Accidents & Disasters – Weekly Newsletter for December 13-20, 2010

Monday, December 20, 2010

Mutilated body found inside Uttar Pradesh collectorate

LUCKNOW – A mutilated body was found in the premises of the collectorate in Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh, police said Monday.

The body of a man, who was in his mid 40s, was found in a secluded corner of the complex.
“Prima facie it appears that the man was murdered at a different …. Read the original article : Mutilated body found inside Uttar Pradesh collectorate.

Nepal begins probe into ex-crown prince’s gun brawl

KATHMANDU – Nepals police Monday began an investigation into a gun brawl in an upmarket wildlife resort involving controversial ousted crown prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah, more than two days after the incident occurred, after a media outcry and pressure from a senior minister.

Deputy superintendent of police Ravi Raj Khadka led a four-member police [..] Read the original article: here.

A driving instructor who groped learners as punishment

LONDON – A driving instructor in Britain groped women learners after telling them it was “punishment” for motoring mistakes, a court has been told.

Barry Morgan, 58, would turn the heating up in his car so that his women victims would remove their tops. Then he would insist on squeezing “their wobbly bits” if they … Original article on : A driving instructor who groped learners as punishment.

Air India official, accused of acid throwing, reinstated

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – An Air India employee accused of throwing acid on his colleague has been reinstated and posted at the Hyderabad airport, an official said Monday.

S. Rajeshwaran, who was the operations manager at the Thiruvananthapuram airport, was arrested in 2008 for throwing acid on airport security manager S.S. Batave near his rented home near … Read more >>.

Indian-origin man linked to another murder in South Africa

LONDON – A Briton of Indian origin, accused of plotting the murder of his newly-married wife in South Africa, is now being linked to another similar carjack killing of an Indian-origin doctor in 2007, a media report said Monday.

Shrien Dewani, 30, a businessman from Bristol, is accused of organising his bride Anni’s death.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at : Indian-origin man linked to another murder in South Africa.

Gay man with HIV endangers lives of eight Australians

SYDNEY – A 43-year-old Australian man, affected with HIV, has been accused of endangering the lives of eight other men with whom he had unprotected sex, a media report said Monday.

Stuart James McDonald, from Adelaide, was on trial in the South Australian Supreme Court, after he failed to tell the eight men he had …. Read the original article : Gay man with HIV endangers lives of eight Australians.

Women’s commission demands strict punishment for rapists

NEW DELHI – Stringent punishment for rapists is essential to discourage such crimes, chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) Girija Vyas said Monday.

“It (rape cases) is a serious issue… and it is repeating again and again. I think that unless the culprits get severe punishment, the cases will occur again and …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Women’s commission demands strict punishment for rapists.

Metrodome Collapse Video On Web

MINNEAPOLIS (GaeaTimes.com)- It seems that the air-supported fiberglass roof of Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome could not stand under the heavy snowfall’s weight. The Metrodome roof in Minneapolis collapsed early Sunday morning and it forced the scheduled game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants to postpone. The game will take place at [..] Read the original article: here.

Man abducted 30 years ago reunited with parents

BEIJING – A 34-year-old Chinese man, who was abducted 30 years ago and sold at least three times during the period, has finally been reunited with his parents.

Wu Jiubing from Chongqing was abducted in 1980 when he was just four years old.
His father, Wu Maosheng, worked as a carpenter in Hubei while his … Original article on : Man abducted 30 years ago reunited with parents.

Ousted Nepal crown prince in gun brawl with minister’s kin

KATHMANDU – Still simmering dangerously over the abolition of monarchy and the loss of his legacy, Nepal’s ousted crown prince Paras hit the headlines Monday for a gun brawl with the kin of Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala, whose father had played a key role in the transformation of the Hindu kingdom into a secular … Original article on : Ousted Nepal crown prince in gun brawl with minister’s kin.

Bihar to appoint 50,000 police officials

PATNA – The Bihar government will recruit 50,000 police officials in the next five years, an official said here Monday.

As many as 5,000 sub-inspectors and 45,000 constables will be appointed. “The government will go for phase-wise recruitments,” the senior official at the Chief Minister’s Office told IANS.
“The decision was taken at a high …. Original source : Bihar to appoint 50,000 police officials.

Six held in Agra with drugs

AGRA – Six people were arrested in Agra with 130 kg of cannabis worth Rs.20 million (Rs.2 crore), police said here Monday.

A team of Special Task Force personnel arrested them near Guru ka Taal Sunday and seized two vehicles. Gang kingpin Subhash Rathod of Firozabad managed to escape, a police official said.
…. Read the original article : here.

18-year-old gangraped in Delhi, four held (Night Lead)

NEW DELHI – An 18-year-old girl was allegedly abducted and raped in a moving vehicle by four youths, including a minor, after she protested their lewd remarks in the Sultanpuri area of northwest Delhi late Saturday. All the accused have been arrested, police said Sunday.

Manish, Rama and Chanderpal have been booked for rape and … Read : 18-year-old gangraped in Delhi, four held (Night Lead).

Policeman crushed to death by speeding bus in Noida

NOIDA – A private bus operating between Noida and Ghaziabad crushed a policeman to death Sunday evening.

Uttar Pradesh Police constable Surendra Singh, posted in Noida, was on his way to the police lines at Surajpur.
He attempted to take a bus from the Sector 37 crossing. As he walked through the crossing, the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Policeman crushed to death by speeding bus in Noida.

BJP seeks higher-level probe after mining file goes missing

BHUBANESWAR – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sunday demanded a higher-level probe into the multi-crore mining scam in Orissa, accusing the state government of destroying evidence as an important file went missing last week.

“We are surprised that the vigilance department did not seize it after it took over the investigation,” senior BJP leader Bijay …. Source article on Gaea Times at : BJP seeks higher-level probe after mining file goes missing.

Man who killed son with bat arrested

KOLKATA – A 45-year-old man was arrested in West Bengal’s Nadia district Sunday for beating to death his 11-year-old son with a cricket bat after the boy apparently misbehaved, police said.

Dasarath Haldar, a former army man, surrendered to the police in Nakashipara under Krishnanagar police station.
The decomposed body of Arghya Haldar was found … Original source on Gaea Times at : Man who killed son with bat arrested.

