Accidents & Disasters – Weekly Newsletter for January 1-3, 2011

Three drug peddlers nabbed in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Three drug peddlers, who supplied drugs in various Indian states, were nabbed with cannabis worth over Rs.40 lakh in Meerut district in Uttar Pradesh, police said Monday.

They were arrested late Sunday from Transport Nagar in Meerut district in a joint operation by the district police and the Special Operations Group (SOG).
“The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Three drug peddlers nabbed in Uttar Pradesh.

PM’s heart surgeon Ramakant Panda injured in accident

GUWAHATI – Eminent cardiac surgeon Ramakant Panda, who had last year conducted a heart surgery on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was injured in a road accident in eastern Assam’s Nagaon district Monday, officials said.

Panda was going to the Kaziranga National Park on a holiday when the car he was travelling in collided head … Read more : PM’s heart surgeon Ramakant Panda injured in accident.

Woman gangraped, brutally killed in Jharkhand

RANCHI – In a hair-raising, gory incident, a woman was gangraped and later killed brutally in Jamshedpur steel city, police said Monday.

“She was gangraped and later murdered brutally by inserting bamboo in her private parts,” a police official told IANS. Police have yet to ascertain the woman’s identity.
Police recovered the woman’s body … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Woman gangraped, brutally killed in Jharkhand.

Sailing dreams go sour, eight Indians ‘held’ in Iran

AGRA – Around a year ago, nine Indian young men embarked from Dubai for on-ship training – sailing high on their Merchant Navy dreams. But today, one of them is dead while the others are believed to be in Iranian custody for crude oil smuggling, their families say.

“Initially, I was told that the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sailing dreams go sour, eight Indians ‘held’ in Iran.

Sex racket busted in Rohini, seven held

NEW DELHI – Police Monday claimed to have busted a sex racket in Rohini locality of outer Delhi with the arrest of seven people, including six women.

According to the police, Premlata headed the gang along with a man, and five other girls worked under them. The police raided their Sector 16 flat in Rohini …. Source  : Sex racket busted in Rohini, seven held.

3 Indians arrested with bomb ingredient in Nepal

KATHMANDU – Three young Indian men have been arrested while trying to enter Nepal from Indias Darjeeling district carrying 120 kg of sulphur, an ingredient used to make gunpowder.

Manik Roy, 23, Haresh Sinha, 22, and Sotor Roy, 23, were arrested Sunday in eastern Nepal while trying to enter the country through the Kakarbhitta entry …. Source  : 3 Indians arrested with bomb ingredient in Nepal.

100-vehicle pile-up in China leaves seven dead

BEIJING – More than 100 vehicles rammed into the back of each other in a foggy Monday morning on an expressway in China, killing seven people and injuring 15.

Over 100 vehicles crashed in the chain of collisions in southwest Gizhou province, leaving seven people dead, Xinhua reported quoting local officials.
The pile-up began …. Read the original article  : 100-vehicle pile-up in China leaves seven dead.

Seven die in 100-vehicle pile-up in China

BEIJING – At least seven people were killed and 15 injured when over 100 vehicles rammed into the back of each other in a foggy Monday morning on an expressway in China, officials said.

The incident occurred when a truck crashed into a petrol station in Zunyi County of southwest China’s Guizhou Province at about …. Read the original article  : here.

Four Tripura tourists killed in Mathura road accident

LUCKNOW – Four Tripura women were killed and 17 others were injured when a speeding truck ploughed into a tourist bus carrying them in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh Monday, police said.

The accident took place on the Delhi-Agra national highway in Kosi area, where the truck collided head-on with the private bus carrying the tourists … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Four Tripura tourists killed in Mathura road accident.

Cartels have been weakened, says Mexican government

Mexico City, Dec 27 (IANS/EFE) The government’s security strategy has succeeded in weakening Mexico’s drug cartels, including the Pacific cartel, whose members accounted for 24 percent of the drug arrests made in the country this year, authorities said.

Record drug seizures and other blows have weakened the criminal organisations, said the Security Cabinet, which is [..] Read the original article: here.

Cocaine packed in toys, candy seized in Nicaragua

Managua, Dec 27 (IANS/EFE) A total of 334 kg of cocaine, which entered Nicaragua hidden in a shipment of candy and toys, was seized during the Christmas weekend, officials said.

The cocaine, reportedly from Costa Rica, was seized at the Peas Blancas border crossing in southern Nicaragua, judicial support director Glenda Zavala and National Police …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Cocaine packed in toys, candy seized in Nicaragua.

New security features to make online banking safer

BERLIN – Fraudsters keep on finding ways to steal money from accounts online. But banks are also stepping up their security measures to protect online money transfers.

Online banking was first introduced to the world 30 years ago in Germany, when the Verbraucherbank AG bank set up a system to allow customers to transfer money …. Read the original article  : New security features to make online banking safer.

Fire destroys 134-year-old church in Colombia

Bogota, Dec 27 (IANS/EFE) A Spanish-style church constructed in 1876 in the Colombia’s Manizales city was destroyed by a fire, a church priest said.

The fire in the Pius X Church started around midnight on Christmas Eve and left the structure almost completely burned, but no one was injured in the blaze, parish priest Rev. …. Source  : Fire destroys 134-year-old church in Colombia.

Two arrested for firing in air in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Two men were arrested for firing in the air outside a prominent hotel on central Delhi’s Parliament Street after an argument with the hotel staff, police said Sunday.

They had a minor argument with the staff of Agni restaurant located in the Park Hotel, after which they came out and opened fire, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two arrested for firing in air in Delhi.

Contraband in X-mass cards seized in Dubai

Dubai, Dec 26 (IANS/WAM) Dubai Customs Sunday seized contraband drugs being smuggled into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a consignment of Christmas greeting cards.

Officials at Dubai Cargo Village suspected the parcels, which contained Christmas cards coming from an Asian country and heading towards another Asian country via Dubai. The officials recovered 1.75 kg …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Contraband in X-mass cards seized in Dubai.

Car driver killed after collision with truck

NEW DELHI – A sports utility vehicle’s driver was killed when it collided with a speeding truck in dense fog in central Delhi early Sunday, police said.

The truck rammed into the SUV when it lost control and entered the opposite carriageway around 2.30 a.m. today (Sunday), said a police officer.
According to police, the [..] Read the original article: here.

Three crushed to death in Mumbai cement plant

MUMBAI – Three workers were Sunday crushed to death here when a 150-tonne cement-mixing tank fell on a tanker in which they were resting, police said.

The incident took place at a cement-mixing plant in suburban Andheri.
“The cement mixing tank, that stands erect, fell on the tanker, in which the three men were …. Source article  : Three crushed to death in Mumbai cement plant.

