Accidents & Disasters – Monthly Newsletter January 2011

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Four years gone, no trace of missing Japanese tourist

AGRA – Four years after a 21-year-old Japanese tourist disappeared here, the police are clueless about his whereabouts.

S. Kota disappeared after visiting the Taj Mahal and other monuments in Agra Sep 5, 2006. A case was registered and 26 people were identified as witnesses. His mother paid several visits to Agra and met …. Original article  : Four years gone, no trace of missing Japanese tourist.

WikiLeaks founder’s mother worried after Interpol alert

SYDNEY – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s Australia-based mother, who is distressed after an alert for her son was issued by Interpol, said: “Obviously I don’t want him hunted down and jailed.”

Interpol issued the order Tuesday for the arrest of Julian Assange in connection with a Swedish investigation of sexual assault allegations. The action comes … Original article on : WikiLeaks founder’s mother worried after Interpol alert.

Chandigarh cops meet dead-end in girl’s murder case

CHANDIGARH – Failing to get any breakthrough in the sensational murder of a 22-year-old management student here, Chandigarh Police Wednesday announced a reward of Rs.100,000 for anyone providing information that leads to the arrest of the accused.

Neha Ahlawat was found killed July 30 this year near a taxi stand in Sector 38 (west) …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Chandigarh cops meet dead-end in girl’s murder case.

Dacoit killed after robbery near Pune

PUNE – A dacoit was killed while four of his accomplices escaped with Rs.70,000 that they robbed from two petrol pumps in Pune’s Shirur village, police said Wednesday.

“Five dacoits came in a car and looted two petrol pumps located close to each other. Security guard of one of the petrol pumps fired at the … Read more »»».

Guard at Spanish nursing home confesses to 11 murders

Olot (Spain), Dec 1 (IANS/EFE) A weekend security guard at a nursing home in this northeastern Spanish town, who was arrested last month for the murders of three residents, has confessed to causing the deaths of 11 people in the facility.

Joan Vila, 45, has been in the psychiatric wing of a prison …. Source article  : Guard at Spanish nursing home confesses to 11 murders.

Six youth killed in Uttar Pradesh accident

LUCKNOW – Six youth returning from a marriage function were killed when their speeding car rammed into a gas tanker in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district early Wednesday, police said.

The Indica car ploughed into the Indane gas tanker along the Delhi-Kanpur highway in the Sikandarabad town, killing the victims on the spot.
“Those killed are …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Six youth killed in Uttar Pradesh accident.

France’s top diplomat in Hong Kong recalled over wine theft

HONG KONG – France’s top diplomat in Hong Kong was suspended and recalled to Paris after allegedly stealing two expensive bottles of wine, a news report said Wednesday.

Marc Fonbaustier, 46, was recalled after he was reportedly caught on security cameras taking bottles of Bordeaux from the elite Hong Kong Country Club, the South China …. Read the original article  : here.

95-year-old Italian film director leaps to his death

Rome, Dec 1 (IANS/AKI) Mario Monicelli, a celebrated Italian film director, took his own life by leaping from the fifth-floor balcony of a Rome hospital where he was being treated for cancer. He was 95.

Public broadcaster Rai television late Monday interrupted a popular programme to announce his death.
“Death doesn’t frighten me, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 95-year-old Italian film director leaps to his death.

Interpol issues warrant for WikiLeaks founder

LYON/STOCKHOLM – International police agency Interpol issued an order Tuesday for the arrest of WikiLeaks website founder Julian Assange in connection with a Swedish investigation of sexual assault allegations.

In a notice posted its website, Interpol listed Assange on its “red” list, or highest-priority fugitives to be held for deportation to the country where they …. Original source  : Interpol issues warrant for WikiLeaks founder.

Lithuania named EU’s murder capital

VILNIUS – You are more likely to be murdered in the Baltic state of Lithuania than anywhere else in the European Union, according to figures released Tuesday by the EU’s official statistics agency, Eurostat.

In a report on crime trends over recent years, Lithuania saw an average 8.76 murders per 100,000 heads of population every …. Read the original article  : Lithuania named EU’s murder capital.

Over 460 cyber criminals arrested in China

BEIJING – Nearly 180 cyber crimes were solved during November and more than 460 suspects were arrested for their involvement, China’s ministry of public security said Tuesday.

Fourteen websites were shut during the month for allegedly providing hacker software, training hackers and organising cyber attacks, Xinhua reported.
“Our country’s cyber crime situation is still very … Read more >>.

West Bengal awards 140 policemen

KOLKATA – A total of 140 West Bengal policemen were awarded meritorious service medals by Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee here Tuesday.

Five persons, including the officer-in-charge of Sarenga police station in Bankura Rabi Lochan Mitra, who was killed by the Maoists Feb 24, were awarded the Shaurya (gallantry) medal.
The other recipients of the Shaurya … Original article on : West Bengal awards 140 policemen.

Elephant hit by truck, killed

LUCKNOW – An elephant was killed while its handler was critically injured after being hit by a speeding truck in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district Tuesday evening, police said.

The truck spun out of the driver’s control along the Varanasi-Shaktinagar highway and hit the elephant, police said.
“While the elephant died on the spot, the handler … Read more : Elephant hit by truck, killed.

Class 5 girl commits suicide

LUCKNOW – Upset over her poor academic performance, a teenaged class 5 student committed suicide by hanging herself in her house here Tuesday, police said.

Soni Kumari, 13, who studied at the Suchetna School, hanged herself from a ceiling fan with a ‘dupatta’ (scarf) at her residence in Sarojini Nagar area.
“Preliminary investigations reveal … Read more >>.

Child marriage prevented in Haryana

CHANDIGARH – Timely action by district officials and the Haryana Police prevented a 15-year-old girl from being forcibly married off at a village in Sirsa district, officials said Tuesday.

The action followed after the District Child Marriage Prevention Officer (DCMPO) Sadhna Mittal received information that a minor girl, Pushpa, of village Rupana Darba would Dec …. Original source  : Child marriage prevented in Haryana.

Dhaula Kuan gangrape: Another suspect’s sketch released

NEW DELHI – Days after releasing sketches of two suspects in last week’s gangrape of a BPO staffer by four men, Delhi Police Tuesday released the sketch of the third suspect.

Earlier in the day, the police also claimed to have “more or less” identified the vehicle used by the rapists.
The …. Original article  : Dhaula Kuan gangrape: Another suspect’s sketch released.

Nine sentenced in fodder scam case

RANCHI – A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here Tuesday sentenced nine more men convicted for the fraudulent withdrawal of Rs.20 crore from the state treasury to purchase fodder for public distribution, a CBI statement said Tuesday.

The sentences range from three to six years in jail and fines of Rs.10,000 to Rs.10 …. Source  : Nine sentenced in fodder scam case.

Cold claims one life in Punjab

DERABASSI – An elderly man died due to excessive cold here Tuesday, becoming the state’s first casualty of the current winter season, police said.

We found an unidentified body on a bench at a bus stand this morning. We immediately took the body to the civil hospital here, where doctors declared him brought dead. Doctors … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cold claims one life in Punjab.

Police obtain more clues in BPO employee’s gangrape

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police Tuesday said they obtained relevant clues from the four people detained in the call centre employee’s gangrape case and had “almost” identified the vehicle used by the four rapists to abduct the victim.

The four men who were detained Monday are being questioned further.
“We are still questioning the four …. Original source  : Police obtain more clues in BPO employee’s gangrape.

35 Pakistani government websites hacked

ISLAMABAD – At least 35 Pakistani government websites were hacked Tuesday by a group calling itself the “Indian Cyber Army”, a media report said.

The government took action to secure the hacked websites and most of them were restored by afternoon, an official spokesman was quoted as saying by the Online news agency.
Among the …. Original article  : 35 Pakistani government websites hacked.

Drug peddlers arrested in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Three drug peddlers who operated in various states were arrested with smack, a highly addictive morphine derivative, worth around Rs.1 crore in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district, police said Thursday.

The three drug peddlers, including a woman, were nabbed late Wednesday from the Kotwali area following a joint operation by Special Task Force (STF) … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Drug peddlers arrested in Uttar Pradesh.

BHU student suspended for posting obscene content on Facebook

VARANASI – Posting vulgar remarks against his female batchmates on the popular social networking site Facebook has landed a final year student of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district in trouble.

The university administration not only suspended Gaurav Ranjan for three months, but also debarred this native of Jharkhand from taking …. Source article  : BHU student suspended for posting obscene content on Facebook.

Two held, one surrenders in Delhi’s BPO rape case

NEW DELHI – Two of the five men accused of raping a 30-year-old BPO employee here have been arrested and a third has surrendered in Haryana, Delhi Police said Thursday.

“There are five suspects, of whom two have been arrested. We have learnt that another person has surrendered in a Haryana court. We are looking …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Two held, one surrenders in Delhi’s BPO rape case.

Obama, Tata face wrath of Bhopal survivors

BHOPAL – They had nothing to do with the Bhopal gas tragedy, but US President Barack Obama and Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata are still the target of public anger on the 26th anniversary of the world’s worst industrial disaster – on the ground that have not done enough for survivors.

“On Dec 2 …. Read the original article  : here.

Pakistan trip lands Nepali in Indian jail as 26/11 suspect

KATHMANDU – A Nepali family is hoping it will see justice done to their son, being held in a prison in India’s Bihar state for eight months for suspected involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks.

Mohammad Ghulam Bashir, a small-time trader in Nepal’s Sunsari district along the Indian border, was arrested by Indian police in …. Source  : Pakistan trip lands Nepali in Indian jail as 26/11 suspect.

Two Kashmiri journalists let off in false reporting case

SRINAGAR – Almost five months after a complaint was lodged, Jammu and Kashmir Police have dropped charges of criminal conspiracy against two journalists, police said Thursday.

Highly placed sources here said the charges levelled against Suhail Bukhari and Idris Lone, working for Delhi-based News X channel, have been dropped after it was proved that the [..] Read the original article: here.

Naga paratrooper kills officer, West Bengal policeman

KOLKATA – A Naga paratrooper deployed for anti-Maoist operations in West Bengal’s Purulia district gunned down his superior and a state armed police constable, police said. He was arrested Thursday morning.

“A jawan (paratrooper) of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) Nagaland shot his superior following a heated argument late Wednesday. Hearing the sound of …. Read the original article  : Naga paratrooper kills officer, West Bengal policeman.

Indian American manager fined for defrauding investors

WASHINGTON – An Indian American manager of a hedge-fund that catered to Silicon Valley professionals has been fined by the Securities and Exchange Commission and barred from the investment advising business for five years.

Neil Godbole, 29, of San Francisco, agreed to a $40,000 civil penalty for concealing large trading losses in his Opulent Lite …. Source article  : Indian American manager fined for defrauding investors.

New Zealand remembers dead miners with national service

WELLINGTON – New Zealanders observed a two-minute silence Thursday at the start of a remembrance service to honour 29 men who died in a gas explosion at a coal mine last month.

More than 10,000 people attended the service at a racetrack near Greymouth, near the Pike River mine on the west coast of the …. Source article  : New Zealand remembers dead miners with national service.

Two nabbed in BPO employee rape case: Delhi Police

NEW DELHI – Two of the five men accused in the rape of a 30-year-old BPO employee in Dhaula Kuan locality here last week have been arrested, Delhi Police said.

“Two people have been arrested in the case. The vehicle which was used for the crime has also been recovered. And the remaining three accused …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nira Radia’s phone intercepts deposited in Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The central government Thursday handed over the telephone intercepts of corporate lobbyist Nira Radia’s conversations with media and politicians in the 2G spectrum allotment case to the Supreme Court.

The court was handed over the server, hard drive and call records. The apex court bench of Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice A.K. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nira Radia’s phone intercepts deposited in Supreme Court.

Man held after Facebook posting on murder plan

Modena (Italy), Dec 2 (IANS/AKI) A man was arrested in the northern Italian city of Modena after he posted to his Facebook profile the date he was planning to murder his ex-girlfriend – on her birthday.

Police managed to make sure the woman was in a safe place on that date.
They had [..] Read the original article: here.

School mistress says she gave sex education to abused boys

SYDNEY – A house mistress in an Australian school sexually abused boys aged 11 and 12 and rationalised her behaviour as providing sex education, a court has been told.

The unnamed 41-year-old woman had “lots and lots of personality difficulties” and she knew her actions were wrong, psychiatrist David Greenberg told the New South Wales … Read more : School mistress says she gave sex education to abused boys.

Huge fire in Punjab factory

CHANDIGARH – Goods worth millions of rupees were burnt Thursday morning in a major fire at a thread factory of the Trident group near Barnala town in Punjab, police said.

Firemen were trying to control the blaze and the reasons for the fire were yet to be ascertained, police said.
Police sources said the loss …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Indian family reprieved to stay in New Zealand

WELLINGTON – An Indian father jailed as an illegal immigrant was expected to be released from prison Thursday after a government reprieve that will save his three New Zealand-born children from facing life in an Indian slum.

Sital Ram was jailed in September and he and his wife Usha were ordered to be deported after …. Source article  : Indian family reprieved to stay in New Zealand.

Quake hits Fiji

NEW YORK – An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale jolted Fiji Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

The quake occurred at about 16:00 GMT with the epicentre at 15.9 degrees south latitude and 178.9 degrees west longitude, the US Geological Survey said.
…. Original source  : Quake hits Fiji.

Two Germans stole Lady Gaga, Timberlake tracks online

DUISBURG – Two German hackers allegedly stole and sold unreleased tracks from pop stars, including Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake, via the internet, a state prosecutor said Wednesday.

A 17-year-old disc jockey from Duisburg and a 23-year-old from nearby Wesel allegedly wrote simple programmes – called Trojans because of their ability to enter private networks …. Original source  : Two Germans stole Lady Gaga, Timberlake tracks online.

Two Nigerians held for smuggling drugs

NEW DELHI – Two Nigerian nationals were arrested from Kalkaji area of south Delhi Wednesday with over 500 grams of narcotics.

Emmanuel Paul and Christian were arrested while trying to courier the drugs abroad, a Delhi Police officer said.
“They were carrying sherwanis with wooden hangers. After breaking the hangers, six rolls containing 536 grams … Read : Two Nigerians held for smuggling drugs.

Not able to enroll for a course, woman hangs self

LUCKNOW – Depressed over not being able to enroll for a computer course due to financial constraints, a 22-year-old woman committed suicide here by hanging herself Wednesday, police said.

Swati Gupta, a final year M.Com student, hung herself from a pole in her courtyard with a scarf at her residence in Krishnanagar locality.
Preliminary …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Not able to enroll for a course, woman hangs self.

Chandigarh official sent to judicial remand

CHANDIGARH – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special court here Wednesday sent the superintendent of the Chandigarh estates office to 14-days judicial remand in a corruption case, an official said.

According to the CBI officials, the accused was identified as Mahal Chand and he was arrested late Tuesday. Chand had demanded Rs.200,000 from Sohan …. Source article  : Chandigarh official sent to judicial remand.

Russian used spam mails to sell Viagra

WASHINGTON – A 23-year-old Russian man, who has been indicted in the US for generating a third of spam emails worldwide, infected thousands of computers intending to sell counterfeit goods, including Viagra.

Oleg Y. Nikolaenko of Vidnoe, near Moscow, was arrested in Las Vegas last month and indicted for taking control of thousands of computers … Read more »»».

Karnataka IT minister resigns over land scam

BANGALORE – Karnataka IT Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu Friday resigned following a police complaint against him in a multicrore land deal, Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said and added that the move was meant to ensure an impartial probe into the case.

“I have accepted his resignation and forwarded it to governor (H.R. Bhardwaj) for acceptance,” … Read more : Karnataka IT minister resigns over land scam.

Northeast delegation meets Dikshit over women’s safety

NEW DELHI – A seven-member delegation of activists and lawyers from the northeast along with members of different NGOs Friday met Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit to discuss the issue of safety of northeastern women in the capital in the wake of the gangrape of a BPO employee from Mizoram.

Dikshit has called for …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Northeast delegation meets Dikshit over women’s safety.

Firemen battle to check Israel’s worst-ever bushfire (Third Lead)

TEL AVIV – An estimated 13,000 people had been forced to flee their homes in northern Israel Friday morning, as the worst bushfire in Israel’s history entered its second day, leaving 40 dead.

The blaze had destroyed hundreds of hectares of land and was still not under control, after breaking out before noon Thursday on …. Original source  : Firemen battle to check Israel’s worst-ever bushfire (Third Lead).

Karnataka IT minister quits over land scam

BANGALORE – Karnataka IT Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu Friday resigned following a police complaint against him in a multicrore land deal, Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa announced.

“I have accepted his resignation and forwarded it to governor (H.R. Bhardwaj) for acceptance,” Yeddyurappa told reporters here.
He is the fourth minister of the first Bharatiya Janata Party …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Karnataka IT minister quits over land scam.

UN calls for probe into Sri Lankan troops’ war crime video

LONDON – The UN has sought a fresh probe into alleged war crimes against Sri Lankan troops after Britain’s Channel 4 News released a video featuring soldiers executing naked men and women.

The video, which was broadcast Tuesday, shows government troops executing civilians in the last few weeks of the 26-year Sri Lanka war, which … Original source on Gaea Times at : UN calls for probe into Sri Lankan troops’ war crime video.

Youth lynched for killing village head

LUCKNOW – A Class 12 student was lynched by a mob in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district after he and his two aides shot dead a village head, police said Friday.

Three motorcycle-borne assailants, including the student Rinku Pathak, killed Umashankar Rajbhar (40) Thursday night while he was talking to some people in his Belwana village.
…. Original source  : Youth lynched for killing village head.

15 people lynched in Haiti in two weeks

Port-au-Prince, Dec 3 (IANS/EFE) Fifteen people have been lynched in the southwestern Haitian province of Grand’Anse over the past two weeks on suspicion of poisoning water supplies, media reports said Thursday.

Several people allegedly died as a result of poisoning, though their deaths were originally attributed to the cholera outbreak that has claimed more than …. Source article  : 15 people lynched in Haiti in two weeks.

Truck carrying $6.5 mn in art works stolen in Spain

Madrid, Dec 3 (IANS/EFE) A truck carrying art works valued at 5 million euros ($6.5 million) was stolen last weekend near the Spanish capital, authorities said Thursday.

Security cameras at a warehouse in Getafe filmed three hooded men breaking in to steal the truck, a police spokesperson told EFE, adding that the keys had been …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Truck carrying $6.5 mn in art works stolen in Spain.

40 dead, thousands flee raging Israeli bushfire (Second Lead)

TEL AVIV – An estimated 13,000 people were forced to flee their homes in northern Israel Thursday and early Friday, as the worst bushfire in Israel’s history raged unchecked for 14 hours, killing 40 people and devouring everything in its path.

The fire broke out shortly before noon Thursday on the Carmel hill, southeast of …. Original article  : 40 dead, thousands flee raging Israeli bushfire (Second Lead).

Car Crashes in Michiana due to Snow, 1 Dead

WATERVILET (GaeaTimes.com) — As the winter is slowly setting in, emergency responders were busy all day Wednesday after the snow caused several accidents throughout Michiana. Unfortunately, one of these accidents killed Hermelinda Vela, 56, when his husband’s car crashed on Hennessey Road in Watervliet around 3:20 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.
Police has told that Rene Vela, … Read more : Car Crashes in Michiana due to Snow, 1 Dead.

Two Dead in a I-95 Accident near Broward Boulevard

FORT LAUDERDALE (GaeaTimes.com) — According to Florida Highway patrol, two men were killed early Thursday when the pick-up truck they were in, veered off Interstate 95 and crashed into trees along roadside.
The accident took place near about 3 a.m. on the southbound side of I-95 a little south of Broward Boulevard. After the accident, …. Source article  : Two Dead in a I-95 Accident near Broward Boulevard.

Corpus Christi Officer Dies in a Tractor accident

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (GaeaTimes.com) — Joe Harrison, 51, a Corpus Christi off-duty police died when a tractor he was using flipped and started on fire. The accident took place on Wednesday afternoon, near his house at south of Robstown.
Commander Mark Schauer has commented that the tractor was being used to try to pull a … Read more »».

1 Dead, 1 Critically injured in Hattiesburg Paper plant Accident in Howard

GREEN BAY (GaeaTimes.com) — With a tragic turn of event, two people met a fatal accident this morning after falling 30 feet from scaffolding at a Howard paper plant. One of the two person suffered critical injury while other was declared dead.
According to Deputy Chief Jhon Gossage of the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, the …. Original article  : 1 Dead, 1 Critically injured in Hattiesburg Paper plant Accident in Howard.

Car hits Bicycle on 18 Miles, Cyclist found Dead

STERLING HEIGHTS (GaeaTimes.com) — In an unfortunate bicycle accident, James Anthony Sawicki, 54, was found dead on 18 mile. Police are blaming distracted driving for an accident that left a bicyclist dead Dec. 1.
Initial investigation suggests that a 20-year-old woman from Rochester Hills had reached down, between Mound and Ryan, to retrieve something from …. Read the original article  : here.

40 die in Israel fire (Lead, changing dateline)

TEL AVIV – A massive brushfire, the worst in Israel’s history, raged unchecked for more than eight hours Thursday, burning thousands of acres of land, forcing villages to evacuate, and killing up to 40 people when their bus was engulfed in flames.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the blaze as “a catastrophe, the likes of …. Original article  : 40 die in Israel fire (Lead, changing dateline).

Israel calls for help to fight blaze

JERUSALEM – Israel Thursday asked the international community to send firefighting aircraft to help put out a huge blaze in the country’s port city of Haifa that left at least 40 people dead, reports Xinhua.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late Thursday urged Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Russia to send the aircraft. Israel doesn’t have one. …. Read the original article  : here.

Mentally ill man climbs up Howrah Bridge

KOLKATA – Traffic slowed to a crawl and pedestrians had a harrowing time Thursday as a mentally ill man climbed atop the Howrah Bridge here and threatened to jump into the river, police said. Firemen climbed up and forced him to come down after three hours.

Arvind Singh, 35, climbed on top of the Howrah … Original article on : Mentally ill man climbs up Howrah Bridge.

Ruchika case: School principal innocent, says church official

CHANDIGARH – The principal of the Sacred Heart School, where teenaged molestation victim Ruchika Girhotra studied but was expelled from allegedly at the behest of tainted Haryana cop S.P.S. Rathore, is innocent and no action will be taken against her, a church official said Thursday.

The assertion came even as the Central Board … Original article on : Ruchika case: School principal innocent, says church official.

Rural workers’ protest in Lucknow turns violent

LUCKNOW – A number of gram rozgar sewaks (rural employment workers) engaged in vandalism and fought pitched battles with the police as their protest to press for acceptance of their demands turned violent here Thursday.

Demanding regularisation of their services and a hike in remuneration, the workers, who provide support to gram panchayats (village council) … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rural workers’ protest in Lucknow turns violent.

British teacher charged with having sex chats with pupils

LONDON – A teacher at an all-girls’ school in Britain is facing charges of unacceptable professional conduct after she had explicit sex chats with her students.

Lindsay Brown of the Southfield School for Girls in Kettering, Northamptonshire, told her pupils how she burnt her nipple while cooking and discussed about losing her virginity, taking drugs …. Read the original article  : British teacher charged with having sex chats with pupils.

Skeleton found in Mumbai jail

MUMBAI – A human skeleton was found in the Arthur Road Jail here in November when the maintenance work was under progress, an official said Saturday.

“The skeleton was found on Nov 22 while some digging work was going on in barrack No.1 of the jail,” the official said.
“The skeleton has been sent …. Source  : Skeleton found in Mumbai jail.

Ship with 24 Chinese crew sinks off Philippines

BEIJING – A cargo ship with 24 Chinese crew on board sank in the waters off the Philippines Friday. Fourteen people have been saved while 10 were still missing, a media report said Saturday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Supdt. Agrimero Cruz said Saturday the Panama-flagged cargo vessel MV Hong Wei sank about 120 …. Read the original article  : here.

British woman reports stolen snowman to police

LONDON – A woman in Britain has been called “completely irresponsible” after she dialled the police emergency helpline to report a stolen snowman.

The unnamed woman from Chatham, Kent, phoned 999 after she thought the case needed the involvement of police because she had used pound coins for the snowman’s eyes and teaspoons for the … Read more >>.

Goods destroyed as fire engulfs warehouse

LUCKNOW – Goods worth lakhs of rupees were destroyed when a big fire broke out in a garments warehouse and spread to other shops in Uttar Pradeshs Muzaffarnagar district Saturday, police said. No casualty was reported.

The fire engulfed the garments warehouse in Shahpur town on the outskirts of Muzaffarnagar district and soon spread to …. Source article  : Goods destroyed as fire engulfs warehouse.

Separatists torch Srinagar school bus to enforce shutdown

SRINAGAR – A mob torched a school bus here Saturday to enforce a shutdown called by hardline separatist Syed Ali Geelani that partially affected life in summer capital Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley. The bus-burning comes even as a 10-member parliamentary-civil society team is here to meet a cross-section of the people, … Read more >>.

Pakistan hackers wage ‘cyber war’ on Indian sites

ISLAMABAD – A group of Pakistani internet hackers has waged a cyber war on Indian sites, claiming to have infected over 200 of them and said the act was a revenge for a similar attack on Pakistani websites by a self-proclaimed “Indian Cyber Army”.

The group, describing itself as “Predators PK”, said it hacked the …. Source  : Pakistan hackers wage ‘cyber war’ on Indian sites.

Italian tourist killed in Agra road accident

FATEHPUR SIKRI – An Italian tourist was killed while his wife and daughter were injured as a bus rammed into their auto rickshaw in this Uttar Pradesh tourist town, police said Saturday.

The Italian, identified only as Robert, and his family had reached Fatehpur Sikri from Agra Friday and had taken an auto to …. Read the original article  : Italian tourist killed in Agra road accident.

Sariska tiger died of poisoning: Minister

JAIPUR – A tiger that was found dead in Sariska Tiger Reserve last month had been poisoned, Rajasthan Forest Minister Ram Lal Jaat said here Saturday.

The male translocated tiger, ST-1, was poisoned with organophosphorus insecticide, the minister said.
The forensic report has confirmed poison in the tiger’s body. “Scientists at the Forensic Science [..] Read the original article: here.

Teenaged hitman who beheaded victims held in Mexico

Mexico City, Dec 4 (IANS/EFE) A 14-year-old killer, known as the “boy hitman” and wanted in Mexico for beheading several of his victims, has been arrested.

Senior military officials said though they have reports that a person was arrested in Morelos state but were unaware if that individual was Edgar Jimenez Lugo alias “El Ponchis”, …. Original article  : Teenaged hitman who beheaded victims held in Mexico.

Lawmaker gunned down in Honduras

Tegucigalpa, Dec 4 (IANS/EFE) A congressman with Honduras’ ruling National Party was fatally shot by unknown assailants in the western city of La Entrada, authorities said.

Juan de Jesus Deras Madrid, 33, was attacked Thursday while returning in his car from a public event to hand out government benefits to poor residents of Copan Ruinas.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Italian police shut down ‘bullying’ Facebook page

ROME – A Facebook page that was being used by a group of teenaged students in Italy to bully and harass one of their classmates has been shut down by police, a media report said Saturday.

The Minors’ Court in Rome found guilty seven 14-year-old students of online abuse against a boy in their same … Read : Italian police shut down ‘bullying’ Facebook page.

School bus torched in Srinagar to enforce shutdown

SRINAGAR – A mob torched a school bus in Old City area here Saturday to enforce a shutdown called by hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani across the Kashmir Valley. No one was injured in the incident, police said.

“The bus of a private school was stopped at Khwaja Bazaar in Old City area. …. Source  : School bus torched in Srinagar to enforce shutdown.

Indian-American accused of conning musician works out plea deal

WASHINGTON – An Indian American computer store owner and his girl friend charged with taking millions of dollars from a pianist and oil fortune heir have agreed to negotiate a plea deal by March 10.

The pair accused of stealing $20 million from Roger Davidson going back to 2004 signed waivers Thursday that allow their … Read : Indian-American accused of conning musician works out plea deal.

CBI website hacked by ‘Pakistani Cyber Army’

NEW DELHI – The website of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was hacked by a group identifying itself as the ‘Pakistani Cyber Army’, which also claimed to have hacked the server of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) website.

The investigation agency confirmed that its website was hacked and that they had no idea who …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : CBI website hacked by ‘Pakistani Cyber Army’.

Blast derails India-bound train in Pakistan

KARACHI – A blast on railway tracks near Karachi early Saturday derailed two bogies of the Thar Express, which was travelling from this southern port city of Pakistan to Rajasthan in India, Geo TV reported. No casualties were reported.

The train with 155 passengers, including 50 Indians, on board derailed due to the blast triggered …. Original article  : Blast derails India-bound train in Pakistan.

