threatened by passengers'

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 08:08:40 +0530

An Air India woman pilot, who sounded a hijack alert at the airport here after some protesting passengers allegedly tried to force their way into the cockpit, in her police complaint claimed she was threatened with dire consequences.

Kerala Police begins probe into 'hijack' episode

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 12:03:02 +0530

The Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials on Saturday reached Trivandrum to look into the probe into the 'hijack' episode at the airport here. The Kerala Police has already began their probe into the matter. Director General of Police KS Balasubramanian formed a team led by Assistant Commissioner of Police KS Vimal after receiving a complaint from the commander of the Air India Express flight W Rupali that she was threatened by angry passengers.

False hijack alarm: DGCA seeks report from airport

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:27:58 +0530

Angry passengers aboard a Abu Dhabi-Kochi Air India Express flight on Friday triggered high drama at Thiruvananthapuram airport, Kerala. The woman pilot called in a hijack alert after a few passengers allegedly tried to barge into the cockpit. The passengers were upset that the flight had been redirected to Thiruvananthapuram due to bad weather.

T'puram hijack drama: 6 AI flight passengers detained

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 03:56:17 +0530

Six passengers were detained at the Kochi airport over the false hijack ruckus at the Air India Dubai-Kochi flight on Friday. Passengers alleged that their co-passengers were detained due to a 'false complaint' made by the pilot. The passengers demanded the release of the detained co-passengers.

Trivandrum: Air India pilot rings false hijack alarm

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:09:41 +0530

There was a hijack scare at the Thiruvananthapuram airport after the pilot of the Abu Dhabi-Kochi Air India Express flight rang an emergency flight. This came after the flight landed at Thiruvananthapuram because of a technical snag.

Kerala temple to get security gadgets worth Rs 23.61 cr

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:49:19 +0530

The Kerala government on Wednesday cleared a proposal for purchase of security gadgets worth Rs 23.61 crore to provide security to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, rated the richest temple in the world.

Clear Karunakaran's name in ISRO case: Muraleedharan

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 02:32:52 +0530

K Muraleedharan, the son of former Kerala chief minister K Karunakaran, on Monday reiterated he would go to any extent to clear his late father's name in the 1994 ISRO spy case that later proved to be a dud.

Many challenges before Chandy's Air Kerala project

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:20:26 +0530

While Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy is determined to see his pet Air Kerala project take off by April 14, 2013, aviation experts on Monday opined that unless prudence was shown, it would end up the way of numerous other state-owned enterprises.

CPM reiterates support for Kudankulam nuclear plant

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:20:00 +0530

The CPM on Sunday once again pledged support to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamil Nadu -- though with a safety audit. The move has come as a setback to veteran Kerala leader V.S. Achuthanandan who is against the plant.

Private buses to be off roads in Kerala from Oct 29

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 02:19:31 +0530

Private bus operators in Kerala would withdraw services from October 29 midnight demanding hike in bus fares. The All Kerala Bus Operators Co-ordination Committee, comprising eight organisations, which met in Kochi on Saturday, took a decision to this effect. Briefing reporters, T Gopinath, Coordination committee general secretary, said there is need to urgently hike the bus fares in the light of increase in diesel price.

Former Kerala Governor Sukhdev Singh Kang dead

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 05:20:09 +0530

Former Kerela governor Sukhdev Singh Kang died on Friday after a prolonged illness. He was 81. Kang was admitted to the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh.

Keralites spend 9 per cent of income on tobacco

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 05:06:33 +0530

Smokers in Kerala spend nearly nine per cent of their income on smoking, a survey by the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) has revealed. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy recently released the report to Paul Sebastian, director, Regional Cancer Centre and vice chairman of Tobacco Free Kerala.

Kerala to decide on subsidised LPG to all on Oct 17

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:29:23 +0530

A decision on providing three subsidised LPG cylinders in addition to the six fixed by the Centre to all consumers in the state would be taken at the ruling UDF liaison committee meeting next week, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said on Thursday.

Kerala govt orders probe into juvenile home abuse

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 03:43:59 +0530

The Kerala government has ordered a probe into the alleged sexual abuse of children in a juvenile home at Thiruvanchur in Kottayam district, run by the Social Welfare Department.

e-governance pilot project a big success in Kerala

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:14:11 +0530

The union government launched e-governance as a pilot project in 35 districts across the country, but only in Kerala has it seen such a success, according to officials.

Kottayam: Kids sexually abused at a juvenile home

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 08:49:48 +0530

Two kids who lived in juvenile home in Kottayam, Kerala have finally spoken out against the atrocities carried out by the attackers, who were none other than caretakers and senior boys at the home. After months of abuse, two children have come forward with tales of how caretakers and senior boys sexually abused them.