Fog causes multiple accidents on Greater Noida Expressway

GREATER NOIDA – Nearly a dozen people were injured in a series of accidents on the Greater Noida Expressway Sunday morning as dense fog reduced visibility to near zero, police said.

According to Ajay Chaudhary, station house officer (SHO) of Surajpur, the series of crashes occurred within a one-kilometre stretch of the expressway. … Read more : Fog causes multiple accidents on Greater Noida Expressway.

Bangladesh seeks arrest of Transparency International leaders

DHAKA – A Bangladeshi court Sunday issued an arrest warrant for the leaders of the national chapter of corruption watchdog Transparency International (TI), accusing them of tarnishing the reputation of the judiciary.

The Berlin-based watchdog last week released a report claiming that 84 percent of Bangladeshi households were victims of corruption at the hands of …. Source article  : Bangladesh seeks arrest of Transparency International leaders.

Honymoon bride killed in cold blood: South African medico

LONDON – The Indian-origin bride killed while on honeymoon in South Africa last month was executed in cold blood and had not been sexually assaulted, a paramedic said in his description of the crime scene.

The report written by a paramedic who visited the scene said that Anni Dewani was killed after sustaining wounds to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Honymoon bride killed in cold blood: South African medico.

Moneylender held for shooting a techie in Delhi market

NEW DELHI – A 36-year-old man was arrested Tuesday for shooting down a software professional following a brawl over a minor issue in Rohini locality of north Delhi earlier this week, police said.

Surya Prakash, a moneylender, was arrested from his residence in Chirag village in north Delhi, said police.
“He has confessed to …. Read the original article  : Moneylender held for shooting a techie in Delhi market.

Two men charged for Andhra student’s murder in US

WASHINGTON – The US authorities have booked two men for gunning down a 22-year-old Indian student in a robbery on Christmas morning at a convenience store in Texas where he was working part time.

Daniel Jacob Stiner, 22, and Michael Ray Morris, 29, both from Pasadena, Texas, were charged Monday in the fatal shooting of …. Original article  : Two men charged for Andhra student’s murder in US.

580 Chinese wanted for economic crimes at large abroad

BEIJING – As many as 580 Chinese fugitives involved in economic crimes are at large in foreign countries, said a senior police officer.

Meng Qingfeng, head of the economic crime investigation department under the Ministry of Public Security, said the fugitives have been involved in various crimes including illegal fundraising, bank loan fraud and illegally … Read more : 580 Chinese wanted for economic crimes at large abroad.

‘Goa home minister mute spectator to police-drug nexus’

PANAJI – A Congress legislator and top cricket official in Goa Tuesday said state home minister Ravi Naik and the police chief were mute spectators when it came to handling the investigation pertaining to the police-politician-drug mafia nexus.

Police had implicated him by booking him for criminal conspiracy, Goa Cricket Association (GCA) president Dayanand … Read : ‘Goa home minister mute spectator to police-drug nexus’.

Poacher nabbed in Uttar Pradesh, leopard carcass seized

LUCKNOW – A man has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh on charges of killing a leopard whose carcass was recovered from the Dudhwa forest reserve, an official said Tuesday.

The man was arrested late Monday in Lakhimpur Kheri, some 200 km from Lucknow, following a joint operation by the state forest officials and the district [..] Read the original article: here.

Schoolboy abducted in Bihar

PATNA – A 15-year-old boy was abducted in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district Tuesday morning when he was on his way to the school, police said.

Shubham Kumar, a Class 9 student of DAV SChool, was abducted by unidentified criminals near Ahiyapur locality, police officials said.
Police have lodged a case of kidnapping and began investigation into … Read : Schoolboy abducted in Bihar.

Student in hospital after brutal beating by teacher

LUCKNOW – A 10-year-old student of a private school in Uttar Pradesh’s Jalaun town has been hospitalised with multiple injuries after his teacher beat him up brutally, police said Tuesday.

Nitin Kumar, the Class 5 student of G.C. School on the Jhansi Road of the town, was Monday assaulted by his teacher Ashish Kumar …. Original source  : Student in hospital after brutal beating by teacher.

`Latin America most dangerous region for journalists in 2010???

Geneva, Dec 28 (IANS/EFE) Latin America was the most dangerous region for the press in 2010, with 35 of the 105 worldwide murders of journalists occurring there, the Swiss-based Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) said Monday.

Mexico was the most dangerous country in the region, with 14 murders, a number similar to that of Pakistan.
Next … Original article on : `Latin America most dangerous region for journalists in 2010′.

Six arrested for Uruguay jewellery heist

Montevideo, Dec 28 (IANS/EFE) Six Uruguayans, including three women, were arrested for allegedly stealing jewellery worth $250,000 from an American couple who were living near the vacation home of singer Shakira in the resort city of Punta del Este, police said.

The suspects include “relatives and people close to” the couple’s household staff, Maldonado police …. Source  : Six arrested for Uruguay jewellery heist.

11 prisoners freed from Argentine police station

Buenos Aires, Dec 28 (IANS/EFE) Eight armed people Monday attacked a police station on the outskirts of the Argentine capital and freed 11 prisoners. One of the escapees was later recaptured.

“It was a highly audacious act,” said Juan Carlos Paggi, the police chief in the province of Buenos Aires, confirming to radio stations the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two dismembered bodies found outside Mexican bar

Chilpancingo (Mexico), Dec 28 (IANS/EFE) Two bodies, which were dismembered and skinned, were dumped outside a bar in Acapulco, a resort city in southern Mexico, authorities said.

The bodies of the two unidentified men were found just after midnight at the entrance to the Secret bar in the southern section of the Pacific port city, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two dismembered bodies found outside Mexican bar.

Use of children to transport drugs increasing in Colombia

Bogota, Dec 28 (IANS/EFE) The use of children to transport small quantities of drugs in Colombia increased this year by 18 percent over 2009, according to a National Police report published Monday by the daily El Tiempo.

The document says that 7,682 minors were arrested for transporting drugs up through Dec 5, compared with 6,509 … Read more >>.

50 animals die in Russia circus fire

St. Petersburg, Dec 28 (IANS/RIA Novosti) About 50 animals died in a fire that broke out in a travelling circus on the outskirts of St. Petersburg Monday, Russia’s emergency ministry said.

The fire did not affect the animal performers of the circus but about 50 other exotic animals put in an exhibition at a sideline …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Shiv Sena activists detained in Maharashtra

PUNE – More than 10 activists of the Shiv Sena were detained Tuesday for pelting stones on buses and stopping trains to enforce a shutdown in this Maharashtra town, police said.

The shutdown was called to protest the removal of a statue of Dadoji Konddev, Shivaji’s teacher. The activists were detained in Lonavala near Pune.
… Read more >>.

Mexican city’s lone police officer kidnapped

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Dec 28 (IANS/EFE) The only police officer in Guadalupe, a border town in northern Mexico, was kidnapped last week, authorities said.