Three Congress legislators held in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – Three legislators of Chhattisgarh’s opposition Congress party were arrested Sunday evening in Surguja district for leading a demonstration against the allegedly deteriorating law and order situation in the state, police said.

T.S. Singhdeo, Premsai Singh and Ramdev Ram were arrested along with 250 supporters at Ambikapur town when they refused to stop demonstrating …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Three Congress legislators held in Chhattisgarh.

Officials booked for felling trees in Ghaziabad

GHAZIABAD – A criminal case was registered against two employees of the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation for felling around 150 trees in the Vasundhara area for the marriage function of an Uttar Pradesh minister’s kin, an official said Sunday.

The complaint was registered Saturday by the forest department after an environmentalist alleged that around 150 … Read more >>.

Tiger kills man in wildlife park

LUCKNOW – A 40-year-old man was Sunday killed by a tiger in the Katarniya Ghat Tiger reserve in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district.

Identified as Data Ram, Sunday’s victim was a resident of Karikot village near the India-Nepal border. The incident took place about 140 km from here.
This is stated to be the seventh human …. Source article : Tiger kills man in wildlife park.

Ghaziabad couple killed in accident

GHAZIABAD – A couple died Sunday after the car they were travelling in rammed into a bridge here, police said. Their 15-year-old son is battling for his life.

Businessman Manoj Garg, 45, was returning home from a wedding reception with wife Geeta, 40, and their son Aman when the accident took place in Dasna.
… Read more : Ghaziabad couple killed in accident.

Fire in Uttar Pradesh hospital, no casualty

LUCKNOW – Panic gripped a hospital in Uttar Pradeshs Gorakhpur district Tuesday when a fire broke out inside its visitors hall and began to spread to the patients wards, an official said. Fire fighters swiftly put out the blaze and no casualty was reported in the incident.

The fire engulfed the ground floor hall of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Fire in Uttar Pradesh hospital, no casualty.

Angry pro-Wikileaks hackers may target British websites

LONDON – Pro-Wikileaks hackers are likely to target British websites in retaliation for the arrest of Julian Assange, the whistleblower site’s editor, a senior security official has warned.

Britain’s National Security Adviser Peter Ricketts told senior civil servants that Whitehall should be prepared to come under fire from “hacktivists” outraged by Assange’s detention in …. Original source : Angry pro-Wikileaks hackers may target British websites.

Ousted Nepal crown prince in police custody after gun brawl

KATHMANDU – The shadow of arrest and criminal charges darkened over Nepals controversial former crown prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah after police took him into custody Tuesday for questioning him about a gun brawl during the weekend.

Policemen in large numbers surrounded the plush Fulbari resort in Pokhara Tuesday, where the 39-year-old former heir to … Read more »»».

Delhi police chief to meet Girija Vyas on women’s security

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police chief B.K. Gupta will meet National Commission for Women (NCW) head Girija Vyas Tuesday to discuss the growing incidents of rape and assault on women in the city, police sources said.

“The police chief wants to work with the commission and other bodies which are concerned about the security of …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Delhi police chief to meet Girija Vyas on women’s security.

George Aldrich’s Body Found?

ASPEN (GaeaTimes.com)- After carrying out a search operation for more than two weeks, it seems that Aspen police officials have found a closure in case of the missing Snowmass Village resident whose whereabouts had been unknown since last month. Rescue officials have found a body under the Maroon Creek Bridge near the city of …. Read the original article : here.

Vatican urges prudence in assessing WikiLeaks documents

Rome, Dec 14 (IANS/AKI) The Vatican has described as “a matter of extreme seriousness” the WikiLeaks release of diplomatic cables alleging that it refused to assist an Irish inquiry into clerical sex abuse.

In a statement dated Saturday but issued Monday, the Holy See said the documents must be “evaluated carefully and with great … Original source on Gaea Times at : Vatican urges prudence in assessing WikiLeaks documents.

British police to probe Punjab murder

CHANDIGARH – A British police team will reach Punjab to probe the killing of a Sikh religious leader in the state suspected to have been assassinated by British nationals of Punjab origin.

Rashtriya Sikh Sangat (RSS) president Rulda Singh was shot and seriously injured by unidentified men outside his house in Patiala district July 28, …. Original article : British police to probe Punjab murder.

IAF helicopter crashes, eight injured

JAMMU/NEW DELHI – An Indian Air Force Mi-26 helicopter crashed Tuesday close to an air force station near here injuring at least eight people, including three crew members, an official said.

The Mi-26, the heaviest and largest helicopter in the world, crashed in Satwari shortly after it took off at 9.50 a.m. with machinery for … Read this article on Gaea Times at : IAF helicopter crashes, eight injured.

Man kills father over property row

SANGRUR – A man has been arrested here for killing his father after the latter willed all his property to his grandson, police said Tuesday.

Kamaljit Singh was arrested for killing Harbhajan Singh although the will was in favour of Kamaljit’s son, Senior Superintendent of Police Harcharan Singh told IANS.
Harbhajan Singh, 65, was a … Read : Man kills father over property row.

Shanghai residents being duped into buying retired taxis

SHANGHAI – People in Shanghai, who want to purchase second-hand cars, are now being duped into buying retired taxis that have been modified and repaired by dubious dealers, an investigation by a leading daily has found.

Residents have paid out about 40,000 yuan ($6,000) for a second-hand car, only to discover they have landed with …. Original article : Shanghai residents being duped into buying retired taxis.

Nepal to probe former crown prince’s gun brawl

KATHMANDU – Nepals government has announced a high-level inquiry into a gun brawl involving former crown prince Paras and the son-in-law of the deputy prime minister after it emerged that the deposed royal was carrying an illegal firearm.

The 39-year-old controversial former heir to Nepals throne, notorious for his quick temper and fondness for alcohol, …. Source : Gaea News Network.

IAF helicopter crash injures eight in Jammu

JAMMU/NEW DELHI – An Indian Air Force MI26 transport helicopter crashed Tuesday near an air force station injuring at least eight people, including crew members, in the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, an official said.

Initial reports say that eight people are injured, IAF spokesperson T.K. Singha told IANS. He added that details were …. Original source : IAF helicopter crash injures eight in Jammu.

