Bihar policeman held for Maoist links

PATNA – A police constable in Bihar’s Munger district was Monday arrested on charges of supplying “vital information” to Maoist, police said.

Mohammed Saleem, an aide to Munger Superintendent of Police M. Sunil Naik, was held for his alleged nexus with Maoists. He is being interrogated.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bihar policeman held for Maoist links.

18-year-old, parents found dead in Delhi

NEW DELHI – An 18-year-old mentally challenged youth was allegedly poisoned to death and his parents were found dead on a railway track in Delhi Monday, police said.

The youth was found dead inside his Sarita Vihar home in south Delhi after 80-year-old Daljit Singh informed police about his dead grandson Karandeep Arora, a police … Read more »».

Man shot dead inside train

LUCKNOW – Gunmen shot dead a man and left his son critically injured inside an air-conditioned coach of a train in Uttar Pradesh’s Mau district Monday, police said.

The incident took place in the AC three tier coach of the Chauri Chaura Express when two men barged in and started firing at Ram Singh and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Man shot dead inside train.

Blast in fast food outlet in Australia

SYDNEY – A home-made device exploded in the rest room of a fast food outlet in this Australian city. No one was injured in the blast, police said Monday.

The device was detonated in the men’s toilet cubicle at McDonald’s restaurant in Penrith at around 9.10 p.m. Sunday, AAP reported.
“The explosion damaged the toilet … Original article on : Blast in fast food outlet in Australia.

1,500 World War II-era shells found in US

NEW YORK – A team of divers claimed to have found a cache of roughly 1,500 live ammunition scattered in a bay here more than 50 years ago following an accident.

Scattered under only 20 feet of water were eight World War II-era copper artillery shells designed to shoot down airplanes, and about 1,500 … Read more : 1,500 World War II-era shells found in US.

Five killed in Uttar Pradesh road accident

LUCKNOW – Five people were killed and three critically injured when a tempo they were travelling in was hit by a speeding truck in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district, police said Monday.

The accident took place late Sunday in Nijahi town, some 80 km from Lucknow, when the truck spun out of control and rammed into …. Original article  : Five killed in Uttar Pradesh road accident.

Six government militiamen killed in Philippines

MANILA – Five government militiamen died in a shooting rampage by a comrade who was later killed by pursuing troops in the southern Philippines, the army and police said Monday.

The militiamen were on duty Sunday evening when the suspect ran amok in their outpost in Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay province, 810 km south … Original article on : Six government militiamen killed in Philippines.

12 survive plane crash in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES – Twelve people had a miraculous escape when their plane crashed shortly after takeoff and caught fire in Argentina Sunday, police said.

The accident occurred around midday (1500 GMT) Sunday, when the Russia-made Antonov AN-2 plane, with 10 passengers and two crew members onboard, took off from an airport in Santa Isabel, 920 … Read more »».

School students injured in China quake

BEIJING – A moderate earthquake that hit China’s Henan province Sunday left 12 students injured, officials said Monday morning.

The quake, measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale, struck Zhoukou city at 4.58 p.m. Sunday, Xinhua reported citing the China National Seismological Network.
Twenty-four houses in Taikang county collapsed while 12 students in a middle school … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : School students injured in China quake.

21 killed in Uganda accident

KAMPALA – At least 21 people were killed Sunday in a bus accident in northwest Uganda, police said.

The accident occurred in Nwoya district when the bus was heading for Kampala, Xinhua reported.
Seventeen people died on the spot.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 21 killed in Uganda accident.

28 Ladakhi kids rescued from NGO, will fly home Monday

JAMMU – Jammu police Sunday rescued 28 Ladakhi children from a room where they were confined to by an NGO here, and arrested five members of the organisation, an official said. The children will fly back to Leh Monday.

The children were brought to Jammu by the Youth Movement for Peace ostensibly for providing …. Original article  : 28 Ladakhi kids rescued from NGO, will fly home Monday.

Man arrested for credit card fraud

NEW DELHI – A man was arrested for allegedly cheating another man of Rs.30,000 by procuring his credit card details and conducting online transactions, police said Sunday.

According to police, Yunus from Laxmi Nagar in east Delhi was arrested recently following an investigation into a complaint filed by Sharad Kumar.
A police said that a …. Source article  : Man arrested for credit card fraud.

German shipping firm says pirates have taken its vessel

BERLIN – Pirates seized another ship near the Somali coast Sunday, a German shipping company said.

Beluga Shipping GmbH, based in the North Sea port-city of Bremen, said it had received an emergency call during the morning from one of its break-bulk carriers in the area and this seemed to be on account of a …. Original article  : German shipping firm says pirates have taken its vessel.

Lovers commit suicide in Jammu village

JAMMU – A teenaged girl and her lover were found hanging Sunday evening from a tree in the jungles of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

According to police, the boy and girl, who belonged to the same village in Rajouri district, were denied permission by their parents to marry. This denial is …. Read the original article  : here.

Murdered Ghaziabad jeweller’s phone record being examined

GHAZIABAD – Investigators were busy Sunday examining the cellphone records of a Ghaziabad jeweller who was kidnapped and killed by three people a day earlier, police said.

Atul Goel, who ran five jewellery shops, was killed in Kavi Nagar area of this district town bordering Delhi.
“After his abduction, he received two phones – one …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Murdered Ghaziabad jeweller’s phone record being examined.

Fire in Punjab bank

MOHALI – Office furniture, computers and files were reduced to ashes in a fire at a HDFC Bank branch here in Punjab Sunday, police said. The cash was safe.

“It seems an electric short circuit in an air-conditioner in the ATM room was the reason for the fire. It spread in the office area on … Original source on Gaea Times at : Fire in Punjab bank.

Quake hits central China

BEIJING – An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale hit central China’s Henan province Sunday, authorities said.

The quake struck Henan’s Zhoukou City at 4.58 p.m. with a depth of eight kilometers, Xinhua reported. No casualties were reported.
… Read more >>.

Women power calls the shot at Mumbai film fest forum

MUMBAI – When asked if Indian women filmmakers need government subsidies like in Sweden, eight emerging women directors in a unison replied “No”, with an underlying message of “we do fine by ourselves, thank you”, at MAMI’s 12th Mumbai Film Festival Sunday.

There cannot be any more proof of woman power than this, where … Read more >>.

Two killed in Maharashtra truck accident

HINGOLI – Two members of a wedding party were killed and 40 injured in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district when a truck in which they were travelling overturned Sunday, police said.

