Friday, 14 March 2025: A wrap of news and developments in Kerala - ED has summoned CPI(M) MP K Radhakrishnan for questioning, and police seized 1.9 kg of cannabis from a hostel.
Published Mar 14, 2025 | 10:48 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 14, 2025 | 2:32 PM
CPI(M) leader K Radhakrishnan (Facebook)
Synopsis: The ED has summoned CPI(M) MP K Radhakrishnan for questioning in connection with the Karuvannur black money case, focusing on his role in illicit fund transfers. In Kochi, police seized 1.9 kg of cannabis from a hostel. Political tensions rose after the transfer of two sub-inspectors following clashes with CPI(M) workers. The Kerala High Court banned unauthorized hoardings, emphasizing the importance of aesthetics and public safety.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a summons to CPI(M) leader and Alathir MP K Radhakrishnan for questioning in connection with the Karuvannur black money case. He has been directed to appear at the ED office in Kochi.
However, since Radhakrishnan was in Delhi when the summons were issued, he received them only on Thursday. As a result, the ED is expected to send a fresh summons with a new date for his appearance.
The ED’s investigation has reportedly uncovered financial transactions linking the proceeds of the Karuvannur scam to CPI(M) accounts.
At the time of the fraudulent transactions, K Radhakrishnan served as the party’s Thrissur district secretary. With the probe nearing completion and the final charge sheet in preparation, the ED is now focusing on his role and the party’s financial dealings with Karuvannur Bank.
Radhakrishnan is being questioned by the ED regarding his alleged links to the CPI(M)’s Karuvannur bank account and illicit fund transfers. The agency has already interrogated CPI(M) district secretary MM Varghese and other leaders. As the investigation expands to senior leaders, political tensions are rising, with CPI(M) labeling the probe as politically motivated. The case is expected to reach a decisive turn soon.
In a late-night operation, the Kochi police conducted a raid at the men’s hostel of Government Polytechnic College, Kalamassery, seizing nearly 1.9 kg of cannabis.
The raid carried out on Thursday night, resulted in the recovery of cannabis from the room of a student from Kollam, identified as Akash.
Additionally, authorities confiscated around 9 grams of cannabis from the rooms of two other students, Aadityan from Alappuzha and Abhiraj from Kollam.
Apart from the drugs, police sources revealed that bottles of alcohol were also discovered in some of the rooms. Following the operation, all three students were taken into custody for further investigation.
The transfer of two sub-inspectors from Thalassery police station following the arrest of CPI(M) workers in a recent clash has triggered sharp political reactions. The officers, SI TK Akhil and SI VV Deepthi were moved to Kolavallur and Kannur Town police stations, respectively, after they took action against party workers involved in an attack on police personnel during the Manolikkavu temple festival in Illathu Thazhae.
In their place, PV Prashobh from Kolavallur and PP Shamil from Kannur Town have been assigned to Thalassery.
The transfers, which were part of a larger reshuffle affecting seven officers in Kannur district, are widely believed to have been politically motivated.
SI Deepthi had led the arrests of several CPI(M) activists, prompting accusations from the party that the police acted unilaterally. The situation escalated after a CPI(M) worker allegedly grabbed SI Akhil by the collar during a clash between CPI(M) and BJP supporters on 20 February. The ruling party workers reportedly warned the police that no officers would remain in Thalassery station if they acted against CPI(M).
The opposition has strongly criticized the government’s handling of the incident. Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala accused the Left government of shielding criminals, stating that the administration was aiding attacks on police personnel while punishing officers who acted against CPI(M) workers.
He also linked the incident to broader concerns about political violence and alleged complicity between the CPI(M) and the Sangh Parivar.
Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan echoed similar concerns, accusing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of prioritizing party interests over law enforcement. He condemned the release of arrested CPI(M) workers under political pressure and warned that such actions were eroding police morale.
The Kerala High Court has declared all unauthorized hoardings, banners, flags, and festoons illegal, directing strict fines and penal action against violators.
Justice Devan Ramachandran on 13 March highlighted “Visual Pollution” and “Destination Aesthetics”, stressing that policymakers and officials have ignored these crucial aspects.
The court noted that Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country”, is being defaced by illegal advertisements, obstructing public spaces and harming its scenic beauty. It stated that visual clutter diminishes tourist appeal and creates safety hazards.
Taking a firm stance, the court placed the personal responsibility on Secretaries of local self-government institutions to remove illegal hoardings, collect fines, and take legal action against offenders, including advertising agencies. They must also launch an online platform for citizens to report violations.
The Election Commission and Road Safety Authority have been directed to enforce compliance. Authorities must submit the first action-taken report by 12 April 2025.
While appreciating recent efforts to clear illegal hoardings, the court emphasized that maintaining Kerala’s aesthetic appeal requires sustained action, urging political parties and officials to respect public spaces. It reiterated that “Aesthetics Matter” and called for stricter enforcement.
A 31-year-old dentist, Soumya, was found dead with her throat slit at her residence in Parassala Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram in the early hours of Friday, 14 March. The police suspect she took her own life.
Soumya, a native of Amaravila, Neyyattinkara, was found injured in the washroom around 2 am. She had reportedly been facing mental stress due to unemployment and personal issues. Her husband, Anoop, an employee at Technopark, and his mother were at home at the time of the incident.
According to initial reports, Soumya had been sleeping with her ailing mother-in-law on Thursday night. When she was not seen around 1 am, her mother-in-law alerted Anoop. During a search, they found Soumya with wounds on her neck and hand.
She was rushed to a private medical college in Neyyattinkara, where she was declared dead. The police have registered a case and are investigating further.
