Asianet Newsable

Kerala Shocker: Family of Five Found Dead in Kochi; Note Alleges Harassment by In-Laws

Asianet Newsable English — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 15:39:22 +0530

Kochi: A truly heartbreaking incident has come to light from Ernakulam in Kerala, where five members of a single family, including three children, were found dead. The family was originally from Thiruvananthapuram and had moved to Vaduthala for medical treatment. Police have recovered a death note from the house and have started an investigation.

Family Had Moved for Medical Treatment

The deceased have been identified as Sreekumari, her daughter Aswathy S Nair, and her three children, Karnivan (14), Keerthavan (4), and a two-year-old girl. The family had moved into a rented house in Vaduthala just two months ago. They had come to Ernakulam to get treatment at Aster Medcity.

To make the move, they had even rented out their own house in Thiruvananthapuram from February 2025. It was a decision they took purely for the sake of the medical treatment.

Also read: Karnataka Officer Ends Life a Week Before Retirement, Blames Senior in Final Video

Death Note Reveals Shocking Details

Police officials said that based on the death note and a preliminary look, this appears to be a case of mass suicide. The note makes some serious allegations against the family of Aswathy's late husband.

It claims that constant harassment from her in-laws is the reason for this drastic step. The note mentions that Aswathy's husband had also died by suicide some time ago, and after his death, the harassment from his family became unbearable.

"We are investigating all the points mentioned in the note," said Central ACP C. Premanandakrishnan.

Also read: Social Media Reel Turns Deadly: BJP Leader's Son Dies While Filming Dangerous Stunt in Hubballi

Kerala Heatwave: Rising Heat Index Sparks Health and Economic Concerns

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:03:04 +0530

We are all going through an incredibly tough summer in Kerala. We might get some relief when the summer rains arrive, but dealing with the current situation is not going to be easy. What we need to understand is that in Kerala, which is already known as the capital of lifestyle diseases, being careless about the heat can cost us dearly.

When we talk about health risks from extreme heat, the temperature you see on the news isn't the only thing that matters. The real measure is the 'Heat Index', which is linked to the humidity in the air. Since Kerala has a long coastline, our humidity levels are naturally high. This Heat Index is the key factor for health-related problems, and it affects everyone differently depending on their body type.

Kerala Heatwave

Of course, the disastrous effects of climate change aren't just hitting Kerala, and the causes aren't limited to our state alone. But even keeping those facts in mind, building up our defences in Kerala's unique situation is a huge challenge. Kerala has made visible progress in the health sector. When this is pointed out, many say that this progress has historical roots, going back to the time of the kings. That is absolutely true; all these historical factors have contributed to where Kerala stands today. For instance, studies show that one reason for Kerala's low infant mortality rate, which is on par with developed countries, is its well-connected road network. This means any improvement in the health sector is also linked to the state's overall development.

Right now, Kerala's health sector is facing several new challenges. Water-borne diseases are common during the summer, and the active reporting of jaundice is a clear example of this.

This intense heat has also caused a major drop in agricultural output, leading to a slump in the sector. A decline in the production of spices, which are one of Kerala's main products, could trigger a huge economic crisis. Farmers are at a high risk of facing massive losses. Getting through a summer like this will not be easy for anyone.

Also read: Tamil Nadu Weather Alert: IMD Predicts Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms to End Heatwave Soon

Kerala Crime: Man Gets 10 Years Jail for Raping Bedridden Woman, Molesting Minor

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:36:02 +0530

Kozhikode: A court here has sentenced a man to ten years of rigorous imprisonment for breaking into a house and raping a mentally challenged woman. The court also slapped a fine of Rs 75,000 on him.

The Koyilandy Fast Track Special Court Judge, K. Naushadali, announced the punishment for 51-year-old Mohammed, a resident of Poonath in Avidanallur.

The shocking incident took place back in 2021. At the time, the survivor was bedridden due to an illness. Only her brother's minor daughter was at home with her.

Also read: Karnataka High Court Says Attempt to Murder Charge Justified in Reckless Driving Case

Kozhikode Crime

According to the case details, Mohammed trespassed into the house and first sexually assaulted the minor girl. He then entered the room where the woman was resting and brutally raped her.

The young girl managed to escape from him and ran out of the house. She found her grandmother, who was out for work, and told her everything that had happened. The grandmother rushed back and immediately took the survivor to the Balussery Taluk Hospital for medical help.

It's also important to note that Mohammed was previously convicted under the POCSO Act for the assault on the minor girl in a separate case.

The Balussery Police had registered the case, and Circle Inspector MK Suresh Kumar was the investigating officer. Advocate Jethin appeared for the prosecution.

