Accidents & Disasters – Monthly Newsletter February 2011

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.

Australia airlifts east coast residents ahead of flood peak

SYDNEY – Australia’s military declared victory Monday in its race to provision the 75,000 people of Rockhampton ahead of floods that by mid-week could isolate the east-coast city from the rest of waterlogged Queensland.

Mayor Rod Carter said the Defence Force had ferried in enough food, drinking water and medical supplies to last beyond an … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Australia airlifts east coast residents ahead of flood peak.

Aarushi murder closure report to be heard Jan 7

GHAZIABAD – The Central Bureau of Investigation’s report in the Aarushi Talwar murder as an unsolved case will be heard by the CBI special court here Jan 7.

In her order, CBI Special Magistrate Preeti Singh instructed the agency’s investigative officer to be present in the court with all the documents Jan 7. … Original article on : Aarushi murder closure report to be heard Jan 7.

Man lynched in Uttar Pradesh village

LUCKNOW – A mob lynched a man in Kaushambhi in Uttar Pradesh after he was found sneaking into a house, police said Monday.

The body of Deshraj, 45, was recovered Sunday from in Baksha village on the outskirts of Kaushambhi, some 250 km from Lucknow.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the locals of the Baksha village … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Man lynched in Uttar Pradesh village.

Seven drug traffickers hanged in Iran

TEHRAN – Seven convicted drug traffickers were executed Monday in western Iran by hanging, Fars news agency reported.

They were hanged in a prison in the city of Kermanshah after their sentences were confirmed by the Supreme Court, Fars reported.
Murder, rape, armed robbery and trafficking in more than 5 kg of drugs are among …. Source  : Seven drug traffickers hanged in Iran.

Top Hero Group official held in Citibank fraud (Second Lead)

GURGAON – A top official of the Hero Group was Monday arrested for his alleged connivance in frauding Citibank customers, including his own company, of an estimated Rs.300 crore, police said here.

Sanjay Gupta, the chief financial officer of Hero Corporate Ltd, was arrested here Monday.
Hero Corporate Ltd is one of the associates of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Top Hero Group official held in Citibank fraud (Second Lead).

Five injured as cylinder bursts in Madhya Pradesh’s fair

BHOPAL – At least five people were injured when a cylinder exploded at a fair in Bhopal’s Satna district in Madhya Pradesh Sunday midnight, police said.

“A cylinder, used to fill gas in balloons, burst in the fair. A few people were injured and they were sent to hospital,” police officer Sandeep Dixit said. … Original article on : Five injured as cylinder bursts in Madhya Pradesh’s fair.

Hero Group official held in Rs.300 crore Citibank fraud

GURGAON – Sanjay Gupta, the chief financial officer of Hero Corporate Ltd, was arrested here Monday for his alleged connivance in the Rs.300 crore Citibank fraud, police said.

According to police, Gupta was in the know of the massive fraud perpetrated by Sanjay Puri, Citibank’s relationship manager.
Police said that the fraud was “done in …. Read the original article  : here.

Rajesh Talwar files plea against closing Aarushi murder case

GHAZIABAD – Rajesh Talwar, father of murdered teenager Aarushi, Monday filed a protest petition in the CBI court here, requesting that the case not be closed as requested by the investigating agency.

In his application, he submitted that he was the “unfortunate parent of Aarushi”, who was murdered on the intervening night of May 15-16, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Rajesh Talwar files plea against closing Aarushi murder case.

Top Hero Group official arrested in Citibank fraud

GURGAON – Sanjay Gupta, the chief financial officer of Hero Corporate Ltd, was arrested here Monday for his alleged connivance in the Rs.300 crore Citibank fraud, police said.
… Original article on : Top Hero Group official arrested in Citibank fraud.

Adarsh scam: Maharashtra rights panel member resigns

MUMBAI – Subhash Lalla, Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) member and former secretary to the then chief minister, Monday tendered his resignation to Governor K. Sankaranarayanan, maintaining that he had no role or financial involvement in the purchase of flats in the controversial Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society.

The governor accepted the resignation of Lalla …. Original article  : Adarsh scam: Maharashtra rights panel member resigns.

Women’s commission confident Aarushi will get justice

NEW DELHI – National Commission for Women chairperson Girija Vyas said Monday she is confident that justice will be delivered in the Aarushi Talwar murder case even as the CBI’s closure report on the case was registered in a Ghaziabad court.

“I have full faith in the court and am sure that she (Aarushi) will …. Original article  : Women’s commission confident Aarushi will get justice.

Why the haste to close Aarushi case, court asks CBI

GHAZIABAD – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) report seeking closure of the Aarushi Talwar murder case was Monday registered in a court here, which questioned the agency on its haste to shut the case.

However, the CBI special court has deferred its hearing in the case saying it would declare the next date …. Source article  : Why the haste to close Aarushi case, court asks CBI.

We won’t give up, say Talwars

GHAZIABAD – The parents of murdered teenager Aarushi Talwar Monday said they want justice for their child and would not let the case be closed “so easily”.

Rajesh Talwar and Nupur Talwar Monday went to a Ghaziabad court to apply for the CBI’s closure report in the case.
“We want justice for our child and … Read more »»».

Aarushi case: Court registers CBI closure report

GHAZIABAD – The Central Bureau of Investigation’s report seeking closure of the Aarushi Talwar murder case was Monday registered in a court here.

However, the CBI special court has deferred its hearing in the case.
… Original article on : Aarushi case: Court registers CBI closure report.

Airlift to waterlogged Australia’s east coast ahead of flood peak

SYDNEY – Australia’s military was racing Monday to resupply Rockhampton ahead of floods that by mid-week could isolate the east coast city of 75,000.

Queensland is reeling from the worst flooding in the state in 50 years, with 22 towns besieged by water and 200,000 people affected.
A man died when his car was swept … Original article on : Airlift to waterlogged Australia’s east coast ahead of flood peak.

Three die after drinking moonshine

RANCHI – Three people died and two fell sick after drinking moonshine in a Jharkhand village, police said Monday.

The incident took place in Boridih village under Silli block of Ranchi late Sunday.
There was a party in the village and the men drank the illicit liquor. Two people have been admitted to the Rajendra …. Source  : Three die after drinking moonshine.

Quake hits Chile

WASHINGTON/SANTIAGO – A major earthquake struck Chile Sunday afternoon, according to Chilean authorities.

The quake registered a magnitude of 7.2, striking at 5.20 p.m. (2020 GMT). There was no tsunami danger, authorities said.
The epicentre of the earthquake was 69 km northwest of Temuco, Chile, and 171 km south of Concepcion, at a depth of …. Read the original article  : Quake hits Chile.

Two killed for practising witchcraft

RANCHI – Two people, including a woman, were killed for practising witchcraft in Jharkhand’s Gumla district, police said Sunday. No one has yet been arrested.

According to police, the two dead bodies were found buried on a river bank near Jolo village of the district, around 140 km from Ranchi.
The victims were identified …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two killed for practising witchcraft.

Curfew imposed in Punjab town after clashes

BHIKI – Curfew was imposed in this town in Punjab’s Mansa district Sunday after a group of protesters clashed with police and also damaged at least six vehicles.

“Curfew has been imposed in Bhikhi town to thwart any untoward incident. A group of anti-social elements had attacked police. They also damaged around six vehicles, including …. Read the original article  : here.

Teen found dead on New Year’s Day

NEW DELHI – A 15-year-old girl was found dead in southwest Delhi on New Year’s Day, police said Sunday.

The body of Jennifer was found lying in Dwarka’s Sector 14 Saturday night.
“The victim was residing with her brother in the servants quarters of the Lady Hardinge Hospital. She had left her house Saturday morning,” …. Original source  : Teen found dead on New Year’s Day.

Citibank manager’s parents summoned by police

GURGAON – Raghuraj and Deeksha Puri, parents of Citibank manager Shivraj Puri who is accused of masterminding a Rs.300 crore fraud, were summoned by the police Tuesday to help in the investigations, police said.

Gurgaon Police Commissioner S.S. Deswal Tuesday sent a letter to Raghuraj’s Mumbai-based company Normans Martin as the parents remain untraceable, said …. Source  : Citibank manager’s parents summoned by police.

Indian in Malaysian jail threatens to kill himself

KUALA LUMPUR – An Indian man languishing in a Malaysian prison for over 36 months, though he was sentenced only for four months, now wants to end his life, a media report said Tuesday.

S. Nallusamy was jailed for illegally entering the country. He was detained by the immigration department in 2007 for not having … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indian in Malaysian jail threatens to kill himself.

Verdict on closing Bofors payoff case Thursday

NEW DELHI – The final verdict on a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to shut the Bofors payoff case, especially on prosecuting Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, has been deferred to Thursday.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Verdict on closing Bofors payoff case Thursday.

RGV shocked at gangster-politician Suri’s killing

NEW DELHI – Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma is shocked at the killing of gangster-politician Gangula Suryanarayana Reddy alias Maddelachervu Suri, who was a key inspiration for his film “Rakta Charitra”.

Suri was shot dead by a close aide in Hyderabad Monday.
“By the time I finished ‘Rakta Charitra’, the reality became a film for me … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : RGV shocked at gangster-politician Suri’s killing.

Dead Birds And Fish In Arkansas: Autopsy Results Out

BEEBE (GaeaTimes.com)- The mystery over the death of the dead birds and fish in Arkansas is going to be resolved soon as the autopsy reports have poured in. A lot of speculations regarding the cause of the death of several thousand blackbirds were doing the round so far. The residents of Beebe were shocked …. Original article  : Dead Birds And Fish In Arkansas: Autopsy Results Out.

CBI wants Quattrocchi case withdrawn despite new twist

NEW DELHI – The CBI Tuesday sought the withdrawal of the case against Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi in the Bofors payoff scam, saying it didn’t have enough evidence against him and there was no fresh word from the government. even after an Income Tax tribunal sensationally ruled that nearly Rs.15-billion gun deal was paid illegally …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : CBI wants Quattrocchi case withdrawn despite new twist.

Five choke to death as house catches fire

GHAZIABAD – Five members of a family, including three children, died of asphyxiation here early Tuesday as their house caught fire while they were asleep, police said.

The incident occurred at Chaman Colony area around 2 a.m. Tuesday.
“Those who died have been identified as Chaman, 35, his wife Nagina, 32, daughters Neha, 7, … Read more »».

Dead Birds And Fish In Arkansas Baffles Officials

BEEBE (GaeaTimes.com)- The unexplained death of several thousands fish and red winged blackbirds in different parts of Arkansas in USA have made the scientists and animal researchers puzzled and the soothsayers are predicting about impending doomsday. The corpses of the several thousand drum fish were found floating in a 30 km radius on …. Original source  : Dead Birds And Fish In Arkansas Baffles Officials.

Woman kills legislator who allegedly raped her (Second Lead)

PATNA – A woman teacher Tuesday knifed to death Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Raj Kishore Kesri at his home in Bihar’s Purnia town, alleging he had raped her for over three years.

As other visitors at Kesri’s home watched in horror, Rupam Pathak suddenly whipped out a hidden knife and attacked the 51-year-old politician, …. Original source  : Woman kills legislator who allegedly raped her (Second Lead).

No breakthrough in Bihar youth’s abduction yet

PATNA – Five days after an 18-year-old youth was abducted for ransom in Bihar’s Begusarai district, police have failed to make any breakthrough for his safe recovery.

Mohammed Shahraza of Saraunja village in Begusarai, about 125 km from here, was abducted Dec 30 and abductors have demanded a ransom of Rs.25 lakh for his release, …. Read the original article  : here.

Bullet-hit Chhattisgarh student battles for life

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh Police was Tuesday clueless about how a bullet hit a Class 5 boy in his school in the Bastar region a day ago. The 11-year-old is battling for life in a hospital.

Ankit Kumar Soni of Dipti Convent School was Monday hit by a stray bullet in Jagdalpur town. The …. Original source  : Bullet-hit Chhattisgarh student battles for life.

Police hunt for killer of gangster-politician

HYDERABAD – Police are hunting for the killer of gangster-politician Gangula Suryanarayana Reddy alias Maddelachervu Suri, who was shot dead allegedly by an aide travelling with him in the same car.

Police Tuesday denied reports that Bhanu Kiran, the suspected killer who was also Suri’s close associate, had been arrested or that he gave himself … Read more >>.

Bihar legislator stabbed to death by woman

PATNA – Bihar legislator Raj Kishore Kesri was Tuesday morning stabbed to death at his home in Purnia district by a woman who had accused the politician of raping her, police said.

Kesri, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from Purnia assembly constituency, was stabbed by the woman, identified as Rupam Pathak, inside his house, [..] Read the original article: here.

Gangster-politician Suri’s murder: Police search for killer

HYDERABAD – Police are still on the lookout for Bhanu Kiran, a close associate of dreaded warlord Gangula Suryanarayana Reddy alias Maddelachervu Suri, who is suspected to have shot the gangster-politician dead.

Police Tuesday denied reports in a section of media that Bhanu had been arrested or that he gave himself up. A police officer …. Original source  : Gangster-politician Suri’s murder: Police search for killer.

Colombian police seize 1.5 tonnes of cocaine

Bogota, Jan 4 (IANS/EFE) Colombian police have seized 1.5 tonnes of cocaine worth $45 million and bound for the US, an official said.

The seized drug was hidden in containers at a dock in northern Cartagena city. “The drug would have shipped to Honduras and then to the Dominican Republic, and from there to the … Read more >>.

A village that boasts of being crime-free

LUCKNOW – No murders or kidnappings, not even petty crimes like chain snatchings and thefts in the past 15 years! This is the proud record of a small village in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Welcome to Takhta village in Gorakhpur district, some 300 km from Lucknow, whose 1,500-odd residents take pride in the unique distinction of …. Read the original article  : here.

Conman says he had sex with over 2,500 women

LONDON – A notorious conman in Britain, who pretended to be friends with Bond actor Pierce Brosnan and singer Robbie Williams, has claimed he had sex with 2,500 women.

By posing as a wealthy hospital consultant, a barrister and a merchant banker, 48-year-old Paul Bint – nicknamed “King Con” – boasted he earned two million … Read more »»».

Curfew imposed in Meghalaya district

SHILLONG – Curfew was imposed Monday in Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills district bordering Assam following an ethnic clash between two tribal groups.

“The curfew was clamped after minor ethnic clash between the Garos and Rabha groups,” East Garo Hills District Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi told IANS.
He said the fighting broke out after … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Curfew imposed in Meghalaya district.

Robbers driving around in red beacon car arrested

NEW DELHI – Two robbers who used to drive around in luxury cars with fitted police sirens and a red beacon while committing their crimes have been arrested,police said Monday.

Vishal Sharma and Varun Kumar, both 25 years old, have been involved in 21 robbery cases and snatchings. They were arrested from the Mongolpuri area in … Read : Robbers driving around in red beacon car arrested.

One killed in Agra as ex-captain opens fire

AGRA – One person was killed and two others injured when a retired army captain Monday morning opened fire on his neighbour’s family after losing a recent panchayat poll in Uttar Pradesh’s Agra district, police said.

The incident took place in village Ujrai.
Police said Bijendra Singh who lost gram pradhan’s election by 12 … Read more »».

Drug peddler held, heroin seized

LUCKNOW – An inter-state drug peddler was arrested here Wednesday with heroin and opium valued at Rs.1 crore, police said.

Brijendra Kumar was nabbed from near a bus stop in Alambagh locality when he was going to hand over the consignment to his clients.
“The man has been in the trade for nearly five years,” … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Drug peddler held, heroin seized.

Mob torches outpost, five policemen injured

LUCKNOW – At least five policemen were injured, two of them critically, when a mob torched their outpost in Uttar Pradesh Wednesday to protest the arrest of a suspected robber.

Alleging that the arrested man was not linked to the robbery at a post office Dec 9, protestors in Jamaniya town in Ghazipur district went …. Read the original article  : here.

Meghalaya curfew relaxed

SHILLONG – Authorities Wednesday relaxed for three hours the curfew in Mendipathar in Meghalaya’s East Garo district that witnessed ethnic violence, an official said.

Curfew was imposed in Mendipathar and adjoining areas bordering Assam’s Goalpara district Monday night after clashes between the Garo and Rabha tribals.
The relaxation began at 2 p.m., district Deputy Commissioner … Read : Meghalaya curfew relaxed.

Balakrishnan’s son-in-law quits Youth Congress

THIRIVANANTHAPURAM – Former chief justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan’s son-in-law P.V. Srinijin Wednesday quit the Youth Congress for allegedly acquiring huge wealth, as a court accepted a petition against Balakrishnan’s kin over alleged financial irregularities.

The Youth Congress had earlier announced it would probe how Srinijin, a lawyer by profession, became so wealthy.
“He has … Original article on : Balakrishnan’s son-in-law quits Youth Congress.

Human sacrifice suspected in man’s death

RAIPUR – Suspecting the death of a man to be a case of human sacrifice, Chhattisgarh Police Wednesday questioned several people in a backward tribal belt to get clues about the killing.

Locals Tuesday alerted police about a body lying in a pool of blood outside a temple in Surguja district, some 350 km from …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Kidnapping case: Two senior cops transferred

CHANDIGARH – Failing to get any breakthrough even 15 after a five-year-old boy was kidnapped from here, police have transferred the two senior officers to police lines.

The investigation has also been handed over to the Crime Branch.
Kushpreet Singh was kidnapped from outside his house in Burail village Dec 21. The abductors demanded Rs.10 … Read more »»».

Iran executes convicted murderer in public

TEHRAN – A convicted murderer was hanged in public Wednesday in the capital Tehran, Fars news agency reported.

The man was hanged in the Kaj square in Tehran after his death verdict was confirmed by the Supreme Court.
Iran usually implements executions inside prisons, but occasionally also carries them out in public.
Murder, rape, armed … Read more >>.

Four Chinese indicted for sending 10 mn spam messages

BEIJING – Prosecutors in Beijing have brought charges against four men for sending 10 million spam messages.

Xicheng district prosecutors say the four suspects sent the messages between Nov 2008 and early 2010, and are charged with operating bulk texting services without authorization.
The messages contained promotional ads for real estate projects, private tutoring and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Four Chinese indicted for sending 10 mn spam messages.

Four held with deer skins in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – Four people were nabbed in Chhattisgarh with skins of the Barasingha deer, an endangered species, police said Wednesday.

They were in their early twenties and were arrested late Tuesday at Barnaud village in Dhamtari district, some 100 km from here.
“Acting on a tip off, we chased a Maruti van in … Read more »»».

Opposition for judicial probe into Bihar legislator’s killing

PATNA – Bihar’s opposition parties, including the Congress, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), have demanded a judicial inquiry into the murder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Raj Kishore Kesri by a woman teacher who had accused him of rape.

“Congress has demanded a judicial probe by a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Opposition for judicial probe into Bihar legislator’s killing.

Two cops injured in attack by villagers

LUCKNOW – Two policemen were critically injured after a mob in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district attacked a search party on the trail of a suspected murderer, an official said Wednesday.

The residents of Nagla Akosh village, including women, assaulted the police late Tuesday while they carried out raids in the village to nab a man …. Source  : Two cops injured in attack by villagers.

Slain Pakistani governor’s funeral prayers Wednesday

ISLAMABAD – Funeral prayers for assassinated Punjab governor Salman Taseer will be held at Lahore’s Governor House Wednesday, an official said.

The prayers will begin at 1 p.m., a spokesperson of the Governor House said. Taseer’s body was flown into Lahore from Islamabad Tuesday, Dawn reported.
The high-profile governor was killed by a … Read more »».

Murdered Bihar legislator to be cremated Wednesday

PATNA – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Raj Kishore Kesri, who was knifed to death at his home in Bihar’s Purnia town by a woman teacher who alleged he had raped her for over three years, will be cremated Wednesday.

“Kesri will be cremated in Purnia after arrival of his son from New Delhi. Everyone … Original source on Gaea Times at : Murdered Bihar legislator to be cremated Wednesday.

