Asianet Newsable

'Don't Stop Our Roads': Viral Open Letter Urges New Kerala CM To End Traffic Disruptions For Public

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 06 May 2026 21:21:16 +0530

Thiruvananthapuram: An open letter urging the new Chief Minister of Kerala to make sure his official travel doesn't cause trouble for the common person is going viral. Prashanth Vasudev Nair, the former Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, has made this request, urging the new leader to stop the practice of massive traffic restrictions and oversized convoys. Prashanth in his Facebook post says that the routine of switching off traffic lights on the CM's route must end.

He argues that the Chief Minister's travel should not come at the cost of the public's freedom of movement. He suggests that one pilot and one escort vehicle are enough, and there's no need for a long line of officials' cars. He also questions the need for a jammer vehicle within Kerala and a permanent ambulance in the convoy, assuming the new CM is in good health. Prashanth also called for removing the excessive security cordon around Cliff House, the CM's official residence, saying, "Nobody is going to attack you here."

Full text of the letter

"This is for the new Chief Minister of Kerala.

Sir,

I have been a resident of Thiruvananthapuram city for over 15 years. This means I have lived in the city when the great humanitarian Oommen Chandy was Chief Minister, and also when Pinarayi Vijayan was the Chief Minister.

Sir,

For the last ten years, we city residents have often been denied our freedom to travel. Suddenly, the traffic lights would be switched off, our roads would be blocked, and then the Chief Minister's convoy would speed past, terrorising all of us who voted these people into power. We were too scared to say anything. If we did, we would have been in trouble!

Sir,

There was an unnecessary police guard at the Devaswom Board Junction, which leads to Cliff House. Some poor policemen also stood guard in the biting cold on the side road to Charachira. I don't know who was afraid of whom, Sir. And yet, nothing happened to anyone.

Sir,

When you travel through these city streets, please do not switch off the traffic lights. I know your time is more valuable than ours. There must be ways to manage it, but it shouldn't be by denying us our right to travel.

Sir,

The security cordon around Cliff House should be removed, Sir. Nobody is going to attack you here. And even if some terrorists show up, these four or five policemen won't be able to do anything. I don't know if the people who lost power will now try to scare you! They will surely try to justify the old ways by getting the intelligence department to give you a report about a fake threat, forcing you to accept the same excessive security. You must be careful about that. That was all just a delusion of power, Sir. Please do not fall for such delusions of power and luxurious comforts. The people will be watching. And someday, what happened now will happen again.

And Sir,

Let's talk about travel outside Thiruvananthapuram. One pilot and one escort vehicle in the front and back are enough. We need to rethink if a jammer is really needed within Kerala, Sir. Whoever you are, I don't think you are in such poor health. In that case, I don't think a permanent ambulance is needed either. The vehicles of other officials should not be part of the escort.

Sir,

A Chief Minister's dignity should not be compromised at all. But the convoy should be such that it allows us to see you as one of us. We have many such hopes. Let's hope they are not broken."

How people reacted to the open letter online

People strongly supported the letter and said it reflects the feelings of ordinary citizens. Many agreed that traffic should not be blocked for VIP convoys and that public time must be respected. Several users called the suggestions practical and hoped the new Chief Minister would follow them.

Some criticised past governments for causing inconvenience, while others stressed that leaders are not above the people. Overall, the reactions showed wide public frustration with convoy culture and a clear demand for simpler, people-friendly governance

UP Woman Kills Live-In Partner, Claims Years Of Rape, Assault And Threats

Divya Danu — Sat, 02 May 2026 17:12:54 +0530

A woman in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor has been arrested for allegedly killing her live-in partner after years of abuse, police said. The case came to light on the morning of April 29, when the body of Anuj Kumar was found in a forest area near Julahapur village. He had suffered bullet injuries. His family quickly filed a murder complaint, and police formed three teams to investigate the case.

Police question live-in partner

During the investigation, suspicion fell on Shobha Rani, who had been living with Anuj. Police said that during questioning, she confessed to shooting him and explained what had happened.

According to Superintendent of Police (Rural) Prakash Kumar, Shobha had been married to Satyendra since 2011 and has a daughter. She separated from her husband in 2023.

#BijnorPoliceथाना नगीना देहात पुलिस द्वारा मु0अ0सं0-69/2026 धारा 103(1) बीएनएस से संबंधित अभियुक्ता को आलाकत्ल तमन्चे सहित गिरफ्तार किया गया।#UPPolice@dgpup@Uppolice@adgzonebareilly@digmoradabad pic.twitter.com/z1VWVuYfGX

— Bijnor Police (@bijnorpolice) May 1, 2026

#BijnorPoliceInNews ➡️थाना नगीना देहात पुलिस द्वारा मु0अ0सं0-69/2026 धारा 103(1) बीएनएस से संबंधित अभियुक्ता को आलाकत्ल तमन्चे सहित गिरफ्तार किया गया। #UPPolice #UPPInNews pic.twitter.com/9g6FfGOEdJ

— Bijnor Police (@bijnorpolice) May 2, 2026

She met Anuj in 2024, and the two soon began living together.