Also read: Karnataka Horror: Teacher Hacked to Death, Body Burnt on Roadside in Kalaburagi

Kerala Gears Up to Vote Again — But Where Is the Future?

Dr Krishna Kishore — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:25:31 +0530

Thirty-seven years ago I left Kerala for the United States to pursue higher education. In all that time, I never once found myself back home during election season. Until now. Watching the state head to the polls on April 9, 2026, from the inside for the first time in nearly four decades is a strange experience. Familiar, but unsettling. The colors are the same. The slogans are louder. And the faces — god, the faces are the same ones, recycled across decades, looking only slightly more weathered than when I last saw them. But something vital is absent. A serious conversation about where Kerala is actually headed.

This is not nostalgia talking. It is a structural concern.

Kerala is at an inflection point that its political class seems determined to ignore. The state that once set the standard for human development in India now faces a quiet convergence of crises, demographic, fiscal, economic, environmental, each serious on its own, and collectively alarming. What you hear instead, from every direction, is noise.

A State Without a Roadmap

Nobody is asking the hard questions. Certainly not on television. Certainly not on the campaign trail.

The Demographic Tilt: Around 16–17% of Kerala’s population is already over 60. That share is heading toward 23% within a decade. At some point, someone has to ask plainly: who pays for all of this? Who funds the pensions and the hospitals when the working-age population is scattered across the Gulf, Canada, and Australia?

The Reverse Capital Flight: We used to worry about brain drain. That was almost quaint. The Kerala Migration Survey 2023 puts the number of students currently studying abroad at 2,50,000, nearly double the figure from just five years ago. These are not just young people leaving. These are middle-class families liquidating savings, taking loans, betting everything on a foreign degree. Kerala is not merely exporting talent; it is exporting the very capital needed to build a domestic economy. A Narrow Fiscal Runway. Kerala is not yet in crisis, but it is operating with shrinking room for error. Debt has stabilized around 34% of GSDP, but once off-budget liabilities are accounted for, the true burden edges closer to 38%, limiting the state’s ability to invest in its future. Every welfare promise announced at every rally this week is, in plain terms, a loan being taken out in the name of the same young people queuing at passport offices to leave.

The AI Ambition Gap: IT Policy 2026 talks about capturing 10% of India’s IT exports and creating five lakh jobs. Fine ambitions. But ambitions need foundations. Infrastructure deficits and stubborn ease-of-doing-business problems suggest Kerala is at risk of producing glossy policy documents rather than an actual ecosystem.

Environmental Resilience: Wayanad happened. Chellanam is sinking. These are not metaphors. Yet environmental policy continues to be essentially reactive: show up after the disaster, offer compensation, move on. The land-use reforms that Kerala’s geography has been demanding for years remain politically untouchable.

The Media’s Spiral

Here is what has struck me most since coming back: not a single substantive discussion on any of this. Not one prime-time conversation about Kerala’s demographic future, its debt trajectory, or what a post-remittance economy actually looks like. Instead, breaking news tickers. Breathless allegations. The same anchors performing outrage about the same political gossip.

The media is not just failing to elevate the conversation. It is actively pulling it downward, one soundbyte at a time.

The Real Election

Kerala does not lack intelligence. It does not lack global exposure or human capital. What it lacks right now is collective seriousness, the willingness to have an honest, uncomfortable conversation about where things are heading. That means political leaders who can think past the next five years. It means a media that treats its audience as citizens rather than an audience. And it means civil society demanding a real Plan B for when the remittances slow down, as they will.

April 9 will decide who governs Kerala. It will not, unless something changes, decide where Kerala is going.

That is the real election. And it has not started yet.

Kerala Gang Leader Hacked To Death While Returning From Police Station, Brutal Murder Caught On Camera

Divya Danu — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 16:08:01 +0530

A shocking murder has been reported from Kerala's Kollam, where a notorious gang leader was brutally hacked to death by a group of armed men. The victim has been identified as Aluva Athul, who was the main accused in the murder case of Jim Santhosh. The attack took place on Saturday morning near Puthiyakavu. CCTV footage of the violent incident has surfaced and is now circulating widely on social media.

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Also Read: Viral Video Shows Man Throwing Wrappers From Car Near Dhaula Kuan Metro, Sparks Debate On Civic Sense

Attack happened while returning from police station

According to police sources, Athul was out on bail in the Jim Santhosh murder case. As part of his bail conditions, he had to regularly report to the police station. The attack reportedly occurred while he was returning after completing this requirement.

Investigators said a group of men had been following his car for some time before launching the attack.

Car rammed before attackers struck

Police said the attackers first forced Athul’s car off the road. Reports suggest the vehicle was pushed into a roadside pit that had been dug as part of construction work for a national highway.

