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July 2002
Wednesday, July 31, 2002
Turmoil in Assembly over boat mishap
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM July 30. An Opposition motion seeking adjournment of the proceedings of the Kerala Assembly to discuss the Kumarakom boat tragedy ended in turmoil and an hour-long adjournment of the House today. The CPI(M) member, M. V. Jayarajan, sustained a minor injury on his left arm as the Opposition members invaded the well of the House and engaged the watch and ward in a scuffle. The House was a picture of restraint as it took up the adjournment motion sought to be moved by T. M. Thomas Isaac (CPI-M). Dr. Isaac himself made it clear that the Opposition did not wish to score political points over the tragedy. As the Speaker, Vakkom Purushothaman, later revealed, there was an understanding between him and the Opposition that there would not be any walkout over the issue. Things would have gone according to script and it did for sometime, but the House was plunged into a din and the Opposition members rushed to the Speaker's podium when the CPI Legislature Party leader, K. P. Rajendran, was not allowed to make the customary speech before leading his partymen out of the House. The Leader of the Opposition, V. S. Achuthanandan, had announced the walkout a while earlier somewhat abruptly when the Government seemed to be moving away from the Forest Minister, K. Sudhakaran's statement at the accident site that the Government would hold a judicial inquiry into the mishap. Mr. Achuthanandan led his partymen out of the House accusing the Government of having taken the boat tragedy lightly. Although Mr. Rajendran got up to speak, the Speaker denied him the mike. His pleas were in vain and soon the other CPI members were on the aisle urging the Chair to allow Mr. Rajendran to speak. The other Opposition members also joined them, but by then, the Speaker had moved on to the next item on the list of business. When Mr. Purushothaman continued to give them a deaf ear, the Opposition members, led by P. S. Supal of the CPI and Mr. Jayarajan rushed towards the Speaker's podium. The watch and ward immediately threw a cordon around the podium and were engaged in a minor scuffle with the Opposition MLAs. A short while later, Mr. Jayarajan was seen emerging from the crowd holding up his left arm and shouting that he had been injured. He was rushed to the doctor in attendance at the House and later taken to the Medical College Hospital here. The Speaker then announced adjournment of the house proceedings for an hour. When the House reassembled, Mr. Purushothaman said the whole issue was the result of a communication gap. The understanding between him and the Opposition, the Speaker said, was that there would not be any walkout over the issue. He assured the House that leaders of various Opposition parties would be given the opportunity to speak before walkouts on adjournment motions and sought the cooperation of all sides to carry on with the business of the House. The Opposition welcomed his statement. Earlier, the Transport Minister, K. B. Ganesh Kumar, said the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday would take a decision on the kind of probe to be held into the mishap and the steps to be initiated for revamping the water transport system. Seeking leave for the adjournment motion, Dr. Isaac pointed out that people were having a difficult
Wednesday, July 31, 2002
House adjourned early over funds row
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM July 30. The unresolved Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) funds row continued to rock the Assembly today forcing adjournment of the proceedings much ahead of schedule. The Opposition was once again in a belligerent mood and did not allow the House to function smoothly. Training its guns on the SC/ST Welfare Minister, M. A. Kuttappan, for the alleged misappropriation of TSP funds, they pressed for a judicial inquiry into the issue after removing Dr. Kuttapan from the Cabinet. The issue was raised by the Leader of the Opposition, V. S. Achuthanandan, who pointed out that the House was in the dark about the follow-up action on the Government's assurance on July 18 that the unspent portion of the TSP funds would be remitted in treasuries within 48 hours. Mr. Achuthanandan also picked holes in Dr. Kuttappan's argument that the unspent money was remitted in joint accounts of Tribal Department officials and beneficiaries without his knowledge. The minutes of a meeting of the department officials convened by Dr. Kuttappan at the Ernakulam YMCA on February 1, 2002, showed that there was a decision to remit the unspent amount in joint accounts. The Leader of the Opposition wondered what might have happened to the interest earned on the deposits in banks. At least Rs. 83 lakhs should have accrued by way of interest earnings, but there was no statement yet from the Government what had happened to this amount. There was also no knowing if the interest earnings had gone to those who had come out in support of Dr. Kuttappan, he said. Rising on a point of order, Aryadan Mohammed (Congress) said Mr. Achuthanandan's statements were not in order, as the House rules did not permit repetition of the same allegations again and again. He also claimed that officials had held cash in hand and deposited unspent allocations in joint accounts during the LDF rule as well. He offered to prove this and said he would resign his membership of the House if his statements were proved to be untrue. As the Speaker, Vakkom Purushothaman, tried to move to the next item on the agenda, the CPI(M) Legislature party deputy leader, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, disputed Mr. Mohammed's contentions and pointed out that what the Leader of the Opposition had sought was an explanation on the follow-up action on the July 18 promise. As the uproar continued, Dr. Kuttappan rose and said money had indeed been deposited in joint accounts during the LDF rule. He also read out details of the deposits made at various places and the amounts held as cash in hand by the officials after the end of the financial year in question. T. M. Thomas Isaac (CPI-M) was soon on his feet pointing out that the figures and statements of the Minister contradicted the statement that the Finance Minister had made in the House on July 18. Although the Speaker suggested that the Finance Minister could reply to the point raised by the Opposition when replying to the supplementary demands for grants to be taken up by the House today, the Opposition rejected it. As the Speaker called upon the Ministers to present the supplementary demands for grants, the Opposition members moved into the well of the House with slogans demanding Dr. Kuttappan's resignation and staged a sit-in. The demands were moved and approved in the matter of a few minutes and the Speaker announced adjournment of the House at 11.30 a. m.
Wednesday, July 31, 2002
All set for Kerala's biggest IT Expo
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The stage is set for IT Kerala 2002, the biggest info-tech event in the state that begins Thursday. Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna will inaugurate the four-day show at the sprawling Technopark campus, Kerala's Information Technology Minister P.K. Kunjalikutty said at a press conference here Tuesday. Top officials from nearly 160 companies including HP, IBM, Microsoft, ICICI, SAP India, Reliance and several other companies are expected at the show where IT experts will lead various academic sessions. "A major emphasis would be on the role of technology in the new economy," the minister said. Kerala's first IT show in November 2000 was a resounding success as some 100 Indian and foreign companies set their shops there. About 2,000 business visitors and 10,000 IT buffs had visited that show. A session on e-governance at this week's expo would detail the initiatives of the four southern states. The Kerala government, which has been trying to woo investment in IT, hopes the event would boost its efforts. The state's new IT policy has classified all IT units as 'public utilities' to make them eligible for a host of incentives and trade benefits. The Technopark campus already houses 60 companies. A new building over 480,000 sq ft is coming up. A new 250-acre Technopark is being built at Kochi. "This event is going to be a great booster for us ahead of the forthcoming Global Investors Meet," Kunjalikutty said.
Wednesday, July 31, 2002
Thomas condemns attack on journalists
KOCHI: Indian federal Democratic Party (IFDP) leader P C Thomas, MP, on Tuesday said that the attacks on mediapersons in the last four months was on the increase and no proper action was being taken against the erring persons by the authorities concerned. Addressing a press conference here, he expressed his party's concern at the growing tendency to encroach upon the freedom of the press which played an important role in a democratic set up. On last Saturday the attack on three journalists by the CISF personnel at the International airport at nearby Nedumbassery, he said he had telephonically drawn the attention of deputy Prime Minister and home Minister L K Advani in this connection and had urged him to take strong action against the erring officials. He said he would also meet the deputy Prime Minister at Delhi and would demand for taking action against the officials involved in the incident. The zonal meeting of the party would be held at Kottayam on August one and in Haryana a rally would be held on August 3. To a query on the possibility of his party, an NDA ally fielding candidates in the Gujarat assembly elections, he said there were possibilities and added the party had not taken a decision in this regard. Asked about his party's stand on the eastern Railway zone bifurcation issue, he said he had demanded the Railway Minister to set up a railway zone for Kerala.
Wednesday, July 31, 2002
Jayarajan hurt in scuffle between Opposition and staff
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:The switching off of the microphone by Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman while K P Rajendran, leader of the CPI in the House, was speaking on the Kumarakom boat tragedy during zero hour led to a scuffle between the watch and ward staff and Opposition members in front of the Speaker's podium on Tuesday. M V Jayarajan of the CPM, who sustained a minor injury on his left arm in the melee, was admitted to the Medical College Hospital. The House, which reassembled after an hour, was adjourned for the day when Opposition members squatted on the well of the House demanding judicial probe into the tribal fund scam and ouster of SC/ST Welfare Minister M A Kuttappan from the Ministry. Vakkom denied permission to Thomas Isaac for moving an adjournment motion demanding judicial inquiry into the Kumarakom tragedy following the clarification from Finance Minister Sankaranarayanan that the nature of inquiry would be decided at tomorrow's Cabinet meeting. Peeved at this, Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan announced that the Opposition members were walking out of the House in protest against the decision. Rajendran started speaking after Achuthanandan registered protest against the Speaker's decision. But surprising everybody, the Speaker switched off Rajendran's microphone saying that the rule and proceedings book of the House be set on fire as nobody cared to obey the rules. Enraged by this, the Opposition members rushed to the podium of the Speaker. But the watch and ward staff prevented them from entering the podium. Jayarajan suffered a minor injury in the commotion. Vakkom immediately adjourned the House for an hour. Jayarajan was immediately examined by the doctors on duty and was referred to the Medical College Hospital. The doctors said that though he did not suffer any fracture in the arm, the muscles were badly battered. Bruises were clearly visible on the upper portion of the arm. Jayarajan told mediapersons at the doctors' cabin that his arm was twisted by some watch and ward staff. When the House reassembled at 11 am, an apologetic Vakkom said that the incident had occurred owing to some communication gap. He had permitted the Opposition to raise the issue following the assurance that they would not walk out of the House on the issue. He assured the House that he would not switch off party leaders' microphone in future. Vakkom's confession helped restore peace. But when Speaker asked ministers to present the supplementary demands for grants, Achuthanandan stood up and said that the disputed tribal fund had not been fully remitted in the treasury despite the assurance given by the Government. He also produced the minutes of the meeting held at the YMCA in Kochi under the chairmanship of Kuttappan. According to the minutes, Kuttappan had directed the Tribal Development Officers to deposit the money in joint accounts of officers and tribals. He said that only a judicial inquiry would reveal whether the Government had lost only Rs 74 lakh by way of interest on the amount and how much commission Kuttappan got from banks. Achuthanandan said that he did not suspect Finance Minister Sankaranarayanan because if he had been aware of this, he would not have assured the House that the entire amount would be remitted in the treasury. ``Similarly, I don't say that UDF convener Oommen Chandy and Congress leader Aryadan Mohammed are party to this fraud just because they had called a news conference to defend Kuttappan.'' In his reply, Kuttappan said that the Tribal Sub-Plan Fund had been kept in the hands of officers during the tenure of former SC/ST Welfare Minister K Radhakrishnan also. But the Opposition members pointed out that the figures quoted by Kuttappan were entirely different from those given by Finance Minister Sankaranarayanan in this regard. Opposition members marched to the well of the House demanding judicial inquiry and squatted there and shouted slogans against the Government. Vakkom announced that all the demands for supplementary grants were granted and adjourned the House for the day.
