Accidents & Disasters – Weekly Newsletter for October 11-18, 2010

Accidents & Disasters – Weekly Newsletter for October 11-18, 2010

Monday, October 18, 2010

Chilean Miners’ Ordeal To End Soon

SAN JOSE MINE, CHILE (GaeaTimes.com)- Rescue crews who have been working relentlessly to bring to safety the 33 Chilean miners who have been trapped in an underground mine for the past two months, received a major breakthrough over the weekend. The drilling of the escape shaft which would be used to rescue the miners …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Pakistan golf course leads to huge loss

ISLAMABAD – A deal to set up a golf course in Pakistan’s Lahore city has caused a loss of Rs.4.82 billion to the exchequer, says a report issued by the National Assembly.

The report on the allotment of Pakistan Railways land for the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club showed there were a number of …. Read the original article : here.

Shane Hmiel Crash Video Making Rounds

TERRE HAUTE (GaeaTimes.com)- The web was abuzz with the news of USAC driver Shane Hmiel sustaining critical injuries due to a crash on the Terre Haute Action Track on October 10. The USAC has said that further details on the condition of the former NASCAR racer will be available later on Sunday and the …. Source article : Shane Hmiel Crash Video Making Rounds.

Three lynched for alleged theft in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Three men, who were among the seven caught allegedly attempting to commit a theft in a house, were beaten to death in Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district early Monday, police said.

The residents of the Gunjasahi village, about 270 km from here, thrashed the seven men and left them in a nearby forest.
… Read more »»».

Rajasthan hotel owner held for assaulting foreigner

JODHPUR – A hotel owner in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district has been arrested for allegedly molesting and assaulting a tourist from Netherlands who had to spend the night in the bathroom to fend off his advances, police said Monday.

Identified as Narendra Singh, the owner of the hotel in Bap sub-district, some 170 km from this … Read more >>.

14 die as bus falls into river in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – At least 14 people were killed and 19 critically injured Monday when the bus carrying them fell into a river in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, police said.

“The accident took place along the bridge of the Choiya river in Dibai town,” Deputy Superintendent of Police J.R. Joshi told IANS on phone from Bulandshahr, …. Source : 14 die as bus falls into river in Uttar Pradesh.

35 dead as boat capsizes in Bihar

PATNA – As many as 35 people, mostly women and children, were killed when a boat capsized in the Ganga river in Bihar’s Buxar district, police said Monday.

There were around 80 people in the boat when the accident took place late Sunday near Dallupur bank, about 125 km from Patna. At least 15 people …. Original article on Gaea Times at : 35 dead as boat capsizes in Bihar.

Moderate quake jolts Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale jolted Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and northwest region of the country early Monday, but there were no reports of casualties.

The earthquake took place at about 2:45 a.m. local time and the tremor lasted only for a few seconds, Xinhua reported.
The epicentre of the quake [..] Read the original article: here.

Blast at US hotel forces evacuation

LOS ANGELES – A hotel in the US state of California was forced to evacuate Sunday after police received reports that a parked vehicle was bombed.

The incident occurred at 7:30 a.m. (1430 GMT) at a garage beneath Clarion Inn, a two-storey hotel in the port city San Pedro, Xinhua reported.
However, the reported …. Original article : Blast at US hotel forces evacuation.

40 missing in Bihar boat accident

PATNA – At least 40 people were missing and feared drowned when a boat capsized Sunday in the Ganga river in Bihar’s Buxar district, police said.

The accident occurred late Sunday when the passengers, all of them labourers, were returning after their day’s work, police said.
Rescue and search operations are on.
…. Source : 40 missing in Bihar boat accident.

Two held in Himachal, fake currency seized

SHIMLA – Two people, both belonging to Bihar, were arrested Sunday in Himachal Pradeshs Shimla district for being involved in a fake currency racket, police said.

Counterfeit notes with a face value of Rs.186,000 were recovered from them.
Acting on a tip-off, police arrested the accused from Rohru town, some 120 km from here.
The …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Three held for betting on Games

GHAZIABAD – Three bookies involved in betting on the Commonwealth Games were arrested here Sunday, police said.

Gang leader Yogesh Kumar Gupta and Ravi Kumar, both residents of Muzaffarnagar, and Rahul, of Meerut, were arrested from Aditya Mega City, police said.
Acting on a tip, police raided a residential complex where the three men ran …. Read the original article : Three held for betting on Games.

Disabled suffer most in aftermath of Pakistan floods

TANGI – Brittle bone disease has left 19-year-old Zakia completely dependent on her parents and siblings since childhood.

But the worst floods in Pakistan’s history, which uprooted the entire family, have made it even more difficult to cope with the everyday challenges of her disorder, officially known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
At home, for example, she … Read : Disabled suffer most in aftermath of Pakistan floods.

Maoists kill two CPI-M supporters

KOLKATA – Two brothers who were supporters of the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) were killed by suspected Maoists in West Bengal’s Purulia district, police Sunday said.

Kalipada Chakraborty and Sukumar Chakraborty of Kilia village were dragged out of their house late Sunday and shot dead, said Purulia Superintendent of Police Rajesh Yadav.
“Several …. Read the original article : here.

Railways to pay Rs.2 lakh each to kin of accident victims

NEW DELHI – Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday announced an ex-gratia payement of Rs.two lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in an accident in Bihar Saturday.