Soon after the car stopped, a group of around six men came out of another vehicle and surrounded him. They then attacked him repeatedly with sharp weapons. The brutal assault left Athul seriously injured on the spot. Viral video of the incident has drawn concerns about the rising crime and gang war in the city.

Also Read: Kochi Man Lured by Woman Online, Beaten After Refusing Sex, Accused Arrested

Victim dies in hospital

After the attack, Athul was rushed to a nearby hospital in a very critical condition. Doctors tried to save him, but he later died from his injuries.

The killing has created tension in the area, as Athul was believed to be involved in several gang-related activities. Police teams have now launched a search to identify and arrest the attackers.

Link to earlier gang rivalry suspected

Investigators suspect that the killing may be linked to an ongoing gang rivalry in the region. Athul was the prime accused in the murder of Jim Santhosh, who was brutally killed earlier this year.

Santhosh, also known as Gym Santhosh, was attacked inside his own house in Padanayarkulangara. According to police records, a group of men broke into his home in the early hours of the morning and hacked him to death in front of his mother.

Several people were arrested in connection with that case.

Police now believe that Athul’s killing could be an act of revenge connected to that earlier murder.

Also Read: Seat Dispute On Train Turns Ugly As Woman Uses Caste Slurs, Man Slaps Her In Viral Clip | Video Surfaces

Earlier arrest after months of hiding

Athul had earlier managed to escape police while being investigated in the Jim Santhosh murder case. According to Kerala Police, he was eventually arrested in April 2025 from Tiruvallur, where he had been hiding under a fake identity.

Before that arrest, police had intercepted a vehicle carrying Athul and his family near Aluva, but he managed to escape, leaving his wife and child behind. Investigators later traced him through a phone call received by his wife, which helped them locate him in Tamil Nadu.

He was brought back to Karunagappally, where his arrest was officially recorded.

Investigation underway

Police are now investigating whether a gang operating in the Karunagappally-Ochira region is responsible for the latest attack. Officers are also examining CCTV footage and gathering evidence from the scene.

So far, the attackers have not been identified, and the search for the suspects is ongoing. Authorities say further details will emerge as the investigation progresses.

Viral Video Shows Elephant Running Amok During Kerala Festival, Panic Grips Crowd

Divya Danu — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:56:53 +0530

A viral video from Kerala’s Koyilandy shows an elephant losing control during a festival, causing panic among the crowd. Three people were seen sitting on the elephant when it suddenly rushed forward. One person was reportedly injured.

A video from Kerala’s Koyilandy has gone viral after an elephant suddenly lost control during a local festival. The incident took place while celebrations were underway, creating panic among people present at the event.

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The video led to a debate on animal cruelty with many questioning the involvement of elephants at rituals.

In the video, three people can be seen sitting on top of the elephant as part of the festival procession. Suddenly, the animal begins to rush forward.

The unexpected movement caused fear among the crowd. People can be seen running and screaming as they tried to move away from the elephant.

At least one person was injured during the incident.

The clip quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing attention from many users. The visuals of the elephant moving uncontrollably and the crowd panicking have raised concerns about safety during such events.

Many users expressed concern for both human safety and the well-being of the elephant.

Some people said that elephants should not be used in festivals and should be allowed to live freely in forests. Others pointed out that extreme heat may have affected the animal and led to the incident.

A few users also mentioned that a similar incident had taken place in the same area last year.

Some comments called the situation risky and urged organisers to learn from the incident and avoid repeating such practices.

Debate over use of animals in festivals

The incident has once again started a debate about the use of elephants in festivals. While some people see it as part of tradition, others believe it puts both animals and humans at risk.

Authorities have not yet shared detailed information about the incident, but the viral video has clearly raised serious questions about safety and animal care.

Kerala: Dad Stabs Son's Friend for Allegedly Supplying Drugs Even After Warnings

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:51:55 +0530

A 64-year-old man in Thiruvananthapuram has been arrested for trying to kill his son's friend. The incident happened during a fight when the father, Satheesh Kumar from Kadakampally, tried to stop his son and his friends from using drugs. The man he attacked is his son's 32-year-old friend, Vijin Victor.

According to the police, Satheesh Kumar was angry because Vijin kept supplying his son with ganja and liquor, even after he had been warned many times. The argument took place on Saturday evening near the Karikkakom railway bridge. That's when Satheesh Kumar allegedly tried to stab Vijin with a knife.

Also read: Karnataka High Court Says Attempt to Murder Charge Justified in Reckless Driving Case

Kerala Crime

Vijin Victor was seriously injured and is now undergoing treatment at the Medical College Hospital. The police also mentioned that Vijin has a history, with about five cases against him at the Pettah police station, including one under the KAAPA (Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act). Satheesh Kumar was presented in court and has been remanded to custody.

