Accidents & Disasters – Weekly Newsletter for November 15-22, 2010

Monday, November 22, 2010

Former BJP MP shot dead, driver injured

MEERUT – Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Amarpal Singh, who had recently joined the Congress, was Monday shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district, police said.

Amarpal Singh, a three-time BJP MP, was killed in Mawana town, police said, adding that his driver was also injured by the assailants who managed …. Read the original article : Former BJP MP shot dead, driver injured.

Indian-origin woman on honeymoon killed in South Africa

LONDON – An Indian-origin woman, who was on her honeymoon with her wealthy British husband after they married in India, was murdered in a South African township, it was reported here.

Anni Dewani, 28, and her husband 31-year-old Shrien had left a restaurant with a driver in a car when they were hijacked by two …. Source article : Indian-origin woman on honeymoon killed in South Africa.

Mexican drug cartel hires boy to cut victims’ genitals

Mexico City, Nov 15 (IANS/EFE) A 12-year-old boy has been hired by a drug cartel in Mexico and put in charge of cutting off the heads and genitals of his victims, a media report said.

The boy, known as “El Ponchis”, was detained recently by the army, but it later released him because he was … Read more >>.

Air India flight suffers tyre burst, passengers safe

LUCKNOW – An Air India flight arriving here from Mumbai suffered a tyre burst during landing at the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport here Monday, but all passengers on board were safe, an official said.

“Air India Flight IC-195 had a tyre burst during landing this afternoon. All the passengers have been safely deplaned,” Airport … Read : Air India flight suffers tyre burst, passengers safe.

Rs.20 lakh ransom demanded for Bihar student

PATNA – A Rs.20 lakh ransom has been demanded for the release of a school student kidnapped from Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, his family members said Monday, even as the police remain clueless more than three weeks after the abduction.

Abhisek Kumar alias Kittu, studies in class 12 of a school in Muzaffarpur, some 70 km … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rs.20 lakh ransom demanded for Bihar student.

Australian man slices partner’s mouth

SYDNEY – An Australian man sliced open both sides of his partner’s mouth, cut her tongue in half and beat her with a rum bottle after she refused to repair their relationship, a court was told Monday.

Mohamed Tasleem Tahir, 21, is now in custody and faces charges of torture, committing acts intended to disfigure …. Read the original article : Australian man slices partner’s mouth.

Fire damages 99-year-old varsity building in China

BEIJING – A fire broke out in a 99-year-old building at Tsinghua University that was built on the site of a former royal garden here.

Tsinghua University, located in the northwestern suburbs of Beijing, was established in 1911 on the site of “Qing Hua Yuan” – a former royal garden of the Qing dynasty.
The …. Read the original article : Fire damages 99-year-old varsity building in China.

Grand Riviera Princess, Playa Del Carmen Blast Kills 7

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO (GaeaTimes.com)- For people residing at the Grand Riviera Princess hotel which is located in the Mexican resort city of Playa del Carmen, holiday mood turned into their worst nightmare when an explosion ripped through the resort claiming seven lives. According to Mexican authorities, as many as seven people which includes … Original source on Gaea Times at : Grand Riviera Princess, Playa Del Carmen Blast Kills 7.

Hizbul commander arrested from Delhi

NEW DELHI – A man described as a commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant group was arrested after a gunfight in the capital, police said Monday.

The man was caught after a brief firefight around 9.30 p.m. in Hauz Khas area, a police officer told IANS. “He fired at us and tried to escape, but …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Hizbul commander arrested from Delhi.

Walky-talky too costly! British cops asked to send SMS

LONDON – As a cost-cutting measure, police officers in Britain are being asked to send text messages and avoid speaking on radio to contact each other on duty.

The tariff charged by Airwave Solutions’, which operates the police communication network, is said to be putting a severe strain on police budgets. Officers from forces all … Read : Walky-talky too costly! British cops asked to send SMS.

What is the 2G spectrum scam about?

NEW DELHI – Here is a background on the 2G spectrum controversy that resulted in Communications and IT Minister A. Raja of DMK resigning Sunday:

The issue dates to 2008 when nine telecom companies were issued scarce airwaves and licences for second generation (2G) mobile phone services at Rs.1,658 crore (less that $350 …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Four girls terrorise Mexican city with massacre joke

Mexico City, Nov 15 (IANS/EFE) Four high school girl students have been sent for psychological treatment after their joke about an upcoming massacre created panic in a Mexican city, officials said.

Police found a message written in the front of a bank building that warned of a coming massacre in Ciudad Aldama city in Chihuahua … Original article on : Four girls terrorise Mexican city with massacre joke.

Man charged with tattooing genitals on friend’s back

SYDNEY – A 21-year-old Australian man was charged by a court Monday with committing grievous bodily harm to a friend by getting the male genitalia tattooed on his back.

Matthew Francis Brady, from Ipswich near Brisbane, appeared in the Ipswich magistrates court Monday, after he allegedly had a tattoo of a 40cm-long image of male …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Man charged with tattooing genitals on friend’s back.

Qantas’ woes continue, jet returns to Sydney

SYDNEY – Australia’s Qantas airlines was hit by another problem Monday when a jumbo jet bound for Argentina was forced to return to Sydney after smoke came out from the cockpit’s electrical system. This is the airline’s fourth such incident this month.

The flight QF17 – with 199 passengers and 21 flight crew on board …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Qantas’ woes continue, jet returns to Sydney.

Over 100 trafficked people rescued in Mexico

Mexico City, Nov 15 (IANS/EFE) Mexican marines have rescued 103 people, including three newborns and a pregnant 12-year-old girl, who were held captive by human traffickers at a banana plantation in Mexico, officials said.

Eight suspects have been arrested and will be charged with people trafficking, the attorney general’s office said Sunday.
The rescue operation … Read more >>>.