Gold burglar targeting South Asian homes gets 3 years

WASHINGTON – A New York City woman who admitted being part of a ring of picky burglars which targeted dozens of South Asian homes in Washington suburbs has been sentenced to three years in federal prison.

Melinda M. Soto, 34, and her husband, Dagoberto Soto Ramirez, pleaded guilty in federal court in Alexandria to regularly … Original article on : Gold burglar targeting South Asian homes gets 3 years.

Pakistan cleric offers reward to kill Christian woman

ISLAMABAD – A cleric in Pakistan has offered a reward of Rs.500,000 for anyone who kills a Christian woman sentenced to death for insulting the Prophet Mohammed.

“I will give Rs.500,000 to a person who will kill Aasia,” said Maulana Yousaf Qureshi, the prayer leader of the historic Mohabbat Khan Masjid in Peshawar.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistan cleric offers reward to kill Christian woman.

Egypt Shark Attack Culprit Caught from Red Sea

LEBANON, EGYPT (GaeaTimes.com) — Last Tuesday and Wednesday, reports of Egypt shark attacks had spread quite a stir over the Internet. According to reports, 4 tourists were attacked at a resort due to this attack. In the attacks, an elderly woman lost her hand and another lost a leg.
But now, the Egyptian Environment Ministry …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

One Dead, One Critically injured in Twin Accident in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, CANADA (GaeaTimes.com) — In an unfortunate turn of event, one constructor worker was killed and another was severely injured in two separate accidents which took place within blocks and minutes of each other downtown Vancouver on Thursday.
The first worker who was killed when a form used for pouring concrete hit him on the …. Read the original article  : here.

Indian police system needs reforming: Toronto Police chief Alok Mukherjee

TORONTO – Toronto Police Board chairman Alok Mukherjee, the highest-ranking public servant of Indian origin in Canada, wants India to quickly roll back its colonial-style policing system for its own good.

Policing in India is influenced by political interference and it should stop, the soft-spoken Mukherjee told IANS at his office in Toronto Police headquarters …. Original article  : Indian police system needs reforming: Toronto Police chief Alok Mukherjee.

Bhopal survivors to get more compensation

BHOPAL – The much-awaited distribution of increased compensation to survivors of the Bhopal gas tragedy will begin from Dec 15, a minister said Sunday.

Bhopal gas tragedy relief and rehabilitation minister Babulal Gaur said the increased compensation of Rs.750 crore would be distributed through claim courts by March 31, 2011.
He added that death cases …. Original source  : Bhopal survivors to get more compensation.

Seven Britons trapped in snow-covered pub for over a week

LONDON – Seven people have been trapped inside a pub in Britain for the past nine days after the building was engulfed by 16 feet of snow.

Five staff and two residents have been trapped since Nov 26 at The Lion Inn in Blakey Ridge in North Yorkshire, the Daily Mail reported Sunday.
The people … Original article on : Seven Britons trapped in snow-covered pub for over a week.

Illegally stored chemicals blamed for China blast

BEIJING – Illegally stored chemicals in an adjacent room were responsible for a powerful explosion that ripped through an Internet cafe in China’s Guizhou province, leaving six dead and 38 injured, police said Sunday.

The chemicals exploded at 11.05 p.m. Saturday in a room next door to the Lianxun Internet Cafe in Kaili city in …. Read the original article  : Illegally stored chemicals blamed for China blast.

Two young women attacked with blades in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Two young women in north Delhi’s Mongolpuri locality were separately attacked with blades and suffered injuries on their faces, police said Sunday.

“The two victims in their early 20s were said to be cornered and their faces slashed with blades late Saturday,” a Delhi Police officer told IANS.
Police suspect a psychopath … Read more »».

73,000 evacuated due to Venezuela rains

CARACAS – Over 73,000 people have been evacuated from 11 Venezuelan states due to heavy rains that has led to the death of at least 32 people in the past few days, a cabinet minister has said.

The 73,000 people are now being housed in 541 facilities, Defence Minister Carlos Mata said Saturday, according to …. Original source  : 73,000 evacuated due to Venezuela rains.

Dhaula Kuan rape: Fourth accused nabbed

NEW DELHI – A fourth accused in the rape of a 30-year-old BPO employee in the capital’s Dhaula Kuan area last week has been arrested from Sohna district of Haryana, Delhi Police said Sunday.

“The accused Iqbal, alias Bada Billi, was arrested from Fatehpur Beri in Haryana by a team of Delhi Police which had …. Source article  : Dhaula Kuan rape: Fourth accused nabbed.

Jail guards turn robbers, arrested

PANAJI – Four jail guards attached to the high security Aguada central prison in Goa were arrested near here early Sunday while trying to rob a truck driver on a national highway, police said.

The guards – Ankush Naik, Vishal Naik, Keshav Gawas and Dinesh Warang – were caught around 3 a.m. at Ponda, … Read more : Jail guards turn robbers, arrested.

37 killed in Brazil slum raids

Sao Paulo, Dec 5 (IANS/EFE) At least 37 people were killed, over 100 arrested and over 500 weapons and 34 tonnes of drugs seized in operations against drug gangs in two slums in Rio de Janeiro, police said.

Aided by the Brazilian army, which supplied tanks, gear and soldiers, Rio de Janeiro’s police forces raided … Original article on : 37 killed in Brazil slum raids.

Six killed in China internet cafe blast

BEIJING – At least six people were killed and 37 injured in a powerful explosion that ripped through an internet cafe in China’s Guizhou province Saturday night, a media report said Sunday.

The blast occurred at around 10.30 p.m. in Kaili city in Miao-Dong autonomous prefecture of Qiandongnan, Xinhua reported citing government officials.
The blast …. Original source  : Six killed in China internet cafe blast.

Firefighters make headway in battling Israel bush blaze

TEL AVIV/HAIFA – Israel allowed people evacuated in the face of a raging bush fire to return to their homes Saturday, but firefighters noted that while the blaze was no longer the raging inferno it had been, it was still not fully under control.

Police, meanwhile, arrested two youths on suspicion that their negligence had … Original article on : Firefighters make headway in battling Israel bush blaze.

Two Agra businessmen robbed

AGRA – Two Agra businessmen were robbed of Rs.6.25 lakh Saturday afternoon in separate incidents, police said.

The victims were robbed moments after they withdrew money from different banks in Kamla Nagar colony of Agra. Both the incidents occurred at a gap of half an hour.
In the first incident Saurabh Bhasin, an automobile dealer, … Read : Two Agra businessmen robbed.

Software engineer accuses friend of rape

NOIDA – A software engineer working in a BPO was allegedly raped by a friend in Noida after promising to marry her, police said Saturday. The accused befriended her through a matrimonial website.

The incident came to light Saturday when the 26-year-old woman, originally from Guwahati in Assam, filed a complaint with police. A … Read more »».

Over 200 Indian websites defaced, CBI registers case (Third Lead)

NEW DELHI – More than 200 Indian websites, including that of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), were defaced Friday night by a group which identified itself as the “Pakistani Cyber Army”, officials said. The CBI has registered a case with its cyber crime unit.

The majority of the over 200 websites, as listed in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dhaula Kuan gangrape victim identifies two assaulters

NEW DELHI – A BPO employee Saturday identified in Tihar Jail the two men arrested for her Nov 23 gangrape, police said.

The two arrested men, Shamshad (25) and Usman (25), who were arrested Thursday, were affirmed by the victim as her assaulters and part of the gang who gangraped her, said a senior [..] Read the original article: here.

13 killed in Iraq blasts

BAGHDAD – Some 13 people, mostly Iranian pilgrims, were killed Saturday and more than 100 injured in several blasts throughout Baghdad, according to security sources.

Pilgrims were killed when a car bomb went off in al-Kadhemiya area of northern Baghdad, while another explosion killed more in al-Shoala neighbourhood in the western part of the city.
…. Source article  : 13 killed in Iraq blasts.

Two killed, 40 injured in plane’s emergency landing

Moscow, Dec 4 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Two people were killed and 40 injured when a Dagestan Airlines plane with 155 people on board skidded off the runway at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport during an emergency landing, an official said.

“According to the latest information, two people were killed and 40 were injured after the emergency landing,” a … Read more : Two killed, 40 injured in plane’s emergency landing.

10 missing after ship sinks off south China coast

BEIJING – Ten Chinese sailors were missing after a vessel with Panamanian flag sank off the coast of China’s southern province of Guangdong Saturday, authorities said.

The cargo ship MV Hong Wei, loaded with 40,000 tonnes of nickel ore, went down in the waters about 240 sea miles south of Shantou city of Guangdong, with …. Original article  : 10 missing after ship sinks off south China coast.

Container ship runs aground near Kolkata

KOLKATA – A Kolkata-bound container vessel ran aground on a sandbar of Hooghly river at Noorpur in West Bengal Saturday, port authorities said.

The Kolkata Dock System (KDS) bound vessel, which was carrying logs from Malaysia, got grounded close to the spot where two container ships collided last month, said Ajey Mukund Ranade, deputy chairman … Read more »»».

Newly-married couple among 20 killed in Karnataka accidents

BANGALORE – A total of 20 people, including a newly-wed couple, were killed in two accidents in Karnataka – 13 Saturday and seven late Friday, police said.

Thirteen people, all from Latur in Maharashtra, were killed and four injured when their car collided with a state road transport corporation bus near Bidar in north Karnataka … Original source on Gaea Times at : Newly-married couple among 20 killed in Karnataka accidents.

Maoists free two tribals in Andhra Pradesh

HYDERABAD – The Maoists have released two tribals five days after kidnapping them from forests in Andhra Pradesh’s Warangal district, police said Monday. Another abducted person is still in their custody.

Sammaiah and Chiranjeevi, the two tribals who were kidnapped by the Maoists from Tupakulagudem and Eturanagaram areas respectively, reached their homes Monday. They said …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Maoists free two tribals in Andhra Pradesh.

Two arrested for attacking women with blades

NEW DELHI – Two men were arrested here Monday for attacking young women with blades, police said.

Vishal, 19, and Rohit, 26, were arrested from north Delhi’s Mongolpuri locality, a police officer said.
Police were on a lookout for the duo after they attacked two young women in Mongolpuri and slashed their faces Saturday.
“They …. Source article  : Two arrested for attacking women with blades.

Digital radio to keep tab on errant Kolkata cops

KOLKATA – Kolkata Police will turn to digital radio technology to keep an eye on errant policemen who are either negligent in duty or indulge in corrupt practices.

Police top brass have zeroed in on the Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) technology that helps wireless sets held by policemen in the field to also serve as … Read more >>.

Fire in Uttar Pradesh plastic scrapyard, no casualties

LUCKNOW – A massive fire broke out in a plastic scrapyard in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district early Monday. No casualties were reported in the incident, an official said.

The fire engulfed the scrapyard in Juhi area and soon spread to nearby establishments.
“It was a major fire. It took over four hours to control the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Fire in Uttar Pradesh plastic scrapyard, no casualties.

Two CRPF troopers kill each other

GUWAHATI – Two paramilitary troopers killed each other following a heated altercation over a personal matter in Assam, police said Monday.

A police spokesperson said the two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers were on duty at a road patrol post at Tetelitol in Golaghat district in eastern Assam late Sunday.
Probably the two got … Original source on Gaea Times at : Two CRPF troopers kill each other.

School teacher missing after complaint of harassment

PANCHKULA – A school music teacher has gone missing after being accused of sexually harassing five girl students and police conducted raids in Haryana and Chandigarh Monday to nab him, police here said.

Sham Bahadur Thapa, a teacher at the Army Public School, was booked Sunday for allegedly sexually harassing Class 5 students on the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : School teacher missing after complaint of harassment.

Chennai Rain Claims 150 Lives

CHENNAI (GaeaTimes.com)- Last month the people of Chennai braced themselves for rough weather by shutting down all educational institutions, offices etc., when the Regional Cyclone Warning Centre announced that Cyclone Jal would hit the coast of Chennai. Later the Cyclone weakened and the people were could breathe a sigh of relief. However, like a … Read : Chennai Rain Claims 150 Lives.

BSF trooper sets himself on fire, dies

LUCKNOW – A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper posted in Haryana burnt himself to death in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district, police said Monday.

Rakesh Kumar, who was around 40 years old, set himself on fire late Sunday inside his house in Chandrapalkhedi village,” police inspector B.R. Verma told reporters in Saharanpur, some 450 km from …. Source article  : BSF trooper sets himself on fire, dies.

Poverty-stricken woman kills kids, self

RAIPUR – A poverty-stricken woman first poisoned her three children and then committed suicide by consuming pesticide at their home in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district. Two of the kids died while the third is battling for life, police said Monday.

Sunita, 32, poisoned her children – Jintu Kumari, 8, Himanshu, 5, and Himesh, 2, – and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Poverty-stricken woman kills kids, self.

Raids to nab teacher accused of harassing girls

PANCHKULA – Raids were conducted in Haryana and Chandigarh Monday to nab a music teacher who has been accused of sexually harassing five girl students, police here said.

Sham Bahadur Thapa, a teacher at Army Public School, was booked Sunday for allegedly sexually harassing Class 5 students.
“We received a complaint against Thapa from the …. Source  : Raids to nab teacher accused of harassing girls.

Thai woman’s suicide screened over webcam

BANGKOK – A 24-year-old Thai woman committed suicide in front of a webcam and broadcast it through an online video chat room to her estranged boyfriend and others, a news report said Monday.

Nichakorn Srisawat, from the central province of Nakhon Sawan, was found hanging by a bed sheet tied to a ceiling fan in … Read more : Thai woman’s suicide screened over webcam.

Volcano spewing fire and ash in Ecuador

QUITO – Ecuador’s Tungurahua volcano was again spewing fire and ash over the weekend after months of relative calm, the Hoy newspaper reported.

A nearly four-kilometre-high ash cloud had formed over the volcano south of the capital Quito Saturday and lava was flowing down the western side of the more than 5,000 metre tall volcano.
…. Source article  : Volcano spewing fire and ash in Ecuador.

Seals massacre on New Zealand beach

WELLINGTON – Twenty-three seals, including eight newborn pups, have been found clubbed to death at a colony near Kaikoura, on

the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the Department of Conservation said Monday.
It appealed to the public for help to identify those responsible for the “callous and cowardly” attack on the protected animals, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Seals massacre on New Zealand beach.

Another female Taliban victim demands justice

ISLAMABAD – A woman who was publicly lashed after being accused of adultery by Taliban militants three years ago in Pakistan’s Swat valley had got an FIR registered against the culprits, reports said.

The woman, Miraja, a resident of Charbagh in Swat valley, told reporters Sunday that “she was accused of having illicit relations with … Read more >>>.

22 killed in China wildfire

BEIJING – A grassland fire in a mountainous Tibetan region in southwest China proved deadly Sunday when it trapped soldiers and local residents trying to douse the blaze, killing at least 22 people, officials said.

The wildfire was raging through a grassland atop a plateau some six km from the county government seat in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 22 killed in China wildfire.

16 killed in Pakistan bus accident

ISLAMABAD – At least 16 people were killed and 42 injured Sunday in a bus accident in northwest Pakistan, a media report said.

The accident occurred in Mallam Jabba in Swat valley when a bus carrying a wedding party fell into a deep ditch, Geo TV reported.
Police said 16 people, including five women and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 16 killed in Pakistan bus accident.

Israel fire divine strike: Palestine PM

GAZA CITY – The de-facto Palestinian Prime Minister in Gaza, Ismail Haniya said Sunday that the massive forest fire in northern Israel was a “strike from Allah”.

Commenting on the fire in Israel, which killed 41 Israelis and burnt more than 50 square km of forest, Hamas’ Haniya told reporters as he joined emergency prayers …. Original source  : Israel fire divine strike: Palestine PM.

Fire in north Delhi warehouse doused

NEW DELHI – A fire broke out in a warehouse in north Delhi and was doused in about two hours Sunday evening, an official said. No one was injured.

The warehouse in Tri Nagar contained plastic articles, the official said.
We got a call at around 6 p.m. from Narang Colony … Original source on Gaea Times at : Fire in north Delhi warehouse doused.

22 killed in China fire

BEIJING – At least 22 people were killed Sunday in a wildfire in southwest China, officials said.

The fire broke out in a mountainous Tibetan region of Sichuan province Sunday noon. The blaze was brought under control by 3 p.m., Xinhua reported.
Read this article on Gaea Times at : 22 killed in China fire.

Maoists call two-day shutdown in Bengal

KOLKATA – The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) Sunday called a 48-hour shutdown in West Bengal starting Dec 8 to protest against the arrest of four state committee members, including secretary Kanchan.

CPI-Maoist state committee member Ashim Mondal alias Akash said: “State secretary Kanchanda and other state committee members – Ajoyda, Bidyutda …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Maoists call two-day shutdown in Bengal.

Noida land scandal: Ex-official gets four-year jail (Second Lead)

GHAZIABAD – A former chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh was Tuesday held guilty of wrongfully allotting a plot during her tenure as Noida authority chief and sentenced to four-year imprisonment by a court here. She was immediately taken into custody.

Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Judge A.K. Singh found Neera Yadav, a retired …. Source article  : Noida land scandal: Ex-official gets four-year jail (Second Lead).

Man shoots wife, son, mother

LUCKNOW – A jeweller was on the run in Uttar Pradesh Tuesday after shooting his wife, son and mother in a fit of rage, police said.

Police inspector Shaligram Verma said all three were battling for their lives in a hospital in Ramabainagar, some 150 km from here.
Alok Gupta, 42, opened fire at his …. Source article  : Man shoots wife, son, mother.

Illegal plot allotment: Ex-Noida official gets four-year jail

GHAZIABAD – A former chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh was Tuesday held guilty of wrongfully allotting a plot during her tenure as Noida authority chief and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment by a court here.

A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court found Neera Yadav, a retired Indian Administrative Service officer, guilty of violating … Read more »»».

Three students booked for ragging

FATEHABAD – Three students of a polytechnic in Haryana have been booked for ragging a junior who consumed poison due to harassment, police said Tuesday. The three accused are absconding.

Jagtar Singh, a second year engineering diploma student of Guru Nanak Polytechnic here, took poison due to the ragging by the final year students earlier …. Read the original article  : Three students booked for ragging.

Bandit gunned down in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A bandit wanted in several cases including murder and abduction was gunned down by police in a forested area of Uttar Pradesh’s Chitrakoot district Tuesday, an official said.

Shankar Kol, 32, was shot dead in the Markundi forest area. But five-six of his accomplices escaped. The dead man primarily operated in Uttar Pradesh … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Bandit gunned down in Uttar Pradesh.

Northeast MPs to meet Dikshit over gangrape

NEW DELHI – In the wake of the gangrape of a BPO employee from Mizoram here, MPs from northeast will meet Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Wednesday to discuss the safety of women from the region in the city.

Madhu Chandra, spokesperson of the Northeast Support Centre and Helpline, told IANS: “We are grateful to … Original article on : Northeast MPs to meet Dikshit over gangrape.

Ex-Noida official held guilty of illegal plot allotment

GHAZIABAD – A former chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh was Tuesday held guilty by a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here of wrongfully allotting a plot during her tenure as Noida authority chief.

The court found Neera Yadav, a retired Indian Administrative Service officer, guilty of violating the rules in allotting the industrial … Read : Ex-Noida official held guilty of illegal plot allotment.

Baltimore Fire Under Control

BALTIMORE (GaeaTimes.com)- Baltimore’s red light district was engulfed by a huge fire that was sparked on Monday afternoon that charred as many as four buildings. Although the actual cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained, city officials have affirmed that the fire broke out in a three-storey building in the area that … Read : Baltimore Fire Under Control.

Bangladesh loses communication with hijacked ship

DHAKA – The Bangladesh authorities have lost communication links with the ship carrying 26 people that was hijacked by Somali pirates two days ago close to India’s Lakshadweep islands, says a report.

The MV Jahan Moni, which was going to Greece, was hijacked in the Arabian Sea Sunday with 26 crew members on board. The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bangladesh loses communication with hijacked ship.

Extortionists torch school in Mexican border city

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Dec 7 (IANS/EFE) Extortionists set fire to a school in the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez after the institute’s owners reportedly refused to pay protection money, authorities said.

The arsonists also scrawled obscene messages on the walls of the school in Ciudad Juarez’s San Antonio area, where teachers told parents that … Read more »»».

HIV positive man on trial for sex with Thai child prostitutes

LUENEBURG – An HIV-positive former German musician has been charged with abusing seven children and 23 youths in Thailand.

The 65-year-old former member of 1980s folk music group Godewind is accused of 403 cases of unprotected sex with child prostitutes, despite knowing he was HIV positive.
Due to his HIV status, which he allegedly did … Read more >>>.

Lenin statue blown up in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, Dec 7 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Unidentified vandals blew up a statue of Lenin in the outskirts of St. Petersburg Monday night, police said Tuesday.

The incident occurred in Pushkin town, 24 km south of St. Petersburg at around 10 p.m. (2200 GMT).
“The statue is tilted at an acute angle, and the blast broke …. Original article  : Lenin statue blown up in St. Petersburg.

Bodies of missing US balloonists found at sea off Italy

VIESTE – The bodies of two missing US hot-air balloonists have been found off Italy’s Adriatic Sea coastline when the wreckage of their balloon was caught in the nets of a fishing trawler.

The pair, Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer Davis, were last heard of Sep 29 when they sent a distress signal to air … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bodies of missing US balloonists found at sea off Italy.

Qatar’s Royal Family Member Killed in car Mishap in Iraq

RAMADI, IRAQ (GaeaTimes.com) — In an unfortunate car accident near Ramadi, a member of Qatar’s royal family was killed on Monday. The accident took place on Sunday afternoon in a bumpy area near the village of al-Nukhaib, some 200 km southwest of Anbar’s capital city of Ramadi.
According to internal sources, the victim has been … Read more : Qatar’s Royal Family Member Killed in car Mishap in Iraq.

Mystery Car Crash leaves Husband Dead, Wife Missing

ILLINOIS (GaeaTimes.com) — In a strange turn of event, 40-year-old Tanya Shannon went missing after a car accident that killed her husband in Illinois.
According to police, Tanya and her husband, Dale, were in their car when it crashed Sunday near Seneca, Ill., about 80 miles from Chicago. Surprisingly, Tanya went missing while Dale was [..] Read the original article: here.

Car Mishap on Brimorton Drive Kills 1, 1 Injured

BELLAMY ROAD, CANADA (GaeaTimes.com) — In a car mishap on Sunday morning, a 28 year old man was killed on Brimorton Drive near Bellamy Road. The accident took place when the driver of the car lost control on the road and hit a pole and then a tree.
Beside the driver, the car had a … Original article on : Car Mishap on Brimorton Drive Kills 1, 1 Injured.

Heavy Rain in Chennai Disrupts Life, Prices of vegetables to Soar Soon

CHENNAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — Continuous heavy rain in Chennai has disrupted daily to severe extent. As many as 179 people have been so far killed due to this natural calamity which is giving way to floods and wash outs.
Judging by the seriousness of the matter, CM of Tamil Nadu, Mr. M. Karunanidhi had arranged …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Heavy Rain in Chennai Disrupts Life, Prices of vegetables to Soar Soon.

Fifth accused in BPO rape case arrested

NEW DELHI – The fifth accused in the rape of a 30-year-old BPO employee in the capital’s Dhaula Kuan area last week was arrested Monday night, Delhi Police said.

Kamru was arrested from Sohna district of Haryana at around 9.30 p.m., police officials said.
Two accused – Shamsad and Usman – were arrested last week … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Fifth accused in BPO rape case arrested.

Swiss Post to shut bank account of Assange

GENEVA – Swiss Post announced Monday it will close down the bank account of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, saying he gave false information when he opened the account.

“PostFinance will terminate its business relationship with Julian Assange,” according to a statement which used the official name of the bank run by the post office.
The …. Source  : Swiss Post to shut bank account of Assange.

ICC launches probe into alleged war crimes by North Korea

THE HAGUE – The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched a preliminary investigation into alleged war crimes committed by North Korea in the territory of the Republic of Korea, court officials in The Hague said Monday.

The probe concerns both the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island Nov 23 and the sinking of a … Read : ICC launches probe into alleged war crimes by North Korea.

Kerala orders two probes into job scam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The Kerala government Wednesday suspended the Wayanad district collector and announced two probes into a job scam that surfaced last week.

The scandal surfaced after eight people who recently joined various offices under the revenue department in Wayanad district were found to have produced fake joining orders and advice memos of the …. Original article  : Kerala orders two probes into job scam.

CBI raids Raja and telecom ministry officials (Third Lead)

NEW DELHI/CHENNAI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Wednesday searched the Delhi and Tamil Nadu homes of former telecom minister A. Raja as well as the premises of four of his former aides in the ministry in connection with the 2G spectrum probe, an official said.

The CBI team reached Rajass 2-A Motilal Nehru … Read this article on Gaea Times at : CBI raids Raja and telecom ministry officials (Third Lead).

Man arrested for Indian-origin wife’s murder

LONDON – Shrien Dewani, the British businessman whose Indian-origin wife was shot dead while the couple was on honeymoon in South Africa, has been arrested in Britain on suspicion of conspiring to murder her, a media report said Wednesday.

Police detained Dewani on behalf of the South African authorities, the Daily Telegraph reported.
…. Read the original article  : Man arrested for Indian-origin wife’s murder.

Have special courts for financial offences, says court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday favoured the setting up of special courts to try offences of huge financial magnitude.

The court said these courts could come up to try acts of crime covered by the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and other laws dealing with financial offences.
The apex court bench of Justice … Read more : Have special courts for financial offences, says court.

Goods train derails in Punjab

LUDHIANA – Six coaches of a goods train derailed near a railway station here in Punjab Wednesday. No one was injured.

The train, going from Ambala to Ludhiana’s dry port, ran off the tracks near Dhandari Kalan railway station and hit electricity poles, disrupting rail traffic and power supply.
In the process, the Amritsar-Delhi Shatabdi …. Source article  : Goods train derails in Punjab.

Rains claim 16 lives, damage crops in Andhra

HYDERABAD – Heavy rains have claimed 16 lives in coastal Andhra Pradesh since the last two days and have caused widespread damage to standing crops, an official said Wednesday.

South coastal Andhra districts received heavy rains as a depression in the Bay of Bengal crossed the coast near Bapatla Wednesday morning.
According to an officials …. Read the original article  : here.

Goa Police issued notice in Israeli drug dealer case

PANAJI – The Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court Wednesday issued notice to the Goa police asking it to reply within a month to the bail application of Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Dudu, who was arrested here in February.

In his application, Dudu said he should be released on bail because …. Read the original article  : here.

2G scam: CBI raids Raja and his associates (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI/CHENNAI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Wednesday searched the Delhi and Tamil Nadu homes of former telecom minister A. Raja as well as the premises of four of his associates in connection with the 2G spectrum probe, an official said.

The raids were conducted at Raja’s 2-A Motilal Nehru Marg residence [..] Read the original article: here.

12 people drown in Andhra, one still missing

HYDERABAD – Twelve people, including six children and five women, were killed when the vehicle in which they were travelling was washed away in a stream in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district, police said Wednesday. One person is still missing.

The tragedy occurred late Tuesday when a Tata Sumo vehicle carrying 16 people was caught in … Read more : 12 people drown in Andhra, one still missing.

UN troops brought cholera to Haiti: report

Paris, Dec 8 (IANS/EFE) The cholera epidemic that has caused more than 2,000 deaths in Haiti was introduced by Nepalese troops serving with the UN forces in the impoverished Caribbean country, according to a French medical report.

The disease first appeared in the small central town of Mirebalais, where the Nepalese soldiers set up … Read : UN troops brought cholera to Haiti: report.

Eight injured as buses collide in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Eight passengers were injured when a DTC bus collided with a private bus in east Delhi Wednesday, police said.

The incident took place during the office rush hour at 9 a.m. in Vivek Vihar area of east Delhi, a police official said.
“Eight people suffered minor injuries and were rushed to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

2G scam: CBI raids houses of Raja, four associates

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Wednesday searched the homes of former telecom minister A. Raja and four of his associates here in connection with the 2G spectrum investigation, an official said.

“A CBI team reached the Delhi residence of Raja at around 7 a.m. Raids are still on,” a CBI …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 2G scam: CBI raids houses of Raja, four associates.

Unicef says crisis not over for Pakistani flood-hit children

ISLAMABAD – Unicef has appealed for millions of dollars of additional aid for the children in Pakistan worst hit by the summer’s floods, warning that the winter posed a growing threat.

The UN body Tuesday said it needed $82.1 million “to expand urgently needed support to improve widespread malnutrition and to stop polio spreading”.
The … Read more »».

26 killed in China mine blast

BEIJING – Twenty-six people were killed in an explosion in a coal mine in central China’s Henan province, authorities said Wednesday.