Erika Gandara was abducted Thursday by gunmen from her house in the border city, the Chihuahua state Attorney General’s Office spokesman Carlos Gonzalez said.
The 28-year-old woman had been the town’s …. Source  : Mexican city’s lone police officer kidnapped.

Haryana Police advises slow driving during fog

CHANDIGARH – The Haryana Police Tuesday advised motorists to drive slowly and cautiously on national and state highways and other roads across the state due to dense fog in many parts these days.

“Motorists should maintain safe distance from vehicles going ahead and drive along the white line painted on the road and keep the … Original article on : Haryana Police advises slow driving during fog.

Taiwan man says killing wife was ‘euthanasia’

TAIPEI – An 83-year old man in Taiwan has admitted murdering his wife with a screwdriver in what he claims was a “mercy killing” in the light of her Parkinson’s disease.

Wang Ching-hsi, a retired engineer, killed his wife Sun Yuan-ping, 80, who suffered from Parkinson’s’ disease, at their Taipei home Sunday.
Wang gave her … Original source on Gaea Times at : Taiwan man says killing wife was ‘euthanasia’.

Boxer arrested for killing ‘father’

NEW DELHI – A 21-year-old boxing coach has been arrested for killing his “father” in south Delhi, police said Monday. His accomplice was also held.

According to police, accused Ravi and his friend Rahul were allegedly involved in killing Bhim Singh Nagar, who allegedly had an illicit relation with Ravi’s mother Kamlesh, in Sarita Vihar …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Boxer arrested for killing ‘father’.

Mumbai man held for ISI links innocent: Family

MUMBAI – Almost three weeks after the arrest of suspected Pakistani agent Javed Abdul Gafoor Mozawala, his family and lawyer Monday claimed the police had implicated him in cheating and spying cases.

Mozawala, 30, a travel agent suspect to be linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, was arrested by Mumbai’s Crime Branch for cheating, forgery and …. Original source  : Mumbai man held for ISI links innocent: Family.

Train crushes five bikes, derails in Ghaziabad

GHAZIABAD – A train’s engine and five coaches derailed after five motorcycles were crushed under it at a railway crossing in Ghaziabad, police said. No one was injured.

The bikes were reduced to mangled steel by the New Delhi-bound Shramjeevi Express, coming from Patna, at Kotgaon crossing around 11.25 a.m. The vehicle owners had a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Train crushes five bikes, derails in Ghaziabad.

Six injured in Uttar Pradesh building collapse

LUCKNOW – Six people were critically injured Wednesday when a commercial building under construction collapsed in a town in Uttar Pradesh, police said.

The accident took place in Kilanagar town in Meerut district when a major portion of the first floor of the commercial building collapsed.
“Rescue operations are over now. All the six people …. Original source  : Six injured in Uttar Pradesh building collapse.

Punjab Avenue: a signboard that keeps disappearing in California county

LOS ANGELES – The signboard for Punjab Avenue, a street in California’s Fresno County, has become such a favourite with thieves that officials have now mooted the idea of planting hidden tracking devices inside it.

Fresno County, which is home to the first Sikh immigrants in the late 19th century, has a 40,000-strong Punjabi community …. Original article  : Punjab Avenue: a signboard that keeps disappearing in California county.

BJD worker held for disrespect to tricolour

BHUBANESWAR – A Biju Janata Dal (BJD) worker was arrested Wednesday allegedly for disrespecting the national flag at a party function here Sunday, police said.

Acting on three complaints, the city police arrested Janakar Sahu under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, inspector Rabindranath Satpathy told IANS.
Sahu allegedly brought with him … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : BJD worker held for disrespect to tricolour.

Pro-Maoist shutdown cripples life in three Bengal districts

KOLKATA – Normal life was thrown out of gear in portions of three Maoist affected districts of West Bengal Wednesday, the second day of the 48-hour shutdown enforced by the pro-Maoist Peoples Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA). The tribal group is protesting the arrest of their leaders.

No buses moved on the roads in Junglemahal, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pro-Maoist shutdown cripples life in three Bengal districts.

Man kills father for being liquor addict

RAIPUR – A 25-year-old man has been arrested here for killing his father who was a liquor addict, police said Wednesday.

Bharatlal Sahu hit on the head of 52-year-old Premlal Sahu with a stone Tuesday night as he was upset over his father’s liquor addiction. Premlal died on the spot, a police official …. Original source  : Man kills father for being liquor addict.

Bank robbers walk away with CCTVs

ISLAMABAD – Robbers struck at a bank here and walked away with Rs.6 million cash – and CCTV cameras.

Police officer Azkar Shah told the Daily Times that the involvement of some bank officials could not be ruled out. Five armed men were involved in the crime.
…. Source  : Bank robbers walk away with CCTVs.

Man burns wife, daughter, commits suicide

JALANDHAR – A poverty-stricken drug addict burnt his wife and two-year-old daughter before setting himself on fire in Punjab’s Jalandhar city, police said Wednesday. All three died.

The ghastly deaths took place in their small house in Ashok Nagar. Police were alerted by neighbours who saw smoke emanating from the house. The man was identified …. Read the original article  : Man burns wife, daughter, commits suicide.

Dacoits thrash Pakistani cops, snatch guns

ISLAMABAD – A gang of dacoits Wednesday struck at a police post in Pakistan’s Punjab province, thrashed the policemen and snatched away their guns.

The gang also took away arms and mobile phones from the police post in Khanewal tehsil, the News International reported Wednesday.
Over ten armed dacoits turned up to the police post …. Original source  : Dacoits thrash Pakistani cops, snatch guns.

Three held with 400 tortoises in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Three poachers, including two women, have been arrested with over 400 tortoises in Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh, police said Wednesday.

The three were nabbed Tuesday night from the Howrah-Amritsar train following an operation by the Government Railway Police (GRP).
Acting on a tip-off, we held the three poachers who were on their way …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Tiger skins seized in Punjab, two Karnataka women held

AMRITSAR – Forest department officials have arrested here two Karnataka-based women for possessing tiger skins and other wildlife material, an official said Wednesday.

“We have recovered skins of two tigers, aged around four. We have also recovered tiger nails, teeth, rare rudraksh and kasturis from them. We are trying to ascertain the source from … Original article on : Tiger skins seized in Punjab, two Karnataka women held.

New book claims Indian role in Nepal palace massacre

KATHMANDU – A former senior military officer at Nepal’s royal palace, who drew flak for the massacre of King Birendra and nine others in 2001, is now rattling new skeletons with his memoir.

Gen Bibek Shah, who rose from being the aide de camp of the king to becoming military secretary in the Narayanhity royal … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New book claims Indian role in Nepal palace massacre.