Argentine kidnaps girl he met on Facebook

Buenos Aires, Nov 15 (IANS/EFE) A 39-year-old man in the Argentine capital was arrested on charges of kidnapping a teenaged girl he met on social networking website Facebook, authorities said.

The kidnapper was arrested in La Tablada area on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, where he had taken the teenager after abducting her at the …. Original article : Argentine kidnaps girl he met on Facebook.

18 killed in Peru road accidents

LIMA – At least 18 people died and many injured in four separate road accidents in Peru, police said.

Thirteen people were killed and 13 more injured Sunday morning when a vehicle fell into a 50-metre deep gorge outside Camana city in Arequipa region, south of the country, Xinhua reported.
Another accident occurred Sunday … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 18 killed in Peru road accidents.

Four killed in Mexico gas explosion

MEXICO CITY – Four people were killed in a gas explosion that demolished part of a luxury hotel near the Mexican Caribbean resort of Cancun Sunday, a German consular official said.

Eight people were injured in the blast, which is believed to have occurred in one of the restaurants of the Princess Hotel, located on … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Four killed in Mexico gas explosion.

Clashes in Lucknow after Shia clerics arrested

LUCKNOW – Tension gripped large parts of the old city Sunday following prolonged clashes between the police and agitated mobs protesting against the arrest of leading Shia clerics Maulana Kalbe Jawaad and Maulana Agha Roohi.

Apart from pelting stones at police, the mob also resorted to arson, vandalism and staged road blocks for more than … Read more »»».

Seven dead in blaze at French foreign-worker housing complex

PARIS – At least seven men died early Sunday in a blaze at a residence for foreign workers in eastern France.

Four people were also seriously injured, while another 130 sustained minor injuries.
“They are mostly people who had to be treated for smoke inhalation,” Jean-Louis Marc of the CODIS dispatch centre told journalists.
Three … Original article on : Seven dead in blaze at French foreign-worker housing complex.

Inter-state drug gang busted, heroin worth Rs.2 crore seized

LUCKNOW – Three drug peddlers, who operated in several states of the country, were arrested in Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh, police said Tuesday. Heroin worth Rs.2 crore was recovered from them.

The three were nabbed in the wee hours of Tuesday in a joint operation carried by district police and the special operation group …. Original article : Inter-state drug gang busted, heroin worth Rs.2 crore seized.

Desperate families look out for sounds of survival

NEW DELHI – The cries for help are becoming fainter, the mobiles are dying out slowly… But the intermittent sounds from the debris of the collapsed building are keeping hopes alive for the distraught families gathered at east Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar.

A day after the five-storey building caved in Monday night, workers Tuesday scrambled to …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Desperate families look out for sounds of survival.

100 lashes for lovers who had sex

SHARJAH – A Filipina housemaid and her Bangladeshi boyfriend will be given 100 lashes each, jailed for a year and then deported for having illicit sex, a court in the United Arab Emirates has ruled.

The Sharjah Sharia Court ordered the lashing of the housemaid – known only as N.M. – and her lover – …. Source article on Gaea Times at : 100 lashes for lovers who had sex.

Four held as Shanghai blaze toll rises to 53

SHANGHAI – Four people were detained Tuesday over a massive fire in Shanghai that engulfed a 28-storey building and left 53 people dead and over 70 injured, a media report said.

The high-rise building, which housed 156 families of retired school teachers and is situated at the intersection of Jiaozhou Road and Yuyao Road, was …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Four held as Shanghai blaze toll rises to 53.

New Delhi Building Collapse Claims 64

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- A residential building located in eastern New Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar area was witness to a major disaster on Monday when it collapsed claiming as many as 64 lives. Around 80 residents who were inside the building during the collapse are reported to have suffered severe injuries and they were immediately … Original source on Gaea Times at : New Delhi Building Collapse Claims 64.

Unsafe buildings will be demolished: LG Tejender Khanna

NEW DELHI – A day after a five-storeyed building collapsed in east Delhi, killing at least 65 people and injuring 78, Lt Governor Tejender Khanna Tuesday said a survey of the area would be conducted and any building found unsafe demolished.

“I have spoken to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner and told him … Read more : Unsafe buildings will be demolished: LG Tejender Khanna.

Rs.2 lakh compensation for Delhi building collapse victims

NEW DELHI – Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Tuesday announced compensation of Rs.2 lakh each to families of those killed in the building collapse in east Delhi. At least 65 people died and 78 were injured in the incident.

“Normally we give a compensation amount of Rs.1 lakh in such cases, but in this …. Read the original article : Rs.2 lakh compensation for Delhi building collapse victims.

Delhi death toll rises to 60, rescuers hunt for survivors

NEW DELHI – Rescuers continued to search for possible survivors under tonnes of debris of an illegally-built high-rise building here that caved in killing at least 60 people, authorities said Tuesday, the day after the tragedy.

Police slapped a case of negligence against the building’s owner, Amrik Singh, who is on the run ever …. Source : Delhi death toll rises to 60, rescuers hunt for survivors.

Argentine man rapes daughter, fathers five kids

Buenos Aires, Nov 16 (IANS/EFE) An Argentine man has been arrested on charges of raping his daughter for over 10 years and fathering five children by her.

The young woman, now 23 years old, complained to judicial authorities in Santiago del Estero province that her father, whose identity and age were not revealed, had threatened …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Delhi building toll 55, rescue work on

NEW DELHI – Rescuers Tuesday continued to search for possible survivors in the rubble of a high-rise building that collapsed here overnight, killing at least 55 people and injuring over 80.

Hours after the tragedy, officials said the number of dead may rise because victims have been buried under tonnes of rubble in Laxmi Nagar …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Shanghai fire toll rises to 53

SHANGHAI – The toll in a massive fire that engulfed a 28-storey skyscraper in Shanghai rose to 53 Tuesday morning, authorities said.

