Kerala CM reviews rehabilitation progress for Wayanad landslide survivors
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday reviewed the progress of rehabilitation efforts for families affected by the devastating landslides in Wayanad district in 2024.
Chairing a high-level meeting, Vijayan directed officials to expedite the completion of houses being built for survivors under the first phase of the rehabilitation programme, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said in an official statement here.
Construction of the homes is nearing completion, and the chief minister stressed that all remaining work must be finished on an urgent basis to ensure the houses are handed over within the timeline, the statement added.
The rehabilitation initiative follows the deadly landslides that struck the Mundakkai-Chooralmala region of the hilly district of Wayanad, killing many and displacing several families.
Ministers K Rajan, A K Saseendran, K Krishnankutty, M B Rajesh and O R Kelu attended the meeting, along with Chief Secretary A Jayathilak and Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr K M Abraham, the CMO said.
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History-sheeter shot dead in 'encounter', says police
Perambalur (Tamil Nadu) (PTI): A history-sheeter was shot dead in an encounter near Thirumanthurai in Perambalur district on Tuesday morning after he allegedly attacked a sub-inspector while trying to escape from custody, police said.
The deceased, identified as Kottu Raja alias Azhaguraja, was a prime suspect in the recent attack on another notorious criminal, Vellai Kali.
Inspector General (IG) of Police (Central Zone) V Balakrishnan provided a detailed account of the events leading to the encounter during a press briefing.
On January 24, a police escort team was transporting Vellai Kali from Dindigul to Chennai. While the team stopped for lunch, a gang of more than 10 people, including Azhaguraja, hurled country-made bombs at the vehicle.
"A policeman suffered multiple fractures and severe muscle injuries during this assault and is currently receiving advanced medical treatment in Coimbatore," the IG said.
Following the incident, an attempt to murder case and explosives-related charges were filed at the Mangalamedu police station. Five special teams were formed to track the suspects.
"Based on intelligence that the group was hiding in Ooty, police tracked and arrested Azhaguraja on Monday evening. Azhaguraja's extensive criminal history included more than five cases, featuring three murder charges, attempt to murder, and violations of the Arms Act," Balakrishnan said.
According to him, during interrogation, Azhaguraja claimed he had hidden weapons and country-made bombs near the Tiruchi-Chennai National Highway.
On Tuesday morning, the Mangalamedu Inspector took him to the site to recover the cache.
"Azhaguraja initially misled officers by taking them to several wrong locations. Upon reaching the actual spot, Raja suddenly hurled a country-made bomb at the police vehicle, causing significant damage.
"As the Kunnam Sub-Inspector tried to apprehend him, Azhaguraja used a hidden sharp-edged weapon to attack the SI’s hand. In response, the Mangalamedu Inspector fired his weapon, striking Azhaguraja in the head," Balakrishnan said.
As the 108 ambulance was delayed, police rushed Azhaguraja to the Perambalur Government General Hospital in their own vehicle, where he was declared dead, he added.
The injured SI is currently receiving treatment at a government hospital, the IG said.
"As per legal protocol, a magistrate inquiry is being conducted into the encounter, and the First Information Report has been forwarded to the court," he added.