A total of 46 miners were working underground when the gas blast occurred at 7.40 p.m. Tuesday in the Suzhuang Coal Mine in Sanmenxia city, about 300 km from the provincial …. Original source  : 26 killed in China mine blast.

British police launch appeal for stolen 300-year-old violin

LONDON – British detectives have launched a public appeal for information after a South Korean musician was left distraught by the theft of her 314-year-old antique Stradivarius violin at a London railway station, reports said.

Media reports said 32-year-old Min-Jin Kym, who has recently performed with the Philharmonic Orchestra, had been deeply upset by the … Original article on : British police launch appeal for stolen 300-year-old violin.

3-Year-Old Girl Injured in a Car Crash in Lynbrook

LYNBROOK(GaeaTimes.com) — On Tuesday, a 3-year-old girl was taken to the hospital who suffered a cardiac arrest after her father crashed their car into a tree near Lynbrook.
The accident took place at near about 1.30 p.m. when the southbound sedan veered into a tree on Ocean Avenue near Ruth Place. Village Police Chief Joseph …. Read the original article  : 3-Year-Old Girl Injured in a Car Crash in Lynbrook.

Car Accident in Dunham Kills 1 from White lake

DUNHAM (GaeaTimes.com) — A 21 year old man from White Lakeman was killed on last Monday night when his pick-up truck lost control off a Highland Township and smashed into a tree.
Wesley Brown, the victim of the accident was driving a 1999 Ford Ranger north on Hickory Ridge near Dunham at 11:47 p.m. when … Read more »».

Car Accident at I-95 Claims Life of 1 in Connecticut

NORTH STONINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — In a car accident that took place on Monday night at Interstate 95 in North Stonington claimed the life of 1. Connecticut State Police are of the opinion that the crash occured at about 7 p.m., by Exit 92.
According to the Police, the accident took place between two cars. One …. Original source  : Car Accident at I-95 Claims Life of 1 in Connecticut.

Cedar City Car Accident Kills a 9-month-old Infant, 5 crtically Injured

CEDAR CITY (GaeaTimes.com) — In a horrific car mishap near Cedar City, a 9-month-old infant was killed while critically injuring several others. The accident occured when a a garbage truck and van collided fact to face at SR130/3000 North Main in Cedar City.
According to some witnesses, the garbage truck was traveling west through the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Cedar City Car Accident Kills a 9-month-old Infant, 5 crtically Injured.

CBI recommends case against former Chandigarh official

CHANDIGARH – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recommended a criminal case against a Haryana bureaucrat, earlier serving with the Chandigarh administration, for his role in a teachers recruitment scam that made headlines here last year, CBI sources said here Tuesday.

The CBI has sought the sanction from its head office in New Delhi … Original source on Gaea Times at : CBI recommends case against former Chandigarh official.

Three crude bombs recovered in Allahabad

LUCKNOW – Panic gripped a residential area of Uttar Pradesh’s major city Allahabad Thursday after three live crude bombs were recovered from a garbage trolley, within two days of a bomb blast in Varanasi, police said.

“Acting on a tip-off, we recovered the crude bombs from the garbage bin in the Bahadurganj area. A team … Read more »».

CVC launches website to fight corruption

NEW DELHI – On the International Anti-Corruption Day, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) launched a new portal ‘VIGEYE’ where citizens can upload videos or audios on any act of corruption directly from their mobile phones Thursday.

The new citizen-centric initiative of the CVC will enable even common man to carry out a sting …. Original article  : CVC launches website to fight corruption.

Nepal villagers try to set Indian border guard ablaze

KATHMANDU – A mob in a southern village of Nepal clashed with a group of marauding Indian border patrol guards Thursday and tried to set one of the men ablaze.

Surendra Kumar Chaudhary of Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) had a narrow escape from being burnt alive in Tikoliya village in Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s …. Original source  : Nepal villagers try to set Indian border guard ablaze.

Helicopter crash kills three in Mexico

MEXICO CITY – At least three people were killed when a police helicopter crashed in Mexico, Xinhua reported Thursday.

According to police, the Bell 412 helicopter with 11 people on board crashed Wednesday when it was going to a prison in the town of Villa Aldama in eastern Veracruz state.
… Read more >>>.

Eight killed in rains, Panama Canal shut down

PANAMA CITY – Days of heavy rain have left at least eight people dead in Panama, while the Panama Canal authority was forced to shut down the short-cut ship passage that connects the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean and Atlantic oceans.

President Ricardo Martinelli said the deaths were caused by flooding as rivers overflowed their … Read more : Eight killed in rains, Panama Canal shut down.

From jail to stage – reforming prisoners through cultural therapy

KOLKATA – Once hardened criminals and now do-gooders for all of society, Nigel Akkara alias Vikki and Debashis Chakraborty bring to life in more ways than one the old age story of robber Ratnakar who metamorphosed into sage Valmiki.

Leaving behind long years spent in jail, Vikki now runs a business while Chakraborty is a … Original source on Gaea Times at : From jail to stage – reforming prisoners through cultural therapy.

Three killed in Mexico violence

Cancun (Mexico), Dec 9 (IANS/EFE) Three people were found brutally murdered in this Mexican resort city, where a UN climate summit is going on amid heavy security.

In two separate incidents Wednesday that bore the hallmarks of organised crime, three men — aged 25-30 — were shot dead after being tortured, according to police reports.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Panama Canal shut down due to rain

PANAMA CITY – Days of heavy rain prompted the Panama Canal authority to shut down the short-cut ship passage that connects the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean and Atlantic oceans.

Officials Wednesday said visibility was too limited to manoeuvre ships through the locks.
Catastrophic downpours have flooded the entire region between Venezuela and Costa Rica … Read more >>.

Delhi teenager commits suicide

NEW DELHI – A 17-year-old boy committed suicide in his house in southeast Delhi Wednesday, police said.

Shubham, a Class 10 student, was found dead today (Wednesday) evening in his house in Jasola Vihar, a police official said, adding that it was a case of suicide.
“We are still investigating the case and trying to …. Source article  : Delhi teenager commits suicide.

Rs.50 lakh stolen from clerk’s house, recovered

NEW DELHI – Two people were arrested for looting Rs.50 lakh from a government clerk’s house in west Delhi, police said Wednesday. The money has been recovered.

Two bags, carrying Rs.29 lakh and Rs.21 lakh respectively, were recovered from Mukesh Todi and Vikas. Mukesh was arrested from Seemapuri area in east Delhi and Vikas … Read more »».

14 killed in Andhra rains, standing crops damaged

HYDERABAD – Heavy rains in Andhra Pradesh in the past two days have claimed 14 lives and damaged crops over 3.7 lakh hectares, causing great misery to farmers already reeling under the impact of recent cyclones.

Rescue workers Wednesday recovered 12 bodies from a stream near Vinukonda in Guntur district as heavy rains swelled …. Original article  : 14 killed in Andhra rains, standing crops damaged.

Six gunmen killed in Mexico

Mexico City, Dec 8 (IANS/EFE) Seven gunmen were killed in a clash with army troops in northeast Mexico, officials said.

The gunfight took place at the Santa Lucia ranch in Mexico’s Tamaulipas state, the Defence Secretariat said Tuesday.
Soldiers assigned to the 8th Military Zone, based in the border city of Reynosa, were attacked Monday … Read more : Six gunmen killed in Mexico.

Saudi man sentenced to ‘prayer calls’ instead of whipping

RIYADH – A court in the Saudi district of Badr sentenced a man Wednesday to perform prayer calls at a local mosque for one month, Saudi newspaper al-Riyadh reported.

The man had been convicted of covering up details of a theft and was given the sentence as an alternative to the standard punishment, whipping.
In …. Source  : Saudi man sentenced to ‘prayer calls’ instead of whipping.

New courts needed to try economic offences, says apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday favoured setting up of special courts to try cases of economic offences involving the violation of laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The apex court bench of Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice A.K. Ganguly said that it was not prudent to burden judges with cases …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New courts needed to try economic offences, says apex court.

Delhi man, four accomplices held for father’s murder

NEW DELHI – A 29-year-old man was arrested for allegedly killing his father to inherit his wealth, police said Wednesday. Four of his accomplices were also arrested.

Nikesh Gupta, 29, Lalit Yadav, 22, Lal Bahadur, 40, Gaurav Kumar, 23, and Mohammad Adil, 23, were accused of murdering businessman Jai Bhagwan Gupta, Nikesh’s father, in …. Original source  : Delhi man, four accomplices held for father’s murder.

CBI seizes papers in daylong raids on Raja, family, aides (Roundup)

NEW DELHI/CHENNAI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Wednesday seized “incriminating documents” after searching the houses of disgraced former telecom minister Andimuthu Raja in New Delhi and Chennai as well as those of his relatives and aides over the 2G spectrum row.

A few hours after the day-long raids began, CBI Director A.P. Singh … Read more »».

Malaysia to hang Indian for drug trafficking

GEORGE TOWN – An Indian man convicted on charges of drug trafficking in Malaysia will be hanged, a media report said Wednesday.

Bahurudeen Mohamed Yusoff Ghaney was caught at the Penang International Airport with 10 kg of ketamine last year. He was travelling from India.
Ghaney, 41, broke down when High Court judicial commissioner Mohammed … Original source on Gaea Times at : Malaysia to hang Indian for drug trafficking.

Meghalaya Police up vigil to prevent information leakage

SHILLONG – Alarmed over police officials joining rebel groups, Meghalaya Police have stepped up internal vigilance to prevent leakage of information to rebel groups, police said Wednesday.

The step was taken after deputy superintendent of police Champion R. Sangma and constable Roster Sangma joined the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), one of the five …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Meghalaya Police up vigil to prevent information leakage.

CBI raids Raja, family and aides (Fifth Lead)

NEW DELHI/CHENNAI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Wednesday recovered incriminating documents during searches at the Delhi and Tamil Nadu homes of former telecom minister A. Raja, his close relatives as well as four of his associates in connection with the 2G spectrum probe, an official said.

In a sweeping coordinated operation, the CBI …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : CBI raids Raja, family and aides (Fifth Lead).

Two cops killed in road accident

RANCHI – Two policemen were killed and four injured when their vehicle hit a tree in Jharkhand’s Simdega district Wednesday, police said.

The incident took place near Thethaitangar village, 120 km from Ranchi.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two cops killed in road accident.

Northeast delegation meets home ministry official

NEW DELHI – A delegation of activists and lawyers from the northeast Friday met a home ministry official to discuss the issue of the safety of women in the capital, especially from the northeast, following the gangrape of a Mizo woman here.

“We wanted to meet the home minister (P. Chidambaram) but he is …. Read the original article  : Northeast delegation meets home ministry official.

Engineering student held for morphing nude photos

BHOPAL – An engineering student was arrested in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur town on charges of morphing nude photographs of a girl from Guwahati in Assam whom he had befriended on a social networking site two years ago, police said Friday.

Arpit Bhargav, 19, was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police … Original source on Gaea Times at : Engineering student held for morphing nude photos.

After Adarsh, satellite mapping of prime properties in Mumbai

MUMBAI – Hoping to prevent scams like the Adarsh Co-operative Housing Society, the Maharashtra government is contemplating measures likes satellite mapping of all prime properties in Mumbai and determining their exact status and ownership.

According to a high-ranking government official, the proposal involves satellite mapping of all prime areas ranging from Cuffe Parade, Colaba, Nariman …. Source article  : After Adarsh, satellite mapping of prime properties in Mumbai.

Punjab jails crammed 150 percent beyond capacity

CHANDIGARH – A space for 46 being occupied by 136 people — that is the sorry state in the jail in Punjab’s Moga town and in most other prisons in the state which are packed way beyond their capacity, leading to frequent fights and drug abuse.

And with many cases pending in courts, the situation …. Original article  : Punjab jails crammed 150 percent beyond capacity.

Hendrik Coetzee Presumed Dead

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (GaeaTimes.com)- Hendrik Coetzee, a highly-acclaimed outdoorsmen is presumed to be dead after he was involved in a tragic incident on the Lukuga River where he was dragged into the water by a crocodile after it attacked his kayak. The incident took place on Tuesday when the 35-year-old whitewater guide was leading … Read more : Hendrik Coetzee Presumed Dead.

Sabotage suspected in Kerala lab fire

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Samples taken for investigation in various cases were destroyed when a fire broke out allegedly due to sabotage in the chief chemical examiner’s laboratory Friday morning, police said.

Thiruvananthapuram Police Commissioner M.R. Ajithkumar ruled out the possibility of a short circuit causing the blaze.
The fire broke out in the sample room located …. Original article  : Sabotage suspected in Kerala lab fire.

Businessman abducted in Bihar

PATNA – A businessman has been abducted by unidentified men in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, police said Friday.

Deepak Kumar, who runs a cloth business, was abducted Thursday night at gunpoint by unidentified men in Muzaffarpur, about 70 km from here, an official said.
His family members lodged a case with the police and said that …. Source article  : Businessman abducted in Bihar.

Cruise Ship In Antarctica Out Of Danger

ANTARCTICA (GaeaTimes.com)- Clelia II a cruise liner that started its voyage to Antarctica from Argentina on Nov 30 ran into trouble in the frozen continent’s Drake passage when it was passing through inclement weather. The ship with 88 passengers as well as 77 crews onboard was tossed by the huge sea waves and also … Read more »»».

IAS couple, engineers’ homes raided by Lokayukt

BHOPAL – The Madhya Pradesh Lokayukt Friday conducted raids at the residences of a bureaucrat couple and two engineers for alleged corruption.

The raids were carried out at the homes of Arvind Joshi and his wife Tinu Joshi – both Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers – and engineers Deepak Asai and Ram Das Chaudhary.
All …. Original source  : IAS couple, engineers’ homes raided by Lokayukt.

IAS couple, engineers’ homes raided by Lokayukt

BHOPAL – The Madhya Pradesh Lokayukt Friday conducted raids at the residences of a bureaucrat couple and two engineers for alleged corruption.

The raids were carried out at the homes of Arvind Joshi and his wife Tinu Joshi – both Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers – and engineers Deepak Asai and Ram Das Chaudhary.
All …. Read the original article  : IAS couple, engineers’ homes raided by Lokayukt.

Punjab lawyer, sons held for immigration fraud

JALANDHAR – A lawyer and his two sons have been arrested from Himachal Pradesh’s Solan town for duping at least seven youths from across Punjab of Rs.18.5 lakh on the pretext of sending them abroad, police said Friday.

The accused — James Masih and his sons Pankaj and Ankur — were running a travel …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Punjab lawyer, sons held for immigration fraud.

Explosion at central China factory, casualties unknown

WUHAN – A blast occurred at a private pharmaceutical factory in a city of central China’s Hubei Province Friday, local authorities said.

The explosion happened around 10 a.m. in the factory in Tuanfeng County of Huanggang City, Xinhua quoted the authorities as saying.
The casualties are not immediately known.
More than 30 fire fighters are … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Explosion at central China factory, casualties unknown.

Gangster killed in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A gangster carrying a reward of Rs.50,000 for his capture was gunned down by security forces in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras area Friday while his accomplice managed to escape, police said.

Kamlesh Yadav, who was around 30 years old and had over 12 criminal cases, including murder, abduction and other heinous crimes pending against … Read : Gangster killed in Uttar Pradesh.

110 suspected prostitutes rounded up at biggest casino

HONG KONG – More than 100 suspected prostitutes have been rounded up in a police raid on the world’s biggest casino, the US-owned Venetian resort in Macau, a news report said Friday.

The women were detained in an operation involving dozens of officers early Thursday at the giant complex run by US casino operator Sheldon …. Source  : 110 suspected prostitutes rounded up at biggest casino.

China, Iran jail most journalists in world: Report

NEW YORK – A New York-based global media watch group has said that 145 journalists were currently jailed around the world because of their work – the highest number in 14 years. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said Iran and China led the list, each with 34 imprisoned journalists.

Together, they accounted for nearly …. Read the original article  : China, Iran jail most journalists in world: Report.

Teenager arrested in Netherlands over cyber attacks for WikiLeaks

THE HAGUE – A 16-year-old suspected hacker has been arrested in the Netherlands for allegedly having attacked the websites of Mastercard and Visa, Dutch authorities said.

The attacks appeared to retaliation against the credit card companies for their refusal to process any more donations to WikiLeaks.
According to a report in the Dutch daily De …. Source article  : Teenager arrested in Netherlands over cyber attacks for WikiLeaks.

Royal couple attacked in violent London protests

LONDON – British Prime Minister David Cameron late Thursday condemned as “shocking and unacceptable” a day of violent student protests in London during which a car carrying Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, was attacked.

The incident involving the royal limousine came as protesters roamed through the West End of London, smashing shop windows and … Read more >>.

World steeplechase champ detained in doping probe

MADRID – Steeplechase world champion Marta Dominguez has been arrested along with two coaches and doctor Eufemiano Fuentes in the latest Spanish police investigation into doping in sport, local news reports said.

The El Pais daily said on its website Thursday that the Central Operation Unit (UCO) of the Guardia Civil raided the homes of …. Original source  : World steeplechase champ detained in doping probe.

Corruption on rise worldwide: Transparency survey

BERLIN – Corruption is on the rise, with one in four people worldwide saying they paid a bribe in the past year, according to a survey by anti-corruption group Transparency International (TI).

Releasing the findings in Berlin Thursday, the group said 60 percent of people it surveyed estimated the problem had become worse.
Of those …. Source article  : Corruption on rise worldwide: Transparency survey.

Heavy Fog Result in 3 Car Accident on FM 666

CORPUS CHIRSTI (GaeaTimes.com) — Due to heavy fog, Corpus Christi State Police has reported three early morning car crash on FM 666 just north of Bluntzer.
On Thursday morning, a 18-wheeler carrying a full load of gravel was making a left turn onto the road when a pick-up slammed into the big rig. Minutes later, … Read more >>>.

Woman survives 12-storey fall, faces suicide bid charge

SINGAPORE – A Chinese woman who survived a fall from the 12th floor of a Singapore apartment building now faces a criminal charge for attempted suicide, a media report said Saturday.

Zhou Zhi Hui, 26, Friday tried to escape from her flat after a heated argument with her landlord when she lost grip at a …. Read the original article  : here.

Nepal Maoists train guns on yet another Indian firm

KATHMANDU – Continuing their policy of obstructing Indian investors, Nepal’s former Maoist guerrillas Saturday trained their guns on yet another Indo-Nepal joint venture, threatening to bring it to a halt.

The government of Nepal had awarded the licence to Green Ventures Pvt. Ltd., founded by IIT alumnus K.R. Krishnan, along with his Nepali partner, to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nepal Maoists train guns on yet another Indian firm.

Hitman hired to kill my son still absconding: Goa minister

PANAJI – Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik Saturday said that a contract killer hired to kill his son earlier this year is still at large.

Speaking to reporters here, Naik said that police were still on the lookout for Joeboy Lopez, who had allegedly taken a contract to kill his son, Roy Naik, in September. …. Read the original article  : Hitman hired to kill my son still absconding: Goa minister.

Punjabi woman’s murder case nears verdict in Canada

VANCOUVER – Defence and prosecution lawyers Friday finished their arguments in a sensational Indo-Canadian murder case here in which a Punjabi man is accused of strangulating his pregnant wife and burning her body four years ago.

A former school teacher, Mukhtiar Singh Panghali, 38, faces second-degree murder charges in the death of his … Original article on : Punjabi woman’s murder case nears verdict in Canada.

Out goes a corrupt official, in comes a school

PATNA – The Bihar government is making good its promise to confiscate the property of corrupt officials and turn them into primary schools.

That is what has happened at the home of former motor vehicle inspector (MVI) Raghuvansh Kunwar at Chaira village in Samastipur district. The government has already begun the process of setting up … Read more »».

Army officer, family members, driver killed in road accident

HOSHIARPUR – An army officer, his wife, a daughter and their driver were killed in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district Saturday morning when their vehicle was caught between and crushed by two trucks, police here said.

The incident took place on the Mahilpur-Chandigarh road when the family was travelling from Pathankot to Chandigarh. The officer has been …. Read the original article  : Army officer, family members, driver killed in road accident.

Four Philippine policemen charged with kidnapping

MANILA – Four policemen in the Philippines will be charged in a kidnapping-for-ransom of two people, officials said.

Criminal and administrative charges will be filed against police officers Roger Bacanto, Celedonio Tipon, Jay Jay Vallente and Venancio Jayoma Jr., all from the Caloocan City police station, Xinhua quoted National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief …. Source  : Four Philippine policemen charged with kidnapping.

Fire in house kills five siblings, all minors

ALIGARH – Five children of a rickshaw-puller, all aged between 12 and 14, were burnt to death here when a fire broke out in their house while they were sleeping, police said Saturday.

The incident took place late Friday in Pala Sahibabad area of Aligarh, some 300 km from state capital Lucknow, when the house … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Fire in house kills five siblings, all minors.

Plane makes emergency landing in Sofia

SOFIA – A Bulgarian plane – with 29 passengers and seven crew on board – took off from Sofia for Moscow Friday, but had to turn back and make an emergency landing after one of its engines failed, a media report said.

The Bulgaria Air flight FB 363 from the Bulgarian capital city to Moscow …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Plane makes emergency landing in Sofia.

18 abducted deminers rescued in Afghanistan

KABUL – All 18 deminers who were abducted in Afghanistan’s Khost province have been rescued a day after their kidnapping, a top official has said.

Afghan security forces with the support of NATO-led troops rescued the deminers Friday, provincial police chief Abdul Hakim Ishaqzai said.
All the abducted people were safe, Ishaqzai told Xinhua.
He, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Iranian woman won’t be stoned to death: Report

TEHRAN – An Iranian woman whose case drew international attention will not face death by stoning for adultery, Iran’s state-run news broadcaster Press TV reported.

In a report about Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani, who has become a cause celebre among international human rights groups, the woman also confessed that she not only committed adultery but also had …. Original article  : Iranian woman won’t be stoned to death: Report.

150 Jordanians hurt in clashes after football match

AMMAN – Clashes and riots following a football game between Jordan’s leading sports clubs Friday injured some 150 people, including 25 police officers, the government said.

Most of those injured were able to return home later in the day, but 11 remained hospitalised, Deputy Premier Ayman Safadi told the official Petra news agency.
Security authorities … Read more >>>.

I-80 Car Accident leaves Woman Critically Injured

LAKE POINT, TOOELE COUNTY (GaeaTimes.com) — In a car accident in Tooele County, a women was critically injured when her car went off the edge of I-80.
According to Utah patrol trooper, the accident took place at around 6.30 a.m., when the car driven by the victim’s husband went off the side of the road. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : I-80 Car Accident leaves Woman Critically Injured.

Army Truck Accident in San Andreas leaves 15 Injured Soldier

SAN ANDREAS (GaeaTimes.com) — On Friday morning, more than 15 soldiers were injured when their truck crashed into a mountainside while coming down a narrow downhill road in Barangay, San Jose.
According to Lt. Col. Danilo Aquino, commander of 83rd Infantry Battalion, the soldiers were returning from Virac to their camp in San Andreas when … Read more »»».

Soldier from Fort Riley Injured in a Hunting Accident

GEARY COUNTY (GaeaTimes.com) — On Thursday morning, at about 7a.m., Geary County authority received a call about a a hunting accident where a Fort Riley soldier was shot by a Manhattan resident. The victim was hunting elk near the area of Old 77 Highway and Range Road on the west side of the Fort … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Soldier from Fort Riley Injured in a Hunting Accident.

Car Crash in Stephenville Kills 1, 3 Injured

STEPHENVILLE (GaeaTimes.com) — On Thursday, a 86-year-old man was killed and three more were seriously injured in a car crash in western Newfoundland.
According to RCMP, the person who was killed was sitting in the passengers seat when the car went out of control on West Street in Stephenville. The car left the roadway and … Read more »».

Woman dacoit nabbed in Uttar Pradesh

AGRA – Bandit queen Rusi, carrying a reward of Rs.15,000, believed to be the beloved of dreaded dacoit Vishnu Parihar, was arrested with her brother Cheepa from Karkoli village, police said Friday.

Rusi was nabbed from Karkoli, under Bah police station, 70 km from here, by a Special Operations Group team.
Police sources said … Read more »».

Woman dacoit nabbed in Uttar Pradesh

AGRA – Bandit queen Rusi, carrying a reward of Rs.15,000, believed to be the beloved of dreaded dacoit Vishnu Parihar, was arrested with her brother Cheepa from Karkoli village, police said Friday.

Rusi was nabbed from Karkoli, under Bah police station, 70 km from here, by a Special Operations Group team.
Police sources said …. Original article  : Woman dacoit nabbed in Uttar Pradesh.

Man dies trying to rescue cat

KOLLAM – A man died Friday while trying to rescue a cat which had fallen into a well in his home in this Kerala district, police said.

“A cat had fallen into the well of Gopinathan, 45. In order to remove the cat, he used a diesel pump inside the well to pump out the …. Source  : Man dies trying to rescue cat.

84,950 kg wheat, rice seized in Delhi

NEW DELHI – About 84,950 kg of wheat and rice were seized and six people were arrested Friday on charges of selling in the black market the commodities meant for deprived sections, police said.

Police seized 61,900 kg of wheat and 23,050 kg of rice in 1,699 packets, besides impounding six trucks, Deputy Commissioner …. Source article  : 84,950 kg wheat, rice seized in Delhi.

Rape victims had hidden agenda, Julian Assange’s lawyer

LONDON – There are “hidden agendas” in the rape claims made against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange by two women in Stockholm, his lawyer has said.

Bjrn Hurtig, who is representing Assange in Sweden, said he has seen secret police documents that reveal Assange is innocent of rape claims, Daily Mail reported Sunday.
Hurtig said the … Read : Rape victims had hidden agenda, Julian Assange’s lawyer.

Kerala bus torching: PDP leader’s wife to be prosecuted

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The union home ministry has sanctioned the prosecution of Sufiya Maudany, wife of jailed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Abdul Nasir Maudany, and all the 13 accused in the 2005 Kalamassery bus burning case, a government order says.

Sufiya is the tenth accused in the case that was earlier being investigated by the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kerala bus torching: PDP leader’s wife to be prosecuted.

Congress leaders booked for insulting flag on Sonia’s birthday

RAIPUR – Two senior Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh have been booked for cutting a cake designed like the national flag on the birth anniversary of party president Sonia Gandhi, police said Sunday.

The two Congressmen, state general secretary Subhash Sharma and Raipur city unit president Inderchand Dhariwal, were booked under section 2 of the …. Original source  : Congress leaders booked for insulting flag on Sonia’s birthday.

Three women attacked with blades in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Three young women had their faces disfigured in blade attacks on them in Delhi’s Mongolpuri locality Saturday night. Over 10 men have been detained for questioning, police said Sunday.

“The faces of three victims were slashed with blades late Saturday,” a police official told IANS.
The incident come days after Delhi Police …. Original article  : Three women attacked with blades in Delhi.

Nine of family, driver die in Maharashtra accident

RATNAGIRI – Nine members of a family and a driver were killed when their vehicle collided with a bus in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district Sunday morning, police said.

The accident took place near Khed when the speeding Tavera, driven by 22-year-old Suraj Shankar Jadhav, was taking a sharp curve at Kashedi Ghat on the Bombay-Goa highway … Read more »»».

19-year-old gangraped in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A 19-year-old girl was allegedly abducted and raped in a moving vehicle by four youths, including a minor, in Sultanpuri area of north-west Delhi late Saturday. All the accused have been detained, police said Sunday.

The accused abducted the girl from Sultanpuri area in a Hyundai Accent car and raped her, a … Read more >>.

Gang of car thieves nabbed in Punjab

MANDI GOBINDGARH – A gang of car thieves, including a sacked policeman, who specialised in stealing Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) was nabbed in Punjab and eight vehicles seized from them, police said Sunday.

Acting on a tip-off, the police laid a trap to nab the accused late Saturday here. Former policeman Joga Singh, Bimal Kumar … Original article on : Gang of car thieves nabbed in Punjab.

Two held in Punjab for illegally carrying jewellery

PATIALA – Two men have been arrested in Rajpura town of Punjab’s Patiala district for illegally carrying diamond jewellery worth about Rs.1.40 crore (Rs.14 million), police said here Sunday.

Chetan Jain of Uttar Pradesh and Chirag Bhandari of Rajasthan were arrested late Saturday during the routine checking of buses at a police check-post.
“They …. Source article  : Two held in Punjab for illegally carrying jewellery.

Apparent suicide attack in Stockholm

STOCKHOLM – An apparent suicide attacker blew himself up in central Stockholm Saturday, local media reported.

The man allegedly sent a threatening e-mail addressed to news agency TT minutes prior to the attack. The message said it was time for the Swedes to die “like our brothers and sisters” and made reference to the country’s …. Original source  : Apparent suicide attack in Stockholm.