Over 70 people injured in the inferno were hospitalised, Xinhua reported.
The high-rise building, which housed 156 families of retired school teachers and is situated at the intersection of Jiaozhou road and Yuyao … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Shanghai fire toll rises to 53.

Iowa Plane Crash Claims Life of 1 person

MILFORD, IOWA (GaeaTimes.com) — A plane crash near Milford, Iowa has claimed the life of a businessman from Texas on Wednesday afternoon.
The officials have identified the body as 67-year-old Geary Gearn of Hereford, Texas. Gearn was the owner of cattle feed mill business named Gearn Industries Inc. for about 40 years. Office manager Deena …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Iowa Plane Crash Claims Life of 1 person.

11 killed, 11 injured in Colombia shootings

BOGOTA – Eleven people died and another 11 were injured in two separate shootings in Colombia, police said Monday.

Gunmen opened fire late Sunday in a house in the city of Barranquilla where a party was being held, killing five people and injuring 11 others including a five-year-old boy.
According to witnesses, six men arrived … Read : 11 killed, 11 injured in Colombia shootings.

Five killed, 9 injured in Colombia shooting

BOGOTA – Gunmen opened fire during a party in Colombia killing five people and injuring nine others, police said Monday.

The attack late Sunday targeted a house in the city of Barranquilla where a party was being held. According to witnesses, six men arrived on three motorcycles and opened fire with machine guns and handguns, …. Original source : Five killed, 9 injured in Colombia shooting.

32 killed, 90 injured in Delhi house collapse (Fourth Lead)

NEW DELHI – At least 32 people were killed and around 90 injured when a five-storeyed house collapsed in east Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar Monday night. Scores of people are believed to be trapped under the rubble, officials said.

Delhi police commissioner B.K. Gupta said late in the night that 32 people had been killed in … Original source on Gaea Times at : 32 killed, 90 injured in Delhi house collapse (Fourth Lead).

Rescuers work with hope among mangled human remains

NEW DELHI – A cursory glance showed up five mangled bodies, hanging out from under the mounds of rubble. Many more bodies and trapped people were buried under the debris of the five-storeyed building that came crashing down like a pack of cards late Monday evening.

Authorities said at least 24 people were killed and …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Rescuers work with hope among mangled human remains.

24 killed, 90 injured in Delhi house collapse (Third Lead)

NEW DELHI – At least 24 people were killed and around 90 injured when a five-storeyed house collapsed in east Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar Monday night. Scores of people are believed to be trapped under the rubble, officials said.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said that 24 people were killed in the house collapse at Lalita …. Original article : 24 killed, 90 injured in Delhi house collapse (Third Lead).

24 killed in Delhi house collapse (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – At least 24 people were killed and and more than 40 injured when a five-storeyed house collapsed in east Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar Monday night. More than 40 people are believed to be trapped under the rubble, officials said.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said that 24 people were killed in the house …. Original article : 24 killed in Delhi house collapse (Second Lead).

One killed, 30 injured in Delhi house collapse

NEW DELHI – At least one person was killed and around 30 were injured when a five-storeyed house collapsed in east Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar Monday night. More than 40 people are believed to be trapped under the rubble, officials said.

Delhi Fire Service chief fire officer R.C. Sharma said that at least 30 people have … Original source on Gaea Times at : One killed, 30 injured in Delhi house collapse.

Five-storey building collapses in Delhi, scores injured

NEW DELHI – A five-storey house collapsed in east Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar Monday night, leaving at least one person dead and scores injured.

Delhi Fire Service chief fire officer R.C. Sharma said that at least 30 people have been rescued and sent to the hospital. Their condition is said to be critical
According to sources, …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Delhi building collapse: People pitch in with relief work

NEW DELHI – With little or no government help, survivors of the east Delhi building collapse are relying on voluntary organisations to help them in rehabilitation.

Members of an NGO, South Asian Forum for People Against Terror, Wednesday distributed food and water to about 100 survivors, who are living on the roadside since Monday night, … Read more »».

Government confirms cases of theft from CWG offices

NEW DELHI – The home ministry has confirmed that a total of five cases of theft have been reported from various Commonwealth Games (CWG) offices in the capital.

All the cases relate to thefts of computer hardware from the CWG headquarters in Connaught Place and other CWG offices at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Malviya Nagar. …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Villagers attack policemen over land dispute

LUCKNOW – Six policemen were injured in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district when a mob attacked them for freeing government land being used illegally for agriculture, an official said Wednesday.

Armed with wooden sticks and stones, a large number of people from Bharapachpera village late Tuesday evening attacked the policemen as they tried to free the … Original article on : Villagers attack policemen over land dispute.

MCD orders evacuation of 38 buildings near accident site

NEW DELHI – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Wednesday ordered the immediate evacuation of 38 buildings near the site of the collapsed five-storey building in east Delhi.

“The civic agency has served a 24-hour vacation notice to 38 buildings for water in the basement in Lalita Park locality,” said Municipal Corporation of Delhi … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : MCD orders evacuation of 38 buildings near accident site.

Woman helps to rob bank in Pakistan

KARACHI – A woman accompanied by two armed men robbed a bank in this Pakistani city – in five minutes flat.

The gang arrived at the bank in a car at around noon Monday. They entered the bank and snatched the weapons from the security guards, the Daily Times reported Wednesday.
They took the staff …. Source : Woman helps to rob bank in Pakistan.

Delhi building collapse: 20 still buried under debris

NEW DELHI – Rescue operations continued Wednesday at the site of the collapsed five-storey building in east Delhi to search for the 20 people still feared buried under the debris, officials said.

Officials said no more bodies have been recovered since Tuesday night and the toll still stands at 66. However, the number of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Delhi building collapse: 20 still buried under debris.

Indian-origin doctor jailed for rape in Australia

MELBOURNE – An Indian-origin doctor has been jailed for six years in Australia for raping a woman seven times in one night and taking photographs, a media report said Wednesday.