Kalmadi arrives at CBI HQ for questioning

NEW DELHI – Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi arrived at the CBI headquarters here Wednesday morning for questioning on the alleged financial irregularities in the preparations for the event.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had raided the Delhi and Pune homes of Kalmadi Dec 24 as well as the Organising Committee’s office …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Punjab governor’s killer told fellow guards about plot

ISLAMABAD – Mumtaz Qadri, the assassin of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, has disclosed during investigations that he had informed his fellow Pakistani guards about his intentions, a media report said Tuesday.

Qadri had told the other guards not to open fire at him after he killed Taseer as he would lay down his weapon after …. Read the original article  : Punjab governor’s killer told fellow guards about plot.

Eloped couple’s bodies found on railway track

JIND – Bodies of a couple, who had gone missing from their respective homes here last month, were found on the railway track in this Haryana district Tuesday, police said.

According to the police, the two were identified as Ishwar, 21, and Reena, 17, both residents of village Sajuma here. They were neighbours and had [..] Read the original article: here.

One more arrest in Gyaneshwari train sabotage

KOLKATA – Sunil Mahato, one of those charge-sheeted in the May 28 Gyaneshwari Express sabotage, was arrested from Manikpara village in West Midnapore district Tuesday.

Even though the Central Bureau of Investigation, probing the case, submitted the chargesheet Nov 29 naming 29 people, Mahato was so far evading the police.
“We got a tip-off that … Original article on : One more arrest in Gyaneshwari train sabotage.

Husband stabs wife after quarrel

NEW DELHI – A 24-year-old man stabbed his wife after a quarrel and then committed suicide Tuesday in Ghazipur area in east Delhi, police said.

According to police, the couple got married eight months ago. They used to fight all the time. After a heated argument Tuesday, the husband Nadeem stabbed his wife Iram.
…. Original article  : Husband stabs wife after quarrel.

Six killed in wall collapse

LUCKNOW – Six people, including four children, were killed and three injured Tuesday when a brick kiln’s wall collapsed in Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar district, an official said.

The incident took place in Pakri-Bhojpur village in Tanda sub-division of the district, about 170 km from here.
According to an official spokesman: “The victims were family … Read more : Six killed in wall collapse.

Five arrested for burning man to death

NEW DELHI – Five people have been arrested for burning a man to death on New Year’s day in south Delhi over his relationship with a woman against the wishes of her brother, police said Tuesday.

The accused poured petrol on Vaibhav Mishra (28), who was a territorial manager with a communications company, and set …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Five arrested for burning man to death.

One killed in explosion at railway station in West Bengal

KOLKATA – A 70-year-old man was killed and two women were injured Thursday when a bomb, kept in a box, exploded at a railway station in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, police said.

According to railway sources, the incident occurred around 2.10 p.m. at Baidyabati railway station between Howrah-Burdwan main line section of Eastern Railway.
“An … Read more : One killed in explosion at railway station in West Bengal.

Curfew extended to more areas in Meghalaya after clashes

SHILLONG – Curfew was extended to other areas in Meghalaya’s Resubelpara sub-division Thursday in the wake of escalation of violence in the ethnic clashes between Garo and Rabha tribals along the Meghalaya-Assam border.

Four people were killed and eight critically injured Wednesday, while thousands of people were displaced in the clashes between two warring tribes …. Source  : Curfew extended to more areas in Meghalaya after clashes.

Dying Birds’ Mystery Continues

FALKOPING, SWEDEN (GaeaTimes.com)- After the town of Beebe in Arkansas, now it seems to be the turn of Sweden to be hit by the mystery of dying birds falling from the sky. Around 50 jackdaws were discovered to be dead and scattered all over the streets of Falkoping in Sweden on Tuesday night and …. Source  : Dying Birds’ Mystery Continues.

Goa temples form alliance to tackle thefts, desecrations

PANAJI – In view of a Special Investigation Team’s failure to crack down on the rising incidence of temple thefts and desecration of idols in Goa, more than 300 temples in the state have formed a sort of alliance to tackle the menace.

Jayesh Thali, coordinator of Gomantak Mandir and Dharmik Sanstha Mahasangh (GMDSM), … Read more >>>.

Delhi Police to focus on safety of women

NEW DELHI – Protection of women in the national capital is being increasingly focused on and more women police officers are being deployed for patrolling, Delhi Police said Thursday.

“There are three women deputy commissioners in three districts, and four women SHOs in different police stations. We will increase the number,” Delhi Police Commissioner …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US woman arrested in Iran: report

TEHRAN – A US citizen has been arrested in Iran on suspicion of spying, the government-run daily Iran reported Thursday.

The 55-year-old woman, whose initials were given as HT, was arrested as she was entering Iran from Armenia without a visa.
Security forces discovered “espionage devices” such as a microphone implanted in her teeth, the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : US woman arrested in Iran: report.

Delhi-Howrah rail route disrupted

LUCKNOW – Rail traffic was disrupted on the busy Delhi-Howrah route after a high-tension wire snapped and fell on the overhead power cable in Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh Thursday, an official said.

The high-tension wire of the Dakshinanchal Vidyut Nigam snapped Thursday morning and damaged the overhead traction cable near the Shikohabad railway station, affecting …. Original article  : Delhi-Howrah rail route disrupted.

Nine people killed in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Nine people, including four women and three children, were killed in two incidents in Gumla district in Jharkhand, police said Thursday.

The first incident took place in Taisera village where five people were axed to death. In Brinda Mahuatoli village, four victims had their throats slit, an officer told IANS.
The … Original article on : Nine people killed in Jharkhand.

Bangladesh begins trial of rebel troopers

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s biggest trial to date has begun with a court admitting cases against over 800 rebel troopers of the country’s border guard who had killed 74 people in a mutiny they staged in February 2009.

A total of 824 people were presented before the court of the metropolitan sessions judge at Dhaka, and …. Original source  : Bangladesh begins trial of rebel troopers.

Dabur Nepal admits error, pays NRS 50 mn security deposit

KATHMANDU – Embroiled in a manufacturing row since last month and now also under probe for revenue discrepancies, Indian multinational Dabur India’s independent group company Dabur Nepal has paid an NRS50 million security deposit and admitted to packaging errors, Nepal’s official watchdog said.

Sameer Silwal, joint attorney-general at the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dabur Nepal admits error, pays NRS 50 mn security deposit.

Police officer commits suicide in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A sub inspector of Delhi Police Thursday shot himself with his service revolver at Vijay Chowk, in front of Rashtrapati Bhavan in the heart of the national capital, police said.

Ajit, a sub inspector in Delhi Police’s security unit, Thursday shot himself with his service revolver at Vijay Chowk at 7.30 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police officer commits suicide in Delhi.

Drug peddler held with Rs.20 lakh cannabis

LUCKNOW – A drug peddler was arrested with cannabis worth around Rs.20 lakh in Siddharthnagar in Uttar Pradesh, police said Thursday.

Mohd. Ishqul was nabbed late Wednesday from Shohratgarh town following a joint operation by special operation group (SOG) and the district police.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that he worked for a Nepal-based drugs racket,” police … Original source on Gaea Times at : Drug peddler held with Rs.20 lakh cannabis.

22 tourists killed in Uttarakhand bus accident

DEHRADUN – Twenty-two tourists, including 13 children and four women, were killed when their bus overturned and fell into a ditch on the outskirts of this Uttarakhand capital, police said Thursday.

Twelve passengers were seriously wounded and 10 got minor injuries in the accident Wednesday night near the Shiv Mandir village, seven kilometres from …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

22 killed in Uttarakhand bus accident

DEHRADUN – Twenty-two people, including 13 children and four women, were killed when their bus overturned and fell into a ditch on the outskirts of this Uttarakhand capital, an official said Thursday.

Twelve passengers were seriously wounded and 10 got minor injuries in the accident Wednesday night near the Shiv Mandir village, seven kilometres from … Read : 22 killed in Uttarakhand bus accident.

Residents relieved as Australia’s flood crisis rolls on

SYDNEY – Rockhampton residents were relieved Thursday when the Fitzroy River crested below the predicted level and hundreds of houses were spared from joining those already flooded.

“It looks like it’s peaked,” Rockhampton Mayor Brad Carter said. “It’s plateaued, and it’s showing signs of dropping.”
The 9.4-metre projected crest would have matched the devastating 1954 …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Residents relieved as Australia’s flood crisis rolls on.

Eight-year-old domestic help rescued

GURGAON – An eight-year-old boy who had been working as domestic help was rescued from his employer’s home here Wednesday, police said.

“An NGO, Shaktiwahini, with the help of police rescued the boy from DLF phase-I,” said a senior police officer, adding that the boy’s employer, a trader, used to torture him.
“We … Read more >>>.

Four killed in Meghalaya ethnic clash, army called in

SHILLONG – The army was called out in Meghalaya’s violence-hit East Garo Hills district after four people were killed Wednesday in an ethnic clash between Garo and Rabha tribals.

“Three Rabha youths died and eight (Rabhas) were injured after they were attacked by Garos at Golkugre area,” Sylvester Nongtynger, police chief of Meghalaya’s East …. Source  : Four killed in Meghalaya ethnic clash, army called in.

15 booked for using red beacons on vehicles

NEW DELHI – Fifteen people have been booked for using red beacons on their private vehicles here Wednesday, the traffic police said.

The violators include an MP, two legislators, a transport commissioner, district heads and block presidents, said Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg.
“All the prosecuted persons, who are not entitled to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Top Andhra cop transferred over sexual harassment allegations

HYDERABAD – The Andhra Pradesh government Wednesday night transferred Vijayawada Police Commissioner P.S.R. Anjaneyulu and ordered a probe against him for allegedly sexually harassing some women.

The officer has not been given any posting. The inspector general of police (Eluru range) has been given additional charge of Vijayawada police commissioner.
The transfer orders were issued …. Original source  : Top Andhra cop transferred over sexual harassment allegations.

Tension in Chandigarh after kidnapped boy found dead (Second lead)

CHANDIGARH – The body of a five-year-old boy kidnapped last month for ransom was Wednesday found stuffed in a bag on the city’s outskirts, sparking violent protests by residents who clashed with the police over their failure to rescue the victim.

Police called in additional force and riot control teams to control the restive mob. … Read : Tension in Chandigarh after kidnapped boy found dead (Second lead).

Canada busts single biggest immigration racket

TORONTO – Canada, which has the highest per capita rate of immigration in the world, has unearthed one of the biggest immigration rackets with the arrest of a consultant in Quebec.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Thursday arrested Ahmad El-Akhal, who secured citizenship for hundreds of people from the Middle East and then …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Canada busts single biggest immigration racket.

Three killed in firing near Lalgarh

KOLKATA – Three people, among them a woman, were killed and many others were injured in gunfire near the Maoist stronghold of Lalgarh in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district Friday, police said.

“Three people have been killed in firing by miscreants. A police team has reached the spot,” said West Midnapore Additional Superintendent of …. Original article  : Three killed in firing near Lalgarh.

Class 12 student killed over love affair with teacher

LUCKNOW – A Class 12 student in Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri town was killed over a love affair with his school teacher, police said Friday, adding the teacher’s mother has been taken into custody for her alleged involvement in the killing.

The body of Veekesh, 18, student of SLR Public school, was recovered Thursday from Hemchandra … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Class 12 student killed over love affair with teacher.

Iran denies arrest of American woman

TEHRAN – Iran has denied reports that it arrested an American woman on espionage charges, a media report said.

An American woman who wanted to enter the country through the Armenia border was barred as she did not have a visa, the Arabic language Al-Alam TV was quoted as saying Friday by Xinhua.
On Thursday, … Original article on : Iran denies arrest of American woman.

CBI told to provide closure report to Talwars

GHAZIABAD – A special CBI court here adjourned hearing in the Aarushi murder case till Jan 21 and asked the probe agency to provide all documents, including its closure report, to the victim’s parents even as the CBI said her father Rajesh Talwar had no “locus standi” to argue.

“On the basis of the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : CBI told to provide closure report to Talwars.

Bhagat Singh’s niece fights 21-year legal battle

HOSHIARPUR – Freedom fighter Bhagat Singh’s kin have been fighting a 21-year legal battle to get justice for one of their relatives, who is believed to have been killed by the Punjab Police when terrorism in the state was at its peak. He has been missing since 1989.

The family of Surjit Kaur, Bhagat Singh’s … Read more : Bhagat Singh’s niece fights 21-year legal battle.

CBI to court: Rajesh Talwar has no locus standi to argue

GHAZIABAD – The CBI Friday argued that murdered teenager Aarushi Talwar’s father Rajesh Talwar had no “locus standi” to argue as he was “no more a complainant” in the case. The special CBI court reserved its order after hearing both sides of the argument.

Rajesh Talwar’s lawyer Satish Tamta pleaded to the court that all … Read more : CBI to court: Rajesh Talwar has no locus standi to argue.

Cop’s body found on rail tracks in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A policeman’s body was found on a railway track in Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, an official said Friday, adding that it appeared he had been murdered and thrown before a running train.

The body of the 52-year-old Mahanarayan Tiwari, who worked with the District Crime Record Bureau in Mirzapur, was recovered late Thursday …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Cop’s body found on rail tracks in Uttar Pradesh.

146,517 Chinese officials punished in 2010

BEIJING – A total of 146,517 officials were punished for violating discipline in China in 2010, an official of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) has said.

Gan Yisheng, deputy secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), said the inspection bodies received nearly 1.43 million complaints in 2010 and recovered 8.97 billion …. Original source  : 146,517 Chinese officials punished in 2010.

Class 12 girl kills friend, burns body to fake own death

LUCKNOW – In order to unite with her paramour, a class 12 student set her friend on on fire inside her own house and left a suicide note to fake her own death. The girl and her 22-year-old paramour have been arrested, police said Thursday.

The 20-year-old Seeta Sahu, of Gosainganj area here, killed her …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Class 12 girl kills friend, burns body to fake own death.

Traffic violators must pay more: Delhi police chief

NEW DELHI – Citing the successful implementation of lane driving during Commonwealth Games this year, Delhi Police Commissioner B K Gupta stressed that traffic violators must be ready to pay more for violations to traffic laws.

“The violators just throw a Rs. 100 note at the policeman,” said Gupta adding that efforts were …. Source article  : Traffic violators must pay more: Delhi police chief.

Monthly appraisals planned for beat constables: Gupta

NEW DELHI – Beat policing is about to be revamped in the city, Delhi Police Commissioner B.K. Gupta said Thursday, unveiling a scheme for monthly appraisal of beat constables.

To motive beat constables, the commissioner promised to assess their performance every month and said that non-performers will have to make way for others.
“I …. Source  : Monthly appraisals planned for beat constables: Gupta.

Farmer couple murdered in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – A farmer and his wife were stabbed to death by unidentified assailants Thursday in Chhattisgarh, police said.

The bodies of the couple, Narain Sahu, 52, and Sushila, 40, were found dumped in a field outsidevillage Paur in Raipur district, some 45 km from the state capital.
A police team comprising forensic experts rushed … Read more »».

Death toll five, curfew extended in Meghalaya areas

SHILLONG – Curfew was extended to other areas in Meghalaya’s Resubelpara sub-division Thursday in the wake of escalation of violence in the ethnic clashes between Garo and Rabha tribals along the Meghalaya-Assam border in which the death toll rose to five.

Thousands of people were displaced in the clashes between two warring tribes which were … Original article on : Death toll five, curfew extended in Meghalaya areas.

Delhi Police eyes high tech makeover

NEW DELHI – Automated finger print machines, CCTV cameras and traffic policemen armed with gizmos patrolling in zippy cars are some of the measures that Delhi Police Thursday promised to present a more technologically advanced force in 2011.

The ministry of home affairs has sanctioned a proposal for setting up CCTV cameras in 58 major … Read more : Delhi Police eyes high tech makeover.

Five Pakistani fishermen arrested off Jamnagar

GANDHINAGAR – The Indian Coast Guard have seized a fishing boat with five Pakistani nationals off the Okha port in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district, an official spokesman said late Thursday.

The boat was seized inside Indian territorial waters and, during preliminary questioning, those arrested claimed to be fishermen who had trespassed into Indian waters [..] Read the original article: here.

Adarsh scam: No action yet against state information commissioner

MUMBAI – A day after Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan rejected the leave application of State Information Commissioner Ramanand Tiwari, the state government Thursday was still to initiate any action against the official who is allegedly linked to the infamous Adarsh Society scam.

Even as the governor declined Tiwari’s leave application, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan hinted … Read more : Adarsh scam: No action yet against state information commissioner.

Binayak Sen moves high court against life term

RAIPUR – Rights activist Binayak Sen, who was sentenced to life term by a local court Dec 24 on sedition charges, has filed an appeal in the Chhattisgarh High Court, his lawyer said Thursday.

“We have challenged the district and sessions court order that convicted Sen under various charges included sedition and sentenced him to … Read : Binayak Sen moves high court against life term.

Crime cases increased in 2010: Delhi Police (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police Commissioner B.K. Gupta Thursday claimed that the overall crime rate in the city has declined as compared to the rise in population — but official figures pointed to the number of cases, including rape and molestation, registered in 2010 increasing as against the previous year.

“The crime rate has come …. Source  : Crime cases increased in 2010: Delhi Police (Roundup).

Court upholds CBI plea in Bofors case (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – A local court Thursday upheld the CBI plea that the tax notice served on Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi was not linked with the criminal aspect of the Bofors kickbacks scam.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Vinod Yadav dismissed an application asking the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the central government to state …. Original article  : Court upholds CBI plea in Bofors case (Second Lead).

Bengal firing: Village tense, Mamata meets locals

LALGARH – Police raids were on in Netai village near this Maoist hub in West Bengal Saturday a day after seven people were shot dead and 12 wounded allegedly by Marxist-backed assailants.

Groups of villagers were seen huddled together, mourning the deaths, while anxiety was writ large on the faces of those whose family members …. Original article  : Bengal firing: Village tense, Mamata meets locals.

Curfew further relaxed in Meghalaya

SHILLONG – With the situation in riot-hit areas limping to normalcy, authorities in Meghalaya Saturday further relaxed curfew in the Resublepara sub-division in East Garo Hills district.

The curfew was relaxed for six hours starting 11 a.m.
Eight people were killed in ethnic clashes between Garo and Rabha tribals along the Assam-Meghalaya border. The … Original source on Gaea Times at : Curfew further relaxed in Meghalaya.

Three killed in Punjab blast

CHANDIGARH – Three women were killed Saturday in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district when a powerful explosion tore through a house where firecrackers were being made illegally, police said.

The blast near Dhariwal town, 250 km from here, also injured five people including a child and destroyed three other houses too. Police said explosive material was stacked …. Source  : Three killed in Punjab blast.

Floods, landslides kill 34 in Philippines

MANILA – At least 34 people were killed and nine were missing in weeks of rains that have triggered floods and landslides in the Philippines, a government agency said Saturday.

The Office of Civil Defence said the latest fatality was a Chinese national who was hit in the head by a rock during a landslide … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Floods, landslides kill 34 in Philippines.

Earthquake Hits San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com)- A mild earthquake was felt sparsely but broadly across the Bay Area on Friday. It had a magnitude of 4.1 on the Richter scale and hit San Francisco and parts around it at around 4:10p.m., reported US Geological Survey. A particular web page of USGS, named “Did You Feel It” was … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Earthquake Hits San Francisco.

Arms smuggler held in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A man working for an inter-state arms and ammunition racket was arrested with five country-made pistols in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly, police said Saturday.

Guchchan Khan, aged around 45 years, was nabbed Friday from the cantonment area following a joint operation by the special operations group (SOG) and the district police.
According to police, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Arms smuggler held in Uttar Pradesh.

Goods train derails in Bihar

PATNA – Nineteen wagons of a goods train derailed in Bihar’s Kaimur district Saturday morning, damaging tracks and disrupting train services, officials said. No casualties were reported.

