Accidents & Disasters – Weekly Newsletter for November 8-15, 2010

Monday, November 15, 2010

Six policemen injured as mob chases them away

LUCKNOW – Six policemen were injured when a group of people in Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh attacked them for trying to arrest a criminal belonging to their village, police said Monday.

Armed with sticks and stones, the locals in the Parsia village clashed with the police team that had gone to arrest Harendra Kumar, … Original article on : Six policemen injured as mob chases them away.

Swetha Sreeram Dies After Fall From Building

CHENNAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- National award winning cinematographer P.C. Sreeram’s daughter Swetha Sreeram lost her life when she fell from an apartment building during the early hours of Sunday. Although the 24-year-old girl who was a software engineer by profession, was rushed to a hospital without any delay, she was declared brought dead. Police …. Source article : Swetha Sreeram Dies After Fall From Building.

Cyclone Jal To Lash Orissa With Rainfall

BHUBANESWAR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Despite weather officials predicting that Cyclone Jal has lost momentum on Sunday, parts of Orissa are expected to be lashed by heavy rains in the upcoming days. According to weather officials, the deep depression that was hovering over the southwest part of the Bay of Bengal has been downgraded into a …. Read the original article : Cyclone Jal To Lash Orissa With Rainfall.

Cyclone In Chennai Weakened Considerably

CHENNAI (GaeaTimes.com)- As the people of Tamil Nadu braced themselves for rough weather by shutting down all educational institutions, offices etc., the Regional Cyclone Warning Centre in Chennai has announced that Cyclone Jal has weakened considerably by Sunday night. Cyclone Jal was expected to hit the coast between Chennai and Nellore in southern …. Read the original article : here.

Mozart music helps cops combat crime

WELLINGTON – The music by 18th century classical composer Mozart has helped police combat crime in a city of New Zealand, a media report said Monday.

According to newspaper The Press, the introduction of speakers playing Mozart and other classical music in a mall in Christchurch in June 2009 has led to a steep fall … Read : Mozart music helps cops combat crime.

Restive Philippine volcano ejects ash

MANILA – A volcano in the eastern Philippines Monday ejected more ash in a growing sign of restiveness, government volcanologists said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Monday morning that it also had recorded 28 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours at Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon province, 250 km southeast of Manila.
…. Source article : Restive Philippine volcano ejects ash.

Hurricane Tomas leaves eight dead

Port-au-PRINCE – The death toll from Hurricane Tomas rose to eight in Haiti Sunday, as officials expressed fear that flooding from the storm could worsen the cholera outbreak in the impoverished Caribbean nation.

The storm left two others missing and at least 11 injured, even as it largely spared Haiti the worst of its fury … Original source on Gaea Times at : Hurricane Tomas leaves eight dead.

Mexican mayor dies from stroke after ambush

Mexico City, Nov 8 (IANS/EFE) The mayor of a Mexican city died from a heart attack after being ambushed, beaten and robbed on a highway by gunmen, officials said.

Jaime Lozoya Avila, mayor of San Bernardo city, died at a hospital after he, his secretary and one of his daughters were attacked Friday by gunmen, … Read more : Mexican mayor dies from stroke after ambush.

Abu Dhabi road deaths drop 17 percent

Abu Dhabi, Nov 7 (IANS/WAM) Improved traffic managament in Abu Dhabi has seen fatal road accidents dropping by 17 percent in the first nine months of this year and there are plans to reduce this further, police said Sunday.

The toll in the first nine months of this year was 276 compared to 331 in …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Toll from Indonesia volcanic eruptions rises to 135

SLEMAN – The death toll from the eruptions of Indonesia’s Mount Merapi rose to 135 Sunday, as the burial of dozens of the victims was held.

Earlier rescue workers had battled hot ash from the volcano, about 500 km southeast of Jakarta, in the search for more victims of last week’s eruptions.
The National Disaster …. Read the original article : here.

Bhopal gas victims protest to seek Obama’s help

BHOPAL – US President Barack Obama’s visit to India seems to have infused a new zeal in the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy survivors who organised a protest here Sunday demanding action against American companies allegedly responsible for the disaster.

Their campaign started gaining momentum a few days before obama’s arrival.
On Nov 3, the …. Source article : Bhopal gas victims protest to seek Obama’s help.

Italy’s ancient gladiator training centre collapses

LONDON – An ancient building, which was used by Roman gladiators as their training centre, has collapsed, officials said.

The building in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii collapsed Saturday morning, Sky News reported quoting the office of Pompeii’s archaeological superintendent. The site was closed to the public at the time and no one was …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Italy’s ancient gladiator training centre collapses.

Kenyan cop kills 10 in shooting rampage

NAIROBI – A police officer in Kenya killed 10 people, including two colleagues, in a shooting rampage after he failed to locate his girlfriend in town bars, Xinhua reported Sunday.

The officer who was assigned to guard the residence of the local district commissioner went on rampage Saturday midnight in Eastern Province town of Siakago, …. Read the original article : Kenyan cop kills 10 in shooting rampage.

Chopper crashes, crew killed in bid to rescue Japanese climber (Second Lead)

KATHMANDU – An aerial search and rescue operation for two Japanese climbers stranded on a high Himalayan range in northeastern Nepal ended in tragedy Sunday with the helicopter looking for them crashing above 16,000 ft, killing the pilot and his crew member.

The crashed helicopter and the bodies of the dead crew members have been …. Source article : Chopper crashes, crew killed in bid to rescue Japanese climber (Second Lead).

Police tight-lipped on Bangladeshi arrest ahead of Obama visit

PANAJI – The Goa Police arrested a 25-year-old Bangladeshi national, found in a restricted naval area, a few days ahead of US President Barak Obama’s visit to India — particularly Mumbai. Police officials are, however, tight-lipped about the arrest.

