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VD Satheesan's Rise To Kerala Chief Minister After UDF Landslide Victory

Divya Danu — Thu, 14 May 2026 12:45:38 +0530

V. D. Satheesan is a lawyer-turned-politician and 6-time MLA from Paravur. After serving as Leader of Opposition, he led UDF to a landslide win in 2026 Kerala election with 102 seats. Following internal discussions, he was chosen as CM-elect.

Vattassery Damodaran Satheesan, known as V. D. Satheesan, was born on 31 May 1964. He is an Indian politician and a lawyer. He is currently the Chief Minister-elect of Kerala. He has been the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Paravur Assembly constituency since 2001. Over the years, he has built a strong political career through elections, leadership roles, and active work inside his party.

Satheesan is widely known for his strong speeches and clear debates in the Kerala Assembly. He has often spoken firmly against the ruling parties. Many people see him as a confident and aggressive Opposition leader.

Satheesan’s public life began during his student days. In 1986–1987, he served as the chairman of the Mahatma Gandhi University Union. This role gave him early experience in leadership and public work.

He also worked as the secretary of the National Students’ Union. These positions helped him understand student issues and organise public activities. His time in student politics became the base of his later political career.

VD Satheesan entered mainstream politics in 1996. In that year, he contested the Kerala Legislative Assembly election from Paravur. However, he lost to P. Raju of the Communist Party of India. At that time, Paravur was considered a strong area for the Communist Party.

Even after the defeat, Satheesan continued his political work. He did not stop campaigning or connecting with people. His persistence helped him gain support in the constituency.

In 2001, Satheesan won his first election to the Kerala Legislative Assembly from Paravur. At that time, he was working as an advocate in the Kerala High Court. His victory marked an important turning point in his political journey.

After that, he continued to win elections from the same constituency:

2006: He defeated K. M. Dinakaran.
2011: He defeated Pannyan Raveendran of the Communist Party of India by 11,349 votes.
2016: He defeated Sarada Mohan of the Communist Party of India by 20,634 votes.

He also served as the Chief Whip of the Indian National Congress in the 12th Assembly.

These repeated victories showed strong public support in Paravur.

In the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election, Satheesan was elected for the fifth time from Paravur. He defeated M. T. Nixon of the Communist Party of India by about 22,000 votes.

On 22 May 2021, the Congress Working Committee named him the Leader of the Opposition in the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly. In this role, he led the opposition party inside the House.

During this period, he became well known for his debates, especially his strong arguments against Finance Minister T. M. Thomas Isaac. His speeches were widely discussed in political circles.

The 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly election became a major moment in his career. Satheesan led the United Democratic Front (UDF) to a big victory. The alliance won 102 seats out of 140, giving it an absolute majority.

This result ended the ten-year rule of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). The victory was described as a landslide win. It created strong political change in the state.

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A post shared by V D Satheesan (@vdsatheesanleaderofopposition)

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A post shared by V D Satheesan (@vdsatheesanleaderofopposition)

In addition to leading the alliance, Satheesan contested from Paravur for the sixth time. He won again with a margin of 20,600 votes. He received 78,658 votes, while the LDF candidate E. T. Taison received 58,058 votes.

This personal victory showed that he still had strong support in his constituency.

Selection as Chief Minister-elect

After the UDF’s big win, there was high suspense about the next Chief Minister. Within the Congress party, there were different views. Some leaders supported Satheesan, while others backed senior leaders such as K. C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala.

The decision process involved discussions in New Delhi. Senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, held meetings. Other leaders such as Deepa Dasmunsi, Ajay Maken, and Mukul Wasnik were also part of the talks.

The Congress Legislature Party meeting took place at the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. In this meeting, Satheesan was formally elected as the leader of the CLP. This step made him the official Chief Minister-elect.

His selection ended days of internal discussion and uncertainty.

Before the official announcement, supporters gathered outside his home in Aluva. Many people celebrated even before the final decision. He left for Thiruvananthapuram with his family. Party workers wished him success.

Although he did not speak to reporters before leaving, his supporters were confident that he would receive the top post. Television reports showed cheering party workers.

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Role of alliance partners

After the UDF victory, alliance partners also began discussing their expectations. Kerala Congress (J) chairman P. J. Joseph said his party would ask for two ministerial positions in the new government. He said they would raise this demand in the UDF meeting.

He also stated that the allies had shared their views after being asked. This showed that discussions were taking place between partners before final government formation.

After Satheesan’s election as CLP leader, steps began for forming the new government. Reports said that the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph had contacted the Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as part of the process.