The goods train derailed in Gaya-Mughalsarai section of the East Central Railway (ECR) in Bihar.
The derailment blocked tracks as a few wagons rolled down to the side …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Goods train derails in Bihar.

Two suspects detained for role in Taseer killing

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani authorities have detained two suspects for their alleged role in influencing guard Mumtaz Qadri to assassinate Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, a media report said Saturday.

One was picked up from Lahore and the other from Rawalpindi, sources close to the investigation told Dawn News Friday.
Scrutiny by investigators of the killers …. Read the original article  : Two suspects detained for role in Taseer killing.

Seven killed in Colombia accident

Bogota, Jan 8 (IANS/EFE) Seven people were killed and as many injured when a bus carrying miners plunged into a ravine in northeastern Colombia, police said.

The accident occurred Friday on the road linking the towns of Surata and California in Santander province.
Provincial police chief Col. Mario Aurelio Pedraza confirmed the toll and said …. Read the original article  : Seven killed in Colombia accident.

Seven miners killed in bus accident

BOGOTA – At least seven miners died Friday when the bus they were travelling in fell into a 400-metre ravine in the northeastern Colombian province of Santander, authorities said.

The bus was taking the miners home from work, police said. The cause of the accident was not immediately known.
Seven people were injured in the …. Source article  : Seven miners killed in bus accident.

Eight dead in attack on bus in Honduras

TEGUCIGALPA – An attack on a bus in Honduras claimed the lives of eight passengers including four children, the Honduran daily El Tiempo reported Friday, citing authorities.

The attack was carried out late Thursday in the eastern Honduran province of Olancho, near the town of Punare. Attackers tried to get the bus to stop, and … Read : Eight dead in attack on bus in Honduras.

Agatha Sangma, family escape mob fury in riot-hit Assam areas

SHILLONG – Minister of State for Rural Development Agatha K. Sangma, her brother and Meghalaya’s Leader Of Opposition Conrad K. Sangma and their father and former Lok Sabha speaker Purno A. Sangma Friday had a narrow escape from mob fury in the riot-hit areas of Assam’s Goalpara district.

The Sangmas found their way blocked … Original article on : Agatha Sangma, family escape mob fury in riot-hit Assam areas.

British MP sent to jail for fiddling expenses

LONDON – A long-standing British Labour Party politician Friday became the first parliamentarian to be sent to jail for making false expenses claims, following a scandal exposed in 2009.

David Chaytor, 61, who entered parliament in 1997, was sentenced to 18 months in jail by a court in London for fraudulently claiming expenses on properties …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : British MP sent to jail for fiddling expenses.

After fight with mother, man tries to immolate self

NEW DELHI – Upset over his mother admonishing him on his drinking, a 27-year-old man tried to immolate himself in the capital’s Bengali Market area Friday morning, fire officials said. His brother was injured while trying to save him, and both are in hospital with 70-80 percent burns.

The incident happened in Babar Lane in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : After fight with mother, man tries to immolate self.

Seven killed in Bengal firing, CPI-M blamed (Roundup)

LALGARH – At least seven people were shot dead and 12 wounded allegedly by Marxist-backed assailants near this Maoist hub in West Bengal Friday, prompting union Home Minister P. Chidambaram to summon Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee to New Delhi.

Amid allegations that the killers were sheltered in a camp set up by the …. Read the original article  : here.

20 hurt as Muslim sects clash over Bangladesh mosque

DHAKA – At least 20 people were injured in clashes between members of two Muslim sects seeking control of a mosque in Bangladesh’s southeastern Chittagong district Friday, police said.

Police arrested 10 people in Patiya after lengthy clashes between Wahabi and Sunni sect members. During the extended fighting, people set fire to shops and homes …. Original source  : 20 hurt as Muslim sects clash over Bangladesh mosque.

Mob assaults mentally unstable man

LUCKNOW – A mentally unstable man was stripped and brutally assaulted by people here Friday after he reportedly turned violent and started attacking passers-by, police said.

That the man, aged around 30 years, was mentally deranged became evident when he bit a couple of stray dogs and animals in the Naka area.
According to eyewitnesses, …. Read the original article  : Mob assaults mentally unstable man.

Russian trawler sinks in the Pacific

MOSCOW – A Russian fishing trawler with at least 11 crew onboard has sunk in stormy waters west of the island of Sakhalin in the Pacific, the Interfax agency reported Friday.

Rescue vessels were now feverishly searching for the missing crew members, but hopes of finding any survivors were dim due to the stormy conditions …. Original source  : Russian trawler sinks in the Pacific.

Two held for killing migratory birds

BHUBANESWAR – Two men were arrested Friday for killing migratory birds in Orissa’s Chilika lake.

Santosh Swain and Manas Harichandan were taken into custody for using poisoned grains to kill the avian guests near Tangi area, range officer S.C. Behera said.
“We found 17 dead birds in their possession,” Behera told IANS.
The 100-km …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Re-investigate Madhavpura Cooperative Bank scam: Prosecutor

GANDHINAGAR – The special public prosecutor in the over Rs.2,000 crore Madhavpura Mercantile Cooperative Bank Scam Friday demanded reinvestigation of the case and enquiry against the police official who probed it.

Chetan Shah said Friday that he had made a written submission for this before the Ahmedabad special metropolitan magistrate as the charge-sheet lacked evidentiary …. Original source  : Re-investigate Madhavpura Cooperative Bank scam: Prosecutor.

14 dead in Guatemala accident

Guatemala City, Jan 9 (IANS/EFE) At least 14 people were killed and over 25 seriously injured when the bus they were travelling in plunged into a ravine in western Guatemala, officials said.

The accident took place Saturday between the towns of Tejutla and Concepcion Tutuapa, some 280 km west of the Guatemalan capital.
The …. Read the original article  : 14 dead in Guatemala accident.

24 killed in Mexico violence

Mexico City, Jan 9 (IANS/EFE) At least 24 people were killed, 15 of them found decapitated, in the southern Mexican resort city of Acapulco, officials said.

On Saturday morning, 15 decapitated men were found outside a shopping centre along with two threatening messages that authorities did not make public.
Unofficial versions, however, indicated they were … Read more : 24 killed in Mexico violence.

US congresswoman in critical condition after shooting (Fourth Lead)

WASHINGTON – A member of the US Congress and 18 others were shot Saturday in an attack at a shopping centre in Tucson, Arizona, police said.

Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, 40, had been holding a meeting with local residents outside a grocery store when a gunman opened fire. Six people were confirmed dead, police said … Read more : US congresswoman in critical condition after shooting (Fourth Lead).

US congresswoman in critical condition after shooting (Third Lead)

WASHINGTON – A member of the US Congress and at least 17 others were shot in an attack at a shopping centre in Tucson, Arizona, Saturday, police said.

Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, 40, had been holding a meeting with local residents outside a grocery story when a gunman opened fire. Six people were confirmed dead, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Fate of congresswoman unclear after Arizona shooting (Second Lead)

WASHINGTON – The status of US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords after a shooting Saturday morning remained unclear, with conflicting media reports as to whether she was dead or in surgery for her injuries.

Giffords was attending a citizen’s outreach event in Tucson, in the US state of Arizona, when a man approached her and a couple … Read more »»».

US legislator, 6 others, dead after Arizona shooting

WASHINGTON – A shooting at a grocery store in Tucson, in the US state of Arizona, left a US congresswoman and six others dead Saturday, reported broadcaster NPR Saturday.

The attack, for which the motive remains unknown, left at least five others wounded. Several of the wounded or dead include staff members travelling with the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US legislator, 6 others, dead after Arizona shooting.

US congresswoman among injured in Arizona shooting attack

WASHINGTON – A shooting at a shopping centre in Tucson, in the US state of Arizona, left 12 injured Saturday, including a member of the US Congress, reported broadcaster CNN citing police sources.

The broadcaster also reported witness accounts that there had been deaths in the incident.
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was at a citizen’s outreach … Read this article on Gaea Times at : US congresswoman among injured in Arizona shooting attack.

Lalgarh killings: Protests rock West Bengal (Roundup)

LALGARH – West Bengal was rocked by protests Saturday a day after the gruesome killing of villagers near this Maoist hub, as the Chief Election Commissioner expressed concern over the law and order situation in the poll-bound state.

Breaking his silence on the incident over 30 hours after seven people were shot dead and 17 … Read more : Lalgarh killings: Protests rock West Bengal (Roundup).

Kolkata intellectuals protest against Lalgarh killings

KOLKATA – A section of intellectuals Saturday took out a procession and blocked a main busy road in the city in protest against the killing of seven villagers near Lalgarh in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district a day earlier.

Painters, sculptors, singers, actors and theatre personalities of Kolkata walked hand in hand, carrying posters and …. Source  : Kolkata intellectuals protest against Lalgarh killings.

Two held for shooting at friend

NEW DELHI – Two men have been arrested for shooting at a friend over a petty issue in east Delhi, police said Saturday.

According to police, Dinesh was shot at by Rakesh Singh and his brother Sudesh Kumar in Mandawali area Friday night.
Rakesh and Sudesh have been arrested and a pistol [..] Read the original article: here.

Four schoolboys kill friend for not buying them cigarettes

MUMBAI – In a shocking incident, four minor students of a municipal school killed a friend who refused to buy cigarettes for them, police said Saturday.

The incident occurred Dec 13 when the four, students of a municipal school in Gorai area of Borivli west in north Mumbai, asked their friend, Pintoo C. Desai, 20 … Read more »»».

Mamata leads procession with bodies of Lalgarh victims

LALGARH – Black flags hung from trees, walls and lamp posts, people covered their faces with black cloth, and the air was heavy with the wailing of relatives of victims of Friday’s Lalgarh firing as Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee marched in Midnapore town with the bodies of those killed.

Thousands of people wearing black badges, … Read more >>>.

Woman, three youths from northeast assaulted, one held

NEW DELHI – A woman and three youths from the northeast were assaulted by a property owner in south Delhi Friday night, police said Saturday. The accused has been arrested.

The four victims, hailing from Manipur, were assaulted around 9.30 p.m. in Munirka village. Three of the victims, including the 24-year-old woman, lived as …. Source article  : Woman, three youths from northeast assaulted, one held.

Man held for duping his ‘father’

NEW DELHI – A 20-year-old man was arrested for duping the man who had provided him shelter and employment and treated him like a son for six years, police said Saturday.

The accused, Gajender, was a resident of Uttar Pradesh and pretended to be an orphan before Mukesh Kumar, a resident of Delhi, at a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Man held for duping his ‘father’.

Nitish Kumar orders CBI Probe into legislator’s murder

PATNA – Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Saturday ordered a CBI probe into the murder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Raj Kishore Kesri by a woman teacher who had accused him of rape.

The chief minister has ordered a CBI probe after Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi urged him to do so, an …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nitish Kumar orders CBI Probe into legislator’s murder.

Woman accidentally burns self after fight with husband

NEW DELHI – A 32-year-old woman here tried to scare her alcoholic husband after a fight by pouring kerosene on herself and lighting a match, but ended up with critical burn injuries Saturday morning, police said. Her husband, too, was injured while trying to save her and both are now hospitalised.

The incident happened … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Woman accidentally burns self after fight with husband.

Woman held for killing live-in partner

NEW DELHI – A woman and her brother have been arrested for allegedly killing her live-in partner and dumping his body in a sewage tank in north Delhi, police said Saturday.

Shehnaz, 35, a resident of Rohini, and her brother Shakeel, 27, were apprehended Friday near Rithala Metro station. Victim Rakesh Gupta, 28, was employed …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Woman held for killing live-in partner.

Six held for snatchings

NEW DELHI – Six young men, who snatched mobile phones and purses of women in order to lead a lavish life and splurge on their girlfriends, were arrested in west Delhi, police said Saturday.

Anmol Bhagat, 20, Shammi Ahuja, 20, Rajan Arora, 25, Karan Kapoor, 18, Puneet Arora, 23, and Himanshu Khubani, 19, were arrested … Read more : Six held for snatchings.

Iran police confirm arrest of US woman spy suspect

TEHRAN – An American woman detained in Iran this week on suspicion of spying was caught filming in a border town, police told the Fars news agency Saturday.

Deputy border police chief Ahmad Geravand said 34-year-old Hal T. was arrested Jan 5 in the northwestern border town of Jolfa while filming with her video camera.
…. Read the original article  : Iran police confirm arrest of US woman spy suspect.

What happened at Lalgarh is not good: Buddhadeb

KOLKATA – West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Saturday condemned the killing of seven villagers in Lalgarh area and said that all political parties should restrain themselves from violence.

“We want peace in the state. What happened yesterday (Friday) at West Midnapore is not good. Many people died. Each and every political parties should restrain … Read more >>.

Handwritten note reveals plan to kill US congresswoman

WASHINGTON – A note written by Jared L. Loughner ahead of his shooting rampage Saturday in Tucson, Arizona appears to show that he had planned to assassinate US congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, a media report said.

Prosecutors charged Loughner, a troubled 22-year-old college dropout, with five federal counts Sunday, including the attempted assassination of Giffords in …. Original source  : Handwritten note reveals plan to kill US congresswoman.

Apex court issues notices to government, 11 firms in 2G saga

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday issued notices to the union government and 11 firms on a plea seeking cancellation of aiwaves issued for second generation (2G) telecom services during the tenure of former communications minister A. Raja.

The apex court bench of Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice A.K. Ganguly issued the notices … Original source on Gaea Times at : Apex court issues notices to government, 11 firms in 2G saga.

Three dead, thousands evacuated as floods hit Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – Three children have drowned and about 3,300 people have been displaced after their homes were inundated by floodwaters in northeastern Malaysia, a police spokesman said Monday.

Almost 3,200 people remained in 22 temporary shelters set up in Kelantan state, a state police spokesman told the official Bernama news agency.
He said the …. Read the original article  : Three dead, thousands evacuated as floods hit Malaysia.

Australia’s flood crisis creeps toward Brisbane

SYDNEY – Residents were warned to get ready to defend their properties as Queensland’s flood crisis rolled south toward Brisbane, Australia’s third-biggest city.

The warning came too late for the 90,000 people of Toowoomba, 126 km west of the capital of the northeastern state, as a flash flood raced through city streets.
National broadcaster ABC … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Australia’s flood crisis creeps toward Brisbane.

Jharkhand delays sanction to prosecute tainted bureaucrat

RANCHI – The Arjun Munda-led Jharkhand government is delaying granting approval to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to prosecute a senior bureaucrat accused of a Rs.130-crore health scam, an official said.

According to sources, the CBI had sought approval from the Jharkhand government to prosecute former health secretary and senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) …. Original source  : Jharkhand delays sanction to prosecute tainted bureaucrat.

Atlanta Experiences Winter Deluge

ATLANTA (GaeaTimes.com)- It seems like Atlanta has been struck amidst a winter deluge after a heavy snow storm blasted on the city on Sunday night. The snow storm blanketed the city under a thick layer which caused a major trouble for the Atlanta traffic. As a result of this Sonny Perdue who acted as the [..] Read the original article: here.

Supreme Court issues notice to government on 2G scam

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to the central government on a plea seeking cancellation of 2G spectrum licences allocated during the tenure of former communications minister A. Raja.

The apex court also issued notices to 11 telecom companies which allegedly did not fulfil obligations as per the terms and conditions … Original source on Gaea Times at : Supreme Court issues notice to government on 2G scam.

Two more killed as Assam-Meghalaya border tense

SHILLONG – Two more people were killed and 12 injured in fresh violence in riot-hit areas of Meghalaya-Assam border, officials said Monday.

Several houses and trucks carrying supplies to the riot-hit areas in Meghalaya were also torched Sunday night at Paikan area on the tense inter-state border.
The central government has rushed in …. Original article  : Two more killed as Assam-Meghalaya border tense.

Eight asphyxiated to death in Haryana

CHANDIGARH – Eight people were killed over the weekend due to suffocation caused by carbon monoxide gas in different parts of Haryana when they resorted to lighting angithi fire (coal fire) to keep themselves warm.

According to police, four Nepali nationals, who were working at a hotel in Tohana town, in Fatehabad district, were found …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Majority offences in UAE are cyber crimes

DUBAI – Of all criminal offences committed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a whopping 70 percent are cyber crimes, a top official has said.

Cyber criminals are keeping up with new developments in information technology, and make the maximum use of any new software or system that comes with any security gap or loophole, [..] Read the original article: here.

72 killed in Iran plane crash (Third Lead)

TEHRAN – Seventy-two people, including 12 crew members, were killed when a plane with 105 people on board crashed in northwest Iran.

The remaining 33 people were seriously injured in the accident that occurred Sunday evening in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province, Xinhua said, citing reports from the semi-official Fars news agency.
The Boeing-727, belonging …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two poachers held with over 40 tortoises

LUCKNOW – Two poachers were arrested with over 40 tortoises in Hathras in Uttar Pradesh, police said Monday.

Mohammad Qayam and Ramesh Chandra, around 35 years, were nabbed Sunday from Jairara area.
“Acting on a tip-off, we intercepted a Tata Sumo car in which the two were travelling. They were arrested after two sacks containing …. Source  : Two poachers held with over 40 tortoises.

Three children injured in south Delhi factory fire

NEW DELHI – Three children were critically injured after a fire broke out in a chemical factory in south Delhi Monday, a fire official said.

The incident took place around 8.30 a.m. in Okhla industrial area Phase II when a chemical drum blasted. The fire was brought under control in some time, the official said.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Between 55 and 70 killed in Iran plane crash (Second Lead)

TEHRAN – The initial optimism by the Iranian transportation and health ministry about a low death toll faded Sunday after reports that between 55 and 70 people died in a a plane crash or emergency landing near Orumieh in Azerbaijan province.

A Red Crescent official told official news agency IRNA that 70 people were killed …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Charges filed against shooting suspect of US congresswoman

WASHINGTON – Federal officials Sunday filed five charges against the suspect in the shooting of US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Six people were killed Saturday in the attack on Giffords, who was outside a supermarket holding a citizen’s outreach event in her district in Tucson, Arizona. Giffords survived a gunshot which put a bullet through her …. Source article  : Charges filed against shooting suspect of US congresswoman.

18 dead after Iranian plane makes emergency landing

TEHRAN – At least 18 people were killed in a deadly emergency landing Sunday near Orumieh in the Azerbaijan province of northwestern Iran, the head of the country’s emergency centre told the ISNA news agency.

Gholam-Reza Massoumi said that, so far, there has been confirmation that 50 people have survived the incident. Forty of those …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 18 dead after Iranian plane makes emergency landing.

10 killed, 13 injured in Bengal accident

KOLKATA – Ten people were killed and 13 others were injured when a pick-up van carrying picnickers collided with a truck at Binaguri in West Bengals Jalpaiguri district Sunday night, police said.

The truck was returning to Cooch Behar from Chamurchi. Ten people died on the spot, said an officer manning the police control room …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 10 killed, 13 injured in Bengal accident.

105 feared dead in Iran plane crash

TEHRAN – An Iranian passenger plane crashed Sunday near Orumieh in the Azerbaijan province in northwestern Iran, the ISNA news agency reported.

The plane had 105 passengers and crew members on board, ISNA said. All are feared dead.
According to ISNA, the plane was a Boeing belonging to the national state-airline Iran Air. It apparently … Original source on Gaea Times at : 105 feared dead in Iran plane crash.

Passenger plane crashes in Iran

TEHRAN – An Iranian passenger plane crashed Sunday near Orumieh in the Azerbaijan province in northwestern Iran, the ISNA news agency reported.

The plane had 105 passenger and crew members on board, ISNA said, without giving further details.
… Read more »».

Doctors optimistic about US Congresswoman day after shooting

WASHINGTON – Doctors remained optimistic Sunday about the health of US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, a day after she was shot through the head in an incident that left six people dead in the US city of Tucson, Arizona.

Peter Rhee, medical director of University Medical Center’s Trauma and Critical Care, where Giffords was treated, said … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Doctors optimistic about US Congresswoman day after shooting.