Banerjee expressed profound grief over the loss of innocent lives and announced the ex-gratia as a special case, said a railway ministry statement.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Railways to pay Rs.2 lakh each to kin of accident victims.

MCI suspends Ketan Desai’s medical licence

NEW DELHI – The Board of Governors of the Medical Council of India (MCI) has suspended the licence of tainted former MCI chief Ketan Desai, a council official said Sunday.

The MCI announced the suspension in a letter to Desai Saturday, ending speculation surrounding his proposed visit to Canada to represent India in a World … Original source on Gaea Times at : MCI suspends Ketan Desai’s medical licence.

Two held in Uttar Pradesh with fake currency notes

LUCKNOW – Two men have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district on charges of circulating counterfeit currency notes printed in Pakistan, police said Tuesday.

The two men, in their early 40s, were nabbed late Monday with fake currency notes of Rs.55,000 from Sukhdevpur area, about 250 km from here.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Two held in Uttar Pradesh with fake currency notes.

New Zealand man forces kids to have sex

AUCKLAND – A man in New Zealand raped his own daughter and then forced his children to have sex together, a court was told Tuesday.

The man, whose age and name were not disclosed, went on trial in the Palmerston North District Court Tuesday on 34 charges related to three decades of alleged assault and … Original source on Gaea Times at : New Zealand man forces kids to have sex.

Military explosives found in New York cemetery

NEW YORK – A bag containing eight small bricks of military C4 explosives was found in a cemetery in lower Manhattan, New York police said Monday.

Police Chief Ray Kelly said the bag was discovered by a volunteer street cleaner at Marble Cemetery on 2nd Street, between 1st and 2nd avenues. The black garbage bag …. Read the original article : here.

Five killed as train ploughs through Bangladesh crowd

DHAKA – An angry mob Monday set a train on fire after it crushed at least five people gathering for an opposition rally in northern Bangladesh, officials said.

Witnesses said the Dhaka-bound train ploughed through a crowd of supporters of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on their way to join a rally in Sayedabad, …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Two civilians killed by police in shootout with Maoists

RAIPUR – Two days after police claimed to have killed eight Maoists in a fierce shootout in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district, its claims were mired in controversy with accusations Monday that two of those killed were civilians.

Dozens of state police personnel had Oct 9 fought a gunbattle with Maoists near the Orissa border and claimed …. Read the original article : Two civilians killed by police in shootout with Maoists.

Armed robbers loot Rs.20 lakh from Mumbai bank

MUMBAI – Three robbers armed with revolvers looted Rs.20 lakh from a branch of Saraswat Bank in the Mumbai suburb of Kandivli- soon after it opened Monday morning, police said here.

“Three masked men, with revolvers, slapped the guard and forced their way into the bank,” said Investigation Officer Dashrath Rathod.
According to bank chairman …. Original article : Armed robbers loot Rs.20 lakh from Mumbai bank.

Four lynched for alleged theft in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Four men, who were among seven people caught allegedly attempting to commit a theft in a house, were beaten to death in Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district early Monday, police said.

The residents of Gunjasahi village, about 270 km from here, thrashed the seven men and left them in a nearby forest.
“After being …. Source : Four lynched for alleged theft in Orissa.

19 die, 14 injured in Uttar Pradesh bus accident (Second Lead)

LUCKNOW – As many as 19 people, including 11 children and four women, were killed and 14 critically injured when the bus carrying them fell into a river in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district Monday, police said.

“The accident took place along the bridge of the Choiya river in Dibai town. The bus fell into … Read more >>>.

Former Gujarat minister approaches high court for bail

GANDHINAGAR – Former Gujarat minister Amit Shah, an accused in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh staged shootout case, Monday filed a bail petition in the state high court.

Shah in his petition also challenged the special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court’s recent order, which denied him regular bail.
Special CBI judge G.K. Upadhyay in … Read : Former Gujarat minister approaches high court for bail.

Delhi policeman commits suicide

MEERUT – A Delhi Police Head Constable deployed for the Commonwealth Games Monday committed suicide by shooting himself in Uttar Pradeshs Meerut district.

Ram Kumar, 37, shot himself with his service revolver at his residence in Ichauli town, over 450 km from Lucknow.
Ram Kumar killed himself in front of his family members,” Superintendent of … Read more »»».

154 candidates in Bihar facing criminal cases: Report

NEW DELHI – As many as 154 candidates in the first round of the six-phase Bihar assembly elections are facing criminal charges, according to a report by NGOs monitoring elections

“There are 154 candidates who have pending criminal cases against them as per their self-attested under oath declarations. Out of these, 97 candidates have got [..] Read the original article: here.

Chilean miners prepare to see daylight

COPIAPO – The final stages of the operation to rescue 33 Chilean copper miners stuck 700 metres underground were put in place Monday, 48 hours before it is hoped they can be winched back to the surface.

Helicopters took part in practice flights over the mine in the Atacama desert overnight so that the miners, …. Read the original article : Chilean miners prepare to see daylight.

Rs.20 lakh looted from Mumbai bank in armed heist

MUMBAI – Four people armed with revolvers looted cash worth Rs.20 lakh from a branch of Saraswat Bank in suburban Kandivli in a daring heist Monday morning, police said here.

