Accidents & Disasters – Weekly Newsletter for November 22-29, 2010

Prison teacher shoots sex movie with murderer in Britain

LONDON – A 59-year-old woman teacher at a prison in Britain has been suspended after she shot a pornographic movie of her having sex with a murderer, 29, in the jail.

Beverley Van-de-Velde shot the 17-minute movie with Richard Francis in a high security jail’s staff room.
The Sun reported Monday that the DVD … Original article on : Prison teacher shoots sex movie with murderer in Britain.

Punjab drug scene hits a new ‘high’

CHANDIGARH – It is one of the most prosperous states of India and produces the bulk of the country’s foodgrain, but Punjab may soon take the lead in a dubious field – narcotics. Police have seized hundreds of kilograms of drugs in the first seven months of the year, the highest in the country.

The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Punjab drug scene hits a new ‘high’.

Boy uses Twitter to help nab thief

LONDON – A boy in Britain helped catch a thief by clicking his photograph and posting it on Twitter.

Alex Wilson, 10, and his father Dylan were driving past when Craig Royal snatched an iPhone from a pedestrian, The Sun reported.
Alex clicked Royal’s photograph when he was fleeing and then posted the picture … Read more >>>.

China sends warships to escort ship from pirates

BEIJING – China has sent three warships to escort a Chinese cargo ship that was attacked by the pirates in the Arabian Sea, a media report said Monday.

The China Maritime Search and Rescue Centre (CMSRC) said the crew of the Taishankou hid in a safety compartment when the pirates boarded the ship Saturday.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : China sends warships to escort ship from pirates.

Worker rescued after 80 hours undersea in China

BEIJING – A worker who was trapped in a steel shaft undersea for 80 hours has been rescued, a media report said Monday.

Fan, 43, was brought to the surface Sunday afternoon from a depth of 18 metres in Jiaxing Harbour in China’s eastern Zhejiang province, People’s Daily reported citing officials.
He was rushed to … Read : Worker rescued after 80 hours undersea in China.

One dead, eight trapped as Jharkhand mine caves in

RANCHI – One woman was killed as a mine caved in Monday morning in Jharkhand’s coal city Dhanbad, police said. Eight miners are feared trapped.

The accident occurred at the closed Khudia colliery of Eastern Coalfield Limited (ECL) in Dhanbad, some 260 km from here.
“Around 10 to 12 illegal miners were working at … Read more : One dead, eight trapped as Jharkhand mine caves in.

Four hurt as truck rams into Delhi shop

NEW DELHI – Four people were critically injured when a truck rammed into a juice shop in central Delhi early Monday, police said.

The accident took place around 3.30 a.m. on Panchkuian Road when people were asleep inside the shop, a police officer said.
“Four people who were sleeping in the shop were …. Read the original article  : Four hurt as truck rams into Delhi shop.

Facebook-addict crooks make it easier for US cops

NEW YORK – Criminals in the US are bragging about their murders, rapes and robberies on social networking websites, often with photos or video clips, which has made it easier for policemen to track them down.

Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and YouTube have become “everyday crime-fighting tools”, the New York Post quoted police as saying.
Manhattan …. Source  : Facebook-addict crooks make it easier for US cops.

Ten held after fatal coalmine dispute in China

BEIJING – Ten people have been detained in China after a dispute between coalmine contractors left nine people dead and 48 injured, Xinhua reported Monday.

A blast was deliberately carried out around 9 a.m. last Thursday after the dispute in the Luxi county of the southwestern Yunnan province, resulting in the casualties.
The blast …. Read the original article  : Ten held after fatal coalmine dispute in China.

Spanish boat repels pirate attack

Vitoria (Spain), Nov 22 (IANS/EFE) The security team on board a Spanish tuna boat Sunday repelled an attack by pirates in the Indian Ocean, sources said.

The attack came in the early morning hours about 400 miles from the island of Mahe, the largest in the Seychelles archipelago.
The pirates’ pursuit in skiffs of the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

29 miners remain trapped in China

BEIJING – Twenty-nine miners remained trapped in a coalmine in southweat China Monday, a day after work began to rescue them from a flooded pit, reports Xinhua.

The accident occurred at 11 a.m. Sunday when 35 miners were working underground in Sichuan province.
Rescuers are pumping water from the flooded pit and the water …. Read the original article  : here.

Haiti cholera toll rises to 1,250

Port-au-PRINCE – An estimated 1,250 people have died from cholera and an additional 21,000 have been sickened by the disease, Haiti’s health ministry said.

Nearly half of the deaths — 673 — from cholera, which is contracted through contaminated water and causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, were reported in the lower Artibonite region, north … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Haiti cholera toll rises to 1,250.

17 killed in Colombia bus accident

BOGOTA – At least 17 people were killed and 35 injured when a bus fell into a ravine in southern Colombia, authorities said.

The accident occurred Saturday night in Cauca province, Xinhua reported.
“The last report was 17 deaths, including three children, and we sent 35 injured to different hospitals of the region,” an …. Original source  : 17 killed in Colombia bus accident.

Plane makes emergency landing in New York

NEW YORK – A Delta airliner bound for Moscow made an emergency landing shortly after takeoff at New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport Sunday after the pilot reported engine trouble, according to CNN.

There were an estimated 193 passengers on board.
More than 100 firefighters and rescue workers rushed to the airport amid conflicting …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Plane makes emergency landing in New York.

New Zealand mine drama in fourth day with no end in sight

WELLINGTON – The New Zealand mine drama went into its fourth day Monday with still no word of when a bid to rescue 29 men trapped after an underground explosion will be made.

Rescue teams of miners remain on round-the-clock standby at the Pike River coal mine awaiting approval that it is safe to go …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nuremberg war crimes court opens as museum

BERLIN – The Nuremberg courtroom in which a dozen senior Nazis were sentenced to death in 1946 was opened as a museum Sunday.

The sombre ceremony was attended by both Germany’s Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. British, French and US officials were also present, representing the four Allied World War …. Original article  : Nuremberg war crimes court opens as museum.

Quake hits Taiwan

BEIJING/TAIPEI – An earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale struck off the eastern coast of Taiwan Sunday, but there were no immediate reports of casualties, Xinhua reported.

The epicentre of the quake that hit the sea off coast of east Taiwan’s Hualien city at 8.31 p.m. was about 10 kilometres deep, the China Earthquake …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Quake hits Taiwan.

Another Kalmadi aide arrested

NEW DELHI – Another aide of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi was arrested Sunday by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for his alleged involvement in the Queen’s Baton Relay scam, an official said.

M. Jayachandran, who was sacked as the committee’s treasurer, has been arrested for making suspicious payments to Indian-owned London-based … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Another Kalmadi aide arrested.