Kerala to host India's first biodiversity congress

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:21:12 +0530

The first ever National Biodiversity Congress will be hosted by the state capital in December, K P Laladhas, member secretary of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB), the main organiser of the event, said on Wednesday.

UDF trying to destroy Kudumbashree: CPM

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 05:40:09 +0530

CPM on Tuesday alleged that the ruling Congress led UDF government was trying to destroy state-funded Kudumbashree, the women's Self Help Group for poverty alleviation programme.

Kerala: CPM-backed Kairali TV making profits

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 02:01:16 +0530

Kairali TV, backed by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM), has declared a net profit of Rs 13.16 crore and has paid Rs 4 crore in taxes, a company official said.

Kerala: Worms found in fried chicken at KFC outlet

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:26:56 +0530

Fast food chain Kentucky's Fried Chicken (KFC) has come under scrutiny in Kerala after a family reportedly found worms in their fried chicken. The incident was reported from an outlet in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kovalam Lit Fest: Binayak Sen offers food for thought

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 04:13:01 +0530

India needs to revive indigenous traditions of growing food and "privilege community-based" food storage and distribution to battle the problems of hunger and starvation, noted social activist Binayak Sen said.

Air Kerala will take off on April 14: Chandy

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:38:34 +0530

Air Kerala, the state government's airline, would be launched on April 14, 2013, to coincide with Vishu, new year's day in the Malayalam calendar, says Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. "It (Air Kerala) will be airborne on April 14. The only question is whether the first flight will be an international or domestic one," said Chandy.

Kerala: Haj pilgrims leave for Saudi Arabia

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 12:23:29 +0530

The first batch of Haj pilgrims left for Saudi Arabia from Malappuram on Saturday. Almost 300 pilgrims were seen off by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed.

Kerala: Toddy as 'health drink' to stay

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 10:54:59 +0530

A Kerala High Court observation that the government should consider banning toddy had ruffled feathers in a state where many consider it a "health drink".

Kerala: Kovalam Literary Fest begins on Saturday

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:59:14 +0530

The fifth edition of the Kovalam Literary Festival (KLF) starts on Saturday after a stimulating first leg in New Delhi.

SC refuses to accept any new material on Mullaperiyar

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:14:03 +0530

A five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Friday declined to accept any fresh material other than what has been submitted by the expert panel on the controversial Mullaperiyar Dam row between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Young Malayalis prefer to live in joint families

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 06:48:12 +0530

A survey conducted among young Malayalis has revealed that 62 percent of singles of both sexes would prefer to live in a joint family after marriage.

Kerala Govt asked to ensure only natural toddy is sold

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 05:27:06 +0530

With a heated debate on whether or not to ban toddy in Kerala, the High Court on Thursday asked the government to ensure that only "natural toddy" is sold by a licensee.

No disrespect to court, but we need toddy: Kerala CM

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 05:26:02 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, disagreeing with the Kerala High Court observation that there was need for a total ban on the sale of toddy - local liquor made from the extract of coconut or palm trees - said he meant no disrespect to the judiciary.

Kerala to give ex-ISRO scientist Rs 10 lakh relief

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 03:29:30 +0530

The Kerala government will hand over at the earliest Rs 10 lakh as interim compensation to former ISRO scientist S Nambi Narayanan, who was framed in a false espionage case.

Rare birds sighted during survey of Kerala coast

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 12:53:06 +0530

Rare bird species like the Red-necked Phalarope (Pambarakkada) and a tiny wader that swims in open sea have been sighted during the first pelagic bird expedition in southern Kerala.

FDI in retail: Traders in Kerala down shutters

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 10:52:12 +0530

Trading activities came to a virtual halt across Kerala on Wednesday as shop owners downed shutters to protest against the policies of the Central and state governments, including the decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail.

3 years after Kerala boat tragedy, report gathers dust

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 05:10:14 +0530

The Justice (retd) E. Moideen Kunju Commission, which probed the Thekkady boat tragedy that left 45 dead three years ago, submitted its report on Aug 25, 2011. More than a year since the report was submitted, however, no action has been taken.

Condom manufacturer 'adopts' Kerala village

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:09:16 +0530

Premier Indian condom manufacturer HLL Lifecare Limited has adopted Karakulam village in Thiruvananthapuram district as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.

India's first biennale art festival to be held in Kochi

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:48:36 +0530

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2012, billed as the largest and most sophisticated international art festival, will begin later this year in Kochi.

Newly-elected Malabar chamber secretary found dead

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 10:10:39 +0530

Newly elected Malabar Chamber of Commerce Secretary and renowned businessman PP Nazir Ahamed was found dead at nearby Chevayoor on Saturday in a suspected case of murder, police said.

FDI good, but can't introduce it in Kerala: Chandy

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 07:22:47 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday gave his backing to the Centre's proposal to allow 51 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, however, adding that it won't be implemented immediately in Kerala.