Elderly couple commit suicide by hanging

LUCKNOW – An elderly couple allegedly committed suicide by hanging themselves with a rope in the courtyard of their house here Saturday, police said.

R.S Yadav, 62, and his 60-year-old wife Tulsi Devi were found hanging inside their house in the Gudamba locality.
Yadav’s elder son Arun Yadav, who works in a private company, said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Elderly couple commit suicide by hanging.

Chavez to rule Venezuela from Bedouin tent

Moscow, Dec 11 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is to govern temporarily from a Bedouin tent to allow people made homeless by recent floods to take temporary shelter in his office.

More than 100,000 people have been made homeless and 30 killed in incidents triggered by the worst rains in the country in over … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chavez to rule Venezuela from Bedouin tent.

Boy killed in Kashmir grenade blast

JAMMU – A 10-year-old boy was killed and his elder brother injured in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district Saturday as a live grenade they were playing with suddenly exploded, police said.

The two brothers – Iftikhar and Mukhtiar – were fiddling with a grenade which they had found in jungles near Mendhar town earlier in …. Read the original article  : Boy killed in Kashmir grenade blast.

Two businessmen abducted in Bihar

PATNA – A businessman involved in coal trade has been abducted in Bihar by unidentified men, police said Saturday. No ransom call has been received by his family.

According to police, Nityanand Singh, who runs a coal business, was missing since Thursday. On Saturday, an abduction case was registered on receiving a complaint from his …. Original article  : Two businessmen abducted in Bihar.

Two held in Uttar Pradesh with fake notes

LUCKNOW – Two men, who worked for a Bangladesh-based racket and manufactured and supplied counterfeit Indian currency notes, have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor city, police said Saturday.

Mohd. Nurul Islam, 33, and Shamiul, 24, both natives of West Bengal, were nabbed from Keeratpur town Friday evening and fake Indian currency notes …. Source  : Two held in Uttar Pradesh with fake notes.

23 kg gold stolen from Mumbai jewellery store

MUMBAI – As much as 23 kg of gold of Rs.5 crore (Rs.50 million) was looted from a jewellery store in Mumbai early Saturday, police said.

“The accused has been identified as Paresh Rawal. He was one of the staff members of the jewellery store Dev Kumar in Zaveri Bazar. He is absconding with gold … Read more : 23 kg gold stolen from Mumbai jewellery store.

Mutilated body found inside Uttar Pradesh collectorate

LUCKNOW – A mutilated body was found in the premises of the collectorate in Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh, police said Monday.

The body of a man, who was in his mid 40s, was found in a secluded corner of the complex.
“Prima facie it appears that the man was murdered at a different …. Read the original article  : Mutilated body found inside Uttar Pradesh collectorate.

Nepal begins probe into ex-crown prince’s gun brawl

KATHMANDU – Nepals police Monday began an investigation into a gun brawl in an upmarket wildlife resort involving controversial ousted crown prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah, more than two days after the incident occurred, after a media outcry and pressure from a senior minister.

Deputy superintendent of police Ravi Raj Khadka led a four-member police [..] Read the original article: here.

A driving instructor who groped learners as punishment

LONDON – A driving instructor in Britain groped women learners after telling them it was “punishment” for motoring mistakes, a court has been told.

Barry Morgan, 58, would turn the heating up in his car so that his women victims would remove their tops. Then he would insist on squeezing “their wobbly bits” if they … Original article on : A driving instructor who groped learners as punishment.

Air India official, accused of acid throwing, reinstated

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – An Air India employee accused of throwing acid on his colleague has been reinstated and posted at the Hyderabad airport, an official said Monday.

S. Rajeshwaran, who was the operations manager at the Thiruvananthapuram airport, was arrested in 2008 for throwing acid on airport security manager S.S. Batave near his rented home near … Read more >>.

Indian-origin man linked to another murder in South Africa

LONDON – A Briton of Indian origin, accused of plotting the murder of his newly-married wife in South Africa, is now being linked to another similar carjack killing of an Indian-origin doctor in 2007, a media report said Monday.

Shrien Dewani, 30, a businessman from Bristol, is accused of organising his bride Anni’s death.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Indian-origin man linked to another murder in South Africa.

Gay man with HIV endangers lives of eight Australians

SYDNEY – A 43-year-old Australian man, affected with HIV, has been accused of endangering the lives of eight other men with whom he had unprotected sex, a media report said Monday.

Stuart James McDonald, from Adelaide, was on trial in the South Australian Supreme Court, after he failed to tell the eight men he had …. Read the original article  : Gay man with HIV endangers lives of eight Australians.

Women’s commission demands strict punishment for rapists

NEW DELHI – Stringent punishment for rapists is essential to discourage such crimes, chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) Girija Vyas said Monday.

“It (rape cases) is a serious issue… and it is repeating again and again. I think that unless the culprits get severe punishment, the cases will occur again and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Women’s commission demands strict punishment for rapists.

Metrodome Collapse Video On Web

MINNEAPOLIS (GaeaTimes.com)- It seems that the air-supported fiberglass roof of Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome could not stand under the heavy snowfall’s weight. The Metrodome roof in Minneapolis collapsed early Sunday morning and it forced the scheduled game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants to postpone. The game will take place at [..] Read the original article: here.

Man abducted 30 years ago reunited with parents

BEIJING – A 34-year-old Chinese man, who was abducted 30 years ago and sold at least three times during the period, has finally been reunited with his parents.

Wu Jiubing from Chongqing was abducted in 1980 when he was just four years old.
His father, Wu Maosheng, worked as a carpenter in Hubei while his … Original article on : Man abducted 30 years ago reunited with parents.

Ousted Nepal crown prince in gun brawl with minister’s kin

KATHMANDU – Still simmering dangerously over the abolition of monarchy and the loss of his legacy, Nepal’s ousted crown prince Paras hit the headlines Monday for a gun brawl with the kin of Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala, whose father had played a key role in the transformation of the Hindu kingdom into a secular … Original article on : Ousted Nepal crown prince in gun brawl with minister’s kin.

Bihar to appoint 50,000 police officials

PATNA – The Bihar government will recruit 50,000 police officials in the next five years, an official said here Monday.

As many as 5,000 sub-inspectors and 45,000 constables will be appointed. “The government will go for phase-wise recruitments,” the senior official at the Chief Minister’s Office told IANS.
“The decision was taken at a high …. Original source  : Bihar to appoint 50,000 police officials.

Six held in Agra with drugs

AGRA – Six people were arrested in Agra with 130 kg of cannabis worth Rs.20 million (Rs.2 crore), police said here Monday.

A team of Special Task Force personnel arrested them near Guru ka Taal Sunday and seized two vehicles. Gang kingpin Subhash Rathod of Firozabad managed to escape, a police official said.
…. Read the original article  : here.

18-year-old gangraped in Delhi, four held (Night Lead)

NEW DELHI – An 18-year-old girl was allegedly abducted and raped in a moving vehicle by four youths, including a minor, after she protested their lewd remarks in the Sultanpuri area of northwest Delhi late Saturday. All the accused have been arrested, police said Sunday.

Manish, Rama and Chanderpal have been booked for rape and … Read : 18-year-old gangraped in Delhi, four held (Night Lead).

Policeman crushed to death by speeding bus in Noida

NOIDA – A private bus operating between Noida and Ghaziabad crushed a policeman to death Sunday evening.

Uttar Pradesh Police constable Surendra Singh, posted in Noida, was on his way to the police lines at Surajpur.
He attempted to take a bus from the Sector 37 crossing. As he walked through the crossing, the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Policeman crushed to death by speeding bus in Noida.

BJP seeks higher-level probe after mining file goes missing

BHUBANESWAR – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sunday demanded a higher-level probe into the multi-crore mining scam in Orissa, accusing the state government of destroying evidence as an important file went missing last week.

“We are surprised that the vigilance department did not seize it after it took over the investigation,” senior BJP leader Bijay …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : BJP seeks higher-level probe after mining file goes missing.

Man who killed son with bat arrested

KOLKATA – A 45-year-old man was arrested in West Bengal’s Nadia district Sunday for beating to death his 11-year-old son with a cricket bat after the boy apparently misbehaved, police said.

Dasarath Haldar, a former army man, surrendered to the police in Nakashipara under Krishnanagar police station.
The decomposed body of Arghya Haldar was found … Original source on Gaea Times at : Man who killed son with bat arrested.

Three Congress legislators held in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – Three legislators of Chhattisgarh’s opposition Congress party were arrested Sunday evening in Surguja district for leading a demonstration against the allegedly deteriorating law and order situation in the state, police said.

T.S. Singhdeo, Premsai Singh and Ramdev Ram were arrested along with 250 supporters at Ambikapur town when they refused to stop demonstrating …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Three Congress legislators held in Chhattisgarh.

Officials booked for felling trees in Ghaziabad

GHAZIABAD – A criminal case was registered against two employees of the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation for felling around 150 trees in the Vasundhara area for the marriage function of an Uttar Pradesh minister’s kin, an official said Sunday.

The complaint was registered Saturday by the forest department after an environmentalist alleged that around 150 … Read more >>.

Tiger kills man in wildlife park

LUCKNOW – A 40-year-old man was Sunday killed by a tiger in the Katarniya Ghat Tiger reserve in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district.

Identified as Data Ram, Sunday’s victim was a resident of Karikot village near the India-Nepal border. The incident took place about 140 km from here.
This is stated to be the seventh human …. Source article  : Tiger kills man in wildlife park.

Ghaziabad couple killed in accident

GHAZIABAD – A couple died Sunday after the car they were travelling in rammed into a bridge here, police said. Their 15-year-old son is battling for his life.

Businessman Manoj Garg, 45, was returning home from a wedding reception with wife Geeta, 40, and their son Aman when the accident took place in Dasna.
Read more : Ghaziabad couple killed in accident.

Fire in Uttar Pradesh hospital, no casualty

LUCKNOW – Panic gripped a hospital in Uttar Pradeshs Gorakhpur district Tuesday when a fire broke out inside its visitors hall and began to spread to the patients wards, an official said. Fire fighters swiftly put out the blaze and no casualty was reported in the incident.

The fire engulfed the ground floor hall of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Fire in Uttar Pradesh hospital, no casualty.

Angry pro-Wikileaks hackers may target British websites

LONDON – Pro-Wikileaks hackers are likely to target British websites in retaliation for the arrest of Julian Assange, the whistleblower site’s editor, a senior security official has warned.

Britain’s National Security Adviser Peter Ricketts told senior civil servants that Whitehall should be prepared to come under fire from “hacktivists” outraged by Assange’s detention in …. Original source  : Angry pro-Wikileaks hackers may target British websites.

Ousted Nepal crown prince in police custody after gun brawl

KATHMANDU – The shadow of arrest and criminal charges darkened over Nepals controversial former crown prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah after police took him into custody Tuesday for questioning him about a gun brawl during the weekend.

Policemen in large numbers surrounded the plush Fulbari resort in Pokhara Tuesday, where the 39-year-old former heir to … Read more »»».

Delhi police chief to meet Girija Vyas on women’s security

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police chief B.K. Gupta will meet National Commission for Women (NCW) head Girija Vyas Tuesday to discuss the growing incidents of rape and assault on women in the city, police sources said.

“The police chief wants to work with the commission and other bodies which are concerned about the security of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Delhi police chief to meet Girija Vyas on women’s security.

George Aldrich’s Body Found?

ASPEN (GaeaTimes.com)- After carrying out a search operation for more than two weeks, it seems that Aspen police officials have found a closure in case of the missing Snowmass Village resident whose whereabouts had been unknown since last month. Rescue officials have found a body under the Maroon Creek Bridge near the city of …. Read the original article  : here.

Vatican urges prudence in assessing WikiLeaks documents

Rome, Dec 14 (IANS/AKI) The Vatican has described as “a matter of extreme seriousness” the WikiLeaks release of diplomatic cables alleging that it refused to assist an Irish inquiry into clerical sex abuse.

In a statement dated Saturday but issued Monday, the Holy See said the documents must be “evaluated carefully and with great … Original source on Gaea Times at : Vatican urges prudence in assessing WikiLeaks documents.

British police to probe Punjab murder

CHANDIGARH – A British police team will reach Punjab to probe the killing of a Sikh religious leader in the state suspected to have been assassinated by British nationals of Punjab origin.

Rashtriya Sikh Sangat (RSS) president Rulda Singh was shot and seriously injured by unidentified men outside his house in Patiala district July 28, …. Original article  : British police to probe Punjab murder.

IAF helicopter crashes, eight injured

JAMMU/NEW DELHI – An Indian Air Force Mi-26 helicopter crashed Tuesday close to an air force station near here injuring at least eight people, including three crew members, an official said.

The Mi-26, the heaviest and largest helicopter in the world, crashed in Satwari shortly after it took off at 9.50 a.m. with machinery for … Read this article on Gaea Times at : IAF helicopter crashes, eight injured.

Man kills father over property row

SANGRUR – A man has been arrested here for killing his father after the latter willed all his property to his grandson, police said Tuesday.

Kamaljit Singh was arrested for killing Harbhajan Singh although the will was in favour of Kamaljit’s son, Senior Superintendent of Police Harcharan Singh told IANS.
Harbhajan Singh, 65, was a … Read : Man kills father over property row.

Shanghai residents being duped into buying retired taxis

SHANGHAI – People in Shanghai, who want to purchase second-hand cars, are now being duped into buying retired taxis that have been modified and repaired by dubious dealers, an investigation by a leading daily has found.

Residents have paid out about 40,000 yuan ($6,000) for a second-hand car, only to discover they have landed with …. Original article  : Shanghai residents being duped into buying retired taxis.

Nepal to probe former crown prince’s gun brawl

KATHMANDU – Nepals government has announced a high-level inquiry into a gun brawl involving former crown prince Paras and the son-in-law of the deputy prime minister after it emerged that the deposed royal was carrying an illegal firearm.

The 39-year-old controversial former heir to Nepals throne, notorious for his quick temper and fondness for alcohol, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

IAF helicopter crash injures eight in Jammu

JAMMU/NEW DELHI – An Indian Air Force MI26 transport helicopter crashed Tuesday near an air force station injuring at least eight people, including crew members, in the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, an official said.

Initial reports say that eight people are injured, IAF spokesperson T.K. Singha told IANS. He added that details were …. Original source  : IAF helicopter crash injures eight in Jammu.

Scores of arrests deal blow to Sicilian mafia

Palermo (Italy), Dec 14 (IANS/AKI) Sixty three people were arrested in Palermo Monday in a massive pre-dawn sweep against the Sicilian mafia clan associated with notorious jailed mafia boss Salvatore Lo Piccolo and his son, Sandro.

Palermo’s public prosecutor Francesco Messineo said the arrests were “comforting” and urged business owners to continue reporting mafia extortionists. …. Original source  : Scores of arrests deal blow to Sicilian mafia.

Chilean prisoners living in subhuman conditions: Minister

Santiago, Dec 14 (IANS/EFE) Justice Minister Felipe Bulnes acknowledged Monday that due to the overcrowding in Chile’s jails, prisoners are living “in subhuman conditions”.

Overcrowding in penitentiaries has been named as one reason why 81 inmates died last Wednesday in a fire that burned part of the capital’s San Miguel Prison, which is holding some … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chilean prisoners living in subhuman conditions: Minister.

Seven survive plane crash in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Dec 14 (IANS/EFE) Seven people survived with only slight injuries when their small airplane crashed on a soyabean farm in the southern Brazilian state of Parana, a media report said.

The two-engine BET-90 was about 20 km from the airport in the city of Londrina, its destination, Sunday night when a strong … Read : Seven survive plane crash in Brazil.

Nine killed in China fire

BEIJING – Nine people died and two were injured in a fire that ripped though a residential apartment in east China’s Zhejiang province, authorities said Tuesday.

The fire broke out at about 8.15 p.m. Monday in the eight-storey building in the downtown area of Quzhou, 230 km southeast to the capital city of Hangzhou, … Read : Nine killed in China fire.

FBI to assist Sweden in suicide bombing probe

STOCKHOLM – Specialists from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were to assist Swedish authorities investigating a weekend suicide bombing in Stockholm, Swedish police said.

The FBI contacted Sweden after the explosions Saturday, and the
offer was accepted, police said Monday.
The FBI team included “specialists in tracing explosives, with extensive knowledge about the …. Read the original article  : here.

Dacoits loot Ghaziabad doctor’s house

GHAZIABAD – Six armed dacoits looted cash and jewellery worth over Rs.2 lakh from the house of a doctor in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district early Monday, police said.

The incident occurred in Satyam Enclave neighbourhood in Sahibabad area bordering Delhi.
Police said around 4.30 a.m. six dacoits armed with pistols, iron rods, hammers and saws … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dacoits loot Ghaziabad doctor’s house.

UAE aid vessel arrives in Karachi

Karachi, Dec 13 (IANS/WAM) An aid ship with 600 tonnes of relief material from a UAE charity for the flood affected people in Pakistan has arrived at the Karachi port, it was announced Monday.

The Red Crescent Authority (RCA) has sent food, medical supplies, household items and various winter clothing, including blankets, worth over … Original article on : UAE aid vessel arrives in Karachi.

47 Algerians missing in Mediterranean Sea

ALGIERS – At least 47 Algerian illegal immigrants who were travelling in two wooden boats to Italy went missing in the Mediterranean Sea, Xinhua reported Monday.

Algerian coast guards alerted their counterparts in the Italian islands of Sardinia and Cecily about the incident.
The immigrants, aged between 16 and 39, sailed from Annaba and … Read : 47 Algerians missing in Mediterranean Sea.

Respect women, says Delhi government posters

NEW DELHI – In the wake of rising crime against women, the Delhi government has decided to launch a poster campaign in the city asking people to respect women, an official said Wednesday.

“Delhi’s information department has finalised a plan in this regard and it will be implemented in two or three days. This has … Read : Respect women, says Delhi government posters.

Mentally ill enslaved in China factory freed

BEIJING – At least 12 mentally ill people, enslaved in a factory in China’s Xinjiang Uygur region, have been rescued and the factory owner arrested and charged with abuse, officials said.

Police detained factory owner Li Xinglin Tuesday evening in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province.
Li had fled after local media revealed details about … Read more »».

Chinese official who kept sex diary jailed

BEIJING – A former government official in a Chinese province has been jailed for 13 years after his diaries detailing his sexual encounters, hard drinking and receiving bribes were leaked online, a media report said Wednesday.

Han Feng, 53, a former official with the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region government was Tuesday also fined 100,000 yuan …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Christmas Island Faces Nature’s Wrath

SYDNEY (GaeaTimes.com)- An unfortunate indecent took Australia aback today. A wooden boat, that was carrying more than 70 asylum seekers got wrecked, as it collided with a cliffside rocks, amidst the chilling sea water. This happened in one of Australia’s remote Christmas Island.
The islanders had nothing much to do apart from watching the mishap …. Read the original article  : here.

In Bengal village, a school to reform criminals

MURSHIDABAD – She dreamt of educating children and also changing the socio-economic conditions of people in her West Bengal village. And 55-year-old Shabnam Ramaswamy found a novel way to do that – she employed reformed criminals in her English medium school.

Ramaswamy set up the Jagriti Public School in Katna village of Murshidabad district five …. Source  : In Bengal village, a school to reform criminals.

Swamy moves court to make Raja prime accused in 2G scam

NEW DELHI – Janata Party leader Subramaniam Swamy Wednesday moved a city court to make former telecom minister A. Raja the prime accused in the 2G allocation scam.

“I have filed a private criminal complaint in Tis Hazari court for making Raja the prime accused,” Swamy told reporters here.
Swamy had filed a public … Read more »».

Nepal moves to punish Indian envoy’s shoe attacker

KATHMANDU – Almost two months after Nepal’s opposition Maoist party led an attack on the Indian ambassador to Nepal and hurled shoes and stones at his car, the caretaker government has finally moved to take action following New Delhi expressing its strong disapproval.

However, fearing a backlash from the Maoists, the fragile government did not … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nepal moves to punish Indian envoy’s shoe attacker.

Journalist shot dead in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A journalist was shot dead in Khuzdar town in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, police said Wednesday.

Mohammad Khan Sasoli, who was president of Khuzdar Press Club, was gunned down Tuesday evening.
Dawn quoted a police officer as saying that Sasoli was attacked by armed men in the Civil Lines area.
The attackers came … Read : Journalist shot dead in Pakistan.

I’m victim of political vendetta: Nepal’s nabbed ex-crown prince

KATHMANDU – The first member of the Shah dynasty to be arrested by police, deposed crown prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah, has denied firing at an influential minister’s kin and said he was the victim of a political vendetta, a report said.

The 39-year-old, who was arrested by police from the upscale Fulbari Resort in …. Source article  : I’m victim of political vendetta: Nepal’s nabbed ex-crown prince.

Asylum seekers on wrecked boat drown off Australian island

SYDNEY – At least 30 asylum seekers drowned after their boat ran onto rocks on reaching Australia’s Indian Ocean territory of Christmas Island, officials said Wednesday.

“A number of people have been rescued, but sadly, some bodies have been retrieved,” Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan told reporters in Sydney.
Officials confirmed 41 of the estimated …. Original article  : Asylum seekers on wrecked boat drown off Australian island.

Royalists call shutdowns in Nepal over ex-crown prince’s arrest

KATHMANDU – Protests erupted in Nepal Wednesday as royalists began demonstrations and called shutdowns in at least two major districts to protest the arrest of former crown prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah for firing in air following a brawl with the son-in-law of Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala.

The tourist destination of Chitwan in southern … Read more : Royalists call shutdowns in Nepal over ex-crown prince’s arrest.

Mexican cop kills three fellow officers, then self

Cancun (Mexico), Dec 15 (IANS/EFE) An on-duty police officer killed three fellow officers and then himself in downtown Cancun, a resort city on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, an official said.

Reports came in just after 1 a.m. of an attack on the police post on Acanceh avenue in Supermanzana 15, an upscale area in the resort … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mexican cop kills three fellow officers, then self.

Forest fires destroy 14,000 acres in Chile

Santiago, Dec 15 (IANS/EFE) Nearly 14,000 acres of vegetation have been destroyed by a series of forest fires in three separate regions of Chile, authorities said Tuesday.

Twelve of the blazes remain active, of which eight are in the coastal region of Valparaiso and the others in the neighbouring Greater Santiago area and the remote … Read : Forest fires destroy 14,000 acres in Chile.

Mexico arrests two Chinese executives on bribery charges

Mexico City, Dec 15 (IANS/EFE) Two top executives of a Chinese company were arrested in Mexico on charges they tried to bribe employees of state-owned Petroleos Mexicanos to obtain discounts on the purchase of polyethylene, authorities here said.

The president of Foshan Meijiao Plastic Trading Co. Ltd, Zili Tao, and the firm’s representative in the … Read more »».

CBI raids Radia, Raja’s relatives over spectrum row (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – The CBI Wednesday raided the homes and offices of business lobbyist Niira Radia, former telecom regulatory chief Pradeep Baijal and relatives of former communications minister A. Raja over the 2G spectrum row.

In a coordinated operation, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials searched the New Delhi homes and offices of Radia, whose …. Source article  : CBI raids Radia, Raja’s relatives over spectrum row (Second Lead).

US mayor found dead

WASHINGTON – The mayor of Springfield, capital city of the US state of Illinois, has been found dead in his home, police said.

The cause of Tim Davlin’s death Tuesday morning is still under investigation, Xinhua reported.
Davlin, who had been Springfield mayor since April 2003, was ordered to appear in a court in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : US mayor found dead.

One killed in US shooting

LOS ANGELES – A woman was killed and five people were wounded in a shooting in the US state of California, police said.

The shooting took place Tuesday near a barber shop at a strip mall south of Sacramento city, Xinhua reported.
… Read more >>>.

Car Crashes into House near dothan, Injures 2

DOTHAN (GaeaTimes.com) — Last Friday, at near about 11 p.m., Police responded to a critical car accident which involved a car crashing into a roadside house in the 100 block of Northridge Road in Dothan.
Although the occupants of the residence was completely unharmed, the home suffered extensive structural damage due to the crash. The …. Read the original article  : Car Crashes into House near dothan, Injures 2.

Woman Killed in Car Accident in New Madrid County

NEW MADRID COUNTY (GaeaTimes.com) — Last night, around 11 p.m., a Region 8 woman was killed as her crashed into a culvert and got overturned. The accident took place on U.S. Highway 61 just 2 miles south of Matthews in New Madrid County.
According to Missouri State Highway patrol, a 20 year old boy named [..] Read the original article: here.

Fatal Car Crash Near Deer Park Kills Teenage Girl

DEER LAKE, CANADA (GaeaTimes.com) — A teenage girl died and a woman was seriously injured when their truck veered off the road and down an embankment on the Trans Canada Highway near Deer Lake Regional Airport.
Constable Lisa Oldford has commented that freezing rain and hail had just stopped and there was a sheet of …. Read the original article  : Fatal Car Crash Near Deer Park Kills Teenage Girl.

Mob burns police van in Delhi, two cops injured

NEW DELHI – Two police officers were injured and their Police Control Room (PCR) van burnt by a mob in outer Delhi, police said Thursday.

The incident took place Wednesday night in Shahbad Dairy area where two groups had a heated argument during a function in a house.
When the policemen intervened, the groups pelted …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Hong Kong man in Facebook con bedded 70 women

HONG KONG – A man accused of luring Hong Kong women into having sex with him using the Facebook website as well as offers of money that he never paid might have worked his scam on up to 70 people, a newspaper reported Thursday.

The 28-year-old turned himself in to police Wednesday after a 15-year-old … Read : Hong Kong man in Facebook con bedded 70 women.

Beheaded body of corporator found

BAGHPAT – The beheaded body of an Uttar Pradesh municipal corporator has been found here, police said Thursday. Two men have been arrested.

The body of Sanjeev Tomar was recovered in Badarkha village in Baghpat district, some 400 km from here.
Acting on a complaint from Tomars family, police Thursday arrested two men who confessed … Read more >>>.

Nepal pledges probe as plane crash kills all 22 on board

KATHMANDU – As search helicopters confirmed that all 22 people on board a small aircraft missing since Wednesday had perished in a dense forest in eastern Nepal, the government said it would initiate an inquiry to ascertain the nationality of the passengers, now believed to be mostly Bhutanese pilgrims.

A Twin Otter flown by domestic … Read more : Nepal pledges probe as plane crash kills all 22 on board.

Dhaka gets tough with Islamists on 40th Victory Day

DHAKA – A top opposition leader was held on murder charge and a court rejected a petition of the chief of the largest Islamist party as Bangladesh Thursday celebrated its 40th Bijoy Divas (liberation day), marking its separation from Pakistan.

In a blow to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), authorities arrested its Standing Committee member … Read more : Dhaka gets tough with Islamists on 40th Victory Day.

Man who killed wife by stabbing her 25 times jailed

AUCKLAND – A 48-year-old Scottish immigrant to New Zealand who brutally stabbed his wife 25 times with three butcher knives – breaking two of them and bending the third at a 90 degree angle – has been jailed for life.

Butcher Peter Lamont will spend a minimum of 14 years behind bars after being found …. Read the original article  : Man who killed wife by stabbing her 25 times jailed.

Chopper crashes in Chandigarh airport, pilots injured

CHANDIGARH – A helicopter which was to fly a Punjab minister crashed at the airport here immediately after taking off Thursday morning, catching fire and injuring both the pilots.

The Pawan Hans helicopter was heading to a helipad near Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s residence in Sector 1 here when the crash took …. Read the original article  : Chopper crashes in Chandigarh airport, pilots injured.

Commoners to tour Bengal jails, mingle with convicts

KOLKATA – Can you imagine law abiding citizens spending a day in jail to interact with hardened convicts? In West Bengal, this novel initiative will start next year with the historic Hooghly jail and act as a bridge between those behind bars and those outside.

The government has accepted a proposal by prison authorities to …. Read the original article  : Commoners to tour Bengal jails, mingle with convicts.

Evidence of wrongdoings in 2G spectrum grant: apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday said there was prima facie evidence of wrongdoings in the grant of 2G spectrum licences in 2008 and that of dual use technology to some telecom operators in 2007.

The court said the evidence of wrongdoing was supported by the reports of the Central Vigilance Commissioner P.J. Thomas …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Evidence of wrongdoings in 2G spectrum grant: apex court.

Helicopter crashes in Chandigarh airport, pilot injured

CHANDIGARH – A Pawan Hans helicopter crashed at the airport here immediately after taking off Thursday morning. The pilot was injured.

The pilot, who was flying alone, was rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Sector 32.
Airport officials said the helicopter caught fire just after it took off from the airport. …. Source article  : Helicopter crashes in Chandigarh airport, pilot injured.

25 injured as shop catches fires in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Twenty-five people received burn injuries when a massive fire broke out in a commercial establishment where kerosene and diesel were being sold illegally in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich town, police said Thursday.