Fire in Noida’s Ambedkar park, no injuries

NOIDA – A fire that broke out Tuesday in the Ambedkar park being developed in this suburb of the national capital was doused within an hour, an official said. No one was injured.

According to the official, a dome was under construction in a section of the park and iron girders were being welded next … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Fire in Noida’s Ambedkar park, no injuries.

Cop arrested for murdering subordinate

LUCKNOW – A police sub-inspector in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district has been arrested for killing his subordinate after the latter threatened to expose a recruitment racket being run by him, police said Tuesday.

Sajan Kumar, posted in the office of the Mirzapur police chief, was arrested Monday along with one of his three accomplices involved … Read more : Cop arrested for murdering subordinate.

Nine killed, over 60 missing in Australian floods

MELBOURNE – At least nine people were killed and over 60 others missing as flash floods swept through southeastern Queensland state of Australia, authorities said Tuesday. Prime Minister Julia Gillard warned the nation to brace for a rising toll from the deluge.

A total of nine deaths have been confirmed from Queensland’s flash floods and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nine killed, over 60 missing in Australian floods.

Smuggler arrested with 14 kg heroin in Punjab

AMRITSAR – A man was arrested here with 14 kg of heroin worth Rs.70 crore, police said Tuesday. A pistol and some cartridges were also recovered from him.

Sukhbir Singh alias Sukha was arrested from the Chheharta area here Monday. However, his accomplice Angrez Singh managed to escape, police said. They described Sukhbir Singh …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Smuggler arrested with 14 kg heroin in Punjab.

Doctor abducted in Bihar

PATNA – The spate of kidnappings continued unabated in Bihar as a doctor has been abducted in Sitamarhi district by an unidentified group.

Police said Tuesday Yogendra Prasad, posted at primary health centre in Sonbarsa in Sitamarhi district, about 200 km from here, was abducted from Manhjaul village late Monday night.
“Prasad was abducted … Read more »».

Residents flee Brisbane as flood threat grows in Australia

SYDNEY – Floodwaters rolled into Brisbane Tuesday as Queenslanders were primed for deaths by the dozen, massive destruction and a recovery that could take years and cost billions of dollars.

Roads were closed and residents of low-lying West End began moving out as the floods that have affected half of Queensland hit Brisbane, the state …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Residents flee Brisbane as flood threat grows in Australia.

Four killed, 10 injured as trucks collide

LUCKNOW – At least four labourers were killed and 10 critically injured in a head-on collision between two speeding trucks in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh district early Tuesday, police said.

The accident took place in Gabhana area where the two trucks carrying labourers collided, killing four people on the spot. While one truck was heading towards … Read more : Four killed, 10 injured as trucks collide.

Indian American charged in biggest US insider-trading case

WASHINGTON – US Federal regulators have charged the co-founder of a New York hedge fund and three others including an Indian American executive in what has been called the biggest insider-trading case in US history.

Sunil Bhalla, a former senior Indian American executive of tech company Polycom, was charged Monday with hedge fund Trivium Capital … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indian American charged in biggest US insider-trading case.

Saudi man beheaded for murder

DUBAI – A Saudi national was beheaded Monday in capital Riyadh after being convicted of murder, a media report said.

Mohammed al-Matrafi was found guilty of killing his compatriot, Marzouq al-Hafi, according to state-run SPA news agency.
Al-Matrafi shot his victim with a pistol after a dispute, Xinhua reported citing an interior ministry statement.
According … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Saudi man beheaded for murder.

Delhi police bust gang of women snatchers

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police said Monday it had busted a gang of women snatchers, nabbing one of them and are now after the other two.

The three-women gang was involved in looting and snatching passersby on the lonely stretch of the Ridge Road close to Rajender Nagar, a police officer said Monday.
These women …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Property dealer shot by friend, dies in hospital

NEW DELHI – A property dealer was allegedly shot at by his friend in Rani Bagh area in north Delhi and succumbed to his injuries Monday morning, police said. A business dispute was said to be behind the attack and a search is on for the assailant.

The incident came to light at around … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Property dealer shot by friend, dies in hospital.

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Witness accuses Sajjan Kumar of threats

NEW DELHI – A woman witness in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case Monday told a Delhi court that Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and others had threatened her family for being vocal about her father’s murder in the carnage.

Nirpreet Kaur (42) said before Additional Sessions Judge Sunita Gupta that police did not record her …. Read the original article  : here.

Thirst for lavish life turned two teens to crime

NEW DELHI – They joined a rock band while in school, but the craving for a lavish lifestyle led them to crime. Two 19-year-olds were arrested along with two others for alleged auto theft and 12 vehicles recovered from them, police said Monday.

The arrested have been identified as Hafiz, 22, Istkar Khan, … Read more : Thirst for lavish life turned two teens to crime.

Farmer attempts suicide, Chouhan government on defensive

BHOPAL – Depressed over his crop getting damaged due to frost, a farmer attempted suicide by consuming pesticide in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district Monday. It was the second such incident in the past three days in the district. The BJP government denied that any farmer had tried to kill himself due to debt.

State Minister …. Original source  : Farmer attempts suicide, Chouhan government on defensive.

Malaysian businesswoman gets 120 years for fraud

KUALA LUMPUR – A former woman director of a Malaysian company has been sentenced to 120 years in prison for swindling investors and money laundering, a media report said Monday.

The 49-year-old unnamed accused was also fined five million ringgit ($1.63 million) by a court in Kuala Lumpur Monday, Xinhua reported.
The businesswoman admitted in … Read more : Malaysian businesswoman gets 120 years for fraud.

Man shot at, thrown off flyover by robbers

NEW DELHI – A man was Monday shot at and thrown off a flyover in east Delhi by two motorcycle-borne assailants, who fled with the Rs.6 lakhs he was carrying, police said. He was admitted to hospital where his condition is said to be critical.

According to police, Kuldeep, 32, a supervisor at a television … Read more »»».

Lalgarh killings: Kolkata lawyers seek CBI probe

KOLKATA – The Bar Association of Calcutta High Court Monday filed a public interest litigation (PIL), seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Jan 7 killings of villagers in West Midnapore district.

The PIL also sought adequate compensation for the families of the seven who were killed and the 20 others wounded … Read more »».

Sohrabuddin killing: Accused cop’s bail plea rejected

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Monday rejected the bail plea of Rajkumar Pandian, a policeman accused of involvement in the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh staged shootout case.

Justice M.R. Shah rejected Pandian’s plea. The policeman wanted bail on the grounds that co-accused and former state minister Amit Shah was given bail earlier. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sohrabuddin killing: Accused cop’s bail plea rejected.

2,000 Haiti quake orphans sold as sex slaves

LONDON – Over 2,000 children, orphaned after the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, have been sold as sex slaves by child traffickers, officials said.

The Jan 12, 2010, quake killed around 230,000 people in the counrty.
Babies and toddlers have also been taken from makeshift camps in the capital Port-au-Prince and sold …. Original article  : 2,000 Haiti quake orphans sold as sex slaves.

Lax US gun laws in spotlight after lawmakers shooting

WASHINGTON – As US federal authorities charged the suspect in the weekend shooting of a lawmaker at an Arizona political meet-and-greet, lax gun laws that allow Americans to buy weapons freely have again come under the spotlight.

Federal authorities have accused Jared Lee Loughner of opening fire outside a Tucson supermarket, where US Democrat … Original source on Gaea Times at : Lax US gun laws in spotlight after lawmakers shooting.

Brisbane awash as deadly flood arrives

SYDNEY – Floods barrelled through Brisbane Wednesday, threatening almost 20,000 dwellings and sending residents of the Queensland state capital scurrying to be safe from raging waters expected to crest within 24 hours.

Australia’s third-biggest city braced for a soaking worse than in 1974, when the Brisbane river peaked at 5.45 metres and 9,700 houses had … Read more »»».

Arizona shooting suspect’s parents apologise

WASHINGTON – The family of Jared Loughner, the suspect in Arizona shooting rampage, has apologised to the relatives of those killed, saying, “we are so very sorry for their loss”.

According to the USA Today, a statement handed to reporters Tuesday by Loughner’s parents said: “There are no words that can possibly express how …. Read the original article  : Arizona shooting suspect’s parents apologise.

Capital rage again – man killed after dispute in shop

NEW DELHI – In another killing triggered by blinding rage, a 19-year-old youth allegedly stabbed to death a man following an argument in a north Delhi shop when he was asked to stop joking around and speed up his purchases, police said Wednesday.

The incident took place in Samaipur Badli area Tuesday night, shortly after …. Read the original article  : here.

Haiti needs continued support for quake recovery: Ban

NEW YORK – The international community must “renew and redouble” efforts to support Haiti one year after an earthquake inflicted one of the largest natural catastrophes in the world, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said late Tuesday.

Ban said in a message on the eve of the anniversary of the disaster, which struck Jan …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Haiti needs continued support for quake recovery: Ban.

18 killed in Sri Lanka floods

COLOMBO – Floods in Sri Lanka have killed 18 people and swamped the homes of nearly one million, officials said Wednesday.

Nearly 200,000 people have been forced out of their homes, a spokesman for the Disaster Management Centre said.
Floods covered large areas of the east and northeast while heavy rains in the central part …. Source  : 18 killed in Sri Lanka floods.

New life amid devastation, baby born in Queensland

SYDNEY – Amid devastating floods, a baby was born in Australia’s Queensland state with help from family members, a media report said Wednesday.

The little boy was born in his home in the flood-ravaged Lockyer Valley, located to the west of state capital Brisbane, after his mother Kristie went into labour late Tuesday, the Australian … Read more »».

Posing as cops, miscreants loot jewellery showroom

CHANDIGARH – A group of 10-15 miscreants dressed up in police uniform looted jewellery worth crores of rupees from Tanishq showroom in Manimajra town in this union territory, an official said Wednesday.

The accused, who were wearing police uniforms, overpowered two security guards and gained entry into the showroom after breaking its locks Tuesday night.
… Read more >>>.

CBI readies to probe Bihar legislator’s murder

PATNA – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will probe the sensational murder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Raj Kishore Kesri by a woman teacher who had accused him of rape, Bihar Police chief Neelmani said Wednesday.

“CBI director A.P. Singh has assured us that the country’s premier investigative agency will soon take up …. Original article  : CBI readies to probe Bihar legislator’s murder.

Three drug peddlers held with Rs.1 crore smack

LUCKNOW – Three drug peddlers were arrested with around 1.25 kg smack – a highly addictive morphine derivative – worth around Rs.1 crore in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district, police said Wednesday.

The three men, aged around 30 years, were nabbed Tuesday night from Hargaon town in a joint action by the Special Operations Group (SOG) …. Read the original article  : Three drug peddlers held with Rs.1 crore smack.

Samajwadi Party leader shot dead in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A Samajwadi Party (SP) leader was shot dead in his home in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur town by unidentified assailants, triggering demonstrations by party workers, police said Wednesday.

Om Kumar Yadav, 55, a member of the Samajwadi Party district unit, was killed late Tuesday inside his house in Jatepur locality. Yadav’s family rushed him …. Read the original article  : Samajwadi Party leader shot dead in Uttar Pradesh.

Bihar cops rescue abducted doctor

PATNA – A doctor abducted by five people posing as relatives of a patient has been rescued and one of his captors arrested in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district, police said Wednesday.

Police rescued Yogendra Prasad on a tip-off late Tuesday night and arrested Devendra Thakur, Sitamarhi Superintendent of Police Rakesh Rathi said.
Prasad, posted at the … Read : Bihar cops rescue abducted doctor.

Delhi road rage: Jet Airways pilot granted bail

NEW DELHI – Jet Airways pilot Vikas Agarwal was granted bail Wednesday morning, a day after he allegedly ran his car over another driver in a case of road rage in the capital’s upscale Khan Market, police said.

“It was a bailable offence,” a senior police official told IANS.
The accused was charged under Section …. Read the original article  : Delhi road rage: Jet Airways pilot granted bail.

Capital rage: Jet Airways pilot granted bail

NEW DELHI – Jet Airways pilot Vikas Agarwal was granted bail Wednesday morning, a day after he allegedly ran his car over another driver in a case of road rage in the capital’s upscale Khan Market, officials said.

“It was a bailable offence… He was granted bail in the morning,” a senior police official told IANS.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Capital rage: Jet Airways pilot granted bail.

Floods, landslides kill 40 in Philippines

MANILA – At least 40 people have been killed and over one million displaced in flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains in central and southern Philippines, officials said Wednesday.

The heavy rains brought by the northeast monsoon damaged about $20 million worth of crops and property, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management …. Source article  : Floods, landslides kill 40 in Philippines.

Israelis, drugs and spy cam video wars in Goa (Letter from Goa)

PANAJI – One sensational spy cam video after another seems to be dropping like ripe fruit from the scandal-laden boughs of Goa Police, laying bare a furious feud within the state police hierarchy. And the only side to benefit from this infighting seems to be the notorious Israeli drug mafia.

There’s a pattern to the …. Source  : Israelis, drugs and spy cam video wars in Goa (Letter from Goa).

Pakistani Islamists criticise Pope’s anti-blasphemy law comments

Islamabad, Jan 12 (IANS/AKI) An alliance of Pakistani Islamist organisations said they would hold rallies to protest Pope Benedict XVI’s remarks that called on the country to scrap an anti-blasphemy law which allows for the death penalty for insulting Islam.

“The Pope’s statement is part of a conspiracy to pit the world’s religions against each … Read more »».

Lights out as Brisbane awaits deadly flood

SYDNEY – Power was cut to Brisbane homes for safety reasons and residents ordered to higher ground as Australia’s third-biggest city braced for its worst soaking in living memory.

Floodwaters barreling toward the Queensland state capital were set to inundate 9,000 properties – 10 percent of the city’s stock – and a further 30,000 were …. Read the original article  : Lights out as Brisbane awaits deadly flood.

Jackson’s doctor ordered to stand trial

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray, will stand trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter after a judge in his preliminary hearing ruled Tuesday that there was sufficient evidence for him to face a jury.

The ruling by Judge Michael Pastor came after six days of hearings in which the prosecutor presented evidence … Read : Jackson’s doctor ordered to stand trial.

UN to observe moment of silence for Haiti’s dead

NEW YORK – The UN will observe a moment of silence Wednesday to mark the exact time the mammoth earthquake struck Haiti a year ago and killed an estimated 230,000 people, including 102 UN personnel in Port-au-Prince.

The UN deaths in Haiti Jan 12, 2010 were the largest ever in a single day in UN …. Read the original article  : UN to observe moment of silence for Haiti’s dead.

Father was not insane: Suicide victim’s son

BHOPAL – Two days after a farmer committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh Sehore’s district due to his mounting debt, his family Tuesday alleged that the district administration was forcing them to term him “insane”.

“The collector and the superintendent of police are forcing us to say that my father was insane. They have also taken … Read : Father was not insane: Suicide victim’s son.

Human fury claims another leopard, probe ordered

BHUBANESWAR – Another leopard fell prey to human fury as angry villagers Thursday hammered it to death with wooden sticks and cricket bats on the outskirts of this Orissa capital after it mauled two people. A probe has been ordered, an official said.

The leopard, which reportedly strayed into the area near Gandarpur village from … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Human fury claims another leopard, probe ordered.

Two Tamil Nadu businessmen held captive near Agra?

AGRA – Two Tamil Nadu businessmen remain untraced 10 days after they were suspected to have been abducted from a guesthouse in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, but police are now zeroing in on areas near Agra as the place of captivity.

The two traders, Senthil Kumar, 28, and his agent Karunanidhi had come to Gwalior … Read : Two Tamil Nadu businessmen held captive near Agra?.

BSP leader, aides booked for assaulting official

LUCKNOW – A Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader and his three aides have been booked for brutally assaulting an irrigation department employee who objected to their illegal mining of sand in Uttar Pradesh’s Auraiya district, police said Thursday.

Police said the politician and two of his supporters are absconding. One of the aides has …. Source  : BSP leader, aides booked for assaulting official.

Italy’s ex-minister gets threat mail with bullet

Ceppaloni (Italy), Jan 13 (IANS/AKI) A former Italian justice minister received a threat mail along with a bullet at his home in northeast of Naples, warning him against fighting in a local body election.

The letter containing bullet allegedly mailed by the far-Left Red Brigades was sent to former justice minister Clemente Mastella’s home in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Worst over for Brisbane as deadly flood runs out of puff

SYDNEY – Australia’s third-biggest city woke up Thursday to the good news that the Brisbane River had peaked below the forecast and flood damage had come in below expectations.

The river reached 4.46 metres in Brisbane, well short of the 5.2 that hydrologists had predicted and nearly 1 metre below the 5.45 metres that touched … Read more : Worst over for Brisbane as deadly flood runs out of puff.

Heavy rains leave 250 dead in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Jan 13 (IANS/EFE) At least 250 people have died due to heavy rains, flooding and mudslides in Brazil during the past two days, authorities said.

In the mountainous Teresopolis, the most heavily affected area, the toll stands at 122, while in the neighbouring town of Nova Friburgo 97 people have died, firefighters … Read : Heavy rains leave 250 dead in Brazil.

Road accident kills six in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO – At least six people were killed and eight others injured when a bus collided with a van in western Sri Lanka Thursday morning, police said.

Both vehicles were travelling at high speed when they crashed into each other at Kosgama, 38 km south of Colombo, officers said.
The van was also carrying passengers, … Read more >>>.

Haiti remembers earthquake, 222,000 victims

Port-au-PRINCE – Life stood still for 47 seconds in Haiti Wednesday as a moment of silence fell over the disaster-ravaged Caribbean country.

The commemoration was dedicated to the 222,000 people who died in the magnitude-7 quake, which struck at 4:53 p.m. (2153 GMT) Jan 12, 2010. The whole country ground to a halt at that … Original article on : Haiti remembers earthquake, 222,000 victims.

Brisbane spared as deadly flood runs out of puff

SYDNEY – The residents of Australia’s third-biggest city Thursday woke up to the good news that the Brisbane River had peaked below the forecast and they had been spared even more flood damage.

The river reached 4.6 metres, well short of the 5.45 metres that touched off the catastrophic flooding of 1974.
Brisbane Lord Mayor … Read more >>.

Chinese trial of New Zealand murder suspect provokes protests

WELLINGTON – China’s refusal to allow a Chinese citizen accused of murder in New Zealand to be returned to that country for trial provoked protests Thursday.

One legal expert even called the refusal and “insult” to New Zealand.
Zhen Xiao, 23, was arrested in China where he fled after allegedly murdering Hiren Mohini, 39, an …. Source article  : Chinese trial of New Zealand murder suspect provokes protests.

Bellamy arrested on suspicion of assault: reports

LONDON – Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy has been arrested and bailed on suspicion of assault, media reports said Wednesday.

The Wales international, who is on loan at Cardiff City, was taken into custody at around 2.45 a.m. Sunday, after two men were injured in an early morning incident on Caroline Street in Cardiff.
The …. Source  : Bellamy arrested on suspicion of assault: reports.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar seeks corruption watchdog

MUMBAI – Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Wednesday said there was a need to set up an “independent body” to keep a check on corruption and financial scams.

“Agencies that are supposed to check the scams are also involved in the same scams. We need to have people of character and honesty to check … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sri Sri Ravi Shankar seeks corruption watchdog.

Haiti remembers those killed in 2010 quake

Port-au-PRINCE – A funeral service in the ruins of Port-au-Prince cathedral Wednesday included ceremonies to remember the 230,000 people killed in a quake that devastated Haiti a year ago.

Thousands gathered for mass at the site of the cathedral, which was destroyed in the Jan 12, 2010 quake along with much of the city and …. Original article  : Haiti remembers those killed in 2010 quake.

Two engineering students held for vehicle thefts

NOIDA – Two engineering students have been arrested for stealing vehicles in Noida, police said Wednesday.