The crime was committed in the morning just as the bank opened. Four masked men, armed with revolvers, forced their way into the bank. They … Read more : Rs.20 lakh looted from Mumbai bank in armed heist.

Hungary Toxic Spill To Be Plugged By Dam

KOLONTAR, HUNGARY (GaeaTimes.com)- Official in Hungary have revealed that an emergency dam is being built to contain the toxic spill that resulted after a reservoir burst last week that is known to have claimed as many as six lives. Disaster management officials have divulged that the emergency dam would be able to prevent … Original article on : Hungary Toxic Spill To Be Plugged By Dam.

Activist arrested for champagne celebration in Hong Kong

HONG KONG – A woman was arrested for spraying champagne at a security guard outside China’s de facto embassy in Hong Kong to celebrate the Nobel prize given to Liu Xiaobo, police said Monday.

The woman was among 20 activists who marked the jailed dissident’s award by drinking champagne and eating Norwegian salmon outside the …. Read the original article : Activist arrested for champagne celebration in Hong Kong.

Indian-origin teacher admits she had sex with pupils

LONDON – An Indian-origin woman teacher in Britain has admitted that she had sex with two boy-pupils at her home, a court was told.

Thirtyseven-year-old Hina Patel, who worked as a teacher, met the boys at her home where they had intercourse, Daily Express reported Wednesday.
Patel has pleaded guilty to two charges of abusing … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indian-origin teacher admits she had sex with pupils.

Indian-origin woman cleared of murdering husband

SYDNEY – An Indian-origin woman has been cleared of murdering her husband whom she set ablaze in Australia’s Adelaide city after he scorned her plan to set his penis on fire to save their marriage, a media report said Wednesday.

Fortysix-year-old Rajini Narayan was, however, found guilty of manslaughter at the end of the trial … Original article on : Indian-origin woman cleared of murdering husband.

Hurricane Paula Attains Strength

MIAMI (GaeaTimes.com)- Tropical storm Paula has gained the strength of a hurricane, the Miami-based United States National Hurricane Center has confirmed. The storm is reported to have attained force on Tuesday which might trigger heavy rains in the western part of Cuba from Wednesday evening, weather officials have stated. Before making its way into Cuba, … Original article on : Hurricane Paula Attains Strength.

Loss due to Pakistan floods pegged at $9.5 bn

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has suffered a loss of about $9.5 billion in the floods that ravaged the country, says a report prepared by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

The preliminary Damage Need Assessment (DNA) report says that Pakistan suffered a loss of about $9.5 billion (over Rs.800 billion) in the floods due …. Original source : Loss due to Pakistan floods pegged at $9.5 bn.

Rs.6 mn bank robbery case solved, three held

BEED – Maharashtra Police Wednesday claimed to have cracked a Beed district bank robbery case with the arrest of three people and recovery of cash worth Rs.6 million.

The police have recovered the entire cash of the Beed District Central Co-Operative Bank, Additional Superintendent of Police Virendra Mishra said.
The police suspect involvement of the …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Rs.6 mn bank robbery case solved, three held.

BCCI lodges complaint against Lalit Modi

CHENNAI – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Wednesday lodged a complaint with the city police against former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi to probe irregularities pertaining to the T20 cricket event.

BCCI Secretary N.Srinivasan lodged the complaint against Modi with Chennai Police Commissioner T.Rajendra, citing misappropriation of funds to …. Read the original article : BCCI lodges complaint against Lalit Modi.

Chilean Miners’ Evacuation Process Begins

SAN JOSE MINE, CHILE (GaeaTimes.com)- The record-breaking two month old drama finally reached its climax on Wednesday when Florencio Avalos, one of the Chilean miners who had been trapped in the San Jose mine in Chile for the past ten weeks was rescued by the emergency officials. A thundering applause greeted the 33-year-old miner as … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chilean Miners’ Evacuation Process Begins.

Underground odyssey: Chile miners defied the odds

COPIAPO – The miners who began emerging late Tuesday after 69 days underground in northern Chile surprised and delighted the world with their unlikely survival.

Even as the men were being hauled up in large cages, in a painstakingly slow and meticulous process, some were looking back on the miraculous story of how 33 men …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Underground odyssey: Chile miners defied the odds.

50 percent of Colombian men admit to abusive behaviour

Bogota, Oct 13 (IANS/EFE) Some 50 percent of Colombian men admit to having abused their wives, and 26 percent have at least once tried to intimidate them, a study in the Andean country prepared by three UN agencies says.

The same study says that 9 percent have punched their wives at least once, and 14 [..] Read the original article: here.

3 men gunned down at Mexican hospital

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Oct 13 (IANS/EFE) Gunmen murdered three men at a hospital in Ciudad Juarez, the most violent city in Mexico, police said.

The killings occurred just after midnight Sunday at a public hospital in Ciudad Juarez, the city with the highest homicide rate in the Americas.
The body of one of the victims, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 3 men gunned down at Mexican hospital.

First of 33 miners safe above ground (Second Lead)

COPIAPO – A triumphant Florencio Avalos, 31, emerged safe above ground late Tuesday, the first of 33 miners to be rescued after more than two months of being trapped deep underground.

He stepped out of the Phoenix capsule, the 54-cm-wide tube designed and built by the Chilean Navy that made a safe journey through a …. Source : First of 33 miners safe above ground (Second Lead).