Also read: Kerala Crime: Man Gets 10 Years Jail for Raping Bedridden Woman, Molesting Minor

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.

Kerala Shocker! Class 9 Student Assaulted By Seniors Over Instagram Reel In Palakkad

Asianet Newsable English — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:31:11 +0530

A shocking case of student violence has come to light from Palakkad district in Kerala. A 15-year-old Class 9 student was seriously injured after he was attacked by a group of senior students over a dispute related to an Instagram Reel. The injured student has been identified as Mohammed Shammas, a student of Chalissery Government Higher Secondary School. He is currently receiving treatment in hospital after suffering a serious shoulder injury during the attack.

Attack took place after tuition classes

According to reports, the incident happened around 1:15 PM recently. Shammas and three of his friends were returning home after attending tuition classes. On their way back, they had stopped at a mosque and were walking back when the attack took place.

A group of Class 10 students allegedly stopped them on the road and began arguing about an Instagram Reel that Shammas and his friends had posted online.

Also Read: Old Video Of Monalisa Saying She Would Marry With Parents' Consent Goes Viral After Wedding (WATCH)

Seniors allegedly waited for juniors

Reports suggest the attack may have been planned earlier. The senior students were reportedly waiting for the juniors near the road. Soon after stopping them, the group surrounded Shammas and his friends. The argument quickly turned violent, and the seniors allegedly began beating them.

During the assault, Shammas suffered a serious injury to his shoulder. The impact was so severe that he is currently unable to move his arm properly.

Friends also beaten in the assault

The three other students who were with Shammas were also attacked during the incident. They too were beaten by the group of seniors before the attackers left the spot.

Local residents later helped the injured students and rushed Shammas to hospital for treatment.

Also Read: Woman Pins Boyfriend On Road During Clash In Thiruvananthapuram, Street Fight Video Goes Viral

Missing Kerala Teen Found Dead In Chikkamagaluru Gorge After Massive Rescue Operation

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:57:46 +0530

Chikkamagaluru: The search for a 14-year-old girl from Kerala, Shrinanda, who went missing during a trip to Chikkamagaluru, has ended in tragedy. Her body was found in a deep gorge. She had come to Manikyadhara falls with her family on April 7th and mysteriously disappeared around 5:30 PM that evening. Her family and locals immediately started a search, which was soon joined by the police and other rescue teams.

After three days of non-stop searching, a team moving from the Arishinaguppe area found the girl's body about 5 kilometres away, inside a deep gorge. The gorge is said to be around 1500 feet deep. Getting her body out was a huge challenge for the rescue teams because the area is extremely difficult to access.

Police are initially suspecting it could be a case of suicide and are investigating from all angles. However, her family believes she might have accidentally slipped and fallen. The police have launched a detailed investigation to find out the exact cause of her death.

Also read: Bengaluru Shocker: 11-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Assaulted in Jnanabharathi; ₹150 Clue Leads to Accused’s Arrest

Background of the Incident

A large family group of 40 people from Kerala had come to Chikkamagaluru for a summer vacation trip. The 14-year-old girl went missing from the famous Manikyadhara waterfall, located in the foothills of Datta Peetha, around 5:30 PM. Her body has now been found after a three-day search.

A massive search operation was launched to find her. More than 60 personnel from the police, Forest Department, Fire Department, a dog squad, and the SDRF were involved. They formed 5 separate teams to search the forest. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre had also ordered the use of a thermal camera drone to help find Shrinanda in the Chandradrona mountain range.

Vanished in a Second

On that day, all the family members were walking down the steps at Manikyadhara together. While the others were ahead, Shrinanda was walking right behind them. But when they looked back at a turn, she was gone. She had vanished in a split second in the middle of the dense forest. The panicked family searched everywhere but found no trace of her. The big question now is whether she was attacked by a wild animal, accidentally fell into the gorge, or if it was suicide. The truth will only come out after the medical examination is complete.

Also read: Shivamogga Landslide Tragedy: 3 Workers Buried Alive as Hill Collapses at Hulikal Ghat

Kochi Wedding: Bride Faints on Stage After Friends' 'Surprise' Goes Wrong!

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:13:33 +0530

A wedding is supposed to be the happiest day of a person's life. To make it even more special, friends and family often plan 'surprises'. But sometimes, these surprises can go horribly wrong, which is exactly what happened here. A bride fainted on her own reception stage after getting a massive shock from firecrackers set off by the groom's friends.

What exactly happened?