Mukul Mittal, a second year B.Tech student of RKGIT Engineering College on Meerut Road in Ghaziabad, and Sumit De, a second year B.Tech student of Skyline College in Meerut, were arrested Tuesday night.
The police also seized … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two engineering students held for vehicle thefts.

Onion prices: Surveys yield over Rs.70 mn in Punjab

CHANDIGARH – Income tax surveys carried out by the department earlier this month in different parts of Punjab amidst soaring prices of onions and other vegetables have yielded over Rs.7 crore (Rs.70 million) in undeclared incomes, officials said Wednesday.

“The survey was conducted in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Chandigarh to check hoarding of vegetables in … Read more >>>.

Rs.100 mn robbery in Chandigarh jewellery store (Second Lead)

CHANDIGARH – In what is believed to be the biggest heist in the history of this union territory, a gang of 10-15 robbers dressed in police uniforms looted jewellery worth over Rs.10 crore (Rs.100 million) from the Tanishq showroom in Manimajra town, police said.

The accused, dressed in Uttar Pradesh Police uniforms, overpowered two security …. Source  : Rs.100 mn robbery in Chandigarh jewellery store (Second Lead).

379 Maoists on hunger strike in Chhattisgarh jail

RAIPUR – As many as 379 Maoists lodged in a jail in Chhattisgarhs insurgency-hit Dantewada district continued their hunger strike for the second day Wednesday, demanding that they be released as they had been held on “false charges”.

“Their demands are quite surprising… they are seeking bail claiming to be arrested on false charges and …. Read the original article  : 379 Maoists on hunger strike in Chhattisgarh jail.

1,800 displaced people returned home in Meghalaya

MENDIPATHAR – Around 1,800 people, who were displaced following the ethnic clashes in Meghalaya and Assam, have returned home and no reports of fresh violence were reported in the region, an official said Wednesday.

In Assam’s Goalpara district, two relief camps were closed after the displaced wanted to go back to their homes, Goalpara District … Read more »».

Modi questions Chennai Police’s statements

MUMBAI – Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has shot off a letter to Chennai Police Commissioner T. Rajendran questioning his recent statements on the police inability to serve summons to him.

Modi has also questioned media reports quoting Rajendran that since he refused to accept the summons, the Chennai Police was planning to prosecute him …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Modi questions Chennai Police’s statements.

Winnie Mandela embroiled in speeding dispute

JOHANNESBURG – A white police officer is under investigation after stopping Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the former wife of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, for recklessly weaving through traffic at speeds of 150 km per hour, according to South African media reports Wednesday.

The policeman told the Beeld newspaper he had not recognised the driver “since she had … Read more >>>.

Mosque demolition: Friday prayers held outside police station

NEW DELHI – Around 1,500 people offered Friday prayers outside the Nizamuddin police station in south Delhi amid tight security as they were not allowed to do so at the site of a mosque that was demolished by civic authorities two days earlier, sparking protests.

“Friday prayers were held peacefully and nobody was allowed …. Source  : Mosque demolition: Friday prayers held outside police station.

Manhunt launched for leopard killers in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – A day after a leopard was brutally killed by a mob on the outskirts of this Orissa capital, wildlife officials Friday launched a manhunt to nab those involved in the gory crime.

“We have booked six people under the Wildlife Protection Act. We have launched a manhunt to arrest them,” a senior state … Read : Manhunt launched for leopard killers in Orissa.

Lalgarh carnage toll rises to eight

KOLKATA – The deaths in the Netai village carnage rose to eight as one of the injured died of her injuries at a state-run premier hospital here Friday.

Geetali Adak, 40, died at SSKM Hospital 6.35 a.m., triggering protests by Trinamool Congress activists who alleged negligence in her treatment.
The woman sustained bullet injuries in …. Original source  : Lalgarh carnage toll rises to eight.

16 women troopers injured in accident

LUCKNOW – Sixteen women paramilitary personnel posted along the India-Nepal border were injured, six of them critically, when the vehicle carrying them was hit by a state-owned bus in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district Friday, police said.

The constables of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) were injured in Babanagar town when a speeding Uttar Pradesh Road …. Original article  : 16 women troopers injured in accident.

Records gutted in Delhi police station, none injured

NEW DELHI – A fire broke out in the record room of a police station in west Delhi Friday, an official said. No one was injured in the blaze.

“Some old papers in the record room of Nand Nagri police station caught fire at 11.15 a.m. No injuries in the incident were reported,” an official …. Original article  : Records gutted in Delhi police station, none injured.

Murder case solved after two months

NEW DELHI – Two men accused of murdering a 25-year-old man some months ago have been arrested from north Delhi, police said Friday.

The accused, Dharma and Dinesh alias Mintu, were arrested from Sultanpuri area Thursday night.
A senior police official said: “The body of a 25-year-old unidentified man was found at Jalebi Chowk in …. Source article  : Murder case solved after two months.

In attack on Kerala professor, police name 54 accused

KOCHI – At least 54 people were named by police in a list of accused submitted to a court here Friday for last year’s assault on a Kerala college professor whose right palm was chopped off.

Of them, 27 have been charge sheeted.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sabu Mathew, who investigated the case, …. Original source  : In attack on Kerala professor, police name 54 accused.

Unidentified bodies to be treated decently in Agra

AGRA – The Agra police have announced measures to ensure that unidentified bodies, earlier allegedly thrown into the Yamuna river, are not callously disposed of without any records.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Aseem Arun told reporters here that he has instructed that the teeth of the dead should be preserved for DNA identification later, … Read more : Unidentified bodies to be treated decently in Agra.

Hackers help fight natural disasters too!

WASHINGTON – During the biannual event called the Random Hacks of Kindness (RHoK), hackers worldwide develop software that can help identify and reduce risks from natural hazards.

It’s a far cry from the darker side of hackers who recently disrupted the computer operations of companies trying to shut down WikiLeaks, says Christian Science Monitor.
During … Read more >>>.

Boat capsizes, leaving four dead and five missing in Vietnam

HANOI – Four people died and five were missing after an overloaded boat capsized in a northern Vietnamese river, authorities said Friday.

Although the search for the missing continued Friday, authorities held out little hope of finding them alive.
“To be sure, the missing have died,” Mai Ngoc Phan, chairman of Tuyen Quang City, said …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Boat capsizes, leaving four dead and five missing in Vietnam.

Journalist among 14 killed in Pakistan violence (Second Lead)

ISLAMABAD – A journalist of a private television channel was shot dead by a group of assailants in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi, where at least 14 others were also killed in a series of target killings, police said.

Wali Khan Babar, 29, who was working with the Geo News, was attacked near Liaquatabad Dak … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Journalist among 14 killed in Pakistan violence (Second Lead).

Receding floodwaters reveal Queensland as ‘war zone’

SYDNEY – Those who fled Brisbane’s worst flooding since 1974 were trudging Friday through the Queensland state capital’s mud-laden streets to assess damage to homes and businesses.

Anna Bligh, the premier of the northeastern state, warned of the grief awaiting many of them in a “war zone” where 33,000 properties in Australia’s third-largest city have …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Receding floodwaters reveal Queensland as ‘war zone’.

Six killed in Jharkhand road accident

RANCHI – Six people were killed when a sports utility vehicle collided with a truck on the outskirts of Jharkhand’s steel city Jamshedpur Friday morning, police said.

The accident took place around 9 a.m. near Nayagram village situated in Jamshedpur district, around 135 km from Ranchi.
Six of the eight people travelling in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Six killed in Jharkhand road accident.

PIL seeks CBI probe into Goa’s cops-politician-drug nexus

PANAJI – The Bombay High Court bench in Goa will next week hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking handing over of the infamous police-politician-drug nexus case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The petition filed by National Students Union of India (NSUI) president Sunil Kavathankar Friday sought that the case, allegedly … Original source on Gaea Times at : PIL seeks CBI probe into Goa’s cops-politician-drug nexus.

Journalist among eight killed in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A journalist of a private television channel was shot dead by a group of unidentified assailants in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi, where at least seven others were also killed in different incidents of target killing, police said.

Wali Khan Babar, 29, who was working with the Geo News, was attacked near Liaquatabad … Read more »».

Piracy costs world economy up to $12 bn a year

NEW YORK – Somali pirates have driven up shipping costs in the Indian Ocean, resulting in world economic losses estimated at $7 billion to $12 billion a year, a study by One Earth Future Foundation said Thursday.

Armed with AK-47s, pirates in rickety skiffs have carried out brazen hijackings, seizing massive oil tankers, cargo vessels [..] Read the original article: here.

Geo News reporter shot dead in Karachi

ISLAMABAD – A reporter of Geo News was shot dead in Pakistan’s southern Karachi city, the news channel said Thursday.

Wali Khan Babar was on his way home from office when he was attacked in the Liaquatabad area of the city, Geo News said.
The gunmen opened fire at close range, killing him instantly. … Read more »».

7.2-magnitude quake jolts Pacific islands

BEIJING – An earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale Friday jolted the New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands in the South Pacific, reports Xinhua.

It occurred at 12.16 a.m., according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre.
The epicentre was located at 20.6 degrees south latitude and 168.6 degrees east longitude, with a depth of about 10 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 7.2-magnitude quake jolts Pacific islands.

Barge with 2,400 tonnes of acid capsizes in Germany

ST GOARSHAUSEN – A motorised barge carrying 2,400 tonnes of sulphuric acid capsized and sank Thursday in Germany’s scenic Rhine river gorge, leaving two of the four crew members missing in the flood-swollen river.

Authorities said tests showed none of the acid had escaped into the river.
The gorge is one of Europe’s main tourist … Original source on Gaea Times at : Barge with 2,400 tonnes of acid capsizes in Germany.

Doctor, wife suffocate to death at home

NEW DELHI – A 65-year-old homoeopathy doctor and his wife suffocated to death after gas from a heater filled their bedroom in their south Delhi home Thursday, police said.

A police official said that the incident was reported from Paryavaran Complex in south Delhi’s Lado Sarai at around 2.30 p.m. and the victims were identified … Read : Doctor, wife suffocate to death at home.

India donates $500,000 for Benin flood victims

UNITED NATIONS – India has made a cash donation of $500,000 in assistance to Benin, the west African nation that suffered devastation in massive floods since late last year.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri Friday handed over a cheque for the amount in New York to the Permanent Representative of the … Read more »».

High court prompts Mayawati to release Banda rape victim

LUCKNOW – Prompted by an Allahabad High Court directive, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Saturday ordered the release of a 17-year-old rape victim whom a ruling Bahujan Samaj party lawmaker had falsely implicated in a theft case.

Though it was a court holiday, senior judge Justice Rajesh Agrawal decided to take suo motto cognizance …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : High court prompts Mayawati to release Banda rape victim.

20 from Karnataka among Sabarimala victims

BANGALORE – At least 20 people from Karnataka are among the over 100 pilgrims who died in a stampede near Kerala’s Sabarimala temple, officials here said Saturday.

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa announced Rs.100,000 compensation to the next of kin of each killed in the stampede and Rs.25,000 for every injured person, an official spokesperson said.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 20 from Karnataka among Sabarimala victims.

Reggie Doucet Shot Dead By LAPD

PLAYA VISTA (GaeaTimes.com)- A young model who used to be a MTSU football player earlier, was shot by a LAPD officer in Playa Vista region near his condo and he succumbed to his death yesterday. The sad incident took place on Friday morning and the death of the 25-year-old Reggie Doucet has left the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Reggie Doucet Shot Dead By LAPD.

Kerala in mourning as Sabarimala toll mounts to 104 (Second Lead)

VANDIPERIYAR/KUMILY – As grieving relatives thronged hospitals to identify their kin among the dead in Kerala’s Sabarimala tragedy, which has claimed 104 lives so far, a government report Saturday said the stampede in the Pulumedu forest was caused after a tiff between taxi, autorickshaw drivers and pilgrims turned violent.

Meanwhile, Kerala has declared three days … Read more >>>.

Sankranti Marred By Accidents

JAMSHEDPUR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The citizens in various parts of India are yet to come out of the Sankranti celebration mood but the festive occasion did not pass without its shares of mishaps. A number of road accidents took place on the auspicious day in various parts of the country resulting in casualty and injury. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sankranti Marred By Accidents.

13 killed in Uttar Pradesh bus accident

LUCKNOW – At least 13 people were killed and over 20 others were injured when the bus they were travelling in spun out of control and fell into a river in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district Saturday, police said.

“The accident took place in the Kapsethi area when the bus fell into the Varuna river. … Original article on : 13 killed in Uttar Pradesh bus accident.

Mirchpur violence: Jat conclave wants fresh CBI probe

JIND – Tension prevailed in this Haryana district Saturday as members of the Jat Mahapanchayat, a congregation of leaders from over 42 khap panchayats, threatened to block roads and railway crossings demanding a fresh CBI probe into the Mirchpur caste violence last year for which more than 90 Jat youths were arrested.

The protesters … Read more »».

Mayawati orders release of Banda rape victim

LUCKNOW – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Saturday announced the release from jail of a 17-year-old rape victim who had been implicated in a theft case by a ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA from Banda.

Mayawati made the announcement soon after her 55th birthday celebrations here.
The girl was implicated in a false case … Read more >>>.

Fire breaks out in power corporation office in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A major fire broke out in a multi-storeyed government building housing the office of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) here Saturday, an official said. A man suffered minor injuries in the incident.

The fire erupted on the first floor of the Shakti Bhawan building along Ashok Marg in Hazratganj, the heart … Read : Fire breaks out in power corporation office in Uttar Pradesh.

Congress MP Biswal’s attacker arrested

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police arrested the man who allegedly attacked former Orissa Chief Minister and Congress parliamentarian Hemananda Biswal here, police Saturday said.

Prabhat Kumar Sharma alias Swamy was arrested from South Avenue late Friday evening after he went there to meet some relative.
“Acting on a tip-off, he was … Original article on : Congress MP Biswal’s attacker arrested.

Seven Sabarimala injured admitted to Tamil Nadu hospital

CHENNAI – Seven people, six from Tamil Nadu and one from Andhra Pradesh, injured in the Sabarimala stampede have been admitted to the Theni Medical College Hospital, on the border with Kerala.

Three of the six from Tamil Nadu belong to Dharmapuri, two are from Coimbatore and one is from Tiruttani district, while the seventh … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Seven Sabarimala injured admitted to Tamil Nadu hospital.

Man burnt alive in Bihar

PATNA – A man was burnt alive in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur town Saturday morning by some unidentified people, police said.

Prabhu Mahato was burnt to death at Ram Dayalu locality in Muzaffarpur town, about 70 km from here.
Tension prevailed in the locality after the incident. Police were deployed in the area by the district …. Original source  : Man burnt alive in Bihar.

Mud, toil, tears and sweat as Brisbane cleans up

SYDNEY – An estimated 7,000 volunteers deluged Brisbane Saturday as Australia’s third-largest city got cracking on a clean-up after the worst floods in 36 years.

Armed with buckets and spades, they formed work gangs in the low-lying areas of the Queensland state capital that took the brunt of the floodwaters when the Brisbane River peaked …. Original article  : Mud, toil, tears and sweat as Brisbane cleans up.

Four students killed, 15 injured as train rams autorickshaw

CHANDIGARH – At least four school students were killed and 15 injured when an autorickshaw they were riding in collided with a train in a dense fog at a railway crossing in Punjab’s Ferozepur district Saturday morning, police said.

The victims were all under 10 years of age and belonged to Chandimaara village. …. Source  : Four students killed, 15 injured as train rams autorickshaw.

Sabarimala stampede toll 104, Kerala in mourning

VANDIPERIYAR/KUMILY – Kerala declared three days of mourning as the toll in the stampede near Kerala’s famed Sabarimala temple climbed to 104 Saturday with more bodies being brought to hospitals. More than 60 people are injured.

The bodies were first brought to the Vandiperiyar government hospital and from there it was moved to the government … Read more »».

Sabarimala Accident Shocks Nation

VANDIPERIYAR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- More than 100 people died and nearly 50 were injured during a stampede near the hill shrine of Sabarimala on Friday, law enforcement officials have reported. Home Secretary Jai Kumar told media sources that the pilgrims were returning from the temple, when a vehicle overturned, resulting in the stampede. Jai Kumar … Read more >>.

Sabarimala tragedy: 60 doctors conduct autopsies, kin identify dead

KUMILY – As the death toll in the stampede near the Sabarimala temple mounted to 104 Saturday, doctors at a government hospital in this Kerala town busied themselves in one of the biggest post-mortem procedures in the state.

A team of 60 doctors began the grim task at the Kumily government hospital, some 15 km … Original article on : Sabarimala tragedy: 60 doctors conduct autopsies, kin identify dead.

Sabarimala stampede toll reaches 104

VANDIPERIYAR/KUMILY – The toll in the stampede near Kerala’s famed Sabarimala temple climbed to 104 Saturday as more bodies and the injured continued to be brought to hospitals in the area.

The stampede occurred around 8.00 p.m. Friday when the pilgrims were returning after watching the celestial Makara Jyothi light, the most important event of … Read more >>>.

Sabarimala stampede toll rises to 97 (Fourth Lead)

VANDIPERIYAR – The toll in a stampede of pilgrims in Kerala’s Idukki district rose to 97 Saturday after more bodies were recovered. The stampede occurred when the pilgrims were returning after watching the celestial Makara Jyothi light, the most important event of the pilgrimage, from a hillock some 30 km from the Sabarimala temple.

The … Read more »».

Illegal arms factory busted in Meerut

LUCKNOW – An illegal arms factory was busted in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district, leading to the arrest of two men involved in supplying firearms to various states of the country, police said Sunday.

The illegal arms factory was unearthed late Saturday in Pahsuma area following a joint operation by the district police and the special … Read more »».

Rare eye surgery performed on arrow-hit Tripura girl

AGARTALA – Doctors in Kolkata have performed a rare operation and saved the life of an 18-year-old Tripura girl who was struck in her left eye by an iron arrow which pierced through 4 mm of the rearmost part of her skull.

According to the girl’s family members, the 28 cm arrow abruptly hit Itu … Read more »»».

Sabarimala tragedy: probe begins, police insist security adequate

VANDIPERIYAR – The accident site was still strewn with victims’ belongings and offerings to Lord Ayyappa Sunday as police began its probe into the stampede near Kerala’s Sabarimala temple that claimed 102 lives. Quashing reports of inadequate security, police insisted that 279 personnel were deployed in the area.

The Crime Branch led by Superintendent … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sabarimala tragedy: probe begins, police insist security adequate.

Man held with peacock carcasses in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A man was arrested with carcasses of peacocks – India’s national bird – while three of his accomplices managed to escape in Uttar Pradesh’s Faizabad district, police said Sunday.

Ram Avtar was nabbed Saturday night from Chauri Bazar area following a joint operation by forest officials and the district police.
“Two peacock carcasses …. Source article  : Man held with peacock carcasses in Uttar Pradesh.

16 missing, 51 dead in Philippine bad weather

MANILA – Sixteen fishermen were missing Sunday in choppy seas in the Philippines as the death toll from accidents caused by bad weather rose to 51, the Office of Civil Defence said.

Seven fishermen were rescued from the capsized boat off Pandan town in the eastern province of Catanduanes, according to Benito Ramos, administrator of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 16 missing, 51 dead in Philippine bad weather.

Indonesian maid survives nine-storey fall in Singapore

SINGAPORE – An Indonesian maid survived a fall from her employer’s ninth-storey flat in Singapore, a media report said Sunday.

The 23-year old, who was not identified, was found Friday at the foot of the apartment block with bamboo poles and clothes beside her, indicating that she fell while trying to collect laundry, the Sunday …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Indonesian maid survives nine-storey fall in Singapore.

Amritsar bans Chinese kite-string after death, injuries

AMRITSAR – Authorities in Amritsar have banned the sale and use of a Chinese kite-string after it left one person dead and nearly half a dozen injured.

While Amritsar police have banned the sale and use of the kite-string in the city, the administration has banned its sale throughout the Amritsar district following the incidents.
… Read more »»».