Police source told IANS that Rehman Naushir, a resident of Bangladesh, was nabbed by Indian … Read : Police tight-lipped on Bangladeshi arrest ahead of Obama visit.

Drunk government employee jumps to death

LUCKNOW – A drunk government employee jumped to his death from the third floor of the Secretariat Annexe building in Hazratganj area here Tuesday, police said.

Anil Kumar, aged around 40 years, died on the spot. Police inspector K.N. Mishra said he was a Class IV employee. “We are investigating why he committed suicide,” Mishra … Read more »».

Indonesian Volcano Eruptions Continue

MOUNT MERAPI, INDONESIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The incessant eruptions of Mount Merapi the active Indonesian Volcano has kept the government in the country on tenterhooks and it has also compelled a number of international airlines operating around the region to suspend their flight operations. The airlines that have been affected by the volcanic eruptions include Cathay Pacific, … Read more : Indonesian Volcano Eruptions Continue.

Carnival Splendor Hit By Fire

COAST OF MEXICO (GaeaTimes.com)- The mighty Carnival Splendor which is the Carnival Cruise Lines’s largest ship till date caught fire in the morning and the huge ship went powerless after that. It became motionless on the sea for a long time adjacent to the Coast of Mexico. The fire took its toll on … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Carnival Splendor Hit By Fire.

Accountant dies on hearing corruption charge

LAHORE – An accountant of a school in Pakistan’s Multan city suffered a heart attack and died after the teaching staff levelled corruption allegations against him and the principal.

Ehsan Ghauri, chief accountant of the Multan Public School, died Monday following a heart attack after the teaching staff, during a protest demonstration, charged him and …. Original source : Accountant dies on hearing corruption charge.

Drunk government staffer jumps to death in Lucknow

LUCKNOW – A middle-aged government staffer jumped to his death in an inebriated condition Tuesday from the third floor of the Secretariat Annexe building here, police said.

“Anil Kumar Srivastava was a peon in the chief secretary’s office,” police said.
Srivastava was depressed for the past few days, his colleagues told police.
Srivastava, a …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Drunk government staffer jumps to death in Lucknow.

Fire breaks out in Delhi toy factory, no casualties

NEW DELHI – Fire broke out in a toy factory in Delhi Tuesday, but no one was injured, officials said.

The fire started around 3 a.m. on the third floor of the factory in Madawali area of east Delhi.
“The fire was massive. The firefighters are still at work to douse the flames. … Original article on : Fire breaks out in Delhi toy factory, no casualties.

Over 200 missing after eruptions in Indonesia

JAKARTA – Indonesian rescue workers intensified the search for bodies and survivors on the slopes of Mount Merapi with more than 200 people reported missing in the volcano’s eruptions, officials said Tuesday.

Soldiers, police and volunteers combed villages as thick, hot ash that blanketed them began to cool.
Rescuers found one body Tuesday morning in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Over 200 missing after eruptions in Indonesia.

Four pilgrims killed as vehicle overturns in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – At least four pilgrims, including two women, were killed and 12 others were injured when their vehicle overturned Tuesday in Chitrakoot district of Uttar Pradesh. Five of the injured are in a critical condition, police said.

“Of the 12 injured, five have been transferred to a hospital in Allahabad as their … Original article on : Four pilgrims killed as vehicle overturns in Uttar Pradesh.

Pakistan customs seize goods worth Rs 300 mn

ISLAMABAD – The customs department in Pakistan recovered smuggled goods worth Rs 311 million in the month of October, an official statement said here.

The department – officially known as the Directorate General Intelligence and Investigation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) – said it made 98 seizures of smuggled goods during the month, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pakistan customs seize goods worth Rs 300 mn.

Seven dogs kill two women in Chile

SANTIAGO – A 56-year-old woman and her 25-year-old daughter died in Chile after being attacked by seven dogs.

According to Chilean police, the two women stepped out Monday onto the garden of their home in the town of Talagante, about 40 km outside Santiago, where three St Bernard dogs were fighting four mixed breed dogs.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : Seven dogs kill two women in Chile.

Cyclone Jal Claims 11 lives in Andhra Pradesh

CHENNAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — The Jal cyclone has finally weakened and has drifted towards Chennai, but not before claiming the lives of 11 people in Andhra Pradesh. According to reports, the heavy rains caused by the cyclonic storm have left some destruction in the south coastal districts.
Heavy rains are expected in the coastal districts …. Source article : Cyclone Jal Claims 11 lives in Andhra Pradesh.

16 injured as boulder hits train

PANAJI – At least 16 railway passengers were injured after a boulder crashed onto a compartment of the Matsyagandha Express near Karwar station in Karnataka Monday night, police here said.

Karwar’s Superintendent of Police Raman Gupta told IANS that the incident occurred at around 8 p.m. on the Konkan railway track near Todur village … Original source on Gaea Times at : 16 injured as boulder hits train.

Cop murdered in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A policeman was murdered in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district Monday, an official said.

Constable Rajiv Kumar, 28, was found dead in a forested area of the Ramlank town, some 350 km from Lucknow.
“It appears that the policeman died of injuries inflicted by some sharp-edged weapons,” police inspector K.P. Sharma told reporters in … Read more >>>.

Maoist held in West Bengal

KOLKATA – A Maoist squad member has been arrested from West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, police said Monday.

“Ajoy Das, who was also a member of Nadia-Murshidabad and Burdwan zonal committee, was arrested by the criminal investigation department (CID) from Kancharapara late Sunday night,” said Additional Director General of CID Raj Kanojia.
Das was …. Source : Maoist held in West Bengal.