Debt-ridden man’s daughter rescued from money lender

GHAZIABAD – A teenaged girl, handed over to a money lender by her father who failed to repay a loan of Rs.15,000, was rescued by police from Ghaziabad Sunday, an official said.

Sub-divisional magistrate Pushpa Devrar said: “Police have informed me that the girl has been rescued today (Sunday) evening. The police are looking …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Maoists kill three CPI-M activists

KOLKATA – Three activists of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) were killed by suspected Maoists Sunday in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district, police said.

The dead body of 55-year-old Ganesh Aich, a CPI-M activist who was missing since Saturday night, was found near Binpur area in West Midnapore district.
“Ganesh (Aich) was missing since … Read more >>.

Hopes for survival of trapped New Zealand miners fading

WELLINGTON – The bid to rescue 29 men trapped underground in a New Zealand coal mine five days ago struck problems Tuesday amid growing fears that they may no longer be alive.

An army robot with cameras sent into the mine’s access tunnel broke down after only 500 metres, and drillers making a borehole to … Read more : Hopes for survival of trapped New Zealand miners fading.

339 dead in Cambodian festival stampede (Fourth Lead)

PHNOM PENH – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said early Tuesday that 339 people died and more than 300 were injured in a stampede on the final day of Cambodia’s annual water festival.

That was a drastic boost in the death toll from a statement Sen had made just about an hour beforehand.
The victims …. Source article  : 339 dead in Cambodian festival stampede (Fourth Lead).

180 killed in Cambodia stampede (Third Lead)

PHNOM PENH – At least 180 people were killed in a stampede as thousands of people celebrated Cambodia’s annual water festival, Prime Minister Hun Sen said early Tuesday.

He said that hundreds of people were injured and the death toll could rise, Xinhua reported. The premier also ordered an investigation into the cause … Original source on Gaea Times at : 180 killed in Cambodia stampede (Third Lead).

Cambodia stampede toll reaching 100 (Second Lead)

PHNOM PENH – The death toll from a stampede at a festival in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh Monday night is climbing toward 100, according to emergency workers.

A DPA reporter at the scene said the victims were mainly young people who panicked while crossing a bridge during water-festival celebrations. The incident happened around …. Original source  : Cambodia stampede toll reaching 100 (Second Lead).

Crowd stampede in Cambodia kills 30

PHNOM PENH – At least 30 people were killed late Monday in a stampede in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh.

A DPA reporter at the scene said the victims were mainly young people who panicked while crossing a bridge during water-festival celebrations. The incident happened around 9.30 p.m. local time (0230 GMT).
The bridge has been …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Stampede in Cambodia kills 30

PHNOM PENH – At least 30 people were killed late Monday in a stampede in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh.

A DPA reporter at the scene said the victims were mainly young people who panicked while crossing a bridge during water-festival celebrations.
…. Source article  : Stampede in Cambodia kills 30.

Police raid home ministry official’s office, home

NEW DELHI – The office and home of an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer posted in the home ministry was raided Monday by Delhi Police for allegedly leaking sensitive information to a private company.

Speaking to IANS, P.N. Aggarwal, joint commissioner of police, Special Cell, said: “The Delhi Police raided the North Block office and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police raid home ministry official’s office, home.

Court summons Taj hotel officials for poor quality food items

CHANDIGARH – A local court here Monday issued summons to the managing director, director and chief beverage officer of five-star Taj hotel here for violating guidelines of the Chandigarh health department.

In a surprise raid Sep 8, the health department collected four samples from the hotel. During the tests, samples of curd and sauces tested … Original source on Gaea Times at : Court summons Taj hotel officials for poor quality food items.

Software executive shot dead

NEW DELHI – A software executive was shot dead here Monday when he resisted two robbers, police said.

Pratik Trika was in his car about half a kilometer from his Saraswati Vihar home when two men on a motorcycle stopped him.
“He was shot dead as soon as he resisted the robbery, said a police … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Software executive shot dead.

Police, journalists can reduce road accident deaths

NEW DELHI – Police and journalists can help reduce by nearly half deaths and serious brain injuries caused by road accidents — if only they learnt the basic medicare, experts here said Monday.

Police and journalists play a major role as first responders in case of road accidents. They are the first to reach an … Read more >>.

Delhi building collapse: Survey continues, samples collected

NEW DELHI – A team of experts from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) were Monday continuing their survey of the Delhi’s Lalita Park area, including the multi-storeyed house that collapsed Nov 15, killing at least 69 people.

According to MCD officials, the CBRI experts and MCD engineers are collecting samples of the …. Original source  : Delhi building collapse: Survey continues, samples collected.

Police seek extradition of man from Canada

GREATER NOIDA – The Noida police are seeking the extradition of a Canada-based man who hired a contract killer to kill the ‘boyfriend’ of his wife who had deserted him.

The killers attempted to kill Ravi Nagar Nov 5 when the swimming coach was travelling in a car with the Canadian’s wife at the …. Original article  : Police seek extradition of man from Canada.

Bride robbed of gold ornaments

GHAZIABAD – A bride was robbed of gold ornaments and cash worth over Rs.2.80 lakh while she was going to her new home with the groom in Ramprastha Colony of Ghaziabad early Monday.

Yogesh Lamba and Shalini were headed to the groom’s house in a car from the wedding venue when two young men riding …. Original article  : Bride robbed of gold ornaments.

10 injured as ceiling of building under construction collapses

LUCKNOW – At least 10 labourers were critically injured when a major portion of the ceiling of an under-construction government medical college collapsed in Uttar Pradeshs Banda district Monday, an official said.

The ceiling of the building along the Naraini road came crashing down Monday afternoon while the labourers were resting after lunch.
Though theres …. Source article  : 10 injured as ceiling of building under construction collapses.

Cab driver named suspect in Indian-origin woman’s murder

LONDON – The taxi driver who was behind the wheel when an Indian-origin woman was murdered after a car hijacking incident in Cape Town has been named as one of the three suspects in her killing, a media report said Monday.

Anni Dewani, 28, a mechanical engineer of Ugandan-Indian descent from Sweden, was killed Nov … Read more >>.

Teenaged boy raped at knife-point by 10 women

SYDNEY – A 17-year-old boy was gang raped by 10 knife-wielding women in Papua New Guinea, a media report said Monday.

The gang of women attacked the schoolboy near Mendi town in Southern Highlands province during the weekend, police official Teddy Tei said.
“More than 10 women with kitchen knives attacked him and four women …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Four hurt as truck rams into shop

NEW DELHI – A truck driven by a drunk driver smashed into a juice shop here early Monday, seriously injuring four men who were asleep inside, police said.

