Kochi: The state government has informed the High Court that 25 people have been exempted from confiscation proceedings to recover compensation for the violence during the lightning hartal called by the Popular Front. After it was found that they have no connection with the Popular Front organization, the action was taken as per the court order.

The court was also informed that the proceedings against those who were exempted from the confiscation proceedings have been terminated. The government also stated that their confiscated properties have been returned.

The government also informed the court that 6 lakhs have been allocated to the claims commissioner appointed to settle the losses in the hartal violence to start the office. A division bench comprising Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and CP Muhammad Nias had earlier asked the government to prepare the necessary facilities for the Claims Commissioner within a month.

On September 23, 2022, the Popular Front held a hartal in the state to protest the arrest of national leaders by the NIA. On September 29, 2022, the court ordered compensation from the leaders for the destruction of public property during the violence that took place at various places during the hartal.

Kochi:  Lawyers Association leader Saiby Jose has been questioned by the Crime Branch in the case of taking money from parties to bribe judges. CB took the statement from Saiby Jose twice. But Saiby reiterated that the case against him was a conspiracy and that no bribe had been taken.

It is reported that Saiby has stated that he did not take bribes on behalf of the judges and only took the lawyer’s fees. Saiby, who is also the former president of the High Court Lawyers Association, was summoned to the Ernakulam Police Club three days ago.

Alappuzha Unit SP KS Sudarshan is investigating the case under the supervision of Crime Branch Chief ADGP Dr. Darvesh Sahib. The police had filed an FIR against advocate Saiby Jose in the Muvattupuzha Vigilance Court in the case of bribery to judges. The case was registered under Section 7(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code.

Thiruvananthapuram: Huge evasion in the quantity of diesel delivered to Thiruvananthapuram Nedumangad KSRTC depot. There was only 14,000 liters of diesel in the 15,000 liter tanker brought to the depot.

Diesel is supplied by a company called MS Fuels in Nedumangad. When the staff discovered the shortage of diesel, the company delivered the remaining 1,000 liters of diesel. KSRTC would have faced a huge loss if the employees had not discovered the quantity in the diesel. The depot officials said that the manipulation of the quantity has been reported to the higher officials.

Thiruvananthapuram:  Government employees of the state are banned from starting YouTube channels. The action is because earning income through such channels would be a violation of the code of conduct. The Additional Chief Secretary made this clear in response to a letter sent by the Fire Rescue Service seeking permission to carry out artistic activities on digital media.

According to the Government Servants Code of Conduct, 1960, there is no income other than salary. Posting a video or article on the internet or social media can be considered a personal activity and creative freedom, but starting a YouTube channel and uploading videos is a source of income.

Kannur:  Maoist presence again in Kannur. The Maoist group reached Kottiyoor Koonampulla Colony. The group reached Dinesan’s house. A four-member team consisting of two men and two women in uniform reached the colony last night.

The group returned after charging the phone and collecting food items from Dinesan’s house. The Maoists were in the colony for two hours. The police have started an investigation into the incident. Forest guards also informed that there is Maoist presence in Kottiyoor Ambayathod area. It was around 5.30 pm yesterday that the forest guards noticed that the Maoists were walking through the forest near the Mele Pal pass.