Wednesday, July 31, 2002
Shobhana's National Award boosts 'Mitr' in S Africa
JOHANNESBURG: The National Award for Best Actress to south Indian actress Shobhana has boosted interest in her film "Mitr", which was just ending a successful run of 10 weeks in cinemas here. "When we brought in 'Mitr' as our first film there was a lot of scepticism, perhaps because people did not know Shobhana, but as news spread by word of mouth, interest in the film just grew," said Anu Nepal, whose company Indica Productions began distribution of films in South Africa three months ago. "The award won by Shobhana has boosted our credibility and we are suddenly being inundated with calls from people wanting to know what other films we will be bringing to the country," Nepal told . "I think because 'Mitr' has such strong family values, and is done by an entirely female crew, the sensitivity from a woman's point of view came out very well and it has been a great favourite with females here. It has reaffirmed people's faith in values like love and family relationships." "This shows that South African Indians want to see movies that families can go and see together - without any vulgarity or crudeness in it; films like 'Mitr' and 'Bend it Like Beckham.'" Plans are now afoot in South Africa to show 'Mitr' in more cinemas across South Africa. A representative of Eros International, Robbie Lutchman, said the joint Best Actress National Award to Tabu for her role in "Chandni Bar" had vindicated his decision to bring the film into South Africa last year. "Regrettably, the film did not have a long run at the box-office, but from the beginning I knew that it was a film which would win Tabu an award," Lutchman said. "The film critics in South Africa, across the board, all rated 'Chandni Bar' very highly, and they all had it in their top 10 movies list at the end of the year," he said.
Sunday, July 28, 2002
Life comes to a standstill at Muhamma
ALAPPUZHA June 27. Life at Muhamma panchayat and adjoining areas of Mararikulam, home to a large number of passengers of the ill-fated boat, came to a standstill as the news of the mishap spread. Shops and other business establishments in the area downed shutters as a mark of respect to the departed souls. People ran helter-skelter for information. There has been complaints that not much information was forthcoming in the first few hours. Later the district authorities opened a control room there. A large number of passengers from Muhamma and Kanjikuzhy panchayats were students who went to Kottayam to appear for the PSC test conducted to select last grade servants in various Government departments in Alappuzha. A large number of public who assembled at Muhamma questioned the propriety of conducting a PSC test for Alappuzha district at remote areas of Kottayam district. This needless exercise led to the rush of candidates to Kottayam and the mishap, they said. The Alappuzha MLA, K.C. Venugopal, in a statement said there was no justification in conducting a PSC test for Alappuzha district in Kottayam. Mr Venugopal in a fax message requested the Chief Minister to demand an explanation from the PSC. He also requested the authorities to provide opportunity for those involved in the accident and failed to appear in the test to reappear in the test.
Sunday, July 28, 2002
Dilapidated boats raise questions about safety
KUMARAKOM JULY 27. In one of the worst accidents in the internal water transport history of the State, 29 persons, including 15 women and a nine- month-old child, met with a watery grave when the boat they were travelling in capsized off the Kumarakom coast in the Vembanad lake at 6.05 a.m. today. The 100-seater boat, belonging to the Kerala Water Transport Department was coming from Mohamma in Alappuzha district to Kumarakom in Kottayam district. It was carrying much more than its capacity as there was a rush of candidates appearing for the State Public Service Commission test. According to eyewitness reports, the boat which started early before its scheduled time of 5.45 a.m. from Mohamma (on account of the heavy rush) had covered almost three-quarter of its journey when suddenly the commuters felt a jolt. People started moving frantically in the overcrowded boat resulting it losing balance and overturned. Rescue operators said the water was only 10-feet deep at the site. The boat might have moved out of its channel and would have been grounded in a few minutes time as it was overcrowded. The Vembanad lake is busy in the early mornings and within minutes of the accident, local people, most of whom were engaged in inland fishing, sand- mining and mussel collection, thronged the site and started rescue operations. One of the dredgers belonging to the Travancore Cements, stationed nearby, was of great help as many of the commuters could swim to safety. The rescue operations were a joint effort of the local people, district administration, police and the Naval team from Kochi and but for the initiative and resourcefulness of the local people and excellent coordination by the district administration the death toll would have been much higher, it is pointed out. Today's accident has raised a big question mark over the state of affairs in the Kerala State Water Transport Department that operates services on the Vembanad Lake. Complaints regarding the dilapidated condition of the departmental boats have always fallen on deaf ears. In fact, the same boat, A 53, which developed a leak, was stranded in the middle of the lake less than two years ago with passengers. Most of them are in a state of disrepair and often many of the services are cancelled without prior notice. The present sorry state of affairs has been a boon to private operators. The route connecting Alappuzha with Kumarakom is also one of the routes identified as important from the point of view of tourism development. Shops in Kottayam town remained closed today as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in the accident.
Sunday, July 28, 2002
Breach of safety norms led to mishap
ALAPPUZHA July 27. Flagrant violation of various norms of safety by the Water Transport Department is learnt to be the main reason behind the Muhamma-Kottayam boat mishap at Kumarakom today morning resulting in the death of more than 30 passengers. Sources in the department headquarters said that the A-53 number boat which sank at Kumarakom had been repaired for hull leakage at the dockyard in Alappuzha on June 1. They pointed out that the ill-fated boat had not been insured. Speaking to The Hindu, an employee of the department revealed that the leaking spots had been closed with cotton during the repair works. While agreeing that an unusually high number of passengers, most of whom where candidates appearing for a test of the Kerala Public Service Commission, had boarded the boat today morning, he said this alone could not have lead to the tragedy. Lack of seriousness in repair works was the root cause, he asserted. Accusing the department of gross neglect of safety norms, V. Mohandas, district secretary of the RSP and general secretary of Laskers Union, pointed out that while vehicles travelling through road had to undergo strict tests to satisfy various conditions regarding safety, boats do not have any such tests. Though it had been stipulated in the Canal Rules that boats should be checked once in every six months to ensure that they satisfied various norms on safety, no such checking was being carried out, Mr. Mohandas said. He accused that there was no controlling authority at the Muhamma station from where the boat began its journey at 5-40 a.m. Even though the services start early morning, the station master arrives only by 11 a.m., the commuters say. ``Today also the situation was the same,'' said Mr. Mohandas. He pointed out that if the controlling authorities were there, they could have operated the Muhamma-Kottayam ferry of 6-15 a.m. along with the sunken boat to reduce overcrowding of passengers. But the last grade worker who was in charge had no such power and he could not take any decision independently, Mr Mohandas said. It is learnt that more than 300 passengers boarded the ill-fated boat though its capacity was 150. The members of passengers association opined that the authorities should have made some arrangements as they had informed the authorities concerned about the expected rush because of the test. Mr Mohandas noted that the Muhamma station had three ferry boats earlier but now it had only two as one had been pressed into service at Cherthala. He said that almost all the boats of the department used for service in Alappuzha were too old to operate safely. Most of them have leakages and are usually anchored at docks with the engines switched on to pump out the water and keep the boats floating, Mr Mohandas said. It is learnt that according to the safety norms, the boats should have enough number of lifebuoys proportionate to its passenger capacity. But it is learnt the capsized boat had only six lifebuoys. It is also noteworthy that no boat jetty in the State had facilities for rescue operations in case of any disaster. Shaji, a passenger who escaped, said the boat had capsized two months earlier also. Some of the passengers who escaped said water started seeping into the boat minutes after the boat started. P. N. Soman, works manager at the Water Transport Department headquarters, Alappuzha, said that as per available reports, overcrowding had resulted in the mishap. The passengers threatened the boat driver and he had no other option but to oblige, Mr. Soman said. According to Mr. Soman, the boat had been in very good condition. Some minor repair works were conducted in June, he said. But it was not of any serious nature, he added. He denied that the boat had sunken two months ago. Mr. Soman said that it was learnt that many passengers were on the top of the boat and this might have upset its balance.
Sunday, July 28, 2002
Navy too joins rescue operations
Kochi July 27. On receipt of information from the civic administration about the mishap, the Navy pressed into service helicopters for search and rescue operations at the accident spot. Two Chetak helicopters were launched for `localising the area' and it carried the first team of divers. After some time, a Seaking helicopter with complete diving team of five divers and equipment was also launched into the accident site, official sources said here. The helicopters made nine sorties, three by the Seaking and six by Chetak to land the diving team and equipment. Sai Kumar headed the team. Two speedboats from the Seamanship School here were also set out to assist the operations. Meanwhile the Cochin Port Trust (CPT) has asked the director of the Kerala State Water Transport Department to ensure safety of ferry boats plying in the port limits. In a letter to the director, the deputy conservator of the Cochin Port Trust observed that a number of SWTD ferry boats were operating without valid licence. Besides, proper repairs and maintenance of boats are not being carried out, and the boats operate in an unworthy condition. If the present situation was allowed to continue, major mishaps would take place again. Large number of ships use the Port waters, and overloaded ferry boats drifting to the shipping channels can cause serious accidents. ``Any mishap during peak hours can really be disastrous,'' says the letter. Our Special Correspondent adds from Thiruvananthapuram: Several Ministers have rushed to Alappuzha and Kottayam to oversee the relief work. The Chief Minister, A. K. Antony, who is in hospital with a stomach ailment, contacted the Industries Minister, P. K. Kunhalikutty, the Additional Chief Secretary, N. Chandrasekharan Nair, and others and gave directions for relief work. The Ministers who have reached Alappuzha or Kottayam include the Health Minister, P. Sankaran, the Transport Minister, Ganesh Kumar, the Revenue Minister, K. M. Mani, the Agriculture Minister, K. R. Gouri, and the Minister for Rural Development, C. F. Thomas. Mr. Kunhalikutty is coordinating the efforts from Thiruvananthapuram. List of the dead The following is the list of persons who lost their lives in the gruesome tragedy. Makkil Ponnamma (45); Kochuchira Narayani (62); Kizhakkekandathil Nirmala (58_ her daughter Sanilamma 923) and Nirmala's son Santhosh Kumar, Kerakompalli Reji (25); Chirayaveliyil Subhadra (55) her daughter Saumya )29) and Soumya's son Arunjith (nine months). Vazhikkalparambu Shakeela (24); Sivaraj (40), employee at the Governemtn HSS, Areekara; Manakkad Rejani (19); Kannankara Madhavan (55) Sreevihar Sreelekha (22) Plathezham Suresh (25) Puthanambalam Shibu (32); Mattathil Shyni (22); Kunnumpurathu Sumathy (60) ayurved Hospital employee Ravi (55); Thayyil Subhadra (27). Mappillakunnu Colony Sudha (23), Mararikulam; Charangattu Sony (19) Mararikulam; Charangattu Lorenz (Ret. village Officer, Mararikulam; kannezhuthu Colony Sreejith (18), Mohamma;Padathuveliyil Maniyan (59), Mararikulam; Kottamparambu Thankappa Kurup (62), Mararikulam; Naduvazheekkal Ratheesh (25), Mohamma; Kunnumpurathu Sunitha (25), Mohamma and Puthukulangara Raji (25) Mararikulam. As many as 24 persons have been admitted to Kottayam Medical College Hospital. Their condition is stable, hospital authorities said.