Fewer happy hours in Kerala? HC says drink after 5 pm

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 08:10:16 +0530

Coming down heavily on the alcohol menace in Kerala, the High Court has stepped in and in strong words, advised the state government to stop the sale and consumption of liquor before 5 pm.

Kerala: CPM protests Air India's 'mistreatment'

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 05:20:47 +0530

The CPM on Friday held protest marches to all the three international airports in Kerala over the alleged "mistreatment" -- like frequent flight cancellations and withdrawal -- meted out to the state by national carrier Air India.

No liquor to be sold in Kerala bars before 5 pm: HC

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 02:03:44 +0530

The Kerala High Court has ruled that no liquor will be sold before 5 pm in bar hotels, in other words make drinking before that time a crime.

Kerala firm prepares the largest blood donors directory

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 01:15:29 +0530

A Kerala company is preparing to launch what could be India's largest directory of blood donors.

Man kills his daughters by throwing them into temple pond

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 01:36:11 +0530

Police suspect that differences of opinion with his wife might have led him to commit the extreme act.

India's first private airport to come up in Kerala

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 06:28:00 +0530

KGS Aranmula International Airport Ltd, which is developing India's first private airport at Aranmula, Pathanamthitta district, has received clearances for the project from the Airports Authority of India.

International tea trade centre to come up in Kerala

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 02:34:32 +0530

The Tea Trade Association (TTA) of Cochin has decided to set up a state-of-the-art tea trade centre (TTC) with the backing of the Tea Board of India.

South Korean firm eyes solar energy project in Kerala

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:58:48 +0530

After the recent Emerging Kerala investors' meet at Kochi, a South Korean energy company has shown interest in a tie-up with the state for a 330 MW solar power centre, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said on Wednesday.

Kerala to showcase new tourist destinations

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 03:56:41 +0530

Kerala will have new destinations across the state that will boost its tourism sector, an official said on Wednesday.

Made in China coffins enter Kerala market

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 08:06:34 +0530

A variety of products have flooded Indian market after the liberalisation process was initiated two decades ago and the latest one to make its entry is 'made in China' coffins.

No progress in making Malayalam court language, HC told

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 12:29:16 +0530

Registrar-General of Kerala High Court Kemal Pasha has submitted before the court that the efforts to make Malayalam the language of the court proceedings failed to yield any result even after holding repeated discussions with the state.

'CBI probe into TP murder after verifying legal aspects'

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 12:10:29 +0530

The state Cabinet will take a decision on initiating a CBI probe into the larger conspiracy behind the murder of RMP leader T P Chandrasekharan after verifying all legal aspects, Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has said.

TP murder: Mullappally seeks trial in fast-track court

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 01:21:16 +0530

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Mullappally Ramachandran has demanded that the trial of T P Chandrasekharan murder case be carried out in a fast-track court.

LDF playing opportunistic politics: Kunhalikutty

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 01:00:44 +0530

Political exploitation by certain organisations after dividing the society on the lines of religion and community is the biggest threat the nation is facing now, Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty has said.

Kochi: 5 killed as train hits car at unmanned crossing

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 05:04:07 +0530

Five people were killed when their car was hit by the Hapa-Tirunelveli Express at an unmanned level crossing at nearby Aroor on Sunday, Railway sources said.

Kerala: Women experts out of Padmanabhaswamy temple

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 12:04:41 +0530

The Supreme Court-appointed expert panel decided that no women members will enter any of the chambers at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple for scientific evaluation of the temple treasure.

Kerala: Achuthanandan hits out at Lawrence

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 11:43:13 +0530

Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan on Friday lashed out at senior CPM leader M M Lawrence for continued criticism against him.

Kerala: KSEB to shock consumers again

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 11:29:53 +0530

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has decided to request the government to restrict the use of power and charge market rate for the domestic consumers who use more than 200 units a month.

Kerala: Wayanad tourism to get a major boost

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 01:38:02 +0530

Wayanad tourism will have a major facelift with the State Government preparing a master plan which will be submitted to the Union Government.

Kerala: CBI court order flayed in Sister Abhaya case

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 01:24:25 +0530

Jomon Puthenpurackal, convener of the Abhaya Case Action Council, has said that the court directive will create a negative image of courts among the public.

Kerala may have over 2 lakh dementia patients by 2021

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 05:59:26 +0530

Kerala is estimated to have over two lakh dementia patients by 2021, said a report on the eve of World Alzheimer's Day, which is observed each year on September 21.

Kerala: Murder politics stirs the literary scene

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 01:41:00 +0530

How a martyrdom has provoked the political and literary sensibilities of Kerala society would be remarkable in its history.

For a change, no shutdown in Kerala

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:23:41 +0530

It was business as usual in Kerala, a state otherwise renowned for its shutdowns.

65 pc Kerala LPG users use six units a year: Chandy

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 01:42:03 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday said 65 per cent of the seven million LPG users in the state use six or less than six gas cylinders a year.