The grand reception for the couple, a young woman from Vyttila in Kochi and her new husband, was held on Sunday evening at a private hall in Thrippunithura, Kerala. Family and friends had all gathered to bless the newlyweds. The groom's friends decided to do something special for the couple's grand entry onto the stage. Just as the bride and groom were walking in, the friends, who were standing nearby, suddenly set off some extremely loud firecrackers without any warning. The kind that makes a huge bang.

The bride was completely unprepared for the deafening sound. The shock was so intense that she started trembling and collapsed right there on the stage. In a second, the happy, celebratory mood turned into one of total panic.

Also read: Karnataka Tragedy: Woman Dies by Suicide After Family Faces Alleged Social Boycott in Yadgir

Family rushes her to the hospital

Seeing the bride faint, the shocked groom and other family members immediately rushed her to the nearby Thrippunithura Taluk Hospital. They took her in the same car that was decorated for the wedding. She was admitted to the hospital at around 7:30 PM. Doctors quickly began treatment and put her on an IV drip. After a while, she regained consciousness, and the doctors confirmed that her condition was stable.

Showing a lot of spirit, the bride, after her recovery, returned to the reception hall with the groom. They went on to complete the ceremony that had been cut short. However, the friends' over-the-top gesture left a bad taste, upsetting many of the guests and family members.

Wedding mishaps are on the rise

Lately, we've been seeing a lot of wedding celebrations where things get out of hand for small reasons. Just recently in Kerala, a video of a massive brawl that broke out because 'pappadam' wasn't served during the wedding feast went viral. This firecracker incident is the latest in a series of such events. People online are slamming this kind of behaviour, saying, "Celebrations are fine, but not at the cost of someone's safety or peace."

Also read: Bengaluru Shocker: Man Assaults, Abuses Live-In Partner, Strangles Her, Then Stages Suicide

Christian Priest Performs Kanyadaan At Hindu Wedding In Kerala, Wins Hearts (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:43:30 +0530

A wedding in Kerala's Kottayam has gone viral on social media for a touching reason. The video shows a Christian priest performing 'kanyadaan', a key Hindu wedding ritual, for a young bride he helped raise. The moment has been widely praised as a strong example of kindness and unity across religions.

Bride's emotional journey

The bride, Parvathy, had a difficult childhood. She lost her mother when she was just one year old and grew up at the Bethlehem Ashram orphanage in Mundakkayam. During this time, Father Roy Mathew became an important part of her life.

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As a member of the Orphanage Control Board, he looked after the institution. But for Parvathy, he became much more than that. Over the years, he acted as a father figure, guiding and supporting her as she grew up.

Also Read: Fake 'Civil War' Video Debunked By Government, Linked To Cylinder Blast Incident

A priest who stepped in as family

When Parvathy was ready to get married, Father Roy took the responsibility of finding a suitable match for her. He eventually found Ananthu, a man from Kattappana, and the wedding was arranged.

The ceremony was held at the parish hall of St. Paul’s Church. Even though the venue was a church, the wedding followed Hindu traditions fully.

A special kanyadaan moment

One of the most emotional moments came during the ‘kanyadaan’ ritual. This is when a father gives his daughter’s hand to the groom. In this case, Father Roy performed the ritual himself, standing in place of Parvathy’s late parent.

For him, it was not just a ritual. He later said it was one of the most meaningful moments of his life as a priest.

Also Read: MP Horror! Student Gang-Raped In Forest Near Temple, Friend Assaulted

Message of unity and kindness

As the video continues to spread online, people have praised the act as a true example of humanity. Many said it shows how love and care can go beyond religious differences.

The wedding has become a reminder that simple acts of kindness can bring people together, no matter their faith.

Kerala Tourism’s ‘Sorry, Not Sorry’ Post on KitKat Heist Goes Viral

Gargi Chaudhry — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:30:50 +0530

An unlikely conversation between a massive chocolate heist and a legendary Kerala Tourism post has set the internet ablaze. While European authorities are attempting to locate a missing truck carrying over 400,000 KitKat bars weighing a whopping 12 tonnes, Kerala Tourism has chosen to provide the globe with a "savoury break" from the bad news by inviting visitors to Kerala's hill stations and beaches.

In a move that has gone viral across X and Instagram, Kerala Tourism took a light-hearted jibe at the "Great Easter KitKat Heist", becoming the unofficial "rebuttal" to the chocolate-themed crime. Their witty post states," We have been informed about the missing shipment of KitKats. After a thorough check across our backwaters, hill stations and beaches, we can confirm that none of it has reached Kerala."

Sorry, not sorry.#KitKatHeist #TakeABreak #KitKat #Chocolate #KeralaTourism pic.twitter.com/rhsbMYoefl

— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) March 31, 2026

The post, which originally made waves for its unapologetic celebration of Kerala's culture, has become a rallying point for those who prefer the state's rich heritage over imported sweets.

