Arjun Raghunath
First Published : 28 Jun 2010 05:51:27 AM IST
Last Updated : 28 Jun 2010 05:53:15 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: THE firm stand being maintained by the Tecom for freehold of 12 percent of the land earmarked for the Smart City Kochi project has sparked off suspicions that its promoters want to catch the big fish without wetting their hands.
It is reliably learnt that the Tecom plans to raise the funds for the Smart City Kochi project from the 12 percent land for which it is staking claim for freehold. A total of 246 acres have been earmarked for the project and 12 percent of it would come to around 30 acres.
The lowest-minimum market value of 30 acres of land itself comes to around Rs 150 crore. Even in the case of the Smart City Malta project, a major chunk of the total land allotted for the project is being used for real estate development.
Moreover, Malta being a European country, the project would also pave way for an easy entry to European countries for the Dubai-based Tecom authorities, sources point out.
However, official spokesperson of the Tecom maintained that the conditions of the Malta project could not be compared with that in Kerala and the laws in the two countries are entirely different.
The spokesperson also added that there would not be any turning back from Tecom’s demand for freehold on 12 percent land.
Tecom tweets and interacts in Facebook to protect its image
Meanwhile, Tecom promoters are planning to launch a series of campaigns in the state in order to protect its image.
It had recently started tweeting and interacting in Facebook.
Despite the stalemate, neither Tecom nor the State Government wants to do away with the project and hence it still remains live.
Though Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan often reiterates that the Government would come up with alternative projects for Smart City Kochi, he is also quite aware of the backlash his Government would face if the much-hyped Smart City Kochi meets with a premature death.
As of now there are no indications that either the Government or Tecom will keep away the board meeting of Smart City Kochi scheduled to be held in Kochi on Monday. Smart City Kochi chairman and Fisheries Minister S Sarma will lead the State delegation and Smart City Kochi Chief Executive Officer Fareed Abdul Rahman will lead the Tecom delegation at the board meeting.
Over the past one year there had been several rounds of talks between the State Government and Tecom over the 12 percent freehold issue.
All the meetings remained inconclusive. It may be recalled that the industry leaders like Infosys Chief Executive Officer Kris Gopalakrishnan and Group of Technology Companies president V K Mathews had recently stated that the delay in commissioning the project was sending wrong signals about the investment climate in the State.
Both, Goplakrishnan and Mathews, had stressed the need for setting up IT Parks of world standards so as to attract the leading players in the IT field to the state.
Monday 28 June 2010
Intelligence agencies in the lookout for LTTE operative in Kerala
By Arjun Raghunath | ENS
T'Puram, June 25:
The Central Intelligence agencies and the State Police are on the look out for Shiva, a native of Mullaitivu- a garrison of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Colombo, who is suspected to be playing a key role in re-grouping LTTE from Kerala.
The detention of about 35 Tamilians from Kollam in May and the subsequent arrest of Dennis and Antony Miller who were suspected to be providing support for the human trafficking of Sri Lankans through the Kerala coast, had provided the intelligence agencies with vital information about Shiva.
Highly placed sources said that Shiva, who is aged around 55, is a former LTTE operative and he is now arranging the funds for the regrouping of the LTTE cadres. His hideouts as well as the source of funds remain mysterious.
Similarly, the police are also on the look out for Dhanraj, a Sri Lankan Tamilian on whose direction Antony Miller was said to be arranging boats and other accessories like diesel and parachutes. The purpose of the parachutes might be to navigate the boat in the high seas by using it like a sail, said sources.
Antony Miller, who hails from a coastal area is quite familiar with boats as well as sea routes, and he has been providing the logistic support for the re-grouping efforts. The sources of fund of Antony Miller, who had purchased a boat for about Rs. 7.5 lakhs, still remaining mysterious.
Highly placed sources in intelligence agencies point out that it is quite easy to take asylum in Australia and hence the LTTE cadres seems to have opted that country as a destination for regrouping.
According to sources, all the those who had set on a sail to Australia were Sri Lankan natives. Regarding the presence of women and children among the 35 Sri Lankans detained in Kollam last month, the intelligence officials feel that it was an attempt to get the cover of tourists for their movement.
The attempts by LTTE to regroup from Kerala also exposes the loopholes in the state's security. The incidents occurred at a time when the state police have been initiating various measures to strengthen coastal security, including formation of Coastal Jagratha Samithis and setting up of Coastal police stations.