12 die in Russian military plane crash

Moscow, Dec 29 (IANS/RIA Novosti) All 12 people on board a Russian Air Force An-22 transport aircraft that crashed late Tuesday night in central Russia’s Tula region were found dead, a source said Wednesday.

“All 12 pilots that were on board of the An-22 military transport aircraft are dead. Their bodies have been already discovered,” … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 12 die in Russian military plane crash.

Bangladesh’s ex-speaker booked for corruption

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed cases against the former speaker of parliament, his deputy and a senior opposition party leader for corruption, misappropriation of public funds and misuse of power.

Cases were filed Tuesday against former speaker Jamiruddin Sircar, his deputy Akhtar Hamid, secretary general of main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) …. Original source  : Bangladesh’s ex-speaker booked for corruption.

Four held for killing man and his four sons

Reggio Calabria (Italy), Dec 29 (IANS/AKI) Four people were arrested Tuesday on suspicion of killing a man and his four sons in southern Italy.

The lifeless bodies of Domecico Fontana, aged 61, and three of his sons were discovered Monday on a farm in Filandari, in Italy’s Calabria region.
All were dead dead … Read more >>.

Spain confirms mutual expulsion of diplomats with Russia

Madrid, Dec 29 (IANS/EFE) Spain’s foreign ministry confirmed Tuesday that Russia expelled two Spanish diplomats in response to Madrid’s decision last month to expel two Russians “for conducting activities incompatible with their status”.

The two Spanish diplomats expelled from Moscow last week have the rank of secretary, Foreign Ministry sources told EFE.
The Spanish daily …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Spain confirms mutual expulsion of diplomats with Russia.

Brazil prison population triples in 15 years

Sao Paulo, Dec 29 (IANS/EFE) The population of Brazil’s prison system currently stands at 494,237 inmates, or triple the number behind bars 15 years ago, according to official figures.

According to the National Penitentiary Department, or Depen, an agency of the Justice Ministry, the number of inmates was slightly more than 148,000 in 1995.
According …. Original source  : Brazil prison population triples in 15 years.

41 Mexican guards to go on trial for jailbreak

Mexico City, Dec 29 (IANS/EFE) A Mexican judge decided to bring to trial 41 guards, among them seven women, posted to a penitentiary in the northern border city of Nuevo Laredo for their alleged responsibility in the escape of 153 prisoners, authorities said.

“The accused … employed (in) … Nuevo Laredo, will face charges for …. Read the original article  : 41 Mexican guards to go on trial for jailbreak.

Reporter murdered in Honduras

Tegucigalpa, Dec 29 (IANS/EFE) Radio reporter Henry Suazo was gunned down Tuesday in La Masica, a town on Honduras’ Caribbean coast, his employer said.

Suazo was shot dead as he was leaving his home, according to his employer HRN, which cited an account from Jorge Abilio Diaz, owner of a television station in La Masica.
…. Source  : Reporter murdered in Honduras.

Over 200 US skiers stranded after chairlift derails

WASHINGTON – About 220 skiers were stranded and at least six injured after a chairlift derailed at a ski resort on Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine.

The Spillway East chairlift derailed Tuesday morning after the rope cable slipped over the edge of a pulley, and five chairs fell an estimated 9-12 metres to the ground, the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Over 200 US skiers stranded after chairlift derails.

11 dead in Russian military plane crash

MOSCOW – A military aeroplane has crashed in central Russia, killing all on board, news reports said Wednesday.

The Russian Air Force Antonov An-22 transport plane was carrying 11 people, officials were quoted as saying by news agency Itar-Tass.
The number of passengers was given as “about 12″ by news agency Ria Novosti, citing a … Read more >>>.

Punjab jail inmate commits suicide, probe on

SANGRUR – An inmate of the Sangrur district jail committed suicide by hanging himself from the grills of the window of his barrack, police said Thursday.

Kamaljit, who killed himself Wednesday night, was accused of killing his father over a property dispute and was arrested Dec 13. He was in his late 30s.
We have [..] Read the original article: here.

Cops loot Bastar tribals; their boss apologises, pays damages

RAIPUR – A senior police officer in Chhattisgarh’s restive Bastar region said Thursday that he apologised to tribals for misbehaviour and loot carried out by his subordinates, and even distributed money to the villagers to compensate them.

The poor men and women of villages Pandewar, Gondpal and Kuper of Dantewada district had begun running away … Read more »».

Mastermind behind Rs.300 crore Citibank fraud held (Second Lead)

GURGAON – Citibank manager Shivraj Puri, accused of cheating investors of Rs.300 crore, surrendered before police and was taken into custody Thursday, almost two days after one of India’s biggest banking frauds earlier estimated to be worth Rs.100 crore came to light, officials said.

“Puri surrendered at around 12.30 p.m. He has been taken into …. Source  : Mastermind behind Rs.300 crore Citibank fraud held (Second Lead).

Four children killed in Bengal slum fire

KOLKATA – Four children were killed and 70 shanties were destroyed early Thursday after a fire, lit to keep people warm, spread through a slum in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, officials said.

“Four charred bodies of children aged between six-10 years were recovered from the gutted shanties early Thursday. The bodies were …. Source article  : Four children killed in Bengal slum fire.

Citibank manager behind Rs.200 crore fraud arrested

GURGAON – Citibank manager Shivraj Puri, accused of cheating investors of over Rs.200 crore, surrendered before police and was taken into custody Thursday, almost two days after one of India’s biggest banking frauds came to light, officials said.

“Puri surrendered at around 12.30 p.m. He has been taken into custody and will be presented before … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Citibank manager behind Rs.200 crore fraud arrested.

Two Shiv Sena leaders booked for Pune violence

PUNE – Two days after a Shiv Sena-called shutdown evoked some violence and a partial response in this Maharashtra city, a compliant was Thursday lodged against two of the party’s leaders for hatching a conspiracy to create law and order problems, police said.

Milind Narvekar, personal assistant of Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two Shiv Sena leaders booked for Pune violence.

Kirti Azad complains of extortion call by teen cricketer

PATNA – A budding cricketer here has been booked for allegedly demanding Rs.20 lakh from Bihar’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former cricketer Kirti Azad, police said Thursday.

Parnav Kumar Choudhary was booked after Azad, the MP from Darbhanga, alleged that he had been threatened with dire consequences if he did not pay …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Citibank manager surrenders in Gurgaon

GURGAON – Citibank manager Shivraj Puri, accused of cheating investors of around Rs.200 crore, surrendered to police here Tuesday, almost 48 hours after one of India’s biggest banking frauds came to light.
… Read more : Citibank manager surrenders in Gurgaon.

Another businessman abducted in Bihar

PATNA – A businessman was abducted early Thursday morning by unidentified men in Banka district in Bihar, police said.