Mirchpur violence: Jats continue to block rail tracks

JIND – Tension prevailed in Jind district Sunday as hundreds of Jat community members continued to block railway tracks near here for the second day, disrupting trains over their demand for a fresh CBI probe into the Mirchpur caste violence of last year in which two Dalits were killed.

Members of the Jat Mahapanchayat, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mirchpur violence: Jats continue to block rail tracks.

Two held in Delhi, one in Ghaziabad for Chandigarh heist

CHANDIGARH – Three members of a gang have been arrested from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh for the biggest heist in this city in which jewellery worth over Rs.10 crore ($2.2 million) was looted from a showroom, police said Sunday.

Chandigarh Police with their counterparts in Delhi arrested the three men of the Gore Khan gang … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two held in Delhi, one in Ghaziabad for Chandigarh heist.

Mirchpur violence: Jats continue rail blockade

JIND – Hundreds of Jat community members continued to squat on railway tracks near here for the second day Sunday, disrupting train services over their demand for a fresh CBI probe into the Mirchpur caste violence last year.

The members of the Jat Mahapanchayat, including many women, have been sitting on the railway track … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mirchpur violence: Jats continue rail blockade.

Woman ‘poses as man’ to trick women into having sex

LONDON – A British woman has been accused of pretending to be a man to have sexual contact with two female partners over a period of about nine years.

Samantha Brooks, 26, posing as a man called Lee Brooks, is even alleged to have proposed to one woman, the Daily Mail reported Saturday.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Woman ‘poses as man’ to trick women into having sex.

New floods hit southern Australia as north mops up

SYDNEY – More than 30 towns in southeastern Australia were hit with record floods Sunday as the north of the country mopped up from devastating floodwaters.

More than 3,000 people in towns across the State of Victoria were forced to leave their homes as floods rose to record levels, submerging 13,000 properties.
In Melbourne 8,000 …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : New floods hit southern Australia as north mops up.

Brazil rains: Death toll rises to 610

Rio de Janeiro, Jan 16 (IANS/EFE) The death toll from the heavy downpour in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has risen to 610, as the search for victims and survivors continued, according to the latest civil defence bulletin.

According to the latest figures, the floods and mudslides caused 274 deaths in Nova Friburgo … Read more >>>.

Six dead as plane crashes in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Jan 16 (IANS/EFE) A small plane crashed in a mountainous region of central Brazil, killing all six people on board, officials said.

The plane went down Friday night for unknown reasons near Senador Canedo town in Goias state, just 16 km from the landing strip, firefighters said Saturday.
The aircraft, a single-engine …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Six dead as plane crashes in Brazil.

Death toll in Brazil rains rises to 549

Rio de Janeiro, Jan 16 (IANS/EFE) The death toll from the heavy downpour in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has risen to 549, as the search for victims and survivors continued.

The regional government Saturday declared seven days of official mourning in honour of those who died.
Emergency operations focused on areas that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Death toll in Brazil rains rises to 549.

Federer consults Laver over Queensland flood benefit

MELBOURNE – Tennis legend Rod Laver was the first name that came to Roger Federer’s mind when he learned of the floods which have devastated vast regions of the Australian state of Queensland.

“When I heard it hit the city of Rockhampton, I right away thought of Rod Laver,” defending Australian Open champion Federer said …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Federer consults Laver over Queensland flood benefit.

Rahul Gandhi to visit Sabarimala stampede site Sunday

VANDIPERIYAR – Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi will Sunday visit the site of the stampede where 102 Sabarimala pilgrims died, party leaders said.

According to state Congress president Ramesh Chennithala, Gandhi, who is currently in the state on a private visit to attend the marriage of Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs additional private secretary R.Gopalakrishnans daughter …. Source article  : Rahul Gandhi to visit Sabarimala stampede site Sunday.

South Korean cargo ship hijacked in Indian Ocean

SEOUL – A South Korean cargo ship with 21 crew was hijacked in the Indian Ocean, the Yonhap news agency reported Saturday citing a foreign ministry official in Seoul.

The 10,000-ton ship carrying chemicals was apparently hijacked by Somali pirates, the report said. The vessel belonged to Samho Shipping, based in the southern port city …. Read the original article  : South Korean cargo ship hijacked in Indian Ocean.

Three arrested for buying goods using fake credit card

NEW DELHI – Three people, including an employee of an electrical appliances store, were arrested for cloning a credit card and purchasing electrical goods worth lakhs of rupees from the store in south Delhi, police said Saturday.

Neeraj Mangla, 26, Chander Mohan Rawat, 29, both residents of Faridabad, Haryana and Amit Sharma, 30, a resident … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Three arrested for buying goods using fake credit card.

Six terrorists get life term for plot to kidnap Sachin, Sourav (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Saturday awarded life term to six Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) terrorists, including three Pakistanis, for plotting to kidnap cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly in 2002.

Additional Sessions Judge Pinki (one name) sentenced all the six convicts to rigorous life imprisonment under the stringent Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) saying the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Six terrorists get life term for plot to kidnap Sachin, Sourav (Second Lead).

Rs.20 lakh looted from car showroom, guard murdered

PANCHKULA – Some unidentified men looted nearly Rs.20 lakh in cash from a car showroom here after murdering a security guard on duty, police said Monday.

The incident took place late Sunday but was discovered Monday morning when another security guard came to join his duty at the Berkeley car showroom in the industrial …. Source article  : Rs.20 lakh looted from car showroom, guard murdered.

Student killed, four injured in Uttar Pradesh accident

LUCKNOW – A school student was killed and four others were injured after a speeding tempo carrying them overturned in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambhi district Monday, police said.

The accident took place in Manauli area when the driver of the tempo multi-seater carrying students of the Puramufti Public School tried to overtake a vehicle. One student …. Source  : Student killed, four injured in Uttar Pradesh accident.

Invoices land for Australia’s biggest natural disaster

SYDNEY – At Brisbane’s flooded waterfront Boardwalk Bar & Bistro, more than 2,000 bottles of top-shelf wine are ready to go out with the rubbish.

“It’s just too much of a risk,” proprietor Grant Johnston said of his prized cellar. “We’ve washed them down but underneath any of the caps, there could be anything.”
Johnston’s … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Invoices land for Australia’s biggest natural disaster.

Telangana protests hit road transport, hundreds detained

HYDERABAD – Road transport was affected in several parts of Telangana in Andhra Pradesh Monday as agitators raised road blockades, demanding separate statehood to the region.

The movement of vehicles on national and state highways was disrupted as activists of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other constituents of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Telangana protests hit road transport, hundreds detained.

Red light over China’s erring staff to check graft

BEIJING – In order to prevent corruption, Chinese authorities have put in place a new monitoring system which sends alerts by putting red or yellow light to indicate rule violations by employees using office computers.

In east China’s Jiangsu province, 52 provincial government departments, 13 city governments and 106 county departments are alrady linked to …. Source  : Red light over China’s erring staff to check graft.

Kerala court directs government to probe Sabarimala stampede

KOCHI – A deeply concerned Kerala High Court Monday asked the state government to submit by Thursday a report on the stampede near the Sabarimala shrine in which 102 pilgrims perished.

A division bench of Justices Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan and P. Bhavadasan, which has handling all cases relating to the devasoms (department which runs …. Original article  : Kerala court directs government to probe Sabarimala stampede.

Pakistan sleuths clueless about Hindu leader’s abduction

ISLAMABAD – Investigators probing the abduction of a leading Hindu spiritual leader of Pakistan are clueless about his whereabouts, a media report said Monday, adding that there had been 22 kidnapping incidents in recent weeks on the same highway from where the octogenarian was spirited away.

Lakki Chand Garji, 82, who is the `maharaja’ of … Read more »»».

Australia’s flood crisis rolls south into Victoria

SYDNEY – Horsham in Victoria was the latest of 46 towns in Australia’s southeast corner to go on flood alert Monday with a warning to its 14,000 residents to expect the worst soaking since the flood of 1909.

In Horsham, midway between Melbourne and Adelaide, 111 houses could expect to have water over their floorboards.
…. Source  : Australia’s flood crisis rolls south into Victoria.

Sabarimala stampede – another tragedy reduced to a probe?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – As police investigate the stampede near the Sabarimala temple that claimed 102 lives, the question in many minds is whether it will throw up answers and fix responsibility or be reduced to another probe pending action for years like the earlier boat tragedies in Kumarakom and Thekkady.

While this is one of the … Read : Sabarimala stampede – another tragedy reduced to a probe?.

Mexican teenager used social websites to kidnap people

Mexico City, Jan 17 (IANS/EFE) A teenaged youth who allegedly kidnapped students he met via social networking websites has been arrested in Mexico, officials said.

Pedro Lopez Biffano, 19, who was holding a student hostage, was arrested during the weekend in Puebla state in central Mexico, the Puebla state attorney general’s office said.
The suspect …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mexican teenager used social websites to kidnap people.

Rhino horn more expensive than gold in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG – The price of a horn of an African rhino has increased to 400,000 rand ($59,000) per kg, making it far more expensive than gold, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported.

Rhino poaching increased in South Africa in 2010, with 330 rhinos shot dead for their horns in wildlife parks around the country, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Football team president gunned down in Ecuador

Quito, Jan 17 (IANS/EFE) The president of Ecuador’s Delfin Sporting Club football team was gunned down in the coastal city of Manta, according to a media report.

Honorio Cevallos was speaking with his team coach Juan Carlos Bedolla at a restaurant during the weekend when a man shot him several times.
Reports said two men …. Read the original article  : Football team president gunned down in Ecuador.

49 held in Spain on child porn charges

Madrid, Jan 17 (IANS/EFE) The Spanish National Police, in cooperation with the US, Britain and Belarus, has arrested 49 people of a gang that had created an international network of over 200 websites that offered child pornography photographs and videos.

Another 15 people were held after they subscribed to the websites to receive the pornographic …. Original article  : 49 held in Spain on child porn charges.

Four locked flats robbed in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A gang of robbers broke into four locked flats in an apartment block in Delhi’s Dwarka area and escaped with cash and jewellery amounting to lakhs of rupees, police said Sunday.

According to police, the theft was discovered Friday when one of the flat owners, Ashutosh Anand, a manager in a private …. Source article  : Four locked flats robbed in Delhi.

Man shot dead in central Delhi

NEW DELHI – A 28-year-old man was shot dead Sunday in central Delhi due to personal enemity, police said, adding two people have been identified as suspects.

According to the police, the victim Dilip was from the Punajabi basti in Anand Parbat area.
“Dilip was shot at around 2.45 a.m. Sunday while on his …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Man shot dead in central Delhi.

Lalgarh toll rises to nine

KOLKATA – The deaths in the Netai village carnage near the Maoist-affected Lalgarh area in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district rose to nine as one of the injured died of her injuries at a state-run hospital here Sunday.

Arati Mondal, 50, died at SSKM Hospital, triggering protests by Trinamool Congress activists who alleged negligence in … Original article on : Lalgarh toll rises to nine.

Wife-beating row: Indian diplomat in Britain transferred (Roundup)

NEW DELHI/LONDON – India’s chief trade diplomat in Britain Anil Verma is being transferred back after the external affairs ministry decided that allegations of him beating his wife were “causing embarrassment” and hurting the image of the country.

“The (external affairs) ministry has taken a serious view of the allegations, which are causing embarrassment to …. Read the original article  : Wife-beating row: Indian diplomat in Britain transferred (Roundup).

Man stabbed by friend for stepping on foot

NEW DELHI – A 24-year-old man was repeatedly stabbed by his friend after accidentally stepping on his foot here. The man has been admitted to a city hospital, police said Sunday.

The incident occurred in a by-lane in outer Delhi’s Sultanpuri – B block at around 10.30 p.m. Saturday. The victim has been identified as … Read more >>.

Girl dies after tumbling down hillock

NEW DELHI – A 10-year-old girl died after tumbling down a hillock where she was playing with her friends in south Delhi Sunday, police said.

The victim has been identified as Mansi, a resident of Rajaukri area. The incident was reported at 2.30 p.m.
Police said Mansi, a Class 3 student at a government … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Girl dies after tumbling down hillock.

Candle factory goes up in flames

NEW DELHI – Goods worth lakhs of rupees were destroyed in a fire that broke out in a candle factory in north Delhi Sunday afternoon, police said. No casualty was reported.

The incident took place around 2.30 p.m. on Sunny Bazar Road of Kirari Village in Aman Vihar area. Fire tenders were pressed into service …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Candle factory goes up in flames.

Punish diplomat for wife-beating: Tirath

NEW DELHI – Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath Tuesday said that strong action should be taken against officials like Anil Verma, an Indian diplomat in London accused of assaulting his wife.

“There should be strong action taken against such officials and their increments stopped,” Tirath said on the sidelines of a function here.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mobiles, knife seized from Jharkhand jail

RANCHI – Police seized 13 mobile phones, 17 phone chargers, a knife and other banned materials from Garwah district jail during surprise raids Tuesday, said a police official.

“Senior police officials conducted the raid following a tip-off about mobile phones and sharp weapons inside the jail. Apart from the phones, two SIM cards, a knife, [..] Read the original article: here.

Hostage killed before cops gun down two gangsters

LUCKNOW – In a dramatic shootout in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, two gangsters shot dead a businessman they had kidnapped before being gunned down by police, officials said Tuesday.

A third criminal managed to escape in the shootout that took place late Monday in Teetawi area of Muzaffarnagar, about 350 km from here, while … Read more : Hostage killed before cops gun down two gangsters.

Sushma Swaraj to visit Sabarimala Wednesday

KOCHI – Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushma Swaraj will Wednesday visit the spot near the Sabarimala shrine in Kerala where 102 people lost their lives in a stampede, an official said.

The stampede occurred Friday night at Pulumedu near Vandiperiyar town where about 100,000 pilgrims …. Original article  : Sushma Swaraj to visit Sabarimala Wednesday.

Three die as welcome arch collapses on rickshaw

NASHIK – In a freak accident, at least three people, including a six-year-old boy, were killed Tuesday when a welcome arch set up by civic authorities collapsed on a rickshaw passing by, police said.

“The welcome arch constructed between Nashik Road and Deolali Camp areas on the outskirts of the city collapsed on a rickshaw … Read : Three die as welcome arch collapses on rickshaw.

High court issues notices in Goa drug nexus probe case

PANAJI – The Panaji bench of the Bombay High court Tuesday sent notices to the Goa government and the CBI after a students’ union filed a suit in connection with the police-politician-drug nexus case.

Sunil Kavthankar, president of the National Students Union of India (NSUI), in his petition, has pleaded that the investigation into … Read more >>>.

Gas leak in Maharashtra, over 10 hospitalised

PUNE – More than 10 people were hospitalised Tuesday after a chlorine gas leak in an effluent treatment plant in Pimpri-Chinchwad located on the outskirts of this Maharashtra city, police said.

“The gas leak started early Tuesday from the plant. The leakage has affected 10-15 people who have been admitted to nearby hospitals,” a police …. Original source  : Gas leak in Maharashtra, over 10 hospitalised.

Post-stampede, divinity of Samarimala light questioned

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – With 102 lives lost in a stampede on the day the revered Makar Jyothi appears three times on the horizon soon after dusk above the famed Sabarimala temple, questions are now again being raised about the divinity of the light.

On Makar Sankranti, which is considered the most auspicious day in the [..] Read the original article: here.

Vrindavan’s ‘Porn Swamy’ arrested, CDs, cameras seized

MATHURA – The controversial Vrindavan ‘Porn Swamy’, accused of making pornograhic clips and movies using holy motifs and the backdrop of deities, was arrested Monday afternoon after more than ten days on the run, police said.

The temple city of Mathura, 380 km from Uttar Pradesh state capital Lucknow, was outraged after the case surfaced [..] Read the original article: here.

Colombia closes 56 illegal gold mines

Bogota, Jan 18 (IANS/EFE) Colombian authorities over the past four months have closed 56 illegal gold mines and arrested 573 people, a police report stated.

The report released Monday said that “46 illegal deposits (have been closed, and) 573 people were arrested”, but it clarified that the majority of those people have been released on …. Source  : Colombia closes 56 illegal gold mines.

Woman who stole baby says she did it to save her marriage

Santiago (Dominican Republic), Jan 18 (IANS/EFE) A Dominican woman who was arrested for kidnapping a 25-day-old baby said she committed the crime “to give a child” to her sterile husband and avoid a separation, authorities said.

The accused, identified as Altagracia Disneris Reyes Rodriguez, 22, stole the baby last Friday in the town of San …. Original article  : Woman who stole baby says she did it to save her marriage.

Mexico seizes 39 art treasures smuggled out of Singapore

Mexico City, Jan 18 (IANS/EFE) A total of 39 Singaporean art treasures from the 17th and 18th centuries were seized in the Mexican port of Manzanillo after being smuggled into the Latin American nation, the Attorney General’s Office said.

Federal investigators and tax inspectors were checking goods stored on the premises of the Timsa company … Read more : Mexico seizes 39 art treasures smuggled out of Singapore.

665 dead in Brazil mudslides

Rio de Janeiro, Jan 18 (IANS/EFE) The number of dead from downpours that have deluged the southeastern Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has climbed to 665, authorities said Monday.

Sunday’s rains caused three deaths and further mudslides that blocked some highways and impeded search efforts, which were resumed before dawn in the hard-hit cities …. Source  : 665 dead in Brazil mudslides.

Mumbai oil depot fire under control, no casualties

MUMBAI – A huge fire broke out in an oil storage depot of the public sector Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) in Navi Mumbai early Tuesday. The fire was brought under control after nearly eight hours, police said.

“After nearly eight hours, the fire has been contained. There are no reports of any casualties. We … Read more »»».

12 inmates escape as attackers bust Mexican prison

Mexico City, Jan 18 (IANS/EFE) A dozen inmates escaped from a prison in Mexico’s northern state of Chihuahua after armed men rammed a vehicle through a security fence, authorities said.

The breakout occurred around 5.00 a.m. Monday at the prison in Aquiles Serdan, near Chihuahua city, the state capital.
The attackers fired shots to distract …. Read the original article  : here.

Egyptian man sets himself ablaze in front of parliament

CAIRO – A man set himself on fire in front of the Egyptian parliament protesting “terrible living conditions”, a media report said.

Abdou Abdel-Moneim Hamadah, 48, stood in front of the parliament, in downtown Cairo, poured fuel on himself and set himself afire, Prensa Latina reported.
A spokesman for the ministry of public health told …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Egyptian man sets himself ablaze in front of parliament.

Massive fire in Mumbai oil depot

MUMBAI – A massive broke out in an oil storage depot of the public sector Indian Oil Corporation Limited in Navi Mumbai early Tuesday, police said.

The fire alert was received by the police around 2 a.m. from the security guard of the company in the Taloja-MIDC area of Navi Mumbai. So far, there are …. Read the original article  : Massive fire in Mumbai oil depot.

Brazil: Death toll surpasses 650 in flooding disaster

RIO DE JANEIRO – The number of dead in flooding and mudslides in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has reached 652.

The disaster has affected the mountainous area of the state, and worst hit are the cities Nova Friburgo, with 302 dead, and Teresopolis with 272 dead. In the historic city of Petropolis, … Read more >>>.

Three Chinese held for photographing troopers’ camps

BAHRAICH – Three Chinese nationals, including a woman, were held by paramilitary personnel after they were found taking the photographs of their camps along the Indo-Nepal border in this Uttar Pradesh district Monday, police said.

The three were caught by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel while they were taking photos.
“As of now, I can …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Three Chinese held for photographing troopers’ camps.

Somali pirates seize Greek ship, says EU

NAIROBI/LONDON – Somali pirates have seized a Greek-owned ship, the MV Eagle, in the Gulf of Aden, the European Union’s anti-piracy force EU NAVFOR said Monday.

EU NAVFOR said pirates fired small arms and a rocket-propelled grenade before boarding the Cypriot-flagged ship in the early hours of Monday morning.
There has since been no contact … Read more »».

