Kattappana (Idukki): Passengers and commuters at the Kattappana bus stand have expressed growing concern over safety conditions at the busy transport hub, following reports of buses frequently entering and exiting the stand at high speeds and with little regard for waiting passengers. Several regular commuters told local sources that buses, especially during peak hours, often compete to reach the stand first in order to secure the highest number of passengers — a practice that sometimes leads to reckless acceleration and rushed manoeuvres close to crowds of people waiting for services. While no major injuries have been officially reported in the area yet, residents say the situation is making many commuters nervous and has become a subject of public discussion. Traffic safety advocates point out that hurried bus movements near stand entrances and inadequate protective measures — such as barriers, clear pedestrian walkways, or designated stopping bays — can significantly increase the risk of accidents

Kattappana (Idukki): A powerful landslide occurred in the early hours of Saturday around 1:30 am in the Kunthalampara area near Kattappana, triggered by heavy overnight rainfall that lashed the region. A loud, terrifying sound preceded the disaster as a massive rush of mud, rocks, and debris tumbled down from the hill slopes, sweeping away roads and agricultural land in its path. The landslide ripped through roads and farmlands, leaving stretches of roadway impassable and fields that once held crops such as cardamom and pepper destroyed under thick layers of mud. Large trees and boulders were also dislodged, intensifying the impact on the landscape and blocking key transportation routes. The affected area had previously experienced similar landslide activity during the devastating rainfall events of 2019, making residents acutely aware of the risk posed by incessant monsoon showers. Although no casualties or injuries have been reported, the destruction to property and farmland underscores the severity of the incident. Local authorities and disaster response teams began early efforts to clear debris using heavy machinery to reopen roads and restore basic connectivity for residents. The landslide comes amid continued heavy rains across Idukki district, which have also resulted in reports of smaller landslips in nearby areas such as Nedumkandam and Kuttar, where flash floods have damaged vehicles and further disrupted daily life. With rising water levels in local dams, including Kallar and Mullaperiyar, shutters were opened to release excess water, adding to concerns over flooding in low-lying regions. Officials have warned residents to remain vigilant as weather conditions continue to pose risks of additional landslides and flooding

Kattappana, Idukki: In a significant anti-narcotics operation, police arrested a member of an interstate MDMA drug trafficking network in the Kattappana area on Tuesday. The accused, identified as Sudheesh, a resident of Mulakaramedu A K G Padi Top in Kattappana, was taken into custody after a coordinated raid by the Idukki Police and the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF). Acting on a specific tip-off, law enforcement officials conducted a search of Sudheesh’s residence on Monday night and seized approximately 39.7 grams of MDMA, a synthetic psychoactive drug. Police allege that Sudheesh was part of a larger syndicate that smuggled the illegal drug from Bengaluru into Kerala for distribution within the state. Investigators added that the information about his involvement came from individuals who had reportedly purchased and used the drug, which helped the team trace the supply chain. As part of their ongoing investigation, authorities said they are intensifying efforts to locate and arrest other members of the trafficking network connected to the case. The accused was subsequently produced before court and remanded to judicial custody as the police continue to gather evidence and follow leads. Senior police officials have reiterated their commitment to dismantling drug trafficking operations and curbing the distribution of banned substances in the region.

Idukki/Kattappana: A tragic road accident near Periyonkavala at Vellilamkandam in Kattappana claimed the life of a 28-year-old man on Friday night. The deceased has been identified as Kandathil Jinson Das of Kozhimala, who suffered fatal head injuries in the collision. The mishap occurred around 8:20 pm when Jinson and his brother, Jaison (22), were riding their two-wheeler toward Kattappana. After overtaking a private bus, their bike collided with another motorcycle being ridden by Nikhil, who was travelling toward Elappara. Also injured was Vishnupriya, a pillion rider from Puthenpurackal. All three injured persons were taken to a private hospital for treatment. The force of the collision threw the riders onto the road, and Jinson fell in front of the bus. Despite being rushed for medical care, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances of the accident as they gather more details on what led up to the collision

Former Congress MLA E. M. Augusthy has announced his decision to step away from active politics following a major electoral setback in the Kattappana Assembly constituency. The senior leader’s move comes in the wake of disappointing poll results that marked a significant decline in the Congress party’s performance in the region, once considered one of its strongholds. Augusthy, who represented Kattappana in the Kerala Legislative Assembly and was known for his long-standing grassroots connection, reportedly conveyed that the recent electoral outcome reflected changing political realities and voter expectations. Acknowledging responsibility for the defeat, he stated that it was time to make way for new leadership and fresh political approaches. Sources close to the leader said that internal party challenges, shifting voter alliances, and intensified competition from rival fronts played a crucial role in the Congress party’s poor showing. The poll debacle has also sparked discussions within the party about organizational restructuring and leadership renewal in the high-range regions of Idukki district. E. M. Augusthy’s exit marks the end of an era in Kattappana politics, where he had been an influential figure for decades. While he has clarified that he is withdrawing from electoral politics, he is expected to remain connected to social and public service activities. His decision has drawn mixed reactions from party workers and supporters, many of whom credit him for his contributions to local development and public welfare initiatives. Political observers view this development as a significant moment for the Congress party in Kattappana, signaling the need for introspection and strategic realignment ahead of future elections.

The front sweeps to power in Thodupuzha and Kattappana municipalities, district panchayat, and most of the block and grama panchayats. LDF fails to repeat its performance of 2020, while NDA’s victory was confined to nine seats in Thodupuzha municipalityIdukki district, for long a Congress bastion before voting the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to power in the 2020 local body elections, has once again favoured the Congress. This time, the party-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has swept to power with a healthy margin in the Thodupuzha and Kattappana municipalities, Idukki district panchayat, and majority of the block and grama panchayats. According to UDF district chairperson Joy Vettikkuzhi, the front’s victory this time was on the lines of its performance in 2010, when it won all 14 district panchayat seats. This time, the UDF has won in 20 seats in the Kattappana municipality, and the LDF in 12 seats. In the Thodupuzha municipality, the UDF bagged 19 seats and the LDF, 3. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), demonstrated its growing influence by securing nine seats in Thodupuzha.