The police and intelligence agencies hope to gather more information about Shiva from Antony Miller who was sent to police custody on Friday. A police team led by Kollam SP Harshitah Attaluri is probing the case. The Central Intelligence agencies are also probing into the developments that attain international ramifications.
ends
T'Puram, June 25:
The Central Intelligence agencies and the State Police are on the look out for Shiva, a native of Mullaitivu- a garrison of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Colombo, who is suspected to be playing a key role in re-grouping LTTE from Kerala.
The detention of about 35 Tamilians from Kollam in May and the subsequent arrest of Dennis and Antony Miller who were suspected to be providing support for the human trafficking of Sri Lankans through the Kerala coast, had provided the intelligence agencies with vital information about Shiva.
Highly placed sources said that Shiva, who is aged around 55, is a former LTTE operative and he is now arranging the funds for the regrouping of the LTTE cadres. His hideouts as well as the source of funds remain mysterious.
Similarly, the police are also on the look out for Dhanraj, a Sri Lankan Tamilian on whose direction Antony Miller was said to be arranging boats and other accessories like diesel and parachutes. The purpose of the parachutes might be to navigate the boat in the high seas by using it like a sail, said sources.
Antony Miller, who hails from a coastal area is quite familiar with boats as well as sea routes, and he has been providing the logistic support for the re-grouping efforts. The sources of fund of Antony Miller, who had purchased a boat for about Rs. 7.5 lakhs, still remaining mysterious.
Highly placed sources in intelligence agencies point out that it is quite easy to take asylum in Australia and hence the LTTE cadres seems to have opted that country as a destination for regrouping.
According to sources, all the those who had set on a sail to Australia were Sri Lankan natives. Regarding the presence of women and children among the 35 Sri Lankans detained in Kollam last month, the intelligence officials feel that it was an attempt to get the cover of tourists for their movement.
The attempts by LTTE to regroup from Kerala also exposes the loopholes in the state's security. The incidents occurred at a time when the state police have been initiating various measures to strengthen coastal security, including formation of Coastal Jagratha Samithis and setting up of Coastal police stations.
The police and intelligence agencies hope to gather more information about Shiva from Antony Miller who was sent to police custody on Friday. A police team led by Kollam SP Harshitah Attaluri is probing the case. The Central Intelligence agencies are also probing into the developments that attain international ramifications.
ends
Black sheep among cops shielding LeT man Nazeer
Arjun Raghunath
Express News Service
First Published : 25 Jun 2010 03:01:37 AM IST
Last Updated : 25 Jun 2010 07:53:38 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Central intelligence agencies have expressed serious concern over the handling of suspected LeT operative Thadiyantavide Nazeer by the Kerala police. Top officials of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) are learnt to have informed Union Home Minister P Chidambaram that ‘certain black sheep in the Kerala police are trying to help Nazeer.’ The Home Ministry is likely to seek an explanation from the state government on the matter soon, sources said.
The charges levelled against the police range from taking Nazeer to court without covering his face and giving him enough opportunities to talk to the media. Moreover, the media is aware of Nazeer’s movements. The lapses would derail the investigation into terrorist activities against the nation, intelligence agencies said.
The intelligence officials also told the Home Minister that Nazeer’s statement to the media in Ko chi on Wednesday that he did not give any statement against Madhani is not true. Nazeer had revealed his links with Madhani during the interrogation by the National Investigation Agency and Karnataka police.
“Though the National Investigation Agency had taken Nazeer to several places for investigation, they ensured that his face did not appear in the media. However, the Kerala police seem to have deliberately presented Nazeer to the media which raises many suspicions,’’ an Intelligence Bureau official said.
Express News Service
First Published : 25 Jun 2010 03:01:37 AM IST
Last Updated : 25 Jun 2010 07:53:38 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Central intelligence agencies have expressed serious concern over the handling of suspected LeT operative Thadiyantavide Nazeer by the Kerala police. Top officials of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) are learnt to have informed Union Home Minister P Chidambaram that ‘certain black sheep in the Kerala police are trying to help Nazeer.’ The Home Ministry is likely to seek an explanation from the state government on the matter soon, sources said.
The charges levelled against the police range from taking Nazeer to court without covering his face and giving him enough opportunities to talk to the media. Moreover, the media is aware of Nazeer’s movements. The lapses would derail the investigation into terrorist activities against the nation, intelligence agencies said.