The accident took place around 10 a.m. in Kurunda village. Those killed were identified as Firoze Shaikh and Irfan Shaikh, police said.
“The driver lost …. Read the original article  : Two killed in Maharashtra truck accident.

Leh children rescued, handed over to parents

JAMMU – Jammu police Sunday rescued and handed over to their parents 28 children, who were confined to a room by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) which brought them to Jammu for providing education.

According to police, the children from Leh were brought by NGO Youth Movement for Peace ostensibly to get them admitted to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Leh children rescued, handed over to parents.

Priest arrested on rape charge

RANCHI – Police Tuesday arrested a priest in Dumka district of Jharkhand after a woman inmate at his ashram accused him of rape.

Mahant Babluji was arrested at Sadanand Mission after some women alleged he had misbehaved with them while a young woman hurle rape charges, a police officer told IANS from Dumka, some 400 …. Original article  : Priest arrested on rape charge.

Interlocutors visiting Shopian in south Kashmir

SRINAGAR – The Indian government’s interlocutors Tuesday visited south Kashmir’s rural areas, including Shopian where the alleged rape-murder of two women sparked massive protests across the valley.

The team will interact with youths and some prominent citizens there, informed sources here said.
The team comprises journalist Dilip Padgaonkar, academic Radha Kumar and information commissioner M.M. … Read more >>>.

Prostitutes in Spanish town to wear reflective vests

LONDON – Sex workers in a Spanish town have been told to wear reflective vests so that they are clearly visible to traffic, reducing the risk of accidents.

Prostitutes at a rural highway outside Els Alamus town in Catalonia will wear the yellow fluorescent bibs. If they don’t, they would be fined 40 euros (36) … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Prostitutes in Spanish town to wear reflective vests.

New Zealand boy kills 11-year-old friend

WELLINGTON – A 12-year-old boy in New Zealand shot dead his 11-year-old friend after an argument, a media report said Tuesday.

The boy was 12 when he shot dead his friend last year, New Zealand Herald reported.
The defendant, now 13, from East Coast, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Gisborne High Court Tuesday.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : New Zealand boy kills 11-year-old friend.

11-month boy stolen from Hyderabad hospital

HYDERABAD – An 11-month-old boy has been stolen from a children’s hospital where such incidents have taken place in the past too, police said Tuesday.

The boy’s parents complained to police that a burqa-clad woman who had befriended them took away the child after diverting their attention late Monday evening.
Ajay of Armor town in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 11-month boy stolen from Hyderabad hospital.

Nepal orders probe into Maoist attack on Indian envoy

KATHMANDU – Fearing a diplomatic cold war with India and its fallout, Nepal’s caretaker government finally extended an olive branch to the southern neighbour, ordering an investigation into the attack on the Indian ambassador to Nepal, Rakesh Sood, by the opposition Maoist party.

Nepal’s home ministry said Yadav Subedi, the chief district officer of Solukhumbu, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nepal orders probe into Maoist attack on Indian envoy.

Terrorist-turned-robber nabbed in Punjab

TARN TARAN – A former Sikh terrorist who had turned robber was arrested from a village near this town, police said Tuesday.

The former Khalistan Commando Force terrorist was identified as Sukhwinder Singh alias Sukha, a resident of Kalah village here, and caught Monday evening. Police have recovered one .315 bore pistol and several live … Original source on Gaea Times at : Terrorist-turned-robber nabbed in Punjab.

Miners lose football match against rescuers in Chile

SANTIAGO – The 33 miners who were trapped for more than two months in northern Chile Monday played, and lost, a football match against the rescue teams who lifted them from the depths of the earth, including Chilean President Sebastian Pinera.

The match in Santiago’s National Stadium, played with 16-man teams and with two halves … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Miners lose football match against rescuers in Chile.

Tornado wreaks havoc in Texas

NEW YORK – A tornado injured many people, damaged several homes and derailed a few trains in the US state of Texas, officials said.

Four people suffered injuries, while many vehicles turned turtle and several homes and a school complex were damaged when a tornado hit Navarro county, 45 miles south of Dallas, late Sunday … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Tornado wreaks havoc in Texas.

Miners, rescuers hold emotional celebration in Chile

SANTIAGO – A presidential medal ceremony Monday for the 33 miners who were trapped for more than two months in northern Chile provided a chance for a meeting between the freed men and the rescue teams who lifted them from the depths of the earth.

They wept together and shared embraces.
“We always felt the … Read more »».

Pirates seize German freighter, abandon vessel

BERLIN – Pirates, probably Somalis, who seized a German freighter abandoned the vessel without any ransom after the crew went into hiding, the shipping company said Monday.

The pirates had vanished by the time the British frigate Montrose arrived after steaming 15 hours over the Indian Ocean to the aid of the break-bulk carrier Beluga …. Original source  : Pirates seize German freighter, abandon vessel.

Quake hits Indonesia, tsunami warning lifted

JAKARTA – A strong quake struck off the western coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra island late Monday but there were no immediate reports of damage.

The quake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, prompted a tsunami warning, but the alert was lifted an hour later.
The quake hit the Mentawai islands, off the western coast of … Read more : Quake hits Indonesia, tsunami warning lifted.

Three killed in Chicago suburb shooting

WASHINGTON – A 28-year-old woman, her 9-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old boy were shot dead overnight in Chicago in apparent drug-related killings, police said Monday.

According to Xinhua, the woman’s another 4-year-old child was also shot, but is in stable condition in a hospital, police said, adding they were questioning the woman’s partner.
The shooting …. Source  : Three killed in Chicago suburb shooting.

Tihar Jail to lodge terrorist Hawara

DELHI/CHANDIGARH – A Delhi court Monday directed Tihar Jail authorities to lodge Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara in one of its cells.

Hawara, who masterminded the assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh at the secretariat complex in Chandigarh Aug 31, 1995, is facing a life term.
Delhi’s Chief Metropolitan Magistrate … Original article on : Tihar Jail to lodge terrorist Hawara.

Delhi to host global road safety meet

NEW DELHI – With India accounting for about 10 percent of the 13 million deaths in road accidents around the world every year, around 400 road safety experts from over 20 countries will meet here next month to deliberate on measures to reduce road fatalities.

The two-day global meet “Institutional Arrangements for Reduction of …. Original source  : Delhi to host global road safety meet.

Five bus passengers injured in Noida accident

NOIDA – Five people were critically injured when an Uttarakhand Roadways bus in which they were travelling rammed into a stationary truck loaded with iron rods in Noida Monday, police said. The truck driver has been arrested.