Uttar Pradesh lawmaker gets police clean chit in murder

LUCKNOW – A legislator of Uttar Pradesh’s ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Monday got a clean chit from the police in the murder of a revenue official in October.

“No evidence was found against BSP MLA Chandra Bhadra Singh that could prove his involvement in the murder of Ram Kumar Yadav,” Additional Director General of … Read more : Uttar Pradesh lawmaker gets police clean chit in murder.

Earthquake blamed for rise in divorce cases in China

BEIJING – More people are getting divorced in China’s Sichuan province than in other areas of the country and experts blame a devastating earthquake for this.

The civil affairs ministry said some 1.3 million couples got divorced nationwide in the first nine months of this year, and Sichuan topped the list of divorcees with 102,596 …. Original source : Earthquake blamed for rise in divorce cases in China.

Five killed, 28 injured as bus overturns

RAIPUR – Five people were killed and 28 seriously injured Monday when a speeding private bus carrying about 75 passengers overturned in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, police said.

“The bus was on its way to Ambikapur from Korba. Five people died on the spot, while 28 others are battling for life in hospital,” a police …. Source : Gaea News Network.

More bodies found near erupting Indonesian volcano

SLEMAN – Rescue workers found six more bodies on the slopes of Indonesia’s Merapi Volcano Monday, bringing the death toll to 141.

Teams of soldiers, police and volunteers battled hot ash and other volcanic debris as they combed through villages searching for bodies and survivors from eruptions that began last month.
Rescue leader Suseno said … Read : More bodies found near erupting Indonesian volcano.

Man murdered, body parts strewn across Andhra town

HYDERABAD – Residents of Nalgonda district, some 100 km from here, were shocked when they discovered a severed head on a road divider Monday morning. Within hours, other body parts too were found strewn across various public places, bringing to light a gruesome murder.

“The victim has been identified as Appala Naidu, 40 years, a … Read : Man murdered, body parts strewn across Andhra town.

B.K. Gupta is the new Delhi Police chief

NEW DELHI – B.K. Gupta Wednesday replaced Y.S. Dadwal as Delhi’s new police commissioner, and called for a “new culture” in one of the largest police forces in the country.

Dadwal will take over as chief of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) — a paramilitary force tasked with guarding India’s borders with Nepal … Read more »»».

Four killed in Haryana road accident

ROHTAK – Four people, including a district public relations officer, were killed Wednesday when their official vehicle collided with a truck near here, police said.

According to the police, those killed were identified as Rajender Prasad Panchal — public relations officer, Ratan Prakash — junior engineer of public health department, Pramod Sharma and Dharampal.
“The …. Source : Gaea News Network.

JPSC ex-secretary arrested on corruption charges

RANCHI – Former secretary and examination controller of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) was arrested by the state vigilance bureau in connection with the JPSC job scam, an official said Wednesday.

Alis Usha Rani Singh was arrested from Hazaribagh district Tuesday night. She was absconding since the last few months.
According to vigilance sources, …. Read the original article : JPSC ex-secretary arrested on corruption charges.

Punjabi man perpetuates $20-million fraud on Grammy winner

NEW YORK – A Punjabi computer repairman put the secret cult Opus Dei in Dan Brown’s epic novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’ to great use to fleece a Latin Grammy-winning pianist and oil-family heir to the tune of $20 million.

Vickram Bedi, 36, and his girlfriend Helga Invarsdottir, 39, of small town of Chappaqua in …. Original source : Punjabi man perpetuates $20-million fraud on Grammy winner.

Life term for man who murdered Andhra ex-minister’s killer

HYDERABAD – A court in Andhra Pradesh Wednesday sentenced a man to life imprisonment for killing in jail a key accused in the murder of former state minister Paritala Ravi.

Om Prakash, already facing cases of triple murder and dacoities, was handed down the life term by the fourth additional sessions court in Anantapur.
…. Read the original article : Life term for man who murdered Andhra ex-minister’s killer.

Verdict in Aman Kachru’s ragged-to-death case Thursday

DHARAMSALA – The verdict in the ragged-to-death case of medical student Aman Kachru in a Himachal Pradesh college that shook the nation will be pronounced Thursday — almost two years after the incident took place.

Aman, 19, died March 8 last year after he was llegedly ragged by four seniors – Ajay Verma, Naveen Verma, … Read more »».

ICC offers PCB help to probe cricketer who fled

DUBAI – The International Cricket Council (ICC) Wednesday offered help to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to find out what prompted wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider to flee to England from Dubai.

In a statement, ICC said it was in communication with PCB and it would provide assistance to unravel the reasons Haider decided to leave …. Source : ICC offers PCB help to probe cricketer who fled.

12 killed in Karachi shooting spree

ISLAMABAD – At least 12 people were killed and 10 injured in separate firing incidents in Pakistan’s Karachi city since Tuesday, a media report said Wednesday.

Some bodies, showing signs of torture, have been recovered from Kachra Mandi, Kemari, Gulistan-i-Johar and Baldia Town areas, Geo TV quoted officials as saying. At least two of the … Original source on Gaea Times at : 12 killed in Karachi shooting spree.

Facebook helps save woman from sex-slavery in Italy

Messina (Italy), Nov 10 (IANS/AKI) A message posted to the social networking site Facebook helped save a young woman from sex slavery in southern Italy and led to the arrests of three men.

The 23-year-old woman was forced to work as a prostitute in the Sicilian coastal city of Messina, but a female friend … Read more >>>.

Pastor arrested for multiple child abuse in El Salvador

SAN SALVADOR – An evangelical pastor has been arrested for having sexually abused at least 15 children in El Salvador, Salvadorian police said.