The accident took place around 3.30 a.m. on Panchkuian Road in the heart of the capital.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Four hurt as truck rams into shop.

Contempt plea against Gujarat disposed in Ishrat Jahan killing

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Monday disposed a contempt of court petition in the 2004 Ishrat Jahan staged shootout case following the state government’s decision to form a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the matter.

The state government, through an affidavit filed in the court, said that the home department issued a notification …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Court acquits two in Russian girl’s molestation

PANAJI – Two people were acquitted by a local court Monday in a case related to molestation of a nine-year-old Russian girl at Arambol beach here early this year.

Anil Raghuvanshi and Aman Bharadwaj from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, respectively, were released by the Goa Childrens Court.
The court gave them the benefit … Read more >>.

Darbari and Mohindroos CBI custody extended

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Monday extended, by three days, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody of T.S. Darbari and Sanjay Mohindroo, two key aides of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi.

“The court has extended their (Darbari and Mohindroo) custody by three more days,” a CBI official said.
The two officials, …. Source  : Darbari and Mohindroos CBI custody extended.

MCD acted on only 357 of 8,030 illegal construction complaints

NEW DELHI – A total of 8,030 complaints of illegal construction of buildings were received by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in the last three years but only 357 were taken up for investigation, the Lok Sabha was told Tuesday.

“Out of the 357 cases investigated by the vigilance department of the MCD, investigations … Original source on Gaea Times at : MCD acted on only 357 of 8,030 illegal construction complaints.

India-Nepal border vulnerable to fake currency smuggling: Maken

NEW DELHI – The India-Nepal border remains vulnerable to smuggling of fake Indian currency notes, with more instances of international rackets coming to the notice of Indian authorities, Minister of State for Home Ajay Maken said Tuesday.

Indo-Nepal border has also proved vulnerable to infiltration of fake Indian currency notes (FICN), with border districts being …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : India-Nepal border vulnerable to fake currency smuggling: Maken.

Home ministry official leaking sensitive information grilled

NEW DELHI – A senior home ministry official detained for allegedly leaking sensitive information of commercial interest to some private firms was being questioned Tuesday, officials said, adding that he had not been arrested.

Police sources said the accused West Bengal cadre civil service officer, Ravi Inder Singh, who is director internal security in the …. Original article  : Home ministry official leaking sensitive information grilled.

Four engineering students booked for friend’s death

GHAZIABAD – Four B. Tech students of a private engineering college in Ghaziabad were booked for causing death of a fellow student by negligence in Masuri area, police said Tuesday.

According to Masuri station officer Pramod Kumar, a case was registered Monday evening under section 304A, causing death by negligence, against four students of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Four engineering students booked for friend’s death.

Armed assailants rob car in Noida

NOIDA – A travel agency’s car was robbed by unidentified armed assailants in Noida, police said Tuesday.

According to police, Bal Govind Tripathi, a driver registered with a travel firm at Godavari Complex in Noida’s Sector 37, was going towards Surajpur when the incident took place around 11 p.m. Monday.
The two assailants … Original article on : Armed assailants rob car in Noida.

Mirchpur caste violence: Apex court makes strong observations

NEW DELHI – “What is happening in the country”, an upset Supreme Court remarked Tuesday when told of how people belonging to the Valmiki community of Mirchpur village in Haryana’s Hissar district were deserting their village due to threats from those accused in an arson attack on the community in April.

Witness after witness in … Read : Mirchpur caste violence: Apex court makes strong observations.

Container ship stranded in Hooghly after collision, crew safe (Second Lead)

KOLKATA – A container ship was stranded in the Hooghly river Tuesday after colliding with another container vessel in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, police said. The 12 crew members of the ship were safe.

A Bahama-registered container ship – Green Valley – collided with a Gibraltar-registered vessel – Tiger spring – at the [..] Read the original article: here.

30 fall ill due to China gas leak

BEIJING – At least 30 people fell ill Tuesday due to leakage of toxic chlorine gas from a plant in China’s Jiangsu province, officials said.

The gas leaked out of the Dahe Chlor-Alkli Co. Ltd. in the morning and travelled downwind, poisoning in the process employees of the Zhijiang Chemicals Co. Ltd. in Yancheng city, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 30 fall ill due to China gas leak.

Hideout busted, recoveries made in north Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Two solar rockets, four explosive rods and other arms and ammunition were recovered Tuesday after security forces busted a terrorist hideout in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. A man was also arrested.

A police spokesman said the recoveries were made after the police and troops of 29 Rashtriya Rifles jointly busted a hideout in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hideout busted, recoveries made in north Kashmir.

Mumbai legislator moots ‘mobile police posts’

MUMBAI – With a view to bringing police services virtually to the doorstep of citizens, a Mumbai legislator Tuesday proposed setting up of mobile police outposts.

Congress legislator Krishna Hegde from Vile Parle met state Home Minister R.R. Patil and discussed the proposal.
Patil assured Hegde that he would consider the proposal positively.
Hegde said … Original article on : Mumbai legislator moots ‘mobile police posts’.

Drugs worth Rs.400 mn seized in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – In a massive operation, Pakistan’s anti-narcotics officials Tuesday seized drugs and liquor worth Rs.400 million in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and arrested 27 people, including three women.

The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) raided various places in the two cities and recovered 34 kg heroin, 740 kg charas, 19 kg opium and 550 litres of liquor. …. Original article  : Drugs worth Rs.400 mn seized in Pakistan.

Navy, Coast Guard intercept runaway ship

MUMBAI – The Indian Navy and Coast Guard Tuesday intercepted a runaway Panamanian merchant ship that had slipped out of Mumbai Port Monday after defaulting on a cargo delivery despite taking part payment, officials said.

The Indian Navy and Coast Guard joint operation followed a request from the Mumbai Police that had registered a complaint … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Navy, Coast Guard intercept runaway ship.

Court frames charges against former narcotics bureau official

CHANDIGARH – A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here Tuesday framed corruption charges against S.K. Sekhri, the former zonal director of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chandigarh.

Sekhri was arrested by the CBI Sep 6 last year, for accepting a bribe of Rs.200,000 from the owner of a Himachal Pradesh-based pharmaceutical company in Delhi.
… Original article on : Court frames charges against former narcotics bureau official.

Indian Navy intercepts foreign ship fleeing Mumbai

MUMBAI – The Indian Navy Tuesday intercepted a foreign merchant ship off the coast of Diu by firing a warning shot at the fleeing vessel.

According to a navy spokesperson, the Coast Guard received a tip off from police about the Bahamas flagged merchant ship, Dynamic Striker, fleeing Mumbai port without completing necessary formalities.
A … Original article on : Indian Navy intercepts foreign ship fleeing Mumbai.