Neelesh Kumar Seth, who runs a jewellery business, was abducted at gunpoint by unidentified men in Banka district when he along with his family was on way to Deogarh in neighbouring Jharkhand state.
His family …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Goa whistle-blower on cricket nepotism alleges victimisation

PANAJI – A whistle-blower, who blew the lid off a Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) forgery and nepotism scandal involving a former top official and Congress legislator in Goa, has alleged that he is being victimised by the police.

Shekhar Salkar, who filed a first information report (FIR) against Goa Cricket Association … Read more >>.

Several Hindus kidnapped for ransom, says Pakistani leader

ISLAMABAD – Santosh Kumar Bugti, a minority leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N, has sought early recovery of an abducted leading Hindu spiritual leader and said that several members of the Hindu community had been kidnapped for ransom.

Addressing a press conference in Quetta, Bugti appealed to all tribal leaders and elders to play their role [..] Read the original article: here.

Death sentence for man who raped, killed 4-year-old

KARACHI – A 22-year-old man has been awarded the death sentence in Karachi for raping and murdering a four-year-old girl who used to call him “chachu” (uncle).

The anti-terrorism court awarded the death sentence to Sher Khan for the attack that took place in July this year.
Investigators found that Khan had killed the girl …. Original article  : Death sentence for man who raped, killed 4-year-old.

Probe sought into Honduran journalist’s murder

Paris, Dec 30 (IANS/EFE) Reporters Without Borders have asked the government of Honduras to carry out an “impartial and effective” investigation into the murder of reporter Henry Suazo. The reporter was killed in the Caribbean coastal city of La Ceiba.

The slaying of Suazo, a correspondent for Tegucigalpa-based HRN radio, brings to 10 the number [..] Read the original article: here.

Drug lord described as `murderer of murderers’ killed

Bogota, Dec 30 (IANS/EFE) Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced Wednesday that ruthless drug lord Pedro Guerrero, alias “Cuchillo” (knife), was killed last week in a clash with police. Santos described Guerrero as “the murderer of murderers”.

“The murderer of murderers fell. We were on his trail for many years. He had become a kind … Original source on Gaea Times at : Drug lord described as `murderer of murderers’ killed.

Millions short of water as drought hits eastern China

BEIJING – A severe drought in China’s eastern Shandong province has left tens of thousands of people short of drinking water and dried up vast swathes of farmland.

The drought, worst in 50 years, has left some 240,000 people short of drinking water. It also hit about 1.84 million hectares of cropland, Xinhua reported citing … Read more »»».

Robbers loot 50 kg gold from Canadian-owned mine in Brazil

TORONTO – Armed robbers stormed a Canadian-run gold mine in Brazil Wednesday night and took away 50 kg of the yellow metal.

The Vancouver-based Luna Gold Corporation said that after taking its staff hostage, the robbers set off explosives to crack a storage safe to loot the precious metal. The value of the metal has …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Robbers loot 50 kg gold from Canadian-owned mine in Brazil.

OHIO Student Killed in one Car Accident

OHIO (GaeaTimes.com) — East Canton High School students are mourning over 18-year-old Christopher Wheeler, a senior at the school, who was killed in a single car accident late Tuesday night.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol commented that Wheeler was a passenger in a vehicle that was heading southbound on State Route 44 shortly before midnight. …. Original source  : OHIO Student Killed in one Car Accident.

Car Crash near Grassington Kills 2, Injures a Couple

GRASSINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — A couple from Grassington are recovering in hospital after a crash in which two people died.
The couple, who are in their 50s, were in a green Audi A8 car, which was in a head-on collision with a red Peugeot 306 on the B6165 Ripley to Pateley Bridge road near Summerbridge on …. Source  : Car Crash near Grassington Kills 2, Injures a Couple.

Woman serious after husband’s axe attack

NEW DELHI – A woman was battling for life Wednesday after her husband attacked her with an axe while she was sound asleep, police said.

The accused surrendered before the police soon after the incident.
“Seema was attacked on her face and hands by her husband Tarun at their Hari Nagar residence. She is battling …. Original source  : Woman serious after husband’s axe attack.

Roof collapse kills two in capital

NEW DELHI – Two people, including the owner of a steel factory, were killed and one was injured Wednesday when the roof of a building constructed eight-days ago collapsed after its support system was removed, police said.

According to the police, the incident took place at a factory in Wazirpur Industrial Area in north Delhi. …. Read the original article  : Roof collapse kills two in capital.

Mentally challenged man battered to death

NEW DELHI – A 32-year-old mentally challenged man was beaten to death by his neighbours over a petty issue in west Delhi, police said Friday.

Jai Prakash Pahuja was repeatedly hit on the head with a brick outside his home in Nihal Vihar Thursday night when he laughed at his neighbours Jasbir Singh and Charanjeet …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mentally challenged man battered to death.

Moily meets CBI chief to discuss Aarushi case

NEW DELHI – Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily Friday discussed the more than two-year-old Aarushi murder case with Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director A.P. Singh in the wake of the agency filing a closure report in the yet unsolved case citing lack of evidence.

“Someone has killed Aarushi in a brutal and dastardly …. Read the original article  : Moily meets CBI chief to discuss Aarushi case.

We won’t pay blood money, say Indians on UAE death row (Third Lead)

SHARJAH/CHANDIGARH – Claiming innocence, 17 Indians sentenced to death for killing a Pakistani man in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have refused to settle the case by paying blood money to the victim’s family as recompense for the murder. Their families in India agree and say they will not take up the new offer by … Original source on Gaea Times at : We won’t pay blood money, say Indians on UAE death row (Third Lead).

Indians on death row in UAE refuse to settle case with blood money (Second Lead)

SHARJAH – Seventeen Indians, sentenced to death for killing a Pakistani man in the UAE, have refused to pay the blood money to settle the case as offered by the victim’s family.

The representative of the deceased Misri Nazir Khan’s family told the Sharjah Court of Appeal Thursday that they are ready to settle the … Read more >>.

No need for blood money, say families of Indians on UAE death row

CHANDIGARH – Stating that their kin were innocent, the family members of the 17 Indians who are on death row in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a Punjab-based NGO pursuing their case have opposed the giving of blood money to secure their release.

“There is no need to give any blood money for the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : No need for blood money, say families of Indians on UAE death row.

Indians on death row in UAE: Victim’s family ready for blood money

SHARJAH – Seventeen Indians, sentenced to death for killing a Pakistani man in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have been offered a lifeline with the victim’s family agreeing to settle the case in lieu of blood money as compensation.

Khaleej Times reported Friday that the victim’s family wants the men to be executed if they …. Original source  : Indians on death row in UAE: Victim’s family ready for blood money.

Man who got drunk, fell asleep during robbery held

Mexico City, Dec 31 (IANS/EFE) A 20-year-old Mexican thief who picked up some bottles of liquor while robbing a house was arrested after he got drunk and fell asleep inside the property, authorities said.