Rescue of trapped miners begin in Chile

COPIAPO – The first rescue worker was lowered into the Chilean mine late Tuesday, the official beginning of the rescue of 33 trapped miners.

\”Imagine you\’re at the beach,\” said one of the rescue workers who helped enclose him in the 54-cm wide Phoenix capsule for the descent 622 metres into the earth.
On its return … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rescue of trapped miners begin in Chile.

Final preparations begin for rescue of 33 miners

COPIAPO – The final preparations for the rescue of 33 miners in Chile began late Tuesday with the lowering and raising of an empty test-capsule down the escape shaft.

Once the hoist operator has the feel for the operation, a rescue worker will board the 54-cm-wide metal cage called Phoenix – named after the mythical … Read : Final preparations begin for rescue of 33 miners.

Chilean president arrives in mine to witness rescue

COPIAPO – Chilean President Sebastian Pinera arrived Tuesday at the San Jose copper mine, where he was to witness the attempt to rescue 33 miners trapped underground for more than two months.

“We always acknowledged that the life of the miners was in the hands of God,” Pinera said in the nearby city of Copiapo.
… Read more >>>.

Rs.60 lakh looted from bank car in Maharashtra

BEED – In a daring operation, two people robbed Rs.60 lakh from a car transporting a bank’s money in Maharashtra Tuesday evening, police said.

The cash, belonging to the Beed District Central Co-Operative Bank, was being taken from Beed to Shirur in a car by three bank officials.
They had withdrawn the cash from … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rs.60 lakh looted from bank car in Maharashtra.

Cocaine worth Rs.50 million seized in Pune

PUNE – In one of the biggest seizures, the Pune customs (preventive wing) have seized a cocaine consignment worth around Rs.50 million ($1 million) from courier packets bound for Australia and South Africa, an official said here Tuesday.

A Nigerian national, identified as Ogonna Philip Nwuchukwu, 27, has been arrested for acting as a conduit … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cocaine worth Rs.50 million seized in Pune.

Two foreigners arrested in Iran

TEHRAN – Two foreigners who interviewed the son of a death row convict accused of adultery and killing her husband have been arrested, a media report said Tuesday.

They interviewed the son of Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani, ISNA news agency reported quoting Prosecutor General Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei.
Investigations showed they are not reporters and entered the country as … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two foreigners arrested in Iran.

Convicted thief’s hand cut off in Iran

TEHRAN – An Iranian court ordered the hand of a convicted thief cut off and officials said this kind of punishment would continue, ISNA news agency reported Tuesday.

The hand of a two-time convicted thief was cut off in front of other prisoners in a jail in Mashad, in northeastern Iran, the city’s prosecutor-general was …. Original article : Convicted thief’s hand cut off in Iran.

Rajasthan woman strangled in suspected honour killing

JAIPUR – In a case of suspected honour killing, a young woman was murdered by her family members in Rajasthan’s Churu district over her love affair, police said Tuesday. The woman’s parents have been arrested.

The killing took place in Tripali Badi Village, over 225 km from here.
“We suspect that the father and mother … Original source on Gaea Times at : Rajasthan woman strangled in suspected honour killing.

61 challans issued against vehicles entering Games lane

NEW DELHI – Delhi Traffic Police Tuesday issued challans against 61 vehicles for entering the lane reserved for Commonwealth Games vehicles, police said.

Also, 16 notices were sent to the vehicles violating the Games lane restrictions. No vehicle has been impounded,” the police official said.
Till Monday, the traffic police had issued challans against …. Source article : 61 challans issued against vehicles entering Games lane.

Probe into Italy football violence

Nyon (Switzerland), Oct 14 (IANS/AKI) European football’s governing body Wednesday said it will open an investigation into the violence at the Serbia-Italy match in the northwest Italian city of Genoa that prompted referees to end the game after six minutes.

The European Championship 2012 qualifying match ended after visiting fans threw flares and fireworks on …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Probe into Italy football violence.

Student beaten up for refusing to beg in Lucknow

LUCKNOW – A first year nursing student of a private college here received multiple injuries after he was ragged by his seniors outside the campus for refusing to collect money from strangers by touching their feet, police said Thursday.

Mayank Kumar, a student of the G.S.R.M Memorial Degree College, was assaulted by four senior students … Read more : Student beaten up for refusing to beg in Lucknow.

Mission accomplished: All 33 miners rescued in Chile

COPIAPO – The ordeal of 33 miners trapped for two months underground in Chile ended late Wednesday as the last miner, Luis Urzua, 54 – the man who guided his men through the ordeal – emerged to safety and ear-splitting cheers above ground.

It took less than 24 hours for the pioneering capsule-and-winch system to … Read more »»».

Last trapped Chilean miner pulled out, rescue completed

SAN JOSE – The last of the 33 trapped Chilean miners, 54-year-old Luis Urzua, the shift foreman, was rescued Wednesday after having stayed 700 metres underground for more than two months.

The atmosphere at the scene exploded when Urzua walked out of the capsule. Waves of horns, sirens and cheers sound for long.
Urzua …. Source : Gaea News Network.

236,000 killed in disasters in 2010: UN

GENEVA – More than 236,000 people have been killed worldwide in different natural disasters this year so far, the UN has said on International Day for Disaster Reduction.

The latest figures show that 256 million people have been affected by various types of disasters such as earthquakes, floods, tropical storms and landslides, Xinhua reported.
According …. Source : 236,000 killed in disasters in 2010: UN.

