South First

10/09/2026

: Investigative journalist G. Mahantesh, Editor-in-Chief of Kannada investigative news platform The File, has allegedly received abusive and threatening phone calls after publishing reports on Siddhartha Vihara Trust on September 8 and 9.

According to statements issued by the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) and Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, Mahantesh was allegedly threatened with physical assault following publication of the reports.

Mahantesh is reported to have approached the police with a complaint over the threats. Ashoka has alleged that police did not register an FIR and instead recorded NCR No. 556/2026, with the journalist reportedly being told to approach the court for further proceedings.

KUWJ condemned the alleged threats and described them as an attack on press freedom. The journalists’ body expressed concern that an FIR had allegedly not been registered despite Mahantesh approaching the police, and demanded immediate registration of a case against those responsible as well as police protection for him.

R. Ashoka also took to X to criticise the state government over the episode.

He alleged that Mahantesh was threatened after reporting on alleged irregularities concerning Siddhartha Vihara Trust and questioned why police had allegedly treated the complaint as an NCR rather than registering an FIR.

Ashoka demanded an FIR against those responsible for the threats, immediate police protection for Mahantesh and an inquiry into the conduct of police officials who handled the complaint.

The controversy comes days after the Karnataka High Court dealt with a separate case concerning alleged irregularities in BDA land allotments to Siddhartha Vihar Trust.

The High Court set aside the special court’s earlier decision to conduct its own inquiry and remitted the matter back, directing that the complainant be given an opportunity to rectify defects in his affidavit and that the case thereafter be considered under the procedure prescribed in Section 175 of the BNSS.

The court did not express any opinion on the merits of the corruption allegations.

10/09/2026

: A three-year-old girl, died under suspicious circumstances at Thotadaguddahalli in Bengaluru North taluk, with her family alleging that the child's father's partner, Girija, was responsible for the death. The child was reportedly playing in front of the house before she died, and bruise and injury marks were found on her body, raising suspicion over the cause of death.

The child had been living with her father Jagadish and Girija. According to the report, Jagadish began living with Girija after his wife died. Girija had also been married earlier, and the two had been staying with the child in a rented house for around 20 days.

Jagadish is reportedly employed with a finance company, and the couple had rented the house saying they were husband and wife. They are said to be originally from Guruvanahalli and Vasanthanagar in Nelamangala taluk.

Following the child’s death, family members accused Girija of killing her and allegedly assaulted her near the house. The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation before police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the death. Confirmation is awaited on the exact cause of death, post-mortem findings, whether a case has been registered against Girija, and whether she has been detained or arrested.

10/09/2026

: Mother held after toddler found dead in Vilavoorkallu

A one-and-a-half-year-old girl was allegedly killed by her mother at Vilavoorkallu, here on Thursday, with preliminary assessment suggesting family issues as the motive.

The deceased has been identified as Anna, the only daughter of Abhijith and Christy.

According to the police, the mother allegedly locked herself and the child inside a room at their house and slit the child’s throat.

Hearing the child’s cries, relatives and local residents reportedly forced open the room and found her lying in a pool of blood.

She was rushed to the Malayinkeezhu Primary Health Centre, where she was declared dead.

Christy was taken into police custody in connection with the incident.

The couple, who had a child three years after their marriage, were reportedly facing family-related issues.

Police are continuing the investigation.

10/09/2026

: Partial power restrictions likely; Medical College may get exemption

Keralam may witness partial power restrictions during peak hours on Thursday amid a sharp rise in electricity consumption and constraints in power availability.

The has warned that power control may be required between 6.45 p.m. and 12.45 a.m. on September 10, as demand has risen significantly in the state as well as across the country.

The increase in consumption has been attributed to the lack of rainfall associated with the El Niño phenomenon and relatively high temperatures.

The state's peak-hour demand has increased by around 800 MW to 900 MW compared with previous days.

The situation has been compounded by increased demand nationwide, reduced availability of electricity through the power exchange and an unexpected decline in power availability from central generating stations.

According to the Grid Controller of India, the national power shortage of around 12,000 MW has also not been fully resolved.

The decline in grid frequency has added to the pressure on the state's power supply.

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission has intervened seeking protection for the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College campus and surrounding areas from any power cuts.

Commission chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas directed the KSEB Chief Engineer to urgently examine the demand and submit a report.

The complaint was filed by public activist P.K. Raju, who pointed out that the campus houses major hospitals, including the Medical College Hospital, Regional Cancer Centre, SAT Hospital and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology.

The complaint said patients, including those in critical condition, and their relatives staying in nearby lodges could be severely affected by repeated outages.

The Commission will consider the case after receiving the KSEB's report.

10/09/2026

: Vijay's gesture leads to controversy

Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay's gesture while attacking DMK landed him in a controversy with his own alliance party leaders calling it "against human dignity"

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rOKdzchA-zY

10/09/2026

"Veena was pressured to implicate her father, Pinarayi Vijayan”: Muhammed Riyas

CPI(M) leader and Kerala minister Muhammed Riyas strongly defended Veena Vijayan amid the Enforcement Directorate’s action and allegations surrounding the case. Riyas said Veena had faced repeated pressure and threats but had refused to give in. He also alleged that ED raids on the residences linked to Pinarayi Vijayan yielded nothing and criticised what he described as attempts to harass the family.

Riyas said communists would not run away in fear and vowed to continue the fight until his last breath, regardless of whether he had public support.

https://youtube.com/shorts/YMFXTFKTSOU?feature=share

10/09/2026

Stalin to Vijay: “Speak with the dignity of a Chief Minister”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urged TVK chief and Chief Minister Vijay to uphold the dignity of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and avoid unnecessary controversies. Stalin said discussions in the Assembly should focus on people’s welfare, Tamil Nadu’s development and protecting the state’s rights. He also reminded Vijay of their earlier meeting, when he had advised him to speak with the dignity expected of a Chief Minister

https://youtube.com/shorts/7rnoQH25gks?feature=share

10/09/2026

: In 2019, the then-LDF government led by Pinarayi Vijayan enacted a law promising a dedicated pension and social security.

Seven years on, the scheme governing the pension is still awaiting government approval.

The South First brings you trusted news and updates across politics, sports, entertainment, and current affairs. Stay informed with breaking stories, live coverage, and trending headlines.

10/09/2026

: KPCC discusses ED recommendation against Pinarayi, No immediate move likely

The Congress leadership in Keralam has decided against taking any immediate decision on the Enforcement Directorate’s recommendation to register a case against Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, with the KPCC choosing to first examine the legal aspects of the matter.

The issue came up for a detailed discussion at the KPCC office-bearers’ meeting on Thursday.

KPCC president Sunny Joseph said the matter was complex and that a final decision would be taken only after obtaining legal advice.

The ED’s letter has been handed over to the Law Secretary and Home Secretary for examination.

It's learnt that during the meeting, the leaders took the view that any hasty move by the state government to register a case based on the ED recommendation could make it difficult for the party to explain its stand at the national level.

Sunny Joseph later told the media that the government should take appropriate legal action on the ED recommendation, but only after examining its legal implications.

He said the explanations offered by CPI(M) leaders on the issue were not satisfactory.

10/09/2026

Karnataka government orders Vande Mataram to be limited to two stanzas at state events

The government said it is intended to ensure uniformity, dignity and proper etiquette in the rendition of the song at official events.