Haryana bureaucrat gets five years’ jail for fraud

CHANDIGARH – A Haryana bureaucrat has been sentenced by a court in Karnal to five years’ imprisonment in a case of fraud, an official of the state vigilance bureau said Tuesday.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Ravi Kumar sentenced Haryana Civil Services officer Deveshwar Dayal to five years’ imprisonment and imposed a penalty of Rs.45,000 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Haryana bureaucrat gets five years’ jail for fraud.

Gang of inter-state gun runners held

NEW DELHI – Seven people have been arrested for allegedly running an inter-state arms and ammunition racket in the national capital region (NCR), an official said Tuesday.

Sandeep Dahiya, the 25-year-old kingpin, along with Vicky Sharma, 20, were arrested Monday. The other accused — Surender, 30, Anil Sharma, Surender, 24, Abdul Sattar, 22 and Mohd … Read : Gang of inter-state gun runners held.

Ship starts sinking in Hooghly after collision, crew safe

KOLKATA – A container ship was sinking in the Hooghly river Tuesday after colliding with another container vessel in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, police said. The 12 crew members of the ship were safe.

“The container ship – Tiger Spring – after unloading its containers at Kolkata Dock System (KDS) of Kolkata Port …. Original source  : Ship starts sinking in Hooghly after collision, crew safe.

Test can tell suspect’s age from blood drop

LONDON – A crime-busting test that can reveal the age of a suspect from a drop of blood has been devised by scientists.

Detectives using the test can narrow someone’s age to within nine years using tell-tale markers in their DNA.
The profiling technique even works on dried bloodstain and could shed light … Read : Test can tell suspect’s age from blood drop.

Schoolkids man traffic in Ghaziabad

GHAZIABAD – Around 150 students from different schools stepped into the shoes of traffic policemen for a day here as part of an awareness programme.

“These school children challaned 450 people, recovered three weapons and collected fines amounting to Rs.87,000 from Old Bus Stand and Chaudhary More intersections,” traffic inspector Pawan Kumat told IANS Monday.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Schoolkids man traffic in Ghaziabad.

Karunanidhi asks ministers to help in flood relief

CHENNAI – With heavy rains lashing Tamil Nadu and a flood warning issued in many districts, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Tuesday appealed to ministers and DMK party men to assist in the rescue efforts in affected areas.

The northeast monsoon has been active over Tamil Nadu since Oct 29 and the southern districts in the … Read : Karunanidhi asks ministers to help in flood relief.

Man to be tried 18 years after daughter’s suicide

Palermo (Italy), Nov 25 (IANS/AKI) A Sicilian man will be put on trial for driving his 14-year-old daughter to suicide 18 years after she jumped to her death from the seventh floor of a building.

Michele Mercurio, 53, faces prison for allegedly abusing his daughter Ivana by threatening her with a knife while drunk … Read more : Man to be tried 18 years after daughter’s suicide.

Argentinian arrested for fathering 10 children with daughter

BUENOS AIRES – A 62-year-old Argentinian man has been arrested on suspicion of abusing his daughter for 30 years and fathering 10 children with her, a news report said.

The 43-year-old woman only dared to report the crimes to police in Santa Fe province when her father was arrested for cattle theft, the Notife …. Source article  : Argentinian arrested for fathering 10 children with daughter.

Five soldiers die in Mexico plane crash

Monterrey (Mexico), Nov 25 (IANS/EFE) Five soldiers died Wednesday when the Mexican air force plane they were travelling in crashed at the Monterrey airport, a spokesman for the National Security Council said.

Alejandro Poire announced that the five air force troops lost their lives in a “regrettable accident” involving an Antonov aircraft of the 301st …. Read the original article  : here.

Indian man to hang in Malaysia for drug trafficking

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s High Court has sentenced an Indian man to hang for trafficking in more than 12 kg of ketamine, news reports said Thursday.

Habeeb Nashtar Abdul Mutalif, 51, was caught upon his arrival from New Delhi at Penang international airport in March 2009, with the drugs stored in stainless steel containers.
Habeeb, … Read : Indian man to hang in Malaysia for drug trafficking.

Punjabi youth stranded in Libya after being promised jobs

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR – Less than a year ago, 24-year-old Sukhwinder Singh was promised a cushy job in a factory in Libya by a travel agent. His family took a loan of Rs.1 lakh and sent him there. But its dreams were shattered when it received his call a few weeks later. The factory did not exist, … Read more : Punjabi youth stranded in Libya after being promised jobs.

21 killed in drug violence, police raid in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO – At least 21 people have died since Sunday in a wave of drug violence and clashes between traffickers and police in Rio de Janeiro, authorities said.

On Wednesday alone, a massive police raid aimed at ending the attacks in the city left 13 dead, police spokesman Lima Castro said. Two police … Read more >>.

Ten killed in Rio de Janeiro police raid

RIO DE JANEIRO – At least 10 people died Wednesday in a major police raid in Rio de Janeiro aimed at ending a wave of attacks in the city.

The latest attacks have caused panic among residents. They were allegedly planned by two drug-trafficking gangs – Red Commando and Friends of Friends – which are … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ten killed in Rio de Janeiro police raid.

Five dead, four trapped in Colombia mining accidents

BOGOTA – Five miners died and four were trapped in accidents in two coal mines in central Colombia, officials said Wednesday.

The accidents took place Tuesday in rural areas of the municipalities of Lenguazaque and Guacheta, in the province of Cundinamarca of which Bogota is the capital.
The director of Cundinamarca’s Emergency Prevention Office, Jaime … Read : Five dead, four trapped in Colombia mining accidents.

CEO’s arrest may hit future plans of LIC Housing Finance

CHENNAI – The arrest of LIC Housing Finance Limited’s CEO Ramachandran Nair by India’s federal probe agency Wednesday would be a setback for the company’s ambitious plans of floating a private equity focussed on reality sector and also a bank.

Speaking to reporters here in September, Nair said the company would be floating a real …. Read the original article  : CEO’s arrest may hit future plans of LIC Housing Finance.

Fake visa racket busted, three held

NEW DELHI – A fake visa racket was busted in the capital Wednesday with the arrest of three people, police said.

The accused have been identified as Jasbir Singh, 39, Simranjeet Singh, 40, and Ashok Kumar Kataria, 46. Fake visa stickers, two laptops and Rs.50,000 were recovered from them.
“They were arrested from near Lajpat … Original source on Gaea Times at : Fake visa racket busted, three held.

Appeal court upholds detention order for WikiLeaks founder

STOCKHOLM – A Swedish appeal court Wednesday upheld a detention order for the founder of whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks Julian Assange, in connection with an investigation into alleged rape.