There were also plans for newly elected MLAs to visit the Governor’s office. With the leadership issue settled, the party was expected to move quickly towards cabinet discussions and oath-taking.

Political style and public image

V. D. Satheesan is known for his active role in debates. As Opposition Leader, he focused on policy discussions and criticism of government decisions. His background as a lawyer helped him in legal and policy arguments.

Over time, he became one of the main faces of the Congress party in Kerala. His steady rise from student politics to Chief Minister-elect shows long-term dedication.

V. D. Satheesan’s political journey spans nearly three decades. From losing his first election in 1996 to leading a historic alliance victory in 2026, his career shows patience and steady effort. He served as MLA for six terms, became Chief Whip, then Leader of the Opposition, and now Chief Minister-elect.

His rise follows a clear path of public support in Paravur and leadership inside the Congress party. With the UDF winning a strong majority, Satheesan now stands ready to lead Kerala’s next government.

(With inputs from agencies)

'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

How Global Shipping Shift Is Turning Vizhinjam Into A Maritime Giant, Shashi Tharoor Highlights New Opportunity

Divya Danu — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:17:22 +0530

Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are affecting global trade routes. This narrow waterway is one of the busiest in the world for oil and cargo movement. As risks increase in the region, many shipping companies are looking for safer and more stable alternatives. This shift has unexpectedly brought attention to Vizhinjam Port in Kerala.

Shashi Tharoor highlights new opportunity

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that the situation has created a big opportunity for India. In a post on X, he shared that nearly 100 ships are either waiting or trying to get space at Vizhinjam Port. He said global shipping is now turning its attention to his constituency, Thiruvananthapuram.

100 ships. One destination. The Strait of Hormuz crisis has shifted global shipping eyes to my constituency! Thiruvananthapuram’s Vizhinjam Port is currently seeing a massive surge with 100 vessels in queue or seeking calls.From handling its 1 millionth TEU in record time to… pic.twitter.com/QykvSldpTB

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 18, 2026

Tharoor called this moment important for India’s growing role in global trade.

Also Read: Two Sikh Men Shot Dead Outside Temple In Italy, Gunmen Fired 10 Bullets

Rapid growth at Vizhinjam Port

Vizhinjam is India’s first deep-water transshipment port. It allows large cargo ships to transfer goods efficiently.

The port has shown fast growth in a short time. It handled its one millionth TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) in record time, making it one of the fastest-growing ports in the country.

In March 2026 alone, the port handled 61 vessels, its highest monthly number so far.

Record performance in first year

According to a report by The Hindu, the port has set strong records in its first year. It handled around 12.96 lakh TEUs, which is more than its planned capacity of one million TEUs. This shows strong demand for its services.

A total of 607 ships visited the port, including some of the largest cargo vessels in the world.

Why companies are choosing Vizhinjam

The problems in the Strait of Hormuz have made shipping companies look for safer routes. Vizhinjam is now seen as a reliable option.

Its location near major international shipping lanes makes it attractive. It also has modern facilities and deep waters, which allow large ships to dock easily.

Tharoor said the port is becoming a “global necessity” as trade routes change.

Expansion plans and future capacity

Work is already underway to expand the port. The next phase will allow up to five large motherships to dock at the same time.

This will increase the port’s capacity and help it handle more cargo. Authorities are moving quickly to complete this expansion.

Also Read: 5-Year-Old Boy Killed In Telangana, Mother And Partner Arrested

Missed opportunities due to delays

Despite its success, the port has also faced some challenges.

Due to delays in expanding infrastructure, it could not handle all the demand during the peak of the Hormuz crisis. Some shipping requests had to be turned away.

Experts say that improving infrastructure faster could help India gain even more from this global shift.

Competing with global ports

Tharoor believes Vizhinjam can compete with major global ports like Colombo and Singapore.

He said the port is not just competing but setting new standards in transshipment.

With strong growth and ongoing upgrades, Vizhinjam is quickly becoming an important player in global shipping.

India’s chance to grow in global trade

The rise of Vizhinjam shows how global challenges can create new opportunities.

As tensions continue to reshape trade routes, India has a chance to strengthen its position in global shipping.

With better planning and faster development, ports like Vizhinjam could play a key role in the future of international trade.

NEET UG 2026 Controversy: Inside The Cancellation, Protests, Probe And Paper Leak Links

Divya Danu — Tue, 12 May 2026 14:19:36 +0530

NEET-UG 2026, held on May 3 for 22.79 lakh students across India and abroad, has been cancelled after allegations of paper leak. Investigations linked suspected question circulation to Rajasthan and Kerala. The Government has ordered a CBI probe.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination has been cancelled following serious allegations of a paper leak and examination irregularities. The decision has created concern across the country, as this is India’s main entrance exam for medical courses.