The accident took place on National Highway-24, police said.
As the bus rammed into the truck, the iron …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Court asks CBI if it can give Nandigram report to Bengal

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) whether it was willing to share the report of its investigations into the 2007 Nandigram police firing with the West Bengal government.

The apex court bench of Justice R.V. Raveendran and Justice A.K. Patnaik asked the CBI to state its position … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Court asks CBI if it can give Nandigram report to Bengal.

Cops involved in barbaric acts threat to society: apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday said some policemen in India still lived with a colonial mindset and perpetrated barbaric acts which were an anathema to a democratic society.

The court said this while hearing a case in which a man’s penis was cut off by policemen in Rajasthan.
“If protector becomes the predator, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cops involved in barbaric acts threat to society: apex court.

Strong quake hits Indonesia, tsunami warning issued

JAKARTA – A strong quake struck off the western coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra island late Monday, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning.

The quake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, jolted the Mentawai islands at about 9.42 p.m. (1442 GMT), the Meteorology, Geophysics and Climatology Agency said.
It said the epicentre was 78 km …. Original source  : Strong quake hits Indonesia, tsunami warning issued.

27 dead in Myanmar cyclone

YANGON – Cyclone Giri killed at least 27 people when it slammed into Myanmar’s western coast last week, state television reported Monday.

Myanmar TV reported in an evening broadcast that 22 people had died in Myebon township and five others in Minbya, in the Rakhine State, as a result of Giri hitting the coast Friday …. Original article  : 27 dead in Myanmar cyclone.

Bangkok survives flood threat, countryside suffers

BANGKOK – Irrigation officials Wednesday claimed success in protecting Bangkok from floodwaters that have inundated Thailand’s central region, leaving at least 59 people dead.

Unusually heavy monsoon rains since Oct 10 have caused widespread flooding in central and north-eastern provinces, affecting the lives of some 2.5 million people and causing more than 10 billion baht … Read : Bangkok survives flood threat, countryside suffers.

Doctor shot dead in Lucknow

LUCKNOW – Two motorcycle-borne assailants shot dead a senior government doctor here Wednesday morning, police said.

Fifty five-year-old Vinod Kumar Arya, chief medical officer, Family Welfare, was fatally shot in the Vikas Nagar area.
“The assailants shot at the doctor barely 300 metres from his house and escaped,” police inspector Gangesh Tripathi told reporters.
“We … Read more >>>.

100 skeletons found in lake bordering Serbia, Bosnia

Sarajevo, Oct 27 (IANS/AKI) At least 100 skeletons, believed to belong to victims of 1992-95 war, have been discovered in lake Perucac, bordering Serbia and Bosnia, officials said.

Amor Masovic, the head of Bosnian commission for missing persons, told a press conference Tuesday in Sarajevo that 396 “cases” have been discovered during two and a … Read : 100 skeletons found in lake bordering Serbia, Bosnia.

Toll in Indonesia volcano eruption rises to 25

MOUNT MERAPI – The death toll from a volcanic eruption on Indonesia’s central Java island rose to 25 Wednesday, hospital staff said, as rescue workers resumed their search for bodies and survivors.

Mount Merapi, Indonesia’s most dangerous volcano, erupted Tuesday evening, spewing clouds of hot ash 1.5 km into the sky and sending hot debris … Original article on : Toll in Indonesia volcano eruption rises to 25.

Rescue teams resume search after Indonesia volcano eruption

JAKARTA – Rescue teams resumed their search for more bodies and survivors Wednesday, a day after Indonesia’s most dangerous volcano erupted, killing at least 17 people and injuring dozens of others, officials and media reports said.

The search was focused on two villages – Kinahrejo and Turgo – located close to the Mount Merapi volcano … Read : Rescue teams resume search after Indonesia volcano eruption.

Communal clash kills 13 in Nigeria

LAGOS – At least 13 people have been killed while several went missing following a communal clash in Nigeria’s Cross River state, police said.

The incident occurred between Nsadop and Boje communities in Boki local government area over a disputed piece of land, state police spokesperson Etim Dickson told reporters in state capital Calabar Tuesday.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Communal clash kills 13 in Nigeria.

Tata Motors recovery agent shot, robbed

GHAZIABAD – Three motorcycle-borne men, one said to be dressed in police uniform, Tuesday shot and robbed a recovery agent of Tata Motors of about Rs.5 lakh in Ghaziabad, police said Tuesday.

The incident occurred in a deserted area near Hindon Bridge under Indirapuram police station.
Krishna Kant, 40, along with two of his [..] Read the original article: here.

Constable commits suicide in Greater Noida

GREATER NOIDA – A police constable committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle here, police said Tuesday.

His body was found lying next to a tea stall near Sallauddinpur village in Greater Noida.
Police said that Narendra Singh Tyagi, a constable posted at Sector-20 police station in Noida, was on election duty in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Police remand for CPI-M supporters in murder case

KOLKATA – A court in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district Tuesday ordered police custody for two Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) supporters arrested in connection with the murder of a party leader.

Police said Lakshindhar Shit and Khagen Patra of Chichira village of West Midnapore district were arrested Monday night in connection with the murder …. Source article  : Police remand for CPI-M supporters in murder case.

15 killed as Indonesia volcano spews hot ash (Second Lead)

JAKARTA – At least 15 people were killed and 13 injured Tuesday after a volcano on Indonesia’s Java island erupted, spewing clouds of hot ash, local television reported.

Metro TV said thousands of people were moved by trucks and cars after Mount Merapi started spewing hot ash and volcanic rocks just before dusk, a day [..] Read the original article: here.

Air Arabia flight makes emergency landing at Kochi

KOCHI – An Air Arabia flight made an emergency landing at the international airport here 15 minutes after it took off for Sharjah after a suspected bird-hit Tuesday, an official said. All passengers were safe.

The aircraft that departed from here returned after flying for 25 nautical miles at 8.15 p.m. following a suspected bird …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Air Arabia flight makes emergency landing at Kochi.

One held for damaging railway track in Bengal

KOLKATA – A possible train derailment was averted in West Bengal as a man was caught while damaging the track on Azimganj-Nalhati section of Eastern Railway’s Howrah division Tuesday.

Trackman Samil Seikh, who was working near a level crossing, saw a person removing pandrol clips — which fix the railway tracks with the concrete … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : One held for damaging railway track in Bengal.

Ranchi court to hear Rahul, Arundhati remarks cases

RANCHI – Complaints against Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi and Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy were Tuesday transferred to judicial magistrate court here for a Nov 22 hearing.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Vijay Kumar transferred both cases to Judicial Magistrate Amit Shekhary for a judicial inquiry.
A complaint against Gandhi was filed in the chief … Read more »».