Kerala: Pleas dismissed in Sister Abhaya case

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:51:26 +0530

The CBI court on Tuesday dismissed a batch of petitions seeking further investigation into the sensational Sister Abhaya case.

Killing of political rivals condemnable: Kerala HC

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:44:21 +0530

By no stretch of imagination can the killing of political rivals by hiring contract killers be taken lightly, and such instances need to be strongly condemned and deprecated, observed the Kerala High Court on Tuesday.

State forms bodies to pursue Emerging Kerala proposals

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:32:42 +0530

Acting fast on a follow-up to the Emerging Kerala 2012, the State Government on Tuesday announced the constitution of three crucial bodies for ensuring the time-bound sanctioning of projects and facilitating their hassle-free implementation.

Kerala: New version of 'family doctor' on the cards

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 01:45:55 +0530

The Kerala government is looking at replicating the rural primary health care centres in urban areas through a collaboration with private players.

Kerala: LDF fails to cash in on 'Emerging' rift in UDF

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 01:13:47 +0530

Even as there is an evident rift within the UDF and the government following the 'Emerging Kerala' investors' meet, the Opposition has failed to cash in on the opportunity.

Kerala HC asks govt to produce Kovalam palace order

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:41:32 +0530

The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the government to produce the order, if any, to lease out Halcyon Castle, popularly known as the Kovalam Palace, to Ravi Pillai (RP) Group of Companies.

Ex-Kerala CM stopped from heading to Kudankulam

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:19:58 +0530

Former Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan, who was on his way to join the Kudankulam protest at the nuclear reactor site, has been stopped. The police stopped him at Kalikavil near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The senior Kerala CPM leader was not allowed to proceed to Kudankulam by the police.

Come clean on US observatory in Kerala: Achuthanandan

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 06:13:10 +0530

Communist veteran and former CM V.S. Achuthanandan on Monday asked both the central and Kerala governments to come clean on the proposed neutrino observatory coming up in the state's Idukki district and contiguous Theni in Tamil Nadu.

Kerala: IOC silent on compensation to Chala fire victims

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 01:50:05 +0530

The Indian Oil Corporation remains non-committal on giving compensation to the victims of the gas tanker lorry disaster even more than two weeks after the tragedy which claimed the lives of 20 persons.

Kerala: Hartal over diesel price hits normal life

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 06:57:39 +0530

The dawn-to-dusk hartal called by LDF and BJP to protest hike in diesel prices and curtail LPG subsidy affected normal life across Kerala but passed off peacefully.

LDF, BJP strike hits normal life in Kerala

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 10:10:23 +0530

The dawn-to-dusk strike called by the LDF and the BJP to protest hike in diesel prices and curtail LPG subsidy hit normal life across Kerala.

Kerala submits 10 point development agenda to PM

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:44:05 +0530

The Kerala government submitted a 10-point agenda on development to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here on Wednesday night.

Helipad hitches ahead of PM's Kerala visit

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 02:22:28 +0530

The hectic preparations to host Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the district received a jolt on Monday after one of the Air Force helicopters slightly damaged the helipad at Cheruthuruthy.

No monetary gain for Pinarayi in Lavalin: CBI

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:43:04 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation probing into the SNC-Lavalin corruption case on Monday told the CBI special court that CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan had not made any monetary benefit from the deal with SNC-Lavalin Company.

Kerala's health sector gets Rs 2,150 cr investment

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:13:04 +0530

DM Healthcare, a leading conglomerate in the country and the Middle East, Tuesday announced an investment of over Rs 2,150 crore to create 3,100 hospital beds in Kerala through eight different projects.

Rahul Gandhi snubs Jairam, helps Kerala

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:56:55 +0530

Rahul Gandhi is the emerging force to settle the disputes between state leaders and the Union Ministers on several key issues.

PM to inaugurate Kochi Metro project on Thursday

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 03:45:18 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will lay the foundation stone of the Kochi Metro Rail project on Thursday, kickstarting the much-awaited project.

Kerala: George, Green Brigade locked in war

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:19:19 +0530

With the ruling front clipping the wings of the UDF 'Green Brigade' MLAs and Government Chief Whip P C George with a bar on verbal spat in public, it's time for blog war now.

Kerala: Hopeless existence for Attapadi tribals

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 05:55:26 +0530

There is an alarming fall in the population of Attapadi tribals due to declining birth rates and life expectancy.

Kerala's Mani honoured at UK Parliament

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 05:34:59 +0530

Kerala Congress leader and Finance-Law Minister K M Mani, who holds a record as a legislator in the Kerala Assembly for an uninterrupted 47 years, added one more feather in his cap.

