🧐 SIT formed for CMRL-Exalogic payoff case

Kerala Police have officially appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe corruption claims. This inquiry targets Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and former Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas in the CMRL-Exalogic pay-off case. The SIT, led by SP P. Vikraman and supervised by the ADGP, Crime Branch, was formed on September 24, 2026. The investigation begins by reviewing the Enforcement Directorate's communication, which alleges hawala transactions. The team is expected to submit a preliminary report within one month. 🧐

🚨 Councillor's brother arrested over murder case witness trespass

Vanchiyoor police arrested Sandeep, brother of councillor R. Sugathan, late Wednesday, September 23. He was arrested for allegedly trespassing at a witness's house in Mannanthala during the 2008 murder case of RSS worker Ranjith. Police registered a case after the accused allegedly disturbed the witness's residence. CCTV footage reportedly linked Sandeep to the incident, despite local BJP blaming CPI(M). The court is set to pronounce its verdict in the Renjith murder case within a week.

💔 Family Killed in Head-On Crash Near Shimla 💔

Three members of a family died, and their son was injured after their car hit a bus head-on. The incident occurred near Ghandal on National Highway-205, about 20 km from Shimla city, on Thursday. Dayanand, his wife Hemlata, and his mother Vidyadevi were killed, while Manish was hospitalized. The crash involved an HRTC bus from Bagipul heading towards Shimla. Police have registered a case under relevant sections, and an investigation is ongoing.

⚡ Congress MP challenges BRS on power and farm claims

Congress MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy questioned BRS claims regarding power and farm issues. He challenged BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao over claims about lower power tariffs by former CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao in Bhuvanagiri. Reddy pointed out that Congress first championed free power for agriculture and that DISCOMs owed about ₹81,000 crore during BRS rule. The MP also alleged irregularities in purchasing 1,000 MW from Chhattisgarh and losses of about ₹1,000 crore at Bhadradri thermal power. Furthermore, he claimed the Yadadri thermal power project was awarded to BHEL via nomination without open bidding.

🚨 Akhilesh Yadav slams EC over 'vote theft'

Akhilesh Yadav accused the Election Commission of acting like puppets facilitating vote theft. He and Rahul Gandhi made these serious claims at a press conference in Delhi today. Yadav suggested the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar should step down voluntarily due to dishonesty. This came after Rahul Gandhi also demanded Kumar's resignation, calling him a 'traitor'. The controversy follows reports of internal dissent within the EC regarding voter list revisions.

🚌 Four Karnataka transport bodies losing big bucks

Karnataka's four State-run transport corporations are collectively facing substantial financial losses of around ₹8,000 crore. Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh revealed this in the Legislative Council on Thursday, addressing financial struggles. Despite four hikes in diesel prices, ticket fares in BMTC, KSRTC, KKRTC, and KSRTC-NW have remained unchanged. The Minister mentioned that they are currently struggling even to pay the salaries of their existing employees. He plans to soon meet Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to discuss these serious operational issues. 🚌

🧐 Protest in Mandya over CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation

A protest was held at Jayachamarajendra Circle in Mandya demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Dalit organizations and the Samana Manaskara Vedike organized this demonstration to seek voter rights and electoral process transparency. The protest occurred on Thursday, amid objections regarding ECI functioning and electoral roll revisions. KPCC spokesperson M. Lakshmana urged the Supreme Court to take suo moto cognisance and order the CEC's removal. Allegations suggest the CEC facilitated BJP victories by removing about three crore voters in six states over the last ten months. 🧐

🌱 Bank job to farm life: His new hustle 🧑‍🌾

Ravuri Sekhar left his banking career in 2025 after his father, Nageswara Rao, passed away in Andhra Pradesh. He returned to his family's farm in Chennam Raju Palli village and switched to multi-cropping. The farm now grows vegetables between long-term crops like avocado and coconut. Currently, the farm produces over 100 kg of vegetables daily, bringing in about Rs 5,000 daily.

😠 BJP slams Rahul Gandhi's EC claims

The BJP strongly responded to Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the Election Commission, dismissing his allegations as originating from dubious sources. Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi stated that Gandhi lacks knowledge of Indian politics while citing the Congress's poor electoral performance across several states. These remarks followed Gandhi's accusations against CEC Gyanesh Kumar as a 'traitor' and his claims of election rigging. Trivedi pointed out that Congress hasn't been in power in Tamil Nadu since 1967 and in UP since 1989. The BJP maintains its stance against Gandhi's challenges to the democratic process. 😠

🕊️ Actor Mushtaq Khan passes away in Mumbai

Actor Mushtaq Khan, known from films like Welcome, passed away after a battle with liver cancer. He was hospitalized at Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital for the past 15 days receiving treatment. Shivam confirmed the news, noting the cancer was first diagnosed about five years ago and recently relapsed. The actor had a nearly three-decade career in Hindi cinema, gaining recognition for his role in Welcome. His funeral is scheduled for tomorrow, with further details pending.

🎬 IDSFFK 18 kicks off with powerful Afghan artist's story

The 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) is opening this Friday, September 25, 2026, in Kerala’s capital. The festival debuts with 'A Fox Under a Pink Moon,' focusing on 16-year-old Afghan artist Soraya. She documented five years of escaping Iran for Austria, covering her abusive marriage and dangerous attempts. This self-shot film offers a raw look at refugee struggles and artistic resistance. The opening event will be inaugurated by Minister for Cultural Affairs P.C. Vishnunadh. 🎬