The suspect, aged 28, is a pastor in the San Patricio neighbourhood in San Salvador.
Complaints were filed by the parents of at least 13 girls and two boys, aged 8-13. The …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Pastor arrested for multiple child abuse in El Salvador.

Nearly 100 arrested in US child prostitution racket

WASHINGTON – A total of 99 people have been arrested and at least 69 minors were rescued in an anti-child prostitution operation in the US, a media report said.

The operation was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in 40 cities across 30 states, Prensa Latina reported.
FBI spokesman Jason Pack said …. Source : Nearly 100 arrested in US child prostitution racket.

18 killed in Brazilian jail fight

RIO DE JANEIRO – A 30-hour prison house melee that ended Tuesday claimed the lives of 18 inmates at the Sao Luis jail in the northern Brazilian state of Maranhao.

The fight broke out Monday between rival gangs of inmates.
The state government confirmed 15 deaths in Sao Luis, and Tuesday authorities confirmed that three …. Source article : 18 killed in Brazilian jail fight.

Fire on ‘Carnival Splendor’ leaves 4,500 stranded in Pacific

LOS ANGELES (GaeaTimes.com) — More than 4,500 people on board Carnival Splendor are stranded with minimal power in the Pacific off the coast of Mexico. An engine room fire has disrupted all the basic services on that cruise ship and The ship has been operating on auxiliary generators and engineers have been unable to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Fire on ‘Carnival Splendor’ leaves 4,500 stranded in Pacific.

Miraculous escape for 140 AI passengers

JAMMU – More than 140 passengers and crew members of an Air India flight from Srinagar to Delhi had a miraculous escape after the aircraft’s tyre caught fire while taking off from Jammu airport Tuesday evening, officials said.

According to airport sources, the tyre caught fire while the plane was about to take off but …. Read the original article : Miraculous escape for 140 AI passengers.

11 people held for man’s escape from police custody

KOLKATA – Eleven suspected Trinamool Congress supporters, involved in helping an arms-smuggler escape from police custody in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district, were arrested Tuesday, police said.

They had helped the smuggler escape Monday, police said.
“We have arrested 11 people in connection with the escape of arms-smuggler Surajit Jana from police custody. We are … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 11 people held for man’s escape from police custody.

Guard murdered by construction company official

ROHTAK – A security guard of a private construction company was beaten to death by a senior official of the company at a project site in Sector-6 here, police said Tuesday.

According to police, the victim was identified as Arvind, a resident of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
“We have registered a case of murder …. Read the original article : here.

PM flayed for overlooking gas disaster

BHOPAL – A leading activist Tuesday flayed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for not taking up the plight of the Bhopal gas disaster victims with US President Barack Obama.

“Manmohan Singh has betrayed the people of Bhopal. He is not only insensitive but a coward,” said Abdul Jabbar, coordinator of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Udhyog … Read : PM flayed for overlooking gas disaster.

CWG was my biggest test: Outgoing Delhi Police chief

NEW DELHI – Outgoing Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal Tuesday termed preparing for and managing the Commonwealth games as his biggest test during his stint as police chief in the national capital.

“Around 40 venues had to be secured, transportation and accommodation of 200 companies of paramilitary force had to be arranged, and there were …. Source article : CWG was my biggest test: Outgoing Delhi Police chief.

Man behind ink attack on minister evades arrest

RAIPUR – A Chhattisgarh Congress worker, who masterminded an ink attack on a union minister here last month, is evading arrest, police said Tuesday.

Pappu Farishta was suspended from the party for six years after his name cropped up for masterminding the attack on union Minister of State for Planning V. Narayanasamy Oct 19.
“We …. Original article : Man behind ink attack on minister evades arrest.

10 prisoners escape from Bhopal court lockup

BHOPAL – At least 10 prisoners escaped from a district court lockup in Bhopal Tuesday, police said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Adarsh Katiyar said none of the undertrials, who escaped from a bathroom in the lockup, was facing trial in a serious offence like murder.
One prisoner was nabbed while trying to escape, he …. Original source : 10 prisoners escape from Bhopal court lockup.

Leather goods warehouse gutted, no casualty

LUCKNOW – Goods worth lakhs of rupees were gutted when a major fire broke out in a leather products warehouse in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district, police said Thursday. But no casualty was reported.

The fire engulfed the leather goods warehouse in the Jai Jawan Complex of Moolganj area late Wednesday. Fire-fighters were able to bring … Read : Leather goods warehouse gutted, no casualty.

Fritzl planned to kill his dungeon family in acid bath

LONDON – Josef Frizl, who raped his daughter up to 3,000 times over a 24 year period after locking her up in a dungeon, planned to kill his cellar family by dipping them in an acid bath, said the Austrian’s prison cell mate.

Fritzl told his cell mate, 19-year-old Patrick Jakob, that he was … Read more >>>.

Four convicted in Aman Kachru ragged-to-death case

DHARAMSALA – A court here Thursday held four medical students guilty of ragging to death their junior Aman Kachru in March last year.

Ajay Verma, Naveen Verma, Abhinav Verma and Mukul Sharma from the Rajendra Prasad Medical College and Hospital in Tanda in Kangra district were found guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Four convicted in Aman Kachru ragged-to-death case.

Timeline of Aman Kachru ragged-to-death case

DHARAMSALA – The following is the timeline of the Aman Kachru ragged-to-death case in the Rajendra Prasad Medical College and Hospital at Tanda town in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh:

2009
March 7: First-year students of the college subjected to intense physical ragging by their seniors in the early hours.
March 8: Aman Kachru succumbs …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Timeline of Aman Kachru ragged-to-death case.