Scores of arrests deal blow to Sicilian mafia

Palermo (Italy), Dec 14 (IANS/AKI) Sixty three people were arrested in Palermo Monday in a massive pre-dawn sweep against the Sicilian mafia clan associated with notorious jailed mafia boss Salvatore Lo Piccolo and his son, Sandro.

Palermo’s public prosecutor Francesco Messineo said the arrests were “comforting” and urged business owners to continue reporting mafia extortionists. …. Original source : Scores of arrests deal blow to Sicilian mafia.

Chilean prisoners living in subhuman conditions: Minister

Santiago, Dec 14 (IANS/EFE) Justice Minister Felipe Bulnes acknowledged Monday that due to the overcrowding in Chile’s jails, prisoners are living “in subhuman conditions”.

Overcrowding in penitentiaries has been named as one reason why 81 inmates died last Wednesday in a fire that burned part of the capital’s San Miguel Prison, which is holding some … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chilean prisoners living in subhuman conditions: Minister.

Seven survive plane crash in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Dec 14 (IANS/EFE) Seven people survived with only slight injuries when their small airplane crashed on a soyabean farm in the southern Brazilian state of Parana, a media report said.

The two-engine BET-90 was about 20 km from the airport in the city of Londrina, its destination, Sunday night when a strong … Read : Seven survive plane crash in Brazil.

Nine killed in China fire

BEIJING – Nine people died and two were injured in a fire that ripped though a residential apartment in east China’s Zhejiang province, authorities said Tuesday.

The fire broke out at about 8.15 p.m. Monday in the eight-storey building in the downtown area of Quzhou, 230 km southeast to the capital city of Hangzhou, … Read : Nine killed in China fire.

FBI to assist Sweden in suicide bombing probe

STOCKHOLM – Specialists from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were to assist Swedish authorities investigating a weekend suicide bombing in Stockholm, Swedish police said.

The FBI contacted Sweden after the explosions Saturday, and the
offer was accepted, police said Monday.
The FBI team included “specialists in tracing explosives, with extensive knowledge about the …. Read the original article : here.

Dacoits loot Ghaziabad doctor’s house

GHAZIABAD – Six armed dacoits looted cash and jewellery worth over Rs.2 lakh from the house of a doctor in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district early Monday, police said.

The incident occurred in Satyam Enclave neighbourhood in Sahibabad area bordering Delhi.
Police said around 4.30 a.m. six dacoits armed with pistols, iron rods, hammers and saws … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dacoits loot Ghaziabad doctor’s house.

UAE aid vessel arrives in Karachi

Karachi, Dec 13 (IANS/WAM) An aid ship with 600 tonnes of relief material from a UAE charity for the flood affected people in Pakistan has arrived at the Karachi port, it was announced Monday.

The Red Crescent Authority (RCA) has sent food, medical supplies, household items and various winter clothing, including blankets, worth over … Original article on : UAE aid vessel arrives in Karachi.

47 Algerians missing in Mediterranean Sea

ALGIERS – At least 47 Algerian illegal immigrants who were travelling in two wooden boats to Italy went missing in the Mediterranean Sea, Xinhua reported Monday.

Algerian coast guards alerted their counterparts in the Italian islands of Sardinia and Cecily about the incident.
The immigrants, aged between 16 and 39, sailed from Annaba and … Read : 47 Algerians missing in Mediterranean Sea.

Respect women, says Delhi government posters

NEW DELHI – In the wake of rising crime against women, the Delhi government has decided to launch a poster campaign in the city asking people to respect women, an official said Wednesday.

“Delhi’s information department has finalised a plan in this regard and it will be implemented in two or three days. This has … Read : Respect women, says Delhi government posters.

Mentally ill enslaved in China factory freed

BEIJING – At least 12 mentally ill people, enslaved in a factory in China’s Xinjiang Uygur region, have been rescued and the factory owner arrested and charged with abuse, officials said.

Police detained factory owner Li Xinglin Tuesday evening in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province.
Li had fled after local media revealed details about … Read more »».

Chinese official who kept sex diary jailed

BEIJING – A former government official in a Chinese province has been jailed for 13 years after his diaries detailing his sexual encounters, hard drinking and receiving bribes were leaked online, a media report said Wednesday.

Han Feng, 53, a former official with the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region government was Tuesday also fined 100,000 yuan …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Christmas Island Faces Nature’s Wrath

SYDNEY (GaeaTimes.com)- An unfortunate indecent took Australia aback today. A wooden boat, that was carrying more than 70 asylum seekers got wrecked, as it collided with a cliffside rocks, amidst the chilling sea water. This happened in one of Australia’s remote Christmas Island.
The islanders had nothing much to do apart from watching the mishap …. Read the original article : here.

In Bengal village, a school to reform criminals

MURSHIDABAD – She dreamt of educating children and also changing the socio-economic conditions of people in her West Bengal village. And 55-year-old Shabnam Ramaswamy found a novel way to do that – she employed reformed criminals in her English medium school.

Ramaswamy set up the Jagriti Public School in Katna village of Murshidabad district five …. Source : In Bengal village, a school to reform criminals.

Swamy moves court to make Raja prime accused in 2G scam

NEW DELHI – Janata Party leader Subramaniam Swamy Wednesday moved a city court to make former telecom minister A. Raja the prime accused in the 2G allocation scam.

“I have filed a private criminal complaint in Tis Hazari court for making Raja the prime accused,” Swamy told reporters here.
Swamy had filed a public … Read more »».

Nepal moves to punish Indian envoy’s shoe attacker

KATHMANDU – Almost two months after Nepal’s opposition Maoist party led an attack on the Indian ambassador to Nepal and hurled shoes and stones at his car, the caretaker government has finally moved to take action following New Delhi expressing its strong disapproval.

However, fearing a backlash from the Maoists, the fragile government did not … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nepal moves to punish Indian envoy’s shoe attacker.

Journalist shot dead in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A journalist was shot dead in Khuzdar town in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, police said Wednesday.

Mohammad Khan Sasoli, who was president of Khuzdar Press Club, was gunned down Tuesday evening.
Dawn quoted a police officer as saying that Sasoli was attacked by armed men in the Civil Lines area.
The attackers came … Read : Journalist shot dead in Pakistan.