Serious allegations against Anuj

Shobha accused Anuj of regularly abusing her. She told police that he physically assaulted her, sexually abused her and often demanded money.

She also alleged that he recorded private videos of her and used them to blackmail her into sexual acts.

When she refused his demands, she said, he beat her.

Concerns for daughter's safety

Shobha further alleged that Anuj had bad intentions towards her 10-year-old daughter. Police also said she accused him of previously trying to molest her younger sister, a case that had once sent him to jail.

These allegations increased her fear and distress.

Final incident on April 28

Police said the situation reached a breaking point on the night of April 28. Anuj allegedly took Shobha to a café and later to a village, where she claimed he assaulted and raped her.

At first, she reportedly considered taking her own life. But fearing for her daughter's safety, she instead decided to act.

Arrest and recovery

Police said Shobha took Anuj's country-made pistol and shot him. The weapon was later recovered after her arrest.

She was produced before a court and has now been sent to jail.

Police are continuing their investigation into the case.

Delhi Judge Aman Sharma, 30, Dies By Suicide At Safdarjung Home

Divya Danu — Sat, 02 May 2026 20:09:09 +0530

Delhi Civil Judge Aman Kumar Sharma, 30, was found dead at his residence in Safdarjung Enclave, with police suspecting suicide. According to officials, his family alerted police after finding the bathroom locked from inside. Officers rushed to the scene, broke open the door, and took him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police have begun an investigation and are awaiting the post-mortem report.

Judge Aman Kumar Sharma has died by suicide in the Safdarjung area. He was found hanging. Further details awaited: Delhi Police

— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2026

According to police sources, as quoted by India Today, the incident came to light on Saturday afternoon. Police received a call at around 1.45 pm from a family member.

Who Was Aman Sharma?

Aman Sharma joined the Delhi Judicial Service on June 19, 2021. A graduate of Symbiosis Law School, he completed his BA LLB in 2018.

During his judicial career, he handled both civil and criminal matters while serving in different courts as a judicial magistrate first class and civil judge. In October 2025, he was appointed full-time secretary of the District Legal Services Authority.

Breaking : दिल्ली के सफदरजंग इलाके में जज अमन कुमार शर्मा ने आत्महत्या की, उनका शव फांसी पर लटका हुआ मिला है !! pic.twitter.com/8smkqYq59H

— Sheikh Mukammal Hussain (@MukammalSheikh) May 2, 2026

Family Alerted Police

"My brother died by suicide in the bathroom at home," the caller reportedly told police, according to sources. A police team rushed to the residence soon after receiving the information. Officers found Judge Aman Sharma inside the house and immediately shifted him to a nearby hospital.

Declared Dead At Hospital

Doctors examined Sharma at the hospital and declared him dead on arrival.

Police have started an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Officials said all aspects of the case are being examined, and further details are awaited.

(With inputs from agencies)

(Suicide is never a solution. Seek help from mental-health professionals. If you ever experience such thoughts, please call the ‘DISHA’ helpline. Toll-free helpline numbers: 1056, 0471-2552056)

UP Woman Records Husband With Men On Hidden Camera, Alleges Dowry Harassment, Death Threats

Divya Danu — Sat, 02 May 2026 15:33:10 +0530

A woman in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri has accused her husband of dowry harassment, physical abuse and criminal intimidation. Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on April 29, 2026, after she approached senior officials. The case has been filed under Sections 85 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Marriage took place in 2024

The complainant, Rupali Gupta, said she married Shivam Gupta on February 19, 2024, in a traditional Hindu ceremony in Mainpuri. She alleged that her family spent nearly Rs 1 crore on the wedding. This included cash, jewellery and other expensive gifts.

However, she claimed that her husband and his family were still unhappy and later demanded an additional Rs 50 lakh, according to India Today report.

Allegations of harassment

According to the FIR, Shivam Gupta is an MTech graduate and works as an executive engineer in Mumbai. He reportedly earns around Rs 2.5 lakh every month and visited home every two weeks.

Rupali alleged that after marriage, she was regularly harassed over dowry. She said she faced both mental and physical abuse. She also claimed that her husband showed little interest in maintaining a normal married relationship, which made her suspicious.

Hidden camera claim

To understand his behaviour, Rupali said she installed hidden cameras in their rented flat. She alleged that on June 21, 2025, the footage showed her husband inviting other men to the house and engaging in objectionable acts.

The woman said watching the videos left her deeply shocked and mentally disturbed.

Threats after confrontation

According to the complaint, when she confronted her husband, he threatened to kill her if she told anyone about what she had seen. She said fear stopped her from approaching the police immediately.

Rupali also claimed that when she first visited the local police station, her complaint was not registered.

Police begin investigation

After submitting a written complaint to senior police officers, an FIR was finally registered. Police have assigned the case to a sub-inspector for further investigation.

Officials said they are examining all evidence, including the alleged video footage. Further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation.