The fire late Wednesday engulfed the building material shop in Nanpara, where drums of petrol, kerosene and diesel were stored illegally.
“All …. Source  : 25 injured as shop catches fires in Uttar Pradesh.

Brazil police probe virginity auctions

Brasilia, Dec 16 (IANS/EFE) Brazilian police are investigating allegations about “virginity auctions” in the northeastern state of Alagoas, Agencia Estado news service said Wednesday.

Two women are facing charges for sexual exploitation of minors in connection with the case.
Authorities began the probe after one of the girls who took part in parties organised by …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Gunman kills four in Spain

Barcelona, Dec 16 (IANS/EFE) A man armed with a rifle killed four people Wednesday in the northeastern Spanish province of Gerona. He was later arrested, police said.

The massacre occurred around 7 a.m., when the suspect went to a bar in the town of La Canya and opened fire, killing a father and son who …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Gunman kills four in Spain.

Australian officials say asylum boat deaths likely to reach 50

SYDNEY – Asylum seekers who survived when an Indonesian fishing vessel foundered off Christmas Island told Australian authorities Thursday that up to 100 Iranians and Iraqis were aboard.

At least 50 are believed to have drowned after the wooden vessel was battered to bits below the cliffs of the remote Indian Ocean territory, spilling its … Read more : Australian officials say asylum boat deaths likely to reach 50.

Nepal’s nabbed ex-crown prince denies role in gun brawl

KATHMANDU – In a dramatic volte face within two days of being arrested for threatening a fellow hotel guest during a drunken brawl and firing in the air, Nepal’s controversial former crown prince stoked the controversy afresh by denying that he possessed a weapon.

The 39-year-old, who has been sent to custody for interrogation till … Read more : Nepal’s nabbed ex-crown prince denies role in gun brawl.

Missing Nepal plane wreck found, all 22 feared killed

KATHMANDU – Helicopters scouring eastern Nepal for a small aircraft that went missing minutes after taking off a day ago located its wreck in a deep forest over 9,200 ft Thursday morning, raising fears that all 22 people on board had been killed.

The 9N AFXDHC6 aircraft flown by domestic airline Tara Air was carrying … Read more »».

US sues BP, eight others for oil spill

WASHINGTON – The US is suing oil giant BP Plc and eight other companies linked to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill for violating American environmental laws, Attorney General Eric Holder has said.

The civil suit was filed in the US District Court in New Orleans against BP, rig operator Transocean, Anadarko Petroleum Corp, … Read more >>>.

Car Accident over Russel Street Bridge, No Casualty

MISSOULA (GaeaTimes.com) — Last night, a car went over the Russel Street Bridge and landed up in the river at around 10.30p.m. The driver, a 30-year-old man from Missoula had hit the curb and drove through the guard rail and ultimately landed on the Clark Fork river.
Fortunately the Police was able to rescue the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Car Accident over Russel Street Bridge, No Casualty.

Interstate 390 Accident results 1 Severly Injured

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (GaeaTimes.com) — In an unfortunate car mishap near snowy Interstate 390 Exit near Rochester, a person was severely injured while helping a stranded motorist.
The accident happened when the victim named Ken Parfitt, reported father of 8, was hit by a car when he was helping out a person with a broken down … Original article on : Interstate 390 Accident results 1 Severly Injured.

Police Confirms Homicide behind treton car Accident

TRETON(GaeaTimes.com) — Police are currently investigating a car accident which has turned out to be a case of homicide. The driver of the car was shot when he made a left turn onto Greenwood Avenue from Monmouth Street just after 9 p.m.
After an autopsy, it has been revealed that the unidentified victim died from … Original article on : Police Confirms Homicide behind treton car Accident.

Raja’s predecessors too are not saints: Jayalalithaa

CHENNAI – AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa, referring to the 2G spectrum scam, said Friday that former communications minister A. Raja’s predecessors too were not saints.

She welcomed the Supreme Court decision to monitor the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the scam and enlarging the probe period.
She also reiterated that the central …. Read the original article  : Raja’s predecessors too are not saints: Jayalalithaa.

Prisoners to teach other inmates in Uttar Pradesh

MORADABAD – They are behind bars, but they are educated enough to teach. Around 100 prisoners have been shortlisted for a literacy campaign in an Uttar Pradesh jail where they will be imparting lessons to other inmates.

The campaign has been initiated in Moradabad district jail and is expected to take off in the next …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Prisoners to teach other inmates in Uttar Pradesh.

Nepal air crash probe begins, travel agent arrested

KATHMANDU – As Bhutans King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk lit 1,000 butter lamps in his throne room to mourn the 18 Bhutanese killed in an air crash in Nepal and the Buddhist kingdoms central monks body began three days mourning rituals, Nepal Friday began investigating the passenger list that had described the group as Nepalis.

…. Source  : Nepal air crash probe begins, travel agent arrested.

E-mail alerts to warn pilots about volcanic eruptions

SYDNEY – Scientists from New Zealand are developing a new system to alert pilots on flights via e-mails about volcanic eruptions by detecting the lightning their ash clouds trigger.

The system, publicly unveiled by US researchers, uses data from the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) to create automated e-mail alerts within minutes of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : E-mail alerts to warn pilots about volcanic eruptions.

Over 900 kg poppy husk recovered in Punjab

CHANDIGARH – In two different seizures, police have recovered over 900 kg of poppy husk from Punjab’s Patiala district and arrested two people, an official said here Friday.

According to a Punjab Police official, acting on secret tip-offs, they laid a trap and recovered the contraband late Thursday.
“We intercepted a motorcycle in Patiala town …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Over 900 kg poppy husk recovered in Punjab.

Nepal’s ex-crown prince pleads illness, calls off press meet

KATHMANDU – Charged with committing a public offence and freed on bail after cooling his heels in police custody for 48 hours, Nepals controversial former crown prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah Friday decided not to shoot his mouth off and land himself in further trouble.

His eagerly awaited press conference, scheduled for 8 a.m. in … Read : Nepal’s ex-crown prince pleads illness, calls off press meet.

College student held with leopard skin

RAIPUR – A 20-year-old college student was arrested in Chhattisgarh for carrying a leopard skin, a banned item, a forest official said Friday.

The arrest was made on a tip-off by a forest department team who caught the student carrying leopard skin in a bag, in a bus Thursday in states Kanker district, about 150 …. Original article  : College student held with leopard skin.

Contract murders for just $40 in Mexican city

Mexico City, Dec 17 (IANS/EFE) Poor teenagers in Mexico’s border city of Ciudad Juarez say they have carried out murders on behalf of drug cartels for sums as small as 500 pesos ($40), a media report said, citing Mexico’s Social Development Office.

The office says the teen assassins are recruited from the shantytowns springing up …. Source article  : Contract murders for just $40 in Mexican city.

Court orders Brazilian magnate’s arrest

Brasilia, Dec 17 (IANS/EFE) A Brazilian court ordered the arrest of transportation mogul Constantino “Nene” de Oliveira in connection with a 2008 attempt on the life of his former son-in-law, a judicial spokesperson said.

Oliveira, 79, is a founding partner of Brazil’s No. 2 airline, Gol, and owns the ground transport giant Planeta.
He is …. Source article  : Court orders Brazilian magnate’s arrest.

80 prisoners, 18 guards hurt in Chile jail violence

Santiago, Dec 17 (IANS/EFE) At least 80 inmates and 18 guards were injured in “disturbances” at a severely overcrowded prison in the Chilean capital, an official said.

That tally was provided to reporters by guards at Santiago’s ex-Penitenciaria prison, although the head of the prison guard service, Luis Masferrer, said 54 inmates and 12 guards …. Source  : 80 prisoners, 18 guards hurt in Chile jail violence.

Eight die as truck overturns on hut

LUCKNOW – Eight members of a family, including children, were killed and four injured when a speeding truck overturned and fell on their hut in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district, police said Friday.

The accident took place at midnight in Tikaitnagar area, where the truck laden with rice husk went out of control and fell on … Read more >>>.

Man stabs children on bus in Japan

TOKYO – Thirteen people were hurt Friday when a man with a knife attacked children on two buses in a town in Japan, media reports said, citing police.

A 27-year-old unemployed man was arrested at the scene of the stabbing near the railway station in the town of Toride in Ibaraki region.
Four people were …. Read the original article  : Man stabs children on bus in Japan.

Former Indian online poker billionaire avoids jail in US

WASHINGTON – Thanks to confusion over how US law applies to online poker, Anurag Dikshit, a former Indian online poker billionaire, has escaped with only one year of probation and no jail time.

Dikshit, 39, an Indian citizen had travelled from his home in Gibraltar with a one-way ticket to New York to attend Thursday’s …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Quake jolts Philippines

MANILA – An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale rocked the southern Philippines early Friday, Xinhua reported.

The quake, which struck at 4.03 a.m., was traced some 95 km northeast of Surigao, Mindanao region, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said on its website.
No casualties were reported.
…. Read the original article  : Quake jolts Philippines.

10 dead in Ivory Coast clashes

NAIROBI/ABIDJAN – At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured in Ivory Coast Thursday as soldiers loyal to incumbent Laurent Gbagbo clashed with supporters of his rival for the presidency.

Gbagbo is clinging onto power despite wide international recognition of Alassane Ouattara as the rightful winner of last month’s polls – which were aimed [..] Read the original article: here.

I will continue my work and protest my innocence: Assange

LONDON – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange vowed Thursday to continue his work and protest his innocence with regard to the sex offence allegations brought against him in Sweden, he said in London after being freed on bail.

Standing on the steps of the Royal Courts of Justice, and giving a victory salute, Assange thanked his … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : I will continue my work and protest my innocence: Assange.

Julian Assange freed from custody in Britain (Roundup)

LONDON – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was Thursday set free after nine days in a London prison, but faces a fresh legal battle over his extradition to Sweden on sex allegations.

The High Court in London Thursday granted Assange bail, dismissing an appeal against attempts by the prosecuting authorities to stop him being freed.
The …. Read the original article  : Julian Assange freed from custody in Britain (Roundup).

Five men held for firearms racket in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Five men were arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district Thursday for their involvement in the manufacture and supply of illegal firearms, police said. Several pistols and live cartridges were seized from them.

The five men, in their mid-30s, worked for a Bihar-based racket of manufacturing firearms and supplying them in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, … Read more »».

10 hurt in Kolkata student unions clash, traffic hit

KOLKATA – Traffic in southern parts of Kolkata came to a halt Thursday evening after student unions of the ruling Marxist’s and the Trinamool Congress clashed outside Asutosh College, leaving 10 students injured.

The area around Asutosh College saw violence after supporters of Trinamool Congress Chatra Parishad (TMCP), a students’ arm of Trinamool, and the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 10 hurt in Kolkata student unions clash, traffic hit.

Two missing Delhi students found in Katra

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police Thursday traced two teenaged students of a Delhi school, who went missing two days ago, to Katra in Jammu and Kashmir and took steps to bring them back.

“We have traced the two to Katra from where they are being brought back. The two were on their way to Vaishno … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two missing Delhi students found in Katra.

Four die on Gurgaon-Delhi Expressway

GURGAON – Four men were killed when an overloaded truck they were travelling in crashed after hitting the pavement on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, police said Saturday.

The truck, coming from Rajasthan, was loaded with heavy stones and the men were seated on the pile, an officer said.
“After crossing Shankar Chowk, it slipped to … Read : Four die on Gurgaon-Delhi Expressway.

Buses torched in Telangana to demand students release

HYDERABAD – Unidentified men set afire two buses in Telangana demanding release of Osmania University student leaders, police said Saturday, even as the Andhra Pradesh government sought central paramilitary forces to quell possible violence in the region.

Meanwhile, bowing to pressure from pro-Telangana students, Osmania University authorities have postponed MA, MSc and M.Com examinations which … Read : Buses torched in Telangana to demand students release.

Policeman assaulted pver breath test

MELBOURNE – An irate car driver in Australia dragged a policeman for 50 metres after he was stopped for a breath test, a media report said Saturday.

Police said officers stopped the vehicle on a highway in Queensland Friday evening, the Herald Sun reported.
The driver allegedly became aggressive while he was being breath-tested. … Read more >>.

Jharkhand Maoist arrested in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A Maoist from Jharkhand, wanted in connection with attacks on security personnel, was arrested following a brief shootout in Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar, police said Saturday.

Ramesh Lohra alias Rupesh Gurwa, 32, was nabbed late Friday on the outskirts of Ambedkar Nagar in Alapur area.
A pistol, a rifle and several live … Read more : Jharkhand Maoist arrested in Uttar Pradesh.

Provo Tabernacle Fire Causes Considerable Damage

PROVO (GaeaTimes.com)- The city of Provo, Utah has been thrown out of gear after a fire broke out in the city’s historic Provo Tabernacle early on Friday morning. As to what is the reason behind the flames is still not clear. Right now the city officials are deeply worried about the historic landmark which is …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Provo Tabernacle Fire Causes Considerable Damage.

India asks UN to do more against sexual violence

UNITED NATIONS – Advocating greater participation of women in the areas of conflict prevention, peace negotiations, peace keeping and post conflict reconstruction, India wants UN organs to do more against sexual violence.

New Delhi believes that the UN Secretariat and the Funds and Programmes can do more in this respect, Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s permanent … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : India asks UN to do more against sexual violence.

Four students hurt in Orissa school blast

BHUBANESWAR – Four students, including two girls, were critically injured Saturday morning in a blast in their school in Orissa’s Angul district, police said.

The blast took place at the Medium English School in Bandhkani village, about 240 km from here, after the children entered the school premises, Superintendent of Police Satyabrata Bhoi told IANS.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Four students hurt in Orissa school blast.

Mexican woman killed while seeking justice for slain daughter

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Dec 18 (IANS/EFE) A Mexican woman who spent the last two years demanding justice for her slain daughter was fatally shot while picketing in front of government offices in the northern state of Chihuahua, authorities said Friday.

Marisela Escobedo Ortiz, 52, was shot by one of three men who approached her and …. Source article  : Mexican woman killed while seeking justice for slain daughter.

Two gangsters held in Punjab

GURDASPUR – Two gangsters, wanted in various cases of murder and vehicle thefts, have been arrested in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district, police said Saturday.

Kulwinder Singh and Harjinder Singh of the notorious Vijay Topi gang were arrested late Friday.
“On the basis of revelations by gang members arrested earlier, we laid a trap and nabbed these … Original source on Gaea Times at : Two gangsters held in Punjab.

148 prisoners escape from Mexican jail

Mexico City, Dec 18 (IANS/EFE) At least 148 inmates escaped from a prison in the northern border city of Nuevo Laredo, said a Mexican official Friday.

The mass flight began late Thursday night and prison authorities are conducting head counts to determine exactly how many men escaped, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 148 prisoners escape from Mexican jail.

Six die in China firecracker blast

BEIJING – At least six people were killed and four injured Friday night in a firecracker blast in China’s Hunan province, officials said Saturday.

The incident occurred in Ningxiang county at about 9.30 p.m. when a truck full of raw materials for manufacturing firecrackers hit an electric pole whose wires snapped and set fire to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Six die in China firecracker blast.

Undercover police enjoy free sex in Hong Kong: Report

HONG KONG – Complaints by prostitutes in Hong Kong against police officers for using sex services while on undercover operations have surged in 2010, a news report said Saturday.

Forty-three complaints have been made to a sex workers’ help group about officers having sex services compared to just 10 complaints last year, the South China … Read more : Undercover police enjoy free sex in Hong Kong: Report.

Woman techie from Assam murdered in Bangalore

BANGALORE – A 29-year-old software engineer working with Dell was Friday murdered at her flat in an upscale south Bangalore area, police said.

Payal Surekha, who hailed from Bongaigaon in Assam, was married to Anant Narain Mishra for about five years. The husband who works as a gym instructor in Bangalore was away in Orissa, …. Source article  : Woman techie from Assam murdered in Bangalore.

Coffin of JFK’s killer sold for $90,000

LONDON – The coffin of Lee Harvey Oswald, the man who is believed to have assassinated then US president John F. Kennedy, has been sold for $90,000. The bids started at $1,000, BBC reported Friday.

According to the Los Angeles auctioneers, two buyers battled it out for the coffin.
Oswald, who was murdered shortly …. Source  : Coffin of JFK’s killer sold for $90,000.

WikiLeaks founder fears ‘illegal’ probe by US

LONDON – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange Friday gave a broad hint that he expects an indictment in the US against him for which he was in the process of building a strong defence.

“I would say that there is a very aggressive investigation, that a lot of face has been lost by some people, and …. Source  : WikiLeaks founder fears ‘illegal’ probe by US.

Girl killed in black magic rite, couple held

MANGALORE – A three-year-old girl was killed by a couple in a black magic rite near this coastal Karnataka town Friday. The accused couple has been arrested, police said.

Priyanka, daughter of Kiran Kumar Jha and Anjali from Bihar, was missing since Thursday afternoon. Her body was found Friday in a field at Yeyyadi village …. Source article  : Girl killed in black magic rite, couple held.

Four members of Trinamool’s student wing held

KOLKATA – Four members of Trinamool Congress’s students wing were arrested Friday for clashes with a rival student union in West Bengal Thursday, which left one dead and several injured, police said.

“Sourav Santra of Trinamool Congress Chatra Parishad (TMPC) was arrested for the death of Student Federation of India (SFI) supporter Swapan Kole,” … Read more >>>.

Kerala minister pitches in for release of abducted Indian

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Kerala’s Port Minister V.Surendran Pillai, currently on a visit to South Africa, has met the Indian high commissioner in Pretoria and sought information on efforts to free a kidnapped Indian restaurant owner.

Speaking to IANS over phone from Pretoria, Pillai said he visited Indian Ambassador Virendra Gupta and was told that police were … Original article on : Kerala minister pitches in for release of abducted Indian.

25 injured in Gurgaon hotel explosion

GURGAON – At least 25 people were injured Friday when gas leakage resulted in an explosion in a five star hotel in this suburban town of the national capital, police said.

“The leakage was reported at 1:30 pm from the ground floor of Hotel Fortune Select Global on the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road,” said Gurgaon …. Source  : 25 injured in Gurgaon hotel explosion.

Coal exporter abducted in Meghalaya

SHILLONG – A man exporting coal to Bangladesh has been abducted in Meghalaya by two unidentified men, police said Friday.

No ransom call has so far been received by his family.
“Rimudu Sutnga was abducted by two unidentified men about 6 p.m. last (Thursday) night from a coal depot at Warima …. Original source  : Coal exporter abducted in Meghalaya.

Hubby’s lawyers to say Indian-origin woman shot accidentally

LONDON – Lawyers hired by a honeymoon murder accused, Indian-origin British businessman Shrien Dewani, say they have evidence suggesting his newly-married wife was “accidentally” killed during a carjacking incident in Cape Town.

Anni, a 28-year-old engineering graduate of Ugandan-Indian descent from Sweden, was killed in Cape Town Nov 13 when two men hijacked the car …. Source  : Hubby’s lawyers to say Indian-origin woman shot accidentally.

Woman’s body parts found in Haryana, honour killing suspected

SIRSA – A young woman’s body parts stuffed into a sack have been found in Sirsa district of Haryana in a suspected case of honour killing, police said here Sunday.

The sack was recovered in Kangnapur village.
“We have found the head and lower limbs of a woman who was in her early 20s but … Read : Woman’s body parts found in Haryana, honour killing suspected.

150 inmates escape from Mexico prison

Mexico City, Dec 19 (IANS/EFE) At least 151 inmates have escaped from a prison in northeastern Mexico, just across the border from the American state of Texas, officials said.

The incident occurred Friday in Nuevo Laredo city, the public safety secretariat in Tamaulipas state said Saturday.
Army soldiers and Federal Police officers were on alert … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 150 inmates escape from Mexico prison.

Former separatist held in Tripura for stealing funds

AGARTALA – Former terrorist-turned-separatist Daniel Debbarma has been arrested in this Tripura capital for stealing Rs.18.10 lakh (over $40,000) meant for surrendered extremists, police here said Sunday.

Debbarma, 45, self-styled home minister of the banned terrorist outfit National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), was arrested late Saturday.
He had surrendered to the government along with … Read more : Former separatist held in Tripura for stealing funds.

13 dead in Philippines hotel fire

MANILA – At least 13 people were killed Sunday when a fire razed a budget hotel in a northern Philippine city, a provincial police chief said.

Senior Superintendent Mao Aplasca said the death toll could rise to 15 at the Bed and Breakfast Pension House in Tuguegarao City in Cagayan province, 355 km north of … Read more : 13 dead in Philippines hotel fire.

35 dead, 10 missing in Bangladesh boat capsize

DHAKA – At least 35 people were killed and about 10 others were missing when their boat capsized in northeastern Bangladesh Saturday, Xinhua reports.

The accident occurred in Sunamganj district, some 290 km northeast of Dhaka. The vessel crashed into a sand-laden trawler around 9.30 p.m. on the Surma river.
Thirty-five bodies have been …. Original article  : 35 dead, 10 missing in Bangladesh boat capsize.

Student kidnapped, Rs.10 million ransom demanded

GREATER NOIDA – A Class 9 student has been kidnapped and Rs.10 million ransom demanded for his release in Greater Noida, police said Saturday.

Sujeet Yadav (18), a resident of Ithera village, was missing since Dec 9. His father received the ransom call for Rs.10 million Friday.
“We are attempting to trace the criminals through … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Student kidnapped, Rs.10 million ransom demanded.

250 arrested in Moscow to prevent fresh ethnic clashes

MOSCOW – Police in Moscow Saturday arrested at least 250 young Russians and migrants from the Caucasus region in a bid to avoid renewed street battles driven by ethnic tensions, the Interfax news agency reported.

Numerous weapons were confiscated as part of the arrests, a police spokesman told Interfax.
Heavily armed security forces dispersed an … Read more >>>.

Man held for land grab in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A man has been arrested for his involvement in grabbing a plot of land in west Delhi using forged documents, police said Saturday.

According to police, Surender Gahlot forged documents of properties whose owners were residing either in other cities or abroad.
“Gahlot’s accomplice Satender Singh, who is absconding, prepared a forged …. Read the original article  : here.

After businessman, two Agra students missing

AGRA – Two cases of students going missing were reported in Agra Saturday, police said.

Gaurav Chauhan, 20, went missing while on his way to his school in Sadar area.
The family of another student, Manish, 18, lodged a missing report Saturday, two days after he failed to return home in Rakabganj … Read more >>.

Baby dies in womb due to wrong blood group transfusion

CHANDIGARH – A pregnant woman was given blood of a wrong group at a government hospital here leading to the death of her baby in the womb, officials said Saturday. The hospital has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

According to the officials, full-term pregnant Suman was admitted to the hospital in Sector 16 Friday. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Baby dies in womb due to wrong blood group transfusion.

Two illegal arms factories unearthed

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police Saturday claimed to have busted a major contraband arms racket with the unearthing of two illegal arms factories and the arrest of two men.

Mohammad Hashim, 52, ran a cycle repair shop in East Vinod Nagar area of east Delhi “but was clandestinely making arms by assembling various parts during … Read more >>.

Clash after anti-Jaitapur nuke plant activist killed

RATNAGIRI – Police resorted to a baton-charge to disperse a large crowd of villagers protesting the death of an anti-Jaitapur nuclear power plant activist in an accident in this Maharashtra district Saturday, officials said.

Irfan Yusuf Qazi, 40, was going to pick up his kids from school when his scooter was hit by a police … Original source on Gaea Times at : Clash after anti-Jaitapur nuke plant activist killed.

Bangalore cops quiz slain techie’s husband, friends

BANGALORE – City police Saturday began questioning Ananth Narayan Mishra, husband of Dell call centre employee Payal Surekha, who was found murdered in her flat here Friday, and their friends for clues.

“We are questioning Mishra and friends of the couple for clues. We are yet to get a clear picture. We hope to crack … Read more >>>.

Bengal governor to meet chief minister over campus clashes

KOLKATA – West Bengal Governor M.K. Narayanan Saturday said he will meet Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and discuss the growing incidents of students’ clashes to end the campus violence in the state.

“The ongoing violence between the students’ unions in educational institutions is a cause of concern. As law and order is the state subject, …. Original source  : Bengal governor to meet chief minister over campus clashes.

Indian police torture, says US cable

NEW DELHI – Indian security agencies torture prisoners to extract information, partly because forensic science is weak in the country, says a leaked US embassy diplomatic cable.

India is weak in forensic science and has few trained police officers who can handle such data, said the April 2006 cable leaked by WikiLeaks.
The rest of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Indian police torture, says US cable.

7 tonnes ammonium nitrate, detonators seized in Maharahstra

KOLHAPUR – The Kolhapur district police Saturday seized nearly seven tonnes of ammonium nitrate and 50 electronic detonators – two key ingredients for making explosives – and nabbed two people, a police official said.

Acting on a tip-off, police swooped down on a warehouse on the outskirts of the town and found 6.90 tonnes of … Original source on Gaea Times at : 7 tonnes ammonium nitrate, detonators seized in Maharahstra.

British woman kills, mutilates daughter

LONDON – A 35-year-old woman killed her four-year-old daughter, horrifically mutilated her and placed her organs in different rooms of the family’s flat.

Shayma Bharuchi was found by police Friday night sitting next to the remains of her daughter Nusayba in their kitchen at a Clapton, East London flat, The Sun reported Saturday.
The child’s … Read this article on Gaea Times at : British woman kills, mutilates daughter.

Chinese porn sites now shift to English content

BEIJING – Pornographic websites in China have now changed their content from Chinese to English in a bid to avoid being spotted by the country’s internet watchdogs, who “usually focus” on tracking down Chinese websites.

The English-language pornographic websites offer door-to-door prostitution services and target foreigners.
Many websites post on their home pages that they …. Original source  : Chinese porn sites now shift to English content.

Journalist gunned down in Chhattisgarh town

RAIPUR – A journalist working with a Hindi daily in Bilaspur was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on his way back home after a late-night shift Monday, police said.

Sushil Pathak, 35, was employed with Hidni daily Dainik Bhaskar and was also the general secretary of the Bilaspur Press Club. He was shot at least …. Source  : Journalist gunned down in Chhattisgarh town.

Political violence in Bengal is dreadful: Amartya Sen

KOLKATA – Nobel laureate and eminent economist Amartya Sen Monday termed as “dreadful” the growing incidents of political violence across West Bengal and said there was needed to find out why it has become so dominant.

“Its a question of analysing why violence has become so dominating. What is the nature of the politics that …. Original source  : Political violence in Bengal is dreadful: Amartya Sen.

26 Thai tourists killed in Malaysian bus accident

KUALA LUMPUR – Twenty-six Thai tourists were killed and 11 injured Monday when their bus overturned while travelling from a Malaysian mountain resort in the northern state of Perak.

The bus hit a road divider and overturned, killing 22 passengers at the scene, the official Bernama news agency reported, quoting police sources. Another four died … Original article on : 26 Thai tourists killed in Malaysian bus accident.

Three students die in bus accident

LUCKNOW – Three students were killed and 30 injured when their school bus skidded off the road and fell into a pit in Uttar Pradesh’s Auraiya district Monday, police said.

The accident took place in Ayana area when the bus was ferrying about 35 students of the Bal Vikas Vidya Mandir (BVVM) school, Superintendent of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

CBI summons Raja

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned former communications A. Raja in connection with alleged irregularities in the 2G spectrum allocation, officials said Monday.

Raja, who resigned last month over his suspected involvement in the scam that caused huge losses to the national exchequer, was likely to appear before the investigating …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : CBI summons Raja.

Two students die in bus accident

LUCKNOW – At least two students were killed and 30 injured when their school bus skidded off a road and fell into a deep pit in Uttar Pradeshs Auraiya district Monday, police said.

The accident took place in Ayana area and the bus was ferrying about 35 students, Superintendent of Police Abdul Hameed told IANS … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two students die in bus accident.

Five held with drugs in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Five men were arrested in Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh with heroin and cannabis worth Rs.1 crore, police said Monday.

“The five men, in their early 30s, were nabbed late Sunday following a brief shootout in Merapur area,” police inspector S.K. Dubey told reporters in Farrukhabad, some 200 km from Lucknow.
“All the five …. Read the original article  : here.

Congress legislator booked after man dies in clash

MOHALI – Police have booked Balbir Singh Sidhu, a Congress legislator from the Punjab town of Kharar, his brother and four others after a clash between two groups left a 52-year-old man dead and five injured, police said here Monday.

According to police, the deceased was identified as Rattan Singh. The incident took place …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Congress legislator booked after man dies in clash.

Jessica Fashano Dies At 27

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com)- The family and friends of a Citigroup analyst, Jessica Fashano were shocked to hear that she reportedly jumped to death from a high rise Trump Place building on the Upper West Side on Saturday. The law enforcement officials announced the news to the media. The beautiful analyst was 27 year old.
The …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Jessica Fashano Dies At 27.