I’m victim of political vendetta: Nepal’s nabbed ex-crown prince

KATHMANDU – The first member of the Shah dynasty to be arrested by police, deposed crown prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah, has denied firing at an influential minister’s kin and said he was the victim of a political vendetta, a report said.

The 39-year-old, who was arrested by police from the upscale Fulbari Resort in …. Source article : I’m victim of political vendetta: Nepal’s nabbed ex-crown prince.

Asylum seekers on wrecked boat drown off Australian island

SYDNEY – At least 30 asylum seekers drowned after their boat ran onto rocks on reaching Australia’s Indian Ocean territory of Christmas Island, officials said Wednesday.

“A number of people have been rescued, but sadly, some bodies have been retrieved,” Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan told reporters in Sydney.
Officials confirmed 41 of the estimated …. Original article : Asylum seekers on wrecked boat drown off Australian island.

Royalists call shutdowns in Nepal over ex-crown prince’s arrest

KATHMANDU – Protests erupted in Nepal Wednesday as royalists began demonstrations and called shutdowns in at least two major districts to protest the arrest of former crown prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah for firing in air following a brawl with the son-in-law of Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala.

The tourist destination of Chitwan in southern … Read more : Royalists call shutdowns in Nepal over ex-crown prince’s arrest.

Mexican cop kills three fellow officers, then self

Cancun (Mexico), Dec 15 (IANS/EFE) An on-duty police officer killed three fellow officers and then himself in downtown Cancun, a resort city on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, an official said.

Reports came in just after 1 a.m. of an attack on the police post on Acanceh avenue in Supermanzana 15, an upscale area in the resort … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mexican cop kills three fellow officers, then self.

Forest fires destroy 14,000 acres in Chile

Santiago, Dec 15 (IANS/EFE) Nearly 14,000 acres of vegetation have been destroyed by a series of forest fires in three separate regions of Chile, authorities said Tuesday.

Twelve of the blazes remain active, of which eight are in the coastal region of Valparaiso and the others in the neighbouring Greater Santiago area and the remote … Read : Forest fires destroy 14,000 acres in Chile.

Mexico arrests two Chinese executives on bribery charges

Mexico City, Dec 15 (IANS/EFE) Two top executives of a Chinese company were arrested in Mexico on charges they tried to bribe employees of state-owned Petroleos Mexicanos to obtain discounts on the purchase of polyethylene, authorities here said.

The president of Foshan Meijiao Plastic Trading Co. Ltd, Zili Tao, and the firm’s representative in the … Read more »».

CBI raids Radia, Raja’s relatives over spectrum row (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – The CBI Wednesday raided the homes and offices of business lobbyist Niira Radia, former telecom regulatory chief Pradeep Baijal and relatives of former communications minister A. Raja over the 2G spectrum row.

In a coordinated operation, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials searched the New Delhi homes and offices of Radia, whose …. Source article : CBI raids Radia, Raja’s relatives over spectrum row (Second Lead).

US mayor found dead

WASHINGTON – The mayor of Springfield, capital city of the US state of Illinois, has been found dead in his home, police said.

The cause of Tim Davlin’s death Tuesday morning is still under investigation, Xinhua reported.
Davlin, who had been Springfield mayor since April 2003, was ordered to appear in a court in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : US mayor found dead.

One killed in US shooting

LOS ANGELES – A woman was killed and five people were wounded in a shooting in the US state of California, police said.

The shooting took place Tuesday near a barber shop at a strip mall south of Sacramento city, Xinhua reported.
… Read more >>>.

Car Crashes into House near dothan, Injures 2

DOTHAN (GaeaTimes.com) — Last Friday, at near about 11 p.m., Police responded to a critical car accident which involved a car crashing into a roadside house in the 100 block of Northridge Road in Dothan.
Although the occupants of the residence was completely unharmed, the home suffered extensive structural damage due to the crash. The …. Read the original article : Car Crashes into House near dothan, Injures 2.

Woman Killed in Car Accident in New Madrid County

NEW MADRID COUNTY (GaeaTimes.com) — Last night, around 11 p.m., a Region 8 woman was killed as her crashed into a culvert and got overturned. The accident took place on U.S. Highway 61 just 2 miles south of Matthews in New Madrid County.
According to Missouri State Highway patrol, a 20 year old boy named [..] Read the original article: here.

Fatal Car Crash Near Deer Park Kills Teenage Girl

DEER LAKE, CANADA (GaeaTimes.com) — A teenage girl died and a woman was seriously injured when their truck veered off the road and down an embankment on the Trans Canada Highway near Deer Lake Regional Airport.
Constable Lisa Oldford has commented that freezing rain and hail had just stopped and there was a sheet of …. Read the original article : Fatal Car Crash Near Deer Park Kills Teenage Girl.

Mob burns police van in Delhi, two cops injured

NEW DELHI – Two police officers were injured and their Police Control Room (PCR) van burnt by a mob in outer Delhi, police said Thursday.

The incident took place Wednesday night in Shahbad Dairy area where two groups had a heated argument during a function in a house.
When the policemen intervened, the groups pelted …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Hong Kong man in Facebook con bedded 70 women

HONG KONG – A man accused of luring Hong Kong women into having sex with him using the Facebook website as well as offers of money that he never paid might have worked his scam on up to 70 people, a newspaper reported Thursday.

The 28-year-old turned himself in to police Wednesday after a 15-year-old … Read : Hong Kong man in Facebook con bedded 70 women.

Beheaded body of corporator found

BAGHPAT – The beheaded body of an Uttar Pradesh municipal corporator has been found here, police said Thursday. Two men have been arrested.

The body of Sanjeev Tomar was recovered in Badarkha village in Baghpat district, some 400 km from here.
Acting on a complaint from Tomars family, police Thursday arrested two men who confessed … Read more >>>.

Nepal pledges probe as plane crash kills all 22 on board

KATHMANDU – As search helicopters confirmed that all 22 people on board a small aircraft missing since Wednesday had perished in a dense forest in eastern Nepal, the government said it would initiate an inquiry to ascertain the nationality of the passengers, now believed to be mostly Bhutanese pilgrims.