Shelterless flood-hit Pakistanis dread approaching winter

ISLAMABAD – Millions of flood-hit people across Pakistan, who suffer from loss of shelter, are having sleepless nights as the approaching harsh winter ushers in the biting cold.

The flash floods that started from the northern areas of Pakistan in the last week of July devastated human life and infrastructure for almost two months, leaving …. Source article : Shelterless flood-hit Pakistanis dread approaching winter.

Probe begins into Air India flight emergency landing

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – And inquiry into the emergency landing of a Saudi Arabia-bound Air India flight at the international airport here Wednesday night has commenced, an official said Thursday.

The Dammam-bound AI 915 flight of the national carrier took off at 6 p.m. Wednesday. But it returned to the airport 40 minutes later after the captain …. Source article : Probe begins into Air India flight emergency landing.

Five oil tankers of goods train derailed in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Thousands of litres of diesel were spilled and train services on the Sitapur-Delhi route were disrupted after five oil tankers of a goods train derailed in Uttar Pradeshs Shahjahanpur district Thursday, officials said. No casualty was reported.

The mishap took place two km from the Roja junction and resulted in a massive …. Source : Five oil tankers of goods train derailed in Uttar Pradesh.

Pakistani city jails two dozen bakers

PESHAWAR – Over two dozen bakers were jailed as their association observed a shutdown in this Pakistani city to demand an increase in price of unleavened bread.

The bakers are demanding that either they should be provided wheat flour at subsidised rates or they should be allowed to revise the price of roti, Dawn reported …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Pakistani city jails two dozen bakers.

Four students guilty of ragging to death Aman Kachru

DHARAMSALA – A fast track court here Thursday convicted four medical students for ragging to death their junior Aman Kachru in 2009.

Aman, 19, died March 8 last year after he was ragged by four seniors – Ajay Verma, Naveen Verma, Abhinav Verma and Mukul Sharma — of the Rajendra Prasad Medical College and … Read more »».

20 years after crash, pilot’s body found in Bolivian Andes

La Paz, Nov 11 (IANS/EFE) The body of a pilot missing for two decades has been recovered from a crash site on a mountain in the Andes near Bolivia’s La Paz city, a media report said.

Benjamin Pabon Galindo’s remains were recovered from Huayna Potosi mountain, where his plane crashed due to mechanical problems. The … Original article on : 20 years after crash, pilot’s body found in Bolivian Andes.

Fire kills 16 in El Salvador prison

San Salvador, Nov 11 (IANS/EFE) At least 16 people were killed and more than 20 injured in a fire at a prison in El Salvador’s Ilobasco city, authorities said.

“There are 16 dead,” Salvadoran Red Cross spokesman Carlos Lopez said, adding that 26 people were injured.
Justice and Security Ministry spokesmen, however, put the number … Read more : Fire kills 16 in El Salvador prison.

Uttar Pradesh IT commissioner faces arrest for forgery

LUCKNOW – A Kanpur-based Income Tax commissioner is on the run after the court of chief judicial magistrate here issued a non-bailable warrant of arrest against him earlier this week, police said Thursday.

The police had earlier charge sheeted Bhartendu Pratap Singh in a case of forgery involving misuse of letter-heads of two MPs and … Original article on : Uttar Pradesh IT commissioner faces arrest for forgery.

‘Pakistan must learn from India on action against corruption’

ISLAMABAD – India has “lived up to its status as an emerging major player” by holding its leaders accountable and two top politicians facing corruption charges being told to resign, an editorial in a Pakistani daily said, adding that “Pakistan must do the same”.

An editorial in Express Tribune, titled “Learning from India”, said Thursday …. Original article : ‘Pakistan must learn from India on action against corruption’.

Close shave for 250 as bird hits plane in Goa

PANAJI – A chartered plane to Moscow with 250 passengers on board had a narrow escape early Thursday when it suffered a bird hit at the runway of Goa’s Dabolim international airport.

Airport Authority of India (AAI) officials said that immediately after the bird hit, the pilot of the Moscow-bound Aerofloat Boeing flight that was … Read more »»».

Britain bribes foreign prisoners to return homes

LONDON – Criminals from other countries who have been serving in British prisons have been offered 1,500 pounds each as “bribe” if they agree to return their home, a media report said.

Foreign rapists and muggers are being offered cash. When they leave they receive a cash card loaded with 500 pounds. A further 1,000 … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Britain bribes foreign prisoners to return homes.

400,000 counterfeit toys seized in Italy

Rome, Nov 11 (IANS/AKI) Almost 400,000 counterfeit children’s Christmas toys and decorations valued at two million euros has been seized here over the last 15 days, police said.

The potentially hazardous items were destined to reach consumers during the busy Christmas season.
According to the police, the items recently arrived in Italy from China via …. Original article : 400,000 counterfeit toys seized in Italy.

Woman gets killer relative’s body after 189 years

LONDON – A woman in Britain has won the legal battle to bury her relative’s body, which had been put on display at a university for 189 years after the person was hanged for a murder.

Mary Halliwell while researching her family tree discovered the skeleton displayed in Bristol University.
She launched a battle to …. Read the original article : Woman gets killer relative’s body after 189 years.

French nationals kidnapped by pirates released

PARIS – Three French nationals who were kidnapped by pirates off the West African coast in September have been released, the French government said Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner made the announcement with “great joy and relief” that, based on information from authorities in Nigeria, the trio were freed. He gave no further details.
The …. Source : French nationals kidnapped by pirates released.

16 killed in El Salvador fire

SAN SALVADOR – At least 16 minors died and a further 24 were injured in a fire at a youth detention centre in the Salvadoran town of Ilobasco, El Salvador’s police said Wednesday.