Emerging Kerala: Chandy exposes Achuthanandan

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 05:08:46 +0530

An aggressive Oommen Chandy came down heavily on Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan for what he termed as negative approach and levelling charges after boycotting the all-party meet on Emerging Kerala 2012.

Kerala: TDB directed to provide fencing at Sabarimala

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 02:13:59 +0530

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to take steps to provide suitable fencing at the entrance to the Nadappanthal at Sabarimala.

Kerala: UDF too celebrates 'win' in Mattanur

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:49:55 +0530

In a rare development, the outcome of the Mattanur municipal poll was celebrated by both the LDF and the UDF on Wednesday.

Emerging Kerala: Chandy trashes 'website projects'

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:29:49 +0530

It was the turn of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday, after Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty, to soothe the rising tempers on Emerging Kerala 2012.

Kerala: RMP seeks CBI probe into TP murder

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:44:44 +0530

Reiterating that the T P Chandrasekharan murder conspiracy was hatched and executed by the CPM top brass, Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP) leaders have demanded a CBI probe into the larger conspiracy behind the murder.

Postman runs charitable society for cancer patients

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:02:40 +0530

A 56-year-old postman in Kerala is delivering an inspirational message by setting up a charitable society for cancer patients. Ordinary people can do extraordinary things - the 56-year-old, Babu is the true recipient of this adage. A postman by profession, Babu also saves the lives of many cancer patients.

Kerala: Sea erosion and wave of panic along coastal areas

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 02:44:03 +0530

Strong waves and sea erosion struck several coastal areas in Kollam, Alappuzha and Thrissur districts on Monday, flooding and damaging houses, uprooting trees and creating panic among the people.

Mullaperiyar: New proposal in troubled waters

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 12:29:36 +0530

It seems Kerala's proposal for a new dam at Mullaiperiyar will not be realised anywhere in the near future. The Forest Department has turned down a request from the Irrigation Department seeking permission for carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), for the second time.

Kannur: LPG tanker explosion toll touches 15

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 10:02:32 +0530

One victim died at a private hospital in neighbouring Kozhikode district, another at Manipal medical college hospital in Karnataka while others at the medical college hospital here, police said.

Kerala: Women take up the oars for an island

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 12:56:21 +0530

When boatmen of the island stopped the ferry service citing shortage of kerosene to run the boat engine, the women took up the challenge.

Avoid use of religion for political gains: VS

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 12:08:02 +0530

Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan has criticised the right-wing politicians for the misuse of religion for political gains.

LDF seeks more clarity on Emerging Kerala

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 11:54:55 +0530

Giving clear signs of dissociation with the 'Emerging Kerala' business summit, the LDF state committee which met on Friday sought more clarity as precondition for any kind of co-operation with the government's efforts in organising the meet.

Kerala: 'Vanara Sadya' makes their Onam unique

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 03:11:37 +0530

Without 'Vanara Sadya', the Onam celebrations would be incomplete for the natives of Edailakkadu near Trikaripur. And they serve healthy yet tasty food to the monkeys of Nagakavu there on every Thiruvonam.

Kerala: Gas tanker tragedy toll rises to 7

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 12:53:19 +0530

The toll in the gas tanker lorry tragedy at Chala on Monday night has risen to seven with two more persons succumbing to their injuries at the Pariyaram Medical College Hospital on Thursday.

Mullaperiyar Dam row: SC hearing today

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:05:37 +0530

The Supreme Court is expected to give further instructions in the Mullaperiyar Dam row between Kerala and Tamil Nadu on Friday.

No immunity for Italian marines: Centre to SC

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 03:13:37 +0530

The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that the Italian marines who killed two Indian fishermen in February this year, purportedly mistaking them for pirates, did not enjoy any diplomatic immunity and are liable to be prosecuted here under Indian penal laws.

Kerala: 2 houseboats go up in flames

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 03:25:04 +0530

One person was killed when two houseboats went up in flames in Kerala's tourist location of Alappuzha.

K Pankajakshan: A stalwart in Kerala politics

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 01:34:28 +0530

Veteran RSP leader K Pankajakshan, who passed away on Tuesday, was a doyen of Kerala coalition politics.

Kerala: Gas inferno kills 2, CM announces relief

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:20:26 +0530

The devastating gas tanker lorry explosion at Chala bypass road here on Monday night claimed the lives of two persons, even as nearly a dozen people with severe burns are battling for their lives at three hospitals.

A happy, healthy and shavarma-free Onam

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:16:00 +0530

From time immemorial, come rain or sunshine, I, Mahabali, have been regularly visiting Kerala all these umpteen years without fail. Suppose I happen to miss a single visit, utter chaos will prevail.

Kerala pipe bomb: Second plotter held

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 02:01:31 +0530

The Piravom pipe bomb probe reached a successful culmination on Monday with the arrest of Santhosh, the accomplice of Senthil, who together planted the bomb on the railway track near Piravom Road Railway station on Thursday.

