Thiruvananthapuram: The United Democratic Front (UDF) has achieved a major upset victory in the by-election for the Muttada ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. This marks the first time the UDF has won the ward in 25 years, wresting the sitting seat from the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

The victorious UDF candidate, Vaishna Suresh, reacted to her stunning win, stating that it was a “victory for democracy” and a triumph given by the people. She added that the people recognized her hard work and dedication, and gave her immense support. Despite issues related to the voters’ list, she maintained that she was confident that truth would prevail. Suresh expressed her happiness and gratitude to the people for the win.

Vote Count: Vaishna Suresh won the election by securing 363 votes. LDF candidate Amshu Vamadevan received 231 votes, while the BJP candidate, Ajith Kumar, managed to secure 106 votes.

The Supreme Court has stayed a Kerala High Court verdict that declared Munambam land as not belonging to the Wakf Board. The interim stay was issued while admitting a Special Leave Petition filed by the Kerala Wakf Protection Forum. The bench headed by Justice Manoj Misra ordered that the existing status of the land be maintained until January 27.

However, the Supreme Court did not stay the High Court’s earlier approval for the state government to appoint an investigation commission to examine the Munambam land issues. The commission may continue its work.

The state government opposed the petition in court. Notices have been issued to all concerned parties, who must respond within six weeks. The matter will be heard in detail on January 27.

Thiruvananthapuram: Both rape cases registered against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mankootathil will now be investigated by a special team led by SP G. Poonguzhali.

Earlier, a special team under the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner had been probing the first case, which involves allegations that the MLA assaulted a young woman in a Thiruvananthapuram apartment and later forced her to undergo an abortion.

The case filed by a 23-year-old woman alleging rape will be handled by the Pathanamthitta Crime Branch DySP, while Kollam Crime Branch DySP Saniya will investigate the first case. An SP-level officer will supervise both investigations.

Kollam: The Kollam Vigilance Court has rejected the bail application of former TDB president A. Padmakumar, who is in judicial custody in connection with the Sabarimala gold smuggling case.

The bail plea argued that all board members were responsible for handing over the gold sheets to the accused and that the decision to record the material as copper in the minutes was made with everyone’s knowledge.

At the time the gold plating from the Dwarapalaka idol was taken for repair, Padmakumar had been serving as the Devaswom Board president. Devaswom employees had testified to the SIT that Padmakumar had pressured them to assist Unnikrishnan Potty.

Kollam: Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold smuggling case, has filed a bail application in the Kollam Vigilance Court. The court will consider the application on Thursday, December 18.

In his plea, Potti has sought relief citing old age. However, the prosecution strongly opposed the bail request.

Earlier investigations by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) revealed that Potti was involved in land transactions worth several crores. Related documents had been seized by the SIT.

In the same case, the court is set to pronounce its verdict on the bail plea of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A. Padmakumar on Friday.

Thiruvananthapuram: Rahul Easwar has been remanded again in the case related to allegedly abusing on social media the young woman who filed a sexual harassment complaint against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mankootathil. He was remanded after the expiry of his police custody.

Earlier, the Thiruvananthapuram Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate had rejected his bail application twice. The next bail hearing is scheduled for December 15.

Police stated that Rahul Easwar has not been cooperating with the investigation. They have not been able to trace the mobile phone allegedly used to record the video, nor examine his laptop because he has not shared the password.