Sunday, July 28, 2002
`Water started seeping in soon after the boat left'
ALAPPUZHA July 27. N. K. Raju, a last grade servant in the ill-fated A-53 number Muhamma-Kottayam boat who escaped from the accident, said water started seeping in 15 minutes after the boat started. He remembered that along with the other last grade worker in the boat he had tried to flush out water. But that was not of much use as more water oozed in, he said. The rising water level resulted in panic. Realising that the boat would sink, the driver, Jalaluddin, showing exemplary courage, broke the speed lock of the boat so that the boat could attain its maximum speed and reach the jetty quickly, he said. The boat sank at around 6-10 a.m., Raju said. It was just five minutes away from the Jetty, he added. Mr. Raju agreed that there was only six lifebuoys in the boat. This was not enough for the large number of passengers. He said that the total number of passengers in the boat was much above its capacity. A section of officials said that presence of large number of passengers who did not have experience in travelling in a boat also led to the accident.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Untitled film starring Prithviraj
Prithviraj, who is making his debut in the yet-to-be-released 'Nandanam', is getting many offers. He is doing the lead role in Rajasenan's new film and also in Tamil star Radhika's directorial debut. Now, Prithviraj will star opposite 'Joker' - fame Manya in a new film by director Venugopan. The film will be scripted by Kalavoor Ravikumar and will have cinematography by Sivan.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
'Maanikyakottaaram' starring Kaveri, Aswathy and a newcomer
Kaveri and Ashwathy are to play key roles in 'Maanikyakottaaram', to be directed by Sunil and produced by Loknath under the banner of Tharachitra Pictures. Mahesh Mitra is to do the script based on a story by Kottayam Nazeer. The film, which will launch a newcomer as the hero, will also have in its cast, Kalabhavan Mani, Jagathy Sreekumar, Janardhanan, Harisri Ashokan, Madhupal, Bindu Panicker, Kalpana, Sukumari and others. Prem will crank the camera, while lyrics are by S.Rameshan Nair, music by M. Jayachandran and editing by P.C. Mohanan.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Chirikkudukka
Producer Dinesh Panicker, director T.S.Saji and actor Koottikkal Jayachandran have joined hands to make 'Chirikkudukka', an enjoyable entertainer. Koottikkal Jayachandran, who makes his big screen debut with 'Chirikkudukka', is good as Harikrishnan. Jagadeesh and Cochin Haneefa, as Sumukhan and Satyavan do full justice to their characters while Baiju is his usual self as Premanandan. Debutante heroine Deepthi Prasad, who dons the role of Sunanda, seems to lack any appeal. Vinu Kiriyath, who has done the script based on story by M.A.Dawood, also has set to tune lyrics by Gireesh Puthencherry. Rajamani's background score, cinematography by Anil Gopinath and editing by P.C.Mohanan are the highlights of 'Chirikkudukka'. The story revolves around Harikrishnan, the Marketing Manager of Satya Motors, owned by Satyavan. Among his colleagues are Marketing Manager Premanandan and Assistant Marketing Manager Sumukhan. It is by chance that Harikrishnan happens to come across Sunanda, a young girl, with whom he gradually falls in love. He approaches Sunanda's father Prahladan Pillai to ask for Sunanda's hand in marriage. Prahladan Pillai, who has four daughters in all, agrees to the alliance but says that he wants to get all his daughters married on the same day. So Hari, assisted by Sumukhan and marriage-broker Nanukuttan, sets out to find suitable grooms for Sunanda's sisters. He succeeds. But when everything seems to be going right, something unexpected happens. A 'feel-good' film that really entertains.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Sumitra
Actor Suresh Gopi is to play the lead role in 'Sumitra', which will be directed by Ambady Krishnan. The film will be scripted by S.N.Swamy and Shibu Chakravarthy. Lyrics by Shibu Chakravarthy will be set to tune by Ousepachchan. What's noteworthy is that Ouseppachchan will also be singing for the film.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Kalyanaraman
Shafi, who took to independent direction with 'One Man Show' is getting ready for his second film - 'Kalyanaraman'. The film will have Dileep and Lal playing the key roles. Also in the cast are Navya Nair, Meera Jasmine, Cochin Haneefa, Harisri Ashokan, Vineeth, Manoj.K.Jayan, Indrans and others. 'Kalyanaraman', to be produced under the banner of Lal Creations, will be scripted by Benny.P.Nayarambalam and will have music by the Bernie-Ignatious duo.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Jayaram's Troubles!
He is known for the pleasing smile he wears and his non-failing welcoming expression of 'Cheta Good Morning' at the shooting spots. But of late they have been missing ever since the rumours that the actor was having marital problems. Even before he could get out of that gossip rumour and settle them down he is now bogged down by the recent IT raids that has been happening in the city of Chennai. Though the newspapers have been flashing the photographs of Prashanth and Ajith, the most affected of the lot is Jayaram. The money that Jayaram had earned from the star night show that he had conducted for over a month in the USA and the income he gained from Dubai almost a week ago have been seized in IT raids by the officials. Not only did they take away the actor's hard earned money but also relentlessly questioned him as to how he managed to build such a lavish bungalow in the city and that too in a prime locality. With all this happening around the jolly good fellow, one can't expect him to smile away his sorrows that easily.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Shivam: excellent action film!
'Shivam' is an excellent action film produced by Menaka Sureshkumar under the banner of Revathy Kalamandir and directed by Shaji Kailas, who specialises in this genre. Biju Menon as Bhadran is not bad while Saikumar excels as the villainous Medayil Devarajan. Ratheesh has given a controlled performance as Oommen Koshy. Nandini as Gayathri has not much to do, but she does whatever she has to in a fairly good manner. Murali, Rajan.P.Dev, N.F.Verghese and Vijayakumar do full justice to their respective roles. Camerawork by Sanjeev Shankar and story and screenplay by B.Unnikrishnan have contributed a lot to maintaining the tempo of the film. The story is all about Bhadran K Menon, who takes charge in a new town as the Circle Inspector of Police. He moves into the town with his wife Gayathri and their little daughter. From day one itself, Bhadran realises that things are not going to be smooth for him. A bold, daring and duty-conscious cop, Bhadran clashes with Medayil Devarajan, who is a sleazy character with a lot of political pull. His mentor is Oommen Koshy, a very shrewd politician. Bhadran is pitted against the evil forces and it all ends in a thrilling climax. This time, Shaji Kailas has come out with an entertaining action thriller which is also a political satire. The dramatic entry of the hero in Sivam was really effective, for the public breathlessly sat and watched the stunt. Circle inspector of police Bhadran (Biju Menon) who has been transferred for nth time to a remote village in an island in the backwaters fights the auto drivers and their union leader. He, in his handsome civil dress, has his wife and daughter with him in the auto. They refuse to put the auto fare meter on. He was forced to react, naturally, first physically and then orally. The 20 odd minutes were really bolts from the blue. This sequence gives indication of the kind of person - C I Bhadran and the kind of film Shaji Kailas has organized for the masses. The film started flowing calmly with a shot of a ferry was crossing the backwater. Hero, his wife and daughter standing on the rear end enjoying the ferry ride never gave a sign of the ensuing fight. It developed in to a tight and fast narration soon. That saves the film. The film is full of violence and action leaving no room for soft and mild moments. A series of murders punctuates the story. The hero is threatened, his wife is attacked, daughter killed, his subordinate poisoned by the villain in front of his family, a fellow human being evicted by force: these visuals go on till hero avenges the death of his daughter. People are used to these kinds of stories, visuals and dialogues. All right the audience is excited because there is a change in hero and some visuals. Medayil Devarajan the social group leader finds a potential enemy in C I Bhadran and he vows to finish him. He tries to 'buy' him as he does in the case of others. He fails. And the scriptwriter too, for the word buy repeated through out the film was meant to be established as a trademark of the villain, and to be chanted by the audience. It did not take off. The plot is made up of very recent anecdotes and the characters are from the very familiar Kerala politics. Though the title had shown that there was no resemblance of characters to any one living or dead, audience were more than willing to discount the statement quietly. They have done it in the past for several times. At least three characters - Chief Minister, the backward community leader Medayil Devarajan, and Oommen Koshy, convener of the ruling front political parties were easily identifiable by their attire, dialogues. The dishevelled hair of one of them clearly revealed who the man was. A mimicry artist known for his exact resemblance to Chief minister Mr. A K Antony played that role in the film. Politicians have become immune to such characterizations a long time back. It makes the film irrelevant. But it made the job easy for the scriptwriter and the director to navigate the story in smooth waters. They have incorporated a few controversial incidents that took place in Kerala like the 'Rain Dance'. Rain Dance was reported to be an undesirable dance organized by some tour operators in the name of tourism promotion. A group of young men and women drenched in Monsoon rains created an ambience. Sivam recreates this dance and finds this sequence apt for placing the criminals in the film. It is visually well exploited, for both violence and police excesses. Biju Menon is slowly graduating into super action role in Sivam from the sleepy romantic characters. He has the physique and fast pace for this kind of roles. He has raised his position in Malayalam films with this role. Nandini plays the role of wife. She acts scared all the time except for a few romantic moments. The family audience disapproves of this. Saikumar as Medayil Devarajan has reached his heights in stylization of negative characters. His dialogue presentation in Sivam is commendable. Late N F Vargheese was at his best in this film as a head constable. Rajan P Dev is a usual police inspector in Sivam with no freshness. The film ran to packed houses since there were no new releases for the past few weeks. It is running in 30 theaters.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Death Toll mount to Sixty-five
KUMARAKOM, India (AFP) - At least 65 people drowned when a boat packed beyond its 100-passenger capacity sank in a lake in the southern Indian state of Kerala, officials said. A senior police official, S. Gopinath, said Saturday the tragedy happened "due to overcrowding". "The boat was carrying passengers three times its actual capacity," he said, as officials speculated the ferry was carrying as many as 250 to 300 people. So far 65 bodies have been recovered, a rescue official said, with the toll expected to rise further. The accident occured in Vembanad lake at about 5:30 am (0000 GMT) when the boat was on its way from Muhamma to the popular tourist resort of Kumarakom, in Kerala's Kottayam district. The boat belonged to the Kerala State Water Transport Department and capsized after about 35 minutes into the trip, a local government official said. The boat's morning run to Kumarakom, where Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee spent a holiday two years ago, carries mainly fishermen headed for the market there. But on Saturday, it was carrying more people than usual, mostly local youth on their way to a government recruitment exam, the government official said. According to P. Shankar, a Kerala government minister, a number of people had been rescued but "some of them were in a critical condition and have been admitted to local hospitals". The Kerala government has announced payments of 50,000 rupees (1,020 dollars) to the next of kin of those dead in the boat tragedy. Rescue operations were being spearheaded by local villagers, with fishermen pulling out most of the bodies and ferrying them to shore in their own fishing boats. Indian navy divers have also reached the spot and are helping locals recover bodies, a rescue official said. The divers were using dredges to lift the boat which had sunk to the bottom of the lake, the rescue official said. A senior official in Kerala, Chandrasekharan Nair, said the administration had set up a crisis management cell to coordinate rescue work at the site. "The relief and rescue work was in full swing at Kumarakom," Nair was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency. According to local officials, Saturday's boat accident was the worst in Kerala's recent history. Ferry accidents are a common phenomenon in South Asia, with most of them taking place after operators packed in more passengers than the boat's capacity.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Anu Haasan enters Malayalam small screen
Remember Anu Haasan, daughter of Chandra Haasan, the brother of celebrated actors Kamal Haasan and Charu Haasan ? Many years ago, she debuted in a Tamil film Indhira directed by her cousin Suhasini Maniratnam but vanished from the Kollywood scene for quite some time. Anu Haasan resurfaced in Tamil small screen and worked in many serials like Boom Boom Shakalaka, Anbulla Snegithiye etc. More recently, she donned the role of, hold your breath, Kamal Haasans mother(!) in Alavandhaan. Now she has entered Malayalam small screen and her debut vehicle is a mega serial titled Vivahita. The megaserial is produced by Raju Mathew and Renji Mathew under the banner of Century Films. Story, screenplay and dialogues by Sachidaanandan Puzhangara and Wilson Chalakudy. Vivahita is directed by Venu B.Nair and is aired on Asianet, all weekdays at 7.00 p.m.!
