A wrap of news and developments in Kerala - all in one place. From senior citizens beginning a hunger strike, to the arrest of Saigram Trust Chairman
Published Mar 11, 2025 | 4:38 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 11, 2025 | 4:38 PM
On December 9 ASHA workers took out a protest to demand a pay hike
Synopsis: In Tuesday’s wrap of news and developments in Kerala— ASHA workers in Kerala plan to lay siege to the Secretariat on 17 March to demand better pay. The body of Thomas Gabriel, killed at the Jordan-Israel border, was brought back to Kerala. Senior citizens join the hunger strike in Munambam, demanding action against the Waqf Board’s land claims
The ongoing protest by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Kerala for better pay shows no signs of ending. The ASHA Health Workers’ Association has announced plans to escalate their strike by laying siege to the Secretariat on 17 March.
Despite widespread support, the state government remains unresponsive, with protesters accusing the Chief Minister of ignoring their crucial contributions to Kerala’s public health system.
A human skeleton wrapped in plastic was discovered inside a suitcase at the St Thomas CSI Church cemetery in Kollam on Tuesday morning.
Church staff found the remains while digging to lay a pipe. City Police Commissioner Kiran Narayanan stated that the skeleton was decomposed, indicating it may have been buried years ago.
The Kollam East Police have launched an investigation, with a forensic team on-site to determine the age and cause of death. Authorities suspect foul play and are reviewing missing persons records. Further details are awaited after forensic analysis.
The mortal remains of Thomas Gabriel, a native of Thumba in Thiruvananthapuram, who was shot dead at the Jordan-Israel border, arrived in Kerala on Tuesday.
His family received the body at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport at 3:30 am, with the remains taken to his residence shortly after.
Minister G R Anil and others visited to offer their condolences. Gabriel’s funeral will be held at St John the Baptist Church, Thumba, where he will be laid to rest.
Gabriel, an auto-rickshaw driver, was killed on 10 February when Jordanian forces shot him after he allegedly tried to cross into Israel. His relative Edison, who was injured, survived and was later repatriated to India after medical treatment.
The ongoing Waqf land protest at Munambam has intensified, with senior citizens commencing a hunger strike today. Fr. Shabu Kunnathoor inaugurated the strike, emphasizing the protesters’ growing resolve.
Medical professionals are stationed at the site for health monitoring.
The protest gained momentum with 84-year-old Kottoor Bahuleyan arriving to support the cause, his presence met with loud cheers and solidarity. The protestors are demanding immediate action against the Waqf Board’s claims.
The Kerala government is set to lay the foundation stone for a model township in Wayanad on 27 March, aimed at rehabilitating survivors of the Meppadi landslide that occurred on 30 July, 2024.
The ceremony, delayed by eight months, was announced by Revenue Minister K Rajan in response to Congress MLA T Siddique’s adjournment motion in the Assembly.
Opposition parties walked out after Speaker AN Shamseer denied their request for a debate, accusing the government of inaction.
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan criticised the delay in finalising the beneficiary list, while Siddique raised concerns over delayed financial aid for medical treatment.
Minister Rajan defended the delay, citing court proceedings and the final approval for land acquisition received on 27 December.
Both ruling and opposition parties criticised the Centre for its indifference, with Rajan accusing it of a “devil-like” approach during the crisis.
Kerala police have arrested K N Anandakumar, Chairman of Saigram Trust, in connection with a half-price fraud case. The arrest follows the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court’s rejection of his anticipatory bail application.
Anandakumar was detained by the Crime Branch at his residence in Sasthamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram, and later hospitalised after complaining of illness.
The fraud allegedly involved institutions under the NGO Confederation, where Anandakumar holds the position of national chairman.
The Crime Branch has gathered evidence that Anandakumar received funds from the NGO Confederation, contradicting his previous claims of non-involvement in the fraud.