The authorities did not mention the likely causes of the early morning fire at the facility in Ilobasco, about 25 km from … Original article on : 16 killed in El Salvador fire.

Boeing suspends Dreamliner flights after on-board fire

SAN FRANCISCO – Boeing suspended test flights of its 787 Dreamliner planes Wednesday after an electrical fire forced the emergency landing of one of the next-generation passenger jets.

The incident has fanned fears of further delays to the Dreamliner programme, which is already almost three years behind schedule with the first planes due for delivery …. Source : Gaea News Network.

British judge sentences thief in verse

LONDON – A car thief who wrote poems about his criminal past has been sentenced by a British judge in verse.

Steven Snell, 26, wrote odes about his crimes while he was in remand waiting for his sentence.
Judge Richard Bray of the Northampton Crown Court sent him to 20 months in prison, while announcing … Original source on Gaea Times at : British judge sentences thief in verse.

Briton jailed for showing finger in Dubai

LONDON – A Briton has been sentenced to two months in jail for showing the finger to a woman worker at the Dubai airport, it was reported here.

Paul Anthony, 34, got into a row with a woman airport employee when she reportedly refused to let him use a customer services desk phone. He “cursed” … Original article on : Briton jailed for showing finger in Dubai.

Splendor Cruise Ship At San Diego

SAN DIEGO (GaeaTimes.com)- The disabled cruise ship Carnival Splendor which caught fire on Monday morning and subsequently became immobile near the coast of Mexico has been brought to San Diego port, says the latest update. The passengers finally breathed a sigh of relief after staying without many facilities for three days at a stretch. … Read more >>.

Haryana honour killing: Man shoots brother-in-law

FATEHABAD – In another case of honour killing in Haryana, a 28-year-old man was shot dead by his wife’s brother as he hailed from a different caste, police say.

The shooting took place at Tohana town late Thursday, said police. The killed man was identified as Sukhbir Singh, a resident of Rajgarh village in …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Haryana honour killing: Man shoots brother-in-law.

Indian radio station ordered to pay defamation damages

VANCOUVER – A prominent Indian radio station owner, who was targeted in a drive-by shooting in the Indian-dominated suburb of Surrey in September, has been ordered to pay damages in a defamation case.

Maninder Gill, 47, who owns the popular Radio India, and some of his staff have been ordered by the provincial British Columbia … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indian radio station ordered to pay defamation damages.

Four cops accused of rape inside police station complex

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh’s Dharmjaigarh town Thursday was outraged at alleged rape of two girls, including a minor, by four policemen within the police station complex earlier this week.

A first information report (FIR) against the policemen was filed late Thursday, the town’s police said, adding that the small town in Raigarh district, about 280 …. Read the original article : Four cops accused of rape inside police station complex.

Canoeing trainee’s body recovered from Hyderabad lake

HYDERABAD – The body of a 17-year-old canoeing trainee was Friday recovered from Hussainsagar lake in the heart of the city.

Ranjan, hailing from Nagaland, drowned in the lake Thursday while practising on his canoe – apparently without a life jacket.
Search by special teams of military and police personnel till late Thursday evening proved [..] Read the original article: here.

Cult member vandalises Facebook tribute pages

SYDNEY – A member of right-wing cult Ku Klux Klan has vandalised several Facebook tribute pages for dead Australian teenagers, a media report said Friday.

Jarred Hensley, 28, told a couple of Australians in an online chat that he and his group were responsible for defacing many pages, Australian news agency AAP reported.
Hensley, a …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Cult member vandalises Facebook tribute pages.

Two Pakistani kids killed, stuffed into box

LAHORE – A seven-year-old girl and her brother, 5, were strangled and then crammed into an iron box used for storing wheat in this Pakistani city. The police suspect that the girl was raped.

Medical examiners have concluded that the children whose bodies were found in a wheat-storage iron box on their rooftop about two [..] Read the original article: here.

30 students hurt in Uttar Pradesh accident

LUCKNOW – At least 30 school students were injured, 10 of them seriously, when their bus was hit by a speeding truck in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambhi district Friday morning, police said.

The accident took place along the Allahabad-Kanpur highway in Saini town when the truck collided head-on with the bus of Little Flower Convent, carrying … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 30 students hurt in Uttar Pradesh accident.

American held for carrying bullets in Lahore

LAHORE – A 70-year-old US national has been arrested at the international airport here after a cache of cartridges was found in his possession, a media report said.

Gary George William was arrested Thursday at the Allama Iqbal international airport after airport personnel recovered 30 cartridges from his luggage.
William was on his way to … Original article on : American held for carrying bullets in Lahore.

10 die in South Korea hospital fire

SEOUL – At least 10 women were killed and 17 injured when a fire engulfed a hospital for women Friday in a port city in South Korea, a media report said.

The fire broke out at around 4.30 a.m., scorching the two-storey building in Pohang city, 374 km south of Seoul. Twenty fire trucks were …. Source article : 10 die in South Korea hospital fire.

One killed in Sudan plane crash

KHARTOUM – One person was killed and five people were injured Thursday when a plane crashed in Sudan, officials said.

The accident took place at Zalinge airport in Sudan’s West Darfur state when the back tires of the aircraft exploded and it caught fire, Xinhua quoted an official at TARCO Air, owner of the … Original source on Gaea Times at : One killed in Sudan plane crash.

IT raids Visa Steel in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – Income Tax (IT) department sleuths carried out raids Thursday at different premises of Visa Steel in Chhattisgarh’s industrial town of Raigarh, officials said.

“The IT department officials have raided different establishments of Visa Steel,” Raigarh Superintendent of Police Rahul Sharma said. The raids were carried out at Visa Steel’s office in Friends …. Read the original article : here.

