Sandra Thomas runs for president of producers association; wears 'purdah' to file nomination
Kochi, Jul 26 (PTI): Noted woman producer Sandra Thomas on Saturday filed her nomination to contest for the post of president in the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA).
Thomas, who arrived wearing a 'purdah' at the KFPA office here, told reporters she was contesting for the post of president as changes are required in the association, which has been continuing as "a monopoly" of a few individuals.
She said that she decided to wear a 'purdah' to the office of the KFPA for filing her nomination as she felt it was the most appropriate attire in view of her past experience with those in the organisation.
"It is also a mark of protest against the fact that the four persons against whom I lodged a complaint and who have been named in a chargesheet submitted in court by the police, are still continuing as office bearers of the organisation and are contesting for the executive committee posts," she claimed.
She also alleged that the association was not a safe place for women and the 'purdah' was the best attire to wear to the KFPA.
Thomas alleged that those at the helm of affairs at the association were not fit to lead it as they were only concerned with using the KFPA for their personal gains and not for the benefit of its members.
She said that if she wins, she will ensure that all those producers, in the association, who have not got a chance to make a movie till now, get the opportunity to do so.
Thomas said if changes occur in the producers association, it will indirectly bring a change to the entire film industry.
Thomas was expelled from the KFPA in November last year on charges of breaching organisational discipline and norms, but the association's decision was put on hold by an Ernakulam court in December 2024.
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Belagavi youth’s murder case projected as road accident, cracked in Uttara Kannada; Three arrested
Karwar: Uttara Kannada police have cracked a murder case in which a Belagavi youth was killed and his body burnt inside a car to make it appear like a road accident.
Addressing a press meet in the city, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. said three accused from Old Hubballi have been arrested in connection with the case. The crime was a pre-planned act driven by personal enmity, he said.
The case came to light on April 8 morning when a car (KA-04/MJ-8996) was found completely burnt in a roadside ditch near Talekumbri bus stand in Yellapur. Only charred human remains were found inside the vehicle. Initially, it was suspected to be an accident caused by overspeeding, and a case was registered at Yellapur police station based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s father, Jagannath Dhapale.
However, the father later expressed suspicion that his son’s death was not accidental, prompting a detailed investigation.
Taking the matter seriously, two special teams were formed under the leadership of Yellapur Inspector Ramesh Hanapur. On analysing technical evidence and CCTV footage, police found that it was a planned murder.
The accused have been identified as Abdul Raheem Basheer Ahmed Mujawar (32), Maulasab Bavahan Wada (36) and Dadapeer alias Aftab Mehboob Saab Balasangi (22), all chicken traders from Old Hubballi.
Police have seized the car used in the crime along with two scooters. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
Investigations revealed that the accused killed Nitesh Dhapale due to personal enmity and later set the car on fire along with the body to project it as an accident.
SP Deepan M.N. appreciated the efforts of Inspector Ramesh Hanapur, PSIs Rajashekhar Vandali and Siddappa Gudi, and the entire team for solving the complex case.