Saturday, July 27, 2002
It was a challenging role, says Murali
Thiruvananthapuram, July 26: Malayalam actor Murali today said his national-award winning role in ‘Neythukaran’ (weaver) was a really challenging one. I am all the more happy that I got the award for a challenging role, content wise as well as body language wise, Murali said here. I am very happy that this is the first time I am getting the biggest national honour for acting. My family members too are happy and I am sure all those in the Malayalam film world as well, he said. Asked if he thought the recognition came a bit late, he said, It is not for me to comment on that. (Agencies)
Saturday, July 27, 2002
At least 41 dead after boat capsizes in Kumarakom
COCHIN, India (Reuters) - At least 41 people died when a passenger boat capsized in a lake in the southern Indian state of Kerala early on Saturday, police said. "Forty-one bodies have been recovered so far," Kottayam district superintendent of Police S. Gopinath told Reuters. "The toll is likely to go up." He said the boat, which belonged to the Kerala government, was ferrying passengers from Muhama to Kumarakom, 80 kms from the port city of Cochin. "The boat capsized in the Vembanad lake probably due to overloading," a police official at the Kumarakom police station said.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Shiv Sena to file damage suit against Antony
KOCHI: The Shiv Sena on Thursday threatened to sue Chief Minister A K Antony for a damage of Rs 1 crore if he did not apologise to the State Assembly for branding the party as one of the religious fundamentalist organisations. The party had entrusted its Ernakulam district unit to move the High Court in this regard, Shiv Sena district general convener T R Devan told mediapersons here. He said the party’s state executive would meet here on July 27 to finalise a state-wide agitation to protest against the Chief Minister’s statement on the floor of the Assembly. Pointing out that the Shiv Sena was functioning in the state since 1990, Devan said no cases had been registered against the organisation in any of the district. Devan said that the Shiv Sena was a democratic party having three ministers in the Union Cabinet and 17 MPs, including Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi. The Chief Minister would have to face the wrath of Shiv Sena unless he corrected
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Violence mars SFI’s protest strike in Kollam
KOLLAM: Two Government vehicles were set ablaze and several other vehicles were damaged in the district as part of the SFI agitation in protest against the police action against them at Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. The strike turned violent in many parts of the district. The students of Kollam SN College pelted stones at KSRTC vehicles. Later, they set afire a car of the Legal Metrology Department near Kadappakkada and a jeep of the Ground Water Department near the Stadium buildings. Some other Government vehicles parked there were also damaged by them. In Kulathupuzha, two KSRTC buses were damaged by the striking students.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
BSNL slashes ISD charges
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Bharath Sanchar Nigam Ltd has reduced international call charges with effect from July 23. The peak rate for SAARC and other neighbouring countries is 3.4 seconds (4 seconds non-peak hours), Africa, Europe, Gulf, Asia, Oceania and American continents, 3 seconds (3.4 seconds non-peak hours). On Sundays and national holidays (January 26, August 15 and October 2) all 24 hours would be non-peak hours.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Late but sweet success for Murali
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For Murali, recognition at the national level has taken long in coming. In fact, only after being picked as best actor or best supporting actor at the State-level as many as five times. The success, therefore, tastes sweeter for the actor. ‘‘I am happy that my work has been recognised at the national level. I did not expect the award but had nursed a hope that I would get it. Each time I get a good role, I hope to get an award,’’ said the actor, minutes after learning that he had bagged the national award for best actor for his absorbing performace in Priyanandanan’s Neythukaran. Murali had won the State award too for his portrayal of the charactor of Appa Maistri in the film. ‘‘This award is for Priyanandanan too,’’ said Murali, not forgetting the debutant director. ‘‘My experiences in life as well as my reading helped me play the role to the best of my ability,’’ he said. The actor, who is now busy with work in Tamil and Telugu films, will shortly have his own website. The address is www.actormurali.com. Beena Paul: Beena Paul who got the best editor award for her work in Revathi’s Mitr - My Friend was, like Murali, tasting success at the national level for the first time. The well-known editor has worked along with such famous names as Aravindan, P N Menon, John Abraham and Syamaprasad and has also got the State award twice, for her husband Venu’s directorial debut Daya and for Sarath’s Sayahhnam. ‘‘Working in Mitr - My Friend was a very satisfying experience because I was able to communicate perfectly with the director. I feel very happy. It is nice to be appreciated for the sincere effort one has put in,’’ Beena who is deputy director at the Chalachitra Academy said. ‘‘Any intention to direct a film?’’ ‘‘I have given it a thought but have not decided on anything yet.’’
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Vested interests unleashing campaign against Women's Commission, says Kamalam
PATHANAMTHITTA: Kerala Women's Commission chairperson M Kamalam has said that some vested interests were unleashing a campaign against the Commission with ulterior motives. Talking to newsmen at the conference hall of the Collectorate here on Friday, Kamalam, who came here for the sitting of the commission, said that after she became the chairperson false allegations with sinister designs were raised against her by some quarters to tarnish the image of the Women's Commission. During the LDF rule no such wild allegations were raised against the then Women's Commission even though there were similar circumstances, Kamalam pointed out. She said that the statements which appeared in some newspapers in her name were wrong and baseless. ``I have not issued any statement regarding the Kozhikode incident'', Kamalam said. Commission member Kulsu and director Shekhar Miniyodan would inquire into the Kozhikode incident, she said. Expressing anguish over the incident, Kamalam said it was a very unfortunate and sad incident. Kamalam said that the commission had conducted a detailed study on the plight of anganwadi workers and the report had been submitted to the Government for action. She requested the Government to set up helpline shelters at all KSRTC bus stations in the State. On Thankam Varma's allegation against two State Ministers, Kamalam said that the commission did not get any reply from her even though the Commission had asked her to be present at the sitting here. The Commission would take a final decision in this regard after consultations with the members, she said. Regarding the Rani Vijayan case in Palakkad, she said the Commission's next sitting would take up the matter. Kamalam said that around 300 cases had come up for hearing before the Commission here. The Commission members, Kulsu and Lizy Jose, director Sekhar Miniyodan and secretary Vasudevan were also present.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
I owe this award to Malayalis: Shobhana
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ‘‘I owe this award to Revathi who insisted that I act in the film and to the Malayalis of the world,’’ said actress Shobhana, who bagged the best actress award at the 49th National Film Awards. Stating that she was happy to have won the award, Shobana said being a Malayali herself, it was only befitting that she dedicated it to every Malayali. Shobhana said that her next film was one by Pamela Rookes.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Ayurveda deserves prime position: Shatrughan Sinha
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Health Minister Shatrughan Sinha was on Friday all praise for the Ayurveda saying that the system of medicine deserved a prime position in the country instead of being treated as an alternative or a complementary one. He was speaking after launching the countdown to the World Ayurveda Congress being organised by the Swadeshi Science Movement with the support of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The Ayurveda Congress will be held in Kochi from November 1 to 4. Sinha also released details about the technical sessions of the meet. Sinha, who described himself as a firm believer in Ayurveda, said that Ayurveda was mostly his first choice, rather than an alternative one. The Minister called Ayurveda a ‘functional, holistic and feel-oriented science.’ In the case of India, Ayurveda could be the vehicle for achieving ‘health for all’ as it was relatively cheaper. Going back to the tradition of Ayurveda in the country, Sinha said that it got a faster pace in Kerala and West Bengal during the period of renaissance. State Health Minister P Sankaran, who presided over the function, called for steps to declare Ayurveda a national system of medicine. The Minister urged the Union Minister to consider the case of the State for a National Institute of Ayurveda and a Central University for the system of medicine at Kottackal. Union secretary for Indian System of Medicine & Homoeopathy Malathi Sinha, ,Congress organising committee chairman Padmasree P K Warrier, Ayurveda Education’s former director P Sankarankutty, , Chandrika Soaps managing director and organising secretary of the Congress C K Jinan, Swadeshi Science Movement secretary A Jayakumar and Congress coordinator Suresh Kumar also spoke. EXPO & TRADE FAIR: An Ayurveda Expo and a Trade Fair are also being organised from October 30 to November 5 as part of the Ayurveda Congress in Kochi. The scientific sessions of the Congress have been categorised as plenary, parallel & poster. There will be special sessions to mark the occasion of Dhanwanthari Jayanthi on November 2.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
National Award a great opening for me, says Murali
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The phone hasn't stopped ringing at Malayalam actor Murali's home here after news spread that he had just bagged the coveted National Award for Best Actor. Nor have visitors stopped streaming into the 47-year-old actor's residence in the Kerala capital. "These awards come once in a lifetime and I am really excited and happy," Murali told in an interview. "I am all the more happy because I come from a remote hamlet in Kerala where theatre is people's first love and I too began my career in theatre." Murali got the award for his superb performance in "Neythukaran" (Weaver) in which he plays the protagonist 'Appa maistary', or head craftsman. The film revolves around the death of late Communist leader E M S Namboodiripad whom Appa maistary has great regard for. Murali, who made a late entry into films, has acted in 300 films in his one-and-a-half-decade old career. He is a known Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) sympathiser. So is his relationship with the late Marxist leader. "I have had close interactions with him and I have read almost all his works, so I had a great sense of happiness in doing this role," said Murali. The actor contested the Alappuzha Lok Sabha seat during the last general election as a CPM candidate. He, however, lost to V M Sudheeran of the Congress. "Never did I imagine that I would get the most coveted award for my performance, but I was extremely delighted after I saw the film. I was fully satisfied with the sincerity, honesty and commitment of all those who worked in this film. " "After seeing the film, I never felt that I was seeing Murali, it has come out well," Murali said. He had bagged the best actor award in the state film awards for this very role even though he faced stiff competition with leading actor Jayaram. On the future, Murali said the national award is going to be a great opening for him. "I have already acted in three Tamil films and this of course is going to help an actor who hails from down south," said Murali
Saturday, July 27, 2002
30 drown as boat capsizes at Kumarakom
Agence France-Presse Thiruvananthapuram, July 27 At least 30 people were drowned when a boat carrying about 100 people capsized in Kerala, media reports said Saturday. According to preliminary reports, the boat capsized because of overloading. The accident occurred at about 5.30 am near the popular tourist resort of Kumarakom, in Kerala's Kottayam district, the Aaj Tak news channel reported. So far 30 bodies had been recovered, with further casualties feared as only a few passengers were either saved by the local people or managed to swim ashore, Aaj Tak reported. Local villagers were spearheading the rescue operations, with local fishermen pulling out most of the 30 bodies, the channel said.
Thursday, July 25, 2002
Mob sets bus on fire after it kills a student
MALAPPURAM: A private bus was set ablaze by local people, enraged over the death of a school student, who was struck down by the bus on the NH-17, at Kottakkal, near here, around 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Arun Sethu, 14, a ninth standard student at the Edarikkode PKMM High School, was returning home on a bicycle, when the bus, on its way from Thrissur, hit him. Arun, who fell on the road from the bicycle, was dragged around 20 metres forward by the speeding bus. Arun, son of Madaparambu Sethumadhavan and Rajani, hails from Edarikkode. The Kannur-bound private bus, ‘Harshitha’ (KL-13 C-7097), was destroyed by the time the Fire Force personnel from Tirur reached the spot. Eyewitnesses said that around 200 local people hurled burning pieces of paper into the bus. The bus went up in flames after its diesel tank exploded. The mob also hurled stones at the eight-member police team, who came to the spot from the Kottakkal Police Station. Sub-Inspector Suresh Babu was injured in the incident. The situation was brought under control 30 minutes later, after the police force from Malappuram Armed Reserve camp reached the spot. The vehicular traffic on the NH-17 was disrupted for more than two hours following the incident.
Thursday, July 25, 2002
Chalachitra’s film fest from Friday
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amol Palekar’s Dhyas Parva (An era of Yearning ) will be the inaugural film of TIFF 2002, organised by Chalachitra, which gets underway here on Friday. Amol Palekar, Sumitra Bhave, Sunil Sukhdankar and Kodak chief executive Shanker Duta will attend the inaugural ceremony at the Kalabhavan theatre which is the festival venue. Cultural Affairs Minister G Karthikeyan will inaugurate the festival while Chalachitra Academy chairman Adoor Gopalakrishnan will preside over the meeting. The festival book will be released by Shaji N Karun by handing over the first copy to Shanker Dutta. The festival lasts seven days.
