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Fuel Tax Fallout: Kerala’s ₹2 Social Security Cess Fuels Smuggling and Fake Diesel Racket, Bleeding State Coffers

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Fuel Tax Fallout: Kerala’s ₹2 Social Security Cess Fuels Smuggling and Fake Diesel Racket, Bleeding State Coffers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The introduction of a ₹2 per litre Social Security Cess on petrol and diesel in Kerala’s 2023 budget has reportedly backfired, leading to a sharp decline in official fuel consumption and a surge in illicit activities like smuggling and the manufacture of fake diesel, resulting in significant losses to the state exchequer.

​Reports indicate that smugglers and counterfeiters are exploiting the resultant price differential, which has made fuel in Kerala more expensive than in neighbouring states.

​Consumption Plunge: The Official Figures

​Government data reveals a clear correlation between the cess implementation and the drop in sales. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, before the cess, Kerala recorded a sale of 53,68,400 kilolitres of petrol and diesel, generating a revenue of ₹11,534.2 crore.

​However, in the cess-affected 2023-24 financial year, consumption dropped significantly to 52,49,500 kilolitres, with revenue also dipping to ₹11,188.09 crore. Provisional figures for the 2024-25 fiscal year anticipate consumption to stabilise around 52,66,000 kilolitres, projecting a revenue increase to ₹12,078.76 crore primarily due to the cess collections.

​Cross-Border Smuggling Rises

​The higher fuel prices in Kerala compared to states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which have lower tax rates, have created a lucrative window for black-market operators. There are increasing reports of illegal movement of diesel purchased at cheaper rates from neighbouring states and sold within Kerala.

​Further compounding the issue is the change in refuelling behaviour of large commercial vehicles like trucks and buses. These vehicles are increasingly filling their tanks in border states. Petrol pumps located near the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka borders have reported a surge in the number of Kerala-registered vehicles.

​The Mahe Factor

​The situation is worsened by the ‘Mahe Factor’. Vehicles travelling through the Union Territory of Mahe, where taxes are considerably lower, consistently refuel there, diverting substantial revenue away from the state government.

​Alarming Rise of Fake Diesel Production

​A more serious concern is the operation of syndicates manufacturing counterfeit diesel. Reports suggest these groups have set up clandestine mini-refineries to produce fake diesel using waste oil and various chemicals.

​This spurious fuel is then sold at lower prices to specific sectors like fishermen, contractors, and quarry owners. Besides causing severe damage to vehicle engines, this criminal activity also poses a major environmental hazard.

​Irreparable Loss to the Exchequer

​Financial experts warn that this combination of factors is severely distorting fuel consumption data and inflicting major damage on the state’s finances. Authorities estimate that while actual consumption may not be dropping dramatically, the official sales figures—suppressed by smuggling and fake products—are costing the state exchequer crores of rupees in lost revenue.

​Need for Immediate, Stringent Action

​Experts are calling for strict monitoring and legal action to tackle the crisis. Government sources concede the necessity of addressing the tax disparity with neighbouring states, implementing rigorous checks at the borders to curb smuggling, and conducting regular raids on fake diesel manufacturers.

​There is a growing public demand for immediate measures to safeguard the funds intended for social security schemes and to protect the state’s financial interests.

Gold Tax Scam Rocks Kerala: State Loses Thousands of Crores Amid Empty Promises

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Gold Tax Scam Rocks Kerala: State Loses Thousands of Crores Amid Empty Promises

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mounting evidence suggests massive tax evasion in Kerala’s gold trade, resulting in a staggering loss of thousands of crores of rupees to the state exchequer. Despite repeated high-level allegations and grand public announcements, the government has failed to implement effective measures, a reality that starkly contradicts the promises made.

​GST Era Revenue Slump: An Alarming Decline

​Before the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the state secured an annual tax revenue of ₹630 crore from the gold sector, with an average tax rate of 1.25%. At that time, over 90% of traders paid tax under the composition scheme, and gold was priced at approximately ₹2,700 per gram in 2016.