World congratulates Chile on miners”glorious’ rescue

COPIAPO – “Glorious”, “historic”, “heroic”: were among the words used by those watching in awe Wednesday as 33 miners trapped 700 metres underground in northern Chile were one by one lifted to the surface after more than two months.

More than two-thirds of the 33 miners have been removed from the San Jose copper mine …. Original article : World congratulates Chile on miners’ ‘glorious’ rescue.

Shoot-at-sight orders in Uttar Pradesh against booth capturers

LUCKNOW – The Uttar Pradesh government Wednesday issued shoot-at-sight orders against booth capturers during the panchayat polls in the state.

“No one howsoever powerful, will be allowed to play with the rule of law and anyone found violating the sanctity of polling booths through acts of violence would be liable to be shot there and …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Shoot-at-sight orders in Uttar Pradesh against booth capturers.

Chhattisgarh official owns assets worth millions

RAIPUR – Raids on a junior official of Chhattisgarh’s mining department have revealed assets worth millions of rupeees, an official said Wednesday.

Officials of the Economic Offences Wing carried out the raids at three locations of Ganesh Prasad Kumhare Tuesday and Wednesday.
Rs.3.7 million was recovered in cash besides papers revealing that he owned … Read more >>>.

Gujarat riots panel to quiz former minister

AHMEDABAD – In a surprise move, a panel probing the 2002 post-Godhara riots in Gujarat Wednesday decided to summon former minister of state for home Gordhan Jhadapia for in-camera questioning Oct 20.

The Nanavaty-Mehta commission, consisting of Justice G.T. Nanavati and Justice Akshay H. Mehta, had earlier turned down a plea for summoning Jhadapia. [..] Read the original article: here.

Six hurt in Uttar Pradesh explosion

GHAZIABAD – At least six people were injured in an explosion Wednesday evening in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district, a senior official said. Police have ruled out a terror link in the incident.

The explosion took place in a busy area in Babrala town under the Shahpur police station in Muzaffarnagar, some 100-km from New Delhi.
[..] Read the original article: here.

ISRO scientist killed in Himachal accident

SHIMLA – A scientist of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who was on a holiday in Himachal Pradesh, was killed when he slipped and fell into a gorge in Kinnaur district, police said Wednesday.

Scientist Cyriac I.C., who hailed from Kerala, died after falling into a gorge near Bhawanagar in Kinnaur in the early … Read more »»».

Drive against illicit liquor trade in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhi’s excise department has launched a special drive to detect cases of transport or possession of illicit liquor that violates provisions of the city’s new Excise Act which came into effect Monday night.

Delhi Finance and Excise Minister A.K. Walia Wednesday said three vehicles carrying liquor were apprehended following inputs given by …. Source article : Drive against illicit liquor trade in Delhi.

Kidnapper attempts suicide in court

PANAJI – A 24-year-old alleged kidnapper attempted to commit suicide by dramatically slitting his throat in a Goa court Wednesday, seconds after a trial court judge extended his judicial custody.

Sameer Sheikh was charged with kidnapping his nephew — a four-year-old boy from Mapusa town, around 15 km from here. He was subsequently arrested … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Kidnapper attempts suicide in court.

Two aides of gangster Munna Bajrangi held

LUCKNOW – Two aides of gangster Munna Bajrangi were arrested following a gun battle in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district Wednesday, police said.

Rajesh Chaudhary and Anshu were arrested from Sarnath area in a joint operation carried by sleuths of the special task force (STF) and police.
“The two are involved in several heinous crimes. There …. Original source : Two aides of gangster Munna Bajrangi held.

Gang of metal thieves busted

NEW DELHI – A gang which specialized in stealing copper, aluminium and brass from factories in the Indian capital has been busted, police said Wednesday.

The gang was blamed for 10 cases of burglaries and robberies from various parts of Delhi. The arrests took place Sunday in Mongolpuri area where the gang was trying to … Read more >>.

Another suicide due to alleged harassment

HYDERABAD – Another person committed suicide Wednesday due to alleged harassment by a micro finance institution (MFI) in Andhra Pradesh, prompting an attack by Communist activists on the office of another MFI.

According to police, a borrower identified only as Balanarsu ended his life by consuming pesticides, alleging that employees of MFI Spandana were … Read : Another suicide due to alleged harassment.

I will cooperate in PDS scam probe: Former Arunachal CM

GUWAHATI – Former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang, allegedly involved in a public distribution system (PDS) scam, Wednesday said he would cooperate in the investigations to ensure that he comes out clean.

“I am a law-abiding citizen and would surely cooperate in the investigations,” Apang told journalists while being produced in a special court …. Source article on Gaea Times at : I will cooperate in PDS scam probe: Former Arunachal CM.

Long-pending changes to law on boilers notified

NEW DELHI – The government Wednesday notified a legislation enhancing the safety norms for industrial boilers to avoid the danger of their explosion and guard life and property from destruction.

The legislation, titled Indian Boilers (Amendment) Act, 2007, was notified nearly three years after it was passed by Parliament in December 2007, said a commerce … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Long-pending changes to law on boilers notified.

71 challans issued for Games lanes violations

NEW DELHI – Delhi Traffic Police Wednesday slapped 71 challans against vehicles entering the lanes reserved for the Commonwealth Games vehicles, police said.

