National

Kerala Assembly Witnesses Tense Debate on Drug Abuse, CM Annoyed by ‘Mr. Chief Minister’ Comment

Published

12 months ago

March 4, 2025

Tensions flared in the Kerala Assembly on Monday as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan clashed with the opposition during a session focused on the escalating incidents of violence and drug abuse within the state.

The discussion was kicked off by senior Congress member and former Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala, who delivered a scathing critique of the LDF government’s inaction regarding juvenile delinquency, youth violence, and the rising prevalence of synthetic drugs. He asserted that the alarming increase in violence in schools and colleges, along with a surge in mass murders, could be largely attributed to widespread drug abuse. Chennithala further accused the government of neglecting to implement significant anti-drug policies throughout its nine years in office.

The debate intensified when Chennithala repeatedly referred to Chief Minister Vijayan as “Mr. Chief Minister,” which prompted an annoyed response from Vijayan. Standing up from his seat, he questioned the appropriateness of Chennithala’s manner of addressing him.

“What message is Chennithala seeking to convey to society? Simply repeating ‘Mr. Chief Minister’ and asking questions is inadequate. One must grasp the real issues affecting our state,” Vijayan replied sharply.

In defense, Chennithala maintained that his choice of address was entirely appropriate. “The Chief Minister does not have the right to dictate how I express myself. I can speak as I wish, and calling him ‘Mr. Chief Minister’ is not an unparliamentary act,” he declared.

Opposition Leader VD Satheesan then stepped in, reproaching Vijayan’s reaction. “As the Chief Minister of Kerala and head of the Home Department, you are accountable. Why respond with such intolerance? Our role is not just to parrot the government’s messages,” Satheesan asserted.

Despite the heated exchange, Vijayan insisted that the focus should remain on the critical issues of drug abuse and violence, rather than personal remarks. Chennithala had submitted an adjournment motion to address the alarming rise in violence and drug abuse, particularly in light of recent murders involving a youth in Venjaramoodu and a school student in Thamarassery.

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.