Miguel Angel Rosales Gomez broke into a house Sunday night in the city of Taretan and gathered up a number of items, …. Read the original article  : Man who got drunk, fell asleep during robbery held.

Five bullet-riddled bodies found on Mexican highway

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Dec 31 (IANS/EFE) Five bullet-riddled bodies were found on a rural highway in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, officials said.

Residents of the town of Sainapuchi notified police Wednesday that the bodies had been dumped on the road, Chihuahua state Attorney General’s Office spokesman Carlos Gonzalez said, without providing information about …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Five bullet-riddled bodies found on Mexican highway.

Indians on death row: Victim’s family ready for blood money

SHARJAH – Seventeen Indians who are facing death sentence for killing a Pakistani man in the UAE have been provided a lifeline by the victim’s family who have agreed to settle the case if they are provided with compensation, including blood money.

Khaleej Times reported Friday that the victim’s family wants the men to be …. Original source  : Indians on death row: Victim’s family ready for blood money.

Plane makes u-turn to offload unruly passengers

DUBAI – Don’t create a ruckus inside a plane, you may be taken back to the airport and offloaded!

This is what exactly happed to three unruly and disruptive passengers who caused commotion in a Gulf Air flight, forcing the pilot to turn back to the airport to offload them.
“Three passengers of a group [..] Read the original article: here.

Hamilton County Car Crash Kills Purdue Student

HAMILTON COUNTY (GaeaTimes.com) — A single vehicle accident in Hamilton County results in the death of a Purdue student and sends another person to the hospital.
Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Carter said, 19-year-old Nick Ozolins was killed in a single car crash that happened around 11:45 pm Wednesday night near 256th Street and Lacy Road. … Read : Hamilton County Car Crash Kills Purdue Student.

Baby Orphaned in a Car Accident

VEGREVILLE, CANADA (GaeaTimes.com) — A baby girl who lost both her parents in a Christmas Eve car crash has been released from hospital.
Little eight-month-old Aleera Logozar is now in the care of her grandparents. She was seriously hurt in the head-on collision that killed her parents and an aunt near Vegreville close to midnight … Read more : Baby Orphaned in a Car Accident.

Olympic marathon champion faces assault charges in Kenya

NAIROBI – Olympic marathon champion Samuel Wanjiru has landed in a Kenyan court after being charged with assault, attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm, broadcaster Capital FM reported.

Wanjiru allegedly threatened his domestic help when he returned home drunk Wednesday. A fight with his wife then led to an assault and murder threats, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two held for carry pistol in Noida Metro station

NOIDA – Two people were arrested for illegally carrying a pistol in the City Centre station of Delhi Metro in Noida Thursday evening, police said.

According to Girish Kumar Jayant, station house officer of Sector-24 police station, Dilshad (25) and Jahid (27) were arrested while trying to approach the Metro platform for going to …. Source  : Two held for carry pistol in Noida Metro station.

Aarushi case may come up in Ghaziabad court Jan 3

GHAZIABAD – A Ghaziabad court would take up the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) closure report in the Aarushi Talwar murder case Jan 3, 2011 when it reopens after vacation, local lawyers said Thursday while slamming the probe agency.

The CBI filed its final report in the case in a Ghaziabad special court on …. Read the original article  : Aarushi case may come up in Ghaziabad court Jan 3.

Principal booked for selling text-books as scrap

MIRZAPUR – A principal of a government school and another official were Thursday booked in this Uttar Pradesh district for selling as scrap textbooks that were meant to be distributed free to the students, police said.

Ram Prasad Yadav, principal of the Tenduri Primary School and Munshilal, a Nyay Panchayat resource co-ordinator were caught Thursday … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Principal booked for selling text-books as scrap.

Four youths held for murder, robbery

NEW DELHI – Four youths were arrested after they robbed two people and killed one of them earlier this month in west Delhi, police said Thursday.

On Dec 25, one of the accused Bittoo was arrested. During interrogation, Bittoo revealed the name of the other accused: Ashish, Anil, Sonu, Vinod and Praveen. All the six …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Four youths held for murder, robbery.

Gurgaon police claim dip in crime during 2010

GURGAON – Even as 83 cases of murder and over 2,400 cases of vehicle theft were reported in Gurgaon this year, the city police Thursday claimed that the crime rate had gone down as compared to 2009.

The city also witnessed 22 cases of dowry deaths, just one less from the previous year, and 18 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Gurgaon police claim dip in crime during 2010.

Missing Lucknow student found murdered

BARABANKI – A Class 12 student of a private school in Lucknow was Thursday found murdered in this Uttar Pradesh district, police said.

Dwijendra Sharma, 17, who studied in Doon Public School (DPS) and went missing Dec 20, was found dead in a canal in Masauli.
“His (Sharma’s) body was recovered from the Sharda canal. … Read more >>.

Aarushi case: Parents to fight CBI closure report (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – A day after the CBI requested for closure of the yet unsolved Aarushi Talwar murder case, her parents are set to file a protest petition in a special court at Ghaziabad, even as Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily accepted that reasons for not solving the over two-year-old case will have to be …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Aarushi case: Parents to fight CBI closure report (Roundup).

One for the road gets 388 challaned on New Year Eve

NEW DELHI – For 484 party revellers in the capital the New Year began on the wrong foot as they found themselves caught on the wrong side of the traffic rules – and mostly also on the high – Friday night.

Though the number of offenders were on the lower side this New Year’s … Read more : One for the road gets 388 challaned on New Year Eve.

Indian widow loses salary in Malaysia, daughter back home

KUALA LUMPUR – The misery of an Indian widow, deprived of her salary in Malaysia, was compounded as her teenaged daughter committed suicide after the woman failed to send her school fees on time.

Latha Shanmugam, 37, a widow from Thanjavur in Tamilnadu, was employed by a Malaysian family when she came to Kuala Lumpur … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indian widow loses salary in Malaysia, daughter back home.

Mahasweta writes to Hasina on jailed workers’ leader

DHAKA – Magsaysay Award winning Indian writer Mahasweta Devi has in a letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed concern at the condition of garment workers’ leader Mushrefa Mishu and asked her to ensure justice to the detained woman.

“I am deeply perturbed by learning that Mishu has been arrested without warrant. She is …. Original article  : Mahasweta writes to Hasina on jailed workers’ leader.

Train hits two trucks, one dead in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A train rammed into two trucks in Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur district Saturday, killing a man and leaving two people injured, after its driver “failed to notice” the red signal at a level crossing, officials said.

The accident took place at the level crossing gate No. 26 B of the Babura railway crossing, where … Read more : Train hits two trucks, one dead in Uttar Pradesh.

Man held with heroin worth Rs.1 crore in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A drug peddler was arrested with heroin worth around Rs.1 crore in Chanduali district in Uttar Pradesh, the police said Saturday.

