Jewellery worth over Rs 2 cr stolen from Kowdiar Palace; probe launched
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A probe has been launched after jewellery worth over Rs two crore was allegedly stolen from Kowdiar Palace here, police said on Sunday.
Peroorkada police registered a case on Saturday following a complaint filed by senior royal family member Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Bhayi.
According to the FIR, the theft is suspected to have taken place between October and November 2025 from an almirah in Gouri’ Bhayi’s bedroom.
Police said around 12 pieces of jewellery, including chains and rings weighing over 40 sovereigns of gold and studded with precious stones, were missing.
The value of the ornaments is believed to be higher due to their antique nature, as they were inherited by members of the royal family, police said.
Officials said the palace authorities had conducted an internal probe after the ornaments were found missing, later confirmed the theft, and reported the matter to the police.
Police visited the palace on Saturday, recorded Gouri Bhayi’s statement and registered a case.
The case was registered under Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for theft.
A team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police has begun the investigation.
Police are also examining CCTV footage from the palace and recording statements of employees as part of the probe, an officer said.
Kowdiar Palace is the official residence of the Travancore royal family, which ruled a vast portion of central and southern Kerala until Independence.
The royal family is yet to respond to the incident.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Kerala polls: LDF pledges Rs 3,000 pension; jobs, growth push in election manifesto
Kozhikode (Kerala) (PTI): Kerala's ruling LDF on Thursday unveiled its Assembly election manifesto, promising a mix of welfare and development measures aimed at improving people's lives across the state. The document was released by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here.
The highlights of the manifesto include a commitment to eliminate absolute poverty in the state, a hike in welfare pensions to Rs 3,000 per month, and efforts to ensure proper healthcare and support systems at the local level.
The Left government had recently announced that extreme poverty had been eliminated in the state and increased the welfare pension from Rs 1600 to Rs 2000.
In its current manifesto, the CPI(M)-led LDF says it plans to identify around five lakh of the poorest families and help them rise above poverty through targeted support.
ALSO READ: BJP slams Karnataka Cong govt's move to end tax exemption given to EV four-wheelers
Special focus will be given to vulnerable groups such as the Scheduled Castes, fisherfolk, and Antyodaya beneficiaries.
The LDF has also promised better care for the elderly and bedridden patients.
Welfare pensions are set to be increased to Rs 3000 per month, and efforts will be made to ensure proper healthcare and support systems at the local level.
For the youth, the manifesto focuses on employment.
It promises campus placements for students completing their studies and the expansion of skill training programmes. A "Back to Campus" initiative will help job seekers gain practical skills linked to employment opportunities.
Women's employment is another major focus. The LDF aims to increase the participation of women in the workforce to 50 per cent. Support systems such as safe travel, childcare, and skill training will be strengthened to help women take up jobs.
On the development front, the manifesto talks about boosting industries, creating jobs, and attracting investments worth Rs 2 lakh crore over five years. New industrial corridors and innovation hubs are also planned.
Elections to the Kerala Assembly, which has 140 seats, will be held on April 9.
