National

ASHA Workers’ Protest Disrupts Kerala Assembly; Opposition Criticizes Government

Published

11 months ago

March 4, 2025

The ongoing protest by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers for better pay entered its 24th day, leading to significant disruptions in the Kerala Assembly on Tuesday. The Opposition, represented by the United Democratic Front (UDF), raised this issue through an adjournment motion, delivering a strong critique of the government’s handling of the situation.

The motion, introduced by Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, sparked a heated exchange with Health Minister Veena George. Mamkootathil accused the ruling CPI(M) and its trade union wing, CITU, of undermining ASHA workers’ efforts for fair wages. He claimed the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had ignored the concerns of ASHA workers, many of whom had not received their payments for three months.

Highlighting the LDF’s manifesto promise of a minimum wage of ₹7,000, Mamkootathil criticized the government for not ensuring on-time payments. He further alleged that authorities had forcibly removed tarpaulin sheets set up by protesting workers to protect themselves from the rain, describing this as a blatant act of oppression.

When Speaker AN Shamseer denied the adjournment motion, Opposition Leader VD Satheesan condemned the government, asserting that ASHA workers were merely seeking the fulfillment of the LDF’s election pledges. He called on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to engage in dialogue with the protestors, similar to the approach taken by his counterpart in Karnataka. Satheesan warned that the UDF would intensify its protests if the government did not respond.

“The government readily raises salaries for Public Service Commission (PSC) members, yet appears to be intent on humiliating ASHA workers,” Satheesan remarked. Tensions escalated when Speaker Shamseer requested Satheesan to shorten his speech. The Opposition leader, adamant about completing his statements, had his microphone cut off by the Speaker, which infuriated Opposition members and led them to storm the Speaker’s dais, creating chaos in the House. Unable to regain control, the Speaker hastily concluded the day’s proceedings and adjourned the Assembly.

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.