What Do We Know About KitKat Heist?

The saga began last week, when a shipment of 413,793 KitKats vanished while on route from central Italy to Poland. Nestlé, the parent firm, released a statement claiming that the criminals took the "Have a Break" motto far too literally. With the truck and its 12-tonne load still missing, the robbery has raised concerns about a chocolate scarcity ahead of the Easter holidays.

“We’ve always encouraged people to have a break with KitKat. But it seems thieves have taken the message too literally and made a break with more than 12 tons of our chocolate,” the company said. It added, “Whilst we appreciate the criminals’ exceptional taste, the fact remains that cargo theft is an escalating issue for businesses of all sizes.”

The stolen consignment reportedly included KitKat’s special Formula One-themed chocolates, shaped like miniature race cars. The collection was launched after the brand became the official chocolate partner of Formula One last year.

Punjabi Man Speaking Fluent Malayalam In Kochi Wins Hearts, Shashi Tharoor Responds

Divya Danu — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:41:56 +0530

A video from Kochi is going viral on social media, and people cannot stop talking about it. The clip shows a Punjabi man speaking Malayalam very fluently. What makes the video special is how natural and confident he sounds. Many viewers said they had to watch it twice because they did not expect a Punjabi man to speak Malayalam so easily.

Who is the man in the video

The man in the viral clip is Mohinder Singh Sethi. He runs Sethi Da Dhaba, a popular food spot in the city. In an interview with Manorama Online, he answered questions fully in Malayalam. His smooth speaking style surprised many people online.

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What made the video stand out

The biggest reason behind the video’s popularity is the contrast. A Punjabi dhaba owner speaking Malayalam like a local is not something people see every day.

Viewers said his accent and comfort with the language made the video more interesting. Many noted that he did not struggle at all and spoke like someone who has grown up in Kerala.

Social media reactions pour in

The response online has been largely positive. Many users praised him for learning the local language and respecting the culture.

One user wrote that more people should learn local languages when they move to a new place. Another said he sounded like a “perfect Malayali”.

Some comments even joked that he might be “Malayali at heart”. Others said they were impressed by how clearly he spoke difficult Malayalam words.

The video quickly spread across platforms, with thousands of likes and shares.

Shashi Tharoor joins the conversation

The viral clip also caught the attention of Shashi Tharoor. Reacting to the video on X, he said it was wonderful to hear Sethi speak so fluently. He also pointed out that Sethi was born and brought up in Kerala, which explains his strong command of the language.

Tharoor called the moment a perfect example of India’s 'unity in diversity'.

Wonderful to hear him articulate so fluently his satisfaction and appreciation for Keralites’ enjoyment of Punjabi food! Born and brought up in Kerala, so his fluency is no surprise— but great to hear amid the incongruity of his appearance! A striking affirmation of our fabled… https://t.co/jurJ6O1nWL

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 15, 2026

How he learned Malayalam

Reports say that Mohinder Singh Sethi has been living in Kerala for many years. Running a dhaba means he interacts with local customers daily. Over time, this helped him learn Malayalam in a natural way.

Being closely connected to the local community likely made it easier for him to pick up the language and speak it confidently.

A simple moment with a bigger message

What started as a normal interview has now turned into a viral moment. The video shows how language can bring people closer. It also highlights how people from different backgrounds can adapt and connect with local cultures.

For many viewers, the clip is a reminder that India’s diversity is one of its biggest strengths.

Kerala Crime: Woman Arrested for Running a Drug Racket From Gym, Salon

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:53:38 +0530

THRISSUR: The Thrissur Rural Police have arrested a woman who was allegedly selling drugs under the cover of working at a gym and a beauty salon in Valapad, Triprayar. The arrested woman is 30-year-old Sreelakshmi, a resident of Thanniyam in Peringottukara. She was working as an employee at a gym in Triprayar.

Police seized a massive 2.270 kilograms of hashish oil from her. They also found ₹90,500 in cash, believed to be from drug sales, and 50 empty plastic bottles used for packaging the oil in smaller quantities. A joint team of the DANSAF (District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force) and Valapad police, led by the Thrissur Rural District Police Chief, arrested her from a rented house near Karayamuttam Society.

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How did the police catch her?

The operation began after District Police Chief B. Krishnakumar IPS got a solid tip-off about rising drug use among students in the coastal areas. Following this, the police started monitoring students near schools, which eventually led them to the source of the drugs. Sreelakshmi was apparently very careful to avoid police and excise department checks. She allegedly sold drugs only to a circle of trusted customers. Police say they have received crucial information about the person who supplied the drugs to her. They are now investigating if more people are involved in this racket.