Two held for abducting, killing minor

LUCKNOW – Two people, including a teenager, were arrested Thursday for abducting a minor boy for ransom and then killing him in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district, police said.

Narendra Kumar (19) masterminded the abduction of four-year-old Neeraj, the son of his neighbour, for ransom and and later killed him. Kumar’s accomplice was named as …. Source article : Two held for abducting, killing minor.

Ruchika case: Supreme Court grants bail to Rathore (Night Lead)

New Delhi, Nov. 11 (IANS) The Supreme Court Thursday granted bail to former Haryana director general of police S.P.S. Rathore, who is serving an 18-month jail sentence in the 1990 Ruchika Girhotra molestation case.

He (Rathore) shall not leave the country without specific permission of the chief judicial magistrate, Chandigarh,” said an apex court bench …. Read the original article : Ruchika case: Supreme Court grants bail to Rathore (Night Lead).

Family blames Rakhi Sawant for their son’s death

LUCKNOW – A 24-year-old man from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh who appeared on a reality show featuring Rakhi Sawant was so upset by the reportedly “indecent remarks” made against him by the Bollywood item girl that he stopped eating and died, his family alleged Thursday.

Laksham Prasad, a resident of Jhansi’s Prem Nagar town, was … Original source on Gaea Times at : Family blames Rakhi Sawant for their son’s death.

One dead as Sri Lankan capital, suburbs hit by floods

COLOMBO – At least one person drowned and more than 260,000 were affected by floods Thursday as heavy rains hit Sri Lanka’s capital and surrounding areas, interrupting the power supply, a government spokesman said.

“We have received the highest rainfall in 18 years in Colombo,” the spokesman said.
He said the city had received more [..] Read the original article: here.

Iraqis extradited to Britain, jailed for honour killing

LONDON – Two Iraqi men, who fled to their home country after killing their cousin in 2006 for falling in love with a man disapproved of by her family, were sentenced to life imprisonment by a British court after their extradition.

Mohammed Ali and Omar Hussain were found guilty of murdering Banaz Mahmod, 20, in … Read more : Iraqis extradited to Britain, jailed for honour killing.

Staines killing worse than carnage, apex court told

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday was told that the 1999 lynching of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two minor sons by Dara Singh and his band of Hindu fanatics was worse than a carnage.

Staines’ two sons Philip Staines, 10, and Timoti Staines, 7, were also burnt alive by the assailants. After …. Original article : Staines killing worse than carnage, apex court told.

Youths murder auto driver for gambling money, arrested

CHANDIGARH – Two teenagers who robbed and murdered an auto-rickshaw driver, and spent his money on firecrackers and gambling, were arrested from Sector 25 area of the city, police said Saturday.

Vijay Shankar Diwedi, 45, was found lying in a pool of blood near Gate No. 3 of the Punjab University Nov 6, police said. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Youths murder auto driver for gambling money, arrested.

Manipal Hospital ICU ransacked in Nepal

KATHMANDU – The Manipal Teaching Hospital run by Indias Manipal Group in Nepal stopped all but emergency services for a day after vandals attacked its intensive care unit (ICU), injuring even some of the patients undergoing treatment there.

We resumed services today after a meeting at the police station and were assured of security, B.M. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Manipal Hospital ICU ransacked in Nepal.

Serial killer hanged in Iran

TEHRAN – A serial killer who murdered 16 women was hanged Saturday in south-western Iran, Fars news agency reported.

The man, identified as Farid B, killed the women from 2004 to 2008. He was hanged in a prison in the city of Ahvaz after his death verdict was confirmed by the Supreme Court.
Murder, rape, …. Read the original article : Serial killer hanged in Iran.

Briton jailed for filming naked woman on iPod

SYDNEY – A 24-year-old Briton has been jailed in Australia for using his iPod to film a woman undressing, using the toilet and then showering, a media report said Saturday.

Tristan Francis Alain Maubec admitted to filming the 23-year-old Belgian woman Nov 7 in a unisex bathroom at a hostel in Magnetic Island off the … Read more : Briton jailed for filming naked woman on iPod.

Another Qantas plane makes emergency landing

SYDNEY – Australia’s Qantas airlines was plagued with more engine problems Saturday, with a plane carrying 234 passengers to Melbourne forced to return to Perth, making it the third such incident this month. No one was hurt in the incident.

The crew noticed the problem at an altitude of about 7,000 feet, and sought clearance …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Another Qantas plane makes emergency landing.

Police officer probed in teen’s rape absconding

MUMBAI – A senior police inspector was on the run Saturday after his name came up as a suspect in the rape of a 15-year-old girl who was forced into prostitution, police said.

“Yes, a police officer’s name has come up in the case. The investigations are on. We cannot reveal much before we are … Original source on Gaea Times at : Police officer probed in teen’s rape absconding.

Prisoners in Bihar celebrate Chhath

PATNA – Hundreds of prisoners in Bihar, including women undertrials, observed the Chhath festival Saturday by fasting and offering prayers inside the jail premises – with prison authorities providing help in the form of new clothes and puja material.

The four-day-long Chhath festival ended Saturday morning in Bihar with millions braving the chill to take …. Read the original article : Prisoners in Bihar celebrate Chhath.

Death toll from Indonesia’s volcano eruptions is 240

YOGYAKARTA – The death toll from the eruptions of Indonesia’s Mount Merapi rose to 240 Saturday as the search for more victims was ongoing, a disaster official said.

Television footage showed military rescuers finding charred bones of victims as they dug through thick volcanic debris that incinerated homes near the mountain.
The death toll could … Read more : Death toll from Indonesia’s volcano eruptions is 240.

