Tuesday, 15 April 2025: A wrap of news and developments in Kerala— Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the Waqf Amendment in Kochi, dismissing claims that it targets the Muslim community.
Published Apr 15, 2025 | 4:33 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 15, 2025 | 4:33 PM
Kerala news wrap: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defends Waqf Amendment, CPI(M) names KK Ragesh as its new Kannur district secretary
Synopsis: A woman in Kasaragod died after being set ablaze by a drunk shopkeeper in a revenge attack. In Thrissur, three people were killed in separate wild elephant attacks, prompting a state inquiry. CPI(M) named KK Ragesh as its new Kannur district secretary, signaling a generational shift. In Palakkad, Ajith and Vijay fans clashed during a film screening.
In a horrifying act of revenge, 32-year-old C Ramitha, a grocery shop owner in Bedakam, Kasaragod, succumbed to severe burn injuries after being set on fire by a drunk neighbor, Ramamritham (57), on 8 April.
The accused, who operated a nearby furniture shop, had been asked to vacate after complaints. He attacked Ramitha with thinner and a torch. Locals caught him while fleeing. Ramitha died during treatment in Mangaluru.
In two days, wild elephant attacks in Thrissur’s forest belt near Athirappilly and Vazhachal claimed three lives. On Tuesday, tribal residents Satheesh and Ambika were found dead after venturing into the forest.
Earlier, a 20-year-old named Sebastian was killed in a similar attack. Forest Minister AK Saseendran has ordered a detailed inquiry into what he termed “unusual deaths” and directed officials to confirm the cause through post-mortem.
Marking a leadership shift, CPI(M) appointed KK Ragesh as its new Kannur district secretary, following MV Jayarajan’s elevation to the state secretariat.
Ragesh, a CPI(M) state committee member and former Rajya Sabha MP, was previously the private secretary to CM Pinarayi Vijayan. His appointment was recommended by the Chief Minister himself, despite other contenders being in the fray.
A screening of Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly in Palakkad was marred by a violent clash between fans of Ajith and Vijay. The brawl broke out when Vijay supporters disrupted the screening with political chants, leading to a physical altercation.
The film was paused, property was damaged, and a police complaint was filed. The video of the incident has gone viral online.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, during a press meet in Kochi, defended the Waqf Amendment Bill, saying it aims to correct historical errors and ensure land justice, not target Muslims.
He criticised political parties for misrepresenting the bill and warned against communal misinterpretations. BJP leaders also slammed the IUML’s legal challenge despite being part of the UDF, calling it a denial of citizens’ rights in Munambam.