The intelligence officials also told the Home Minister that Nazeer’s statement to the media in Ko chi on Wednesday that he did not give any statement against Madhani is not true. Nazeer had revealed his links with Madhani during the interrogation by the National Investigation Agency and Karnataka police.
“Though the National Investigation Agency had taken Nazeer to several places for investigation, they ensured that his face did not appear in the media. However, the Kerala police seem to have deliberately presented Nazeer to the media which raises many suspicions,’’ an Intelligence Bureau official said.
UNPRECEDENTED RISE IN IMPORTS AND EXPORTS
By Arjun Raghunath
T’Puram, June 21
With the introduction of a couple of freighter aircraft from the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, the State capital is witnessing an unprecedented rise in imports and exports over the last couple of months. The situation is likely to get further impetus with one more airline commencing freighter service from Thiruvananthapuram this month.
Sources at the Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE) which runs the cargo complex at the Thiruvananthapuram airport said that there was about 25 percent increase in both imports and exports during the last couple of months.
Routing of more marine exports from Tuticorin and other near by places though the Thiruvananthapuram airport is a major reason for the sudden increase in the exports. It is likely to increase in the coming months as there is a global slump of marine products in the wake of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, sources at the Marine Products Exports Development Authority.
Statistics available with Express shows that till six months back the average monthly exports through Thiruvananthapuram airport was around 2000 tons. However, in the last couple of months it has gone up to 2600 tons per month. Similarly, in the case of imports, the monthly average till a few months back was around 1200 tons where as it was 1650 tons during the last month.
``About 98 percent of the export commodities are perishable goods especially fresh fish. With regard to imports, unaccompanied baggage constitutes more than 90 percent of the commodities, ‘’ KSIE sources told Express.
The Dubai-based Emirates Skycargo had introduced weekly cargo services in the Dubai - Thiruvananthapuram - Hong Kong sector from April 27 and Saudi Airlines had commence freighter service in the Dammam - Thiruvananthapuram - Hong Kong sector from May 20.
Qatar Airways is scheduled to commence freighter service in the Doha – Thiruvananthapuram – Colombo – Doha sector on every Fridays from June 25.
While Emirates and Saudi Arabian airlines are operating wide-bodied aircraft that could carry more than 100 tons of cargo, Qatar is planning to operate a freighter aircraft that could accommodate up to 45 tons of cargo. Moreover, Qatar Airways has recently introduced two wide bodied aircraft for its scheduled passenger services, so as to accommodate more cargo.
``The introduction of the freighter aircraft provide better convenience to exports. In scheduled passenger aircraft, exports only get a second preference to passengers, whereas in freighter aircraft, the commodities get a better space. Hence the introduction of freighter aircraft is a boon to the exporters, ‘’ says Agricultural Products and Processed Foods Exporters Association secretary Dil Koshy.
EMBARGO
In view of an immediate surge in the imports and exports, the KSIE was even forced to impose an embargo at the Thiruvananthapuram cargo complex, both for scheduled passenger flights as well as freighter aircraft, for a few days.
``Owing to the space constraints, we would be forced to impose embargo on freighter aircraft in the coming months also. However, there would not be embargo on cargo from scheduled passenger aircraft as it would lead to widespread criticism, ‘’ said KSIE sources.
A demand for more space for the cargo complex in remaining on papers for the last several years.
ends.
T’Puram, June 21
With the introduction of a couple of freighter aircraft from the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, the State capital is witnessing an unprecedented rise in imports and exports over the last couple of months. The situation is likely to get further impetus with one more airline commencing freighter service from Thiruvananthapuram this month.
Sources at the Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE) which runs the cargo complex at the Thiruvananthapuram airport said that there was about 25 percent increase in both imports and exports during the last couple of months.
Routing of more marine exports from Tuticorin and other near by places though the Thiruvananthapuram airport is a major reason for the sudden increase in the exports. It is likely to increase in the coming months as there is a global slump of marine products in the wake of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, sources at the Marine Products Exports Development Authority.
Statistics available with Express shows that till six months back the average monthly exports through Thiruvananthapuram airport was around 2000 tons. However, in the last couple of months it has gone up to 2600 tons per month. Similarly, in the case of imports, the monthly average till a few months back was around 1200 tons where as it was 1650 tons during the last month.
``About 98 percent of the export commodities are perishable goods especially fresh fish. With regard to imports, unaccompanied baggage constitutes more than 90 percent of the commodities, ‘’ KSIE sources told Express.
