Thursday, 20 March 2025: A wrap of news and developments in Kerala— A bus and petrol tanker collision created traffic disruptions in Kochi, while in the Kerala Assembly, the UDF staged a walkout protesting the government's neglect of Anganwadi workers' demands
Published Mar 20, 2025 | 4:21 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 20, 2025 | 4:21 PM
Chennai Special Court Acquits Four in Ganja Smuggling Case Over Police Discrepancies (Creative Commons)
Synopsis: In Thursday ’s news wrap of Kerala— Police have intensified their investigation into the ganja trade at Kalamassery Govt Polytechnic College, arresting key supplier Aehinta Mandal. Meanwhile, a lorry driver was arrested for sexually abusing two minor girls in Ernakulam. A bus and petrol tanker collision caused traffic chaos in Kochi. In political news, UDF staged a walkout in Kerala Assembly over Anganwadi workers’ demands
The police have ramped up their probe into the ganja trade at Kalamassery Govt Polytechnic College, focusing on financiers and distribution across campuses.
Key supplier Aehinta Mandal, arrested on Wednesday, 19 March, used migrant workers to distribute ganja sourced from Odisha and Assam.
The drug was sold at up to ₹18,000 per kg. Investigations revealed students were involved in smuggling ganja on campus.
A special police team led by Inspector MB Lateef is working to dismantle the network.
The seizure of cannabis from the Kalamassery Govt Polytechnic College hostel on Sunday,16 March, uncovered an organised drug network operating within the campus. Investigations reveal that a group of students, rather than student organisations, is behind the narcotics trade and consumption in the hostel.
During the raid, police recovered a significant amount of beedis, which students confessed to using for smoking ganja. In response, authorities have ramped up efforts to combat drug abuse across Kochi, focusing on student accommodations.
Searches were also conducted in private hostels and paying guest facilities near CUSAT, leading to the seizure of two grams of cannabis at Tamim Hostel. Mohammad Saidali, a second-year student at Bharata Mata College, was briefly taken into custody and released on station bail.
Police have identified Tamim Hostel as a central hub for drug activity. In addition to smoking paraphernalia, officers seized large quantities of beer, liquor bottles, intoxicants, and cigarettes.
Dhanesh, a lorry driver from Ayyampuzha, was arrested by Kuruppumpady police for the sexual abuse of two minor girls, aged 12 and 10.
The abuse occurred over several months, from 2023 until February 2024. The crime was uncovered after one of the victims confided in a school friend.
Dhanesh is under interrogation, with authorities investigating whether the children’s mother was complicit.
A collision between a bus and a petrol tanker lorry on Kochi Seaport-Airport Road near Irumpanam has resulted in three injuries and a 5 km traffic jam towards Kalamassery.
The accident occurred when the tanker was exiting the Irumpanam Petrol plant. Firefighters rescued the trapped bus driver, and a crane is being used to remove the tanker. Police and fire forces continue to manage the scene.
Former Kerala High Court judges, Justice Ashok Menon and Justice Shircy V, were sworn in as Upa Lok Ayuktas of Kerala on Thursday, 20 March. Justice N Anil Kumar, the Lok Ayukta of Kerala, administered the oath.
The Kerala Lok Ayukta is an anti-corruption body tasked with investigating allegations against public servants and ensuring the swift resolution of public grievances.
The Opposition UDF staged a walkout in the Kerala Assembly on Thursday, 20 March, protesting the government’s failure to address the needs of Anganwadi workers.
Opposition Leader VD Satheesan accused the LDF government of neglecting these workers, who provide essential services in nutrition, education, and health.
He criticised the low wages, which are below the state minimum wage, and the delay in pension payments for retired workers. The UDF demanded fair wages and pension releases for Anganwadi workers.