One dies, 13 injured as Indonesian volcano erupts

JAKARTA – Indonesian authorities Tuesday evacuated panicked residents near an erupting volcano on Java island that spewed clouds of hot ash, killing one and causing burn injuries to at least 13 people, officials and media reports said.

Metro TV reported that thousands of people were moved by trucks and cars after Mount Merapi started spewing … Read : One dies, 13 injured as Indonesian volcano erupts.

Amit Shah’s bail hearing adjourned to Wednesday

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Tuesday adjourned for a day the hearing on the bail plea of former Gujarat minister Amit Shah, a prime accused in the killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in an alleged staged shootout.

Justice R.H. Shukla adjourned the case as counsel could not complete their arguments even though the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Attempt to kidnap Tamil actress foiled (Lead, Correcting intro)

CHENNAI – In a reel like but real life drama, an attempt to kidnap Tamil film actress Namitha was foiled in Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu.

Namitha reached Tiruchy Monday by plane to take part in a function at Karur, around 330 km from here. She was to travel to Karur by car.
At the Trichy …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Attempt to kidnap Tamil actress foiled (Lead, Correcting intro).

84 killed in Indonesian quake

JAKARTA – At least 84 people were killed and 502 were missing a day after a powerful earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Mentawai islands, triggering a tsunami, officials said Tuesday.

The tsunami hit the islands in West Sumatra after the 7.2 magnitude quake, an official at Disaster and Mitigation Management Agency told Xinhua by phone.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : 84 killed in Indonesian quake.

Plane makes emergency landing after drunken brawl

LONDON – A Britain-bound plane with 468 people on board was forced to make an emergency landing in Canada after a drunken passenger allegedly had a bust-up with his wife and father-in-law, a media report said Tuesday.

The pilot of the Virgin Atlantic jet had to divert to Canada after cabin crew said a male …. Original source  : Plane makes emergency landing after drunken brawl.

BSP legislator, brother booked on murder charge

LUCKNOW – A legislator from Uttar Pradesh’s ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and his brother were booked for a murder following violent protests by supporters of a candidate killed in the panchayat polls in Sultanpur district Tuesday, police said.

Supporters of Ram Kumar Yadav accused local legislator Sonu Singh and his brother Monu Singh, …. Source  : BSP legislator, brother booked on murder charge.

23 killed, 103 missing after Indonesian quake

JAKARTA – At least 23 people were dead and 103 missing a day after a powerful earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Mentawai islands, triggering a tsunami with waves up to three metres high, officials said.
Harmensyah, head of the Disaster Management Agency in West Sumatra province, said 10 villages on the Mentawai islands were … Read : 23 killed, 103 missing after Indonesian quake.

Woman who killed her baby will be arrested: Police

MUMBAI – The Mumbai police Thursday said they will arrest the woman who killed her 45-day-old girl, once her premature twin son is stable and discharged from the hospital.

“We will arrest Deepika Parmar, 26, after her twin boy is stable and discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. It is important …. Original article  : Woman who killed her baby will be arrested: Police.

Former Kerala cop gets life term for Maoist’s murder

KOCHI – A 40-year-old case came back to haunt a retired Kerala police officer Thursday when he was sentenced to life imprisonment by a CBI Special Court for killing a Maoist leader in cold blood and passing it off as a shootout.

Retired Inspector General of Police K. Lakshmana, now 74, was found guilty of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Former Kerala cop gets life term for Maoist’s murder.

Declan Sullivan Dies After Tower Falls

SOUTH BEND (GaeaTimes.com)- A University of Notre Dame student was killed while he was filming the football practice at the campus when the tower on which he was standing toppled over. University authorities have revealed that 20-year-old Declan Sullivan died after sustaining major injuries after the tower fell although he was taken to a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Auto driver who set cop ablaze arrested

THANE – An auto-rickshaw driver who set ablaze a traffic constable in Maharashtra’s Thane district was arrested Thursday, police said.

“We laid a trap. We will produce him in the court and ask for police custody for further questioning,” Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Devraj said.
Late Wednesday, traffic constable Anil Aytodekar, 40, fined auto … Original article on : Auto driver who set cop ablaze arrested.

Moonshine kills 15 in Punjab

HOSHIARPUR – At least 15 people were killed and nearly 15 took ill after consuming spurious country liquor in a village in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, police said Thursday.

The liquor was consumed late Wednesday night in Kaalwan village near Tanda town, about 160 km from here. The victims belonged to Kaalwan, Miyani and Giljian villages.
… Original article on : Moonshine kills 15 in Punjab.

Uttar Pradesh lawmaker’s drunk son opens fire, one killed

LUCKNOW – A Samajwadi Party legislator’s son has been arrested for firing indiscriminately in an inebriated state in and outside an automobile showroom in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district, killing one and injuring two, police said Thursday.

Atul Kumar, son of Bhagwat Saran Gangwar who represents the Nawabganj assembly seat in Bareilly, Wednesday night opened fire … Read : Uttar Pradesh lawmaker’s drunk son opens fire, one killed.

Moonshine kills 11 in Punjab

HOSHIARPUR – At least 11 people were killed and a few fell ill after consuming spurious liquor in a village of Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, police said Thursday.

Police raided the premises where the liquor was prepared. The incident took place Wednesday night in Miyani village near Tanda town, about 180 km from Chandigarh.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

15 killed in Mexico carwash massacre

MEXICO CITY – Fifteen people were killed Wednesday at a car-washing centre in the western Mexican town of Tepic, in the third such massacre in less than a week in the country.

According to the authorities of the state of Nayarit, where Tepic lies, a group of armed attackers arrived at the Gamboa car wash … Read more »».

Passenger train derails in Assam, militant hand suspected

SILCHAR – Four coaches of passenger train Barak Valley Express were derailed Wednesday after suspected militants triggered a blast on a railway track in southern Assam, officials said. No casualties were reported.

Silchar-bound Barak Valley Express on the Lumding-Silchar metre gauge hill section had an accident apparently because of an explosion on the track in … Read more >>>.

Police probe youth’s death at Chhattisgarh event

RAIPUR – The Chhattisgarh Police are probing the death of a youth who died mysteriously here at a crowded inaugural function to mark a decade of the formation of the state.

Naresh Kumar Sahu of Raipur district was found dead at the Science College ground Tuesday.
“It appears that the youth was killed by …. Original article  : Police probe youth’s death at Chhattisgarh event.