A Twin Otter flown by domestic … Read more : Nepal pledges probe as plane crash kills all 22 on board.

Dhaka gets tough with Islamists on 40th Victory Day

DHAKA – A top opposition leader was held on murder charge and a court rejected a petition of the chief of the largest Islamist party as Bangladesh Thursday celebrated its 40th Bijoy Divas (liberation day), marking its separation from Pakistan.

In a blow to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), authorities arrested its Standing Committee member … Read more : Dhaka gets tough with Islamists on 40th Victory Day.

Man who killed wife by stabbing her 25 times jailed

AUCKLAND – A 48-year-old Scottish immigrant to New Zealand who brutally stabbed his wife 25 times with three butcher knives – breaking two of them and bending the third at a 90 degree angle – has been jailed for life.

Butcher Peter Lamont will spend a minimum of 14 years behind bars after being found …. Read the original article : Man who killed wife by stabbing her 25 times jailed.

Chopper crashes in Chandigarh airport, pilots injured

CHANDIGARH – A helicopter which was to fly a Punjab minister crashed at the airport here immediately after taking off Thursday morning, catching fire and injuring both the pilots.

The Pawan Hans helicopter was heading to a helipad near Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s residence in Sector 1 here when the crash took …. Read the original article : Chopper crashes in Chandigarh airport, pilots injured.

Commoners to tour Bengal jails, mingle with convicts

KOLKATA – Can you imagine law abiding citizens spending a day in jail to interact with hardened convicts? In West Bengal, this novel initiative will start next year with the historic Hooghly jail and act as a bridge between those behind bars and those outside.

The government has accepted a proposal by prison authorities to …. Read the original article : Commoners to tour Bengal jails, mingle with convicts.

Evidence of wrongdoings in 2G spectrum grant: apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday said there was prima facie evidence of wrongdoings in the grant of 2G spectrum licences in 2008 and that of dual use technology to some telecom operators in 2007.

The court said the evidence of wrongdoing was supported by the reports of the Central Vigilance Commissioner P.J. Thomas …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Evidence of wrongdoings in 2G spectrum grant: apex court.

Helicopter crashes in Chandigarh airport, pilot injured

CHANDIGARH – A Pawan Hans helicopter crashed at the airport here immediately after taking off Thursday morning. The pilot was injured.

The pilot, who was flying alone, was rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Sector 32.
Airport officials said the helicopter caught fire just after it took off from the airport. …. Source article : Helicopter crashes in Chandigarh airport, pilot injured.

25 injured as shop catches fires in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Twenty-five people received burn injuries when a massive fire broke out in a commercial establishment where kerosene and diesel were being sold illegally in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich town, police said Thursday.

The fire late Wednesday engulfed the building material shop in Nanpara, where drums of petrol, kerosene and diesel were stored illegally.
“All …. Source : 25 injured as shop catches fires in Uttar Pradesh.

Brazil police probe virginity auctions

Brasilia, Dec 16 (IANS/EFE) Brazilian police are investigating allegations about “virginity auctions” in the northeastern state of Alagoas, Agencia Estado news service said Wednesday.

Two women are facing charges for sexual exploitation of minors in connection with the case.
Authorities began the probe after one of the girls who took part in parties organised by …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Gunman kills four in Spain

Barcelona, Dec 16 (IANS/EFE) A man armed with a rifle killed four people Wednesday in the northeastern Spanish province of Gerona. He was later arrested, police said.

The massacre occurred around 7 a.m., when the suspect went to a bar in the town of La Canya and opened fire, killing a father and son who …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Gunman kills four in Spain.

Australian officials say asylum boat deaths likely to reach 50

SYDNEY – Asylum seekers who survived when an Indonesian fishing vessel foundered off Christmas Island told Australian authorities Thursday that up to 100 Iranians and Iraqis were aboard.

At least 50 are believed to have drowned after the wooden vessel was battered to bits below the cliffs of the remote Indian Ocean territory, spilling its … Read more : Australian officials say asylum boat deaths likely to reach 50.

Nepal’s nabbed ex-crown prince denies role in gun brawl

KATHMANDU – In a dramatic volte face within two days of being arrested for threatening a fellow hotel guest during a drunken brawl and firing in the air, Nepal’s controversial former crown prince stoked the controversy afresh by denying that he possessed a weapon.

The 39-year-old, who has been sent to custody for interrogation till … Read more : Nepal’s nabbed ex-crown prince denies role in gun brawl.

Missing Nepal plane wreck found, all 22 feared killed

KATHMANDU – Helicopters scouring eastern Nepal for a small aircraft that went missing minutes after taking off a day ago located its wreck in a deep forest over 9,200 ft Thursday morning, raising fears that all 22 people on board had been killed.

The 9N AFXDHC6 aircraft flown by domestic airline Tara Air was carrying … Read more »».

US sues BP, eight others for oil spill

WASHINGTON – The US is suing oil giant BP Plc and eight other companies linked to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill for violating American environmental laws, Attorney General Eric Holder has said.

The civil suit was filed in the US District Court in New Orleans against BP, rig operator Transocean, Anadarko Petroleum Corp, … Read more >>>.

Car Accident over Russel Street Bridge, No Casualty

MISSOULA (GaeaTimes.com) — Last night, a car went over the Russel Street Bridge and landed up in the river at around 10.30p.m. The driver, a 30-year-old man from Missoula had hit the curb and drove through the guard rail and ultimately landed on the Clark Fork river.
Fortunately the Police was able to rescue the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Car Accident over Russel Street Bridge, No Casualty.

Interstate 390 Accident results 1 Severly Injured

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (GaeaTimes.com) — In an unfortunate car mishap near snowy Interstate 390 Exit near Rochester, a person was severely injured while helping a stranded motorist.
The accident happened when the victim named Ken Parfitt, reported father of 8, was hit by a car when he was helping out a person with a broken down … Original article on : Interstate 390 Accident results 1 Severly Injured.

Police Confirms Homicide behind treton car Accident

TRETON(GaeaTimes.com) — Police are currently investigating a car accident which has turned out to be a case of homicide. The driver of the car was shot when he made a left turn onto Greenwood Avenue from Monmouth Street just after 9 p.m.
After an autopsy, it has been revealed that the unidentified victim died from … Original article on : Police Confirms Homicide behind treton car Accident.