The ruling means that prosecutors can seek assistance from other countries to have him arrested, including via the international crime fighting organisation Interpol.
A lower court last … Read more »»».

Fresh violence erupts in Bengal, seven held

KOLKATA – At least seven activists of the Trinamool Congress and the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) were arrested in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district for their alleged involvement in clashes that continued in the area Wednesday, police said.

“A clash broke out between supporters of the Trinamool and CPI-M at Kamarda area near Khejuri … Original article on : Fresh violence erupts in Bengal, seven held.

Psychologists to counsel Delhi building collapse victims

NEW DELHI – The Delhi government has roped in psychological experts to help the survivors of the east Delhi building collapse come out of the emotional trauma of losing their shelter and, in some cases, their loved ones.

“They have lost their shelter and many have lost their family members in the incident. They are …. Original source  : Psychologists to counsel Delhi building collapse victims.

ED quizzes lobbyist Radia, records her statement

NEW DELHI – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Wednesday quizzed corporate lobbyist Nira Radia here for more than eight hours over the spectrum allocation scam.

ED Deputy Director Prabhakant said: “We have recorded (her) statement. She has promised to submit some papers… We will call her as and when required.”
Coming out of the ED’s …. Original article  : ED quizzes lobbyist Radia, records her statement.

Home ministry official sent to six days’ police custody

NEW DELHI – A city court Wednesday ordered six days’ police custody for a senior home ministry official arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive information of commercial interest to some private firms.

Delhi Police told the court that they needed some more time to question Ravi Inder Singh, a 1994 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Now, Delhi Police to join Facebook

NEW DELHI – Following in the footsteps of Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Police too have decided to open a Facebook page, Police Commissioner B.K. Gupta said Wednesday.

“The force is planning to open an account on Facebook, one of the popular social networking sites, so the public can easily get in touch and communicate with … Original article on : Now, Delhi Police to join Facebook.

Jailed criminal from Nitish’s camp wins

PATNA – A criminal-turned-politician now in jail for murder Wednesday won in Bihar — on the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) ticket. And many such candidates have made it to the Bihar assembly.

Notwithstanding the murder charges, the chief minister had sought votes for Ran Vijay Singh, who won from Goh constituency. He is in the …. Source article  : Jailed criminal from Nitish’s camp wins.

ED records lobbyist Nira Radia’s statement

NEW DELHI – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Wednesday recorded the statement of corporate lobbyist Nira Radia, whose name figures in the scandal involving 2G spectrum allocation to mobile companies, and said she may be quizzed again.

We have recorded (her) statement. She has promised to submit some papers, which she will be submitting, ED’s … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ED records lobbyist Nira Radia’s statement.

Businesses would have to pay us first: Assam student body

GUWAHATI – The influential All Assam Students Union (AASU) Wednesday admitted to accepting donations from business houses, and said it is not doing “anything wrong”.

“Yes, we have to depend on donations and we shall continue to take donations to run AASU. Whoever does business in Assam and reaps profits shall have to donate money … Read more »».

Top bank officials arrested on alleged graft charges

MUMBAI – At least eight top officers of some state-run banks and financial institutions were arrested by India’s federal probe agency Wednesday for allegedly accepting bribes to extend loans to corporate houses in a housing finance scam.

The officials include the chief executive of LIC Housing Finance, a general manager of the Central Bank of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Top bank officials arrested on alleged graft charges.

Seven cops suspended for partying with criminals

LUCKNOW – Seven Uttar Pradesh policemen were suspended for partying with four criminals and their associates at a hotel here, police said Friday.

The policemen had brought the criminals from Gorakhpur to Lucknow for a hearing in the Allahabad High Court bench here Wednesday in connection with a booth capturing case. The policemen reached here … Original article on : Seven cops suspended for partying with criminals.

British schoolgirl arrested for burning Quran

LONDON – A 15-year-old schoolgirl has been arrested in Britain after a video of her burning the Quran was posted on Facebook, a media report said Friday.

The girl from Sandwell in Birmingham reportedly set fire to an English language copy of the Islamic holy book, and was watched by other pupils in her school …. Source  : British schoolgirl arrested for burning Quran.

Indian man killed in attack in Philippines

MANILA – An Indian man was killed and another wounded in an attack by suspected robbers in a southern Philippine town, a police official said Friday.

The victims were riding on a motorcycle when unidentified gunmen fired at them late Thursday in President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat province, 990 km south of Manila.
…. Read the original article  : here.

Third blast rocks New Zealand coal mine where 29 died

WELLINGTON – A third explosion rocked a New Zealand coal mine Friday, shortly before the nation observed a minute’s silence to mark the time the initial blast led to the death of 29 men a week earlier.

Although emergency services personnel were working on plans to try to recover the bodies of the men, after …. Source  : Third blast rocks New Zealand coal mine where 29 died.

Post-floods, Leh looks for ‘lost’ tourists

LEH – The flash floods that washed away parts of Leh in Jammu and Kashmir also scared away the tourists who had become synonymous with the town, leaving the region and its economy in a state of suspended animation.

“Right after the flash floods, television channels flooded their air-time showing the devastation and wreck of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Post-floods, Leh looks for ‘lost’ tourists.

Pakistan paramilitary detains 500 ANP activists

KARACHI – Pakistan Rangers paramilitary personnel launched multiple raids in Karachi Thursday evening and detained over 500 activists of the Awami National Party (ANP), which described it as a “target operation”, a media report said Friday.

ANP spokesperson Major Farooq Bilal rejected television reports that said the operation was against terrorists and said the Rangers [..] Read the original article: here.

Nearly 1,200 women killed in Pakistan in 2010: Report

ISLAMABAD – Of the 1,195 women murdered in Pakistan this year, 98 were killed after being raped, says a report by the country’s first helpline for women and children.

The Madadgaar helpline released a report in Karachi Thursday on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Geo News reported … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Nearly 1,200 women killed in Pakistan in 2010: Report.

More home-made explosives found in California

WASHINGTON – More home-made explosives were found in a California residence described as a “bomb-making factory” by police, US broadcaster CNN reported.

Authorities found two home-made explosive devisives and some pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), an explosive used by Al Qaeda and the reason for controversial enhanced airport scanners currently being unveiled at US airports, the report … Read : More home-made explosives found in California.

Nine die in Dominican Republic fire

Santo Domingo, Nov 26 (IANS/EFE) At least nine people died in a fire started by an explosion at a hospital in Dominican Republic, officials said.

The fire engulfed a wing of the hospital that is still under construction late Wednesday in Santo Domingo Norte city, killing the people working inside, an official said.
“We …. Read the original article  : here.