​Post-GST, the tax rate jumped to 3%, and the price of gold has quadrupled. Yet, the expected surge in tax revenue has not materialized. In a shocking admission in 2019, the then Finance Minister conceded in a national media interview that the revenue from this sector in 2018 was merely ₹200 crore.

​The Unfulfilled ₹18,000 Crore Promise

​The previous Finance Minister had ambitiously projected an annual revenue of ₹18,000 crore from the gold sector alone if tax evasion were successfully curbed. High-profile meetings involving the Chief Minister, ministers, and department officials led to major declarations:

  • ​Extensive inspections would be conducted to stop evasion.
  • ​Tax officials would be deployed in jewellery shops to monitor trade.
  • ​The state would pressure the Central government to introduce the E-way bill, which was identified as a critical missing link.

​However, none of these key declarations were effectively executed.

​New Government, Same Problem

​The administrative shift saw a new minister take charge, and while gold prices continued to climb, the revenue remained stagnant, hovering around ₹500–₹600 crore. The new Finance Minister offered various justifications to downplay the issue, including claims that:

  • ​Revenue tracking for a specific commodity is impossible under the HSN code system.
  • ​The current 3% GST rate is lower than the 5% VAT rate that existed previously.

​These justifications were often used to sidestep providing direct answers to crucial questions in the state assembly.

​Costly Delay in E-way Bill Implementation

​While the state government successfully lobbied for the introduction of the E-way bill for gold, its implementation in Kerala was inexplicably delayed by one full year. This unnecessary lag is estimated to have caused a significant additional loss to the treasury.

​Today, with gold prices exceeding ₹10,000 per gram, the annual revenue remains a meagre ₹700 crore—a fraction of the expected collection.

​Raids: More Show Than Substance

​Raids conducted in the sector also yielded little substantial benefit. Reports highlighted the weight of gold (in kilograms) seized to grab headlines, but the corresponding tax recovered was often a paltry sum. Critics argue that these raids were primarily for media publicity, consistently failing to apprehend the real perpetrators of major tax fraud.

​Revenue Concentration Rings Alarm Bells

​A highly concerning fact is that 80% of the tax revenue from the gold sector originates from just a handful of major dealers. This indicates that a vast majority of other gold traders are either avoiding tax entirely or significantly under-reporting their income.

​When questioned in the Assembly about the number of raids conducted by the GST Intelligence wing on service trading establishments, the turnover concealed, and the tax amounts detected over the last four years, the reply was simply, “Information is being collected.” This lack of readily available vital data underscores the severe inadequacy of surveillance in this sector.

​Expert Opinion and the Call for Political Will

​Economists are demanding stringent measures to curb gold tax evasion, including the robust implementation of the E-way bill system and consistent, effective inspections. They estimate that successful efforts could bring in thousands of crores of additional revenue. However, critics suggest that a crippling lack of political will remains the most significant hurdle.

​Amidst a crippling state financial crisis, the continuous loss of thousands of crores demands immediate and decisive action, moving beyond mere announcements and high-level meetings.

Rule of Law Under Fire: Kerala Govt’s ‘Secret Agenda’ Special Assembly Session Sparks Constitutional Crisis

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Rule of Law Under Fire: Kerala Govt’s ‘Secret Agenda’ Special Assembly Session Sparks Constitutional Crisis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The announcement of a special session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on November 1st has triggered an unprecedented legal and political storm, raising serious questions about the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s adherence to the principles of parliamentary democracy and the ‘Rule of Law.’

​The state government’s unilateral decision to convene the session on a public holiday has been challenged by the Opposition, which has sent a letter to the Chief Minister, alleging a blatant violation of Assembly Rules. This move has escalated the debate, with critics arguing that the ruling dispensation is treating the Assembly’s procedural rules as mere “playthings.”

​Violation of Rules: Legal Lapse or Political Malice?

​At the heart of the controversy is Rule 13(2) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. The rule explicitly states that the Assembly can only meet on a public holiday if the House grants prior approval for such a sitting. This rule underscores the democratic responsibility that if taxpayers’ money is spent on convening the Assembly on a holiday, it must be for a clear and demonstrable matter of urgent public importance.