The Dubai-based Emirates Skycargo had introduced weekly cargo services in the Dubai - Thiruvananthapuram - Hong Kong sector from April 27 and Saudi Airlines had commence freighter service in the Dammam - Thiruvananthapuram - Hong Kong sector from May 20.
Qatar Airways is scheduled to commence freighter service in the Doha – Thiruvananthapuram – Colombo – Doha sector on every Fridays from June 25.
While Emirates and Saudi Arabian airlines are operating wide-bodied aircraft that could carry more than 100 tons of cargo, Qatar is planning to operate a freighter aircraft that could accommodate up to 45 tons of cargo. Moreover, Qatar Airways has recently introduced two wide bodied aircraft for its scheduled passenger services, so as to accommodate more cargo.
``The introduction of the freighter aircraft provide better convenience to exports. In scheduled passenger aircraft, exports only get a second preference to passengers, whereas in freighter aircraft, the commodities get a better space. Hence the introduction of freighter aircraft is a boon to the exporters, ‘’ says Agricultural Products and Processed Foods Exporters Association secretary Dil Koshy.
EMBARGO
In view of an immediate surge in the imports and exports, the KSIE was even forced to impose an embargo at the Thiruvananthapuram cargo complex, both for scheduled passenger flights as well as freighter aircraft, for a few days.
``Owing to the space constraints, we would be forced to impose embargo on freighter aircraft in the coming months also. However, there would not be embargo on cargo from scheduled passenger aircraft as it would lead to widespread criticism, ‘’ said KSIE sources.
A demand for more space for the cargo complex in remaining on papers for the last several years.
ends.
Tuesday 22 June 2010
Flying institutes taking students for a ride
Flying institutes taking students for a ride
Arjun Raghunath Express News ServiceFirst Published : 21 Jun 2010 03:28:22 AM ISTLast Updated : 21 Jun 2010 04:46:42 PM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as thousands of students across the country are wandering for jobs in the aviation sector, aviation training institutes that have mushroomed in the State over the past few years keep on luring candidates by making bogus claims of job prospects.
Following a slump in the aviation industry, almost all the airline companies in the country have imposed a blanket ban on fresh recruitments over the past few years. Many airlines are even resorting to down sizing.
As a result, thousands of students who had completed courses such as Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME), Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Cabin Crew management during the past few years are struggling to get a placement. The fee for these course range from Rs one lakh to Rs 20 lakh.
As per the rough estimates, around 10,000 students are completing the AME course alone from the 70 Director General of Civil Aviation approved institutes across the country, including four in the State, every year.
Only a mere one percent of these candidates could find a placement.
So is the case with the CPL and Cabin Crew courses.
Even for undergoing the mandatory training programme for these courses, the candidates are forced to pay huge amounts to private airline companies, highly placed sources in the aviation sector point out.
Since these courses are airline- specific and are neither a diploma nor a degree, those who complete the courses are also not able to find a job in any other sectors. “The job scarcity in the sector was evident when a Mumbaibased private helicopter company received as many as 40,000 applications against 40 vacancies,” said the source.
Arjun Raghunath Express News ServiceFirst Published : 21 Jun 2010 03:28:22 AM ISTLast Updated : 21 Jun 2010 04:46:42 PM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as thousands of students across the country are wandering for jobs in the aviation sector, aviation training institutes that have mushroomed in the State over the past few years keep on luring candidates by making bogus claims of job prospects.
Following a slump in the aviation industry, almost all the airline companies in the country have imposed a blanket ban on fresh recruitments over the past few years. Many airlines are even resorting to down sizing.
As a result, thousands of students who had completed courses such as Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME), Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Cabin Crew management during the past few years are struggling to get a placement. The fee for these course range from Rs one lakh to Rs 20 lakh.
As per the rough estimates, around 10,000 students are completing the AME course alone from the 70 Director General of Civil Aviation approved institutes across the country, including four in the State, every year.
Only a mere one percent of these candidates could find a placement.
So is the case with the CPL and Cabin Crew courses.
Even for undergoing the mandatory training programme for these courses, the candidates are forced to pay huge amounts to private airline companies, highly placed sources in the aviation sector point out.
Since these courses are airline- specific and are neither a diploma nor a degree, those who complete the courses are also not able to find a job in any other sectors. “The job scarcity in the sector was evident when a Mumbaibased private helicopter company received as many as 40,000 applications against 40 vacancies,” said the source.