Man dies in traffic jam, family blames PM convoy

NEW DELHI – A man died of a heart attack while he was on the way to hospital because of traffic restrictions enforced for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s convoy, his family claimed Monday.

Anil Jain, a resident of Shahadara, was being taken to hospital after suffering a heart attack Sunday night when the ambulance got …. Read the original article  : here.

Pipeline blast kills 27 in Mexico

MEXICO CITY – The explosion of an oil pipeline in the central Mexican town of San Martin Texmelucan killed 27 people Sunday and left 52 injured, including five in serious condition.

Mexican Interior Minister Jose Francisco Blake Mora said that 12 children were among the dead in the blast of a pipeline from state-owned energy … Original article on : Pipeline blast kills 27 in Mexico.

Four killed as car rams into truck

AURANGABAD – Four people were killed and seven injured when the car they were travelling in collided with a truck in Aurangabad district, police said Sunday.

“These people were on their way to Panvel (in Raigad district) to attend a religious event. The driver lost control and the car collided with a cyclist and then … Read more »»».

Pro-Maoist activist killed in Bengal

KOLKATA – A member of a pro-Maoist tribal group was killed by unidentified miscreants in West Bengals West Midnapore district, police said Sunday.

The Trinamool Congress claimed that the victim was its supporter and was killed by hooligans backed by the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M).
Sanatan Hembram was beaten up with sharp … Original article on : Pro-Maoist activist killed in Bengal.

Injured woman bleeds for five hours as cops spar

GHAZIABAD – An injured woman bled for five hours near the railway tracks here Sunday as the police and railway authorities blamed each other for not shifting her to hospital.

According to police, the unidentified 35-year-old injured woman was found lying near the tracks at Sadique Ki Pulia in Ghaziabad around 4.30 a.m.
“A leg … Original article on : Injured woman bleeds for five hours as cops spar.

Baby girl’s body found inside donation box

LONDON – The body of a baby girl has been found inside a clothes donation box shipped to a warehouse in the US state of Texas, a media report said Sunday.

The dead baby was discovered at a warehouse in McAllen, Texas, Thursday as workers sorted through clothing shipped from metropolitan Phoenix, Daily Mail reported.
…. Read the original article  : Baby girl’s body found inside donation box.

‘Sexual assault case against Assange was for refusing HIV test’

LONDON – Two women who claim to be victims of sexual assault by WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange would never have complained to police if he had agreed to take an HIV test, a media report said Sunday.

The two women told me, that if he goes to the clinic for an HIV test, then we … Original article on : ‘Sexual assault case against Assange was for refusing HIV test’.

Job racket busted, minor rescued

NEW DELHI – A woman running an employment agency which provided minors as domestic helps has been arrested and a 10-year-old girl rescued, police said Sunday.

Police received information Saturday that a placement agency located in Pahar Ganj area of central Delhi was involved in the illegal activity.
“A search operation was launched in …. Source  : Job racket busted, minor rescued.

Former rebel held for misappropriating Tripura funds

AGARTALA – A former leader of a banned separatist outfit has been arrested in this Tripura capital for misappropriating Rs.18.10 lakh (over $40,000) meant for the rehabilitation of rebels who gave up arms, police said Sunday.

Daniel Debbarma, 45, a former self-styled home minister of the banned National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), was arrested [..] Read the original article: here.

Top Bangladesh opposition leader held for ‘war crimes’

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s senior opposition leader Salauddin Quader Choudhury, who has been accused of killing over a 100 people, mostly minority Hindus, during the 1971 Liberation War was arrested Sunday after the country’s International Crimes Tribunal issued a warrant against him.

Choudhury, a member of the Standing Committee of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party …. Original article  : Top Bangladesh opposition leader held for ‘war crimes’.

A Pakistani gang causes accidents to abduct, rape women

ISLAMABAD – A gang of criminals in Pakistan’s Karachi city deliberately causes an accident and then abducts women in these vehicles to loot and gangrape them, police said.

The gang is operating in up-market areas like Clifton, Defence etc., where the streets are not too thickly populated and it is easy to … Original source on Gaea Times at : A Pakistani gang causes accidents to abduct, rape women.

Punjabi female attendant with Air Canada jailed for cocaine smuggling

TORONTO – In the first case of jailing of an Indo-Canadian woman for drug trafficking, an Air Canada female flight attendant was Monday locked for eight years by a London court for smuggling four kg of cocaine into Britain.

Twenty-seven-year-old Mandeep Shahi of Toronto’s suburb of Mississauga was arrested in March for smuggling the … Read : Punjabi female attendant with Air Canada jailed for cocaine smuggling.

Woman killed in Pakistan for not bringing car in dowry

ISLAMABAD – A young woman was killed by her husband a couple of days after the wedding in Muridke near Lahore as her parents did not give him a car as a gift in dowry, a media report said Tuesday.

The incident was reported to police by the woman’s family.
An FIR (first …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Death penalty for six in triple murder

LUCKNOW – A man who killed his elderly parents and younger brother last year has been sentenced to death by a court in Uttar Pradesh along with five others, police said Tuesday.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Bani Singh Nirala’s court in Kanshiram Nagar, some 300 km from here, handed down the sentence for the …. Source  : Death penalty for six in triple murder.

`Syndicates exploiting Indian girls in Malaysia’

KUALA LUMPUR – Syndicates are targeting Indian teenaged girls, luring them to take pictures or videos of themselves, blackmailing them into having sex and forcing some into prostitution, an official of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) has alleged.

C. Sivarajah, youth secretary of the MIC, the country’s largest party of ethnic Indians, claimed that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : `Syndicates exploiting Indian girls in Malaysia’.

Fire in Uttar Pradesh store, no casualty

LUCKNOW – A massive fire broke out in a state-owned coal tar store in Etawah in Uttar Pradesh Tuesday, destroying goods and machinery worth lakhs of rupees, police said. No casualty was reported in the incident.

The fire engulfed the coal tar store of the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) in Civil Lines area, … Original article on : Fire in Uttar Pradesh store, no casualty.

Fire in Punjab thread factory

CHANDIGARH – A massive fire broke out in a thread factory complex near Samana town in Punjab Tuesday morning, destroying goods and equipment worth crores of rupees, police said. No casualties were reported.

“The fire brigade authorities were informed immediately after the fire was first seen, but they came nearly two hours later. By …. Original source  : Fire in Punjab thread factory.

Brazilians have 7.6 mn illegal guns: report

BRASILIA – Brazilian citizens currently own 14 million guns – 7.6 million of which are illegal – according to a report presented by Justice Minister Luiz Paulo Barreto.

Brazil, according to current data, has suffered the largest number of gun homicides in the world.
The study titled “Map of Illicit Arms Trafficking in Brazil” was …. Original source  : Brazilians have 7.6 mn illegal guns: report.

Abducted Mexican politician released after seven months

Mexico City, Dec 21 (IANS/EFE) Former Mexican presidential candidate Diego Fernandez de Cevallos was released by his abductors after seven months in captivity, a media report said.

“He is in good health, he is weak. He spent seven months and six days in captivity,” a news show on the Televisa network reported Monday.
“The news … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Abducted Mexican politician released after seven months.

US man jailed for child sex tourism in Cambodia

LOS ANGELES – A 61-year-old American man has been jailed for being involved in child sex tourism in Cambodia, after he pleaded guilty to having sex with a teenage girl whom he “rented” from her poor family for $100 a month.

Michael James Dodd, an English teacher, was also ordered by Judge John F. Walter …. Original article  : US man jailed for child sex tourism in Cambodia.

28 stolen art pieces worth $3.5 mn found in Spain

Madrid, Dec 21 (IANS/EFE) Twenty-eight art works, including a few by Pablo Picasso, which were stolen last month from near Madrid have been found, officials said. The art works are valued at 2.7 million euros ($3.5 million).

Among the works stolen was a sculpture by Eduardo Chillida worth 800,000 euros ($1 million), as well [..] Read the original article: here.

Strong earthquake rocks Iran, kills seven

TEHRAN – A strong earthquake shook Kerman province late Monday in southeastern Iran, leaving at least seven people dead and hundreds injured, the local governor told Mehr news agency.

The 6.5-magnitude earthquake shook several cities, towns and villages in the province. The epicentre was the village of Fahraj near the town of Hossein Abad.
Governor …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mammoth Mountain Experiences 9 feet Snowfall, Early Avalanche Warning Issued by the Authorities

CALIFORNIA (GaeaTimes.com) — Since Friday, Mammoth mountain, a popular ski resort in California, has received about 9 feet of snow. This abnormal snowfall might result into an avalanche at any point of time.
According to meteorologists, snow had piled up at Mammoth Mountain by Sunday and latest reports say that the snow is still coming … Read more >>.

Cape Cod Suffers from Major Snow Storm

CAPE COD (GaeaTimes.com) — It seems Cape Cod is going to miss the old sunny days as the Cape and other portions around southeastern Massachusetts were hit by a snow storm today. The storm which has caused several traffic accidents is expected to leave about 4-8 inches of snow on the ground before it’s … Original article on : Cape Cod Suffers from Major Snow Storm.

Man Dies in a Car Crash after Stabbing a Person

MIRRABOOKA (GaeaTimes.com) — On one side, a Lake Macquarie man is undergoing surgery for multiple stab wounds while on another side, the person who had attacked him earlier, has died in a car crash near Mirrabooka.
At around 6 p.m., police officials received a call from a house in Dandaraga road where they found a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Man Dies in a Car Crash after Stabbing a Person.

Central Avenue Accident Kills a Pregnant Woman

COLONIE (GaeaTimes.com) — Rebecca Murton, a 22 year old pregnant woman was killed on Saturday morning in an one-car accident on Central Avenue . The accident occurred near Mountain View Avenue.
According to police, a 1994 Nissan driven by Marcus Witherspoon had veered off Central Avenue and struck a telephone pole around 7.45 a.m. Witherspoon’s …. Read the original article  : here.

2 Killed in a Car Accident at QEW in Oakville

OAKVILLE (GaeaTimes.com) — On Monday morning, at around 6 a.m., Police responded to a call which involved a car crash at the Toronto bound Queen Elizabeth Way at Bronte Road. The crash took place when a car left the roadway and slammed into a light standard.
Both the passenger and the driver of that Honda … Read : 2 Killed in a Car Accident at QEW in Oakville.

I receive death threats from US soldiers: Assange

LONDON – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has claimed that he receives death threats from US soldiers regularly, a media report said Monday.

He also said that a statement on the steps of the high court here last week after he was released on bail was cut short because police feared he would be assassinated, …. Original source  : I receive death threats from US soldiers: Assange.

Two killed in Delhi road accidents

NEW DELHI – Two people were killed Monday in separate accidents on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor in south Delhi, police said.

A 25-year-old driver was killed while three of his friends were injured after a four-wheeler they were travelling in hit the road divider in Chirag Dilli area around 3.30 a.m.
An … Original article on : Two killed in Delhi road accidents.

No headway in Delhi teacher murder case

NEW DELHI – More than a day after a retired teacher was found murdered in a south Delhi locality, the city police were yet to make any headway in the case.

Devendra Kishore Joshi, a retired Sanskrit teacher, was found murdered in his home in Vasant Kunj area at 8 a.m. Sunday. He had been …. Source article  : No headway in Delhi teacher murder case.

Nithari killings: Fourth death sentence for Surinder Koli

GHAZIABAD – Surendra Koli, the sole accused in the abduction, rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in the Nithari serial killings, was Wednesday sentenced to death by a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here.

It was the fourth death sentence for Koli in the serial killings that came to light in … Read : Nithari killings: Fourth death sentence for Surinder Koli.

Earthquake Rattles Cumbria

CUMBRIA (GaeaTimes.com)- A small earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale rattled Cumbria last night. The people of Cumbria reported that they could feel and hear the earth moving for about a minute. The media outlets reported that the earthquake was felt in Cumbria, Lancashire, parts of Yorkshire, south-west Scotland, the north Midlands, the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Earthquake Rattles Cumbria.

Two killed in gas leak at Reddy’s lab

HYDERABAD – Two workers of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd were killed Wednesday after nitrogen gas leaked in the pharmaceutical firm at Bolarum on the outskirts of Hyderabad, police said.

No one else was affected as only two workers were present in the room in F block, Medak Superintendent of Police Sundar Kumar Das told IANS.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Two killed in gas leak at Reddy’s lab.

Executions come down in US

WASHINGTON – There have been fewer executions in the US this year compared to 2009, The New York Times reported Wednesday.

The 46 executions in 2010 constituted a 12 percent drop from last year’s 52, according to the Death Penalty Information Centre, which produces an annual report on execution trends.
The trend shows a marked … Read more >>.

Jail inmates’ allegations incorrect: Tihar chief

NEW DELHI – Allegations made by two Tihar Jail inmates that they were asked to kill Commonwealth Games (CWG) officials lodged there are “incorrect”, the prison’s director general, Neeraj Kumar, said Wednesday.

“All allegations by the jail inmates are incorrect. These are convicted people involved in heinous crimes. We wanted to break the gang (they …. Read the original article  : Jail inmates’ allegations incorrect: Tihar chief.

Sale of Goa land to foreigners, mafia in 2010 RTI hall of fame

PANAJI – Goa politician Rajan Ghate’s expose of a multimillion rupee scam involving the purchase of high value coastal land by foreigners, including the Russian mafia, has made it to the Right to Information (RTI) hall of fame this year.

The RTI awards, announced Tuesday, were instituted by the Delhi-based Public Cause Research Foundation …. Source  : Sale of Goa land to foreigners, mafia in 2010 RTI hall of fame.

1,800 endangered reptiles saved in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian custom officers seized more than 1,800 protected reptiles from a truck bound for Thailand, a news report said Wednesday.

The seizure Monday came following a tip, the Star newspaper reported. Officers found 475 hill tortoises, 437 freshwater turtles, 710 monitor lizards and 196 king cobras in a truck at the Malaysia-Thailand …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 1,800 endangered reptiles saved in Malaysia.

Sewer leak causes stink at UN headquarters

NEW YORK – Offices at the UN Security Council and General Assembly had to be evacuated because of a “suspicious odour” caused by the likely burst of a basement sewer line, a spokesperson said.

The “sewage-like” smell wafted through the office halls, forcing the diplomats to cover their noses.
UN spokesman Farhan Haq said the … Read more »»».

Man dies after being stuck in elevator

NEW DELHI – A 30-year-old man died of suffocation after being stuck in an elevator in north Delhi’s Narela industrial area, fire officials said Wednesday.

Parmod, a native of Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh, was Tuesday stuck in the lift of the factory where he was employed, said a fire officer.
“We received a call around …. Original article  : Man dies after being stuck in elevator.

Four wives beat Bangladesh man to death

DHAKA – A man in Bangladesh who kept his four wives in the dark about his multiple marriages was beaten to death, allegedly by all of them, a media report said Wednesday.

Yunus Bepari, 46, an autorickshaw driver, went to a village fair last Monday with two wives where he was confronted by his …. Source  : Four wives beat Bangladesh man to death.

41 guards arrested over Mexico prison escape

Mexico City, Dec 22 (IANS/EFE) Forty-one guards at a Mexican prison have been arrested in connection with the escape of 151 inmates, officials said.

The prison break took place Dec 17 in Nuevo Laredo, a border city in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas.
The prison officials broke the law and will be prosecuted, Tamaulipas Governor …. Original source  : 41 guards arrested over Mexico prison escape.

Dannevirke Car Crash Kills a Young Girl, 2 Critically Injured

DANNEVIRKE (GaeaTimes.com) — A young girl named Cassandra Gali Schumann of age 20, was killed when her car crashed into the wall of a bank building in the town early today.
The crash took place at around 1.45 a.m on the corner of Stanley and London street. The other two passengers of the car were … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dannevirke Car Crash Kills a Young Girl, 2 Critically Injured.

Teenager Killed in Stolen Car Crash near Bathrust

BATHRUST (GaeaTimes.com) — A 16 year old boy has been charged in connection with a fiery fatal car accident near Bathurst.
Another 16 year old boy, who was a passenger, died when the blue Ford Falcon station wagon veered off the Fremantle Road at Billywillinga, hit trees and burst into flames on … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Teenager Killed in Stolen Car Crash near Bathrust.

Deutsche Bank to pay $553 mn in US dispute

FRANKFURT/NEW YORK – Deutsche Bank has agreed to pay the US Internal Revenue Service $553.6 million in a long-running tax dispute, the bank announced in Frankfurt Tuesday.

In return for the payment, the US Attorney’s Office has agreed to drop criminal investigations and not to prosecute the bank, a statement said.
The case is believed … Original source on Gaea Times at : Deutsche Bank to pay $553 mn in US dispute.

Police raid German gunmaker over Mexico arms supplies

STUTTGART – German police searched the offices of Heckler and Koch, a German manufacturer of premium firearms, Tuesday over suspicions that its exports of rifles to Mexico may break German arms-export laws, prosecutors in Stuttgart said.

German law forbids unlicensed exports to zones of conflict.
A spokeswoman said Heckler and Koch, which supplies armies, police … Original source on Gaea Times at : Police raid German gunmaker over Mexico arms supplies.

Quake jolts Japanese islands, tsunami warning issued

TOKYO – A 7.4-magnitude earthquake shook a chain of Japanese islands early Wednesday, forcing the Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami warning.

There were no reports of casualties or damage to property.
The epicentre of the 2.20 a.m. (1720 GMT) quake was near the Ogasawara islands, which are about 1,000 km south of Tokyo in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bike thieves pay dearly for not wearing helmets

NEW DELHI – Delhi Traffic Police officers chased and booked two motorcycle riders in south Delhi Tuesday for not wearing helmets. However, the two men landed behind bars after police discovered that they were riding stolen bikes.

The incident took place near Laxman Public School in south Delhi at 12.30 p.m. when traffic police officers …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bike thieves pay dearly for not wearing helmets.

Extortionist held in West Bengal

KOLKATA – A man wanted for involvement in extortion and other crimes in West Bengal’s Howrah district has been arrested, police said Tuesday.

N. Venkatraman Rama Rao, a resident of Andhra Pradesh, was arrested late Friday, police said.
“Rao was arrested from his flat at Baje Shibpur area,” said Raj Kanojia, additional director general and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Extortionist held in West Bengal.

Radia quizzed by CBI, Raja next (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team Tuesday questioned corporate lobbyist Niira Radia at her house here in connection with the 2G spectrum scam. Former communications minister A. Raja is expected to be quizzed later this week, CBI sources said.

A team of sleuths, accompanied by women officers, reached Radia’s Chhatarpur …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Kashmiri gets 10 years in jail for carrying RDX, pistols

GHAZIABAD – A man held with RDX in Ghaziabad in 2008 was Tuesday sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by a court here, a prosecutor said.

Fast Track Court Judge Mukesh Kumar Singhal held Fayaz Ahmad alias Meer Jaanbaaz guilty under the foreigners and explosives acts.
Fayaz Ahmad was arrested Aug 12, 2008, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Kashmiri gets 10 years in jail for carrying RDX, pistols.

Five-year-old kidnapped in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH – A five-year-old boy was kidnapped from Burail village here two days ago and the abductors have demanded a Rs.10 lakh ransom for his safe release, police said Thursday.

According to the police, Kushpreet Singh had gone missing from outside his house here Tuesday around 12.30 p.m.
Khushi (Kushpreet) went to his fathers … Read : Five-year-old kidnapped in Chandigarh.

Elephant kills three of a family in Bangladesh

DHAKA – A wild elephant crushed a woman and her two children to death in Bangladesh’s southern Bandarban district, police said.

Qamrul Islam, a senior police officer, said the bodies were recovered and sent to hospital for autopsy, according to the Daily Star Thursday.
Locals said the elephant entered the house of one Abul Kashem …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘Economic adviser’ to Obama charged with forgery in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH – Police in Cambodia arrested a man claiming to be an adviser to US President Barack Obama and head of an international finance organisation that stores its assets in caves and sunken ships.

Ray Dam and associate Soush Saroeun were charged with forgery Monday after being arrested at Dam’s home in Phnom Penh. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Economic adviser’ to Obama charged with forgery in Cambodia.

Businessman again gets extortion demand

PATNA – A Bihar businessman who was kidnapped in the 1990s is again being threatened with abduction unless he coughs up Rs.3 crore.

Ganga Prasad, who runs a cloth business at Hajipur in Vaishali district, about 30 km from here, has complained to the police.
“Unidentified men called twice on Ganga Prasad’s mobile phone in … Read more »».

CBI questions RSS leader in Hyderabad bombing

NEW DELHI – Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Indresh Kumar was questioned by the CBI Thursday in connection with the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast in Hyderbad that killed nine people.

After arriving at the CBI office in the afternoon, Kumar told reporters that he had full faith in the country’s institutions. “I am sure I [..] Read the original article: here.

BPO employee commits suicide in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A 23-year-old woman call centre employee committed suicide Thursday morning by jumping from the Moti Nagar flyover in west Delhi after SMSing her brother: ‘Sorry’.

Deepti, a resident of Paschim Vihar in west Delhi, drove to the site from her home, parked her car on the flyover and took the fatal plunge … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : BPO employee commits suicide in Delhi.

Son kidnapped to force my surrender, says ULFA commander

GUWAHATI – The elusive commander-in-chief of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), Paresh Baruah, Thursday claimed his teenaged son was kidnapped and held hostage to exert mental pressure on his family and to force him to surrender.

“My son has been kidnapped and then held hostage with the sole idea of putting mental … Read more »»».

Four killed as illegal mine in Jharkhand caves in

RANCHI – Four people, including a teenage girl, died when an abandoned mica mine caved in and trapped them while they were illegally mining there in Jharkhands Koderma district, police said Thursday.

According to police, seven people went to extract mica from the abandoned mine located at Domchach of Koderma district, about 160 km … Read more >>.

Mexican judge hands down country’s first life sentence

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Dec 23 (IANS/EFE) A judge in the northern state of Chihuahua imposed Mexico’s first sentence of life in prison, the state Attorney General’s Office said.

Alfredo Cruz Guzman, 18, found guilty of kidnapping and auto theft, was sentenced in accordance with recent revisions to the state penal code.
He was a member …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mexican judge hands down country’s first life sentence.

Mistaken identity gets Chinese teenager 200 days in jail

BEIJING – A teenager in China had to spend over 200 days in prison after he was mistaken for a criminal who had the same name.

The unnamed teenager, a student in Bole city in Xinjiang province, was sentenced to jail two years ago for a robbery committed by his namesake.
Authorities learnt of their … Read more »».

Two Nepali drug peddlers held in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Two Nepali drug peddlers in their 40s were arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Siddharthnagar district and cannabis worth Rs.20 lakh was seized from them, police said Thursday.

The two men were nabbed from the Naugarh-Lumbini route while they were on their way to Delhi to hand over a drug consignment to their client Wednesday …. Source article  : Two Nepali drug peddlers held in Uttar Pradesh.

Chicago Firefighters Killed After Building Collapse

CHICAGO (GaeaTimes.com) – Two firefighters were killed and near about 17 were injured after they were trapped in a building while fighting a warehouse fire. The accident took place in Chicago on Wednesday; the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the deaths. However, the police said that the injured firefighters, who are hospitalized have … Read more >>.

Price tag for 2010 disasters: $222 billion (2010 in Retrospect)

WASHINGTON – The global economic losses from natural catastrophes and man-made disasters equalled $222 billion in 2010, more than triple the $63 billion lost in 2009, according to reinsurance company Swiss Re.

The worldwide insurance industry spent $36 billion on disasters this year, an increase of 34 percent from 2009.
The death toll was the …. Read the original article  : Price tag for 2010 disasters: $222 billion (2010 in Retrospect).

4 killed during football game in Mexican city

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Dec 23 (IANS/EFE) Four people, including two minors, were shot dead and another was wounded while playing soccer in this Mexican city, authorities said.

The attack was perpetrated Tuesday afternoon by at least two gunmen who arrived at the scene in an SUV, the Chihuahua state Attorney General’s Office said.
The victims, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

43 hurt in uprising at Chile prison

Santiago, Dec 23 (IANS/EFE) Thirty-six inmates, six guards and one police officer were hurt during an uprising at a prison in the northern Chilean city of Antofagasta, authorities said.

Initial reports said 14 prisoners and six guards suffered injuries in Tuesday’s disturbance.
The updated casualty figures were provided by the regional director of the Gendarmeria … Read more >>>.

Italian politicians held for trading votes with mafia

Rome, Dec 23 (IANS/AKI) Five politicians and seven others were arrested in Italy for trading votes for favours with the members of a notorious Italian crime syndicate.

Of the five politicians arrested Tuesday from southern Italy, Santi Zappala, a member of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s conservative People of Liberty Party and part of the … Original article on : Italian politicians held for trading votes with mafia.

Car Accident in Austin Leaves 3 injured, Cause of Accident still Unknown

AUSTIN (GaeaTimes.com) — In a three-vehicle accident which occurred on Arkansas Highway 367 at about 11.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 3 of the drivers were injured.
According to Austin Chief of Police John Staley, a southbound vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a trailer and then struck another vehicle head-on. One of the injured person was [..] Read the original article: here.

Man Related to Car Accident in Bellmore Arrested

BELLMORE (GaeaTimes.com) — A Baldwin man was arrested after he left the scene of an accident on the Wantagh Parkway in East Meadow at 1:45 p.m. on Monday, according to State Police.
According to detectives, Eddy Napoleon, 20, attempted to illegally pass a Chevrolet while driving his Toyota on the unpaved shoulder at Hempstead Turnpike. …. Original source  : Man Related to Car Accident in Bellmore Arrested.

Victim of Aspen Grove Car Crash Identified

ASPEN GROVE (GaeaTimes.com) — The victim of a fatal single vehicle collision near Aspen Grove has been identified.
Shelly May Unrau, 51, of Vernon died from her injuries after she attempted to pass a van on Highway 97C near the junction with Highway 5A last Friday afternoon.
An investigation revealed Unrau lost control of her car … Original source on Gaea Times at : Victim of Aspen Grove Car Crash Identified.

Corrupt ministers’ list given to Yeddyurappa: Governor

BANGALORE – The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Governor H.R. Bhardwaj Wednesday intensified attack on each other over alleged corruption and land allotment scandals in Karnataka.

Bhardwaj, who has been demanding ‘true picture’ from chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa over his land deals and action against Reddy brothers over their alleged illegal iron ore mining, said …. Read the original article  : Corrupt ministers’ list given to Yeddyurappa: Governor.

Binayak Sen’s conviction shocking, say activists

NEW DELHI – Human rights activists Friday reacted with shock at rights campaigner Binayak Sen being held guilty of sedition and conspiracy by a Chhattisgarh court, with many saying that there was “no evidence” against him.

“I am absolutely shocked at the judgement. We never expected this judgement because there was not a shred of … Read more >>.

Sad day for Indian democracy: Sen’s wife

RAIPUR – Shocked at a Chhattisgarh court convicting rights activist Binayak Sen for sedition and conspiracy, his wife Elina Friday said she was sad that her family would have to fight another long legal battle but more sad for the “state of Indian democracy”.

“I don’t agree with this judgment at all. One who has … Read more : Sad day for Indian democracy: Sen’s wife.

Rights activist Binayak Sen convicted, arrested

RAIPUR – Rights activist Binayak Sen, accused of links with Maoists, was Friday convicted for sedition and conspiracy by a Chhattisgarh court and arrested soon after, leaving his family and fellow activists shaken and disappointed.

District and Sessions Court judge B.P. Varma found Sen guilty on a variety of counts such as under 124 A … Read : Rights activist Binayak Sen convicted, arrested.

45 voodoo priests lynched in Haiti for cholera deaths

PORT AU PRINCE – At least 45 people – most of them voodoo priests – have been lynched by angry mobs blaming them for the spread of the cholera epidemic in Haiti which has claimed over 2,500 lives, CNN reported Friday.

Some of the victims were killed with machetes, others were burned alive by mobs …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 45 voodoo priests lynched in Haiti for cholera deaths.

CBI questioning Raja in 2G spectrum scam

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioned DMK leader and former communications minister A. Raja here Friday, over two weeks after his premises in New Delhi and Tamil Nadu were raided in connection with the 2G spectrum scam.

Raja reached the CBI office at the CGO Complex in the heart of the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : CBI questioning Raja in 2G spectrum scam.

Rights activist Binayak Sen convicted

RAIPUR – Rights activist and doctor Binayak Sen, accused of links with Maoists, was Friday convicted for sedition and conspiracy by a Chhattisgarh court.

District and Sessions Court judge B.P. Varma found Sen guilty on a variety of counts and also under the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act.
Sen was arrested in 2007 from Bilaspur …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rights activist Binayak Sen convicted.