Sedition complaint filed against Arundhati Roy in Punjab

CHANDIGARH – The All-India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) has filed a complaint with Punjab police chief demanding registration of a sedition case against Booker Prize winner writer Arundhati Roy.

The AIATF has raised objections over Arundhatis speech during a public meeting at Jalandhar in Punjab Oct 17.
This public meeting was organised by Democratic Front …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sedition complaint filed against Arundhati Roy in Punjab.

Man gets death sentence for raping, killing child

LUCKNOW – A court in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly district Wednesday sentenced a man to death for the rape and murder of a minor girl, police said.

Additional Sessions Judge Rajendra Singh handed down the death sentence to Guddu alias Jitendra Kumar, a native of Gajnera village in Bareilly, some 250 km from here.
Kumar had … Read more >>>.

Goa NCP president booked for rioting, assault

PANAJI – Nationalist Congress Partys (NCP) Goa president Jose Phillip DSouza was booked by the police for assaulting a party legislator and former tourism minister Mickky Pacheco at a restaurant in Goa’s Vasco town, police said Wednesday.

A non-cognizable offence was also registered against Mickky, after DSouza accused him of bribing voters to vote against …. Read the original article  : here.

Delhi student’s fall from school building to be probed

NEW DELHI – The Delhi government Wednesday ordered a probe into a schoolboy jumping from the third floor of his school building here after he was allegedly caught with a bottle of alcohol in his bag.

Delhi Education Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely said Deputy Director (East) Usha Kumar will probe the case and submit [..] Read the original article: here.

Facts being checked in Mumbai skyscraper scam: Army chief

NEW DELHI – Army chief General V.K. Singh Wednesday said the army is looking into the facts in the alleged role of senior defence officials in the Mumbai skyscraper scam.

At the moment, we are going through the facts of the case, Singh told reporters.
Recently, allegations were made that some top civil and defence …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Facts being checked in Mumbai skyscraper scam: Army chief.

Amit Shah’s bail plea decision Oct 29

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Wednesday reserved till Oct 29 its order on the bail plea of former minister Amit Shah, a key accused in the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh staged shootout killing.

Justice R.H. Shukla reserved the order till Oct 29 after hearing counsel for Shah and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Shah … Read more : Amit Shah’s bail plea decision Oct 29.

Indonesian quake, tsunami toll rises to 272 (Third Lead)

JAKARTA – Rescue workers were searching for hundreds of missing people in tsunami-ravaged villages on Indonesia’s Mentawai islands Wednesday as the death toll rose to 272, officials said.

As many as 4,000 villagers were homeless and staying at temporary shelters after the quake-triggered waves hit their houses, said Febri, an official at the Disaster Management … Original article on : Indonesian quake, tsunami toll rises to 272 (Third Lead).

Over 40 Afghans killed as roof collapses

KUNDUZ – More than 40 people were killed Wednesday when a roof collapsed on a wedding party in the northern Afghan province of Baghlan, a senior police official said.

“A large number of women and children had gathered in a two-storey building for a wedding party in the Jelga district,” said Abdul Rahman Rahimi, the …. Source article  : Over 40 Afghans killed as roof collapses.

Anti-corruption helpline buzzes with complaints

NEW DELHI – The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has received over 230 complaints within two days of the launch of its new helpline where people can register complaints of corruption and harassment against central government organisations.

“We initiated the ‘Speak Out’ helpline Oct 25, during our vigilance awareness week from Oct 25 to Nov 1. …. Original source  : Anti-corruption helpline buzzes with complaints.

Ghaziabad jeweller’s murder case transferred to STF

GHAZIABAD – Four days after a prominent city jeweller was kidnapped and murdered, the Uttar Pradesh police Wednesday assigned the case investigation to its Special Task Force (STF).

“After the local police could not make any breakthrough, it decided to seek assistance from the STF,” Avdesh Kumar Vijaita, Ghaziabad (city) superintendent of police, told IANS.
…. Source  : Ghaziabad jeweller’s murder case transferred to STF.

Startled burglar kills man in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A man who returned home to find he was being burgled was shot dead in front of his wife and son by the startled burglar here, police said Friday.

Sanjay Kumar, 35, was shot from close range Thursday after he raised an alarm after finding that the door of his ground floor …. Read the original article  : Startled burglar kills man in Delhi.

Sleepless Australian escapes car crash in bedroom

MELBOURNE – A sleepless Australian got up to work on his computer late at night shortly before a speeding car crashed into his home and landed right on top of his mattress. He said: “Im very lucky because the bed was completely destroyed.”

Demitrios Bisbelis was switching off his computer at about 2 a.m. when … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sleepless Australian escapes car crash in bedroom.

Mumbai model commits suicide

MUMBAI – A model residing in Goregaon here has committed suicide in her apartment, police said Friday.

“The body of Rinki Chaudhry, a model and TV anchor, was found hanging from the ceiling fan in the kitchen late Thursday,” a police official said.
“One of her male friends was with her when she went … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mumbai model commits suicide.

Australia sacks four police officers for racist emails

MELBOURNE/NEW DELHI – Four police officers in Australia have been dismissed while seven officers have been fined for circulating racist emails, including one that contained footage of a man being electrocuted while travelling on a train in India. Australia’s envoy to India has welcomed the action.

The four Victoria Police officers were dismissed following disciplinary … Read more >>.

Kanishka victims to get ex-gratia before Christmas

TORONTO – Canada is set to disburse an ex-gratia payment to the Air India Kanishka victims before Christmas.

Though Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney and Public Safety Minister Vic Toews in their meeting with families of the victims last week had cited the precedence of up to $25,000 as ex-gratia payment in such cases, sources … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kanishka victims to get ex-gratia before Christmas.

Four Australian police officers dismissed for racist email

MELBOURNE – Four police officers in Australia have been sacked for circulating emails that were racist and sexual in nature, said an official. One of the emails was of a man being electrocuted while travelling on a train in India.

The four Victoria Police officers were dismissed following disciplinary hearings over the circulation of inappropriate …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Four Australian police officers dismissed for racist email.

Mentally ill man hacks two kids to death

RANCHI – A mentally-challenged man hacked two children to death with an axe in Jharkhand’s Gumla district, police said Friday.

Sukiya Oraon, 28, killed his cousin’s two sons Thursday evening in Jhatanitoli village in Gumla, some 145 km from Ranchi, a police official said.
Sukiya had been behaving abnormally for the last few days and …. Source  : Mentally ill man hacks two kids to death.

200 cops to guard scrap market in Pakistan city

ISLAMABAD – Two hundred policemen will guard the scrap market in Pakistan’s Karachi city after traders complained they were receiving extortion threats, an official said.