The entire operation was carried out under the leadership of Thrissur Rural District Police Chief B. Krishnakumar IPS. The team that made the arrest included Narcotic Cell DySP Abdul Salam, Vadanappally ISHO Mathew, Valapad SI Abin, DANSAF SIs C.R. Pradeep and Shine, ASI Liju Iyyani, SCPO Biju, and CPOs Nishanth and Surjith Sagar. Officers from the Valapad station, including SI Unni, Siyad, Sainudheen, and CPO Shaleena, were also part of the team. The Valapad police have stated that further legal action is underway.

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Kerala Techie Survives 4 Days Alone in Dense Forest After Getting Lost During Trek, Returns With a Smile

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:24:14 +0530

Kerala IT professional Survival Story: Just imagine this: a dense jungle, non-stop rain, and the constant threat of wild elephants nearby. All you have is a 500 ml bottle of water. There's no mobile network, not a single person in sight... just silence and fear. Sounds like a scene from a horror movie, right? But this is the real-life story of a 36-year-old techie from Kerala. She not only lived through this nightmare for four whole days but also came back safe, leaving everyone completely stunned. Her story of survival is just unbelievable.

Went on a trek and suddenly disappeared

Sharanya, a 36-year-old IT professional from Kerala, went for a trek on April 2nd. She was with a group of 15 friends and a guide, heading to the famous Tadiandamol peak in Karnataka. Everything was going fine, but while coming down the mountain, one wrong turn changed everything. Sharanya got separated from her group and lost her way. By the time her friends reached the base camp, they realised she wasn't with them.

Wandered alone in the jungle for 4 days

All Sharanya had was a 500 ml water bottle and a phone with no network. On the first day, she managed to find a small stream and spent the night near it. For the next three days, she kept wandering through the jungle, hoping to find a path or someone who could help. She even tried to make a call, but her phone's battery died. With no other option, she knew she just had to keep moving.

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An elephant-infested jungle, but she wasn't scared

The area where she was trapped is known for its elephant population. To make things worse, it was raining heavily, making the situation even more difficult. But here’s the most surprising part: Sharanya later said she wasn't scared at all. This statement shocked everyone. Her calm attitude in such a dangerous situation became her biggest strength.

9 teams launched a massive search operation

As soon as the news of Sharanya's disappearance came out, a massive search operation was launched immediately. It included the police, forest teams, an anti-naxal unit, and local volunteers. They used drones and special cameras to scan every corner of the jungle. Officials in Bengaluru confirmed that the operation was running 24/7. Finally, after four long days, some local residents spotted her in a remote part of the forest and brought her back to safety. State officials have called the rescue a huge success and have praised Sharanya for her incredible courage and presence of mind.

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Kerala Crime: 60-Year-Old Arrested for Allegedly Pouring Hot Water on Elderly Neighbour

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:26:30 +0530

Thrissur: The police have arrested a 60-year-old man, Rajan, for allegedly pouring hot water on his elderly neighbour and causing serious burns. The victim, 62-year-old Sasi, was found in a terrible condition on a road last year on Thiruvonam day. The Vadakkanchery police had registered a case, but the arrest comes a full six months after the incident.

Neighbour attacks elderly man with hot water

This was a tough case for the cops. There were no eyewitnesses and no CCTV footage to help them. The police team had to rely on old-school investigation, focusing on people they suspected. They questioned around 30 people. Rajan's statement was suspicious from the start, and the police felt his behaviour was also unnatural. As a result, they put him under constant surveillance.

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The big break in the case came months later. The police found out that Rajan had confessed to the crime to some of his close friends. They carefully collected evidence of this confession before finally arresting him. According to his confession, Rajan was angry because Sasi was lying drunk on the road near his house just as his relatives were arriving for a visit.

Vadakkanchery Police Station Inspector Muraleedharan said that Thrissur City Police Commissioner Nakul Rajendra Deshmukh took a special interest in this case. He gave the team the time they needed to investigate properly, which ultimately led to the successful arrest.

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Kerala Teen Girl, Friend Arrested With MDMA Linked To College Drug Supply

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:16:43 +0530

An 18-year-old girl and her 24-year-old male friend have been arrested in Kerala’s Kothamangalam after officials recovered nearly 37.229 grams of MDMA from them. The accused have been identified as Risana Fathima (18), a native of Peerumedu, and Ananthu Prasad (24), a resident of Kothamangalam. The Excise department said the seized drugs were meant to be sold to college students in the area. Officials also recovered three mobile phones, which were allegedly used to manage drug deals.

Link to college and drug trade

According to officials, Risana had come from Idukki to Kothamangalam to study at a private professional college. However, she dropped out within a few months and later got involved in the drug trade.