Also, six notices were sent to vehicles violating the Games lane restrictions. “One vehicle has been impounded,” a police officer said.
The traffic police have issued a total of 2,139 challans …. Read the original article : 71 challans issued for Games lanes violations.

Trinamool claims two workers hurt by CPI-M men

KOLKATA – Two Trinamool Congress activists were injured in an attack by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) supporters in West Bengals West Midnapore district Wednesday, a leader of the state’s main opposition party said.

Trinamool MP Subhendhu Adhikary said: Biplab Pal and Ramakanta Mondal were beaten up by CPI-M hooligans near Kantapahari High School …. Original article : Trinamool claims two workers hurt by CPI-M men.

Australian gets life term for killing three sons

MELBOURNE – A man who killed his three children by deliberately driving them into a dam was sentenced by a court in Australia Friday to life imprisonment with a minimum of 33 years, a media report said.

Robert Farquharson, 41, was found guilty of murdering sons Jai, 10, Tyler, 7, and Bailey, 2, by the …. Read the original article : here.

Five minutes to midnight: Chile shows the way (Comment)

In the last two decades when the world has been plagued by terrorism, violence, war, poverty, disease and natural disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes, the pictures of the amazing operation of rescue of 33 miners trapped in the copper and gold mine in Copiapo in San Hose, Chile, will probably go down as this decade’s …. Original article : Five minutes to midnight: Chile shows the way (Comment).

Eight devotees killed in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Eight devotees were killed and 12 critically injured when a speeding bus rammed into a tractor-trolley in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun district, police said Friday.

The accident took place late Thursday in the Jagannathpur area, when the private bus collided head-on with the tractor-trolley, carrying devotees from Aligarh heading towards Kadrabad Kali Temple in … Original article on : Eight devotees killed in Uttar Pradesh.

Three rescued miners released from hospital in Chile

COPIAPO – The first three of the rescued San Jose miners were released late Thursday from hospital after routine tests, Chilean media reported.

The three — Florencio Avalos, Juan Illanes and the Bolivian Carlos Mamani — were released just 24 hours after the final miner was hoisted above earth’s crust in the dramatic rescue action.
…. Read the original article : here.

UN congratulates Chilean president for miners’ rescue

NEW YORK – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Thursday congratulated President Sebastian Pinera of Chile for the successful operation to rescue the 33 miners who survived for more than two months in a collapsed mine.

Ban spoke by telephone with Pinera “to offer his warmest wishes following the safe rescue of 33 Chilean miners and … Read more »»».

Chilean president, miners to play football

COPIAPO – Chilean President Sebastian Pinera is to host the miners rescued from a collapsed mine for a football match Oct 25 in Santiago, he said Thursday.

“We are going to play a football match. The winning team stays at (the presidential palace) La Moneda, and the losers go back to the mine,” Pinera joked … Read more >>>.

Nobel prize for dissident is like encouraging crime: China

BEIJING – China Thursday upped its hostile rhetoric against the Nobel Peace Prize for jailed dissident Liu Xiaobo, saying it was “equivalent to encouraging crime”.

“Liu Xiaobo is a convicted criminal who has violated China’s laws,” foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu told reporters.
“Awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to such a criminal is equivalent to … Read more >>.

Journalist threatened, assaulted by Jama Masjid Imam

LUCKNOW – A local journalist was threatened by Maulana Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of Delhis Jama Masjid, and assaulted by his supporters Thursday after he asked a question that annoyed the cleric.

Addressing a press conference at the Gomti Hotel here, Bukhari condemned the Allahabad High Court verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue, … Original article on : Journalist threatened, assaulted by Jama Masjid Imam.

2 killed in poll violence in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Two people were killed and at least 20 injured in widespread violence during the second round of the four-phased panchayat election in Uttar Pradesh Thursday, police said.

According to Additional Director General of Police Brij Lal, a 35-year-old woman was shot dead in Firozabad district and a 50-year old man in Muzaffarnagar. “Both … Original article on : 2 killed in poll violence in Uttar Pradesh.

Man hacks three in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A man in Uttar Pradeshs Muzaffarnagar district Thursday hacked three of his family members to death after a violent row with them, police said.

Kishan Pal, 30, killed his wife, sister-in-law and mother-in-law with an axe at his home in Kori Hajapur village, some 350 km from Lucknow. The killer escaped.
…. Original source : Man hacks three in Uttar Pradesh.

Stray protests in Tamil Nadu against Rajapaksa

CHENNAI – More than 100 people were arrested in Tamil Nadu Thursday for protesting against Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presence as the chief guest at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony.

Some 100 people, including MDMK general secretary Vaiko, were taken into custody in Coimbatore, police said here.
Vaiko, a long-time supporter of the Tamil … Read more »».

Rape not possible in marriage: Muslim cleric

LONDON – There cannot be rape within marriage, a Muslim cleric in Britain has ruled. A key Muslim leader in the country promptly denounced the views as “misguided” and “inappropriate”.

“In Islamic Sharia, rape is adultery by force. So long as the woman is his wife, it cannot be termed as rape,” The Independent quoted …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Rape not possible in marriage: Muslim cleric.

Police inspector jailed for raping minor

HYDERABAD – A police inspector, accused of raping his colleague’s 16-year-old daughter, surrendered Thursday before a city court after evading arrest for over a month.