Fayyaz Ahmed Leghari, a senior police officer in Karachi, said orders had been issued for the police deployment at the Shershah Kabari Market.
As many as 15 police posts …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Presidency fire causes major damage (Second Lead)

KOLKATA – A major fire raged for three hours at the Presidency University, housed in the erstwhile Presidency College, here Friday destroying computers, documents and research material.

There were no reports of casualties as the institution was closed for Durga Puja and Diwali holidays, police and university sources said.
Eleven fire tenders battled the fire … Read : Presidency fire causes major damage (Second Lead).

Rescuers race to find tsunami survivors in Indonesia

JAKARTA – Rescue workers were racing against time Friday in their search for hundreds of people still missing on Indonesia’s tsunami-hit Mentawai islands, as an official estimated that the death toll could rise to around 600.

Storms and waves as high as six metres have prevented aid supplies from reaching some areas in the Mentawai … Read more »»».

Sex trade growing in Spain amid ambiguous prostitution laws

MADRID – The massive building with neon lights in the form of two palm trees advertises itself as a “night club”.

Yet the “show girls” dancing inside are no ordinary performers, but prostitutes selling sex in what is being billed as Europe’s biggest brothel.
Located in La Jonquera on the Spanish side of the French …. Read the original article  : here.

Berlusconi dismisses new escort claims as trash

Milan, Oct 29 (IANS/AKI) Italy’s flamboyant Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Thursday dismissed as “media trash” allegations of sexual antics with various women, including a 17-year-old Moroccan girl called Ruby at his Milan villa during what he called “Bunga Bunga” nights.

Berlusconi replied to a question about the news reports during a press conference on the …. Read the original article  : Berlusconi dismisses new escort claims as trash.

Son and lawyer of condemned woman tortured in Iran

Tehran, Oct 29 (IANS/AKI) The son and lawyer of a woman sentenced to death in Iran for adultery and helping kill her husband have been tortured in prison, said human rights groups.

According to a statement on the International Committee Against Stoning (ICAS) website, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani’s son Sajjad Ghaderzade and lawyer Javid Hutan Kian … Read more >>>.

Fire in Presidency University causes extensive damage

KOLKATA – A major fire broke out early Friday at the famed Presidency University housed in the erstwhile Presidency College here that has a galaxy of luminaries as its alumni, destroying computers, documents and research material.

There were, however, no reports of any casualties as the institution was closed for the Durga Puja holidays that …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fire in Presidency University causes extensive damage.

Fire breaks out at Presidency University in Kolkata

KOLKATA – A major fire broke out early Friday at the newly formed Presidency University housed at the erstwhile Presidency College here which cradled the Bengal renaissance in the 19th century.

There were no reports of any casualties as the institution was closed for holidays, police and university sources said.
Eleven fire tenders were rushed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Fire breaks out at Presidency University in Kolkata.

Kingpin of Himachal’s fake certificate racket arrested

SHIMLA – The kingpin behind the fake university certificate racket and his accomplice were arrested here Thursday, police said.

Gurvinder Singh and his accomplice Nagesh were accused of issuing fake certificates of Himachal Pradesh University, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Barjesh Sood told IANS.
“Three fake certificates were recovered from Gurvinder’s possession. During interrogation he …. Read the original article  : here.

Punjab man gets 10-year jail for wife’s dowry death

CHANDIGARH – A city court here Thursday awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment to a Punjab man for his wife’s dowry death in 2001.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Lalit Batra also slapped a fine of Rs.2,000 on Bhupinder Singh Gill, a resident of Moga town in Punjab.
According to police, Gill, who was working as … Read : Punjab man gets 10-year jail for wife’s dowry death.

Probe ordered into custody death in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A magisterial probe was Thursday ordered into the death of a man in a police lock-up in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi district, police said.

Balistar, who died Wednesday night in the Nababad police station, was picked up by the sleuths of the Special Operations Group (SOG) earlier in the same day in connection with …. Original source  : Probe ordered into custody death in Uttar Pradesh.

Pakistan should learn from Bangladesh to tackle graft, says daily

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan should learn from Bangladesh on how to curb corruption as it continued to slip on the global corruption index, while Bangladesh made remarkable progress in weeding out the menace, a Pakistani daily said in an editorial Thursday.

Pakistan went up to 34th place this year from the 42nd position in 2009 on …. Original article  : Pakistan should learn from Bangladesh to tackle graft, says daily.

Court rejects objection to Gujarat cop’s plea to turn approver

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Thursday dismissed the petition of suspended Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rajkumar Pandian and other accused in the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh staged shootout case against a co-accused’s plea to turn approver.

The petitioners claimed that giving pardon to their co-accused and suspended police officer N.K. Amin, who wished to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Court rejects objection to Gujarat cop’s plea to turn approver.

Aman Kachru ragging case: Court to pronounce verdict Nov 11

DHARAMSALA – A court in this Himachal Pradesh town Saturday reserved its order in the 2009 ragging-to-death case of medical student Aman Kachru. The verdict will now be pronounced Nov 11.

After hearing the arguments of the prosecution and defence, Additional District and Sessions Judge Purinder Vaidya said that the judgement would be pronounced Nov … Read more »».

Man killed for having sex with donkey

LONDON – A 68-year-old man’s throat was slit by a farmer in Portugal when he found out that the man had sex with his donkey, it was reported here.

Jose Gomes Pinto, 55, slashed the throat of Jaime Pires with a razor after discovering he had sexually violated his favourite donkey named Russo.
Pires was …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Airline employee caught fondling passenger in plane

LONDON – A woman employee of Australian airlines Qantas, who was not on duty, was allegedly caught fondling a passenger during a flight. The airlines said the matter is being “dealt with”.

The woman – who was not an air hostess and was travelling on a staff ticket – was ordered to switch seats during …. Read the original article  : Airline employee caught fondling passenger in plane.

Haryana principal booked for harassing student

SIRSA – The principal of a government school in a village in this Haryana district faces a police complaint for harassing a girl student of Class eight, an official said Saturday. The accused is absconding.

“Mam Raj asked the victim to prepare tea for him yesterday (Friday) morning. He caught hold of her hand and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Russia says no to use of weapons by civilians

Moscow, Oct 30 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A Russian minister has said the country should prohibit the use of non-lethal weapons by civilians, after a woman journalist was shot at with a rubber bullet.

Russian Justice Minister Alexander Konovalov said Friday that the use of such weapons by civilians should be banned.
“I think that non-lethal weapons …. Source article  : Russia says no to use of weapons by civilians.