Kerala: SNDP Yogam to withdraw SC plea

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 01:30:37 +0530

The SNDP Yogam has decided to withdraw the petition filed before the Supreme Court against the decision of the state government to implement 10 per cent reservation for the economically backward belonging to the upward communities in the state.

Onam eve sees rocketing flower prices

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 03:33:44 +0530

On the eve of Kerala's biggest festival Onam, prices of flowers have shot up as making floral carpets is the most striking feature of the harvest festival.

Shukkoor case: HC grants bail to CPM leader

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 01:25:52 +0530

The Kerala High Court on Monday granted bail to CPM Kannur District Secretary P Jayarajan, arrested in connection with the politically sensitive murder of IUML activist Abdul Shukkoor in February.

South India faces 23% shortage of IAS officers

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:52:04 +0530

South Indian states are facing an acute 23 per cent shortage of IAS officers. With so many key decision-making posts unfilled, governance is likely to be affected in these states.

Kerala set to get 100 MW of power

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:22:36 +0530

The power-starved state will get an extra 100 MW of power after the approval of Kerala Small Hydro Development Policy 2012 and revision of tariff for the Hydel Captive Power Projects.

Kerala: NSS forsakes creamy layer for Hindu League

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:02:38 +0530

Making a stratagem move to consolidate its position like in a game of chess, the Nair Service Society (NSS) has withdrawn the writ petition filed in the Supreme Court against hiking the creamy layer cap.

Shukkoor murder: CPM leader's bail hearing today

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:56:38 +0530

The Kerala High Court will on Monday hear CPM leader P Jayarajan's bail petition in connection with the Abdul Shukkoor murder case.

Onam mood grips old age homes as well

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:35:30 +0530

As Onam is around the corner in all its pomp and fanfare in every nook and cranny in Kerala, it is also an occasion for scores of elderly women and men in old age homes to look back at the good old days they spent with their near and dear ones.

24 persons, sentenced to life in Marad case, surrender

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 11:43:43 +0530

The 24 persons sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the 2003 communal violence at Marad that claimed nine lives, surrendered before a trial court in Kozhikode on Friday as per a High Court directive.

CBI probe into Marad conspiracy: Ball now in Keralas court

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 08:24:00 +0530

K M Mani to be honoured by British house of commons

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 08:23:00 +0530

Pipe bomb in Kerala rail track planted for experimental blast

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 08:21:00 +0530

Nelliampathy scam: Probe ordered into KSIDC loans

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 08:08:00 +0530

Kerala: Suspicious object on track, train services disrupted

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 01:54:01 +0530

Train traffic between Kottayam and Ernakulam was disrupted for an hour on Thursday as an object which looked like a "steel bomb" was found on the railway bridge near Piravom Road station, police said.

Kerala to take ayurveda tourism to next level

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:49:48 +0530

Kerala has now set its eyes on pushing tourism centred around ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and well-being, to the next level by promoting its curative and cosmetic properties.

Nelliampathy scam: KSIDC robbed of Rs 75 crore by estate owners

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 08:57:00 +0530

CPM siege forces Kerala CM to reach office early

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 02:42:22 +0530

Thousands of CPI(M) workers in Kerala on Wednesday laid siege to the government secretariat during a protest that forced Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to reach his office around 5 AM, hours before a Cabinet meeting.

Onam: the legend behind Kerala's state festival

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:21:28 +0530

Onam or Thiruonam, usually held in August and September for 10 days, originated in Kerala as a celebration to remember the golden rule of King Mahabali, a mythical king who ruled over Kerala.

Kerala man who escaped al Qaeda returns home

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:38:22 +0530

A week after managing to escape from militant's captivity in Philippines, it was an emotional reunion for Kerala's Biju K. Biju was abducted in the Philippines by a militant group with alleged links to the al Qaeda.

Kerala: Landslide toll rises to five

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 02:32:32 +0530

The death toll in the landslide at Kadavoor in Ernakulam district rose to five on Saturday with the recovery of the body of a man, police said.

Four dead, 2 missing as heavy rain lash Central Kerala

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:51:29 +0530

Heavy rains lashed parts of central Kerala on Friday claiming four lives, including that of a woman, and leaving a trail of destruction at Kadavoor in Ernakulam district.

Tension within ranks haunt both UDF, LDF

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 08:01:22 +0530

Oommen Chandy vs Ramesh Chennithala; V.S. Achuthanandan vs Pinayari Vijayan. The more things change, the more they remain the same in Kerala politics.

Land scam case against me baseless: VS

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 04:46:27 +0530

Former Kerala chief minister V.S. Achuthanandan said on Friday that the ongoing vigilance case against him for alleged misuse of office to transfer land in Kasargode district to a relative is baseless.

