The heavy rains that have battered Kerala since August 1 have claimed 25 lives, left four people missing, injured 10 and damaged hundreds of properties, forcing thousands to seek shelter in relief camps, the state government said on Tuesday.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday said that eight people have died, an equal number are missing and 13 were injured in the previous day's heavy rains which caused property damage, landslides and waterlogging in many parts of the state.
A consumer redressal commission in Pathanamthitta, Keralam, has ordered King's Biriyani Cafe to pay Rs 96,500 to a woman who suffered a Salmonella infection after consuming food from the eatery. The woman experienced severe illness and hospitalisation, leading to the commission's ruling against the cafe's proprietor and manager.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced that the death toll from rain-related incidents has reached 15, with seven people still missing. He confirmed that the overall situation is under control, except for a few areas in Pathanamthitta, as the state intensifies rescue and relief operations. The CM detailed the deployment of rescue teams, functioning relief camps, and immediate compensation measures for victims and affected families, while also cautioning against rumours regarding dam water release.
In a unique Kerala wedding, twin brothers married twin sisters, with the entire ceremony, including officiating priests and altar boys, featuring multiple sets of twins.
Two incidents of granite grave slabs being stolen from church cemeteries in Mallappally, Pathanamthitta, have unsettled the community. Police are investigating the thefts, suspecting multiple individuals and a vehicle were involved, and are exploring a possible connection between the two incidents.
A 25-year-old man, Sharfin Sebastian, who allegedly posed as the state president of an anti-drug organisation, has been arrested in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, after police seized 1.590 grams of MDMA and drug paraphernalia from his residence. The arrest highlights a shocking case of hypocrisy, as the accused was actively campaigning against narcotics while allegedly possessing banned synthetic drugs.
A Christian worship centre in Omallur, Kerala, faced protests from BJP workers following allegations that staff members assaulted a 17-year-old boy. Police have arrested three individuals, including the manager, after a Child Welfare Committee inquiry indicated potential exploitation of children housed at the facility.
Veteran Malayalam actor Santhosh Nair, known for his roles in over 100 films since his 1982 debut, was killed in a road accident in Enathu, Pathanamthitta district, in the early hours of Tuesday. His car collided with a lorry, leaving him with critical chest injuries and his wife with fractured ribs.
A self-styled godman, Shaji alias "KGF Swami", has been arrested in Thrissur, Kerala, for allegedly cheating people by promising to supply gold at discounted rates. Police seized fake gold and multiple identity cards from his residence, and he is suspected of involvement in other fraud cases.
A tipper lorry driver was killed in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, after the vehicle overturned. The driver, identified as O T Mathai, was trapped beneath the vehicle and declared dead at the hospital.
Two students of a school in Kerala's Wayanad district tested positive for Shigella infection, state minister T Siddique said on Monday.
Three dental students drowned in a river near Kothamangalam, Kerala, after being caught in a strong current while bathing. A group of nine students had arrived at Vadattupara when the incident occurred. Authorities recovered the bodies and have initiated an investigation into the incident.
Two individuals arrested in connection with a theft case escaped from police custody in North Paravoor, Kerala, while being taken for remand proceedings.
High levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation have been recorded across Kerala, prompting warnings from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). Residents are advised to take precautions to avoid prolonged exposure, especially during peak hours.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has responded to Rahul Gandhi's criticism regarding the Sabarimala gold loss case, questioning Gandhi's connections to the accused and accusing him of political opportunism.
Two elderly women in Kerala died from snakebites, raising the recent death toll to seven. The incidents occurred in Kannur and Idukki districts, prompting investigations and warnings about snakes seeking cooler environments during soaring temperatures.
Already, within the week of the election results it became apparent that the Congress' DNA has not changed from its traditional approach to politics as but a game of thrones, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions in parts of Kerala, prompting authorities to urge caution. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach up to 41 degrees Celsius in some districts. Strict guidelines have been issued, including the suspension of vacation classes and rescheduling of working hours.
Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified the UDF's campaign for the Kerala polls, accusing the CPI(M) of stealing gold from the Sabarimala temple and questioning PM Modi's silence on the issue. He also addressed concerns about rubber prices and the FCRA amendments.
Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who has been sent to Special Investigation Team custody a day ago, was on Wednesday taken for evidence collection in connection with a sexual assault case, police sources said.
'They will have to adjust themselves to the new reality. Because if they don't understand this changed political perception, their future will be difficult.'
Kerala recorded a high voter turnout in the Assembly elections, with over 77 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots. The election is crucial as it will determine whether the LDF secures a rare third consecutive term, the UDF stages a comeback, or the NDA makes deeper inroads into Kerala's political landscape.
Aranmula, Kerala, prepares for Assembly elections with a focus on development, health sector performance, and religious sentiments, as incumbent Health Minister Veena George faces challenges from Congress and BJP candidates.
Kerala's Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, has criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) leaders for their language and government spending on advertising.
'Secularism or social development or social justice is no longer part of development, according to the youth in Kerala.' 'They are concerned about material wellbeing and material welfare, and they believe that Narendra Modi is capable to giving them that kind of development.' 'So, they don't have any ideological hesitation in voting for him.'
'When Narendra Modi was here, he spoke only about development and what the BJP wanted to do in Kerala. That kind of sober rhetoric or argument is acceptable to the people here.'
Political parties in Kerala are increasingly using AI-generated content to influence voters in the upcoming elections, raising concerns about the blurring lines between reality and fiction in political messaging.
The Congress party in Kerala has demanded an apology from Health Minister Veena George and the CPI(M) leadership for allegedly spreading false claims about an attack by KSU activists. The KPCC president alleges that the minister's claims led to violence against Congress offices and workers.
Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil was arrested in connection with a sexual assault case after being taken into custody from Palakkad in the small hours on Sunday, police sources said.
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) in Kerala has registered 818 corruption-related cases over the past five years, marking a significant effort to combat corruption through strengthened surveillance, advanced technology, and increased public participation.
The wife of Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar has dropped her complaint against him after he apologised, providing relief to the ruling LDF ahead of upcoming elections. However, the Congress party is demanding the minister's resignation, arguing the issue is not easily settled.
Kerala bid farewell to a 10-month-old girl, the state's youngest organ donor, with state honors after her parents donated her organs following her brain death.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has questioned Congress leaders regarding their alleged connections to the accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, dismissing claims of his own involvement and demanding answers about the accused's access to Sonia Gandhi.
The Kerala High Court has stated that laws and regulations should serve as a unifying force between religions and communities, not create discord. The observation came while dismissing a plea against the entry of Christian priests into a Hindu temple.
A man in Kerala, India, was arrested after staging a scooter accident to injure his ex-girlfriend and then pose as her savior in an attempt to win her back.
The wheels of the helicopter carrying President Droupadi Murmu got stuck in a depression in the newly concreted helipad at Pramadam during her Sabarimala visit.
President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, becoming the first woman head of state to visit the shrine. She participated in traditional rituals and ceremonies during her visit.
The Kerala high court has set aside crucial stages of the land acquisition process for the proposed Sabarimala greenfield airport, holding that the state failed to properly assess the minimum land actually required for the project.