Labourers trapped in Delhi wall collapse

NEW DELHI – A portion of a wall of an underground multi-level parking under construction collapsed in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk area early Saturday. Nine labourers were rescued but a few are still feared to be trapped inside.

“The incident happened early in the morning. The underground parking was under construction,” Surendra Yadav, deputy commissioner of [..] Read the original article: here.

Eight killed in Andhra road accident

HYDERABAD – Eight members of a family were killed and three injured early Saturday when the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a truck in Andhra Pradesh’s Medak district, police said.

The accident took place near Ramjol in Medak, about 100 km from here. The dead include two women and a child. The family …. Read the original article  : Eight killed in Andhra road accident.

Three held in Punjab for circulating fake currency

PATIALA – Three people have been arrested here on charges of circulating fake currency notes and documents in Punjab and Haryana over the past few months, police said Saturday.

Fake currency notes with a face value of over Rs.530,000 were recovered from their possession, a police official said.
“We raided a house in Bahadurgarh area … Original article on : Three held in Punjab for circulating fake currency.

Lucknow teacher booked for assaulting student

LUCKNOW – A schoolteacher here has been booked for beating a nine-year-old student who suffered ear injuries and was taken to hospital as he fainted, police said Saturday.

Ashutosh Kashyap, a maths teacher at the Indira Public School, beat up Mohd. Amaan Friday for not taking out his textbook.
A case was registered against Kashyap … Original article on : Lucknow teacher booked for assaulting student.

Indonesia tsunami toll rises to over 400

JAKARTA – The tsunami that devastated the Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra, Indonesia, has killed at least 413 people, while over 300 are still missing.

Data released Saturday by the earthquake and tsunami information services said 207 people were seriously injured and 142 people had minor injuries, Xinhua reported.
A total of 517 houses were …. Read the original article  : Indonesia tsunami toll rises to over 400.

Three arrested in Agra

AGRA – Three people have been arrested in Agra on charges of selling fake marksheets, driving licences, bank statements and passports for just a few hundred rupees, police said Saturday.

A team of Special Operations Group arrested the three people late Friday from a shop here and seized rubber stamps, letter heads and mobile SIM … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Three arrested in Agra.

Indonesia volcano belches hot ash in new eruption

JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Mount Merapi spewed hot ash and other debris early Saturday in a violent eruption, sending residents fleeing to safety, a top vulcanologist said.

The volcano erupted just after midnight for 21 minutes, but there were no reports of casualties, said Surono, head of the Centre for Vulcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation.
“We …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indonesia volcano belches hot ash in new eruption.

12 killed in Ecuador bus accident

QUITO – At least 12 people were killed and more than 20 injured in Ecuador when a bus plunged into a ravine, police said.

The accident occurred in Cotopaxi, a province in Ecuador’s Andean region Friday, Xinhua reported.
Rescue operations were on, police said.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 12 killed in Ecuador bus accident.

Kidnapped Indian woman released in Nigeria

ABUJA – An Indian principal of a school run by an oil company, who was kidnapped in Nigeria Oct 13, has been released, Xinhua reported.

Lakshmi Tombush, a principal of Exxon Mobil Pegasus Schools in Eket city in southeast Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom state, was freed Thursday night, security sources said.
She was abducted from her [..] Read the original article: here.

Youth turn to robbery to pay gambling losses

NEW DELHI – Four youth in Delhi were arrested for burglary, which they turned to recover their heavy betting losses, police said Friday.

“Anil Verma, 25, the gang leader, Vikas Jain, 22, Danish Ahmad, 24 and Sumit Sharma, 23 were arrested in five cases of burglary amounting to more than Rs. 55,000 in cash and … Read more >>>.

Nine police officers killed in Mexico

MEXICO CITY – Nine police officers were killed in an ambush in the western Mexican state of Jalisco and at least 10 more were injured, the state public security ministry said in a statement.

It was the fourth massacre this week, and brought the death toll to the week to 52. The dead included drug …. Source article  : Nine police officers killed in Mexico.

Chavan denies Adarsh link, summoned to New Delhi (Roundup)

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI – Even as Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan Friday denied any of his immediate family members were involved in the controversial Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society, built on land meant for families of Kargil martyrs, and rejected calls for his resignation, he was called to meet Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

The party has refused … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chavan denies Adarsh link, summoned to New Delhi (Roundup).

After medical license, Desai may lose FRCS title

NEW DELHI – After his medical licence was suspended, tainted former Medical Council of India (MCI) chief Ketan Desai is now likely to lose his membership of the Royal College of Surgeons.

After being notified by doctors group People for Better Treatment president Kunal Saha, Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh said it will take … Original source on Gaea Times at : After medical license, Desai may lose FRCS title.

CBI unearths Rs.1400 crore scam by jewellery traders

MUMBAI – A group of jewellery traders is the prime suspect in a Rs.1,400 crore-plus scam in which the state-owned Mineral Scrap Trading Corporation (MSTC) was defrauded, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official said Friday.

Terming it as “a major scam,” CBIs Joint Director (Western Region) Rishi Raj Singh said the role and involvement …. Original source  : CBI unearths Rs.1400 crore scam by jewellery traders.

Contempt case filed against CBI in Jharkhand

RANCHI – A contempt of court petition was filed against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Jharkhand High Court Friday for not filing any case in the service secret funds scam, for which a former state police chief is under scanner.

“A contempt petition has been filed in the court as the … Read more >>>.

A girl uses iPod to prevent kidnapping

WASHINGTON – A quick-thinking 12-year-old girl in the US prevented herself from being kidnapped when she held up her iPod Touch – a music player which looks like a phone – and told the would-be kidnapper she was calling the police.

The quick-thinking girl from Stanton in Delaware state was standing on a sidewalk outside [..] Read the original article: here.

Fire in Delhi shoe factory, no injuries

NEW DELHI – A fire broke out at a shoe factory in Delhi’s Mayapuri area in west Delhi Sunday, an official said. No one was injured.

The fire started at 5 a.m. and was doused around 12 noon. No one was injured, said an official of the Delhi Fire Service.
As many as 16 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fire in Delhi shoe factory, no injuries.

Bengal trawler tragedy: Search operations resume

KAKDWIP – Divers resumed search operations Sunday morning to look for survivors and victims of the trawler tragedy in West Bengal that has claimed 18 lives so far. Over 100 people are still missing.

The search operation has started this morning. Coast Guard, Kolkata Port Trust and the disaster management wing of the state government … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bengal trawler tragedy: Search operations resume.