Action needed, not probe into Sabarimala stampede: Sushama Swaraj

PULUMEDU – Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj Wednesday asked the Karala government to take action against those responsible for the Sabarimala stampede that left 102 pilgrims dead.

It was last Friday night that 102 pilgrims were killed in a stampede at Pulumedu. The tragedy happened here, about 30 km from the …. Original article  : Action needed, not probe into Sabarimala stampede: Sushama Swaraj.

Farmer shot dead in Faridabad, Rs.22 lakh looted

FARIDABAD – A group of people shot dead a farmer here and escaped with his bag containing nearly Rs.22 lakh Tuesday evening, police said.

According to police, Bhim Singh, a resident of Dhani Babban Pur village here, was returning after selling a piece of land. His two sons, Gursewak Singh and Jasbir Singh, were also … Read more »».

7.3 magnitutde quake jolts Pakistan, Delhi rocked (Second Lead)

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI – Panic-stricken people rushed out of their homes – some of them reciting verses from the Quran – as a 7.3-magnitude earthquake shook Pakistan early Wednesday. Two women died and three people were hospitalised after suffering heart attack.

The quake struck at 1.23 a.m., jolting people from their sleep.
The epicentre of the …. Original source  : 7.3 magnitutde quake jolts Pakistan, Delhi rocked (Second Lead).

Earthquake In India: Origin In Pakistan

DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Pakistan was rocked by a strong earthquake today morning and it created panic among the residents who ran for safety. The quake was very powerful and it was felt in the Northwestern states of India and also in the Indian capital. The tremors of the quake reached even the Gulf region …. Source  : Earthquake In India: Origin In Pakistan.

Former Haiti dictator charged with embezzling funds

Port-au-Prince (Haiti), Jan 19 (IANS/EFE) Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier was Tuesday charged with embezzling public funds.

The charges were filed after the man known as “Baby Doc” faced questioning for over four hours at the chief prosecutor’s office in Port-au-Prince, the capital and largest city of the Caribbean nation of Haiti.
Duvalier, who left …. Original article  : Former Haiti dictator charged with embezzling funds.

Mirchpur violence: Jats continue protest for fifth day

JIND – Jat community members continued their protest here for the fifth day Wednesday as several rounds of talks between their representatives and the district administration over demand for fresh CBI probe into Mirchpur caste violence failed to break the deadlock.

Hundreds of Jat protesters, including scores of women, have been blocking railway tracks near …. Read the original article  : Mirchpur violence: Jats continue protest for fifth day.

Teenaged dancer asked Berlusconi for 5 mn euros for her silence

Milan, Jan 19 (IANS/AKI) The teenage Moroccan nightclub dancer whom Italy’s prime minister Silvio Berlusconi allegedly paid for sex, asked the premier for five million euros in exchange for her silence, according to tapped phonecalls.

Karima El Mahgroug, now 18, and Berlusconi deny they had sex over several months in 2010 when she was 17. … Read more : Teenaged dancer asked Berlusconi for 5 mn euros for her silence.

Pakistan Earthquake Rocks Nation

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (GaeaTimes.com)- A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 shook southwest Pakistan on Tuesday night, which left panic stricken people rush from their homes to the streets to save their lives. The massive earthquake occurred at around 1:23 a.m. and had a depth of 84 kilometers. United States Geological Survey officials reported … Read more : Pakistan Earthquake Rocks Nation.

Murder case in Italy solved after 35 years

Rome, Jan 19 (IANS/AKI) A convicted criminal has confessed to killing an elderly woman in the central Sicilian town of Piazza Armerina – 35 years after she was found beaten and strangled to death in her apartment.

“I’m the monster who killed that poor woman. I haven’t been able to forget how she clenched a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Murder case in Italy solved after 35 years.

Top NCP leader fined Rs.1.72 crore for illegal mining

PANAJI – Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) national secretary Jitendra Deshprabhu has been fined Rs.1.72 crore for illegal mining of iron ore in Goa, according to documents sourced from the state mining department.

Deshprabhu has claimed that while the land where illegal mining was being carried out was owned by him, he was not behind …. Read the original article  : here.

Tremors in Himachal after Pakistan quake

SHIMLA – Tremors were felt in several parts of Himachal Pradesh early Wednesday after an earthquake hit a sparsely-populated mountainous region of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, the weather office here said.

However, there are no reports of any loss of life or damage to property in the hill state.
“Mild tremors were felt in several parts … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Tremors in Himachal after Pakistan quake.

25 arrested for running cocaine lab in Spain

Madrid, Jan 19 (IANS/EFE) Spanish police dismantled the largest known cocaine laboratory in Europe near Madrid in an operation that resulted in 25 arrests.

The illegal lab had been set up on a farm in the Madrid municipality of Villanueva de Perales, where police found more than 300 kg of cocaine and 33 tonnes of [..] Read the original article: here.

Delhi feels quake tremors

NEW DELHI – Several people were jolted out of their sleep and some ran out of their homes as tremors were felt in Delhi and other parts of northern India following an earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale that hit Pakistan early Wednesday.

The earthquake hit few minutes before 2 p.m. The epicentre was … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Delhi feels quake tremors.

Pigeon arrested for taking drugs into Colombian jail

BOGOTA – A pigeon that carried 45 gm of drugs into a prison was found by police Tuesday a few metres away from a jail in the northern Colombian city of Bucaramanga.

The find exposed a drug transport method that even the authorities described as “clever”.
Bucaramanga police commander Jose Mendoza said the pigeon was …. Original source  : Pigeon arrested for taking drugs into Colombian jail.

Houses collapse in Pakistan quake

ISLAMABAD – At least 10 houses collapsed or were damaged after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit a sparsely-populated mountainous region of Pakistan’s Balochistan province early Wednesday, media reports said.

According to DPA, the US Geological Survey (USGS), however, downgraded the magnitude to 7.2 from its original estimate of 7.4. Tremors were felt as far as …. Source article  : Houses collapse in Pakistan quake.

Quake hits Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A magnitude 7.4 earthquake jolted southwestern Pakistan early Wednesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported on its website.

The temblor occurred at around 1.23 a.m. (2023 GMT Tuesday) at a depth of 10 km, Xinhua reported. There were no immediate reports of any casualties.
The epicentre was some 55 km west of Dalbandin …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Quake hits Pakistan.

Three shot at in Los Angeles school

LOS ANGELES – At least three people have been shot at the Gardena High School in Los Angeles by a gunman suspected of being a student there, the Los Angeles Times reported, quoting emergency responders.

The condition or identity of the victims was not immediately known.
Live video feeds showed dozens of police vehicles ringing …. Original article  : Three shot at in Los Angeles school.

Businessman beaten up for molesting Russian tourist

PANAJI – A 49-year-old businessman from Madhya Pradesh was beaten up late Tuesday by local residents for molesting a Russian woman at Goa’s popular Calangute beach, police said.

The 25-year-old Russian woman complained to the Calangute police station that Prakash Chand, a Bhopal-based businessman, had molested her while she was bathing in the sea. … Read : Businessman beaten up for molesting Russian tourist.

Technician found dead in tobacco factory

GHAZIABAD – A technician was found dead in mysterious circumstances inside the International Tobacco Company (ITC) factory here, police said Tuesday. The family claimed he was murdered and accused the factory management of a cover-up.

According to police, Mukesh Bhargava, 35, was found dead on the third floor inside ITC factory on Meerut Road Monday. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Technician found dead in tobacco factory.

Founding member of drug cartel Los Zetas arrested in Mexico

MEXICO CITY – Mexican police arrested Flavio Mendez Santiago, a founding member of the criminal gang Los Zetas, authorities said Tuesday.

Mendez Santiago, also known as “El Amarillo”, 35, was one of the most-wanted criminals in Mexico, and a reward of $1.25 million had been offered for information leading to his capture. He was arrested … Original article on : Founding member of drug cartel Los Zetas arrested in Mexico.

Former RAW official tries to undress in court

NEW DELHI – A former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) official, claiming to be frustrated at the frequent adjournments in a human trafficking case against her in the Delhi High Court, tried to undress before a judge Thursday but was stopped by police officials.

Nisha Bhatia, in her late thirties, started to undress in a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Former RAW official tries to undress in court.

70-year-old retired principal raped, murdered

ALLAHABAD – A 70-year-old retired government college principal here was raped and strangulated to death by a young man, who once worked as her domestic help, police said Thursday. The accused has been arrested.

The retired principal of Ishwar Sharan Girls’ College was Wednesday raped and murdered at her residence in the posh George Town … Read : 70-year-old retired principal raped, murdered.

Quake damaged 200 houses in Pakistan town

QUETTA – The 7.2 Richter Scale earthquake, which rocked large parts of Balochistan early Wednesday night, damaged 200 mud-houses in Dalbandin town of Pakistan. However, it didn’t cause any casualties, officials said.

“Only a woman patient suffered a heart-attack when the quake struck Quetta, and later died. Four people suffered light injuries in Dalbandin when …. Original source  : Quake damaged 200 houses in Pakistan town.

Fake currency of Rs.4.5 lakh face value seized in Punjab

AMRITSAR – The state’s Special Operations Cell (SOC) seized fake currency of face value nearly Rs.4.5 lakh here on the basis of a smuggler’s interrogation, police said Thursday.

According to police, working on a tip-off, they had arrested Sukhjit Singh, a smuggler, from here Jan 14 and had recovered counterfeit currency of Rs.3.5 lakh from …. Read the original article  : Fake currency of Rs.4.5 lakh face value seized in Punjab.

Congo rape toll rises to 50, says UN

NAIROBI/GENEVA – The number of women raped in an apparent revenge attack for the death of a Congolese soldier has risen to 50, according to the United Nations.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said more women had been identified as victims of a raping and looting spree that took … Read : Congo rape toll rises to 50, says UN.

Italy ‘in turmoil’ over new sex disclosures

Rome, Jan 20 (IANS/AKI) The Moroccan teenage nightclub dancer at the centre of a prostitution probe involving Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Wednesday she’d been raped as a child by two uncles and had boiling oil poured over her.

“When I was nine years old, I was raped by two of my uncles – … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Italy ‘in turmoil’ over new sex disclosures.

Sabarimala pilgrimage season ends in 102 deaths, what next?

SABARIMALA – Yet another two-month-long Sabarimala pilgrimage season came to an end when the doors of the famous temple were closed early Thursday. But a larger question remains open – who will shoulder the responsibility for the 102 lives lost for no fault of theirs in last week’s stampede.

The stampede occurred on … Read : Sabarimala pilgrimage season ends in 102 deaths, what next?.

Fireworks blast leaves two dead

Villahermosa (Mexico), Jan 20 (IANS/EFE) Two people died Wednesday when their car packed with fireworks suddenly exploded on a road in the southeastern Mexican state of Tabasco, authorities said.

Carmen Gomez Hernandez and Octavio Camara Diaz died instantly in the explosion on the Cardenas-Villahermosa highway, police sources told EFE.
Authorities in Tabasco ruled out foul … Original article on : Fireworks blast leaves two dead.

Former lawmaker shot dead in Guatemala mall

Guatemala City, Jan 20 (IANS/EFE) Former lawmaker Edgar Almengor Perez was slain Wednesday inside a shopping mall in the Guatemalan capital, authorities said.

“It appears to be a direct attack because the shots were targeted,” a police spokesperson told the media.
Almengor, 47, was a member of the right-wing Patriot Party who represented the southwestern … Read more : Former lawmaker shot dead in Guatemala mall.

Bomb scare in New York turns out be hoax

NEW YORK – A suspicious package received at a branch of an Israeli bank caused evacuation of a 50-storey tower, but it was later declared to be safe, New York police officials said.

Authorities were called to the Bank Hapoalim New York branch on the 11th floor of the America’s Tower building shortly before 11.00 …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bomb scare in New York turns out be hoax.

Suspect arrested in shooting of Paraguayan soccer star

Mexico City, Jan 20 (IANS/EFE) A suspect has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of Paraguayan soccer player Salvador Cabaas, officials said.

Reputed drug trafficker Jose Jorge Balderas Garza was detained in Mexico City, said Ramon Pequeo, head of the federal police’s anti-narcotics division.
Garza, wanted in Mexico for his alleged ties with …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Suspect arrested in shooting of Paraguayan soccer star.

Brazil mudslides: Death toll rises to 727

Rio de Janeiro, Jan 20 (IANS/EFE) The number of dead due to mudslides caused by downpours that deluged the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has climbed to 727, while over 200 people still remain missing, authorities said.

The civil defence department said rescue crews were still searching for hundreds of people missing after the …. Original article  : Brazil mudslides: Death toll rises to 727.

US priest found murdered in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Jan 20 (IANS/EFE) A US Catholic priest and academic was found dead with his hands tied and a cord around his neck in an apartment in Brazil, authorities said.

The naked body of 72-year-old Ferdinand Azevedo was found by members of his congregation
in the northeastern city of Paulista. The body … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US priest found murdered in Brazil.

Dealers in stolen vehicles arrested in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A four-member gang of ‘auto dealers’ who used to purchase luxury vehicles stolen from north India before selling them to VIPs, including retired Indian Army officers and lawyers, across the National Capital Region (NCR) was busted in south Delhi’s Haus Khas area, police said Wednesday.

“The arrested have been identified as Pawan …. Source  : Dealers in stolen vehicles arrested in Delhi.

Three kids burnt to death in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Three children were burnt to death when their hut caught fire while they were playing with match sticks in a village in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district, police said.

The incident took place when the three – aged between three and six – were playing in their hut in Harladih village in Bokaro, some 135 …. Read the original article  : here.

Elderly man chases pickpocket, helps in arrest

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police apprehended a pickpocket with the help of a 60-year-old man, who chased him in northwest Delhi, police said Wednesday.

Two pickpockets pulled out Rs.4,000 from Satish Chaddha’s pocket while he was buying a ticket in a bus in Rohini Tuesday.
Chaddha caught one of them but he had passed …. Original article  : Elderly man chases pickpocket, helps in arrest.

Two robbers held in west Delhi

NEW DELHI – A youth, who wanted to buy new clothes and shoes for his brothers wedding, robbed a person early Wednesday in west Delhi but was arrested along with his accomplice, police said.

Ravinder, 20, and his accomplice Manoj, 25, were arrested from Mangolpuri area of west Delhi minutes after they had robbed three … Read more »».

Three found dead in mysterious circumstances

NEW DELHI – In three separate cases Wednesday morning, three people were found dead in the capital under mysterious circumstances, police said.

In the first incident, the body of a 40-year-old security guard was discovered in a water tank of an under-construction building near Agrasen park in Inderpuri area of south Delhi at around 10 … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Three found dead in mysterious circumstances.

Three Chinese held for crossing into India

LUCKNOW – Three Chinese nationals were detained by the Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) for crossing over into the Indian side of the Indo-Nepal border at Rupaidiha in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, police said Wednesday.

Those arrested are a woman and two men, who claimed to be engineers engaged in installation of mobile phone towers … Read : Three Chinese held for crossing into India.

Boat capsizes in West Bengal, two missing

KOLKATA – Two people were reported missing Wednesday when a boat ferrying over 50 passengers capsized in river Hooghly in West Bengals North 24 Parganas district, police said.

The Dakshineshwar-bound boat, after leaving from Belur in Howrah district, capsized in the Hooghly river near Kutighat in Baranagar of North 24 Parganas district. The boat ferrying …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Will take crowd control steps at Sabarimala: Kerala to court

KOCHI – The Kerala government Friday told the high court that several steps would be taken to control the large crowds during the two-month pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple while the police would probe the “real cause” of the Jan 14 stampede near the shrine that claimed 102 lives.

The government filed an affidavit after … Read more »»».

Oil spill off Mumbai coast

MUMBAI – An oil spill was reported 80 km off the Mumbai coast Friday after a rupture in a pipeline carrying crude oil from state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp’s (ONGC) offshore oil fields.

A leakage has been detected at ONGC’s Mumbai Uran Trunk (MUT) oil pipeline at 8.45 a.m. The leakage was observed 2 …. Original source  : Oil spill off Mumbai coast.

Apex court notice to Uttar Pradesh on Banda rape

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and the CBI on a petition seeking a judicial inquiry as to how a minor girl who was raped in Banda district was jailed for 33 days in violation of the Juvenile Justice Act.

An apex court bench of Justice Aftab …. Source article  : Apex court notice to Uttar Pradesh on Banda rape.

India sees 7.6 percent rise in crimes against children

NEW DELHI – Madhya Pradesh records the highest number of crimes against children and Delhi sits on the fourth spot, reveals National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, pointing to a rise in such cases in India.

According to the NCRB, a total of 22,500 cases were reported in 2008. This rose to 24,201 in 2009, … Original article on : India sees 7.6 percent rise in crimes against children.

Apex court upholds life for Graham Staines’ killers (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Exactly 12 years after Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons were burnt to death by a mob of Hindu fanatics in Orissa, the Supreme Court Friday upheld life terms for Dara Singh, alias Ravinder Kumar Pal, who was leading the crowd and his accomplice Mahender Hambram.

While confirming the life …. Read the original article  : Apex court upholds life for Graham Staines’ killers (Second Lead).

Welcome apex court decision on Dara Singh: Archbishop

BHUBANESWAR – Christians Friday said they accepted the life term handed down to Dara Singh for killing Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons in 1999 in Orissa while the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar archbishop said the community had already forgiven him.

“As far the Christian community is concerned, we have already forgiven him (Dara Singh),” Cuttack-Bhubaneswar …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Graham Staines killing: A timeline

BHUBANESWAR – The Supreme Court Friday upheld the life sentence of Dara Singh in the killing of missionary Graham Staines and his sons, exactly 12 years after they were burnt by a Hindu rightwing mob in Orissa’s Keonjhar district. A timeline of the case:

Jan 22, 1999: Australian Christian missionary Graham Staines and his two …. Source  : Graham Staines killing: A timeline.

Shocking but expected, says Pakistani daily on transit scam

ISLAMABAD – The explosive findings in the federal tax ombudsman’s report on a string of scams related to the Afghan transit trade were described by a Pakistani daily as “shocking but expected”.

An editorial in the Dawn Friday said: “Shocking but expected. This is how the findings of the federal tax ombudsman’s report on …. Original source  : Shocking but expected, says Pakistani daily on transit scam.

Rajesh Talwar ’suspected accused’: CBI

GHAZIABAD – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Friday told a court here that it was against handing over documents of teenager Aarushi Talwar’s murder case to her father Rajesh Talwar as he was a “suspected accused” in the case.

In its arguments before a special CBI court here, the investigation agency submitted that Talwar …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rajesh Talwar ’suspected accused’: CBI.

Crimes against women rise; 25 percent of rapes in Delhi

NEW DELHI – There has been a rise in crimes against women in India, with the national capital recording nearly 25 percent of all rape cases, reveals data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for the year 2009.

As compared to 2008, there was a rise of 4.1 percent in the number of crimes … Read more »».

Apex court upholds life for Graham Staines’ killer

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday upheld the life imprisonment awarded to Dara Singh alias Ravinder Kumar Pal for leading a mob that burnt to death Australian Christian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons in Orissa in January 1999.

While confirming the life term to Dara Singh and his accomplice Mahender Hambram, the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Apex court upholds life for Graham Staines’ killer.

Apex court upholds life for killer of Graham Staines, sons

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday upheld the life imprisonment awarded to Dara Singh alias Ravinder Kumar Pal for burning to death Australian Christian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons in January 1999 in Orissa.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Apex court upholds life for killer of Graham Staines, sons.

FBI cracks down on mafia, arrests more than 100

New York, Jan 21 (IANS/EFE) The FBI and other US agencies arrested more than 110 people Thursday in a massive operation targeting organised crime in the Northeast and New England, Attorney General Eric Holder said.

“This is one of the largest single-day operations against the mafia in the FBI’s history, both in terms of the … Read more : FBI cracks down on mafia, arrests more than 100.