N.C.H. Rangaswamy, circle inspector of Madannapet police station in the city, surrendered before Ranga Reddy district court, which remanded him to judicial custody till Oct 28. He was taken to … Read : Police inspector jailed for raping minor.

Death of school boy sparks violence, 10 injured

LUCKNOW – At least 10 people were injured in a police baton charge Thursday after a mob indulged in arson and fought pitched battles with them when a teenaged boy was mowed down by a speeding truck in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district.

Demanding the arrest of the erring driver, the mob torched the truck, smashed …. Original article : Death of school boy sparks violence, 10 injured.

Congress leader shot in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants Saturday shot and seriously wounded a Congress leader and a former member of the Legislative Council here, police said.

Musheer Ahmed was attacked near his house in Wazirganj locality. He was said to be in critical condition.
“He has multiple bullet injuries in his stomach and shoulder,” Deputy Superintendent … Original source on Gaea Times at : Congress leader shot in Uttar Pradesh.

Eight killed in Mexican helicopter crash

MEXICO CITY – Eight people were killed when a helicopter in the service of state-owned oil company Pemex crashed on the east coast of Mexico, reports said.

According to witnesses, the helicopter was on fire and came down in the state of Veracruz. The cause of the crash that took place Friday was not yet …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Eight killed in Mexican helicopter crash.

CBI probe okayed into Jharkhand police funds scam

RANCHI – The central government has given its consent for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into a Services Secret (SS) funds scam in which former senior police officials are under the scanner for alleged withdrawal of large sums of money in 2006 and 2008, government sources said Saturday.

“The central home ministry has …. Read the original article : CBI probe okayed into Jharkhand police funds scam.

20 killed in China mine accident

BEIJING – At least 20 miners were killed in a gas explosion at a coal mine in central China’s Henan province Saturday, authorities said.

The accident took place at about 6 a.m. in Yuzhou city, Xinhua reported.
More than 30 miners were believed to be working in the shaft when the accident occurred, … Read : 20 killed in China mine accident.

Woman kills herself, two kids

LUCKNOW – Upset after her husband refused to give money for treatment of their ailing children, a woman set herself and her two children on fire in their house in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district, police said Saturday.

Manju (28) set herself on fire along with her one-year-old daughter Renu and four-year-old son Shivam late Friday … Read more : Woman kills herself, two kids.

Rescued Chile miners not ready to visit mine site

COPIAPO – The 33 miners rescued from the San Jose copper mine in northern Chile are not ready to visit the site in the Atacama Desert where they were trapped for more than two months, the authorities said Friday.

Meanwhile, offers of jobs, free vacations, paid interviews and other inducements were flooding in for all …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Rescued Chile miners not ready to visit mine site.

John Abraham to appeal against jail term

MUMBAI – Bollywood actor John Abraham, who has been sentenced to 15 days in jail in a rash and negligent driving case registered in 2006, Friday said he would appeal against the verdict.

“To begin with, I’m a law abiding citizen and I will be appealing this verdict and will go to every length to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : John Abraham to appeal against jail term.

Maoist couple killed in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh Police Friday gunned down two Maoist commanders – a husband and wife duo – when they were about to strike an arms deal, police said.

The incident took place in a village in Durg district, around 30 km from here.
Police fired on three Maoists when they were waiting at Jamul area …. Original source : Maoist couple killed in Chhattisgarh.

UAE charity sends aid for Pakistan flood victims

Islamabad, Oct 15 (IANS/WAM) UAE charity the Red Crescent Authority has sent 600 tonnes of relief material, including essential food, medicine and shelter equipment, for the flood affected people in Pakistan, it was announced Friday.

The vessel, carrying the supplies, will arrive at the country’s Karachi port in the next few days.
The RCA will …. Source : UAE charity sends aid for Pakistan flood victims.

Five nabbed with 1,500 cartridges in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Five people involved in trading of illegal arms and ammunition were arrested with 1,500 live cartridges and several country-made pistols in Uttar Pradeshs Etah district Friday, police said.

Of the five men, who were nabbed from Kotwali Dehat area, three were natives of Rajasthan.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the five were involved in …. Source : Five nabbed with 1,500 cartridges in Uttar Pradesh.

Principal booked for student’s death

LUCKNOW – The principal of a private school here has been booked in connection with the death of a girl student whom he allegedly refused permission to go home in spite of her being ill, police said Friday.

Thirteen-year-old Arundhati Vaish, a Class 7 student of the St. Paul School, in the cantonment area, died … Read : Principal booked for student’s death.

Sohrabuddin case: Court reserves order on voice samples

GANDHINAGAR – A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court Friday reserved till Oct 26 its order on the CBI’s plea for taking voice samples of the five accused in the 2005 killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in an alleged staged shootout.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate A.Y. Dave reserved the order on CBI’s plea after hearing all …. Original source : Sohrabuddin case: Court reserves order on voice samples.

Uttar Pradesh journalists demand Bukhari’s arrest

LUCKNOW – Journalists of Lucknow Friday urged Chief Minister Mayawati to order arrest of Delhi Jama Masjid’s Imam, Maulana Ahmed Bukhari, who had assaulted a reporter at a press conference called by him here Thursday.