Four arrested in Punjab for killing NRI

JALANDHAR – Four alleged contract killers have been arrested in Punjab on charges of murdering a US-based NRI in September, police said here Sunday.

Mahinderjit Singh was shot dead Sep 6 when he was to go to Delhi to board a flight back to the US. He had come on a vacation to his village … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Four arrested in Punjab for killing NRI.

New Zealand man would make daughter pray after abusing her

AUCKLAND – A 45-year-old man in New Zealand used to make his minor daughter pray for forgiveness after sexually abusing her and this went on for six years, a court was told.

Christchurch district court judge Stephen Erber said the man was a church official at the time, and it was necessary to highlight the …. Original article  : New Zealand man would make daughter pray after abusing her.

Teenager stabbed in fight organised on Facebook

AUCKLAND – A 16-year-old student from an Auckland school was stabbed in a public fight that was organised through the social networking website Facebook.

A group of students gathered at an underground car park to watch and video the brawl. The fight was over a girl and clips of the “fight club” style event was …. Original article  : Teenager stabbed in fight organised on Facebook.

Two held with contraband in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH – Two residents of Himachal Pradesh have been arrested in Chandigarh with 1.5 kg of contraband, officials said Sunday.

On a tip-off, a trap was laid in Sector 22 here late Saturday and Brij Nath, 28, and Raju Malhotra, 32, both residents of Kullu, were arrested, an official of the Narcotics Control Bureau said.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Two held with contraband in Chandigarh.

Indonesia tsunami toll rises to 450

JAKARTA – The tsunami triggered by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province has claimed nearly 450 lives, while 96 people are still missing, an official said Sunday.

“As of Saturday, the tsunami has killed about 450 people,” said Arief Yuwono, deputy minister for environmental damage control and climate change.
The toll may … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indonesia tsunami toll rises to 450.

Fire in Chandigarh candle factory

CHANDIGARH – A major fire broke out at a candle factory in a Chandigarh suburb Sunday morning, officials said. No casualties were reported.

The blaze at the factory in Hallo Majra suburb was brought under control by fire brigade officials after an over two-hour operation.
“A fire broke out at Sanjeev candle factory here this …. Original article  : Fire in Chandigarh candle factory.

Gunmen kill 14 in Honduras

TEGUCIGALPA – At least 14 people were killed when a group of gunmen opened fire during a football match in Honduras, Xinhua reported Sunday.

The attackers, armed with assault rifles, drove into the football field Saturday in the northern Honduran city of San Pedro Sula and opened fire, authorities said.
Ten people were … Read more »».

Survivors remember huge tide swamping everything

KAKDWIP – A huge tide, and then within a fraction of a second the whole world became dark for Ajmal Sheikh, 23, one of the survivors of the trawler tragedy in West Bengal Saturday.

The vessel capsized near the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and river Muriganga leaving 18 dead and more than 50 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Survivors remember huge tide swamping everything.

Cops facing problem in checking illegal beacon lights

NEW DELHI – A senior Delhi Traffic Police officer Saturday tweeted that his department was facing problems checking illegal use of red beacon lights on vehicles, terming it as a “tendency to look important when one is not”.

Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic), wrote on the Facebook wall of the Delhi Traffic … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cops facing problem in checking illegal beacon lights.

Eight of family killed as van skids into canal

BHUBANESWAR – Eight members of a family, including six minor girls, were killed after their van skidded into a canal in Orissa’s Bargarh district Saturday evening, police said.

The mishap occurred near Sainya village, some eight km from the district headquarter town of Bargarh, when the family was returning from the house of a relative, …. Original article  : Eight of family killed as van skids into canal.

‘Bava’ is packed with mindless sequences (Telugu Film Review)

Film: Bava; Producer: Padma Kumar Choudhary; Director: Ram Babu; Music: Chakri; Camera: Arvind Krishna; Cast: Sidhdharth, Praneetha, Rajendra Prasad, Pavithra Lokesh, Brahmanandam, Thanikella Bharani, Ahuthi Prasad and others, Rating: *1/2

Actor Siddharth has not been getting enough success in Telugu films of late, though he made a good beginning with films like “Nuvvuvasthaananate Nenoddantaana” and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Six murder accused acquitted in Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court has acquitted six people convicted in a murder that took place 13 years ago.

Justice Akil Kureshi acquitted all the accused with an opinion that evidence on record couldn’t be stated to be laying proof beyond reasonable doubt and none of the accused could be convicted with the help …. Source article  : Six murder accused acquitted in Gujarat.

4,000 auto drivers challaned in the capital

NEW DELHI – As many as 4,000 auto drivers have been issued challans since Oct 28 when a special drive against errant auto drivers was launched.

According to Satyendra Garg, Joint CP Traffic, the violations included permit violations, overcharging, refusal to ferry passengers, jumping red lights and other misbehaviour.
“In three days, about 4,000 prosecutions … Original source on Gaea Times at : 4,000 auto drivers challaned in the capital.

18 drowned, over 50 missing in Bengal trawler capsize (Second Lead)

KOLKATA – Eighteen people drowned and over 50 were missing in a trawler capsize near the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and river Buriganga in West Bengal Saturday, police said.

The incident occurred around 10.30 a.m. near Ghoramara island of South 24 Parganas district. The trawler was sailing to Kakdwip from Hijli Sarif in … Read : 18 drowned, over 50 missing in Bengal trawler capsize (Second Lead).

16 die, over 50 missing in Bengal trawler capsize

KOLKATA – Sixteen people drowned and over 50 were feared missing after the trawler they were travelling in capsized near the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and river Buriganga in West Bengal Saturday, police said.

“Sixteen bodies have been fished out. The incident occurred around 10.30 a.m. near Ghoramara island of South 24 Parganas …. Read the original article  : 16 die, over 50 missing in Bengal trawler capsize.

Psychologist Rules Ashley Smith’s Death As Accident

KITCHENER, CANADA (GaeaTimes.com)- Ashley Smith’s death was an accident and not a suicide, according to a report by psychologist Dr. Margo Rivera who was employed by the Correctional Service of Canada as the part of an inquiry board to shed some light into the cause of the death of the 19-year-old girl. In the …. Source  : Psychologist Rules Ashley Smith’s Death As Accident.

Mount Merapi Erupts Again

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Its seems unlikely that the havoc due to natural disasters that Indonesia has been witnessing for the last few days is going to end soon. After spewing out hot ash and debris when it erupted earlier this week that claimed as many as 35 lives, Mount Merapi was back in …. Original article  : Mount Merapi Erupts Again.