Arvind Sharma, 37, was found guilty by a jury of seven counts of rape and three of indecent assaults, the Herald Sun reported Wednesday.
… Read more : Indian-origin doctor jailed for rape in Australia.

Now, database of scalp hair to help nab criminals

SYDNEY – Thanks to a new database of scalp hair characteristics, a single hair found at a crime scene can help reveal the culprit’s identity.

Paul Barton, forensic scientist from Queensland University of Technology, Australia, analysed donated scalp hair from 70 people of each gender from African, Caucasian and Asian backgrounds using infra-red radiation … Read more »».

Qantas plane forced to return after bird strike

SYDNEY – A Qantas flight with 171 passengers on board was forced to return to Johannesburg in South Africa after birds hit one of its engines, the Australian airline said Wednesday.

Birds struck one of the four engines on flight QF64 from Johannesburg to Sydney just after take-off about 6 p.m. local time Tuesday, the … Read : Qantas plane forced to return after bird strike.

Man fined for acrobatic dives in Italian fountain

Rome, Nov 17 (IANs/AKI) A homeless Romanian, dubbed ‘Attila the Hun’, was fined 160 euros by police after he staged a spectacular diving display in Rome’s famous 17th-century Trevi fountain.

The Romanian showed the agility of a gymnast, repeatedly climbing to the top of the fountain and performing a series of dives to the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Man fined for acrobatic dives in Italian fountain.

Fire in Uttar Pradesh warehouse

LUCKNOW – Property worth lakhs of rupees was destroyed in a massive fire that broke out in a paint warehouse in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district early Wednesday, police said. There was no casualty.

The fire engulfed the warehouse in the multi-storey Amit Complex in the Lal Kurti area at around 1 a.m.
Inflammable raw materials …. Original article : Fire in Uttar Pradesh warehouse.

Toll in El Salvador prison fire rises to 26

San Salvador, Nov 17 (IANS/EFE) The number of fatalities caused by a fire in a Salvadoran prison increased Tuesday to 26 with the death of another inmate, authorities said.

Francisco Javier Dominguez, 19, who had been taken to Zacamil Hospital in San Salvador, died from “cardiorespiratory arrest”, officials at the medical center told EFE.
The … Original source on Gaea Times at : Toll in El Salvador prison fire rises to 26.

Strong quake strikes off Indonesia

JAKARTA – An earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale stuck early Wednesday off Indonesia’s Maluku islands, but there were no reports of damage, the geophysics agency said.

The quake occurred at 3:06 a.m. Jakarta time (2006 GMT Tuesday), with the epicentre 210 km southwest of Tual town at a depth of 128 km, the …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Poacher held with tiger skins

LUCKNOW – A poacher was arrested from Uttar Pradesh’s Chandauli district with skins of tigers and a leopard, police said Tuesday.

“Rakesh Kumar, 28, a native of Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district, was nabbed late Monday from the Sayedraza town following a joint operation conducted by police and forest officials,” police inspector R.K. Ram told reporters …. Read the original article : here.

Haiti cholera toll tops 1,000

Moscow, Nov 16 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The toll in Haiti’s cholera outbreak has topped 1,000 people, the Caribbean country’s health ministry said, as efforts to contain the disease continue.

At least 1,034 people have died and over 14,500 have been hospitalized since the disease broke out more than three weeks ago, the ministry said.
Haiti is … Original article on : Haiti cholera toll tops 1,000.

Rahul backs plea for CBI probe into official’s murder

AMETHI – Calling on the widow of a slain revenue official, Ram Kumar Yadav, allegedly killed by a ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) lawmaker in Uttar Pradesh, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi Tuesday backed her demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder.

Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit of …. Read the original article : Rahul backs plea for CBI probe into official’s murder.

Delhi building collapse: Rs.1 lakh compensation for victims from Bengal

KOLKATA – The West Bengal government Tuesday announced Rs.1 lakh compensation for the next of kin of each of the 24 people from the state who died in the building collapse in east Delhi Monday night, it was announced here Tuesday.

The disaster took place at 8.15 p.m. Monday when the building, occupied by … Read : Delhi building collapse: Rs.1 lakh compensation for victims from Bengal.

Delhi building collapse toll 66, owner caught (Intro Roundup)

NEW DELHI – Rescue workers Tuesday night continued to dig through the rubble of a collapsed five-storeyed building in east Delhi, searching frantically for the over 30 people feared still trapped. The toll in the accident has reached 66 and 74 injured, while the owner of illegally-constructed building has been arrested.

“Police arrested the owner, …. Original article : Delhi building collapse toll 66, owner caught (Intro Roundup).

Four held for poaching tiger, smuggling wildlife goods

KOLKATA – Four people, involved in poaching of the Royal Bengal tiger and smuggling of wildlife goods, were arrested in West Bengal’s South 24-Parganas district, an official said Tuesday.

“A trap was laid to catch the culprits red-handed. Posing as customers, we contacted the gang members and asked them to deliver the tiger’s skin at …. Original source : Four held for poaching tiger, smuggling wildlife goods.

Hope of finding kin fades under collapsed building

NEW DELHI – In the space of a second, Biswajit Ghosh’s life came crashing down. His wife, son and daughter were buried under tonnes of concrete of the collapsed building in east Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar.

But Ghosh, a sales person who hails from West Bengal, did not let his personal tragedy overtake him. He joined … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Hope of finding kin fades under collapsed building.

Briton filmed kid he tortured, killed

LONDON – A man in Britain shot the video of a screaming baby boy whom he repeatedly tortured, leading to his death from horrific injuries.

Charlie Hunt, who was 15 months old, died of severe head injuries after Darren Newton allegedly carried out a string of sadistic attacks. The attacks were recorded on a mobile … Read more »».