Raja’s predecessors too are not saints: Jayalalithaa

CHENNAI – AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa, referring to the 2G spectrum scam, said Friday that former communications minister A. Raja’s predecessors too were not saints.

She welcomed the Supreme Court decision to monitor the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the scam and enlarging the probe period.
She also reiterated that the central …. Read the original article : Raja’s predecessors too are not saints: Jayalalithaa.

Prisoners to teach other inmates in Uttar Pradesh

MORADABAD – They are behind bars, but they are educated enough to teach. Around 100 prisoners have been shortlisted for a literacy campaign in an Uttar Pradesh jail where they will be imparting lessons to other inmates.

The campaign has been initiated in Moradabad district jail and is expected to take off in the next …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Prisoners to teach other inmates in Uttar Pradesh.

Nepal air crash probe begins, travel agent arrested

KATHMANDU – As Bhutans King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk lit 1,000 butter lamps in his throne room to mourn the 18 Bhutanese killed in an air crash in Nepal and the Buddhist kingdoms central monks body began three days mourning rituals, Nepal Friday began investigating the passenger list that had described the group as Nepalis.

…. Source : Nepal air crash probe begins, travel agent arrested.

E-mail alerts to warn pilots about volcanic eruptions

SYDNEY – Scientists from New Zealand are developing a new system to alert pilots on flights via e-mails about volcanic eruptions by detecting the lightning their ash clouds trigger.

The system, publicly unveiled by US researchers, uses data from the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) to create automated e-mail alerts within minutes of …. Original article on Gaea Times at : E-mail alerts to warn pilots about volcanic eruptions.

Over 900 kg poppy husk recovered in Punjab

CHANDIGARH – In two different seizures, police have recovered over 900 kg of poppy husk from Punjab’s Patiala district and arrested two people, an official said here Friday.

According to a Punjab Police official, acting on secret tip-offs, they laid a trap and recovered the contraband late Thursday.
“We intercepted a motorcycle in Patiala town …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Over 900 kg poppy husk recovered in Punjab.

Nepal’s ex-crown prince pleads illness, calls off press meet

KATHMANDU – Charged with committing a public offence and freed on bail after cooling his heels in police custody for 48 hours, Nepals controversial former crown prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah Friday decided not to shoot his mouth off and land himself in further trouble.

His eagerly awaited press conference, scheduled for 8 a.m. in … Read : Nepal’s ex-crown prince pleads illness, calls off press meet.

College student held with leopard skin

RAIPUR – A 20-year-old college student was arrested in Chhattisgarh for carrying a leopard skin, a banned item, a forest official said Friday.

The arrest was made on a tip-off by a forest department team who caught the student carrying leopard skin in a bag, in a bus Thursday in states Kanker district, about 150 …. Original article : College student held with leopard skin.

Contract murders for just $40 in Mexican city

Mexico City, Dec 17 (IANS/EFE) Poor teenagers in Mexico’s border city of Ciudad Juarez say they have carried out murders on behalf of drug cartels for sums as small as 500 pesos ($40), a media report said, citing Mexico’s Social Development Office.

The office says the teen assassins are recruited from the shantytowns springing up …. Source article : Contract murders for just $40 in Mexican city.

Court orders Brazilian magnate’s arrest

Brasilia, Dec 17 (IANS/EFE) A Brazilian court ordered the arrest of transportation mogul Constantino “Nene” de Oliveira in connection with a 2008 attempt on the life of his former son-in-law, a judicial spokesperson said.

Oliveira, 79, is a founding partner of Brazil’s No. 2 airline, Gol, and owns the ground transport giant Planeta.
He is …. Source article : Court orders Brazilian magnate’s arrest.

80 prisoners, 18 guards hurt in Chile jail violence

Santiago, Dec 17 (IANS/EFE) At least 80 inmates and 18 guards were injured in “disturbances” at a severely overcrowded prison in the Chilean capital, an official said.

That tally was provided to reporters by guards at Santiago’s ex-Penitenciaria prison, although the head of the prison guard service, Luis Masferrer, said 54 inmates and 12 guards …. Source : 80 prisoners, 18 guards hurt in Chile jail violence.

Eight die as truck overturns on hut

LUCKNOW – Eight members of a family, including children, were killed and four injured when a speeding truck overturned and fell on their hut in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district, police said Friday.

The accident took place at midnight in Tikaitnagar area, where the truck laden with rice husk went out of control and fell on … Read more >>>.

Man stabs children on bus in Japan

TOKYO – Thirteen people were hurt Friday when a man with a knife attacked children on two buses in a town in Japan, media reports said, citing police.

A 27-year-old unemployed man was arrested at the scene of the stabbing near the railway station in the town of Toride in Ibaraki region.
Four people were …. Read the original article : Man stabs children on bus in Japan.

Former Indian online poker billionaire avoids jail in US

WASHINGTON – Thanks to confusion over how US law applies to online poker, Anurag Dikshit, a former Indian online poker billionaire, has escaped with only one year of probation and no jail time.

Dikshit, 39, an Indian citizen had travelled from his home in Gibraltar with a one-way ticket to New York to attend Thursday’s …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Quake jolts Philippines

MANILA – An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale rocked the southern Philippines early Friday, Xinhua reported.

The quake, which struck at 4.03 a.m., was traced some 95 km northeast of Surigao, Mindanao region, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said on its website.
No casualties were reported.
…. Read the original article : Quake jolts Philippines.

10 dead in Ivory Coast clashes

NAIROBI/ABIDJAN – At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured in Ivory Coast Thursday as soldiers loyal to incumbent Laurent Gbagbo clashed with supporters of his rival for the presidency.

Gbagbo is clinging onto power despite wide international recognition of Alassane Ouattara as the rightful winner of last month’s polls – which were aimed [..] Read the original article: here.

I will continue my work and protest my innocence: Assange

LONDON – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange vowed Thursday to continue his work and protest his innocence with regard to the sex offence allegations brought against him in Sweden, he said in London after being freed on bail.

Standing on the steps of the Royal Courts of Justice, and giving a victory salute, Assange thanked his … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : I will continue my work and protest my innocence: Assange.