The exam was conducted on May 3 in pen-and-paper mode. Around 22.79 lakh students appeared for the test. It was held across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. In total, more than 5,400 examination centres were used.

Soon after the exam, reports from several states suggested that question papers may have been leaked before the test began.

Protests outside Shastri Bhavan

After the cancellation announcement, protestors were seen climbing barricades at Shastri Bhavan as they expressed anger over the situation. Many students and supporters demanded strict action and a fair investigation.

The cancellation has placed lakhs of medical aspirants in a difficult position. For many, this exam decides their future in medicine and related fields.

The issue began shortly after the examination was held. Initial complaints came from Rajasthan and Bihar. Investigators started looking into claims that exam-related material had circulated through messaging apps and private groups.

Students and coaching institutes also reported unusually accurate “prediction sheets”. These sheets appeared to match a large number of questions from the actual paper. This raised further doubts about fairness.

As more information came out, allegations grew that some candidates may have received access to questions hours before the exam.

Investigators are also checking claims that answer keys and paper sets were shared through organised networks across different states.

The Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG) began a detailed investigation into the matter.

The investigation reportedly found links between the suspicious paper and both Kerala and the Sikar district of Rajasthan.

According to the reports, an MBBS student in Kerala, originally from Churu in Rajasthan, sent a 'question bank' on WhatsApp on May 1. The message was sent to his friend in Sikar, who runs a paying guest (PG) accommodation.

Sources said the question bank had around 300 questions. When officials compared these with the original NEET paper, they were reportedly surprised. About 150 of the 180 questions matched exactly.

This finding increased concerns about a possible organised leak.

Spread of the material

After receiving the question bank, the Sikar-based PG operator allegedly shared it through WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms, according to News18 report.

The material was reportedly passed to students staying at his PG. From there, it spread further through career counsellors and other students.

Interestingly, after the exam, the same PG operator filed a complaint at the Udyog Nagar police station and also informed the National Testing Agency (NTA). Investigators are now checking whether he made the complaint out of fear of being exposed.

According to news agency ANI, Rajasthan SOG Additional Director General Vishal Bansal said investigators were reviewing a guess paper containing about 410 questions.

Out of these, around 120 questions reportedly appeared in the Chemistry section of NEET-UG 2026. He also stated that the paper had been circulating among students for 15 days to one month before the examination.

These findings added more pressure on authorities to take action.

NTA cancels the exam

The National Testing Agency said it decided to cancel the exam after reviewing inputs shared by central agencies and law enforcement bodies.

In its official statement, NTA said the findings raised concerns about the integrity of the examination process. The agency said the exam “could not be allowed to stand” in order to maintain transparency and trust.

The decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India.

CBI investigation ordered

The Government has referred the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a full and detailed inquiry.

The CBI will examine all allegations, including how the question material circulated and whether organised groups were involved.

NTA has said it will fully cooperate with the CBI and provide all records, data, and support needed for the investigation.

Impact on students

The cancellation has created uncertainty for lakhs of students preparing for medical courses such as MBBS and BDS.

For many aspirants, NEET is one of the most important exams in their lives. The sudden cancellation has caused stress, frustration, and confusion.

Some students have expressed relief that alleged malpractice will not go unchecked. Others feel disappointed because they must prepare again.

What NTA has clarified about re-exam

NTA has confirmed that the examination will be re-conducted on dates that will be announced separately.

The agency has also clarified important points:

Registration data will remain valid.
Candidature details will be carried forward.
Examination centres chosen earlier will stay the same.
No fresh registration will be required.
No extra examination fee will be charged.
Fees already paid will be refunded.
The exam will be conducted using NTA’s internal resources.

Fresh admit cards will be issued before the new exam date.

Candidates and parents are advised to wait for official updates and follow only NTA’s communication channels.

The issue has also drawn political attention. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticised the situation. He described the exam as an 'auction' and claimed that many questions were being sold on WhatsApp hours before the test.

In a post on social media platform X, he said that lakhs of students worked hard for months, but their future was affected in one night due to alleged leaks.

He also mentioned that over the past 10 years, there have been multiple paper leak cases and re-exams.

NTA cites integrity concerns

In its statement, NTA said the decision to cancel the exam was taken after examining inputs in coordination with central agencies.

The agency said law enforcement findings raised serious concerns about the integrity of the examination process. It added that the cancellation was necessary to ensure transparency in the system.

NTA stressed that the step was taken in the interest of students and to protect trust in the national examination system.