Kashmiri teacher says passage scientific, not obscene

SRINAGAR – A Kashmir University teacher who has been booked for setting what police call an obscene question paper Friday said he did not commit any crime and simply took a passage from a textbook that was part of the curriculum.

It is a conspiracy against me. I have not committed any crime. Registering a …. Original source  : Kashmiri teacher says passage scientific, not obscene.

166 booked in Pakistan for Rs.30bn tax evasion

ISLAMABAD – Cases have been filed over the past year against 166 tax defaulters who collectively owe a staggering Rs.30 billion to the Pakistani exchequer, a minister said.

Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh told the National Assembly Thursday that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has over the past year filed cases against 166 tax …. Source article  : 166 booked in Pakistan for Rs.30bn tax evasion.

Raja at CBI office for questioning

NEW DELHI – DMK leader and former communications minister A. Raja Friday reached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Delhi for questioning in the 2G spectrum scam.

Raja reached the CBI office at the CGO complex in south Delhi around 10.30 a.m., a CBI officer said.
Raja had come to Delhi Wednesday and … Original article on : Raja at CBI office for questioning.

30 wineries making adulterated liquor shut in China

BEIJING – Nearly 30 wineries were shut down Friday morning in a Chinese province after television reports showed the liquor being produced there was adulterated.

The Hebei government acted after China Central Television Station (CCTV) showed on a show Thursday evening that wines made in Changli county contained impurities, Xinhua reported Friday.
The CCTV footage … Read more »».

Doctor shot dead in Mexican city

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Dec 24 (IANS/EFE) Gunmen shot dead a doctor outside his house in Mexico’s Ciudad Juarez city, authorities said.

Alfonso Perez Dominguez was killed Wednesday as he got into his car in San Angel, a neighbourhood on the northeast side of Ciudad Juarez, police said.
The 46-year-old doctor was on his way to … Read more : Doctor shot dead in Mexican city.

20 missing in Colombia mudslide

Bogota, Dec 24 (IANS/EFE) Twenty people were missing after a mudslide buried several homes in a rural area of the northern Colombian province of Santander, authorities said Thursday.

The avalanche occurred Wednesday night in La Ceiba, a hamlet about an hour by road from the town of Rionegro, regional police commander Col. Mario Aurelio Pedroza … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 20 missing in Colombia mudslide.

Body of abducted boy found in Patna

PATNA – The body of a 10-year-old boy, who had been abducted two days ago for ransom, was found near a road here, triggering angry protests. Police said Friday that two suspects have been arrested.

The body of Amarjeet Kumar, a Class 5 student of K.P.S. School, was found near the by-pass road Thursday night. …. Original source  : Body of abducted boy found in Patna.

CBI raids Kalmadi’s Delhi, Pune residences, Games office (Third Lead)

NEW DELHI/PUNE – CBI Friday raided the Delhi and Pune homes of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi as well as the Games office here, two months after the mega event ended amid allegations of major financial irregularities.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said teams of officers searched Kalmadi’s residences and that of … Read more >>>.

CBI raids Kalmadi homes, Games office (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Two months after the Commonwealth Games (CWG) ended amid allegations of major financial wrongdoings, the CBI Friday raided Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi’s homes in New Delhi and Pune and the Games office here.

The Central Bureau of Investigation said teams of officers searched Kalmadi’s residences and that of an aide also …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

CBI raids Kalmadi’s premises

NEW DELHI – The CBI Friday raided Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi’s homes and office here and in Pune in connection with irregularities in the conduct of the October games, official sources said.

Central Bureau of Investigation officials searched a Kalmadi residence each in New Delhi and Pune, the Organising Committee office here … Original article on : CBI raids Kalmadi’s premises.

CBI raids Kalmadi premises

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Friday raided Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi’s homes and office here and in Pune, official sources said.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Victim of Stabbing Dies in accident on way to Hospital

HEMPSTEAD (GaeaTimes.com) — Police say a Long Island stabbing victim being driven to the hospital died after the driver of the car he was in got into an accident with another car.
According to reports, two men were stabbed at a bar on North Franklin Street in Hempstead around 2:40 a.m. Thursday. Another man was …. Source article  : Victim of Stabbing Dies in accident on way to Hospital.

Calls for ICC probe over Ivory Coast violence

PARIS/ABIDJAN/GENEVA – A close ally of Ivory Coast’s would-be president Alassane Ouattara Thursday called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate possible crimes as the UN confirmed 173 people have died in the ongoing crisis.

Ivory Coast was plunged into violence after incumbent Laurent Gbagbo refused to cede power to Ouattara – the man … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Calls for ICC probe over Ivory Coast violence.

13 injured as bus falls off Delhi-Noida expressway (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – A speeding chartered bus carrying office-goers home spun out of control and fell off the Delhi-Noida-Delhi (DND) expressway Thursday evening, injuring 13 passengers, police said.

According to police, the accident took place around 7.30 p.m. when the bus was going towards Noida from Dhaula Kuan. It suddenly skidded towards the left and …. Original source  : 13 injured as bus falls off Delhi-Noida expressway (Second Lead).

Cricket board officials covered up forgery: GCA member

PANAJI – Senior Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) officials colluded with Goa Cricket Association (GCA) president Dayanand Narvekar in a forgery case involving his son, a senior GCA member claimed Saturday.

He alleged that Narvekar forged his son Ganeshrajs birth certificate four times to ensure that he plays in under-15 cricket tournaments.
Read more »».

Raja questioned again on 2G scam

NEW DELHI – DMK leader and former communications minister A. Raja was questioned here again for the second day Saturday by the CBI that is probing the 2G spectrum allocation scam.

Raja reached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters at around 10 a.m., official sources said.
The 47-year-old was quizzed by the CBI for … Original source on Gaea Times at : Raja questioned again on 2G scam.

Six die in Jharkhand accident

RANCHI – Six people were killed in Jharkhand when a bus carrying them collided with a truck, hurtling it over 100 feet into a deep valley, police said Saturday.

The accident took place late Friday near Chutupali valley in Ramgarh district, some 45 km from here. The bus was going to Sasaram in Bihar from … Read : Six die in Jharkhand accident.

Baby rescued from Bolivian floodwaters

La Paz, Dec 25 (IANS/EFE) A nine-month-old baby had a miraculous escape in Bolivia when she was rescued from floodwaters by a 10-year-old girl.

The girl saved the baby as a massive flood swept through a mining village, taking away more than 60 rustic dwellings.
The floods occurred earlier this week in Chima village, some [..] Read the original article: here.

Raja at CBI office for questioning again

NEW DELHI – DMK leader and former communications minister A. Raja reached the CBI headquarters here for the second consecutive day Saturday for further questioning in the 2G spectrum scam.

He reached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters at around 10 a.m., CBI sources said.
Raja was quizzed by the CBI for over eight … Original article on : Raja at CBI office for questioning again.

Families make Christmas visit to mine where 29 men died

WELLINGTON – About 60 family members of the 29 men who died last month in a New Zealand coal mine explosion made an emotional Christmas Day visit to the site where the bodies remain entombed.

Although the Pike River mine remains hazardous, police ferried the relatives in minibuses close to the entrance for a short … Read more : Families make Christmas visit to mine where 29 men died.

Six killed in Dhaka factory fire

DHAKA – Six people were killed and several injured in a fire at a mosquito coil factory in Dhaka, officials said Saturday.

Police and fire brigade officials said the fire broke out at the Good Night mosquito coil factory in northern Dhaka at 9.35 p.m. Friday.
Ten firetrucks were put into service which controlled the …. Source  : Six killed in Dhaka factory fire.

30 die in Ecuador bus accident

Quito, Dec 25 (IANS/EFE) At least 30 people were killed and 25 others were injured when the bus in which they were travelling veered off the road and plunged into a ravine in Ecuador’s Manabi province, police said Friday.

The accident occurred between the cities of Flavio Alfaro and El Carmen. Local media reports put …. Source  : 30 die in Ecuador bus accident.

Ex-BCCI official, wife, son booked for forging son’s birth certificate

PANAJI – In a late development Friday, the police here booked a former vice president of the Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) and his family members for forging his son’s birth certificate so he could play for the state in under-15 category.

The main accused Dayanand Narvekar is currently the president of the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ex-BCCI official, wife, son booked for forging son’s birth certificate.

Indian-origin man gets life for plotting wife’s murder

LONDON – A South African man of Indian origin was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Durban court after he admitted paying two men 2,880 pounds for stage-managing a carjacking and killing his wife.

Rajive Sewnarain, 42, told investigators that he hired the men to ambush his own car Dec 10 in Durban to shoot … Read more : Indian-origin man gets life for plotting wife’s murder.

CBI court’s clean chit to Dera chief in murder case

AMBALA – A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here Friday gave a clean chit to controversial Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh in the murder of sect functionary Faqir Chand.

CBI special court judge Abdul Majid ordered Friday that the murder case be closed after the agency, which investigated the murder case, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : CBI court’s clean chit to Dera chief in murder case.

Teenager held for murder in Delhi

NEW DELHI – An 18-year-old boy was arrested here on charges of killing a man who had made advances to the teenager’s girlfriend, police said Friday.

The body of 25-year-old Deepak Thapa was found under a flyover in Vasant Gaon area in south Delhi Dec 14. “He was involved in cases of burglary and vehicle … Read more »»».

CBI raids Kalmadi in hunt for CWG tainted money (Intro Roundup)

NEW DELHI/PUNE/MUMBAI – The CBI Friday seized stacks of documents, laptops and computer discs after raiding homes and premises linked to Commonwealth Games chief organizer Suresh Kalmadi in Delhi, Pune and Mumbai as part of a crackdown to unearth corruption that has already led to the arrest of three of his colleagues.

After some eight [..] Read the original article: here.

Man dies at daughter’s college gates

GHAZIABAD – A Kashmiri man who came here to take home his daughter studying in a college was killed Friday when a heavy chunk of steel slipped from a crane and crushed his car at the institute’s gates.

The tragedy took place around 4 p.m. at the Indraprastha Dental College, police said.
Abdul Mazid, 45, …. Source article  : Man dies at daughter’s college gates.

Seven booked for illegally cutting 70 trees

LUCKNOW – Seven forest officials were booked Friday in Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh for their alleged involvement in the illegal cutting down of trees in the Katarniaghat forest range, police said.

The case was registered against the officials on the directions of Katarniaghat Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) R.K. Singh.
“As of now, I can only …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Binayak Sen gets life, angry activists vow appeal (Roundup)

RAIPUR/NEW DELHI – Rights activist Binayak Sen, whose incarceration a group of 22 Nobel laureates had condemned, was Friday sentenced to life imprisonment by a Chhattisgarh court for sedition and his links with Maoists. His shaken family termed it a sad day for Indian democracy while fellow activists reacted with disbelief and vowed to appeal.

Read : Binayak Sen gets life, angry activists vow appeal (Roundup).

Rs.300 crore-worth properties of Koda, others seized

RANCHI – Properties worth Rs.300 crore of former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda and his associates were attached by the Enforcement Directorate, a prosecutor said Friday.

The Enforcement Directorate has attached properties worth Rs.300 crore. The assessment of assets in foreign countries are on, Public Prosecutor of Enforcement Directorate S.R. Das told reporters here.
The … Read more : Rs.300 crore-worth properties of Koda, others seized.

CBI raids Kalmadi in hunt for CWG tainted money (Roundup)

NEW DELHI/PUNE/MUMBAI – The CBI Friday seized stacks of documents after raiding homes and premises linked to Commonwealth Games chief organizer Suresh Kalmadi in Delhi, Pune and Mumbai as part of a crackdown to unearth corruption that has already led to the arrest of three of his colleagues.

After some eight hours of extensive searches, … Read more : CBI raids Kalmadi in hunt for CWG tainted money (Roundup).

Yellow fever epidemic kills 45 in Uganda

KAMPALA – At least 45 people have died from yellow fever in northern Uganda since early November, the Health Ministry said in a statement Friday.

A total of 174 people have been infected in nine districts across the north of the East African nation.
The viral disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and the victims suffer … Original source on Gaea Times at : Yellow fever epidemic kills 45 in Uganda.

CBI questions Kalmadi’s close aide Shekhar

NEW DELHI – After raiding Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi’s homes, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Friday called his aide Shekhar for questioning.

Shekhar was seen going into the CBI headquarters here Friday evening.
The CBI Friday raided Kalmadi’s homes in New Delhi and Pune and his brother’s home in Mumbai as …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : CBI questions Kalmadi’s close aide Shekhar.

Eight US tourists killed in Egypt accident

LUXOR – Eight US tourists were killed and 21 injured Sunday when their bus collided with a truck in southern Egypt, security sources said.

Two Egyptians – the bus driver and the tour guide – were also injured.
The bus, carrying 37 US tourists, was heading to Abu Simbel temple, when it collided with the …. Original article  : Eight US tourists killed in Egypt accident.

Indian student shot dead in US

HYDERABAD/WASHINGTON – An Indian student hailing from Andhra Pradesh has been shot dead during a robbery at a convenience store in the US, his family and US media reportS said Sunday.

Elaprolu Jayachandra, 22, was shot dead by unidentified robbers early Sunday at the store in Pasadena in Texas where he was working. He was … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indian student shot dead in US.

Andhra student shot dead in US

HYDERABAD – A student hailing from Andhra Pradesh has been shot dead in the US by unidentified robbers, his family said.

Elaprolu Jayachandra, 22, was shot dead by unidentified robbers at a gasoline bunk in Texas, according to information received by his family in Vijayawada.
The family received the shocking news from his friends late …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

They still wait for their children lost in tsunami

NEW DELHI – It has been six years since his daughter went missing in the December 2004 tsunami, but Sergeant Ravi Shankar continues to keep the waves of hope rising inside him.

Apurva was eight when the tsunami waves that hit the Car Nicobar shores took her away from her father’s arms. Shankar is … Read this article on Gaea Times at : They still wait for their children lost in tsunami.

Haryana man booked for daughter’s ‘honour’ killing

ROHTAK – In another case of honour killing, a man in Haryana got his 14-year-old daughter killed for having an affair with a boy of the same village. An accomplice has been nabbed while the father of the girl is on the run, police said Sunday.

Umed Saini is accused of killing his daughter … Read : Haryana man booked for daughter’s ‘honour’ killing.

Sri Lanka remembers tsunami victims on sixth anniversary

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka marked the sixth tsunami anniversary that claimed the lives of more than 40,000 people with a host of religious events Sunday.

A two-minute silence was observed throughout the country at 9.25 a.m. (0355 GMT), the time the killer waves first hit the eastern coast.
Most coastal areas in the island … Read more : Sri Lanka remembers tsunami victims on sixth anniversary.

Chinese cops offer money to netizens to hunt criminals

BEIJING – In an effort to curb crime, Chinese police have started offering money to encourage internet users to inform about suspected criminals.

Earlier this month, the public security bureau in Sayibak district of Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, posted a photo on its website showing a crime scene. It said anyone … Read more »»».

300 women killed in 2010 in Mexican border city

Ciudad Juarez, Dec 26 (IANS/EFE) The number of women killed in 2010 in Mexico’s northern border city of Ciudad Juarez has risen to 300, official figures show.

The tally was based on figures from the Chihuahua state Attorney General’s Office. Ciudad Juarez is located across the US border’s El Paso city in Texas.
The city …. Source  : 300 women killed in 2010 in Mexican border city.

WikiLeaks details US drug agency’s relations with allies: Report

WASHINGTON – US allies in the fight against drug trafficking have an uneasy relationship with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, The New York Times reported late Saturday based on leak documents released by website WikiLeaks.

The documents provide details of long-known tensions in the fight against drug trafficking, showing a range of cooperation with US … Original source on Gaea Times at : WikiLeaks details US drug agency’s relations with allies: Report.

Four drug gang members get death penalty in China

BEIJING – A Chinese court has sentenced four members of a drug gang to death, while four others were sentenced to life imprisonment, a media report said.

Wu Zhijian was sentenced to death by the Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court for running a criminal gang involved in producing, selling and transporting drugs.
Three other gang … Original source on Gaea Times at : Four drug gang members get death penalty in China.

34 killed in Uttar Pradesh accident

LUCKNOW – Thirty-three members of a funeral procession and a driver were killed when their mini-truck overturned and was hit by a bus in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun district Saturday night. At least 12 people were also injured, police said.

“A DCM mini-truck, carrying members of a funeral procession, overturned on the sandy road in Unjhani [..] Read the original article: here.

Punjab BJP leader injured in road accident

CHANDIGARH – Punjab’s senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Avinash Rai Khanna escaped with minor injuries after his car was hit by another vehicle here Saturday night. A woman and a child travelling in the other car were seriously injured, police said.

According to the police, Khanna was returning from Garshankar town in Punjab to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Punjab BJP leader injured in road accident.

28 killed as buses collide

LUCKNOW – At least 28 people were killed and 14 injured as a bus ploughed into a mini-bus which had overturned in Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh Saturday, police said.

The mini-bus lost control as the road was sandy and overturned, Senior Superintendent of Police D.K. Choudhary told IANS on phone from Badaun, some 250 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 28 killed as buses collide.

Three held with fake currency in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Three men were arrested here with counterfeit notes of Rs.13,700, police said Saturday.

Shabbir Alam, 42, Sunil Kumar Singh, 46 and Karamat Hussain, 45, all hailing from Bihar, were arrested Friday in central Delhi.
“The three were nabbed from Chawri Bazaar metro station. A total of 274 fake currency notes of Rs.50 … Read more »»».

Strong quake shakes Vanuatu

WASHINGTON – An earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale Saturday shook an area 135 km west of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.

“Sea level readings confirm that a tsunami was generated,” the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said on its website.
The tsunami warning had applied to Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia. However, …. Original article  : Strong quake shakes Vanuatu.

Extortionist gang posing as reporters arrested

NEW DELHI – A gang of four posing as press reporters was arrested in Delhi for extorting money, police said Saturday adding that a woman holding a journalism degree was the leader of the extortionist group.

Rajan, Sonu Kumar, Mamta Chopra and the mastermind of the racket Simran Gupta used to pose as press reporters. …. Source article  : Extortionist gang posing as reporters arrested.

Pirates seize Thai ship in Indian Ocean

BRUSSELS – Pirates early Saturday seized the MV Thor Nexus general cargo ship in the Indian Ocean with its crew of 27 Thai nationals, the European Union’s Atalanta mission reported.

The EU Naval Force (NAVFOR) Operation Atalanta said that the 20,377-ton Thai-owned and flagged vessel was pirated about 450 nautical miles northeast of the Indian … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pirates seize Thai ship in Indian Ocean.

Two drug peddlers, supplier arrested in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Two drug peddlers and a supplier were arrested in Delhi in separate incidents, leading to the seizure of heroin worth lakhs of rupees, police said Saturday.

According to police, Rahman, 22, was arrested from Kalyan Puri area of east Delhi Dec 16 when he was about to supply the drug.
At …. Read the original article  : here.

Two Nepali women nabbed with cannabis

LUCKNOW – Two Nepali women were arrested Saturday carrying cannabis worth around Rs.20 lakh in Uttar Pradeshs Maharajganj, police said.

The two women, aged around 40 years, were held from the Sunauli town near the Indo-Nepal border in a joint operation carried out by the district police and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
Preliminary investigations [..] Read the original article: here.

15,000 pirated CDs, DVDs seized, seven held

PANIPAT – In a major breakthrough, nearly 15,000 pirated CDs and DVDs were seized and seven people were arrested following raids at various places in Haryana’s industrial city of Panipat, police said Saturday.

The raids were conducted following a complaint from Delhi-based Sunil Sukheja who alleged that the accused were violating the Anti-Piracy Act. The …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Three drug peddlers nabbed in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Three drug peddlers, who supplied drugs in various Indian states, were nabbed with cannabis worth over Rs.40 lakh in Meerut district in Uttar Pradesh, police said Monday.

They were arrested late Sunday from Transport Nagar in Meerut district in a joint operation by the district police and the Special Operations Group (SOG).
“The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Three drug peddlers nabbed in Uttar Pradesh.

PM’s heart surgeon Ramakant Panda injured in accident

GUWAHATI – Eminent cardiac surgeon Ramakant Panda, who had last year conducted a heart surgery on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was injured in a road accident in eastern Assam’s Nagaon district Monday, officials said.

Panda was going to the Kaziranga National Park on a holiday when the car he was travelling in collided head … Read more : PM’s heart surgeon Ramakant Panda injured in accident.

Woman gangraped, brutally killed in Jharkhand

RANCHI – In a hair-raising, gory incident, a woman was gangraped and later killed brutally in Jamshedpur steel city, police said Monday.

“She was gangraped and later murdered brutally by inserting bamboo in her private parts,” a police official told IANS. Police have yet to ascertain the woman’s identity.
Police recovered the woman’s body … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Woman gangraped, brutally killed in Jharkhand.

Sailing dreams go sour, eight Indians ‘held’ in Iran

AGRA – Around a year ago, nine Indian young men embarked from Dubai for on-ship training – sailing high on their Merchant Navy dreams. But today, one of them is dead while the others are believed to be in Iranian custody for crude oil smuggling, their families say.

“Initially, I was told that the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sailing dreams go sour, eight Indians ‘held’ in Iran.

Sex racket busted in Rohini, seven held

NEW DELHI – Police Monday claimed to have busted a sex racket in Rohini locality of outer Delhi with the arrest of seven people, including six women.

According to the police, Premlata headed the gang along with a man, and five other girls worked under them. The police raided their Sector 16 flat in Rohini …. Source  : Sex racket busted in Rohini, seven held.

3 Indians arrested with bomb ingredient in Nepal

KATHMANDU – Three young Indian men have been arrested while trying to enter Nepal from Indias Darjeeling district carrying 120 kg of sulphur, an ingredient used to make gunpowder.

Manik Roy, 23, Haresh Sinha, 22, and Sotor Roy, 23, were arrested Sunday in eastern Nepal while trying to enter the country through the Kakarbhitta entry …. Source  : 3 Indians arrested with bomb ingredient in Nepal.

100-vehicle pile-up in China leaves seven dead

BEIJING – More than 100 vehicles rammed into the back of each other in a foggy Monday morning on an expressway in China, killing seven people and injuring 15.

Over 100 vehicles crashed in the chain of collisions in southwest Gizhou province, leaving seven people dead, Xinhua reported quoting local officials.
The pile-up began …. Read the original article  : 100-vehicle pile-up in China leaves seven dead.

Seven die in 100-vehicle pile-up in China

BEIJING – At least seven people were killed and 15 injured when over 100 vehicles rammed into the back of each other in a foggy Monday morning on an expressway in China, officials said.

The incident occurred when a truck crashed into a petrol station in Zunyi County of southwest China’s Guizhou Province at about …. Read the original article  : here.

Four Tripura tourists killed in Mathura road accident

LUCKNOW – Four Tripura women were killed and 17 others were injured when a speeding truck ploughed into a tourist bus carrying them in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh Monday, police said.

The accident took place on the Delhi-Agra national highway in Kosi area, where the truck collided head-on with the private bus carrying the tourists … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Four Tripura tourists killed in Mathura road accident.

Cartels have been weakened, says Mexican government

Mexico City, Dec 27 (IANS/EFE) The government’s security strategy has succeeded in weakening Mexico’s drug cartels, including the Pacific cartel, whose members accounted for 24 percent of the drug arrests made in the country this year, authorities said.

Record drug seizures and other blows have weakened the criminal organisations, said the Security Cabinet, which is [..] Read the original article: here.

Cocaine packed in toys, candy seized in Nicaragua

Managua, Dec 27 (IANS/EFE) A total of 334 kg of cocaine, which entered Nicaragua hidden in a shipment of candy and toys, was seized during the Christmas weekend, officials said.

The cocaine, reportedly from Costa Rica, was seized at the Peas Blancas border crossing in southern Nicaragua, judicial support director Glenda Zavala and National Police …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Cocaine packed in toys, candy seized in Nicaragua.

New security features to make online banking safer

BERLIN – Fraudsters keep on finding ways to steal money from accounts online. But banks are also stepping up their security measures to protect online money transfers.

Online banking was first introduced to the world 30 years ago in Germany, when the Verbraucherbank AG bank set up a system to allow customers to transfer money …. Read the original article  : New security features to make online banking safer.

Fire destroys 134-year-old church in Colombia

Bogota, Dec 27 (IANS/EFE) A Spanish-style church constructed in 1876 in the Colombia’s Manizales city was destroyed by a fire, a church priest said.

The fire in the Pius X Church started around midnight on Christmas Eve and left the structure almost completely burned, but no one was injured in the blaze, parish priest Rev. …. Source  : Fire destroys 134-year-old church in Colombia.

Two arrested for firing in air in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Two men were arrested for firing in the air outside a prominent hotel on central Delhi’s Parliament Street after an argument with the hotel staff, police said Sunday.

They had a minor argument with the staff of Agni restaurant located in the Park Hotel, after which they came out and opened fire, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two arrested for firing in air in Delhi.

Contraband in X-mass cards seized in Dubai

Dubai, Dec 26 (IANS/WAM) Dubai Customs Sunday seized contraband drugs being smuggled into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a consignment of Christmas greeting cards.

Officials at Dubai Cargo Village suspected the parcels, which contained Christmas cards coming from an Asian country and heading towards another Asian country via Dubai. The officials recovered 1.75 kg …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Contraband in X-mass cards seized in Dubai.

Car driver killed after collision with truck

NEW DELHI – A sports utility vehicle’s driver was killed when it collided with a speeding truck in dense fog in central Delhi early Sunday, police said.

The truck rammed into the SUV when it lost control and entered the opposite carriageway around 2.30 a.m. today (Sunday), said a police officer.
According to police, the [..] Read the original article: here.

Three crushed to death in Mumbai cement plant

MUMBAI – Three workers were Sunday crushed to death here when a 150-tonne cement-mixing tank fell on a tanker in which they were resting, police said.

The incident took place at a cement-mixing plant in suburban Andheri.
“The cement mixing tank, that stands erect, fell on the tanker, in which the three men were …. Source article  : Three crushed to death in Mumbai cement plant.

Fog causes multiple accidents on Greater Noida Expressway

GREATER NOIDA – Nearly a dozen people were injured in a series of accidents on the Greater Noida Expressway Sunday morning as dense fog reduced visibility to near zero, police said.

According to Ajay Chaudhary, station house officer (SHO) of Surajpur, the series of crashes occurred within a one-kilometre stretch of the expressway. … Read more : Fog causes multiple accidents on Greater Noida Expressway.

Bangladesh seeks arrest of Transparency International leaders

DHAKA – A Bangladeshi court Sunday issued an arrest warrant for the leaders of the national chapter of corruption watchdog Transparency International (TI), accusing them of tarnishing the reputation of the judiciary.

The Berlin-based watchdog last week released a report claiming that 84 percent of Bangladeshi households were victims of corruption at the hands of …. Source article  : Bangladesh seeks arrest of Transparency International leaders.

Honymoon bride killed in cold blood: South African medico

LONDON – The Indian-origin bride killed while on honeymoon in South Africa last month was executed in cold blood and had not been sexually assaulted, a paramedic said in his description of the crime scene.

The report written by a paramedic who visited the scene said that Anni Dewani was killed after sustaining wounds to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Honymoon bride killed in cold blood: South African medico.

Moneylender held for shooting a techie in Delhi market

NEW DELHI – A 36-year-old man was arrested Tuesday for shooting down a software professional following a brawl over a minor issue in Rohini locality of north Delhi earlier this week, police said.

Surya Prakash, a moneylender, was arrested from his residence in Chirag village in north Delhi, said police.
“He has confessed to …. Read the original article  : Moneylender held for shooting a techie in Delhi market.

Two men charged for Andhra student’s murder in US

WASHINGTON – The US authorities have booked two men for gunning down a 22-year-old Indian student in a robbery on Christmas morning at a convenience store in Texas where he was working part time.

Daniel Jacob Stiner, 22, and Michael Ray Morris, 29, both from Pasadena, Texas, were charged Monday in the fatal shooting of …. Original article  : Two men charged for Andhra student’s murder in US.

580 Chinese wanted for economic crimes at large abroad

BEIJING – As many as 580 Chinese fugitives involved in economic crimes are at large in foreign countries, said a senior police officer.

Meng Qingfeng, head of the economic crime investigation department under the Ministry of Public Security, said the fugitives have been involved in various crimes including illegal fundraising, bank loan fraud and illegally … Read more : 580 Chinese wanted for economic crimes at large abroad.

‘Goa home minister mute spectator to police-drug nexus’

PANAJI – A Congress legislator and top cricket official in Goa Tuesday said state home minister Ravi Naik and the police chief were mute spectators when it came to handling the investigation pertaining to the police-politician-drug mafia nexus.

Police had implicated him by booking him for criminal conspiracy, Goa Cricket Association (GCA) president Dayanand … Read : ‘Goa home minister mute spectator to police-drug nexus’.