Shanghai residents ill-prepared for fire, shows survey

SHANGHAI – Around half of Shanghai residents couldn’t locate fire-fighting equipment in buildings where they work or live, revealed a survey that was undertaken after a fire in a high-rise building here left at least 53 people dead.

Most city residents have not participated in fire escape exercises, reported Shanghai Daily Thursday citing the survey … Original source on Gaea Times at : Shanghai residents ill-prepared for fire, shows survey.

Rajya Sabha mourns victims of Delhi building collapse

NEW DELHI – The Rajya Sabha Thursday mourned the deaths of 69 people in the building collapse in east Delhi.

As the house assembled for the day, Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan paid homage to those who died in the building collapse. The chair extended condolences and sympathy to the families who lost their …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Rajya Sabha mourns victims of Delhi building collapse.

Doctor arrested for selling corpses

LUCKNOW – Three people, including a doctor in a government hospital, were arrested in Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh for selling unclaimed corpses to private medical colleges, police said Thursday.

“The three sold unclaimed bodies brought for autopsy at the Civil Lines Postmortem House,” police inspector Anil Kumar Raghav said in Moradabad, about 350 …. Original source : Doctor arrested for selling corpses.

Two held for raping widow

JAMMU – Two of three government employees in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district who raped a widow after promising to give her a job have been arrested, police said Thursday.

The woman from Lamberi village in Nowshera was assaulted by the employees of the sheep and animal husbandry department Wednesday evening.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Two held for raping widow.

Pakistani police involved in rape, rights violations

ISLAMABAD – A large number of police officials across Pakistan have been booked for rape and human rights violations in the last three years, says an official report submitted to the interior ministry.

The report submitted by the National Police Bureau to the ministry of interior said that 78 police officials in Sindh province were … Read more : Pakistani police involved in rape, rights violations.

F-22 Crash Wreckage Found

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON (GaeaTimes.com)- Air Force officials have initiated a thorough probe to know the whereabouts of the missing pilot of the F-22 fighter jet which crashed near Anchorage on Tuesday. The wreckage of the plane was found on Wednesday morning by rescue teams which were dispatched after the plane went out of the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : F-22 Crash Wreckage Found.

Here’s how to dejargonise Karnataka land scam (Letter from Bangalore)

BANGALORE – ‘G’ category sites, denotification, KIADB, ‘putra vyamoha’… among the frequently uttered words these days in Karnataka where land grabbing has reached scandalous proportions with allegations levelled against no less than the chief minister.

To fathom what exactly has been alleged, read on.
‘G’ category sites are sought after as they are mostly in … Read more >>>.

Malaysian Indian lawyer knifed to death

KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian Indian lawyer was slashed to death by two masked men outside his home in Ipoh, the capital of Perak state, a media report said Thursday.

The two men are believed to have trailed G. Balasundram from his office Tuesday evening and attacked him just as he reached home, The Star … Original article on : Malaysian Indian lawyer knifed to death.

Man rams car into own house after argument

MELBOURNE – An Australian man rammed his car into his home and allegedly injured a police officer after having an argument with his partner, a media report said Thursday.

It is believed the 22-year-old man had argued with his partner before ramming his Toyota LandCruiser car into the front of his home in Melbourne Wednesday, …. Read the original article : here.

10 killed in Mexico violence

Mexico City, Nov 18 (IANS/EFE) Ten people were killed and several wounded in separate incidents in the western Mexican state of Jalisco, officials said.

Five gunmen died early Wednesday in a battle with police on a highway, the state’s public safety office said. One person was injured in the shootout while four people were arrested … Read more >>>.

Swedish diplomat says Haiti cholera strain came from Nepal

STOCKHOLM – A Swedish diplomat claimed Wednesday that Haiti’s cholera outbreak originated in Nepal.

“Unfortunately that is the case. It has proved that the cholera came from Nepal,” Claes Hammar, Sweden’s ambassador to Haiti, told daily Svenska Dagbladet.
Hammar, who visited Haiti two weeks ago, said the information came from “a diplomatic source. It is … Original article on : Swedish diplomat says Haiti cholera strain came from Nepal.

‘Survivor’ producer arrested in wife’s killing

LOS ANGELES – A former producer of the ground-breaking hit reality show “Survivor” has been arrested by US authorities in connection with the death of his wife earlier this year in Mexico, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Bruce Beresord-Redman, who is also co-creator of the MTV show “Pimp My Ride”, was taken into custody … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Survivor’ producer arrested in wife’s killing.

17 dead, 45 injured in Somalia fighting

MOGADISHU – At least 17 people died and 45 others were injured in the Somali capital Mogadishu Wednesday during fighting between Islamist insurgents and African Union (AU) peacekeepers.

Heavy shelling and exchanges of fire followed an insurgent attack on an AU peacekeeping base, killing civilians, according to witnesses and officials.
“We have collected 17 dead … Original article on : 17 dead, 45 injured in Somalia fighting.

China mine safety official gets life for bribe

BEIJING – A coal mine safety official in China was Wednesday sentenced to life in prison for taking nine million yuan ($1.35 million) in bribes, a media report said.

The Intermediate People’s Court in Chongqing municipality announced the verdict in which Wang Xiping, former deputy director of coal mine safety in the Chongqing municipal administration … Read more »».

Italy arrests top mafia boss

Casal di Principe (Italy), Nov 17 (IANS/AKI) Italian Police Wednesday arrested fugitive mafia boss Antonio Iovine near the country’s southern Caserta city. He had been on the run for 14 years.

The head of the Naples mafia or Camorra’s powerful Casalesi clan, Iovine was among the Italy’s 30 most wanted mafia fugitives.
“This is …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Pope appeals to spare life of Pakistani Christian woman

Vatican City, Nov 17 (IANS/AKI) Pope Benedict XVI Wednesday made an appeal for a Pakistani Christian mother of five who has been sentenced to death for blasphemy after she collected water from a well to be drunk by Muslims.