​Crucially, no such resolution was moved, debated, or approved by the House during the 15th session, which concluded on October 9th. This omission, according to legal experts, amounts to a complete disregard—or possibly a deliberate sidestepping—of a fundamental legal requirement.

​The Court’s View: Procedures Are Not Mere Formalities

​While the courts generally limit interference in the internal proceedings of the legislature, a judicial review becomes necessary when constitutional or legal lapses occur. The Supreme Court’s observations in cases like the Kihoto Hollohan case are relevant here, emphasizing that legislatures must function within the constitutional framework.

​Legal experts contend that violating Rule 13(2) strips the session of its moral and legal validity. The government is now legally obliged to justify to the public and the Opposition the “urgent necessity” that prompted the summoning of the session without following established procedures.

​Political Unilateralism and Erosion of Trust

​Beyond the legal shortcomings, the move carries significant political weight. The Opposition has lambasted the unilateral declaration, calling it a sign of the ruling party’s “autocratic tendencies” and a serious blow to parliamentary decorum.

  • ​Erosion of Trust: Parliamentary democracy requires a healthy working relationship and mutual trust between the Treasury and Opposition benches. Announcing a rule-breaking session in secret completely shatters this essential trust.
  • ​The ‘Secret Agenda’: The foremost question from the public and the Opposition is the nature of the “secret agenda” that necessitates such an abrupt and urgent session. Suspicion is rife that the government might be aiming to rush through bills or address matters it wishes to keep out of public discussion and Opposition scrutiny.

​Critics suggest that by ignoring basic procedural norms simply because it holds a majority, the LDF government has abandoned Political Expediency, lending credence to the Opposition’s claim that the ruling party is attempting to use Assembly rules as tools for its convenience.

​If the session is intended to be a continuation of the 15th session, it still legally requires a resolution of approval—a requirement that has been overlooked. The government’s actions constitute a grave lapse on the triple fronts of legal procedure, political morality, and institutional trust. If not corrected, this episode is poised to be recorded as a dark chapter in the history of the state Assembly.

Gold Price Dilemma: Glitter or Gloom? Experts Decode if You Should Buy or Wait This Diwali

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Gold Price Dilemma: Glitter or Gloom? Experts Decode if You Should Buy or Wait This Diwali

MUMBAI: With gold and silver prices hovering near record highs this festive season, investors are caught in a classic dilemma: Is it time to buy into the rally, or should they wait for an inevitable correction?

While the festive rush for Dhanteras and Diwali, combined with its traditional “safe-haven” appeal, is supporting precious metal prices for now, experts warn that the glitter could soon turn volatile. Geopolitical tensions, shifting interest rate expectations, and the strength of the US dollar are all critical factors that could test gold’s strength in the coming weeks.

Rally Nearing Exhaustion?

Manav Modi, Senior Analyst at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, believes gold’s impressive rally might be running out of steam unless global uncertainty deepens.

“There are a few headwinds which could cap gold’s rally — easing geopolitical tensions, changes in rate cut expectations, outflows in investment demand and rising growth prospects as the IMF expects,” Modi told TOI.

His advice for current investors is one of caution. “Any investor holding positions should hedge in exchanges and keep booking profits. Those looking to enter afresh can wait for a dip that aligns with their risk-reward outlook,” he added.

Market Triggers to Watch

Jateen Trivedi, VP of Commodity Research at LKP Securities, states that the next price movement depends entirely on how major global triggers unfold.

According to Trivedi, the “risk-off” conditions that could cause gold and silver prices to decline include:

  • A hawkish US Federal Reserve or higher real yields, which would delay anticipated rate cuts.
  • Renewed strength in the US dollar, which typically has an inverse relationship with gold.
  • Geopolitical de-escalation or easing trade tensions, reducing the need for safe-haven assets.
  • A slowdown in China’s industrial growth, which would impact silver (an industrial metal) more severely.
  • Continued outflows from Gold ETFs or a build-up in inventory, which could accelerate a price correction.