Thursday, July 25, 2002
MCH nurses warn of agitation
KOZHIKODE: The Nurses of Kozhikode Medical College, led by the Kerala Government Nurses Association (KGNA), on Wednesday, held the Medical College superintendent and other hospital officials concerned, responsible for the alleged rape of the young woman at the MCH. KGNA office-bearers alleged that the health department officials were trying to put the entire blame on the nurses, who were on duty, and urged the Government to withdraw their suspension. ‘‘Otherwise, the association would be forced to launch an agitation,’’ they added. ‘‘On that particular day on which the woman was allegedly raped, a single nurse had to handle 106 patients in ward-23. It was impossible for her to scrutinise all visitors and to check whether a man named Subramanyan was outraging the modesty of a burn victim,’’ they said.
Thursday, July 25, 2002
Sandalwood worth Rs 5 lakh seized; nine arrested
ADIMALI: The Adimali police nabbed nine persons for smuggling sandalwood worth Rs.5 lakh from Koombanpara, near here, in the wee hours on Wednesday. A Tempo lorry and two jeeps used for transporting the sandalwood was also seized. The logs weighing 615 kg were kept concealed in 64 gunnybags filled with potatoes. The arrested were: Niju Jose, 25, Shajan, 30, and Prasad, 23, of Adimali, Sunil, 29, of Idukki, Noby Kuriakose, 22, of Kambilikandam, Balasubramanian, 25, of Kovilloor, Manoj, 24, of Mangulam, Varghese, 36, of Konnathady and Ajith, 28, of Vellathooval. The seized sandalwood, which was unauthorisedly collected from Chilanthiyar in Marayoor forest area, was being transported to Adimali when it was intercepted by police on night patrolling.
Thursday, July 25, 2002
CM urged to remove Kamalam from post
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Mahila Sanghom (NFIW) on Tuesday urged Chief Minister A K Antony to remove the Women’s Commission chairperson M Kamalam from her post and accused Health Minister P Sankaran of allegedly trying to save the real culprits involved in the Kozhikode Medical College rape case. Speaking to mediapersons here on Wednesday, CPI leader Bhargavi Thankappan said that Kamalam’s statements on the gruesome rape of the woman at Kozhikode Medical College were irresponsible and misleading. Kamalam had failed to discharge her duty as the chairperson of the Commission and the Government should order a judicial inquiry into the incident. As part of its protest, the Sanghom would stage a dharna in front of Kozhikode Medical College on July 29, she said.
Thursday, July 25, 2002
CPM protestors block NH 47
CPM protestors block NH 47 ALAPPUZHA: The CPM activists on Wednesday staged dharnas in front of the coir factories in the district and blocked NH 47 at various points demanding implementation of the agreement between coir workers and the management of the industries. The CPM also demanded a ban on contract labour system existing in large coir manufacturing units. Inaugurating the dharna at Pathirappilly, CPM district secretary G Sudhakaran said an earlier agreement with the Government had promised the renewal of the purchase price and distribution of the arrears in rebate to coir societies. He urged the Government to implement the conditions in the agreement. CITU leader K N Ravindranath inaugurated the siege of the Aspinwal company and P K Gurudasan inaugurated the blockade of NH 47 at Haripad. While Coir Workers’ Union leader Anathalavattom Anandan inaugurated the siege at MSM junction Kayamkulam, M M Lawrence inaugurated the siege at Thuravoor
Thursday, July 25, 2002
Shatrughan Sinha arriving on Friday
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shatrughan Sinha, who arrives here on Friday, will inaugurate the suture project activities of the Hindustan Latex Ltd in the evening. The highlight of his visit would be the staging of the play Pati Patni or Mein in which he would be the main artiste. The play, directed by Ramesh Talwar, will be staged at Tagore Centenary Hall at 6.30 pm on Friday.
Tuesday, July 23, 2002
Plus Two courses for 335 schools
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM JULY 22. The Kerala Cabinet on Monday decided to sanction unaided Plus Two courses in 335 aided and unaided higher secondary schools this year. Briefing presspersons on the Cabinet decisions, the Chief Minister, A. K. Antony, recalled that the Government had decided to sanction Plus Two courses both in the unaided and aided sectors. The Government had received 485 applications for the courses and 335 applicants were found to qualify. Each of them was being sanctioned one batch of 60 students. Mr. Antony said that the 25 per cent of the seats would have to be filled on merit. The balance would be the management quota. The fee structure would be uniform for all. The Education Department would work out the details. He said that a committee headed by the Collector in each district did the selection of the schools. Schools, which were found to lack necessary facilities, would be sanctioned courses this year itself if they fulfil the necessary norms. He said that the courses were sanctioned considering demands from the parents and students. There was little point in opposing unaided schools when the children of prominent leaders, politicians and trade union leaders were studying there. Replying to a question on the increasing crime rates in the State, the Chief Minister claimed that the situation was better compared to the previous five years. Reduction of political murders during the past year was a notable achievement. However, the Government viewed the growth of goondas in the State seriously. Tendencies prevalent in North India and Bombay were spreading in Kerala also. The ongoing modernisation of the police was aimed at checking this also. Mr. Antony said that though the police had sought a change in laws to deal with the situation, the Government had not yet considered the enactment of special legislation to deal with goondas. Asked about the political patronage of goondas, the Chief Minister admitted that several parties were doing that. This has to change. The Government would not permit the police to be used in aid of activities of goondas or the political parties trying to expand their influence using them. He said that not only the activists of the National Development Front (NDF) but also the workers of important parties were involved in murders. Some parties even decide the punishment for their opponents and carry it out. This had been going on for some time. Murders, whoever are behind it, would not be tolerated.
Tuesday, July 23, 2002
Uneasy calm on Kollam beach
KOLLAM July 22. As a preventive measure, the Collector, Rajan Khobragade, has clamped prohibitory orders around the Kollam beach areas, which were hit by violence. The orders will stay in force till July 24 midnight. Meanwhile, the Collector has summoned a peace meeting tomorrow. The meeting will take place at the Collectorate conference hall. The Labour Minister, Babu Divakaran, who is also the MLA from Kollam, will attend the meeting. The others slated to attend the meeting are the Kollam MP, P. Rajendran, the Rajya Sabha Member, N.K. Premachandran, four parish priests from the beach areas, four Corporation councillors from the same area and other leaders from political parties. In order to prevent violence erupting at sea, the Coast Guard and the Marine Enforcement wing have been alerted. More companies of police have been brought in and deployed at the violence-hit areas.
Tuesday, July 23, 2002
Rape victim shifted to special ward
KOZHIKODE JULY 22. The woman-patient, alleged to have been sexually assaulted by a non-employee at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH), was shifted to a special ward from the general hospital today. The City Police Commissioner, Sanjeev Kumar Patjoshi, at a press meet here, said that the condition of the victim had deteriorated. A gynaecologist at the hospital had done a thorough examination of the patient, he added. He said that a five-member "Relief Committee for MCH Victim'' had been formed to collect funds for the treatment of the patient. Donations could be sent to the State Bank of India (SBI) Account No: 01190032131. The funds would be utilised for the treatment of the victim, he said. He also said that the officials at the Regional Chemical Examination Laboratory were yet to submit a report on the tests of the samples taken from the patient. The samples were taken on July 16. The police also began to interrogate the hospital staff, including doctors, nurses and attenders who were on duty in Ward 23 of the MCH on July 12, 13 and 14. Meanwhile, Lily Rajeevan, Principal, Thrissur Medical College Hospital, who conducted a departmental inquiry into the incident submitted a report to the Director of Medical Education in Thiruvananthapuram. The father of the victim, C.O.Pappachan who was present at the press meet, said that the doctors and nurses were now giving total attention to the patient after the incident. " But she is weak and unable to speak, '' he said. Mr. Pappachan also said that her daughter tried to commit suicide because of ill-health and mental agony. '' Her immediate provocation to attempt suicide was that she was scolded by her sister, '' he said. In another development, an all-party action committee has been formed at the victim's native place at Chundal in Wayanad district. The activists of the organisation, Chundal Action Committee, will stage a demonstration in front of the MCH on July 24 to protest against the reported move of the authorities to shield the guilty.
Tuesday, July 23, 2002
Priest killed in wild boar attack
PALAKKAD JULY 22. A priest, who was attacked by a wild boar, fell into the well in front of his house along with the animal and died in the attack in the early hours of Monday. Fr. Joy (46), residing at Mezhukumpara in Mannarkkad taluk, came out of his house in the early hours of Monday when he heard some sound. In a bid to escape from the attack from the boar he fell into the well along with the animal. The priest was taken out of the well by the local people and police. Though he was taken to the Mannarkkad Government hospital, he died on the way. He is the priest of a Jacobite church of Puthekulavu in Vadakkancherry.
Tuesday, July 23, 2002
Karunakaran attacked
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM July 22. The former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader, K. Karunakaran, today came under attack from a 30-year-old contract employee of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) who is suspected be mentally disturbed. The incident reportedly occurred at around 9.45 a.m. at the Jagathy residence of Mr. Karunakaran. The youth, identified as Rajesh hailing from Vaikom, during an audience with the veteran leader bowed to touch Mr. Karunakaran's feet and refused to let go. Mr. Karunkaran reportedly lost balance and was rescued from a fall by his party associates who were standing nearby. The youth was overpowered and hustled out of Mr. Karunakaran's residence by party workers. Police suspect the same person to have smashed the windowpanes of the office room of the KTDC chairperson, Padmaja Venugopal, at the Mascot Hotel complex. The Museum police have registered a case against Rajesh.
Tuesday, July 23, 2002
Corpn. e-governance project: first phase by Aug.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM July 22. The decks have been cleared for the phased introduction of an electronic governance system to decentralise the functions of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and improve citizen service facilities through a computer network linking the zonal centres with the main office. The first phase of the project taken up under the Plan Campaign is expected to become operational by early August. An amount of Rs.1.5 crores has been earmarked for the programme. Tenders have been issued for supply of computers and servers. The Information Kerala Mission, which provides software support, has already prepared application packages for various functions and Kudambasree projects are working overtime to complete the data entry. The initial phase of the project involves computerisation of the Health and Revenue Departments. The issue of birth and death certificates would be the first application to be taken up under the system. The Town Planning, Engineering and General sections will be computerised later. The counter tax collection system at the Friends citizen service centre will be replicated in the Corporation. Moves are on to convert the lobby of the main office at Palayam into a modern facility with counters and adequate seating facilities for visitors. The front office would initially be provided with four counters manned by 30 employees. The number of counters will be gradually increased to 12. The computer training institute run by the Corporation has already imparted basic IT skills to over 250 employees in various sections. A core team selected from these personnel will be provided modular training to equip them for the new system. The Mayor, J. Chandra, said the e-governance system would help to strengthen the activities under the Plan Campaign in all the 81 wards. She said the problem of staff shortage at the zonal offices could be addressed by redeploying employees from the computerised sections after discussions with unions. While the data entry for property tax has been completed as part of updating the DCB records, it will require customisation to the application software. Back records for professional tax and licence fee are also being computerised on a war-footing. The Corporation has rented 30 computers for the work and data entry operators are working extra shifts to complete the job. The Kadakampally zonal office has completed the data entry of most records while the work is progressing in the rest of the zones. The computerised system will ultimately help in monitoring of Plan projects, administration of pensions and welfare schemes, managing revenue, finance and accounts systems, public works management, handling establishment matters and community information systems. The functions to be computerised include tax collection, establishment, workflow, accounts, works and decision support. The mission group at IKM has completed a workflow module for file management and tracking. Another package for registration and issue of certificates and administration of pensions and welfare schemes is ready. The utilities include a digitised repository of legislations and other documents relevant to local bodies, including constitutional provisions, Acts, rules, Government Orders, circulars, guidelines, notifications, relevant court judgements, application forms, manual of office procedures and general information. Another unique feature is an employment information system to create a database of job opportunities and human resources. All the packages are equipped with user-friendly Malayalam interface and search facility. Corporation sources said the new system would enable automatic registration of birth and death in future when the civic body is networked to all city hospitals. "Once the validity of the electronic signature is accepted, birth certificates can be electronically transmitted to schools for admission of children,'' they claim.