Haiti cholera deaths top 1,500

Port-au-PRINCE – An estimated 1,523 people have died of cholera and the epidemic could last for years in Haiti, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) has said.

According to the organisation, the cholera outbreak has also sent 27,933 Haitians to hospital since the first detection of the disease in October, Xinhua reported Friday. PAHO …. Original source  : Haiti cholera deaths top 1,500.

Former priest jailed for sexually abusing 155 children

BERLIN – A former Catholic priest was sentenced to seven years’ jail Thursday for sexually abusing 155 children over several years, after admitting to some of the charges in a German court.

The former priest, 50, who worked at a school near the city of Kassel, said he had sexually abused six altar boys between …. Read the original article  : here.

Probe into Kerry-Lugar funds’ embezzlement by NGOs in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has decided to investigate reports of alleged corruption in the funds being disbursed to NGOs for development projects under the Kerry-Lugar bill.

A two-member delegation of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) met NAB chairman Justice (retd.) Deedar Hussain Shah Thursday and requested him to look … Read more >>>.

Lawyer shot at outside home

NEW DELHI – A lawyer was seriously injured when unidentified assailants opened fire at him outside his home in east Delhi Thursday night, police said.

“The victim, Rishiraj, 50, was just a few meters from his residence at Karkardooma when shots were fired at him around 9 p.m.,” said a senior police official.
The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lawyer shot at outside home.

Chhattisgarh engineer has assets of Rs.40 million

RAIPUR – Simultaneous raids Thursday on two houses of a junior engineer in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur town revealed that the official owns assets worth Rs.40 million, sources said.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau raided two locations of Chandrakant Manik, sub-engineer posted with Bilaspur Municipal Corporation, and seized documents, cash and jewellery that confirmed that he has amassed properties …. Read the original article  : Chhattisgarh engineer has assets of Rs.40 million.

Capt Kohli’s mother dejected over Antony’s reply, wants CBI probe

CHANDIGARH – Defence Minister A.K. Antony’s comment in the Rajya Sabha that young army officer Captain Sumit Kohli had committed suicide and no further inquiry is required in the case has saddened the officer’s mother Veena Kohli who is now demanding a CBI probe into the death.

Antony’s answer has come as a big … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Capt Kohli’s mother dejected over Antony’s reply, wants CBI probe.

Rare conviction for possessing banned diamonds

SURAT – In the first conviction of its kind in the country, two foreign nationals were Thursday convicted by a court here for possession of banned diamonds.

Two Lebanese nationals, S. Yusuf and Roboi Hussain, were sentenced to four years imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs.1 lakh by Chief Judicial Magistrate V.G. Trivedi on … Read more »»».

Mirwaiz roughed up at Chandigarh seminar (Second Lead)

CHANDIGARH – Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was roughed up by displaced Kashmiri Pandits and Hindu right-wing activists at a seminar here Thursday for his alleged anti-India comments.

The Chandigarh police arrested 21 accused, including seven women, and booked them for rioting. Those arrested included over a dozen Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists. They …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mirwaiz roughed up at Chandigarh seminar (Second Lead).

Kanpur police open Facebook account

KANPUR – In an attempt to make themselves easily accessible to the public, police in this Uttar Pradesh district have opened an account on popular social networking site Facebook.

“The main objective behind opening the account is to generate a direct medium of communication with the public. The exercise is aimed at facilitating better communication …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Kanpur police open Facebook account.

MCD razes unauthorised property

NEW DELHI – Waking up to the threat posed by illegal constructions after the collapse of a building in east Delhi, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi Thursday demolished unauthorised floors of nine properties in south Delhi.

The nine properties were situated in New Friends Colony, Govindpuri, Sangam Vihar, Sarita Vihar, Okhla Industrial Area, Bhogal and … Read : MCD razes unauthorised property.

BPO employee gangrape: Eyewitness questioned, CCTV footage obtained

NEW DELHI – A day after a call centre employee was gangraped in south Delhi, the police Thursday obtained CCTV footage that captured the four accused and questioned a crucial eye-witness.

“We are checking the CCTV footage that have captured the assailants on lens. Simultaneously, a sketch is also being drawn to identify the culprits,” …. Source article  : BPO employee gangrape: Eyewitness questioned, CCTV footage obtained.

126 people lynched in 2010 in Bangladesh

DHAKA – A total of 126 people have been lynched in Bangladesh this year, which indicates people are losing trust in the authorities’ capability to book law breakers, a media report said Saturday.

The repeated incidents of lynching and the attackers’ ferocity are causing concern among lawmen, psychologists and sociologists who believe people are taking …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 126 people lynched in 2010 in Bangladesh.

100 drunk drivers nabbed in Melbourne

MELBOURNE – A total of 100 drivers were nabbed because of drunk driving during a police operation in Melbourne Saturday, a media report said.

A 24-year-old woman had a blood alcohol reading five times over the legal limit, while an 18-year-old learner driver tested positive for methamphetamines and cannabis, after being pulled over for displaying …. Read the original article  : here.

Some Adarsh society papers missing, police complaint filed

MUMBAI – Some documents relating to the Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society scam have reportedly gone missing from the society office files, according to a complaint with the Mumbai police.

A complaint has been lodged Saturday by a state government officer, Gurudutt Vajpeyi, with the Marine Drive police station.
According to preliminary information, certain documents dated …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Some Adarsh society papers missing, police complaint filed.

Trafficking, smuggling at Indo-Bangladesh border discussed

KOLKATA – The problems of human trafficking, smuggling and sexual harassment of locals by security personnel at the Indo-Bangladesh border were brought into focus by NGOs, researchers, academicians and journalists from the two nations at a conclave here.

Organised by Kolkata-based NGO Sanjog, the two-day event that began Friday saw a general resentment against the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Trafficking, smuggling at Indo-Bangladesh border discussed.

1,000 herdsmen trapped in Inner Mongolia’s snowstorm

BEIJING – One of the heaviest snowstorms in 30 years has led to at least 1,000 herdsmen being trapped in the interior of China’s Inner Mongolia region, a media report said Saturday.

The snowstorm hit Xing’an prefecture, 1,500 km northeast of Inner Mongolia capital Hohhot, last week. Snow piled up to 30 cm in … Original article on : 1,000 herdsmen trapped in Inner Mongolia’s snowstorm.

‘Munni Badnam Hui’ song gets Pakistani cops into trouble

ISLAMABAD – Officers at a police station in Pakistan’s Gujranwala district paid a heavy price for being enamoured with the “Dabangg” super-hit song “Munni Badnam Hui” when they were suspended Friday for forcing three female dancers to perform it at the police station.