Flying institutes taking students for a ride
Flying institutes taking students for a ride
Arjun Raghunath Express News ServiceFirst Published : 21 Jun 2010 03:28:22 AM ISTLast Updated : 21 Jun 2010 04:46:42 PM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as thousands of students across the country are wandering for jobs in the aviation sector, aviation training institutes that have mushroomed in the State over the past few years keep on luring candidates by making bogus claims of job prospects.
Following a slump in the aviation industry, almost all the airline companies in the country have imposed a blanket ban on fresh recruitments over the past few years. Many airlines are even resorting to down sizing.
As a result, thousands of students who had completed courses such as Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME), Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Cabin Crew management during the past few years are struggling to get a placement. The fee for these course range from Rs one lakh to Rs 20 lakh.
As per the rough estimates, around 10,000 students are completing the AME course alone from the 70 Director General of Civil Aviation approved institutes across the country, including four in the State, every year.
Only a mere one percent of these candidates could find a placement.
So is the case with the CPL and Cabin Crew courses.
Even for undergoing the mandatory training programme for these courses, the candidates are forced to pay huge amounts to private airline companies, highly placed sources in the aviation sector point out.
Since these courses are airline- specific and are neither a diploma nor a degree, those who complete the courses are also not able to find a job in any other sectors. “The job scarcity in the sector was evident when a Mumbaibased private helicopter company received as many as 40,000 applications against 40 vacancies,” said the source.
Arjun Raghunath Express News ServiceFirst Published : 21 Jun 2010 03:28:22 AM ISTLast Updated : 21 Jun 2010 04:46:42 PM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as thousands of students across the country are wandering for jobs in the aviation sector, aviation training institutes that have mushroomed in the State over the past few years keep on luring candidates by making bogus claims of job prospects.
Following a slump in the aviation industry, almost all the airline companies in the country have imposed a blanket ban on fresh recruitments over the past few years. Many airlines are even resorting to down sizing.
As a result, thousands of students who had completed courses such as Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME), Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Cabin Crew management during the past few years are struggling to get a placement. The fee for these course range from Rs one lakh to Rs 20 lakh.
As per the rough estimates, around 10,000 students are completing the AME course alone from the 70 Director General of Civil Aviation approved institutes across the country, including four in the State, every year.
Only a mere one percent of these candidates could find a placement.
So is the case with the CPL and Cabin Crew courses.
Even for undergoing the mandatory training programme for these courses, the candidates are forced to pay huge amounts to private airline companies, highly placed sources in the aviation sector point out.
Since these courses are airline- specific and are neither a diploma nor a degree, those who complete the courses are also not able to find a job in any other sectors. “The job scarcity in the sector was evident when a Mumbaibased private helicopter company received as many as 40,000 applications against 40 vacancies,” said the source.
Tuesday 15 June 2010
More bank officials in CBI net
Arjun Raghunath
First Published : 14 Jun 2010 04:45:09 AM IST
Last Updated : 14 Jun 2010 11:17:31 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unearthed the involvement of more officials of three leading banks in the State in a student visa racket.
As many as four officials of Oriental Bank of Commerce, Andhra Bank and Syndicate Bank were found to have links with a racket that has been arranging student visas to foreign countries using fake documents.
Two officials of Indian Overseas Bank were, earlier, listed as accused in the case. A case was registered against them at the CBI court in Kochi in January.
According to highly placed sources, officials of the Kottayam branches of Oriental Bank and Syndicate Bank and Chengannur branch of Andhra Bank were listed as accused in the case recently.
Fresh cases were registered against them at the CBI court recently.
Several travel agents were also involved in the case, which is being probed by CBI Thiruvananthapuram branch.
Around 200 students were trapped by the racket by arranging student visas to foreign countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.
The racket was functioning with the support of certain fictitious educational institutions in foreign countries.
Youths were lured by the racketeers by making them believe that they could earn quite a decent income by taking up part-time jobs in foreign countries.
Each candidate would have to shell out a few lakh of rupees to get the visa, whereas it would come to around Rs 20 lakh for getting a student-visa through proper means.
While a section of candidates had knowingly availed the improper channel to get the student visa, many were trapped by the racket offering visa at cheap rates, said sources.
First Published : 14 Jun 2010 04:45:09 AM IST
Last Updated : 14 Jun 2010 11:17:31 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unearthed the involvement of more officials of three leading banks in the State in a student visa racket.
As many as four officials of Oriental Bank of Commerce, Andhra Bank and Syndicate Bank were found to have links with a racket that has been arranging student visas to foreign countries using fake documents.