“I today express my spiritual closeness to Ms Asia Bibi and her family while asking that, … Read more >>.

Pharma company’s officials booked for two workers’ death

DERA BASSI – A case of negligence was registered against the management of a pharmaceutical company here Wednesday for the death of its two workers in a fire in its premises in Punjab’s Mohali district, police said.

According to the police, a major fire broke out on the premises of Anuja Healthcare in Dera Bassi …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Pharma company’s officials booked for two workers’ death.

Delhi minister denies building owner’s claim

NEW DELHI – Delhi Finance Minister A.K. Walia Wednesday denied an allegation that the owner of a building which collapsed in east Delhi, killing 67 people earlier this week, had informed him about water stagnation in its basement.

The stagnant water in the building’s basement is said to have led to the caving-in Monday … Read more »»».

IIT Kanpur girl commits suicide

KANPUR – A final year engineering student of the premiere Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K), Wednesday committed suicide in her hostel room on the campus, police said.

“The girl, aged around 22 years, was found hanging from the ceiling fan of her hostel room. Prima-facie, it appears to be a case of suicide,” Deputy … Original source on Gaea Times at : IIT Kanpur girl commits suicide.

IAF chopper crashes in Arunachal, 11 feared killed

GUWAHATI – An MI 17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF), carrying 11 defence personnel, crashed due to dense fog in Arunachal Pradesh Friday, a defence official said. All those on board were feared killed.

The accident took place at 12.05 p.m. near Bombdir, at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh bordering China, at an altitude … Original article on : IAF chopper crashes in Arunachal, 11 feared killed.

Two absconding minors traced in Punjab

HOSHIARPUR – Two of the six minors who had escaped from a juvenile home here in Punjab were traced Friday, police said.

The six minors fled Thursday after breaking the grills of the barrack where they were lodged. One was a Bangladeshi.
“We have nabbed two of the minors and sent police teams to …. Source article : Two absconding minors traced in Punjab.

Ex-chief of China’s n-firm gets life for corruption

BEIJING – A Chinese court Friday sentenced the former head of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to life imprisonment for corruption, reports Xinhua.

Kang Rixin, former general manager of CNNC, was punished for accepting about $1 million in bribes between 2004 and 2009, the Beijing No.1 intermediary court said in a statement.
… Read more >>.

Briton killed baby girl who interrupted his video game

LONDON – A man playing video games was so enraged by the crying of a 15-month-old girl who was seeking his attention that he hit her hard, rupturing her internal organs and leading to her death.

Gary Alcock was angry with his girlfriend’s daughter, 15-month-old Violet Mullen, when she began to cry. He hit …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Briton killed baby girl who interrupted his video game.

Four more held for Shanghai high-rise blaze

SHANGHAI – Four more people have been detained in connection with the blaze in a Shanghai high-rise that left 58 people dead, Xinhua reported Friday.

So far 12 people have been detained in connection with the case, police said. The managers of the firms involved in the building’s construction are among those detained.
Fifty-eight … Original article on : Four more held for Shanghai high-rise blaze.

Fumes force Australian plane to land

MELBOURNE – A Sydney-bound Virgin Blue aircraft with 122 passengers on board made an emergency landing at the Melbourne airport Friday morning after fumes were detected in the cockpit, a media report said.

About 20 minutes after the flight DJ807 took off from Melbourne at 6.30 a.m., the captain reported an unusual odour in …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Haitians, UN troops clash over cholera; epidemic spreads

Port-au-PRINCE – Protesters clashed with police and UN peacekeepers in Haitian capital Port-au-Prince over the spreading cholera epidemic, as US health experts warned of a substantial increase in cases.

More than 1,100 people have died from cholera and an additional 18,000 have been sickened by the disease, which is contracted through contaminated water and causes … Original article on : Haitians, UN troops clash over cholera; epidemic spreads.

Brazil busts human trafficking ring

Rio de Janeiro, Nov 19 (IANS/EFE) Twelve people were arrested in Brazil Thursday in an operation against a gang accused of smuggling people into the US and then holding them to extract ransom from their families back in Brazil, authorities said.

The gang charged emigrants up to $15,000 each for false documents to enter the …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Brazil busts human trafficking ring.

Argentine cops charged with kidnapping

Buenos Aires, Nov 19 (IANS/EFE) Two Argentine policemen are under arrest and a retired cop is being sought on charges that they took part in the kidnapping of a Peruvian citizen in Buenos Aires, official sources said Thursday.

While patrolman Gaston Eduardo Aragon and Deputy Inspector Mariano Comello Potes were detained at their respective precincts … Original source on Gaea Times at : Argentine cops charged with kidnapping.

China n-firm’s ex-chief gets life for corruption

BEIJING – A Chinese court Friday sentenced the former head of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to life imprisonment for corruption, Xinhua reported.

Kang Rixin, former general manager of CNNC, was convicted for taking bribes and abusing his power while in office, the Beijing No. 1 intermediary court said in a statement.
… Read more »»».

Granny, 54, caught with big drug haul

WELLINGTON – A 54-year-old New Zealand grandmother on welfare benefits was caught with a suitcase full of crystal methamphetamine and other drugs which she planned to deal from her state house in Wellington, police told a court.

The 220 grams of the drug known as P in New Zealand was the biggest seizure in Wellington …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Abducted youths released after 66 days

AGRA – Two youths, kidnapped by a dacoit group which sent a parcel containing four severed fingers to the family to pressurise them to pay the ransom, returned home Thursday after 66 days in captivity. Their fingers were intact.

Sources, not wanting to be identified, said the efforts of the family members and a possible … Read more »».

Planes prevented from colliding over Israel airport

TEL AVIV – An alert air traffic controller at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport prevented what could have been a major air disaster Thursday, when he spotted a flight which had just taken off straying into the path of an airplane preparing to land.