Julian Assange freed from custody in Britain (Roundup)

LONDON – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was Thursday set free after nine days in a London prison, but faces a fresh legal battle over his extradition to Sweden on sex allegations.

The High Court in London Thursday granted Assange bail, dismissing an appeal against attempts by the prosecuting authorities to stop him being freed.
The …. Read the original article : Julian Assange freed from custody in Britain (Roundup).

Five men held for firearms racket in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Five men were arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district Thursday for their involvement in the manufacture and supply of illegal firearms, police said. Several pistols and live cartridges were seized from them.

The five men, in their mid-30s, worked for a Bihar-based racket of manufacturing firearms and supplying them in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, … Read more »».

10 hurt in Kolkata student unions clash, traffic hit

KOLKATA – Traffic in southern parts of Kolkata came to a halt Thursday evening after student unions of the ruling Marxist’s and the Trinamool Congress clashed outside Asutosh College, leaving 10 students injured.

The area around Asutosh College saw violence after supporters of Trinamool Congress Chatra Parishad (TMCP), a students’ arm of Trinamool, and the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 10 hurt in Kolkata student unions clash, traffic hit.

Two missing Delhi students found in Katra

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police Thursday traced two teenaged students of a Delhi school, who went missing two days ago, to Katra in Jammu and Kashmir and took steps to bring them back.

“We have traced the two to Katra from where they are being brought back. The two were on their way to Vaishno … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two missing Delhi students found in Katra.

Four die on Gurgaon-Delhi Expressway

GURGAON – Four men were killed when an overloaded truck they were travelling in crashed after hitting the pavement on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, police said Saturday.

The truck, coming from Rajasthan, was loaded with heavy stones and the men were seated on the pile, an officer said.
“After crossing Shankar Chowk, it slipped to … Read : Four die on Gurgaon-Delhi Expressway.

Buses torched in Telangana to demand students release

HYDERABAD – Unidentified men set afire two buses in Telangana demanding release of Osmania University student leaders, police said Saturday, even as the Andhra Pradesh government sought central paramilitary forces to quell possible violence in the region.

Meanwhile, bowing to pressure from pro-Telangana students, Osmania University authorities have postponed MA, MSc and M.Com examinations which … Read : Buses torched in Telangana to demand students release.

Policeman assaulted pver breath test

MELBOURNE – An irate car driver in Australia dragged a policeman for 50 metres after he was stopped for a breath test, a media report said Saturday.

Police said officers stopped the vehicle on a highway in Queensland Friday evening, the Herald Sun reported.
The driver allegedly became aggressive while he was being breath-tested. … Read more >>.

Jharkhand Maoist arrested in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A Maoist from Jharkhand, wanted in connection with attacks on security personnel, was arrested following a brief shootout in Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar, police said Saturday.

Ramesh Lohra alias Rupesh Gurwa, 32, was nabbed late Friday on the outskirts of Ambedkar Nagar in Alapur area.
A pistol, a rifle and several live … Read more : Jharkhand Maoist arrested in Uttar Pradesh.

Provo Tabernacle Fire Causes Considerable Damage

PROVO (GaeaTimes.com)- The city of Provo, Utah has been thrown out of gear after a fire broke out in the city’s historic Provo Tabernacle early on Friday morning. As to what is the reason behind the flames is still not clear. Right now the city officials are deeply worried about the historic landmark which is …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Provo Tabernacle Fire Causes Considerable Damage.

India asks UN to do more against sexual violence

UNITED NATIONS – Advocating greater participation of women in the areas of conflict prevention, peace negotiations, peace keeping and post conflict reconstruction, India wants UN organs to do more against sexual violence.

New Delhi believes that the UN Secretariat and the Funds and Programmes can do more in this respect, Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s permanent … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : India asks UN to do more against sexual violence.

Four students hurt in Orissa school blast

BHUBANESWAR – Four students, including two girls, were critically injured Saturday morning in a blast in their school in Orissa’s Angul district, police said.

The blast took place at the Medium English School in Bandhkani village, about 240 km from here, after the children entered the school premises, Superintendent of Police Satyabrata Bhoi told IANS.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at : Four students hurt in Orissa school blast.

Mexican woman killed while seeking justice for slain daughter

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Dec 18 (IANS/EFE) A Mexican woman who spent the last two years demanding justice for her slain daughter was fatally shot while picketing in front of government offices in the northern state of Chihuahua, authorities said Friday.

Marisela Escobedo Ortiz, 52, was shot by one of three men who approached her and …. Source article : Mexican woman killed while seeking justice for slain daughter.

Two gangsters held in Punjab

GURDASPUR – Two gangsters, wanted in various cases of murder and vehicle thefts, have been arrested in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district, police said Saturday.

Kulwinder Singh and Harjinder Singh of the notorious Vijay Topi gang were arrested late Friday.
“On the basis of revelations by gang members arrested earlier, we laid a trap and nabbed these … Original source on Gaea Times at : Two gangsters held in Punjab.

148 prisoners escape from Mexican jail

Mexico City, Dec 18 (IANS/EFE) At least 148 inmates escaped from a prison in the northern border city of Nuevo Laredo, said a Mexican official Friday.

The mass flight began late Thursday night and prison authorities are conducting head counts to determine exactly how many men escaped, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at : 148 prisoners escape from Mexican jail.

Six die in China firecracker blast

BEIJING – At least six people were killed and four injured Friday night in a firecracker blast in China’s Hunan province, officials said Saturday.

The incident occurred in Ningxiang county at about 9.30 p.m. when a truck full of raw materials for manufacturing firecrackers hit an electric pole whose wires snapped and set fire to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Six die in China firecracker blast.

Undercover police enjoy free sex in Hong Kong: Report

HONG KONG – Complaints by prostitutes in Hong Kong against police officers for using sex services while on undercover operations have surged in 2010, a news report said Saturday.

Forty-three complaints have been made to a sex workers’ help group about officers having sex services compared to just 10 complaints last year, the South China … Read more : Undercover police enjoy free sex in Hong Kong: Report.

Woman techie from Assam murdered in Bangalore

BANGALORE – A 29-year-old software engineer working with Dell was Friday murdered at her flat in an upscale south Bangalore area, police said.