The case has drawn attention because of the serious nature of the allegations. Police have not yet made any arrests.

Nine Grooms, One Bride! Fake Marriage Racket Busted In Maharashtra, Bride Flees With Cash, Jewellery

Divya Danu — Wed, 06 May 2026 13:23:54 +0530

A fake marriage racket in Maharashtra’s Beed has been exposed after a man reported being cheated. The accused woman allegedly married nine men and fled with money and jewellery each time. Agents targeted rural bachelors, promising quick marriages.

A suspected 'looter bride' racket has come to light in Maharashtra's Beed district, where police are investigating a shocking case of fake marriages and cheating. A local man, Yogesh Shinde, has alleged that he was tricked into marrying a woman who later ran away with cash and jewellery.

Police say the case may not be isolated. Early findings suggest that the same woman may have married several men in a similar way before disappearing soon after each wedding.

According to the complaint, a group of agents targeted unmarried men in rural areas who were struggling to find a bride. These agents would approach families and promise to arrange a marriage quickly.

They would then introduce a woman as a suitable match. After gaining trust, they allegedly collected large amounts of money in the name of wedding expenses and arrangements.

Once the marriage took place, the bride would stay for a short time, sometimes just a day or two, before fleeing with cash, jewellery, and other valuables.

In this case, Yogesh later discovered that the woman had reportedly married at least eight other men using the same method. In a dramatic turn, nine grooms reportedly came forward around the same time after realising they had all been cheated by the same woman.

Their complaints helped expose what appears to be a well-organised gang working behind the scenes.

Police believe the group carefully planned each step, from identifying victims to arranging fake marriages and escaping without raising suspicion immediately.

Yogesh Shinde has said he lost lakhs of rupees in the scam. He also told police that he had no idea about the woman’s past marriages.

“I have been cheated and pushed into deep distress,” he said in his complaint to the district authorities, adding that the situation had even led to suicidal thoughts.

His complaint has now been registered at Chaklamba police station.

Police have arrested the woman accused in the case and are now searching for other members of the alleged gang. Officials are trying to find out how many more people may have been targeted.

Investigators suspect that the racket has been active for some time and may have cheated multiple victims across different villages.

The case has raised serious concerns in Beed district, especially among families looking for marriage alliances.

Growing concern in rural areas

Such scams highlight the risks faced by families in rural regions where finding a suitable match can be difficult. Police have urged people to verify details carefully before entering into marriage arrangements through unknown agents.

Authorities have also asked anyone with similar experiences to come forward and report the matter.

Bengaluru College Student Among Two Arrested For Assaulting Policemen During Late-Night Drinking Party

Asianet Newsable English — Thu, 07 May 2026 11:43:29 +0530

Bengaluru: The Amruthahalli police have arrested two people, including a private college student, for allegedly misbehaving and assaulting police constables. The incident happened when the cops questioned the youths for holding a drinking party in their car, parked right in the middle of a road in the wee hours of the morning.

The arrested individuals are Dev Harsh from Mariyappanapalya and Aryan. The police are now on the lookout for two others, Chand and Mrinal, who fled the scene. The constables who were attacked, Hanumantha Alagundi and Rudrappa, were on patrol duty in Akashvani Layout when the accused behaved badly with them. Officials said that the policemen received treatment for their injuries and have since recovered.

Uniform torn, goondagiri on display

Here's what happened. Around 3 AM on May 1st, near Dasarahalli's Akashvani Layout, four youths were having a drinking session in their car. The group included B.Tech students Harsh, Chand, and Mrinal, along with Aryan, a private company employee. At the same time, Amruthahalli police constables Rudrappa and Hanumantha were on their patrol rounds on that route.

The policemen objected to them drinking in the middle of the road. This angered one of the youths, who started abusing the cops, shouting, 'Karnataka Police Ma*** Chor'. When one of the constables tried to get his lathi from the bike, all four of them grabbed him from behind.

The accused then tore the constable's uniform, punched and kicked the policemen, and fled the scene. Following the incident, an FIR was registered at the Amruthahalli police station based on a complaint filed by the injured constable, Rudrappa. The police eventually tracked down and arrested two of them using the car's registration number. An investigation is underway to find the absconding duo, Chand and Mrinal, police officials confirmed.

Students from rich families

It has come to light that except for Mrinal, the other three accused are from locally well-to-do families. Sources believe that their arrogance and behaviour stemmed from their wealth.

Elephant In Musth Runs Amok Near Angamaly Temple in Kerala, One Dead, Another Hurt; Videos Surface

Divya Danu — Sat, 02 May 2026 14:34:44 +0530

A 40-year-old man was killed and a mahout was injured after an elephant ran amok near Kidangoor Mahavishnu Temple in Angamaly, Kerala. The elephant, Mayyanad Parthasarathy, had been brought for a temple festival and was reportedly in musth.

A 40-year-old man was killed and a mahout was injured after an elephant ran amok near the Kidangoor Mahavishnu Temple in Angamaly, Kerala, on Friday morning.

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