Investment Strategy: What Should You Do?

Trivedi suggests investors tailor their approach based on their financial goals:

  • Festival Buyers (Jewellery): “Buy what you need. Avoid leveraging or large lumpsums purely as an ‘investment’ at record highs.”
  • Long-Term Investors: Prefer a systematic (SIP) or staged buying approach to average out volatility. “Accumulate on meaningful dips (5–10% from current highs) rather than chasing tops.”
  • Tactical Traders: Must use strict stop-losses. As silver is more volatile (higher-beta), position sizes should be managed accordingly.
  • Existing Large Positions: “Consider partial profit-booking to de-risk, redeploy using SIPs on pullbacks.”

‘A Big Warning Signal’: Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu Says Soaring Gold Price Signals Financial Stress, Not Prosperity

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‘A Big Warning Signal’: Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu Says Soaring Gold Price Signals Financial Stress, Not Prosperity

NEW DELHI: Sridhar Vembu, the co-founder and CEO of Zoho Corporation, has issued a stark caution that the ongoing surge in gold prices is a “big warning signal” of deep stress within the global financial system, not a sign of economic prosperity.

Reacting to an article in The Economist by IMF Deputy Managing Director Dr. Gita Gopinath, Vembu expressed his agreement with her assessment that global exposure to US equities has reached dangerously high levels.

“I agree with Dr. Gita Gopinath. The US stock market is in a clear and massive bubble,” Vembu wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

He elaborated that the high degree of leverage in the system means a systemic event, similar to the 2008-09 global financial crisis, “cannot be ruled out.”

Vembu warned that gold’s rising price is the market flashing this “big warning signal.” He stressed that he views gold not as an investment, but as “insurance against systemic financial risk.”

His comments come as economists and investors show renewed concern over soaring market valuations and rising global debt. Gold is a classic safe-haven asset; it typically appreciates when investors lose faith in paper assets (like stocks and bonds) or anticipate inflation, recessions, or banking instability. A sustained rally in gold often indicates widespread fear and a lack of trust in the broader economy.

In this context, Vembu’s warning suggests the current gold surge is a symptom of weakening confidence. “Finance ultimately depends on trust, and when debt levels reach extreme heights, trust begins to break down,” he added.

Dr. Gopinath’s article noted that with global exposure to US equities at record highs, a correction today could have far more severe worldwide consequences than the dot-com crash of the early 2000s.

Vembu concluded his post with a note of dry humor, suggesting that artificial intelligence might have to “work hard to repay” the mounting global debt.

#BoycottMalabarGold Trends on Dhanteras as Jeweler Faces Backlash Over Pakistani Influencer Collab

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#BoycottMalabarGold Trends on Dhanteras as Jeweler Faces Backlash Over Pakistani Influencer Collab

MUMBAI: As millions of Indians flocked to markets to buy gold for the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras on Saturday, Kerala-based jewellery giant Malabar Gold and Diamonds found itself at the center of a social media storm. The hashtag #BoycottMalabarGold trended widely, with reports of reduced footfall at the chain’s stores.

The widespread calls for a boycott stem from the jeweler’s recent promotional collaboration with a London-based Pakistani Instagram influencer, Alishba Khalid, who had previously mocked India’s “Operation Sindoor,” calling it a “cowardly act.”

The controversy first ignited in September when Malabar Gold featured Khalid during the inauguration of their London showroom. Social media users quickly unearthed her past comments, leading to a firestorm of criticism. Netizens accused the brand of being a “sympathiser of Pakistan,” a particularly sensitive topic given the long-standing calls by Indian film bodies for a ban on Pakistani artists following the Pulwama attack.

In response to the growing backlash, Malabar Gold has taken legal action. The company moved the Bombay High Court against the social media posts on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Google.

According to news agency PTI, the jeweler’s plea stated that the posts were defamatory and actively damaging sales during the crucial Diwali festive season. The company submitted a list of 442 URLs containing the allegedly defamatory content and sought an injunction to prevent its further publication.