Three dancers of a musical troupe in Lahore were on their …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Munni Badnam Hui’ song gets Pakistani cops into trouble.

Two poachers held with leopard skins in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Two poachers who operated in several states have been arrested with leopard skins in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, police said Saturday.

The two men in their mid-30s were nabbed late Friday from Risia area during a joint operation carried out by the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the district police but two of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two poachers held with leopard skins in Uttar Pradesh.

34,000 women paramedics go missing after Pakistan floods

ISLAMABAD – According to the UN, around 34,000 women paramedical workers have gone missing from the flood affected districts of Pakistan, a media report said Saturday.

Noted social activist Tahira Abdullah said the mindboggling disclosure in the UN report has so far failed to have an impact on the government, The NewsInternational reported.
“Even the … Read more >>>.

5,000 Mexican families flee amid violence

Mexico City, Nov 27 (IANS/EFE) Over 5,000 families have fled Mexico’s Ciudad Juarez city on the border with the US in the last six months amid intensifying drug-related violence, officials said.

More than 2,700 people have been killed so far this year, the National Fund for Worker Housing Institute said Friday.
In a separate report, … Read more : 5,000 Mexican families flee amid violence.

Brazilian police occupy Rio slums; 38 dead

RIO DE JANEIRO – An estimated 800 Brazilian Army parachutists were Friday occupying the main routes of access to the Complexo do Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro, where 200 alleged criminals fled for refuge after a raid on another slum.

The death toll in the week-long action to rout out drug gangs had reached … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Brazilian police occupy Rio slums; 38 dead.

Obama elbowed, gets 12 stitches after basketball game

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama received 12 stitches in his upper lip after being socked in the mouth by an errant elbow during a holiday basketball game with friends and family, the White House said in a statement.

Spokesman Robert Gibbs said the surgery was done Friday at the White House. Doctors hoped to [..] Read the original article: here.

Sub-inspector arrested for acid attack on woman

MORADABAD – A police sub-inspector and his wife were arrested after they threw acid on a woman after a dispute over money in this Uttar Pradesh district Friday, police said.

Victim Lakshmi Devi, the wife of a police constable, suffered multiple burns and is being treated at a hospital.
“Her (Lakshmi’s) condition is stated to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sub-inspector arrested for acid attack on woman.

Cops suspended in Pakistan for forcing women to perform ‘Munni Badnam Hui’

ISLAMABAD – Officers at a police station in Pakistan’s Gujranwala district had to pay a heavy price for being enamoured with the “Dabangg” super-hit song Munni Badnam Hui when they were suspended Friday for forcing three female dancers to perform it at the police station.

Three dancers of a musical troupe in Lahore were … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Cops suspended in Pakistan for forcing women to perform ‘Munni Badnam Hui’.

CBI claims politically motivated: Amit Shah

NEW DELHI – Gujarat’s former minister of state for home Amit Shah has told the Supreme Court that the Central Bureau of Investigation’s case about his involvement in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh staged killing was “politically motivated” to “tarnish” his image.

In his 120-page reply to the CBI’s appeal seeking the cancellation of his bail …. Read the original article  : CBI claims politically motivated: Amit Shah.

Police release sketch of one assailant in BPO employee’s rape

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Police Friday released the sketch of one of the four men who abducted and gangraped a BPO employee from the northeast two days ago.

The sketch was released on the basis of the CCTV footage that captured the four accused and from questioning of the girl’s friend, the main witness … Read : Police release sketch of one assailant in BPO employee’s rape.

Bank officials, businessmen arrested for fraud

MUMBAI – Top officials of the Raigad-based Pen Urban Co-Operative Bank and some businessmen have been arrested for cheating the state-run Metals Scrap Trading Corporation and the bank of Rs.4.8 billion (Rs.480 crore) in the gold jewellery exports scam, an official said Friday.

The scam was busted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
… Read more : Bank officials, businessmen arrested for fraud.

Tamil Nadu ordnance factory blast toll five

CHENNAI – The five people who were reported missing in the blast at defence ministry’s cordite factory in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri distrct Thursday, were confirmed dead Friday. One body was recovered while the other four were torn apart, officials said.

Those killed were identified as B. Anandan, P. Gopi, R. Subramani, T. Jeyaraj and … Read more »»».

Delhi Police to drop women stranded late at night

NEW DELHI – After two incidents of gangrape in two weeks, Delhi Police are now taking a number of measures for safety of women in the city, including dropping women stranded late night to their homes.

“Such women are advised to call PCR helpline at 100. A PCR van will drop her at her residence,” … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Delhi Police to drop women stranded late at night.

Honeymoon murder: Husband won’t return to South Africa for probe

LONDON – An Indian-origin man whose newly-wedded wife was murdered while they were honeymooning in South Africa, would not return to that country, his publicist said Friday after a media report claimed he was wanted by the police for questioning.

A South African newspaper claimed Friday that detectives want the millionaire businessman, 31, to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Honeymoon murder: Husband won’t return to South Africa for probe.

Eight get jail terms for Kandhamal violence

BHUBANESWAR – Eight people were sentenced to jail Friday by fast track courts in Orissa for their involvement in the communal violence in Kandhamal district, a lawyer said.

“Judge Sobhan Kumar Das of the fast track court 1 at district headquarters of Phulbani sentenced four people to four years of rigorous imprisonment and asked them … Read : Eight get jail terms for Kandhamal violence.

New Zealand to use pepper spray to tackle prison inmates

AUCKLAND – Police officials in 10 prisons in New Zealand have been trained to use pepper sprays to tackle rowdy inmates.

Over 300 staff from the 10 prisons were trained for a period of 12 months on how to use two types of sprays, the New Zealand Herald reported Sunday.
This was part of a … Original source on Gaea Times at : New Zealand to use pepper spray to tackle prison inmates.

Man stabbed to death while playing game

LONDON – A “test of nerve” game in Britain ended in tragedy after a man stabbed his friend to death thinking he was wearing a pierce-proof vest. The attacker was jailed.

Thirtyone-year-old David Baxter knifed his friend Christopher Baker through the heart as he thought the latter was wearing a pierce-proof vest, The Sun reported. …. Original article  : Man stabbed to death while playing game.

Two arrested for honour killing in Haryana

FATEHABAD – In a case of honour killing over caste, a young man in Haryana’s Jind district was murdered by his wife’s brother and an accomplice for belonging to a different caste, police said Sunday.

Sukhbir Singh, in his early 20s and a resident of Rajgarh village in Jind district, was killed by his wife’s … Read more : Two arrested for honour killing in Haryana.

Three cheats held in Punjab

JALANDHAR – Three people have been arrested in Punjab for running a bogus finance company that duped scores of people here, police said Sunday.