Two officials of Indian Overseas Bank were, earlier, listed as accused in the case. A case was registered against them at the CBI court in Kochi in January.
According to highly placed sources, officials of the Kottayam branches of Oriental Bank and Syndicate Bank and Chengannur branch of Andhra Bank were listed as accused in the case recently.
Fresh cases were registered against them at the CBI court recently.
Several travel agents were also involved in the case, which is being probed by CBI Thiruvananthapuram branch.
Around 200 students were trapped by the racket by arranging student visas to foreign countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.
The racket was functioning with the support of certain fictitious educational institutions in foreign countries.
Youths were lured by the racketeers by making them believe that they could earn quite a decent income by taking up part-time jobs in foreign countries.
Each candidate would have to shell out a few lakh of rupees to get the visa, whereas it would come to around Rs 20 lakh for getting a student-visa through proper means.
While a section of candidates had knowingly availed the improper channel to get the student visa, many were trapped by the racket offering visa at cheap rates, said sources.
Thursday 10 June 2010
You can pay your bills at police stations soon
Arjun Raghunath First Published : 10 Jun 2010 04:17:08 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Police Department is actively considering a proposal to set up Akshaya centres at police stations and turn them into multi-service delivery points.
The top brass in the Police Department and the Akshaya project are drawing inspiration from the friendly face of Angamali police station, thanks to the Akshaya centre on its premises. DGP Jacob Punnoose had recently visited the Akshaya centre at the Angamali police station.
"It was a pleasant sight...to see people walking into a police station not only with their law and order issues but also for various other purposes such as remitting electricity and telephone bills,’’ Punnoose said. "Setting up Akshaya centres in police stations located in remote areas may not serve the purpose.
Hence, we are identifying police stations where Akshaya centres can be set up,’’ he said.
The Police Department is also working on a plan to make collection of various fines through Akshaya centres, it is learnt. "We have plans to collect the fines through Akshaya centres. But it will take some time as it involves various technical issues,’’ he said.
The Akshaya centre was opened at Angamali police station a few months back as part of the Janamaithri Community Policing programme.
Akshaya entrepreneur P V Philip had set up the centre at the land allotted at the entrance of the police station. Besides giving a friendly face to the police station, the Akshaya centre has turned out to be a help-desk of sorts, says Angamali SI Baiju Paulose.
The Akshaya centre collects a fee of Rs 5 per petition which also includes the cost of computer printout of the complaint. The fee is quite nominal as private parties were earlier collecting exorbitant charges from the public for preparing petitions, said a police official.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Police Department is actively considering a proposal to set up Akshaya centres at police stations and turn them into multi-service delivery points.
The top brass in the Police Department and the Akshaya project are drawing inspiration from the friendly face of Angamali police station, thanks to the Akshaya centre on its premises. DGP Jacob Punnoose had recently visited the Akshaya centre at the Angamali police station.
"It was a pleasant sight...to see people walking into a police station not only with their law and order issues but also for various other purposes such as remitting electricity and telephone bills,’’ Punnoose said. "Setting up Akshaya centres in police stations located in remote areas may not serve the purpose.
Hence, we are identifying police stations where Akshaya centres can be set up,’’ he said.
The Police Department is also working on a plan to make collection of various fines through Akshaya centres, it is learnt. "We have plans to collect the fines through Akshaya centres. But it will take some time as it involves various technical issues,’’ he said.
The Akshaya centre was opened at Angamali police station a few months back as part of the Janamaithri Community Policing programme.
Akshaya entrepreneur P V Philip had set up the centre at the land allotted at the entrance of the police station. Besides giving a friendly face to the police station, the Akshaya centre has turned out to be a help-desk of sorts, says Angamali SI Baiju Paulose.
The Akshaya centre collects a fee of Rs 5 per petition which also includes the cost of computer printout of the complaint. The fee is quite nominal as private parties were earlier collecting exorbitant charges from the public for preparing petitions, said a police official.
Friday 4 June 2010
LDF bid to poll-axe UDF
Arjun Raghunath First Published : 04 Jun 2010 03:08:52 AM ISTLast Updated : 04 Jun 2010 11:29:16 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet decision to constitute a 70-member special investigation unit of the Vigilance the other day seems to be a step to trap seven senior UDF leaders against whom Vigilance inquiry has been pending.
With only 11 more months for the Assembly elections, the move of the LDF Govt has raised eyebrows.