A resolution demanding action against Bukhari was passed at an emergency meeting of Uttar Pradesh Accredited Correspondents Committee here Friday, …. Source article : Uttar Pradesh journalists demand Bukhari’s arrest.

Man kills four of family in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A man killed four members of his family, including two minor daughters, in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district after a quarrel with them, police said Friday.

Raju Kumar, 40, killed his wife, two daughters – aged 10 and 12 years – and sister-in-law with a sharp-edged weapon Thursday night inside his house in …. Original source : Man kills four of family in Uttar Pradesh.

‘Gun salute’ to Jharkahd minister lands four in trouble

RANCHI – Cases have been filed against four supporters of Jharkhand Excise Minister Gopal Krishna Patar, who waved rifles and fired shots in the air to “welcome” him at his hometown Jamshedpur, police said Friday.

“An FIR has been lodged against four supporters who were seen waving rifles and firing in the air to welcome …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Chennai Police to probe IPL scam, summon Lalit Modi

CHENNAI – Chennai Police will soon issue a summons to former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi, following a complaint lodged against him by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a senior police official said Friday.

“We are consulting legal experts on the complaint lodged by the BCCI against Modi. We … Read : Chennai Police to probe IPL scam, summon Lalit Modi.

Ethnic violence claims 24 lives in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least 24 people were killed in overnight clashes between rival ethnic factions in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi, media reported Sunday.

The violence pitted the majority Urdu-speaking population, which migrated from India after creation of Pakistan in 1947, and Pashto-speaking people who have moved from northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to work in Karachi.
…. Source : Ethnic violence claims 24 lives in Pakistan.

26 killed in China mine

BEIJING – At least 26 miners have been killed in an explosion in a coal mine in China with rescuers battling to reach 11 others still trapped underground, Xinhua reported Sunday.

“Based on past experience, the remaining 11 miners could be buried in coal dust,” an official said.
The incident took place Saturday when … Read more »»».

Police detain Fiza over neighbour’s complaint

MOHALI – The Punjab police Sunday detained Fiza Mohammad, alias Anuradha Bali, the estranged wife of former Haryana deputy chief minister Chander Mohan, after a neighbour lodged a complaint against her.

The neighbour had been complaining to the police for the last six months, alleging that Fiza used foul language against him, threw garbage inside …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Police detain Fiza over neighbour’s complaint.

Abductions of Hindu children on the rise in Sindh

ISLAMABAD – Hindu families in remote parts of Pakistan’s Sindh province are planning to relocate following an alarming rise in the number of kidnappings of Hindu children.

Only recently, five-year-old Dheeraj Kumar was freed after 35 days in captivity when police arrested the abductors who had sought Rs.10 million in ransom.
The family was …. Source article : Abductions of Hindu children on the rise in Sindh.

Violence mars Durga Puja festivities in Bangladesh

DHAKA – Attacks by drunken mobs and even policemen on Hindu devotees and Durga Puja marquees in many parts of Bangladesh marred the festivities of the country’s minority community even as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stressed on the virtues of secularism.

Reports of violence came from across the country as the biggest religious festival of … Read : Violence mars Durga Puja festivities in Bangladesh.

10 killed in Bihar temple stampede

PATNA – A stampede killed 10 people, including four women, at a Durga temple in Bihar’s Banka district where more than 30,000 people had gathered to sacrifice goats on the occasion of Navratri, police said Sunday.

Sixteen people were also injured in the stampede at the Durga temple in Tildiha village, about 200 km …. Read the original article : 10 killed in Bihar temple stampede.

Ten devotees killed in Bihar stampede

PATNA – Ten people, including four women, were killed and 10 injured in a stampede at a temple in Bihar’s Banka district, police said Sunday.

The stampede took place in Tildiha village, about 200 km from here, late Saturday when about 30,000 devotees gathered in the temple to sacrifice goats on the occasion of ‘Navratri’.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at : Ten devotees killed in Bihar stampede.

13 killed in violence ahead of Karachi by-polls

ISLAMABAD – At least 13 people were killed and 40 injured in various incidents of violence hours ahead of the by-poll being held for an assembly seat in Karachi, capital of Pakistan’s Sindh province, Sunday.

Most of the killings are believed to be the result of political enmity between Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Awami …. Original source : 13 killed in violence ahead of Karachi by-polls.

11 dead in Russia flooding

Moscow, Oct 17 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least 11 people were killed due to flooding in southern Russia caused by overflow of rivers after torrential rains, an official said.

“According to the latest information, 11 people are dead and three are missing,” a spokesman for the southern Krasnodar Territory said Saturday.
Torrential rains in the … Read more >>.

10 killed in China road accident

BEIJING – At least 10 people, including two children, were killed and 34 injured after a bus in which they were travelling fell from a bridge in China, police said.

The accident occurred in northwest China’s Qinghai province Saturday morning when the bus was travelling in a mountainous region of Dulan county in Mongolian-Tibetan-Kazak Autonomous …. Source article : 10 killed in China road accident.

Two Indians among three abducted in Philippines rescued

MANILA – Two Indians and a Filopino abducted in Philippines Thursday were rescued after a shootout in which five kidnappers were killed, police said.

The kidnappers were killed by the law enforcers in a shootout Saturday morning in a province south of Manila, Xinhua reported.
Police identified the hostages as Pavitter Singh and Balvir Singh, …. Source : Two Indians among three abducted in Philippines rescued.