Sunday, July 21, 2002
Minnal
In this Sibi Malayil directed venture, the sensuous Geetu plays the female lead opposite Biju Menon. Geetu Mohandas is a dazzler. Everyone saw that in Thenkasipattinam. In Sesham. In Life is Beautiful. In Pagalpuram. And now that dazzle will be on display in Minnal. Geetu, one of the few actresses in Malayalam who is comfortable in both character and glamorous roles, feels Minnal is an important film for her. "After Sesham, which is a serious movie, I was looking for a hardy commercial venture which was not a mindless masala movie. I guess Minnal fits the bill perfectly," she says. Geetu cannot help talking about the film's hero Biju Menon. "There is a quiet dignity about him. He minds his business, yet is very helpful in the sets". On Sibi Malayil, Geetu says he is one of the few film-makers who has managed to marry the good things of a commercial film with the seriousness and sensitivity of a parallel movie. "It is not an easy thing to do, but he has done that". Geetu, who started as a child artiste, feels that is lot of scope of experimentation in Malayalam. "Fortunately for us in Malayalam, the audiences here are very discerning. It is for this reason that you see very little of purposeless pot-boilers here. Even in entertainers there will be some seriousness". Geetu herself has been pretty serious about her work. "I do not want to be classified as a particular brand of actress. That is the reason I am mixing it up. I don't mind glamour roles. On the other hand, I am equally comfortable with roles totally devoid of any glamour as in Sesham". Anyway, she herself is glamorous enough to make up for the lack of in the roles. Some consolation this.
Sunday, July 21, 2002
Nandanam
It is indeed ironical that a film, which is fully completed with even the censors okaying it, is still struck inside the metal boxes. To add to the intrigue, the film has also won the appreciation of those who have got a preview of it. Added to that the re-make rights in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada have also been sold out. Further, the film's music is already out in the market and is classified a hit. And the film's hero is also already construed to be a major star of the future and has been signed up by several top-line producers. Sounds improbable? Well, that is the sad plight of Nandanam, the much-talked-about movie that was supposed to be the launch pad of Prithviraj, the son of former actor Sukumaran. Nandanam, produced by Siddique (a former actor himself) and directed by Renjith, is still lying in the cans thanks to the financial problems of the distributors. The film was supposed to hit the theatres for Vishu itself. "It was all due to some financial difficulties to Kokkers (the distributors) through an earlier commitment," says Siddique. The producer has still not paid his artistes so far though the film was completed a few months in advance. "To my luck," he says, "they understand the quandary I am in and have kept quiet." The producers team (Renjith is a co-producer) and the distributors went into a huddle last week to discuss whether the film could be released at least by the end of this month (July). The producers say since they incurred extra loss due to the delay, it is the duty of the distributors to compensate that. Further, they are also demanding a minimum guarantee. At any rate, whether Nandanam gets to see the light of the day in Malayalam, it appears it will in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada where enthusiastic producers have quickly bought over the rights. Among them, Tamil looks to be the front-runner and has been named Swamy. Navya Nair, who is the heroine in the original, is also pencilled to play the lead in Tamil too. The hero is however not Prithviraj. Reports have it that A R Rahman has been approached to score the music. Meanwhile, for Prithviraj, his second film (with Rajasenan) is almost complete and he is now concentrating on a new film named Violence. Some consolation this.
Sunday, July 21, 2002
Shaji Kailas
Shaji Kailas, one of the most sought-after directors of mainstream cinema in Malayalam has delivered many a hit film including 'Thalasthanam', 'Ekalavyan', 'Commissioner', 'The King', 'Valiyettan', 'Aaraam Thampuran', 'Narasimham' and so on. He has also established himself in Tamil filmdom with 'Vaanchinathan', the Vijayakanth-starrer. Shaji Kailas is currently busy with Mohanlal-starrer 'Thandavam' and is also readying his Tamil films 'Thiruda' and 'Chanakya' for release soon. He has also completed a Biju Menon-starrer, 'Shivam', which is due for release soon. For such a busy man with so tight a schedule, Shaji Kailas was still able to spare a few moments for a quick chat... Q: Do you feel that 'Thandavam' will repeat the success of 'Narasimham'? A: Let's hope so. All I can say now is that I am leaving everything to the will of God, the Almighty. Q: What made you choose S.Suresh Babu to do the script for your film, that too when he is just one film old? A: Suresh Babu came to me and narrated the story. I liked it and since I felt that he could do his job perfectly, I decided to choose him and his story. Q: What about your other film 'Shivam'? A: It will be released in July. Q: 'Shivam' seems to be a low-profile film when compared to your other films. What's your expectation regarding the box office response once it is released? A: It's a political satire and tells the story of a Circle Inspector who takes charge in a new town. It is after a long time, that a political satire of this nature is getting released. I have made it into a good action film, and therefore I expect the best of results at the box office. Q: What about your next film in Malayalam? A: My next Malayalam film will be 'Vyaakhram', again a Mohanlal-starrer, scripted by Renji Panicker and produced by Antony Perumbavoor under the banner of Ashirwad Cinemas. (Source:hansazone)
Sunday, July 21, 2002
Air India passengers stranded for two days
Thiruvananthapuram, July 21 After a two-day ordeal, a majority of the 206 passengers of Air India's (AI) Muscat flight from here, which was grounded following a technical snag, left for their destinations through connected flights today. ''We have made alternative arrangements for all the passengers, except 30 people who opted to postpone their journey,'' an airline official said today. A group of passengers left for Mumbai this morning and another batch for Kochi from where they would take the direct flight to Muscat. Some of the passengers left by other Gulf-bound flights from here. The official said that the AI Flight 939, which was scheduled to leave here at 3.05 p.m. on Friday, could not take off because of some technical snag in the engine. However, the snag was rectified and all the passengers were taken on board yesterday. But the aircraft could not take off because another technical snag had developed by then. The passengers refused to leave the lounge and demanded that AI compensate them. The situation was brought under control only after Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Minister M M Hassan contacted AI chairman Roy Paul and got an assurance that alternative arrangements would be made before this afternoon.
Sunday, July 21, 2002
A battle lost, but her war will go on
THIRTHALA (PALAKKAD): Captain Lakshmi Sahgal has no regrets, and according to her this is not the end of the road. With the charm that caught the imagination of a nation, she says: ``The recent presidential contest was a true political experience,'' and she is planning to pen her memoirs on what fuelled her spirits to accept the challenge even at this old age and the message she and her party wanted to convey. Speaking exclusively to this website's newspaper at her ancestral Vadakkath House at Aanakara in Thirthala on Saturday, where she had arrived on Friday night, Captain Lakshmi said that when she received a call from the CPM headquarters in New Delhi seeking her candidature, initially, she had some misgivings on her frail health, being all of 88 years old. ``However, I finally fell in line as it provided an opportunity to tell the country as to the mess the country has been brought to by the NDA rule and most importantly to see that no further Gujarats recur.'' ``I personally have no remorse in contesting the elections and I toured the whole country except Punjab and Tripura and succeeded in my endeavour in telling them that what the country needs today was not an atom bomb but food, employment and shelter,'' she said. Looking back, Captain Lakshmi said that it was the late E M S Namboodiripad who had encouraged her to begin writing books and columns in newspapers and periodicals. It was on the advice of EMS that the book Revolutionary Life took shape. She also used to write a weekly column in the Desabhimani daily. In the pipeline is a book on the ``wonderful experience of contesting the presidential elections.'' The contradictions in the political system and the alter egos of leaders which undid a common Opposition platform would also be touched upon, she said. Captain Lakshmi said that the Congress and Samajwadi party of Mulayam Singh Yadav were competing for the Muslim votes while in reality they have actually betrayed their interests. She said that Sonia Gandhi is still cagey about her ``foreigner tag'' and Mulayam Singh fears that by aligning with the Congress his support base in the North would be eroded. Such conflicting egos prevented a common Opposition platform. The former Commanding Chief of the Jhansi Rani Regiment of the INA of Subash Chandra Bose said that the recent communal incidents and tensions have necessitated the need for a united Opposition. Captain Lakshmi said that there was the need for a third alternative and this can be provided by only a ``honest sincere Opposition.'' She charged that the country's interests were being pawned by the NDA at the hands of the US and felt that the words of Subash Chandra Bose in 1943 that economic slavery was more worse than political slavery has proved to be true in the case of the Central Government. Captain Lakshmi last visited the century-old Vadakkath Tharavadu in June last year when she stayed for ten days. This time she preferred to stay here for a week, away from the din and bustle of politics and her own nursing home which she attends routinely in Kanpur. One of the early visitors at the Vadkkath house was the 88-year-old Appu Nair, a former INA veteran and colleague in Singapore who was incidentally her neighbour also.
Sunday, July 21, 2002
Special team to probe bribing of politicians by Manichan
KOCHI: Vigilance SP Rajeshekharan Nair on Saturday deposed before the Justice V P Mohan Kumar Commission that the State Government has constituted a special team under him to probe the alleged offering of bribe to politicians and other officials by Manichan, the key accused in the liquor tragedy that took place in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts during October 2000. The government had issued an order in this respect yesterday, the Vigilance SP told the Commission, which held its sitting here. Meanwhile, the report of Rajan Medhakar submitted before the Commission ‘‘is not the report submitted by the Inspector-General of Police (South Zone), in pursuance to the letter of the DGP dated 10-11-2000,’’ the Commission observed. The Commission said the report has no relevance whatever to what was called upon to be produced. ‘‘It must be an honest error or a deliberate attempt to delay and drag on the matter,’’ the Commission said. ‘‘This report is not what is purported to have been submitted, as indicated in the order dated 29-6-2002. Such callous and cavalier treatment is regrettable,’’ the Commission observed. The Commission will hold its next sitting on July 27.
Sunday, July 21, 2002
Onam songs cassette released
KOCHI: The audio cassette ‘Malayalanadu,’ a collection of Onam festival songs, was released by M Leelavathy by handing over the first copy to Ernakulam Press Club president Ajayakumar G Menon. The lyrics and music of the songs in the cassette have been composed by seven renowned lyricists and musicians. The voices of eleven singers: Jayachandran, Marcose, Biju Narayanan, Madhu Balakrishnan, Pradeep, Subin Ignatious, Sujatha, Radhika Tilak, Daleema, Jisha and Ashwathi make the festival songs melodious. Simon George is the producer.