Right from KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala, prominent leaders of most of the coalition partners in the UDF are facing Vigilance probe. The decision to expedite the probe into the pending cases might be an attempt to sharpen weapons to fight the UDF in the ensuing Assembly polls, sources said. It is learnt the decision was taken in accordance with a decision taken by the CPM.
Vigilance probe is pending against ex-Public Works Minister M K Muneer and U C Raman MLA (both IUML), Kerala Congress (M) leader and former Revenue Minister K M Mani and Kerala Congress (Jacob) leader and former Water Resources Minister T M Jacob.
The probe against Ramesh Chennithala pertains to the allegation that he had accepted Rs 10 crore from Himalaya Chit Fund while serving as MP. The LDF Government had ordered the probe in 2007. Adoor Prakash is facing a probe in connection with the alleged irregularities in allotting ration depots during the tenure of the UDF Government. The alleged irregularity in the purchase of computers using SC/ST fund is haunting M A Kuttappan.
The allegation against M K Muneer is that he had flouted norms and sanctioned about Rs 150 lakh for the construction of a road at Manjeri. T M Jacob is said to have caused a loss of over Rs 2 crore to the exchequer by introducing a contractors-own-material system.
Mani was accused of collecting Rs 100 cr from the public, including NRKs, for Palazhi Tyres Ltd which he later scuttled.
U C Raman is said to have amassed wealth to the tune of Rs 7 lakh disproportionate to his known sources of income.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet decision to constitute a 70-member special investigation unit of the Vigilance the other day seems to be a step to trap seven senior UDF leaders against whom Vigilance inquiry has been pending.
With only 11 more months for the Assembly elections, the move of the LDF Govt has raised eyebrows.
Right from KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala, prominent leaders of most of the coalition partners in the UDF are facing Vigilance probe. The decision to expedite the probe into the pending cases might be an attempt to sharpen weapons to fight the UDF in the ensuing Assembly polls, sources said. It is learnt the decision was taken in accordance with a decision taken by the CPM.
Vigilance probe is pending against ex-Public Works Minister M K Muneer and U C Raman MLA (both IUML), Kerala Congress (M) leader and former Revenue Minister K M Mani and Kerala Congress (Jacob) leader and former Water Resources Minister T M Jacob.
The probe against Ramesh Chennithala pertains to the allegation that he had accepted Rs 10 crore from Himalaya Chit Fund while serving as MP. The LDF Government had ordered the probe in 2007. Adoor Prakash is facing a probe in connection with the alleged irregularities in allotting ration depots during the tenure of the UDF Government. The alleged irregularity in the purchase of computers using SC/ST fund is haunting M A Kuttappan.
The allegation against M K Muneer is that he had flouted norms and sanctioned about Rs 150 lakh for the construction of a road at Manjeri. T M Jacob is said to have caused a loss of over Rs 2 crore to the exchequer by introducing a contractors-own-material system.
Mani was accused of collecting Rs 100 cr from the public, including NRKs, for Palazhi Tyres Ltd which he later scuttled.
U C Raman is said to have amassed wealth to the tune of Rs 7 lakh disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Tuesday 1 June 2010
Criticism in Muthoot murder case : Govt. yet to approach court
By Arjun Raghunath
T’Puram, June 1.
Even as the State Government makes a hue of cry over the High Court’s criticism against the Police Department in general and a police officer in particular in connection with the Sampath custodial death case, it has come to light that the Government has not yet approached the court against the factual errors in a similar judgment of the HC in the Paul Muthoot George murder case six months back.
While ordering a CBI probe in the Paul Muthoot murder case in January, the High Court had come down heavily on the State Police as well as then Ernakulam-range IG Vinson M. Paul who was supervising the probe into the murder case.
Subsequently, the Advocate General’s office had pointed out to the Government that there were as many as 34 factual errors in the HC judgment that might have led to the observations of the court. The AG’s office had also advised that the State Government may file a review petition before the Supreme Court seeking removal of the factual errors.
Highly placed sources in the Home Department had then told the media that a review petition would be filed at the SC against the `factual-errors’ in the HC judgment, but would not oppose the CBI probe.
However, it is reliably learnt that till date the Government had not filed any review petition at the Supreme Court.
When contacted by Express, a senior official in the Home Department asked: ``Why should we go to court for the mistakes made by the court ? ‘’. ``The errors in the judgment are still there on record, ‘’ he added.