Azad, aged about 25, was nabbed late Friday in Sayedraza area, in Chanduali district following a joint operation by the district police and the special operation group.
He worked for an …. Source article  : Man held with heroin worth Rs.1 crore in Uttar Pradesh.

Six booked for raping student in Haryana town

NARNAUL – Six men have been booked for raping a management student from Rajasthan in this Haryana town, police said Saturday.

Investigations are in progress and arrests are likely to be made shortly, said Investigating officer Ramesh Kumar, who is station house officer (SHO) of the Narnaul city police station.
“No arrest has been … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Six booked for raping student in Haryana town.

NRI appeals to abductors to free brother in Bihar

PATNA – Three days after a businessman was abducted in Bihar’s Banka district, his brother based in California in the US appealed to the abductors to free him as police failed to make any breakthrough.

“I appeal to the abductors to release my brother,” Sanjeev Kumar said via e-mail to mediapersons Friday night.
He said … Read this article on Gaea Times at : NRI appeals to abductors to free brother in Bihar.

Britain loses millions of pounds over parking tickets

LONDON – Councils across Britain wrote off thousands of parking tickets worth millions of pounds as they cannot trace drivers of foreign-registered vehicles they have been issued to, a media report said.

A range of 20 councils and police forces across Britain which had passenger and freight ferry terminals, ports and other major transport hubs …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Britain loses millions of pounds over parking tickets.

Tornadoes, storms kill five in US

WASHINGTON – A massive system of thunderstorms and tornadoes claimed at least five lives in the south and central US Friday, local media reports said.

Three people were killed by a tornado in northwest Arkansas, while another two deaths in bordering southwest Missouri were also reported.
Weather forecasters warned that a system of damaging thunderstorms, …. Original article  : Tornadoes, storms kill five in US.

Two killed in scrapyard explosion

PANCHKULA – Two teenagers were killed and five others injured in an explosion in a scrapyard at Bhudapur village near here, Friday evening.

According to the police, the deceased boys were identified as Sonu, 12, and Charan Singh, 16.
“A group of boys was sitting near a bonfire that was close to a scrap shop …. Original source  : Two killed in scrapyard explosion.

One dead, 10 ill after ammonia cylinder bursts

KOLKATA – One worker died and 10 of his colleagues were taken seriously ill Friday after inhaling toxic ammonia gas that leaked following a cylinder burst in an ice-making factory at Barrackpore in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, police said.

“One of those affected died in hospital,” said fire and emergency services … Original article on : One dead, 10 ill after ammonia cylinder bursts.

ATS nabs man smuggling firearms from Nepal

LUCKNOW – The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Friday arrested a man in Kanpur in connection with the smuggling of firearms from Nepal, Bihar and West Bengal and supplying them to Delhi and other states.

Kapil Kumar was arrested with three foreign-made pistols, two country-made pistols and around 35 live cartridges, from outside the Kanpur …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ATS nabs man smuggling firearms from Nepal.

Man held with counterfeit currency in south Delhi

NEW DELHI – A man was arrested here with fake currency notes of face value Rs.14,000, police said Friday.

Suresh Paswan, involved in the sale of counterfeit currency, was arrested by the police Dec 25 from Defence Colony in south Delhi.
“We laid a trap after we got information that the accused will sell …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Man held with counterfeit currency in south Delhi.

To impress girlfriend, youth steals car father had sold

NEW DELHI – In a bizzare case, a 23-year-old Delhi University graduate who wanted to impress his girlfriend has been arrested for stealing a car his father had sold, police said Friday.

According to police, accused Gaurav Arora, stole the car his father had sold to another person. He was arrested from Vasant Vihar in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : To impress girlfriend, youth steals car father had sold.

Woman engaged in trafficking held in Ghaziabad

GHAZIABAD – The Ghaziabad Police have arrested a woman engaged in human trafficking and rescued two of three Assamese girls sold here, police said Friday.

However, two other traffickers are absconding.
The police said they had received a telephone-message from the Assam Police a week ago about three Assamese girls having been sold here. The … Read more >>.

Need for a re-look in Aarushi case, say Moily, NCW (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – As parents of murdered teenager Aarushi Talwar protested the closure of the over two-year-old unsolved case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily, National Commission of Women chairperson Girija Vyas and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar asked the agency to review the case.

The case meanwhile …. Source article  : Need for a re-look in Aarushi case, say Moily, NCW (Second Lead).

11 taken ill after cylinder bursts in Kolkata ice-making factory

KOLKATA – Eleven workers fell ill after inhaling toxic ammonia gas that leaked following a cylinder burst in an ice-making factory at Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal Friday, police said.

“The incident happened this evening (Friday) when the victims were working in the factory. The cylinder burst suddenly and 11 workers … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 11 taken ill after cylinder bursts in Kolkata ice-making factory.

Two held for murder in capital

NEW DELHI – Two people in their twenties have been arrested here for murdering the security guard of a shop they tried to rob some days back, police said Friday.

Ali Hasan, 24, and Yusuf, 22, along with their two aides, Shabbu and Taharuddin, murdered a security guard of a wooden planks shop Dec 11. … Original article on : Two held for murder in capital.

Top Hero Group official asked to join Citibank fraud probe

GURGAON – The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Hero Corporate Ltd, which was allegedly duped in the Rs.300 crore Citibank fraud, was Friday called by Gurgaon police to join the investigations, sources said here.

Sanjay Gupta who used to deal with Sanjay Puri (Citibank’s relationship manager and mastermind of the scam) joined the investigations …. Source article  : Top Hero Group official asked to join Citibank fraud probe.

Two teens killed in explosion

PANCHKULA – Two teenagers were killed in an explosion in a scrap yard at Bhudapur village, near here, Friday evening.

The boys were identified as Sonu, 12, and Charan Singh, 16, police said.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two teens killed in explosion.

Two killed, 30 injured in Kashmir road accident

JAMMU – Two people were killed and 30 injured when a mini-bus skidded off the road and rolled down into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous Doda district Sunday, police said.

The mini-bus, on its way from Thathri to Doda, a distance of 35 km, had covered less than first five km of its …. Original source  : Two killed, 30 injured in Kashmir road accident.

Punjab cops give roses to traffic violators

ZIRAKPUR – Inspired by Bollywood’s “Laage Raho Munna Bhai”, police are giving away roses to traffic violators in Zirakpur, one of the busiest towns in Punjab.

They are also explaining them their faults and distributing pamphlets to spread knowledge about traffic rules.
All this is part of the ‘traffic awareness week’ that began Jan 1. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Punjab cops give roses to traffic violators.

234 die in New Year’s highway carnage in Thailand

BANGKOK – Road accidents claimed 234 lives in Thailand’s first four days of the seven deadly days of New Year’s driving, officials said Sunday.