Sunday, July 21, 2002
Twist in the tale: Women's commission chief claims victim told she was not raped
KOZHIKODE: Angry members of women's organisations, social activists and others staged a protest dharna in front of the Medical College Hospital here on Saturday, demanding the immediate resignation of M Kamalam, former Congress minister-turned-chairperson of the State Women's Commission. The agitators accused Kamalam of ``misusing her official position to save her political masters'', notably Health Minister P Sankaran, in the wake of the gruesome MCH rape issue. This website's newspaper had on Saturday exposed the discrepancy between Kamalam's widely reported claim that the victim had told her that she was not actually raped; and the version of the victim's relative (who was present when Kamalam went there) pointing out that the Women's Commission chairperson was not speaking the truth. The protesters belonged to Anweshi, NISA Progressive Muslim Women's Organisation, Malabar Theeradesha Vanitha Federation, Sthree Vedi and other organisations. They maintained that the way Kamalam attempted to manipulate the truth at the cost of the 23-year-old, badly burnt woman who was allegedly raped in the hospital toilet, was unpardonable. ``How can we let the chairperson of a body supposed to protect women's interests deny natural justice to this ailing and shattered girl ?'' asked K Ajitha, president of Anweshi, who led the protest dharna. ``I have called on the victim. She told me that she had not said anything of the kind Kamalam claimed she did. It's understandable that Kamalam, as a dedicated Congress worker, may want to protect the Health Minister at any cost. But she can't be allowed to do that heading the Women's Commission,''Ajitha told this website's newspaper. The victim's distraught father, C O Pappachan, was livid through his tears. ``What Kamalam tried to do to my daughter was terrible. I had known her for so long, and even supported and voted for her in the elections. I will teach her a lesson if she dares to step in here again,'' the old man said. Ajitha said her organisation will shortly spearhead a campaign by all like-minded organisations in the State, to expose the ``real face'' of the Women's Commission. Meanwhile, the condition of the victim has begun to cause concern. She has become too weak to speak or to respond. State Human Rights Commission member T K Wilson who called on her in the afternoon, could not get her deposition. Dr Lilly Rajeevan, principal of the Thrissur Medical College who was sent by the Director of Medical Education to probe the issue, said she too could not talk to the victim. ``She is now in a highly critical state, and in no condition to speak. I will stay back, and hope to record her statement later,'' she said. But her deteriorating physical condition is not the only thing that the victim has been forced to put up with. Unknown people have been barging in to threaten the relatives by her bedside while she is battling for life, asking them to withdraw the rape complaint. So the police today posted women constables inside the ward to keep a watch, and have put its force in the hospital campus on alert. The women's organisations scoffed at the Government's action of suspending a couple of MCH nurses on Friday citing neglect of duty in connection with the ghastly episode. They condemned it as a move to cover up the real issues, and save those who are responsible for creating conditions in the hospital that enabled the accused to do what he allegedly did. K V Kathreena, a leader of the Kerala Government Nurses Association, maintained to this newspaper that the suspension of the two nurses was a part of the efforts to distract attention from the rape issue. ``There are at least 77 part-time posts of attendants in the MCH. But these are being filled on daily wage-basis, disregarding the lists from the Employment Exchange And invariably, the District Congress Committee decides who should be appointed,'' she added.
Sunday, July 21, 2002
A hub of film piracy?
The city is fast emerging as the hub of film piracy. The blockbuster, `Kuberan', produced by Revathy Kalamandir, and `Shivam', starring Biju Menon, are the latest movies to be hit by the menace of video-piracy. G. Suresh Kumar, producer of `Kuberan', had given a complaint in June to the City Police Commissioner, Rajan Singh, in this connection. In the complaint, he said a cable television network having branches in Muttada and the All Saints College area illegally telecast his movie released on April 6. By the time the police swung into action, the cable operator had discontinued the telecast and removed the pirated CD from his studio. Suresh says pirated CDs of `Kuberan' were available for Rs 100 per day at certain video parlours in the city immediately after the movie's release. The producer says earlier big-budget films like `Millennium Stars', `Hey Ram', `Narasimham' and `Aaramthampuran' had met with the same fate at the hands of film pirates. Sources in the film industry say that certain big names in the videocassette rental business in the city are behind the organised piracy of new releases. New films are video-recorded on the sly from theatres using miniature handy cams. The video content is then rampantly duplicated on CDs and cassettes. Sometimes, the film prints are diverted for duplication on CDs while they are being transported from one theatre to another. The video rights of a movie are usually sold only after one year of its release. "Often, those who book the video rights for a movie, first make a killing profit by trading the pirated version of the film. The competition between cable networks for market share has also led to illegal telecast of new releases. Last year during Onam, a major cable network in the city was booked by the police for telecasting a pirated movie," an industry spokesman said. Though video-piracy has emerged as a major threat to the Malayalam cinema industry, which is going through hard times due to escalating production cost and low returns from theatres, the police authorities are yet to act on specific complaints of theft of film content. This despite the fact that the State police through a circular issued in 2002 by the then DGP, B.S.Sasthry, had stated that special cells would be constituted under the Dy.S.P (Crime Detachment) in all districts to co-ordinate the measures taken by local police to curb video piracy. The cells had been directed to conduct raids, inspections and arrest those who distribute or exhibit pirated films. A monthly report on the action taken against video piracy has to be sent to the Police Headquarters (PHQ). The report should include details of the anti-piracy raids conducted in every police station limit, the number of cases registered under the Copy Right Act, and the particulars of the pirated copies of films seized along with the number of the arrests made. The anti-piracy cell under the Assistant Commissioner (Crime Detachment), Kochi city, was designated as the nodal coordinating cell for anti-video piracy operations. The nodal cell had been instructed to work in close liaison with the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce. However, video-piracy enforcement has remained largely on paper.
Sunday, July 21, 2002
`Save capital' movement planned
The former speaker, M. Vijayakumar, has said he plans to launch a `Save Capital' movement to fight against the ``cruel neglect'' being shown to Thiruvananthapuram by the present Government. The decision to shift the State Legal Services Authority to Kochi ostensibly due to the request of the High Court Registrar, is but the latest in a string of moves designed to reduce the importance of Thiruvananthapuram. The Law Minister, K.M. Mani, was behind this move reportedly being done to suit the `convenience' of the executive chairman of the Authority, he alleged. Then there is the case of the National Law University. A related ordinance passed in March 2001 said the headquarters of the proposed University would be in the capital city. Now, under K. V. Thomas, the National Law University will be called the National Law School and it is going to be based in Kochi. This is the same Minister who is bent on shifting the Kerala Institute of Travel and Tourism Studies (KITTS) to Kochi. Though the government claims it is exerting pressure on the Centre for the development of the city's international airport, the whole issue can be solved if the Chief Minister goes to Delhi and meets the Prime Minister and the Civil Aviation Minister. All that is required for the airport development project is a formal nod from the Centre. Meanwhile flights are being taken away from the capital city to Nedumbassery. Interestingly no flight is being taken from Karipur to Nedumbassery. Ten lakh passengers transit through the Thiruvananthapuram airport while only half that number use the airport near Kochi. Yet, flights to, say, New York is given to Nedumbassery and not to Thiruvananthapuram, he pointed out. The case of the Technopark in the city is also not different. The state of affairs is such that there is no chairman now for the TRIDA. ``The Chief Minister should urgently intervene to stop this exodus of infrastructure from the capital city and to stop the sustained efforts to reduce the importance of the State's capital,'' he said.
Saturday, July 20, 2002
Kozhikode rape issue rattles Assembly
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rape of a young woman the other day at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital where she was undergoing treatment for burns suffered in her suicide attempt shook the State Assembly on Thursday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister M M Hassan told the House on behalf of Health Minister P Sankaran that the Government would take stringent action against those involved in the incident. The incident which rocked the State was exposed by this website's newspaper. Based on the report, the State Human Rights Commission registered a suo motu case against the hospital authorities. Announcing the steps taken by the Government in this regard, Hassan said that the Resident Medical Officer of the hospital had started an inquiry into the incident on the orders of the Director of Medical Education. Explanation had been sought from the nursing superintendent and the head nurse, who was in charge of the ward. Hassan assured the House that if any of the employees were found to have been involved in the incident, strong action would be taken against them. Steps would also be taken to ensure that such inhuman acts did not recur in the hospital. The preliminary inquiry revealed that no hospital employee or employees of the Hospital Development Committee had been involved in the incident, he said. He said that one Subramanian (31) was arrested on the charge of raping the 23-year-old woman from Wayanad in the bathroom of the hospital on July 12. The crime was allegedly committed when the patient was taken to the bathroom for cleaning the burns on her body. It was found that people from outside were commissioned to do this job by relatives of patients with burns. The issue was raised as a submission by Benoy Viswam (CPI). He demanded exemplary punishment to the accused and also to the hospital staff for the lapses that enabled a person to commit such a crime.
Saturday, July 20, 2002
Women’s panel seeks comprehensive probe on Hospital Rape Case
KOZHIKODE: State Women’s Commission chairperson and former Congress minister M Kamalam on Thursday called on the woman who was allegedly raped last week while undergoing treatment at the Medical College Hospital for 60 per cent burns, and called for a comprehensive enquiry into the issue. She also called on the accused, Subramanian, admitted to the same hospital. Interestingly, Kamalam told newspersons that the victim told her that she was only ‘‘assaulted by hand’’, and not raped per se; while Subramanian maintained that he had only bathed her. According to Kamalam, the Women’s Commission would approach the Director General of Police (DGP) for a thorough probe.
Saturday, July 20, 2002
Vital evidence lost as doctors covered up patient's rape
KOZHIKODE: Even a week after she was raped, the 23-year-old badly burnt woman patient of the Calicut Medical College Hospital, is yet to recover from the shock. Even as social activists and the Kerala Human Rights Commission have taken up the issue to bring justice to her, the woman, with 60 per cent burns from abdomen upwards and her face badly mutilated, is barely conscious. Hailing from the backward Wyanad district in North Kerala, she was admitted to the hospital after a failed suicide attempt. With her face covered to hide her badly burnt bruises, and a barely audible voice, she narrated the traumatic rape to the City Police Commissioner, Sanjeev K Patjoshi. Patjoshi said the girl told him that she was raped by the man after she was taken in a wheel chair to the bathroom while her relatives stood outside. The girl had complained to the doctors and nurses, who allegedly tried to cover it up, after assuring her that they 'would take care' Patjoshi told . Following the cover up, 'vital evidence' was lost, he said. Patjoshi said the girl's cousin sister filed a complaint of rape, following which the enquiry began. The helper, Subramaniam, was arrested on July 16. When the accused was taken to the judicial first class magistrate court at Kunnamangalam, the police officials were asked to bring him back the next day.
Saturday, July 20, 2002
Hindutva forces taking country to destruction: Sahgal
KANNUR: Lakshmi Sahgal, who lost to A P J Abdul Kalam in the Presidential election, on Friday charged the Hindutva forces with taking the country to "destruction" and asked people to take up challenge against Sangh Parivar outfits. "People who have not even participated in the freedom struggle are the coteries of Hindutva forces who are bent up on destroying the secular credentials of the country," she said addressing a meet-the-press programme here. Coming down heavily on the Sangh Parivr, the INA veteran Sahgal said, "They (Parivar volunteers) are great cowards, who attack even women and children". The very survival of our country would come under threat if the communal tension was further allowed to escalate, she cautioned.