`It is the laxity of the Government in effectively resisting such observations that leaves the police always at the receiving end, ‘’ said a top-ranking police officer. The Government should strongly present the facts before the court in such cases so that the police could be spared from such remarks, he added.
While ordering a CBI probe into the Smpath custodial death case last week, the HC had strongly criticised both the police investigation into the case as well as the conduct of then Palakkad SP Vijay Sakre.
Ends.
T’Puram, June 1.
Even as the State Government makes a hue of cry over the High Court’s criticism against the Police Department in general and a police officer in particular in connection with the Sampath custodial death case, it has come to light that the Government has not yet approached the court against the factual errors in a similar judgment of the HC in the Paul Muthoot George murder case six months back.
While ordering a CBI probe in the Paul Muthoot murder case in January, the High Court had come down heavily on the State Police as well as then Ernakulam-range IG Vinson M. Paul who was supervising the probe into the murder case.
Subsequently, the Advocate General’s office had pointed out to the Government that there were as many as 34 factual errors in the HC judgment that might have led to the observations of the court. The AG’s office had also advised that the State Government may file a review petition before the Supreme Court seeking removal of the factual errors.
Highly placed sources in the Home Department had then told the media that a review petition would be filed at the SC against the `factual-errors’ in the HC judgment, but would not oppose the CBI probe.
However, it is reliably learnt that till date the Government had not filed any review petition at the Supreme Court.
When contacted by Express, a senior official in the Home Department asked: ``Why should we go to court for the mistakes made by the court ? ‘’. ``The errors in the judgment are still there on record, ‘’ he added.
`It is the laxity of the Government in effectively resisting such observations that leaves the police always at the receiving end, ‘’ said a top-ranking police officer. The Government should strongly present the facts before the court in such cases so that the police could be spared from such remarks, he added.
While ordering a CBI probe into the Smpath custodial death case last week, the HC had strongly criticised both the police investigation into the case as well as the conduct of then Palakkad SP Vijay Sakre.
Ends.
CBI branches in State get new status
Arjun RaghunathFirst Published : 01 Jun 2010 04:07:05 AM ISTLast Updated :
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the rise in number of special crimes and economic offences in the State, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) branch here has been designated to deal with all such cases across the State.
The Kochi branch of CBI would, hereafter, be dealing only with anti-corruption cases in the State.
So far, the special crime cases and economic offence cases in the State were being handled directly by a unit of the CBI Chennai special crimes branch in Kochi.
Thiruvananthapuram branch was dealing only with anti-corruption cases in the southern districts and the Kochi branch was dealing only with anti-corruption cases in other parts of the State.
“In the case of all the existing cases, status quo would be maintained,” CBI sources said.
The sources said that the decision to designate an entire branch in the State to deal with special crime and economic offence cases was taken in view of the increasing number of such cases in the State, including those referred by the courts.
In wake of the new arrangements, the Sampath custodial death case of Palakkad would be investigated by CBI’s Thiruvananthapuram branch. The High Court had recently ordered CBI probe into the case.
The Thiruvananthapuram branch is now headed by a SP and has two Additional SPs, one Deputy SP and five inspectors.
“In the wake of the new arrangements, the strength of the Thiruvananthapuram branch would be strengthened in due course,” said sources. The CBI unit in Thiruvananthapuram was upgraded as a branch last year.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the rise in number of special crimes and economic offences in the State, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) branch here has been designated to deal with all such cases across the State.
The Kochi branch of CBI would, hereafter, be dealing only with anti-corruption cases in the State.
So far, the special crime cases and economic offence cases in the State were being handled directly by a unit of the CBI Chennai special crimes branch in Kochi.
Thiruvananthapuram branch was dealing only with anti-corruption cases in the southern districts and the Kochi branch was dealing only with anti-corruption cases in other parts of the State.
“In the case of all the existing cases, status quo would be maintained,” CBI sources said.
The sources said that the decision to designate an entire branch in the State to deal with special crime and economic offence cases was taken in view of the increasing number of such cases in the State, including those referred by the courts.
In wake of the new arrangements, the Sampath custodial death case of Palakkad would be investigated by CBI’s Thiruvananthapuram branch. The High Court had recently ordered CBI probe into the case.
The Thiruvananthapuram branch is now headed by a SP and has two Additional SPs, one Deputy SP and five inspectors.
“In the wake of the new arrangements, the strength of the Thiruvananthapuram branch would be strengthened in due course,” said sources. The CBI unit in Thiruvananthapuram was upgraded as a branch last year.
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