Kerala Lottery Result 18.10.2025: Karunya KR-727 Winner of Rs 1 Crore Announced; Check Winning Numbers Here

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Kerala Lottery Result 18.10.2025: Karunya KR-727 Winner of Rs 1 Crore Announced; Check Winning Numbers Here

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Lottery Department has officially announced the results for the Karunya KR-727 lottery draw today, Saturday, October 18, 2025. The live draw took place at Gorky Bhavan, near Bakery Junction, Thiruvananthapuram, at 3:00 PM.

A lucky ticket holder from Neyyattinkara has won the first prize of Rs 1 Crore. The second prize of Rs 25 Lakh went to a ticket sold in Kollam, and the third prize of Rs 10 Lakh was won by a ticket holder from Ernakulam.

Participants can now check the full list of winning numbers to see if they have won a prize. The official results are available on the Kerala State Lotteries website. Winners are advised to verify their numbers with the results published in the Kerala Government Gazette and surrender their winning tickets within 90 days.

The next Karunya lottery draw will be held on October 25, 2025.

Full List of Winning Numbers for Karunya KR-727

1st Prize: Rs 1 Crore

  • KV 708982 (NEYYATTINKARA)

2nd Prize: Rs 25 Lakhs

  • KY 825823 (KOLLAM)

3rd Prize: Rs 10 Lakhs

  • KT 543329 (ERNAKULAM)

Consolation Prize: Rs 5,000

  • KN 708982, KO 708982, KP 708982, KR 708982, KS 708982, KT 708982, KU 708982, KW 708982, KX 708982, KY 708982, KZ 708982

4th Prize: Rs 5,000

  • 0033, 0247, 1032, 1103, 1941, 3504, 3510, 5035, 5692, 6680, 6709, 7776, 7797, 8060, 8223, 8929, 9737, 9746, 9915

5th Prize: Rs 2,000

  • 5046, 6705, 7369, 8062, 9266, 9941

6th Prize: Rs 1,000

  • 0232, 0672, 0728, 0734, 1359, 1471, 2042, 2091, 2164, 2228, 2333, 2594, 2807, 2977, 3281, 3409, 3619, 3783, 4015, 4172, 4835, 5368, 6670, 7540, 9994

7th Prize: Rs 500

  • 0236, 0780, 0988, 1039, 1058, 1150, 1183, 1236, 1450, 1536, 1641, 1676, 1682, 1849, 2122, 2224, 2315, 2500, 2640, 2647, 2790, 2795, 2799, 3014, 3038, 3137, 3182, 3214, 3928, 4134, 4302, 4398, 4406, 5028, 5095, 5131, 5208, 5244, 5256, 5276, 5323, 5411, 5485, 5498, 5582, 5630, 5769, 5791, 6302, 6319, 6337, 6427, 6505, 6577, 7048, 7168, 7249, 7262, 7290, 8120, 8213, 8579, 8620, 8886, 8981, 9296, 9485, 9496, 9571, 9644, 9761, 9816, 9827, 9899, 9923, 9977

8th Prize: Rs 200

  • 0141, 0522, 0582, 0606, 0678, 1116, 1205, 1356, 1357, 1367, 1372, 1382, 1532, 1601, 1692, 1728, 1791, 1855, 1989, 1999, 2162, 2510, 2522, 2563, 2856, 3088, 3150, 3192, 3274, 3297, 3578, 3729, 3825, 3908, 3934, 4137, 4192, 4441, 4507, 4623, 4693, 4744, 4799, 4848, 4912, 5080, 5346, 5479, 5635, 5878, 5908, 6122, 6190, 6218, 6245, 6254, 6495, 6609, 6742, 6789, 6870, 6949, 6996, 7021, 7132, 7155, 7180, 7234, 7253, 7517, 7542, 7562, 7595, 7833, 7876, 7991, 8454, 8641, 8857, 8862, 8884, 8907, 8934, 9140, 9358, 9423, 9443, 9489, 9493, 9552, 9579, 9729