The two were reportedly living a lavish life, staying in hotel rooms costing around ₹3,000 per day while running their operations.

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Arrest and court action

The duo was caught during a special checking drive carried out by the Excise team ahead of the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections.

After their arrest, both were produced before the Kothamangalam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court. The court has sent them to judicial custody.

Team behind the operation

The operation was led by Excise Range Inspector Pramod MP. The team included Assistant Excise Inspector Siddique AE, Preventive Officer Shemeer VA, Preventive Officers Rasack KA and Sunil PS, Civil Excise Officers Ubaise PM and Akhilesh Velayudhan, and Woman Civil Excise Officer Rensi KA.

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Kerala Crime: Man Lured by Fake Friend to Kochi Flat, Brutally Beaten and Robbed by Gang

Asianet Newsable English — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:19:13 +0530

In a shocking incident from Kochi, a man was called to a flat on the pretext of friendship, only to be brutally beaten up and robbed by a gang. The victim, K V Sandeep, is a resident of Vengola in Perumbavoor.

The incident took place on March 30, around 4 in the evening. According to reports, a man named Manu from Palarivattom pretended to be friends with Sandeep and invited him over to an apartment. But when Sandeep reached there, a group of attackers was waiting for him. Manu and three others cornered Sandeep and started thrashing him.

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Kochi Crime

Sandeep suffered serious injuries in the group attack. Doctors have confirmed that he has a broken rib. After beating him up, the accused snatched his mobile phone. They then used a wallet app on the phone to transfer ₹24,757 to another account. They also took ₹13,000 in cash from Sandeep's wallet.

Sandeep is currently undergoing treatment for his serious injuries at the Kolenchery Medical College Hospital. The police have registered a case and have launched a massive search to find Manu and his accomplices.

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Kodagu Trekking: Missing Kerala Trekker Found Alive After Four-Day Search In Forest

Divya Danu — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:42:09 +0530

In a major relief, Saranya G.S., a 36-year-old woman from Kerala who went missing during a trek in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, has been found alive. Officials confirmed that she was located after a massive four-day search operation in the forest area. She is safe and will be taken to Madikeri Medical College for a medical check-up. Her rescue has brought relief to her family and to the many people who were closely following the case.

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Trip to Tadiandamol turns into crisis

Saranya, a native of Iyyankode in Nadapuram, Kozhikode, works as a software engineer in Kochi. She had travelled alone to Kodagu after booking an online trek to Tadiandamol, the highest peak in the district.

Before starting her journey, forest department staff had warned her about the presence of wild elephants in the area and advised caution. She later checked into a homestay in Yavakapadi.

On the morning of April 2, she joined a group of around ten people to begin the trek.

Lost during trek, sends distress message

During the trek, Saranya got separated from the group and lost her way. Around 2 PM, she sent a message to the homestay staff saying that she was lost. Other members of the group returned safely by evening. When Saranya did not return, concern grew quickly.

Some trekkers later said they had last seen her at the hilltop, where she was playing with a dog. She had told them she would come down on her own.

Her family managed to speak to her once after she went missing. During the call, she said she had lost her way. After that, her phone became unreachable.

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Large-scale search operation launched

As soon as the alert was raised, forest officials, police, local residents, and members of tribal communities started a search operation. The search team grew to around 150 people, including a police dog squad. Teams combed the forest area for days, but there was no sign of her at first.

At one stage, more than 80 people continued the search daily, covering difficult terrain and dense forest areas. The lack of mobile signal made tracking her location even harder.

Family’s hope and concerns

Saranya’s family had been deeply worried but remained hopeful. Her father, Gopi, said they believed she would be found safe. Her brother, Shyam, who joined the search team, said he was confused about how she could get lost. He pointed out that the trekking path is usually clear and easy to follow.

He also said Saranya is an experienced trekker and knows how to handle such situations. The family had even asked authorities to consider all possible angles during the search.

Support from authorities

Saranya’s family also met Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who assured them that all efforts would be made to find her. He said he would instruct officials to intensify the search.

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Meanwhile, a missing complaint had been filed earlier at Nadapuram police station in Kerala after her family learned she had not returned.

Her family members had travelled to Coorg and stayed there during the search operation.

Relief after four days

After four long days, search teams finally located Saranya in the forest area. Officials have confirmed that she is safe.

Details about how she survived in the forest are not yet clear, and further information is expected after her medical check-up and questioning.

Authorities often advise trekkers to stay with their group, follow marked paths, and remain cautious in wildlife zones. Saranya’s rescue has ended a tense search and brought relief to many, but it also serves as an important reminder about safety during such adventures.