Pension issue: Left unions in Kerala to strike work

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:32:17 +0530

With the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala sticking to its decision to introduce Participatory Pension Scheme (PPS) in state services, pro-Left employees unions have threatened to strike work on August 21.

A crumbling monument of Kerala history

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 01:40:28 +0530

As the country celebrates its 66th Independence Day, a monument that stood witness to arguably the first homegrown revolt in Kerala against the British empire is falling into decay due to neglect.

Reel life Gandhi wants to make a difference in real

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:11:50 +0530

Thiruvananthapuram: Sixty-five-year-old George Paul, an actor, has played the role of Mahatma Gandhi more than 2,000 times. His reel life experience has now inspired him to make a difference in real life as well. Thanks to George Paul, little kids are getting to know the Father of The Nation better. The 65-year-old has an uncanny resemblance to Mahatma Gandhi. That explains why Paul has played the role of Gandhi over 2,000 times in movies, documentaries, stage shows or such appearances. "The world around us is marred by all kinds of violence. It's important, especially for the younger generation to understand what Ganhiji stood for - his message of peace and non violence. I feel great that I can reach out to so many people about the same," Paul said. It all began in 1985 when Paul's friends asked him to participate in a May Day fancy-dress competition. Without any second thoughts, Paul tonsured his head to don the role of Gandhiji. Ever since, there has been no looking back. His home and his colony were aptly re-named Sabarmati Nagar. Important roles in movies like Yugapurushan, Periyar enthused him to know more about Bapu through books and people who had interacted with the Mahatma. "I know it's impossible to be exactly him. But I try to adopt the good values that he propagated. For instance, I have become a vegetarian and learnt the art of patience," Paul said. With the support of family and friends, Paul is now busy travelling across Kerala and spreading the word of peace and ahimsa. At a time when the Father of the Nation is confined to chapters in history books, here is a man who believes that he is destined to bring alive the Mahatma time and again. Hopefully this year he will fulfill a long cherished dream - to visit the Sabarmati ashram in Gujarat and get closer to his real life hero.

Kerala: Jails in Kannur overcrowded

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:38:18 +0530

The jails in the district here are now overcrowded with remand prisoners following a series of violent incidents and clashes that took place recently.

Kerala: CPM, CPI told to stop mud-slinging

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:26:52 +0530

The CPM and the CPI should stop washing dirty linen in public and try to settle differences by talking to each other since the division has only helped the UDF push through anti-people policies, said former Water Resources Minister N K Premachandran.

Kerala: 'Ashram gatecrasher died after assault'

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 06:42:36 +0530

A 25-year-old man who died after was arrested and later hospitalised after he barged into spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi's ashram, was brutally beaten up.

Kerala to lease out land to private IT developers

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 07:46:17 +0530

A departure from developer of information technology (IT) infrastructure to lessor model and focus on spreading e-governance activities across the state are going to be the major feature of Kerala government's proposed IT policy to be announced soon, said a top government official.

Kerala: CPI-M MLA remanded in murder case

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 07:16:52 +0530

In further trouble for CPI-M in Kerala, party MLA TV Rajesh was on Monday remanded in judicial custody in a murder case after he surrendered in a court in Kannur hours after the Kerala High Court turned down his anticipatory bail plea.

Kerala: SIT may file additional affidavit against Mani

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:54:14 +0530

The Special Investigating Team (SIT) probing various charges against former CPM Idukki secretary M M Mani is likely to file an additional affidavit in the Supreme Court in connection with the speech.

Kerala: MM Mani in yet another speech controversy

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 02:52:09 +0530

After running into controversy again, CPI-M leader MM Mani on Sunday strongly refuted having made a speech two days back in which he purportedly said the party was involved in the murder of an INTUC leader in Idukki district.

Philippines: Kerala man escapes al Qaeda, to return home

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 10:11:12 +0530

Biju Kolara Veetil from Calicut was abducted in the Philippines, while visiting his in-laws. In July 2012, he miraculously escaped and is now is now safe in police custody, and is in touch with Indian officials, MEA spokesman Syed Akbaruddin tweeted. Veetil also hopes to head back home soon.

Kerala: Two arrested for Satnam murder

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 11:38:48 +0530

The Crime Branch team, headed by IG (CB CID) B Sandhya, probing into the suspicious death of Bihari youth Satnam Singh took two persons into custody on Friday.

Kerala man escapes Qaeda, to return after an year

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 06:54:40 +0530

An Indian escaped from the captivity of an al Qaeda linked terror group after being held captive in the southern Philippines for nearly 14 months.

Nelliampathy an uphill task for Kerala UDF

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:18:06 +0530

The Nelliampathy hills spread over 82 square km of the Chittur taluk and 1,500 m above sea-level have become a political hot potato for the UDF with the intervention of Rahul Gandhi.

Kerala to show zero-population growth rate

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 10:50:49 +0530

Kerala is heading for a significant phase in its demographic transition with the state moving towards achieving zero population growth rate, which will result in an increase in scarcity of labour.