According to reports in the Israeli media, the Air Berlin plane, …. Original source : Planes prevented from colliding over Israel airport.

Swedish court approves detention of WikiLeaks founder

STOCKHOLM – A Swedish court Thursday approved a prosecutor’s request to detain the founder of whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, as part of a probe into alleged rape.

The decision was announced after a closed-door hearing at the Stockholm district court.
Assange is suspected of “rape, sexual molestation and unlawful coercion”, Marianne Ny, director of …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Swedish court approves detention of WikiLeaks founder.

Violence near Osmania varsity, police fire rubber bullets

HYDERABAD – Police fired rubber bullets near Osmania University Thursday night as students demanding postponement of examination for recruiting sub-inspectors of police in Telangana turned violent.

Police fired teargas shells and rubber bullets at Tarnaka as students tried to take out a procession and resorted to violence, hours after Chief Minister K.Rosaiah ruled out … Original article on : Violence near Osmania varsity, police fire rubber bullets.

Building collapse toll 69, political blame game goes on (Night Lead)

NEW DELHI – Three days after a building collapsed in east Delhi, the toll has risen to 69, and political recriminations have broken out in full force over the tragedy, while authorities have yet to make arrangements for hundreds of people who have been asked to vacate their homes in dangerous buildings.

The debris of … Read more »».

Domestic help murdered in Gurgaon home

GURGAON – A domestic help was found murdered in a Gurgaon house where she worked for the past one month, police said Thursday.

“We are also exploring the angle of rape and waiting for the medical examination report,” said a senior police officer. A murder case has been registered.
The victim, Sangeeta, was hired through …. Read the original article : Domestic help murdered in Gurgaon home.

Rathore’s pension: Home ministry seeks time to file reply

CHANDIGARH – The union home ministry Thursday sought three weeks’ time from the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) here to submit its reply on release of former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore’s pension, withheld from June, after his conviction in the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case.

Rathore had moved the tribunal Sep 2 against the ministry’s decision … Read : Rathore’s pension: Home ministry seeks time to file reply.

Six minors escape from Punjab juvenile home

HOSHIARPUR – Six minors, lodged in the juvenile home in this Punjab city, escaped Thursday, police said.

The accused children, lodged in the same barrack, ran away after breaking the grills. One of them is a Bangladesh national, according to the police.
We were informed by the juvenile home about this incident. We have sent …. Original article : Six minors escape from Punjab juvenile home.

Indian American woman embezzled $34 mn for ‘wild shopping sprees’

WASHINGTON – Indian American Sujata “Sue” Sachdeva, a former executive of Koss Corp has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for embezzling $34 million from the Milwaukee stereo headphone manufacturer for “wild shopping sprees”.

US District Judge Lynn Adelman imposed the sentence Wednesday after Sachdeva made a tearful statement – her first public comments …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Indian American woman embezzled $34 mn for ‘wild shopping sprees’.

Sikh pilgrims’ tents in Pakistan catches fire; no casualties

ISLAMABAD – At least 20 tents of Sikh pilgrims were burnt to ashes in Pakistan’s Nankana Sahib city where they had gone to participate in the 542nd birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak, a media report said Saturday. No casualties were reported.

“Rescue officials and fire brigade have reached the spot and the situation … Read more >>>.

Bank officer robbed of car, mobile in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH – The senior manager of a nationalised bank was robbed of his car and mobile by gun-wielding youths in Chandigarh’s Sector 8, one of the busiest stretches of this union territory, police said Saturday.

According to police, the victim was identified as Gyan Chand Kaushik, 55, who worked as senior manager at the State …. Original source : Bank officer robbed of car, mobile in Chandigarh.

MCD seeks more time to enquire on building collapse

NEW DELHI – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s chief vigilance officer has sought more time to complete the enquiry into the building collapse in east Delhi four days ago, an official said Friday.

The civic body Tuesday ordered a vigilance probe a day after the illegal five-storeyed building collapsed killing 69 people and …. Source : MCD seeks more time to enquire on building collapse.

Girl electrocuted while plucking flowers in school

LUCKNOW – The manager of a private school in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district was booked Friday in connection with the death of a minor girl, who got electrocuted while plucking flowers from the flower bed in the school garden, which had been connected to a live wire by the school administration.

Twelve-year-old Radha Singh was …. Source article : Girl electrocuted while plucking flowers in school.

Delhi Police do not help stop illegal construction: MCD

NEW DELHI – The blame game continues even four days after the east Delhi building collapse. A senior Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) official Friday blamed Delhi Police for not providing enough force to the civic body in its campaign to stop encroachments and spread of unauthorised buildings.

“Whenever Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) chalks … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delhi Police do not help stop illegal construction: MCD.

La Marts principal, 3 teachers charged with abetting Rawla’s suicide

KOLKATA – A city court Friday ordered that the principal and three teachers of the prestigious La Martiniere School for Boys be slapped with an additional charge of abetting the suicide of class 8 student Rouvanjit Rawla.

The 12th metropolitan judge of the Bankshall court, Apurva Kumar Ghosh ordered reframing of charges following an appeal … Read more »».

Russian fighter crashes, crew untraced

Moscow, Nov 19 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A MiG-31 Foxhound fighter aircraft crashed Friday in Russia’s Perm region. Though the two crew members ejected safely, they were yet to be located, officials said.

A security official confirmed the crash. He said the plane “was not carrying any weapons” and posed no danger to residential areas.
Defence Ministry … Original article on : Russian fighter crashes, crew untraced.

Zardari stays execution of Christian woman

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Friday stayed the execution of a Christian woman who was sentenced to death on charges of blasphemy.

The woman, Aasia Bibi, was given the death sentence by an additional sessions judge in Nankana Sahib district a week ago on charges of committing blasphemy under the Pakistan Penal Code.
…. Source : Zardari stays execution of Christian woman.