Spanish priest arrested on child porn charges

SYDNEY – A 52-year-old priest has been arrested in Spain for allegedly possessing around 21,000 computer files containing child pornography, it was reported here Saturday.

The unnamed priest was arrested Wednesday after police found computer files containing pornographic images of children in his parish church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion in Spain’s Vilafames town, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Spanish priest arrested on child porn charges.

Indian American hired ‘hit man’ to kill rape accuser

NEW YORK – An Indian American limo driver jailed on a rape charge here tried to hire a hit man to kill the victim – using a picture of her from an evidence file, according to a media report

Rajeev Kumar’s scheme to silence his accuser was blown open in a sting operation and now …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Indian American hired ‘hit man’ to kill rape accuser.

Student knifes man trying to sodomise him

FIROZABAD – A Class 9 student in Uttar Pradesh killed a 31-year-old man for allegedly attempting to sodomise him, police said Saturday, adding the boy has been arrested.

The 14-year-old boy, a resident of Kashmiri Gate locality, attacked Danish, a quack, late Friday with a knife. The boy worked as a helper at Danish’s clinic …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Student knifes man trying to sodomise him.

Two Punjab cops suspended for custodial death

FATEHGARH SAHIB – Two Punjab Police officials have been suspended over the custodial death of a man following alleged harassment and torture, police said Saturday.

Hardeep Singh, a 28-year-old who was arrested for the theft of 15 cell phones, ended his life in the lock-up at Khamano police station in this district earlier this week. … Original article on : Two Punjab cops suspended for custodial death.

Man jailed for posting ex-lover’s nude photo on Facebook

AUCKLAND – A New Zealand man has been jailed for posting a nude photo of his ex-girlfriend on Facebook, a media report said Saturday.

Joshua Simon Ashby, a 20-year-old painter from Wellington, was sentenced to four months in prison by the Wellington District Court Friday after he pleaded guilty to charges of distributing indecent material, … Read more >>.

11 killed in Mexico violence

Mexico City, Nov 13 (IANS/EFE) Eleven people were killed in separate incidents of violence in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas, authorities have said.

The bodies were found in the towns of Jimenez and San Fernando Friday, an official said.
One of those killed in San Fernando, the scene in August of a massacre of …. Source article on Gaea Times at : 11 killed in Mexico violence.

Ship with 29 Chinese hijacked on Arabian Sea

BEIJING – A Panama-flagged freighter with 29 Chinese sailors on board has been hijacked by pirates in the Arabian Sea, the China Marine Rescue Centre (CMRC) said Saturday.

CMRC received a report from the Ningbo Hongyuan Ship Management Co. Ltd at 11.26 p.m. (1526 GMT) Friday, saying the company’s sailors on board the ‘Yuan …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Ship with 29 Chinese hijacked on Arabian Sea.

Haiti cholera toll crosses 800

GENEVA/WASHINGTON – A cholera epidemic sweeping across Haiti has killed more than 800 people, hospitalised 12,000 and put an estimated 200,000 at risk, the UN said Friday, as it appealed for $163 million in donor aid.

The first outbreak of the disease, which is contracted through contaminated water and causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, was … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Haiti cholera toll crosses 800.

Two, including woman, arrested for selling arms

NEW DELHI – Two people, including a woman, were arrested for allegedly selling semi-automatic weapons and ammunition to criminals in Delhi and the National Capital Region, police said Friday.

Zainab Nisha, 20 who is pursuing Class 12 through open school, and Riyaz Mohammed, 42 were arrested Tuesday by the special cell of Delhi Police from …. Read the original article : Two, including woman, arrested for selling arms.

‘Barbaric’ murder of wife deserves noose: Apex court

NEW DELHI – Crimes against women are “social crimes” and “disrupt the entire social fabric”, the Supreme Court Friday noted and asked a man convicted of murdering his wife why his life imprisonment should not be enhanced to death sentence.

The “brutal and barbaric” murder of a wife that “outrages the modern conscience” belongs to …. Original article : ‘Barbaric’ murder of wife deserves noose: Apex court.

Rakhi Sawant booked in connection with man’s death

LUCKNOW – Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi district Friday registered a criminal case against Bollywood item girl Rakhi Sawant in connection with the death of a young man who had featured on a reality show hosted by her, an official said.

Lakshman Prasad, 24, a resident of Jhansi’s Prem Nagar town, who appeared on reality … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rakhi Sawant booked in connection with man’s death.

Rathore walks out of jail, smile still intact

CHANDIGARH – The smile was intact on the face of former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore, who walked out of jail Friday after spending nearly six months of his 18-month prison term for molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra.

A smiling Rathore, 69, came out of the premises of high-security Burail jail here and had to make … Read more »».

Somali pirates free British couple

MOGADISHU – A British couple held captive by pirates in Somalia for more than a year was released Sunday, a media report said.

Pirates had captured them after attacking their yacht off the Somalia coast, Xinhua reported.
The couple – Paul and Rachel Chandler – were set free after long negotiations with their captors, and …. Source : Somali pirates free British couple.

Tripura to use satellites to track terrorists

AGARTALA – Tripura will soon use satellites to track terrorists in the state, director general of police K. Saleem Ali said here Sunday, saying that the state’s three-decade old militancy will be “flushed out within the next few months”.

Tripura would be the third state in India, after Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand, to introduce … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Tripura to use satellites to track terrorists.

Palm Beach Crash Claims 3 Lives

WEST PALM BEACH (GaeaTimes.com)- On Thursday, Florida’s Palm Beach International Airport saw a twin engine aircraft crash which claimed three lives and injured one, the airport spokeswoman Casandra Davis confirmed the news to the media. She also said that the injured person was airlifted to the hospital immediately after the crash, however, he later …. Source : Gaea News Network.