9th Prize: Rs 100

  • 0178, 0212, 0225, 0385, 0708, 0730, 0897, 0940, 1017, 1043, 1242, 1296, 1362, 1385, 1427, 1490, 1503, 1587, 1731, 1854, 1882, 2060, 2134, 2194, 2262, 2310, 2355, 2370, 2407, 2537, 2579, 2622, 2650, 2784, 2797, 2905, 2946, 3241, 3288, 3319, 3353, 3442, 3512, 3574, 3600, 3643, 3777, 3883, 3898, 3991, 4122, 4191, 4317, 4386, 4439, 4446, 4483, 4648, 4723, 4740, 4750, 4760, 4773, 4794, 4960, 4985, 5199, 5237, 5332, 5516, 5590, 5600, 5673, 5684, 5706, 5787, 5831, 5879, 5947, 5994, 6025, 6065, 6079, 6112, 6132, 6139, 6361, 6393, 6548, 6592, 6649, 6749, 6766, 6814, 6847, 6891, 6893, 6905, 6948, 6972, 7099, 7344, 7356, 7383, 7487, 7492, 7499, 7501, 7503, 7541, 7671, 7712, 7803, 7812, 7921, 7929, 8065, 8075, 8113, 8148, 8251, 8277, 8302, 8382, 8657, 8858, 8863, 8983, 9065, 9070, 9086, 9102, 9219, 9396, 9406, 9444, 9469, 9491, 9595, 9716, 9736, 9809, 9819, 9984

PNB Scam Endgame: Belgian Court Approves Mehul Choksi Extradition After ‘Netflix-Like’ Global Chase

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PNB Scam Endgame: Belgian Court Approves Mehul Choksi Extradition After ‘Netflix-Like’ Global Chase

NEW DELHI/BRUSSELS: In a major victory for Indian investigative agencies, a Belgian court on Friday approved the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi to India, bringing the central figure in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam one step closer to facing trial.

The decision marks a critical turning point in a dramatic, years-long international chase that spanned the Caribbean and Europe, involving mysterious abductions and allegations of honeytraps.

Choksi, the owner of Gitanjali Gems, was arrested in Antwerp, Belgium, in April 2025, reportedly while he was in the country for medical treatment. Acting on an Interpol Red Notice and a formal request from the Indian government, Belgian authorities took him into custody on April 12.

On October 17, 2025, the Belgian court upheld his arrest as lawful and granted the approval for his extradition to India. Choksi now has 15 days to appeal the decision.

The ‘Netflix’ Plot: From Antigua to Dominica

Choksi and his nephew, Nirav Modi (currently in a London jail), are the main accused in the 2018 PNB fraud, which involved the fraudulent use of Letters of Undertaking (LOUs) to secure credit from overseas banks.

Choksi fled India in January 2018, just weeks before the scam was exposed. He surfaced in Antigua and Barbuda, where he had already secured citizenship through an investment program. His quiet life there was shattered in May 2021 when he mysteriously disappeared.

He was found days later in the neighboring island nation of Dominica, where he was arrested for illegal entry. Choksi alleged he was the victim of a kidnapping, claiming he was ambushed, beaten, and tasered by 8-10 men, some of Indian origin, at the residence of a woman named Barbara Jabarica. He claimed she was part of a “honeytrap” to lure him, and that he was forcibly taken to Dominica by boat to be deported to India.

A Dominican court ultimately blocked his deportation, and he returned to Antigua.

Political Ripples and the Final Act

The incident sparked a political storm in the Caribbean, with Dominican opposition leader Lennox Linton facing (and denying) allegations that he had accepted money from Choksi’s family to raise the issue in Parliament.

After the failed Dominica episode, Choksi’s capture in Belgium this year marked the final act. With the Belgian court now approving his return, Indian officials, including a CBI team, have hailed the ruling as a major success and are prepared to bring him back to face charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, corruption, and money laundering.

SHOCKER: CPM Ward Councillor Arrested for Daring Daylight Chain Snatching in Koothuparamba

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SHOCKER: CPM Ward Councillor Arrested for Daring Daylight Chain Snatching in Koothuparamba

Kannur, Kerala: In a shocking development from Kannur, a sitting ward councillor of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has been arrested for a brazen daylight chain-snatching incident. P.P. Rajesh, the councillor representing the fourth ward of Koothuparamba Municipality, was taken into custody for robbing a 77-year-old visually impaired woman in her home.