Kerala: IUML leader arrested in twin murder case

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 01:11:05 +0530

The police have arrested one more person in connection with the Kuni twin murder case. IUML Eranad constituency secretary Parammal Ahmedkutty was arrested by the police on Wednesday.

Kerala: Shobha John, 5 others get 7-year RI

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:58:28 +0530

The Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court on Wednesday awarded seven years' rigorous imprisonment to Shobha John and five other accused in the case of blackmailing thantri Kandararu Mohanaru.

Kerala: KSEB's power bill arrears rise again

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:43:32 +0530

Last week the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) launched a fresh push to recover Rs 1,300 crore in power bill arrears, but data show that the past one year has only made the KSEB's job tougher.

Rains fill Kabini, K'taka releases water to TN

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:35:23 +0530

Incessant rains in Wayanad region of Kerala has brought smiles to the farmers in Karnataka as water in Kabini reservoir has reached its brim.

Nelliampathy: Mani, Joseph to meet Kerala CM

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:15:12 +0530

While the Kerala Congress (M) has toughened its stance on the Nelliyampathy estates' issue by maintaining that eviction of genuine farmers will not be allowed even when the party will oppose encroachers, Congress MLAs V D Satheesan and T N Prathapan asserted on Wednesday that the issue is purely legal and it cannot be resolved through political discussions.

Kerala: Iritty town still submerged, 9 bodies found

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:24:35 +0530

Nine people lost their lives due to landslides and heavy rains in north Kerala over the past two days. In Iritty, Kannur district, the overflowing of the Pazhassi dam has been fixed, but a majority of the town is still submerged.

Kerala: Crackdown on illegal sale of lottery tickets

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 03:04:16 +0530

The Lotteries Department on Tuesday issued a warning to agents against illegal sale of tickets outside the state and also sale of tickets of the same numerical endings in sets.

Kerala: Cops 'impotent' as goons assault boys sexually

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 01:17:36 +0530

Two youths were sexually assaulted and physically tortured by local goons, under the influence of liquor, at Manjapra near Kalady last week.

Kerala claims 500 MW from Koodankulam

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:45:35 +0530

Taking the tussle between Tamil Nadu and Kerala over Koodankulam Atomic Power Plant project to the next level, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has met Union Power Minister Veerappa Moily to demand an increased share from the project for Kerala.

Rain wreaks havoc in northern Kerala

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 10:55:35 +0530

A calamity looms large over vast areas of the district as Pazhassi dam started overflowing and Iritty town downstream was submerged following relentless rain since Sunday night.

Kerala landslides: Rescue operations resume

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 08:49:44 +0530

Relief operations have picked up in Iritty in the Kannur district of Kerala after rains let up a bit overnight. Nine people have died in landslides that hit the region on Monday.

Rains wreak havoc across India, 42 dead

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 02:04:35 +0530

Heavy rains, flash floods and landslides wreaked havoc across much of India on Tuesday. Nearly 34 people were dead and 20,000 were said to be affected in Uttarakhand, eight people had lost their lives in Kerala and four in Madhya Pradesh, while train services between Mangalore and Bangalore in Karnataka were hit.

Kerala: Shock over Left's bitter pill for public

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:04:37 +0530

The Left trade unions' plan to inflict more pain on the public with 72-hour strikes has been viewed with concern by members of the public, including legal experts, and leaders of other political parties.

TP murder: HC grants bail to 5 CPM men

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:52:58 +0530

The High Court on Monday granted bail to five CPM activists who are the accused in the T P Chandrasekharan murder case.

Kerala: Landslide kills 8 in Kozhikode district

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 09:38:36 +0530

A landslide following heavy rains in the Kozhikode (Calicut) district of Kerala killed eight people on Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, the town of Iritty in Kannur district was almost submerged under water as the shutters of the Pazhassi dam in the area could not be opened.

Kerala: It's Cong Young Turks vs PC George

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:30:47 +0530

Despite efforts from various quarters including Union Defence Minister A K Antony to assuage the sentiments of Young Turks in the Congress over the reported insults made by Government Chief Whip P C George, many MLAs are heading for a showdown with the latter and to put him in place.

Man arrested for barging into ashram found dead

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 09:29:49 +0530

A 25-year old man who was arrested and later hospitalised after he barged into spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi's ashram, has been found dead.

Kerala HC refuses to lift ban on pan masala

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 01:04:29 +0530

The Kerala High Court on Thursday declined to stay the ban imposed by the state government on the manufacture, storage and sale of gutka, pan masala and their variants containing tobacco and nicotine.

Kerala's power position increasingly vulnerable

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 04:21:28 +0530

Tuesday's crisis in Kerala following the tripping of the north, east and north-eastern grids points to how precariously poised the state's power situation is.