Between Wednesday to Saturday some 2,473 road accidents occurred on Thailand’s highways, killing 234 people and injuring 2,656, according to figures released by the government’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.
The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 234 die in New Year’s highway carnage in Thailand.

Bihar kidnappings shock, scare NRIs

PATNA – Non-Resident Indians from Bihar are shocked and worried over the rising incidents of kidnapping in the state as the fear of abductions once again returns to haunt the people.

Many NRI’s expressed their anguish four days after Neelesh Kumar Seth, a businessman, was abducted in Bihar’s Banka district last week. His brother Sanjeev … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bihar kidnappings shock, scare NRIs.

Rape-accused BSP legislator suspended

LUCKNOW – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Sunday suspended a legislator of her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) accused of raping a minor girl.

In an order, the chief minister said BSP legislator Pushottam Narain Dwivedi has been suspended from the party pending an inquiry by the Crime Investigation Department. If found guilty, Dwivedi will be … Read more >>>.

Police official among three nabbed for car lifting

AMRITSAR – Punjab Police Sunday claimed to have busted an inter-state gang of car thieves with the arrest of three men, including a police official.

According to police, the accused were identified as Gurinderpal Singh alias Pinka, an assistant sub-inspector and resident of Patiala town, Navdeep Singh alias Bablu, an Amritsar resident, and Anil …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police official among three nabbed for car lifting.

Australia’s coast city braces for ‘biblical’ floods

SYDNEY – Residents of an eastern coastal city called for help filling sandbags Sunday as Australia’s worst flooding in 50 years threatened to isolate it and swamp many of its homes.

Rockhampton Mayor Brad Carter said the 75,000 residents were in a race against time after the Fitzroy River broke its banks and cut road [..] Read the original article: here.

RTI activist attacked near Pune

PUNE – Arun Mane, an RTI activist who has been pursuing land scams around Pune, was attacked with a sharp weapon by an unidentified man early Sunday, police said. He sustained injuries on his forehead, chest and hands, but is out of danger.

Mane, who owns a footwear shop in Talegaon-Dabhade, some 40 km from … Read this article on Gaea Times at : RTI activist attacked near Pune.

Indian nabbed in Nepal with firearm

KATHMANDU – Police arrested an Indian near the India-Nepal border Sunday for allegedly carrying a firearm.

Preliminary reports said Munna Lal Kurmi, a resident of Balarampur in India’s Uttar Pradesh state, was arrested from Bahadurganj in southern Nepal’s Kapilavastu district along the border.
Kurmi was said to be carrying a pistol. Further details of the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indian nabbed in Nepal with firearm.

Five killed in US fire

WASHINGTON – Five people, including four children, were killed in a fire at a building in the US state of Washington, a media report said.

The fire began at a unit of the Sammamish Ridge Apartments building in Redmond city Saturday morning, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Firefighters said the children, all believed to be …. Source article  : Five killed in US fire.

Three killed in Russian plane explosion

Moscow, Jan 2 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least three passengers were killed and over 40 injured when a Russian jet carrying 134 people exploded shortly after making an emergency landing at a Siberian airport.

The accident took place Saturday when the Russian Tu-154M passenger jet of Kogalymavia Airlines, which was to land at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport, … Read more »»».

Three dead in Russian jet blast after landing

MOSCOW – At least three people were killed when a passenger jet carrying nearly 130 people exploded shortly after making an emergency landing in western Siberia, Russian media reported Saturday.

The Kogalymavia Airlines Tu-154 reportedly experienced an engine flameout shortly after take-off from Surgut Airport in Siberia.
The plane was evacuated on landing. Reports said …. Source  : Three dead in Russian jet blast after landing.

Mayawati orders probe into rape allegations against BSP legislator

LUCKNOW – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Saturday ordered a police inquiry into the allegations of gangrape and illegal confinement of a minor girl by a ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) legislator and his supporters in the state’s Banda district.

In an official press release issued her, the chief minister said: “The Crime Branch of …. Source article  : Mayawati orders probe into rape allegations against BSP legislator.

Three held for murdering 14-year-old boy

NEW DELHI – Three people were arrested in north Delhi in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a 14-year-old boy, police said Saturday.

Anil Kumar Sharma, Manish Sharma and Nikhil were arrested early Saturday. They kidnapped Vikas from Vivek Vihar in east Delhi Dec 15 and demanded Rs.15 lakh ransom from his father. … Original article on : Three held for murdering 14-year-old boy.

Men barge into councillor’s home, fire at children

BHIWANI – Two unidentified men Saturday forcibly entered the house of a newly-elected municipal councillor here and opened fire at his two minor children, including a girl, the police said.

According to the police, the miscreants, who had covered their faces, entered the house of Maman Chand, councillor from ward number 22, in Halu Mohalla … Read more : Men barge into councillor’s home, fire at children.

CBI points finger at Aarushi’s parents, but lacks evidence (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – With the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) casting strong aspersions on the role of Aarushi Talwar’s father in her murder, the parents Saturday again lashed out at the agency for making “wild” allegations without a shred of evidence.

Fourteen-year-old Aarushi was found murdered under mysterious circumstances in her parents’ Jalvayu Vihar apartment …. Source article  : CBI points finger at Aarushi’s parents, but lacks evidence (Roundup).

CBI’s allegations wild, speculative: Aarushi’s parents

NEW DELHI – Reacting to the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) closure report which says that the Aarushi Talwar murder scene was heavily dressed up, which could only have been done by her parents, the Talwars Saturday lashed out at the investigative agency for making “wild” and “speculative” allegations.

“These allegations are so wild, so …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : CBI’s allegations wild, speculative: Aarushi’s parents.

Four held for cheating telecom company Uninor

NEW DELHI – Four people accused of cheating telecommunications company Uninor of Rs.95 lakh have been arrested, police said Saturday.

Manoj Pahwa, 34, Varun Mittal, 23, Rahul Sharma, 33, and Nitin Sharma, 24, were arrested Thursday for having cheated the company – a joint venture of Norway-based Telenor and Indian firm Unitech – through fraudulent …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Four held for cheating telecom company Uninor.

Australian held for peddling drugs

PANAJI – An Australian national was arrested for peddling drugs at a beach party in Anjuna during the wee hours of New Year celebrations.

Oliver Pinz, 25, was arrested for allegedly selling LSD, a banned psychedelic drug, to tourists near Anjuna beach earlier Saturday, according to the police anti-narcotics cell.
He was found …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Australian held for peddling drugs.

Over 364,000 affected in Sri Lanka floods

COLOMBO – At least two people have died and more than 364,000 people were affected by flash floods in several parts of Sri Lanka, Xinhua reported Saturday.

The eastern Batticaloa district was the worst affected with over 330,000 people marooned, the disaster management centre said.
A total of 1,400 houses were destroyed and … Read more : Over 364,000 affected in Sri Lanka floods.