The incident occurred last Wednesday (date not specified in original, using last week as per source) at around 12:30 PM. The victim, P. Janaki, was in the kitchen cutting fish when the assailant entered her house through the open front door. The thief snatched her one-sovereign gold chain and fled the scene.

The entire operation was meticulously planned. The councillor was reportedly aware of Ms. Janaki’s visual impairment and knew that the elderly woman would be alone at home during the afternoon hours. To conceal his identity, the robber wore a helmet during the act.

Koothuparamba Police, led by the Circle Inspector, launched a widespread investigation. Crucial to the breakthrough were CCTV visuals recovered from the area. The footage showed a youth wearing a helmet and riding a Jupiter scooter with a masked number plate.

Following the release of the suspect’s description and vehicle details, locals identified the scooter, providing vital information to the police. This tip-off led to the apprehension of P.P. Rajesh.

During questioning, the accused reportedly confessed to the crime. The arrest of a prominent local politician in connection with a crime targeting a vulnerable senior citizen has sent shockwaves through the Koothuparamba community. Further investigations are underway.

Revolt in TVK: Cadres Launch #KickOutBussyAnand Campaign, Urge Vijay to Break Silence

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Revolt in TVK: Cadres Launch #KickOutBussyAnand Campaign, Urge Vijay to Break Silence

CHENNAI: A significant internal revolt is rocking Thalapathy Vijay’s new political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), as cadres openly demand the removal of General Secretary Bussy Anand. An online campaign, featuring the hashtag #KickOutBussyAnand, has gained traction, with party members accusing the second-in-command of arrogance, inaccessibility, and abandoning the party during its worst crisis—the recent Karur crowd crush tragedy.

Once celebrated as the party’s organizational backbone, Anand now finds himself at the center of the rebellion. The anger boiled over when he made his first public appearance on October 13 after disappearing following the Karur incident. Furious cadres, who felt left to defend the party alone, began referring to him on social media as ‘Thalapathiyarin Theeiya Sakthi’ (The Evil Force of the Commander).

The dissatisfaction was aired in a marathon three-and-a-half-hour X (formerly Twitter) Spaces discussion titled ‘TVK Reality Check,’ which drew over 17,000 listeners.

“Where do we stand as a political party?” one supporter asked. Much of the anger was directed at Anand. “Instead, key leaders went underground after the Karur incident, leaving us directionless,” a TVK member told TNM. “The virtual warriors are fighting against all odds… But what help did we get from the leadership? Absolutely nothing. Our party was crippled, and the reason is Bussy Anand,” said one virtual warrior.

Cadres also accuse Anand of being obsessed with his own image rather than party growth. “We’ve used our energy… to build Bussy Anand’s image,” another member added. “We were made to put up posters for him, and wherever he went, at least 40-plus Fortuner vehicles followed… He wanted to… hog the limelight.”

The digital revolt has been formalized through multiple open letters and petitions addressed directly to TVK Chief Vijay, urging an immediate restructuring. One letter stated the Karur tragedy had “exposed the weaknesses of the party structure” and a “leadership vacuum.”

“We need to strengthen our second-line leadership immediately,” the letter read. “Please maintain distance from ego-driven individuals who isolate you from your cadres… We need diversity in thinking, not just loyalty — people who can challenge, not just cheer.”

Another letter explicitly called for changes to the General Secretary’s role, alleging, “Bussy Anand has proven ineffective in his role.”

The outrage peaked when photos went viral showing Karur East District Secretary Mathiazhagan and functionary Paunraj—both of whom were arrested and are out on bail in connection with the Karur tragedy—falling at Bussy Anand’s feet at the TVK headquarters. This image of subservience intensified the #KickOutBussyAnand campaign, with scores of supporters now demanding that Thalapathy Vijay break his silence and intervene.

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