Payal Surekha, who hailed from Bongaigaon in Assam, was married to Anant Narain Mishra for about five years. The husband who works as a gym instructor in Bangalore was away in Orissa, …. Source article : Woman techie from Assam murdered in Bangalore.

Coffin of JFK’s killer sold for $90,000

LONDON – The coffin of Lee Harvey Oswald, the man who is believed to have assassinated then US president John F. Kennedy, has been sold for $90,000. The bids started at $1,000, BBC reported Friday.

According to the Los Angeles auctioneers, two buyers battled it out for the coffin.
Oswald, who was murdered shortly …. Source : Coffin of JFK’s killer sold for $90,000.

WikiLeaks founder fears ‘illegal’ probe by US

LONDON – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange Friday gave a broad hint that he expects an indictment in the US against him for which he was in the process of building a strong defence.

“I would say that there is a very aggressive investigation, that a lot of face has been lost by some people, and …. Source : WikiLeaks founder fears ‘illegal’ probe by US.

Girl killed in black magic rite, couple held

MANGALORE – A three-year-old girl was killed by a couple in a black magic rite near this coastal Karnataka town Friday. The accused couple has been arrested, police said.

Priyanka, daughter of Kiran Kumar Jha and Anjali from Bihar, was missing since Thursday afternoon. Her body was found Friday in a field at Yeyyadi village …. Source article : Girl killed in black magic rite, couple held.

Four members of Trinamool’s student wing held

KOLKATA – Four members of Trinamool Congress’s students wing were arrested Friday for clashes with a rival student union in West Bengal Thursday, which left one dead and several injured, police said.

“Sourav Santra of Trinamool Congress Chatra Parishad (TMPC) was arrested for the death of Student Federation of India (SFI) supporter Swapan Kole,” … Read more >>>.

Kerala minister pitches in for release of abducted Indian

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Kerala’s Port Minister V.Surendran Pillai, currently on a visit to South Africa, has met the Indian high commissioner in Pretoria and sought information on efforts to free a kidnapped Indian restaurant owner.

Speaking to IANS over phone from Pretoria, Pillai said he visited Indian Ambassador Virendra Gupta and was told that police were … Original article on : Kerala minister pitches in for release of abducted Indian.

25 injured in Gurgaon hotel explosion

GURGAON – At least 25 people were injured Friday when gas leakage resulted in an explosion in a five star hotel in this suburban town of the national capital, police said.

“The leakage was reported at 1:30 pm from the ground floor of Hotel Fortune Select Global on the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road,” said Gurgaon …. Source : 25 injured in Gurgaon hotel explosion.

Coal exporter abducted in Meghalaya

SHILLONG – A man exporting coal to Bangladesh has been abducted in Meghalaya by two unidentified men, police said Friday.

No ransom call has so far been received by his family.
“Rimudu Sutnga was abducted by two unidentified men about 6 p.m. last (Thursday) night from a coal depot at Warima …. Original source : Coal exporter abducted in Meghalaya.

Hubby’s lawyers to say Indian-origin woman shot accidentally

LONDON – Lawyers hired by a honeymoon murder accused, Indian-origin British businessman Shrien Dewani, say they have evidence suggesting his newly-married wife was “accidentally” killed during a carjacking incident in Cape Town.

Anni, a 28-year-old engineering graduate of Ugandan-Indian descent from Sweden, was killed in Cape Town Nov 13 when two men hijacked the car …. Source : Hubby’s lawyers to say Indian-origin woman shot accidentally.

Woman’s body parts found in Haryana, honour killing suspected

SIRSA – A young woman’s body parts stuffed into a sack have been found in Sirsa district of Haryana in a suspected case of honour killing, police said here Sunday.

The sack was recovered in Kangnapur village.
“We have found the head and lower limbs of a woman who was in her early 20s but … Read : Woman’s body parts found in Haryana, honour killing suspected.

150 inmates escape from Mexico prison

Mexico City, Dec 19 (IANS/EFE) At least 151 inmates have escaped from a prison in northeastern Mexico, just across the border from the American state of Texas, officials said.

The incident occurred Friday in Nuevo Laredo city, the public safety secretariat in Tamaulipas state said Saturday.
Army soldiers and Federal Police officers were on alert … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 150 inmates escape from Mexico prison.

Former separatist held in Tripura for stealing funds

AGARTALA – Former terrorist-turned-separatist Daniel Debbarma has been arrested in this Tripura capital for stealing Rs.18.10 lakh (over $40,000) meant for surrendered extremists, police here said Sunday.

Debbarma, 45, self-styled home minister of the banned terrorist outfit National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), was arrested late Saturday.
He had surrendered to the government along with … Read more : Former separatist held in Tripura for stealing funds.

13 dead in Philippines hotel fire

MANILA – At least 13 people were killed Sunday when a fire razed a budget hotel in a northern Philippine city, a provincial police chief said.

Senior Superintendent Mao Aplasca said the death toll could rise to 15 at the Bed and Breakfast Pension House in Tuguegarao City in Cagayan province, 355 km north of … Read more : 13 dead in Philippines hotel fire.

35 dead, 10 missing in Bangladesh boat capsize

DHAKA – At least 35 people were killed and about 10 others were missing when their boat capsized in northeastern Bangladesh Saturday, Xinhua reports.

The accident occurred in Sunamganj district, some 290 km northeast of Dhaka. The vessel crashed into a sand-laden trawler around 9.30 p.m. on the Surma river.
Thirty-five bodies have been …. Original article : 35 dead, 10 missing in Bangladesh boat capsize.

Student kidnapped, Rs.10 million ransom demanded

GREATER NOIDA – A Class 9 student has been kidnapped and Rs.10 million ransom demanded for his release in Greater Noida, police said Saturday.

Sujeet Yadav (18), a resident of Ithera village, was missing since Dec 9. His father received the ransom call for Rs.10 million Friday.
“We are attempting to trace the criminals through … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Student kidnapped, Rs.10 million ransom demanded.

Shayma Bharuchi was found by police Friday night sitting next to the remains of her daughter Nusayba in their kitchen at a Clapton, East London flat, The Sun reported Saturday.
The child’s … Read this article on Gaea Times at : British woman kills, mutilates daughter.