Those arrested were identified as Shakti Arora, Rakesh Arora and Sunny Mahindru, all from Punjab. Two other accused, Dharmender Singh and Vishal, were still at large, police said.
According to …. Source article  : Three cheats held in Punjab.

Thai police charged with gang raping colleague

BANGKOK – A Thai policeman and two of his female colleagues have been charged with conspiring in the gang rape of a woman officer, media reports said Sunday.

The victim accused her fellow officers of getting her drunk Nov 14 in Yala city, 700 km south of Bangkok, and then luring her to an apartment …. Original article  : Thai police charged with gang raping colleague.

Growing crime leaves Chandigarh jittery (Letter from Chandigarh)

CHANDIGARH – It is one of the most well-planned and prosperous cities of the country, but a soaring crime graph is spoiling Chandigarh’s reputation as a safe city. Residents have been shaken by a spate of murders, road rage incidents, ATM frauds and now even an assault on a Kashmiri politician.

Chandigarh Police claim to …. Read the original article  : Growing crime leaves Chandigarh jittery (Letter from Chandigarh).

Recovery of miners’ bodies in New Zealand to take weeks

WELLINGTON – It will be weeks before the bodies of the 29 men who died in a New Zealand coal mine disaster can be returned to their grieving families, a spokesman for an organisation with a key role in the recovery process said Sunday.

Paul Healy, of New South Wales Mine Rescue, said a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Recovery of miners’ bodies in New Zealand to take weeks.

Runway blackout causes air travel chaos in New Zealand

WELLINGTON – An electrical fault which blacked out the runway lights caused nearly 20 flights to be diverted from Auckland International Airport, disrupting hundreds of passengers over the weekend.

The lights went out 90 minutes before midnight Saturday and incoming flights were diverted to Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch, while a flight from Chile turned back …. Read the original article  : here.

6.0-magnitude quake hits Indonesia

JAKARTA – A moderate quake with magnitude 6.0 on the Richter scale struck off eastern Indonesia early Sunday, officials said.

The quake occurred at 01:11 a.m. with epicentre at 246 km southeast Melonguane area of North Sulawesi province and with the depth at 10 km under sea bed, Xinhua reported quoting an official of the …. Source  : 6.0-magnitude quake hits Indonesia.

Cargo plane crashes in Karachi, eight dead (Second Lead)

KARACHI – A cargo plane crashed near Pakistan’s Karachi airport early Sunday, killing all eight crew members on board, Geo TV reported.

The Russian-made plane IL-76 crashed around 1:45 a.m. and immediately caught fire. The aircraft crashed near Dalmiya road in Gulshan-i-Jamal area which is close to a naval colony and the southern command of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Eight killed in Pakistan plane crash

KARACHI – At least eight people were killed early Sunday when a cargo plane crashed near Pakistan’s Karachi airport, Geo TV reported.

The plane crashed in Dalmia area, destroying two under-construction buildings, residents said.
The nationalities of the deceased passengers were not known.
Reports said eight people were on board the Russian-made plane which was …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Cargo plane crashes in Pakistan

KARACHI – A cargo plane was crashed near Pakistan’s Karachi airport early Sunday, media reports said.

The plane crashed near Dalmia area, according to Geo TV.
At least one body was recovered from the site, Xinhua reported quoting Express TV.
Witnesses said the right engine of the plane caught fire. They said fire and … Read : Cargo plane crashes in Pakistan.

Kidnappers free top Mexican politician: Report

MEXICO CITY – A former Mexican presidential candidate kidnapped half a year ago has been freed, the El Universal newspaper reported Saturday on its website.

The family of Diego Fernandez de Cevallos had paid a large ransom, they told the paper.
According to a local radio station, the negotiators had at first denied reports that … Original article on : Kidnappers free top Mexican politician: Report.

Asaram ashram encroachment demolished in Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR – Revenue authorities Saturday demolished certain encroachments of the ashram of spiritual leader Asaram Bapu in Bhairavi village of Navsari district in south Gujarat.

The ashram was officially allocated 10 acres of land but it later encroached on another six acres of adjoining land and went on to construct a hall and a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Asaram ashram encroachment demolished in Gujarat.

Book Geelani, Arundhati, says Delhi court (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Rejecting a Delhi Police clean chit, a city court Saturday ordered registration of an FIR against Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani, writer-activist Arundhati Roy and five others for alleged anti-India speeches at a seminar here Oct 21.

“The Delhi Police are hereby directed to lodge an FIR (first information report) under … Original article on : Book Geelani, Arundhati, says Delhi court (Second Lead).

Assaulted engineer was corrupt, says Ghaziabad mayor

GHAZIABAD – An executive engineer of Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation who was assaulted Friday was employed illegally on the behest of Mayawati government, city mayor Damyanti Goel said Saturday.

A.K. Singh was never appointed as executive engineer. He was only appointed as assistant engineer and that too as an incharge for traffic for Commonwealth Games … Read : Assaulted engineer was corrupt, says Ghaziabad mayor.

Gang of cyber hackers busted in capital

NEW DELHI – Three people, including two foreign nationals, were arrested Saturday for duping people into giving their bank account related information and then making unauthorised financial transactions through them, police said.

The accused have been identified as Praveen Gupta, 27, a Nepali national, Promise Eke, 27, a Nigerian, and Tashi Wangchuk, 21, hailing from … Read more : Gang of cyber hackers busted in capital.

Fire at Kanshi Ram memorial in Lucknow

LUCKNOW – A fire broke out inside the Kanshi Ram memorial building here Saturday evening.

While officials were tight-lipped about the incident and the Rs.750-crore sprawling memorial was completely shut to the media, a thick cloud of smoke around the giant sized dome of the memorial gave the game away.
“It was a small fire …. Read the original article  : Fire at Kanshi Ram memorial in Lucknow.

Man held after trying to hijack plane with Iranian MPs

Moscow, Nov 27 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A passenger who tried to hijack an airplane en route from Tehran to Damascus Saturday was detained in-flight by the airline’s security guards, a media report said.

The man armed with a “cold weapon” claimed he had placed bombs on the aircraft and had hijacked the plane.
The Iranian Fars … Original source on Gaea Times at : Man held after trying to hijack plane with Iranian MPs.

Tripura trooper gets life for killing three colleagues

AGARTALA – After a seven-year trial, a Tripura court Saturday sentenced to life imprisonment a Tripura State Rifles (TSR) trooper for killing three colleagues and looting arms from a security camp, police said.

Additional District and Sessions Judge, North Tripura District, Bamdeb Majumder sentenced Rohit Mia, 43, to life imprisonment for looting weapons after killing … Read more : Tripura trooper gets life for killing three colleagues.