Poacher nabbed in Uttar Pradesh, leopard carcass seized

LUCKNOW – A man has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh on charges of killing a leopard whose carcass was recovered from the Dudhwa forest reserve, an official said Tuesday.

The man was arrested late Monday in Lakhimpur Kheri, some 200 km from Lucknow, following a joint operation by the state forest officials and the district [..] Read the original article: here.

Schoolboy abducted in Bihar

PATNA – A 15-year-old boy was abducted in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district Tuesday morning when he was on his way to the school, police said.

Shubham Kumar, a Class 9 student of DAV SChool, was abducted by unidentified criminals near Ahiyapur locality, police officials said.
Police have lodged a case of kidnapping and began investigation into … Read : Schoolboy abducted in Bihar.

Student in hospital after brutal beating by teacher

LUCKNOW – A 10-year-old student of a private school in Uttar Pradesh’s Jalaun town has been hospitalised with multiple injuries after his teacher beat him up brutally, police said Tuesday.

Nitin Kumar, the Class 5 student of G.C. School on the Jhansi Road of the town, was Monday assaulted by his teacher Ashish Kumar …. Original source  : Student in hospital after brutal beating by teacher.

`Latin America most dangerous region for journalists in 2010???

Geneva, Dec 28 (IANS/EFE) Latin America was the most dangerous region for the press in 2010, with 35 of the 105 worldwide murders of journalists occurring there, the Swiss-based Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) said Monday.

Mexico was the most dangerous country in the region, with 14 murders, a number similar to that of Pakistan.
Next … Original article on : `Latin America most dangerous region for journalists in 2010′.

Six arrested for Uruguay jewellery heist

Montevideo, Dec 28 (IANS/EFE) Six Uruguayans, including three women, were arrested for allegedly stealing jewellery worth $250,000 from an American couple who were living near the vacation home of singer Shakira in the resort city of Punta del Este, police said.

The suspects include “relatives and people close to” the couple’s household staff, Maldonado police …. Source  : Six arrested for Uruguay jewellery heist.

11 prisoners freed from Argentine police station

Buenos Aires, Dec 28 (IANS/EFE) Eight armed people Monday attacked a police station on the outskirts of the Argentine capital and freed 11 prisoners. One of the escapees was later recaptured.

“It was a highly audacious act,” said Juan Carlos Paggi, the police chief in the province of Buenos Aires, confirming to radio stations the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two dismembered bodies found outside Mexican bar

Chilpancingo (Mexico), Dec 28 (IANS/EFE) Two bodies, which were dismembered and skinned, were dumped outside a bar in Acapulco, a resort city in southern Mexico, authorities said.

The bodies of the two unidentified men were found just after midnight at the entrance to the Secret bar in the southern section of the Pacific port city, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two dismembered bodies found outside Mexican bar.

Use of children to transport drugs increasing in Colombia

Bogota, Dec 28 (IANS/EFE) The use of children to transport small quantities of drugs in Colombia increased this year by 18 percent over 2009, according to a National Police report published Monday by the daily El Tiempo.

The document says that 7,682 minors were arrested for transporting drugs up through Dec 5, compared with 6,509 … Read more >>.

50 animals die in Russia circus fire

St. Petersburg, Dec 28 (IANS/RIA Novosti) About 50 animals died in a fire that broke out in a travelling circus on the outskirts of St. Petersburg Monday, Russia’s emergency ministry said.

The fire did not affect the animal performers of the circus but about 50 other exotic animals put in an exhibition at a sideline …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Shiv Sena activists detained in Maharashtra

PUNE – More than 10 activists of the Shiv Sena were detained Tuesday for pelting stones on buses and stopping trains to enforce a shutdown in this Maharashtra town, police said.

The shutdown was called to protest the removal of a statue of Dadoji Konddev, Shivaji’s teacher. The activists were detained in Lonavala near Pune.
Read more >>.

Mexican city’s lone police officer kidnapped

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Dec 28 (IANS/EFE) The only police officer in Guadalupe, a border town in northern Mexico, was kidnapped last week, authorities said.

Erika Gandara was abducted Thursday by gunmen from her house in the border city, the Chihuahua state Attorney General’s Office spokesman Carlos Gonzalez said.
The 28-year-old woman had been the town’s …. Source  : Mexican city’s lone police officer kidnapped.

Haryana Police advises slow driving during fog

CHANDIGARH – The Haryana Police Tuesday advised motorists to drive slowly and cautiously on national and state highways and other roads across the state due to dense fog in many parts these days.

“Motorists should maintain safe distance from vehicles going ahead and drive along the white line painted on the road and keep the … Original article on : Haryana Police advises slow driving during fog.

Taiwan man says killing wife was ‘euthanasia’

TAIPEI – An 83-year old man in Taiwan has admitted murdering his wife with a screwdriver in what he claims was a “mercy killing” in the light of her Parkinson’s disease.

Wang Ching-hsi, a retired engineer, killed his wife Sun Yuan-ping, 80, who suffered from Parkinson’s’ disease, at their Taipei home Sunday.
Wang gave her … Original source on Gaea Times at : Taiwan man says killing wife was ‘euthanasia’.

Boxer arrested for killing ‘father’

NEW DELHI – A 21-year-old boxing coach has been arrested for killing his “father” in south Delhi, police said Monday. His accomplice was also held.

According to police, accused Ravi and his friend Rahul were allegedly involved in killing Bhim Singh Nagar, who allegedly had an illicit relation with Ravi’s mother Kamlesh, in Sarita Vihar …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Boxer arrested for killing ‘father’.

Mumbai man held for ISI links innocent: Family

MUMBAI – Almost three weeks after the arrest of suspected Pakistani agent Javed Abdul Gafoor Mozawala, his family and lawyer Monday claimed the police had implicated him in cheating and spying cases.

Mozawala, 30, a travel agent suspect to be linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, was arrested by Mumbai’s Crime Branch for cheating, forgery and …. Original source  : Mumbai man held for ISI links innocent: Family.

Train crushes five bikes, derails in Ghaziabad

GHAZIABAD – A train’s engine and five coaches derailed after five motorcycles were crushed under it at a railway crossing in Ghaziabad, police said. No one was injured.

The bikes were reduced to mangled steel by the New Delhi-bound Shramjeevi Express, coming from Patna, at Kotgaon crossing around 11.25 a.m. The vehicle owners had a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Train crushes five bikes, derails in Ghaziabad.

Six injured in Uttar Pradesh building collapse

LUCKNOW – Six people were critically injured Wednesday when a commercial building under construction collapsed in a town in Uttar Pradesh, police said.

The accident took place in Kilanagar town in Meerut district when a major portion of the first floor of the commercial building collapsed.
“Rescue operations are over now. All the six people …. Original source  : Six injured in Uttar Pradesh building collapse.

Punjab Avenue: a signboard that keeps disappearing in California county

LOS ANGELES – The signboard for Punjab Avenue, a street in California’s Fresno County, has become such a favourite with thieves that officials have now mooted the idea of planting hidden tracking devices inside it.

Fresno County, which is home to the first Sikh immigrants in the late 19th century, has a 40,000-strong Punjabi community …. Original article  : Punjab Avenue: a signboard that keeps disappearing in California county.

BJD worker held for disrespect to tricolour

BHUBANESWAR – A Biju Janata Dal (BJD) worker was arrested Wednesday allegedly for disrespecting the national flag at a party function here Sunday, police said.

Acting on three complaints, the city police arrested Janakar Sahu under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, inspector Rabindranath Satpathy told IANS.
Sahu allegedly brought with him … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : BJD worker held for disrespect to tricolour.

Pro-Maoist shutdown cripples life in three Bengal districts

KOLKATA – Normal life was thrown out of gear in portions of three Maoist affected districts of West Bengal Wednesday, the second day of the 48-hour shutdown enforced by the pro-Maoist Peoples Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA). The tribal group is protesting the arrest of their leaders.

No buses moved on the roads in Junglemahal, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pro-Maoist shutdown cripples life in three Bengal districts.

Man kills father for being liquor addict

RAIPUR – A 25-year-old man has been arrested here for killing his father who was a liquor addict, police said Wednesday.

Bharatlal Sahu hit on the head of 52-year-old Premlal Sahu with a stone Tuesday night as he was upset over his father’s liquor addiction. Premlal died on the spot, a police official …. Original source  : Man kills father for being liquor addict.

Bank robbers walk away with CCTVs

ISLAMABAD – Robbers struck at a bank here and walked away with Rs.6 million cash – and CCTV cameras.

Police officer Azkar Shah told the Daily Times that the involvement of some bank officials could not be ruled out. Five armed men were involved in the crime.
…. Source  : Bank robbers walk away with CCTVs.

Man burns wife, daughter, commits suicide

JALANDHAR – A poverty-stricken drug addict burnt his wife and two-year-old daughter before setting himself on fire in Punjab’s Jalandhar city, police said Wednesday. All three died.

The ghastly deaths took place in their small house in Ashok Nagar. Police were alerted by neighbours who saw smoke emanating from the house. The man was identified …. Read the original article  : Man burns wife, daughter, commits suicide.

Dacoits thrash Pakistani cops, snatch guns

ISLAMABAD – A gang of dacoits Wednesday struck at a police post in Pakistan’s Punjab province, thrashed the policemen and snatched away their guns.

The gang also took away arms and mobile phones from the police post in Khanewal tehsil, the News International reported Wednesday.
Over ten armed dacoits turned up to the police post …. Original source  : Dacoits thrash Pakistani cops, snatch guns.

Three held with 400 tortoises in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Three poachers, including two women, have been arrested with over 400 tortoises in Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh, police said Wednesday.

The three were nabbed Tuesday night from the Howrah-Amritsar train following an operation by the Government Railway Police (GRP).
Acting on a tip-off, we held the three poachers who were on their way …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Tiger skins seized in Punjab, two Karnataka women held

AMRITSAR – Forest department officials have arrested here two Karnataka-based women for possessing tiger skins and other wildlife material, an official said Wednesday.

“We have recovered skins of two tigers, aged around four. We have also recovered tiger nails, teeth, rare rudraksh and kasturis from them. We are trying to ascertain the source from … Original article on : Tiger skins seized in Punjab, two Karnataka women held.

New book claims Indian role in Nepal palace massacre

KATHMANDU – A former senior military officer at Nepal’s royal palace, who drew flak for the massacre of King Birendra and nine others in 2001, is now rattling new skeletons with his memoir.

Gen Bibek Shah, who rose from being the aide de camp of the king to becoming military secretary in the Narayanhity royal … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New book claims Indian role in Nepal palace massacre.

12 die in Russian military plane crash

Moscow, Dec 29 (IANS/RIA Novosti) All 12 people on board a Russian Air Force An-22 transport aircraft that crashed late Tuesday night in central Russia’s Tula region were found dead, a source said Wednesday.

“All 12 pilots that were on board of the An-22 military transport aircraft are dead. Their bodies have been already discovered,” … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 12 die in Russian military plane crash.

Bangladesh’s ex-speaker booked for corruption

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed cases against the former speaker of parliament, his deputy and a senior opposition party leader for corruption, misappropriation of public funds and misuse of power.

Cases were filed Tuesday against former speaker Jamiruddin Sircar, his deputy Akhtar Hamid, secretary general of main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) …. Original source  : Bangladesh’s ex-speaker booked for corruption.

Four held for killing man and his four sons

Reggio Calabria (Italy), Dec 29 (IANS/AKI) Four people were arrested Tuesday on suspicion of killing a man and his four sons in southern Italy.

The lifeless bodies of Domecico Fontana, aged 61, and three of his sons were discovered Monday on a farm in Filandari, in Italy’s Calabria region.
All were dead dead … Read more >>.

Spain confirms mutual expulsion of diplomats with Russia

Madrid, Dec 29 (IANS/EFE) Spain’s foreign ministry confirmed Tuesday that Russia expelled two Spanish diplomats in response to Madrid’s decision last month to expel two Russians “for conducting activities incompatible with their status”.

The two Spanish diplomats expelled from Moscow last week have the rank of secretary, Foreign Ministry sources told EFE.
The Spanish daily …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Spain confirms mutual expulsion of diplomats with Russia.

Brazil prison population triples in 15 years

Sao Paulo, Dec 29 (IANS/EFE) The population of Brazil’s prison system currently stands at 494,237 inmates, or triple the number behind bars 15 years ago, according to official figures.

According to the National Penitentiary Department, or Depen, an agency of the Justice Ministry, the number of inmates was slightly more than 148,000 in 1995.
According …. Original source  : Brazil prison population triples in 15 years.

41 Mexican guards to go on trial for jailbreak

Mexico City, Dec 29 (IANS/EFE) A Mexican judge decided to bring to trial 41 guards, among them seven women, posted to a penitentiary in the northern border city of Nuevo Laredo for their alleged responsibility in the escape of 153 prisoners, authorities said.

“The accused … employed (in) … Nuevo Laredo, will face charges for …. Read the original article  : 41 Mexican guards to go on trial for jailbreak.

Reporter murdered in Honduras

Tegucigalpa, Dec 29 (IANS/EFE) Radio reporter Henry Suazo was gunned down Tuesday in La Masica, a town on Honduras’ Caribbean coast, his employer said.

Suazo was shot dead as he was leaving his home, according to his employer HRN, which cited an account from Jorge Abilio Diaz, owner of a television station in La Masica.
…. Source  : Reporter murdered in Honduras.

Over 200 US skiers stranded after chairlift derails

WASHINGTON – About 220 skiers were stranded and at least six injured after a chairlift derailed at a ski resort on Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine.

The Spillway East chairlift derailed Tuesday morning after the rope cable slipped over the edge of a pulley, and five chairs fell an estimated 9-12 metres to the ground, the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Over 200 US skiers stranded after chairlift derails.

11 dead in Russian military plane crash

MOSCOW – A military aeroplane has crashed in central Russia, killing all on board, news reports said Wednesday.

The Russian Air Force Antonov An-22 transport plane was carrying 11 people, officials were quoted as saying by news agency Itar-Tass.
The number of passengers was given as “about 12″ by news agency Ria Novosti, citing a … Read more >>>.

Punjab jail inmate commits suicide, probe on

SANGRUR – An inmate of the Sangrur district jail committed suicide by hanging himself from the grills of the window of his barrack, police said Thursday.

Kamaljit, who killed himself Wednesday night, was accused of killing his father over a property dispute and was arrested Dec 13. He was in his late 30s.
We have [..] Read the original article: here.

Cops loot Bastar tribals; their boss apologises, pays damages

RAIPUR – A senior police officer in Chhattisgarh’s restive Bastar region said Thursday that he apologised to tribals for misbehaviour and loot carried out by his subordinates, and even distributed money to the villagers to compensate them.

The poor men and women of villages Pandewar, Gondpal and Kuper of Dantewada district had begun running away … Read more »».

Mastermind behind Rs.300 crore Citibank fraud held (Second Lead)

GURGAON – Citibank manager Shivraj Puri, accused of cheating investors of Rs.300 crore, surrendered before police and was taken into custody Thursday, almost two days after one of India’s biggest banking frauds earlier estimated to be worth Rs.100 crore came to light, officials said.

“Puri surrendered at around 12.30 p.m. He has been taken into …. Source  : Mastermind behind Rs.300 crore Citibank fraud held (Second Lead).

Four children killed in Bengal slum fire

KOLKATA – Four children were killed and 70 shanties were destroyed early Thursday after a fire, lit to keep people warm, spread through a slum in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, officials said.

“Four charred bodies of children aged between six-10 years were recovered from the gutted shanties early Thursday. The bodies were …. Source article  : Four children killed in Bengal slum fire.

Citibank manager behind Rs.200 crore fraud arrested

GURGAON – Citibank manager Shivraj Puri, accused of cheating investors of over Rs.200 crore, surrendered before police and was taken into custody Thursday, almost two days after one of India’s biggest banking frauds came to light, officials said.

“Puri surrendered at around 12.30 p.m. He has been taken into custody and will be presented before … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Citibank manager behind Rs.200 crore fraud arrested.

Two Shiv Sena leaders booked for Pune violence

PUNE – Two days after a Shiv Sena-called shutdown evoked some violence and a partial response in this Maharashtra city, a compliant was Thursday lodged against two of the party’s leaders for hatching a conspiracy to create law and order problems, police said.

Milind Narvekar, personal assistant of Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two Shiv Sena leaders booked for Pune violence.

Kirti Azad complains of extortion call by teen cricketer

PATNA – A budding cricketer here has been booked for allegedly demanding Rs.20 lakh from Bihar’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former cricketer Kirti Azad, police said Thursday.

Parnav Kumar Choudhary was booked after Azad, the MP from Darbhanga, alleged that he had been threatened with dire consequences if he did not pay …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Citibank manager surrenders in Gurgaon

GURGAON – Citibank manager Shivraj Puri, accused of cheating investors of around Rs.200 crore, surrendered to police here Tuesday, almost 48 hours after one of India’s biggest banking frauds came to light.
… Read more : Citibank manager surrenders in Gurgaon.

Another businessman abducted in Bihar

PATNA – A businessman was abducted early Thursday morning by unidentified men in Banka district in Bihar, police said.

Neelesh Kumar Seth, who runs a jewellery business, was abducted at gunpoint by unidentified men in Banka district when he along with his family was on way to Deogarh in neighbouring Jharkhand state.
His family …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Goa whistle-blower on cricket nepotism alleges victimisation

PANAJI – A whistle-blower, who blew the lid off a Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) forgery and nepotism scandal involving a former top official and Congress legislator in Goa, has alleged that he is being victimised by the police.

Shekhar Salkar, who filed a first information report (FIR) against Goa Cricket Association … Read more >>.

Several Hindus kidnapped for ransom, says Pakistani leader

ISLAMABAD – Santosh Kumar Bugti, a minority leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N, has sought early recovery of an abducted leading Hindu spiritual leader and said that several members of the Hindu community had been kidnapped for ransom.

Addressing a press conference in Quetta, Bugti appealed to all tribal leaders and elders to play their role [..] Read the original article: here.

Death sentence for man who raped, killed 4-year-old

KARACHI – A 22-year-old man has been awarded the death sentence in Karachi for raping and murdering a four-year-old girl who used to call him “chachu” (uncle).

The anti-terrorism court awarded the death sentence to Sher Khan for the attack that took place in July this year.
Investigators found that Khan had killed the girl …. Original article  : Death sentence for man who raped, killed 4-year-old.

Probe sought into Honduran journalist’s murder

Paris, Dec 30 (IANS/EFE) Reporters Without Borders have asked the government of Honduras to carry out an “impartial and effective” investigation into the murder of reporter Henry Suazo. The reporter was killed in the Caribbean coastal city of La Ceiba.

The slaying of Suazo, a correspondent for Tegucigalpa-based HRN radio, brings to 10 the number [..] Read the original article: here.

Drug lord described as `murderer of murderers’ killed

Bogota, Dec 30 (IANS/EFE) Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced Wednesday that ruthless drug lord Pedro Guerrero, alias “Cuchillo” (knife), was killed last week in a clash with police. Santos described Guerrero as “the murderer of murderers”.

“The murderer of murderers fell. We were on his trail for many years. He had become a kind … Original source on Gaea Times at : Drug lord described as `murderer of murderers’ killed.

Millions short of water as drought hits eastern China

BEIJING – A severe drought in China’s eastern Shandong province has left tens of thousands of people short of drinking water and dried up vast swathes of farmland.

The drought, worst in 50 years, has left some 240,000 people short of drinking water. It also hit about 1.84 million hectares of cropland, Xinhua reported citing … Read more »»».

Robbers loot 50 kg gold from Canadian-owned mine in Brazil

TORONTO – Armed robbers stormed a Canadian-run gold mine in Brazil Wednesday night and took away 50 kg of the yellow metal.

The Vancouver-based Luna Gold Corporation said that after taking its staff hostage, the robbers set off explosives to crack a storage safe to loot the precious metal. The value of the metal has …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Robbers loot 50 kg gold from Canadian-owned mine in Brazil.

OHIO Student Killed in one Car Accident

OHIO (GaeaTimes.com) — East Canton High School students are mourning over 18-year-old Christopher Wheeler, a senior at the school, who was killed in a single car accident late Tuesday night.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol commented that Wheeler was a passenger in a vehicle that was heading southbound on State Route 44 shortly before midnight. …. Original source  : OHIO Student Killed in one Car Accident.

Car Crash near Grassington Kills 2, Injures a Couple

GRASSINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — A couple from Grassington are recovering in hospital after a crash in which two people died.
The couple, who are in their 50s, were in a green Audi A8 car, which was in a head-on collision with a red Peugeot 306 on the B6165 Ripley to Pateley Bridge road near Summerbridge on …. Source  : Car Crash near Grassington Kills 2, Injures a Couple.

Woman serious after husband’s axe attack

NEW DELHI – A woman was battling for life Wednesday after her husband attacked her with an axe while she was sound asleep, police said.

The accused surrendered before the police soon after the incident.
“Seema was attacked on her face and hands by her husband Tarun at their Hari Nagar residence. She is battling …. Original source  : Woman serious after husband’s axe attack.

Roof collapse kills two in capital

NEW DELHI – Two people, including the owner of a steel factory, were killed and one was injured Wednesday when the roof of a building constructed eight-days ago collapsed after its support system was removed, police said.

According to the police, the incident took place at a factory in Wazirpur Industrial Area in north Delhi. …. Read the original article  : Roof collapse kills two in capital.

Mentally challenged man battered to death

NEW DELHI – A 32-year-old mentally challenged man was beaten to death by his neighbours over a petty issue in west Delhi, police said Friday.

Jai Prakash Pahuja was repeatedly hit on the head with a brick outside his home in Nihal Vihar Thursday night when he laughed at his neighbours Jasbir Singh and Charanjeet …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mentally challenged man battered to death.

Moily meets CBI chief to discuss Aarushi case

NEW DELHI – Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily Friday discussed the more than two-year-old Aarushi murder case with Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director A.P. Singh in the wake of the agency filing a closure report in the yet unsolved case citing lack of evidence.

“Someone has killed Aarushi in a brutal and dastardly …. Read the original article  : Moily meets CBI chief to discuss Aarushi case.

We won’t pay blood money, say Indians on UAE death row (Third Lead)

SHARJAH/CHANDIGARH – Claiming innocence, 17 Indians sentenced to death for killing a Pakistani man in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have refused to settle the case by paying blood money to the victim’s family as recompense for the murder. Their families in India agree and say they will not take up the new offer by … Original source on Gaea Times at : We won’t pay blood money, say Indians on UAE death row (Third Lead).

Indians on death row in UAE refuse to settle case with blood money (Second Lead)

SHARJAH – Seventeen Indians, sentenced to death for killing a Pakistani man in the UAE, have refused to pay the blood money to settle the case as offered by the victim’s family.

The representative of the deceased Misri Nazir Khan’s family told the Sharjah Court of Appeal Thursday that they are ready to settle the … Read more >>.

No need for blood money, say families of Indians on UAE death row

CHANDIGARH – Stating that their kin were innocent, the family members of the 17 Indians who are on death row in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a Punjab-based NGO pursuing their case have opposed the giving of blood money to secure their release.

“There is no need to give any blood money for the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : No need for blood money, say families of Indians on UAE death row.

Indians on death row in UAE: Victim’s family ready for blood money

SHARJAH – Seventeen Indians, sentenced to death for killing a Pakistani man in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have been offered a lifeline with the victim’s family agreeing to settle the case in lieu of blood money as compensation.

Khaleej Times reported Friday that the victim’s family wants the men to be executed if they …. Original source  : Indians on death row in UAE: Victim’s family ready for blood money.

Man who got drunk, fell asleep during robbery held

Mexico City, Dec 31 (IANS/EFE) A 20-year-old Mexican thief who picked up some bottles of liquor while robbing a house was arrested after he got drunk and fell asleep inside the property, authorities said.

Miguel Angel Rosales Gomez broke into a house Sunday night in the city of Taretan and gathered up a number of items, …. Read the original article  : Man who got drunk, fell asleep during robbery held.

Five bullet-riddled bodies found on Mexican highway

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Dec 31 (IANS/EFE) Five bullet-riddled bodies were found on a rural highway in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, officials said.

Residents of the town of Sainapuchi notified police Wednesday that the bodies had been dumped on the road, Chihuahua state Attorney General’s Office spokesman Carlos Gonzalez said, without providing information about …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Five bullet-riddled bodies found on Mexican highway.

Indians on death row: Victim’s family ready for blood money

SHARJAH – Seventeen Indians who are facing death sentence for killing a Pakistani man in the UAE have been provided a lifeline by the victim’s family who have agreed to settle the case if they are provided with compensation, including blood money.

Khaleej Times reported Friday that the victim’s family wants the men to be …. Original source  : Indians on death row: Victim’s family ready for blood money.

Plane makes u-turn to offload unruly passengers

DUBAI – Don’t create a ruckus inside a plane, you may be taken back to the airport and offloaded!

This is what exactly happed to three unruly and disruptive passengers who caused commotion in a Gulf Air flight, forcing the pilot to turn back to the airport to offload them.
“Three passengers of a group [..] Read the original article: here.

Hamilton County Car Crash Kills Purdue Student

HAMILTON COUNTY (GaeaTimes.com) — A single vehicle accident in Hamilton County results in the death of a Purdue student and sends another person to the hospital.
Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Carter said, 19-year-old Nick Ozolins was killed in a single car crash that happened around 11:45 pm Wednesday night near 256th Street and Lacy Road. … Read : Hamilton County Car Crash Kills Purdue Student.

Baby Orphaned in a Car Accident

VEGREVILLE, CANADA (GaeaTimes.com) — A baby girl who lost both her parents in a Christmas Eve car crash has been released from hospital.
Little eight-month-old Aleera Logozar is now in the care of her grandparents. She was seriously hurt in the head-on collision that killed her parents and an aunt near Vegreville close to midnight … Read more : Baby Orphaned in a Car Accident.

Olympic marathon champion faces assault charges in Kenya

NAIROBI – Olympic marathon champion Samuel Wanjiru has landed in a Kenyan court after being charged with assault, attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm, broadcaster Capital FM reported.

Wanjiru allegedly threatened his domestic help when he returned home drunk Wednesday. A fight with his wife then led to an assault and murder threats, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two held for carry pistol in Noida Metro station

NOIDA – Two people were arrested for illegally carrying a pistol in the City Centre station of Delhi Metro in Noida Thursday evening, police said.

According to Girish Kumar Jayant, station house officer of Sector-24 police station, Dilshad (25) and Jahid (27) were arrested while trying to approach the Metro platform for going to …. Source  : Two held for carry pistol in Noida Metro station.

Aarushi case may come up in Ghaziabad court Jan 3

GHAZIABAD – A Ghaziabad court would take up the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) closure report in the Aarushi Talwar murder case Jan 3, 2011 when it reopens after vacation, local lawyers said Thursday while slamming the probe agency.

The CBI filed its final report in the case in a Ghaziabad special court on …. Read the original article  : Aarushi case may come up in Ghaziabad court Jan 3.

Principal booked for selling text-books as scrap

MIRZAPUR – A principal of a government school and another official were Thursday booked in this Uttar Pradesh district for selling as scrap textbooks that were meant to be distributed free to the students, police said.

Ram Prasad Yadav, principal of the Tenduri Primary School and Munshilal, a Nyay Panchayat resource co-ordinator were caught Thursday … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Principal booked for selling text-books as scrap.

Four youths held for murder, robbery

NEW DELHI – Four youths were arrested after they robbed two people and killed one of them earlier this month in west Delhi, police said Thursday.

On Dec 25, one of the accused Bittoo was arrested. During interrogation, Bittoo revealed the name of the other accused: Ashish, Anil, Sonu, Vinod and Praveen. All the six …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Four youths held for murder, robbery.

Gurgaon police claim dip in crime during 2010

GURGAON – Even as 83 cases of murder and over 2,400 cases of vehicle theft were reported in Gurgaon this year, the city police Thursday claimed that the crime rate had gone down as compared to 2009.

The city also witnessed 22 cases of dowry deaths, just one less from the previous year, and 18 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Gurgaon police claim dip in crime during 2010.

Missing Lucknow student found murdered

BARABANKI – A Class 12 student of a private school in Lucknow was Thursday found murdered in this Uttar Pradesh district, police said.

Dwijendra Sharma, 17, who studied in Doon Public School (DPS) and went missing Dec 20, was found dead in a canal in Masauli.
“His (Sharma’s) body was recovered from the Sharda canal. … Read more >>.

Aarushi case: Parents to fight CBI closure report (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – A day after the CBI requested for closure of the yet unsolved Aarushi Talwar murder case, her parents are set to file a protest petition in a special court at Ghaziabad, even as Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily accepted that reasons for not solving the over two-year-old case will have to be …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Aarushi case: Parents to fight CBI closure report (Roundup).

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