Indian-origin teacher found guilty of sex with students

LONDON – An Indian-origin woman has been found guilty of sexual misconduct after she confessed she had sex with two 15-year-old students earlier this year, a media report said Friday.

Hina Patel, a 37-year-old teacher at Birkdale High School for Boys in Merseyside, Friday pleaded guilty to two charges of abusing her position of trust [..] Read the original article: here.

Building collapse: NHRC issues notices to Delhi government, MCD

NEW DELHI – The Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have been issued notices by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over the collapse of a five-storey building in east Delhi in which at least 69 people were killed and several injured, a NHRC statement said Friday.

“The commission has taken …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Building collapse: NHRC issues notices to Delhi government, MCD.

Fake passport case: Court sentences Salem to four years jail

BHOPAL – A court in the Madhya Pradesh capital Friday sentenced underworld don Abu Salem to four years jail in a 2001 fake passport case. However, he will spend less then a year in prison as he has already been imprisoned for more than three years.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Ram Gopal Singh also slapped a … Read : Fake passport case: Court sentences Salem to four years jail.

Koda aide remanded in ED custody for 12 days

RANCHI – A Ranchi court Friday sent Vinod Sinha, a close aide of jailed former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda, to 12 days of Enforcement Directorate (ED) remand.

The Enforcement Directorate had moved a petition in the Prevention of Money laundering Act (PMLA) court of G.K. Singh, seeking 14 days of remand for Vindo Sinha. … Read : Koda aide remanded in ED custody for 12 days.

Building collapse nightmare for local residents

NEW DELHI – Even four days after the building collapse in east Delhi, three-year-old Asthmi still shivers on hearing a small thud and starts weeping. It’s not just her, but the accident has also turned into a nightmare for other residents of the area.

The collapse Monday of the illegal five-storey building in Lalita Park … Read more >>>.

Abu Salem gets four years jail in fake passport case

BHOPAL – A court in the Madhya Pradesh capital Friday sentenced underworld don Abu Salem to four years jail in a 2001 fake passport case.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Ram Gopal Singh also slapped a fine of Rs.10,000 on Salem.
The court Tuesday convicted Salem under section 471 of the Indian Penal Code and 12A …. Source : Abu Salem gets four years jail in fake passport case.

Delhi building collapse shatters dreams in Bengal village (Lead, superseding earlier story)

MALDA/MURSHIDABAD – A phone call from her grandson Biswajit was the last time that Ashalata Halder heard from him. Two days later, Ashalata was shattered to learn that six of of her family, including Biswajit, had perished in the Delhi building collapse.

Ashalata, in her seventies, received a phone call from Biswajit late Monday night … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delhi building collapse shatters dreams in Bengal village (Lead, superseding earlier story).

Child rights commission takes up rehabilitation of orphans

NEW DELHI – Six children, including a brother-sister duo, left orphaned in the east Delhi building collapse should be provided the services of a counsellor to help them cope with the trauma, the Delhi Commission of Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has said.

The child rights organisation has issued notice to the Delhi chief secretary …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Child rights commission takes up rehabilitation of orphans.

12 defence personnel killed as IAF chopper crashes in Arunachal (Lead, changing dateline)

TAWANG – Twelve Indian defence personnel – 11 of them from the air force – were killed in a helicopter crash Friday in Arunachal Pradesh close to the Chinese border, officials said.

A defence spokesperson said the MI-17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed around midday soon after take off from Tawang, perched …. Read the original article : 12 defence personnel killed as IAF chopper crashes in Arunachal (Lead, changing dateline).

Chinese worker trapped under sea for 18 hours

BEIJING – A Chinese worker has been trapped in a one-metre diameter canister under sea for almost 18 hours as the rescue work continues, a media report said Friday.

The accident occurred around 9 a.m. Thursday off the coast of China’s eastern Zhejiang province, when the steel shielding canister in which he was working, deformed …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Chinese worker trapped under sea for 18 hours.

Bodies found in tree hollow in US

WASHINGTON – The bodies of three people who disappeared last week were found in a tree hollow in the US state of Ohio, days after the teenage daughter of one of the victims was rescued, a media report said Friday.

The remains of Tina Herrmann, 32, her 10-year-old son, Kody Maynard, and her 41-year-old … Read : Bodies found in tree hollow in US.

Five dead as car falls into Maharashtra river

MUMBAI – Five people were killed after their car fell into a river alongside the Mumbai-Pune highway near New Panvel, police said here Sunday.

“We suspect the driver lost control, and the car fell into the river last night,” a police officer told IANS.
The bodies and the vehicle were recovered Sunday morning, he added.
…. Original source : Five dead as car falls into Maharashtra river.

Seven killed as bomb explodes in Bihar (Second Lead)

PATNA – At least seven people, mostly children, were killed and around half a dozen seriously injured Sunday morning when a cylinder bomb exploded at Pachokhar village in Bihar’s Aurangabad district, police said.

The bomb was recovered during the final phase of the Bihar assembly polls Saturday but the police had failed to defuse it. … Read : Seven killed as bomb explodes in Bihar (Second Lead).

Natural disasters since 1970 take heavy toll in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A string of natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes, have left over 3.3 million people dead and caused a staggering loss of $2,300 billion between 1970 and 2008 in Pakistan, said a new book.

The book “Natural Hazards, UN-Natural Disasters: The Economics of Effective Prevention” said that a lot could be done to … Original article on : Natural disasters since 1970 take heavy toll in Pakistan.

Over 2,500 kids went missing in Karachi last year

KARACHI – More than 2,500 children were reported as missing in Karachi last year, an NGO has revealed.

Roshni Helpline, an NGO that deals with childrens’ rights, said that as many as 2,582 children went missing in Karachi and these figures don’t include the many disappearances that are not reported by their families.
Our … Original source on Gaea Times at : Over 2,500 kids went missing in Karachi last year.