What happens next

The focus now shifts to two main areas: the CBI investigation and the announcement of new exam dates.

The re-conducted examination schedule and re-issued admit card details will be shared through official channels in the coming days.

Students and parents are advised to ignore unverified reports on social media and rely only on official updates.

The cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 marks a serious moment for India’s education system. With allegations of a leak, organised circulation of questions, and ongoing investigations, authorities have chosen to cancel the exam to protect fairness.

While the decision has caused inconvenience, it aims to restore confidence in the process. For now, students must stay calm, follow official updates, and continue their preparation for the re-exam.

Kerala Tragedy: Three Dental College Students Drown In Palavanpady River Near Kothamangalam

Divya Danu — Sun, 10 May 2026 19:51:00 +0530

A day out with friends turned tragic in Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district, after three students drowned in a river at Vadattupara. The incident took place on Sunday in the Palavanpady river and has left their college and families in deep shock. The deceased have been identified as Biyon from Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district, Harish from Thiruvananthapuram, and Atul from Kottayam. All three were students at Mar Baselios Dental College.

Group Visit To Vadattupara River

According to police, nine students from the college went to the Palavanpady river in Vadattupara around noon, as it was a holiday. The group decided to enter the river for bathing.

The accident happened around 1:30 PM. Reports say all nine students entered the water together. At that time, the river current was strong.

Students Swept Away By Strong Current

Police said that one student was suddenly swept away by the current. Seeing this, two of his friends jumped into the river to try and save him.

However, the strong flow of water caused all three to get into trouble. The current made it difficult for them to stay afloat. They were unable to return to safety.

The remaining students quickly raised an alarm and informed local residents. Soon, people from the area rushed to help.

Rescue Efforts By Fire Force And Police

Local residents started searching for the missing students. The Fire and Rescue Services team also reached the spot and joined the operation.

Police and fire personnel carried out a search in the river. The three students were recovered at around 2:15 PM, officials said. After being pulled out of the water, they were taken to a hospital in Kothamangalam.

Doctors tried to save them, but all three were declared dead.

Police Case And Further Steps

Kuttampuzha police have registered a case of unnatural death and have started an investigation. Officials said the bodies will be handed over to the relatives after the post-mortem examination, which is scheduled for Monday.

Police confirmed that the deceased were students of Mar Baselios Dental College.

The incident has caused great sadness among students and staff at the college. Friends and classmates are deeply upset by the sudden loss.

Authorities are expected to review the circumstances of the incident. The focus will remain on understanding how the students were caught in the strong current and whether any safety measures were in place at the river spot.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kerala Election 2026 Results: Inside The Stunning Fall Of LDF And UDF Rise

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 04 May 2026 22:22:41 +0530

Thiruvananthapuram: While there are many factors that worked in the UDF's favour, the truth is that the LDF, which was aiming for a continuous term, gifted the victory to the UDF with its own mistakes. The LDF was confident of a third term, but the UDF scored big in every area where the Left faltered. The Left front's decision to dilute its core policies and compromise its secular image for a few extra votes led to this humiliating defeat. The election result is also a tight slap on the face of the CPM leadership for its organizational arrogance. The answer to why LDF lost, or why UDF won, isn't a simple one.

LDF leadership

While the LDF claimed ten years of continuous rule brought development, its own party structure suffered serious damage. The leadership was arrogant, thinking power was the only solution. Their working style became disconnected from the people, and they suppressed any voice of dissent. The Left's hallmark was always secularism, but this time, their leaders' speeches were found attacking minority religious leaderships in public. Whenever these allegations surfaced, the leaders would just double down and justify their stance. The UDF, however, did its homework and managed to convey the seriousness of this shift to the public without losing its intensity.

Community leaders like Vellappally Natesan made hateful speeches against minorities, and despite claiming to be on the Left, the CPM leadership didn't even bother to correct him. As a result, when forces like Jamaat-e-Islami tried to convert the public sentiment that arose after the CAA protests into votes, the Left front walked right into the trap. On top of all this, the leadership's greed for parliamentary posts created deep cracks even in the party's strongholds. M.V. Govindan did not ask Syamala to step aside, even when there were clear signs of dissent among the party workers.

The leadership also failed to pacify senior leaders who expressed their grievances with the party's methods. In the end, the very people who were sidelined and mocked for their 'parliamentary ambitions' became a thorn in the party's side in its own forts. Coming to the campaign issues, the government's achievements didn't click with the voters, and even controversies like Sabarimala didn't have a major impact on the voting. Even Pinarayi Vijayan had to sweat it out in his own constituency. If you look at the leaders who won easily, you'll see they weren't just party faces. Their victory had more to do with their personal merit and influence in the constituency than any major contribution from the party or the front.

