Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticises centre for lack of special assistance post-Wayanad landslide
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed disappointment over the lack of special assistance from the central government following the devastating landslides in Wayanad. He stated that despite requesting an emergency relief fund of Rs 291 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund, only Rs 145.6 crore, which was previously sanctioned, has been provided. "This is a routine procedure and not specific disaster-related aid," Vijayan emphasised.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the state government is yet to receive any special support from the Centre. The matter was discussed in the recent Cabinet meeting, where it was decided to urge the central government once again to release the necessary aid promptly.
Vijayan also condemned the media for spreading what he termed as a "false narrative" that the Kerala government had inflated damage estimates to unfairly secure central assistance. He stated that this misinformation has discredited the state government and its relief efforts on a global scale.
"This is not just a case of false reporting or a lapse in media ethics. It is a deliberate attempt against the state and its people, aimed at eroding support for the relief fund. Such 'destructive journalism' is a crime against society and those responsible must recognize the gravity of their actions," the Chief Minister said.
The landslides in Wayanad, triggered by heavy rains, led to significant loss of life and property in Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Vellarimala villages in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk, Wayanad district.
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11-year-old dies by suicide after sexual assault in Bareilly; accused arrested
Bareilly (UP) (PTI): A 26-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl, who later died by suicide due to trauma, police said on Wednesday.
The post-mortem report confirmed sexual assault and multiple injuries on the minor's body, including bite marks and nail scratches. The cause of death was found to be hanging, they said.
According to ASP (South) Anshika Verma, the incident came to light on 27 April, when the girl, a Class 8 student, was found hanging at her home in Deoria Abdullaganj village under the Mirganj police station area. Initially, the family reported the death as suicide and was reluctant to pursue police action.
"The autopsy report changed the course of the investigation. It confirmed sexual assault and noted severe physical trauma. The cause of death was confirmed as hanging," Verma said.
A breakthrough in the case came from the statement of the victim's younger sister, who told police that the accused, Zeeshan (26), a resident of the same village, frequently loitered near the minor's school and allegedly gave her small sums of money to keep his interactions with her a secret, she said.
Police said that on the day of the incident, the accused allegedly lured the minor and assaulted her. Distressed by the incident, the child later took her own life while her mother was away, police said.
"Based on technical surveillance, CCTV footage, and statements from the family, we established Zeeshan's involvement. He was arrested near the Mirganj weekly market on Tuesday," they said.
