Thursday ,13 March 2025: A wrap of news and developments in Kerala - all in one place. From defamation case against BJP leader Sobha Surendran, to 'Love Jihad' debate.
Published Mar 13, 2025 | 11:36 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 13, 2025 | 4:12 PM
BJP leader Sobha Surendran
Synopsis: In Thursday’s wrap of Kerala news—The Alappuzha court ordered a defamation case against BJP leader Sobha Surendran following a complaint from KC Venugopal. Meanwhile, BJP leader PC George’s “Love Jihad” remarks sparked debate, supported by the Syro Malabar Church. Kerala Police are intensifying anti-drug efforts. Minister VN Vasavan sought clarification on Balu’s redesignation at Koodalmanikyam Temple. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh visited Thiruvananthapuram for a conference.
The Alappuzha Judicial First Class Magistrate Court has directed the police to initiate a defamation case against BJP leader Sobha Surendran following a petition by AICC general secretary KC Venugopal.
The court’s decision came after Sobha failed to respond to a legal notice issued by Venugopal. On Wednesday, 12 March, Venugopal personally appeared in court to provide his testimony.
The complaint stems from remarks made by Sobha during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign. She had accused Venugopal of being involved in large-scale corruption through illegal sand mining, allegedly in collaboration with former Rajasthan minister Shish Ram Ola.
Sobha claimed to have evidence supporting her allegations. In response, Venugopal approached the court, seeking legal action for defamation.
During the elections, Sobha Surendran contested against KC Venugopal in the Alappuzha parliamentary constituency.
Her accusations included claims that Venugopal had accumulated vast wealth through illicit mining activities in Kerala and had connections to international deals linked to illegal mining.
BJP leader PC George’s remarks on “Love Jihad” have reignited debates, drawing both criticism and support. While his statements have faced backlash from various quarters, the Syro Malabar Church has firmly stood by him.
The Public Affairs Commission of the Church, led by Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, issued a press release defending George’s claims, asserting that they have merit.
South First contacted Fr. James Kokkavayal, Secretary of the Commission for Public Affairs, who highlighted the increasing incidents of crimes, drug-related cases, and weapon seizures in Kerala. He suggested that these trends support George’s claims.
The press release also referenced a speech George delivered at an event organized by the KCBC anti-alcohol Committee in Pala, where he discussed issues related to substance abuse.
During his address, he urged Christian families to ensure their daughters marry before the age of 24, citing growing concerns over “Love Jihad” in Kerala.
In a high-level meeting chaired by ADGP (Law & Order) Manoj Abraham on Wednesday, the Kerala Police have decided to implement comprehensive measures to strengthen anti-drug enforcement across the state.
The meeting, attended by Zonal IGPs, Range DIGs, and District Police Chiefs, focused on intensifying inspections and surveillance to curb the spread of drug abuse.
As part of the initiative, inspections will be increased in shops and establishments near educational institutions. Law enforcement agencies will also conduct frequent raids on the homes and hideouts of individuals with a history of drug-related offences.
Minister VN Vasavan has sought a report on the redesignation of Balu, who was appointed as Kazhakam staff at Koodalmanikyam Temple through the Devaswom Recruitment Board.
He clarified that the transfer was made by the administrator, not the Devaswom president, and has requested an explanation.
As per the 2003 regulation, there are two types of Kazhakam posts, one appointed based on Tantri’s recommendation and another through the Recruitment Board. Balu was appointed to the latter on 24 February, but the Tantris opposed it.
The government maintains that employees appointed through the board must perform their designated duties, and the Devaswom chairman has assured appropriate action.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), visited the Headquarters Southern Air Command (SAC) in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, 12 March for the Commanders’ Conference.
He was received by Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, and accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
During the conference, the CAS was briefed on key operational matters, including air defence in the southern region and maritime air operations.
He commended SAC for maintaining a strong operational posture and its role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Interacting with the commanders of various Air Force Stations under SAC, the Air Chief emphasized the importance of emerging technologies, capability enhancement, and the evolving nature of hybrid warfare.
He urged them to adopt innovative measures to counter security threats and focus on developments in space, cyber, and electronic warfare.
A Lithuanian national wanted by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) for financial fraud and money laundering was arrested by Kerala Police in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday evening.
The arrest was made following an international operation coordinated by the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU).
The accused, Aleksej Besciokov (46), co-founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Garantex, was taken into custody while on vacation with his family. Garantex was sanctioned by the US government in 2022 for allegedly facilitating billions of dollars in illicit financial transactions linked to transnational criminal and cybercriminal organizations.
The US DOJ had unsealed an indictment on 7 March against Besciokov and another alleged co-founder of Garantex, Aleksandr Mira Serda (40), a Russian national residing in the UAE.
The indictment accuses them of engaging in a conspiracy to commit money laundering, violating the US International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and operating an unlicensed money services business.
According to US authorities, between 2021 and 2024, Garantex allegedly laundered millions of US dollars, including proceeds from ransomware attacks carried out by Black Basta, Play, and Conti ransomware groups.
The US government had sought Besciokov’s extradition to stand trial before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
An Interpol Red Corner Notice had been issued against Besciokov, leading to a request from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for his provisional arrest under the Extradition Act, of 1962.
Based on this request, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) of Patiala House Court in Delhi issued a warrant on 10 March, directing his arrest.
Kerala Police, acting in coordination with the CBI and IPCU, traced and apprehended Besciokov in Varkala. The police stated that he was attempting to flee the country when he was arrested. Following standard procedure, Besciokov has been remanded in custody for two days in Kerala.
On Thursday, he will be transferred by train to Patiala House Court in New Delhi, where extradition proceedings will take place.
The IPCU and CBI continue to coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), MEA, and state law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend fugitive criminals wanted by foreign authorities, says CBI in a statement.
An eight-month-old baby from Pazhayangadi, Kannur, is in critical condition after receiving the wrong medication from Khadija Medicals. Instead of the prescribed fever syrup, the pharmacy gave concentrated drops, leading to an overdose that severely affected the baby’s liver.
Unaware of the mistake, the parents administered the same quantity as the syrup. The child’s condition worsened, and upon consulting the doctor, the error was identified. The baby was rushed to a private hospital, where their condition, though still serious, has slightly improved.
The family alleges rude behaviour from the pharmacy when confronted. Police have registered a case against the medical store.
Kochi is set to transform its pedestrian infrastructure by adopting the successful Bangalore model through the ‘Walkable Kochi’ project. In collaboration with the German agency GIZ and C HED, this initiative aims to audit pedestrian facilities across all 74 city wards with active public participation.
Mayor M Anilkumar shared with South First that the first phase of the project will focus on identifying a Priority Walking Network, targeting high-traffic areas. Following this, a public audit will be conducted using a smartphone-based system, with the collected data made available through a digital dashboard.
The Kochi Corporation will fund the project, ensuring a phased approach to improvements.
Led by the same experts who pioneered Bangalore’s model, the initiative aims to create safer, more accessible pathways, with particular attention to the needs of differently-abled individuals.