Left's politics

The Left's politics was born from protests, but its government's attitude towards recent protests, like the ASHA and nurses' strikes, disappointed even its core supporters. This created a lot of sympathy for the protesters among women who interact with these groups. The LDF also couldn't counter the narrative of the 'Sabarimala gold smuggling'—a ghost unleashed by the Global Ayyappa Sangamam.

The fact that the BJP didn't effectively use this issue helped consolidate Hindu votes in favour of the Congress. The Congress, on its part, worked hard to keep the Christian communities, who were leaning towards the BJP, on their side. They cleverly used the FCRA issue to their advantage. The Congress also effectively used the Jamaat-e-Islami allegation against the LDF during the final days of the campaign. While the CPM strongly opposed Jamaat-e-Islami, it had no answer to the allegation that it was taking support from the SDPI. The CPM also didn't take the allegation of having a 'deal' with the BJP seriously enough.

With so much anti-LDF sentiment building up, things were relatively easy for the UDF. The Congress did have some of its usual last-minute drama during candidate selection, but this time, they were much faster and more decisive than before. They managed to project a united front until the elections were over and had a clear strategy on what campaign issues to focus on. The Congress, leading the UDF, carefully handled potentially damaging allegations like the Wayanad rehabilitation issue. The incredible self-confidence shown by the Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, and the energetic campaigning by young crowd-pullers like Shafi Parambil, motivated the entire Congress machinery to stand with the UDF.

UDF's success

The UDF was successful in highlighting local issues like price hikes and increases in fees, electricity bills, and water bills during their local campaigns. It seems a certain 'magic' worked for them this time, allowing them to connect deeply with the people even without a formal cadre system. Their excellent performance in the local body elections gave them a ready-made army of local representatives who campaigned for them.

They managed to create a feeling that the ruling leaders had been disconnected from the public for ten years. The UDF positioned itself as the alternative, stayed ahead on social media trends, and that's what laid the foundation for this UDF wave, which many didn't see coming.

Kerala Shocker: Snake Spotted Wearing Gold Ring in Household Drawer

Richa Barua — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:22:13 +0530

KASARAGOD: Imagine opening a drawer after a couple of weeks and finding a snake inside... wearing a gold ring! This isn't a movie plot; this is exactly what happened at Ravi's house in Adoor, Kasaragod. The family was left both scared and curious after finding a rat snake, locally known as 'cherra', trapped inside a table drawer. To make things even more bizarre, a gold ring that was kept in the drawer was stuck around the snake's body. The incident took place on Wednesday morning.

Here's what happened.

The family is currently building a new house, so they've been storing their belongings in a temporary shed nearby. The homeowner, Ravi, was not at home. His wife, Shailaja, needed to get some documents for a bank visit and opened the drawer. That's when she saw a snake's tail among the papers. With children in the house, everyone panicked. Even though they realised it was a non-venomous rat snake, they didn't want to take any chances, especially with the recent rise in snakebite incidents. They immediately shut the drawer and called the Forest Department for help. The department's 'Sarpa' volunteers arrived at the scene promptly.

When they opened the drawer, they found the snake coiled up. After carefully taking it out, they saw the gold ring stuck tightly around its middle. The snake, which was about four feet long, was weak and in distress because of the ring. The volunteers worked patiently to cut the ring off and free the animal.

Ravi later explained the story behind the ring. "It belonged to my late father. After he passed away, we kept it in that drawer for safekeeping," he said. The family believes the snake must have slithered into the drawer and somehow got stuck in the ring. How the snake got into a closed drawer is still a mystery to them. "We were just lucky that nobody got bitten," Shailaja said, relieved.

Wrong-Side Car Crash Kills Woman in Kozhikode, Scooter Splits in Impact

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:07:22 +0530

A woman has tragically died after a car rammed into her scooter in Koduvally, Kozhikode Kerala. The accident took place at Kacheri Mukku in Kizhakkoth around 2:30 PM.

Victim was from Mariveettil Thazham

The victim has been identified as Hafsath, a resident of Mariveettil Thazham from the Parayarukandi family. Reports say Hafsath was riding her scooter from Elettil towards Koduvally. A car, carrying residents of Pannur, was coming from the opposite direction but on the wrong side of the road and crashed straight into her.

Also Read: Man Poses As CISF Officer To Cheat Women In Marriage Scam, Arrested While Clicking Pics At Hyderabad Airport

The impact of the crash was so severe that the scooter split into two pieces. Hafsath was rushed to the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital immediately, but doctors could not save her.

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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