Saturday, July 20, 2002
Mid-air mimicry is no laughing matter, discovers Kerala team
KOCHI: Mid-air mimicry is no laughing matter. At least, three well-known names in Kerala's entertainment industry will swear by this. After facing the joint interrogation of the LaGuardia Airport police, members of the joint New York Police Department and FBI Task Force for six hours, leading actress Samyukta Varma, singer Biju Narayanan and comedian Jayaraj Warrior will think twice before attempting some fun while flying. They would've never imagined that innocent miming would press the panic button all across America, force F16s to scramble and put the security agencies on tenterhooks. Perhaps it all began when Jayaraj attempted some mimicry or tried miming actors that Samyukta and her family suggested through notes to kill the boredom of flying from Chicago to New York on American Trans Air Flight 204. A co-passenger, fifteen minutes before landing, reported their ``suspicious behaviour'' of exchanging notes and changing seats. The passenger misunderstood their comedy to be some other language. The flight crew alerted aviation authorities and five minutes later Flight 204 was escorted to LaGuardia by two F-16 fighter jets. Samyukta and others, including her father, mother, younger sister, were grilled by security agencies and were let off only after the organisers of the show vouched for them. ``I think it was our exchanges in Malayalam and gestures that did it. We did not have even a faint idea that the plane was being escorted back by fighter jets,'' says Samyukta. ``We were really afraid when the police took us for questioning. No more America. This is the last, we thought. But the police were decent. We found out how an efficient police force works,'' said Samyukta. The agencies grilled them over five hours. ``One of the first questions was regarding our religion. They also asked us whether we have been to Pakistan or Afghanistan and where are we coming from,'' says a relieved Samyukta. Kerala entertainers, say industry veterans, have landed in trouble in various US airports on many earlier occasions also. ``American security people never liked my beard. On several of my landings and take-offs I was questioned by the police,'' says K S Prasad, ambassador of Kerala mimicry. ``We always enjoyed our flights. It will be high spirits in every sense of the word. But co-passengers never complained,'' he says. We always faced problem at airports as the toy gun, camera batteries and long cables always sparked off suspicion, says Prasad. Comedian Nadirshah agrees with Prasad. ``Once or twice, the co-passengers joined the jig and song. Even senior artistes like to let their hair down while flying as everyone will be in a mood to enjoy every minute of the tour,'' he says. But actor Innocent narrates a story when he escaped by the skin of his teeth. ``It was somewhere in the US...Mine, as usual, was a comedy role and I was to jump on the stage in a full-face helmet and jacket after the first few minutes of the play. But one of the security personnel mistook me for someone else and asked me to freeze,'' he remembers. After that the director of the show Sidique ensured that all security personnel around were apprised of the sequence of the play and my character, says Innocent. But none of them think that the Samyukta incident would deter any future American programmes. ``Now we know how to behave on flights,'' quips Nadirsha.
Saturday, July 20, 2002
Karunakaran inaugurates Airtel showroom
KOZHIKODE: Former Chief Minister and Congress leader K Karunakaran inaugurated Madhu Communications, an Airtel franchise showroom, at the Madhu Arcade near Arayidathupalam here on Thursday. Mayor Thottathil Raveendran presided. General manager Mahesh Thampi delivered the introductory speech while A Sujanapal, MLA, P K K Bava, MLA, BJP national executive member P S Sreedharan Pillai and Balan Vaidyer offered felicitations. Surendran Mohan Gupta welcomed while Jagadeesh Trivedi proposed a vote of thanks.
Saturday, July 20, 2002
SFI march turns violent
KOZHIKODE: As many as 13 police personnel and five students suffered minor injuries, when the SFI march to RDO Office, here, turned violent. The march was taken out in protest against the ‘wrong education policies of the UDF Government’. The students, who broke the police cordon and barged into the RDO Office premises, pelted stones, damaging a few window panes and flower pots. The injured police personnel included Chevayur C I, N V Chandran, and Head Constable, Sarala. Police took two persons into custody, Joyin Paul (18) hailing from Chathamangalam and Nishith (21) of Kunnamangalam in connection with the violent incidents. Later, in a press release, the SFI District committee, said one of the arrested persons was an anti-social and not an SFI activist. The release said trouble was created by two intruders belonging to a rival student union. SFI state joint secretary T V Rajesh inaugurated the march.
Saturday, July 20, 2002
Kerala not too surprised by actress Samyuktha Varma's US ordeal
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The harrowing welcome Malayalam actress Samyuktha Varma got in New York has surprised few in her home State. Malik Mohammed Hassan, the minister for non-resident Keralites just back from a two-week trip to the United States, said he too was repeatedly questioned and searched while travelling in that country. When Samyuktha, her family, pop singer Biju Narayanan and comedian Jairaj Kattanellur spoke excitedly in Malayalam and pointed at landmarks as their plane approached New York, a passenger told the pilot they were behaving suspiciously. Within minutes two fighter jets escorted Samyuktha's flight into La Guardia and the Keralites were grilled for about four hours after they disembarked. Hassan told : "You would not believe the security checks I had to face while on two internal flights in the US. This happened despite me having a diplomatic passport." He was asked where he was from and why he was in the US while his bag and spectacles were examined very closely several times. Kerala Industries Minister P K Kunjalikutty had accompanied Hassan, but was reportedly not frisked as often. "This probably is because of my name," reasoned Hassan, referring to the September 11 terrorist attacks for which Islamic fundamentalists have been blamed. But the minister did not grudge the US security personnel. "I do not blame them at all. It is their duty. I was in the US six years back and had no problems at all." Malayalam film producer K Sureshkumar said the American security official had perhaps been "overcautious" in Samyuktha's case. "But what I understand is that these days incidents like what happened to Samyuktha are quite common at airports in the United States." Said Venugopal, who runs a food stall in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram: "Samyuktha's case appears to be big news in Kerala. Since Thursday those who come to my shop have been discussing only this." But Venugopal, who has never travelled abroad, felt the American security personnel were only doing their jobs. "When Sikh extremism in Punjab was at its height in the 1980s, any turbaned person seen in here had a harrowing time. So I do not blame the American security people. They did their job," he said.
Saturday, July 20, 2002
She lies in shock and pain behind a makeshift shroud in MCH Ward-23
Rape victim's kin under threat to withdraw case KOZHIKODE: No one would expect this poor, 23-year-old woman, who was allegedly raped in a Government hospital toilet days after half her body was burnt in a suicide attempt, to know the political dimensions of her plight. As she lies in deep shock and pain behind a makeshift shroud listening to footfalls of the policemen, assorted officials, and even the curious lay folk coming for a peek at her in Ward-23 of the Medical College Hospital (MCH), she doesn't know that attempts have also begun to cover up the outrage and throw her plight out of focus. If she knew, she would have known why a bunch of people trooped into her ward this morning, and threatened her relatives to withdraw the complaint of rape. ("Yes, they informed us about it, but have yet to give a written complaint. We have alerted our men on duty in the hospital," said the Sub-Inspector of Medical College Police Station). This semi-literate woman also does not know that a custodial rape, especially that of a badly burnt woman in a Government hospital, is a political issue. Administrative lapses of a hospital are not _ and so the efforts now are to deflect focus to that area. Significantly, a widely-circulated Malayalam newspaper had reported on Friday that the report of the MCH gynaecologist who examined the victim has said that no rape was actually committed on the victim. But the fact is that the gynaecologist's report, made available to this website's newspaper, says nothing of that sort. If anything, the gynaecologist would even appear to indicate just the opposite, and mentions the possible physical effects "after the act". The MCH gynaecologist had examined the victim a full three days after the alleged act. The gynaecologist's report also states that a couple of invasive examination procedures could not be done, as the victim was still in pain. There is nothing in the gynaecologist's report that rules out rape. Besides, this report also says that the final report can be made after receipt of the results of a chemical analysis now under way. That was not all. Veteran Congress leader and now chairperson of the State Women's Commission, M Kamalam had told newspersons on Thursday that the victim had confided to her, when she called on her, that she was not raped. But this was what the victim's relative, Elsie, told this website's newspaper on Friday about Kamalam's visit: "She walked in to the ward and talked to me. She then lifted a corner of the sheet covering her (the victim), and asked if what she heard was true. Kamalam then said she will do everything possible for her, and promised that the culprit will not be spared. She then went away". Elsie says Kamalam knows her family, and her deceased brother Nelson had campaigned for her in the Assembly elections during early 1980s. "When we saw the newspapers today, we were shocked to read what she told newspapers. It was all wrong, she (the victim) had not said anything different from what she had earlier told the police," Elsie said. Incidentally, the statement of the victim in the police FIR, recorded only three days earlier and made available to this website's newspaper, says precisely the opposite of what the Women's Commission chairperson claimed the victim had told her. In her statement, the victim clearly and graphically recounted how she was subjected to rape and perversions in the hospital toilet by the accused Subramanian, and also her agony and shock. The only person she had with her in the hospital at the time, a relative called Chinnamma, was asked by the accused to wait outside the locked toilet door, and did not know what was happening to her. "When I screamed in deep pain, Chinnamma banged hard on the toilet door from the other side demanding to open it. It was only then that Subramanian opened the door." The victim's statement indicated that she was in such shock that she told no one about the alleged rape until her sister Daisy came to the hospital that evening. The separate statement that Chinnamma gave the police corroborates most of what the victim said. Chinnamma's statement also says the victim was bleeding profusely by evening, and the nurse was alerted about what had happened. The next day (July 13), they complained about it to the doctor in the ward, but nothing happened. So the following day, they went to the Hospital Superintendent's office and gave a written complaint. ("Still no one came," says the statement). Which was why, on July 15, they reported it to the police, according to Chinnamma's statement.
Saturday, July 20, 2002
Indians treated as terrorists in US: S Ramachandran Pillai
The Rajya Sabha on Friday discussed the harassment of Indian citizens by US immigration authorities, with some members urging the government to take up the matter with the US. The matter was raised by S Ramachandran Pillai, Communist Party of India-Marxist during Zero Hour, who said several prominent Indians were subjected to harassment by the U S immigration authorities. He said top Malayalam actress Samyukhta Verma and her family were questioned by the joint terrorism task force recently. "It is sad that Indians are being treated as terrorists in the US." Earlier CPM leader Somnath Chatterjee and Film Star Kamal Hasan were also shabbily treated by the US authorities, another MP said.
Saturday, July 20, 2002
While in US, don't laugh: Samyukta Verma warns Indians
Malayalam actress Samyukta Verma, who was taken into custody along with her family at a New York airport on Tuesday night, says she can't wait to return home to India. "I wanted to see New York and I was so excited," said the actress. "Now I just want to go home," she told the Associated Press. Verma's nightmare began when she and her family were detained for about four hours, as their gestures alarmed a fellow-passenger on the flight to New York. The Verma family, however, say they were just excited at seeing New York for the first time. "We weren't doing anything wrong ... The police were very friendly and they made us comfortable," said Verma, who lives in Thrissur in Kerala. "They seemed satisfied with who we were." "I know that what happened on Sept 11 was a big disaster," she said. "Maybe the woman who made the complaint against us was scared ... When I see it from her position, I can understand. "But do I look like a terrorist?" she asked. "Now I am afraid to be here, that if I go shopping and start laughing or talking too loudly in my language, someone will think I am up to something. I say to Indians, 'Don't laugh during a flight. Just sit there quietly, read something or sleep.'
Thursday, July 18, 2002
HC takes note of brutal rape, accused remanded to judicial custody
KOZHIKODE: Taking a serious note on Wednesday about the alleged rape of a badly-burnt young woman under treatment at the Medical College Hospital here, the Kerala High Court directed the District Judge to order a probe into the magistrate's official conduct and report to it immediately. The report also highlighted the city Police Commissioner's official complaint against a local magistrate in connection with the issue. Meanwhile, the Kerala Human Rights Commission (KHRC) on Wednesday initiated a suo motu case, on the basis of this website's newspaper reports on the issue. Commission member T K Wilson said here that the commission has ordered to issue notice to the Superintendent of the Medical College hospital where the ghastly crime allegedly took place. District Judge K Unnikrishnan informed this website's newspaper that he has deputed the Chief Judicial Magistrate to probe into the Police Commissioner's complaint that the magistrate concerned had sent back the cops who brought the accused in the case before him on Tuesday afternoon. The Commissioner had stressed that the magistrate had asked the policemen to take the accused back to the police station, and to come back the next day. ``If the Magistrate did what the Police Commissioner said he did, that will be a grave irregularity. But further action will depend on the CJM's enquiry report,'' the judge added. The CJM began the probe on Wednesday morning, and visited the Medical College Police Station and the JFCM Court in Kunnamangalam during the day to hear those concerned. His report is expected to be submitted to the High Court in the next two days. KHRC member T K Wilson said that putting men to do the bathing of ailing women in a hospital was a serious violation of human rights, and the Commission saw this as a fit case to initiate suo motu proceedings. There can also be no justification for allowing |