Man held for smuggling cocaine into Mexico in his shoes

Mexico City, Jan 21 (IANS/EFE) A man who tried to smuggle nearly a kg of cocaine from Peru into Mexico in his athletic shoes was arrested at the Mexico City airport, the Attorney General’s Office said.

Luis Ojeda Felix, whose nationality was not released, arrived in the Mexican capital aboard a commercial flight from Lima.
… Read more : Man held for smuggling cocaine into Mexico in his shoes.

Indo-Canadian cleared of killing son after 19 years

TORONTO – An Indo-Canadian man, who was convicted in the death of his five-year-old son 19 years ago, Thursday was cleared of murder charges.

Wiping tears from his eyes after the court verdict here, 44-year-old Dinesh Kumar said, “I am going to get that letter and I am going to put it in my community …. Read the original article  : Indo-Canadian cleared of killing son after 19 years.

Russia seizes three tonnes of ancient mammoth tusks

MOSCOW – Russian customs seized three tonnes of ancient and valuable mammoth tusks that a gang was attempting to smuggle, the Interfax agency quoted officials as saying Thursday.

Two men from St. Petersburg had 64 full tusks of the extinct mammals as well as 14 reconstructed tusks, officials said. Details of their value were not …. Read the original article  : Russia seizes three tonnes of ancient mammoth tusks.

Will attend IIFA if we’re free: Abhishek Bachchan

NEW DELHI – Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has said that if their work schedules permit they would definitely go to attend the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards to be held in Toronto.

“I dont know when it is but obviously if we are free and not working, yes well go for it. Well see … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Will attend IIFA if we’re free: Abhishek Bachchan.

Power company employee electrocuted

NEW DELHI – A daily wager working for a power distribution company was electrocuted in west Delhi when he was repairing a fault on transmission lines Thursday, police said.

Suresh, 43, who worked for power discom BSES, was working at Hastsal Road in Vidya Vihar when he touched the live high tension wire.
“There …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Power company employee electrocuted.

Former bus driver arrested for robbery

NEW DELHI – A former bus driver was arrested for allegedly stealing jewellery worth Rs.20 lakh from an engineer’s house, police said Thursday.

Jitender Kumar had developed a strong bond with the family of Deepak Dahiya, an electrical engineer working with National Thermal Power Corporation.
“Kumar, a driver of the Blueline bus in which … Read : Former bus driver arrested for robbery.

Woman looted right outside her house

NEW DELHI – The wife of a senior official in Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) was robbed of Rs.2 right outside her house in east Delhi Thursday as she returned from the bank after withdrawing the money.

Usha Gupta, 52 went to a Canara Bank branch in Vivek Vihar Phase II to withdraw cash …. Source article  : Woman looted right outside her house.

Worker survives five-storey fall in Australia

SYDNEY – A construction worker at Caringbah in Sydney’s south survived a fall off a five-storey building site by stroke of luck.

The man was on scaffolding stripping materials from the exterior of a lift shaft when he plummeted to the ground just after 8 a.m. (AEDT) Saturday, AAP reported authorities as saying.
He was … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Worker survives five-storey fall in Australia.

Pakistani woman beaten for taking shortcut through field

ISLAMABAD – A woman in Pakistan’s Punjab province was beaten and tortured after she tried to take a shortcut through a local landlord’s field without his permission, a media report said Saturday.

Nasreen Elahi, a mother of two and a resident of Kuks village near Uch Sharif, owns a small piece of land herself. After …. Read the original article  : here.

Opium gum worth $12 mn seized in Mexico

Mexico City, Jan 22 (IANS/EFE) Around 245 kg of opium gum worth over $12 million has been seized by the Mexican Army in the country’s largest-ever seizure of the substance, officials said.

The operation was carried out in Chilpancingo, capital of the southern state of Guerrero, the defence secretariat said.
The seized substance has a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Opium gum worth $12 mn seized in Mexico.

Suspected gas leak in Mumbai, no casualties

MUMBAI – Three fire engines were rushed to the Five Gardens area of Matunga in central Mumbai as a gas smell filled the area Saturday morning, officials said. The fire brigade officials were suspecting a gas leak.

“We are suspecting a leak from the gas pipeline in the area, but have not been able to …. Source  : Suspected gas leak in Mumbai, no casualties.

40 illegal firearms seized, three held in Uttar Pradesh

ALIGARH – An arms cache was recovered from a unit illegally manufacturing firearms which was unearthed in this Uttar Pradesh city and three men were arrested for supplying these arms in various states, police said Saturday.

As many as 40 illegal firearms, including country-made pistols, were recovered Friday night from the arms factory in … Read : 40 illegal firearms seized, three held in Uttar Pradesh.

Four million flood-hit Pakistanis still homeless: Red Cross

ISLAMABAD – Over four million Pakistanis are still homeless, six months after massive floods devastated the country, the Red Cross has said. Many are returning to their homes to discover these are no longer inhabitable.

“Six months on from the devastating flooding in Pakistan, more than four million people remain in a desperate situation without …. Read the original article  : here.

Accused of rape, Mexican singer held in US

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Jan 22 (IANS/EFE) A Mexican singer, accused of raping a teenaged girl in Quintana Roo state, has been arrested by US authorities just across the border in Texas and will soon be extradited, officials said.

The Mexican attorney general’s office said singer Kalimba Kadjaly Marichal Ibar is wanted for alleged sexual assault … Original article on : Accused of rape, Mexican singer held in US.

Khali mobbed, two fans injured in firing

LUDHIANA – The fan frenzy to meet World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion Khali took an ugly turn in Punjab’s Ludhiana city when an unidentified man fired in the air, injuring two people, police said Saturday.

“Khali had gone to the house of Punjab Deputy Speaker Satpal Gosain for dinner Friday night. While he was coming … Original article on : Khali mobbed, two fans injured in firing.

Armed men loot train passengers in Bihar

PATNA/LUCKNOW – Unidentified armed robbers struck the Azeemabad Express and looted passengers after assaulting them while the train was travelling between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh early Saturday, officials said.

A case was later registered at a government railway police (GRP) station in Mugalsarai in Uttar Pradesh, where the train arrived Saturday morning.
The …. Read the original article  : Armed men loot train passengers in Bihar.

Brazil mudslides: Death toll rises to 762

Rio de Janeiro, Jan 22 (IANS/EFE) Rescue teams continued their work for the 10th straight day in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro state where 762 people have died due to mudslides triggered by torrential rains, while 400 are still missing, authorities said.

The state government’s latest bulletin Friday said that in Nova Friburgo, one of the … Read more >>.

Investigations in ATM robbery case on: Police

NEW DELHI – Investigations into the theft of nearly Rs.2 crore from a State Bank of India ATM by its guard are on to ascertain if any bank official was involved, police said Friday.

Police arrested Nepal Singh, an ex-serviceman, who had removed Rs.1.75 crore over a period of two years from the ATM that … Read more : Investigations in ATM robbery case on: Police.

Man robbed of Rs.5 lakh

NEW DELHI – A 65-year-old man was robbed of Rs.5 lakh near his house here while he was returning from a bank after withdrawing the money Friday.

Bhagwan Bansal, a retired MTNL employee, went to a Corporation Bank branch at Punjabi Colony in Narela, north Delhi at around 4 p.m. to withdraw cash.
While returning … Read : Man robbed of Rs.5 lakh.

Man smokes in bed, suffocates to death

NEW DELHI – Cigarette smoking can kill — in more ways than one. A man who smoked in bed suffocated to death — after his bed caught fire.

Police said 26-year-old Raj Kumar, an MTNL employee, suffocated to death Friday after his bed caught fire from a cigarette he was smoking.
According to police, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Man smokes in bed, suffocates to death.

Gang of women burglars from Rajasthan busted

NEW DELHI – A gang of woman burglars from Rajasthan, targeting electronics appliances’ shops in north Delhi, has been busted, police said Friday.

Raj Kumari, Kanhiya and Amit were arrested from Model Town area of north Delhi and eight mobile phones and five digital cameras recovered from them, a police officer said.
“The gang, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Youth commits suicide over family dispute

NEW DELHI – Family dispute reportedly led to a 22-year-old youth committing suicide by hanging here Friday afternoon, police said.

Ashish, a driver, was found hanging in his house in Seemapuri area of north-east Delhi.
“He was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his house this (Friday) afternoon by one of his family …. Source article  : Youth commits suicide over family dispute.

Runaway tyre kills two minor sisters

ALIGARH – In a freak accident, two minor sisters died here Friday after they were hit by a tyre that got detached from a speeding private bus, police said.

The mishap took place in Naglapatwari village, when one of the front tyres of the bus got detached and hit the girls who were playing by …. Source  : Runaway tyre kills two minor sisters.

Dacoity accused attempts suicide in lock-up

CHANDIGARH – An accused in the biggest jewellery heist in the city’s Tanishq showroom attempted suicide Friday inside police lock-up, police said.

Police officials at the Mani Majra police station complex, where Bhura Qureshi was in police custody since last week, said the dacoity accused tried to hit his head against the lock-up walls several … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Dacoity accused attempts suicide in lock-up.

One held for murder in capital

NEW DELHI – A man was arrested Friday in central Delhi for killing a 28-year-old man due to personal enmity around a week back, police said.

The accused has been identified as Chander Parkash. He, along with his brothers Davinder and Naval Kishore, all residents of Punjabi Basti, Anand Parbat, killed Dilip Jan 16. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : One held for murder in capital.

Man held for stealing 1,680 mobile phones

NEW DELHI – A man involved in the theft of 1,680 Spice mobile phones was arrested here and 537 phones worth Rs.16 lakh were recovered from him, police said Friday.

Kamal Kishore and his associates, Yaqub Ali, Mukesh, Mohd. Saleem and Mohd. Sartaj had stolen 28 cartons containing 1,680 mobile phones on board the Nizamuddin-Bhopal express …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Man held for stealing 1,680 mobile phones.

South Indian film actress held for prostitution

BANGALORE – Nine people, including a woman who had acted in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam movies, have been arrested on prostitution charges, police said Friday.

The arrested include a senior official of a software firm, Bangalore Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari told reporters here. He declined to give details about this official, saying the investigation is … Original article on : South Indian film actress held for prostitution.

Three minors drown in Bhakra canal

ROPAR – Three children were drowned when their scooter skidded and rolled into the Bhakra canal here but their parents survived the tragedy, police said Sunday.

The accident occurred in Ghanauli village Saturday evening. The deceased were Simran, 8, Ruksara, 6, and Mohammad Farooq, 4.
“Mohammad Majid was riding the scooter. His wife and three …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Three minors drown in Bhakra canal.

Mirchpur violence: Jats demand SIT probe, block roads

JIND – Hundreds of Jat community members blocked roads in Haryana’s Jind district Sunday to demand a Special Investigation Team probe into the Mirchpur caste violence last year in which an elderly Dalit man and his daughter were killed in an arson attack.

The Jat protesters also continued their rail blockade for the ninth day.
…. Original source  : Mirchpur violence: Jats demand SIT probe, block roads.

Two soldiers injured in Punjab explosion

LUDHIANA – At least two Indian Army soldiers were injured when an explosive they were carrying to a dump to defuse exploded Sunday morning, police said.

The injured soldiers were immediately moved to a nearby hospital for treatment, police officials said.
The operation to defuse munitions, called ‘Operation Saiyam’ (patience), was started by the army …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Two soldiers injured in Punjab explosion.

Pakistani woman electrocuted to death for eloping

ISLAMABAD – A 20-year-old woman in Pakistan’s Sindh province was electrocuted to death as punishment for eloping with a man, police said.

The incident took place in a village near Musafirkhana town in Sindh province.
Police said that Saima, of Basti Hakra, allegedly eloped with a man, Dilawar, who works in Karachi.
Her parents brought …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistani woman electrocuted to death for eloping.

12 killed in Pakistan road crash

ISLAMABAD – At least 12 people were killed and 40 injured when a passenger bus collided with an oil tanker on a highway in Pakistan’s Sindh province Saturday night, Geo News reported.

The accident took place near Nooriabad when the speeding bus – moving from Karachi towards Sukkur – spun out of control and collided … Original source on Gaea Times at : 12 killed in Pakistan road crash.

Josef Fritzl’s house to be torn down

Vienna, Jan 23 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The house where Austrian man Josef Fritzl imprisoned his daughter in a dungeon for 24 years, raped her and fathered seven children with her, will be demolished, officials said.

The house – dubbed the “house of horrors” – is located in the northern Austrian town of Amstetten.
Though no date … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Josef Fritzl’s house to be torn down.

Two die in Russia shopping mall fire

Moscow, Jan 23 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least two people died and five were injured Saturday night when a fire broke out in a shopping centre in Russia’s southwestern republic of Bashkiria, officials said.

The bodies of a young woman and a man were discovered in the five-storey Europa centre in the capital city of Ufa. … Read : Two die in Russia shopping mall fire.

Poland to reconstruct jet crash that killed president

Warsaw, Jan 23 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Poland plans to reconstruct the crash that killed then Polish president Lech Kaczynski, a top official said.

A Tu-154 plane that crashed near Smolensk, in western Russia, in April 2010, was carrying Kaczynski and 95 other senior Polish officials to a ceremony to honour Polish soldiers killed by Soviet secret … Read more »»».

Seven killed in Mexico violence

Mexico City, Jan 23 (IANS/EFE) At least seven people died in a gun battle between government security forces and suspected drug cartel enforcers in the northern Mexican state of San Luis Potosi, officials said.

The clash occurred on a stretch of the Mexico City-Nuevo Laredo highway and left five suspected mobsters and one police officer …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Four held for dacoity

NEW DELHI – Four people have been arrested in east Delhi for dacoities, police said Saturday.

Mohammad Waseem, 26, Shahid, 27, Mohammad Nashir, 24, and Parmod Kumar, 24, were arrested Friday from I.P. Extension area.
“We got a tip-off that Waseem, who had a committed a dacoity in Mandawali in October last year will come … Read more >>>.

CBI raids Mumbai Port Trust officials’ premises

MUMBAI – The CBI Saturday searched the premises of Mumbai Port Trust officials and a private firm over a corruption case involving a loss of over Rs.6 crore to the port, an official said.

The anti-corruption branch of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches till late in the night at various houses and offices …. Source article  : CBI raids Mumbai Port Trust officials’ premises.

Man found stabbed to death

NEW DELHI – The body of a 23-year-old man, bearing multiple stab wounds, was found in a forested stretch in south Delhi, police said Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as Sanjay, an electrician by profession and resident of Uttam Nagar in west Delhi.
“Some passers-by called the Vasant Kunj police station … Read more : Man found stabbed to death.

Four held for robbery in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Four people, including a student and a son of a police officer, were arrested from east Delhi for shooting and robbing a man earlier this month, police said.

Akshaya Kumar, 19, Parveen Kumar, 22, Sushil Kumar, 24, and Joginder, 33, were arrested Friday.
They were apprehended near Main Wazirabad Road in Gokulpur … Read : Four held for robbery in Delhi.

Man held with fake notes

BAHRAICH – A man involved in supplying of counterfeit currency to various states of the country, was arrested here Saturday with fake notes worth over Rs.1 lakh, police said.

Ishtiaq Ansari, around 28, was arrested from Risia town in a joint operation by the special operation group (SOG) and the district police.
Ishtiaq was arrested … Read : Man held with fake notes.

Two students killed in freak accident

AMBALA – Two students of a private school here were killed and three others injured Saturday afternoon when a pillar of the institution’s cycle stand collapsed and fell on them, police said.

Neha, a Class 11 student, and Seema, a Class 9 student, were killed at the cycle stand of Jain Kanya Senior Secondary School.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Woman, paramour held for husband’s murder

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police have arrested a 28-year-old woman along with her paramour on charges of murdering her husband.

According to an official, Reshma alias Pinki and her lover Nasir were arrested Friday in east Delhi for the Jan 13 murder of Reshmas husband Rakesh, resident of Block-3 at Trilokpuri in Kalyanpuri area.
The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Woman, paramour held for husband’s murder.

Chhattisgarh police officer shoots himself

RAIPUR – A police officer posted in Chhattisgarhs Maoist insurgency-hit Bastar region shot himself dead with his service revolver Saturday, police said, adding that all aspects were being probed.

Prakhar Sharma, who was posted as sub-divisional officer of police in Bastar districts Maoist-stronghold Chhote Dongar area, was found dead at a hotel at Jagdalpur town, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Chhattisgarh police officer shoots himself.

British mission staffer’s son, 6 others held for robbery

NEW DELHI – A son of a British High Commission employee here and executives and professionals working in multi-national companies (MNCs) are among seven people arrested for robberies, dacoities and car-jackings in several neighbourhoods in south Delhi, police said Saturday.

Naved Khan, 30, Mohd. Sawez, 21, Kuldeep Tomar, 28, Ravi Kumar, 27, Rahul Pawar, 20, … Original source on Gaea Times at : British mission staffer’s son, 6 others held for robbery.

Escape expert caught fourth time

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police arrested a man who had escaped from custody three times in the past. The man is wanted in 19 criminal cases, including murder, kidnapping and extortion, an official said Saturday.

Vikram Rampal (36) was arrested along with his associate Mohammed Altaf Friday from the Kalkaji bus depot in south Delhi. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Escape expert caught fourth time.

Six held for betting on cricket

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Police Saturday claimed to have busted a cricket betting racket with the arrest of six people from north Delhi. A laptop, mobile phones and Rs.72,000 in cash were also recovered.

Rajeev Sharma, Dharambir Singh, Suraj, Anil Kumar, Vishal Dua and Gagan Arora were arrested in Sector-16 area of Rohini Friday … Read more >>>.

Journalist shot dead in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – In a second such instance within five weeks, a journalist was shot dead by unidentified assailants at his residence in Raipur district, police said Monday. The killers were believed to be upset over a news story the scribe reported.

Umesh Rajput, employed with Hindi daily Nai Duniya, was killed in Chhura area of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Journalist shot dead in Chhattisgarh.

Violence after bus mows down 8-year-old

GORAKHPUR – A minor boy was mowed down by a state-owned bus here Monday, sparking violence and tension as protestors clashed with police, damaged several vehicles and blockaded roads, officials said.

The eight-year-old boy was mowed down by the speeding Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus in Chauri Chaura town. The bus driver absconded … Original source on Gaea Times at : Violence after bus mows down 8-year-old.

Kamat mulls CBI probe into Goa drug nexus

PANAJI – Bowing to pressure from both opposition and ruling legislators, Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat Monday said he was actively considering handing over the police-politicians-drug mafia nexus case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

I am considering handing over the case to the CBI. The file has been sent to me by … Read : Kamat mulls CBI probe into Goa drug nexus.

Moderate intensity quake jolts Kashmir

SRINAGAR – A moderate intensity earthquake, with its epicentre in Tajikistan in central Asia, jolted the Kashmir Valley Monday morning, creating panic at some places here.

The tremor, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, occurred at 8.15 a.m. this morning,” an official of the local weather office said.
The epicentre of the quake was situated …. Original source  : Moderate intensity quake jolts Kashmir.

Three held with 500 cartridges in Uttar Pradesh

MEERUT – Three men were arrested here with a cache of cartridges, police said Monday.

Around 500 cartridges of country-made pistols were seized from them Sunday night following a joint raid by the special operation group (SOG) and the district police.
The three men were to supply the cartridges to their clients in Delhi, Uttar … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Three held with 500 cartridges in Uttar Pradesh.

Tremors felt in Kashmir

KASHMIR – Tremors were felt in Kashmir early Monday after an earthquake hit Tajikistan in central Asia, met officials said.

However, no damage of life and property has been reported so far.
The earthquake measured 6.1 on the Richter scale. The tremors were felt at 8.15 a.m.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tremors felt in Kashmir.

Quake jolts Tajikistan

BEIJING – An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter Scale jolted Tajikistan Monday morning, authorities said.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, it had a depth of about 90 km.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Quake jolts Tajikistan.

Man mistaken for drug cartel boss to sue government

Ensenada (Mexico), Jan 24 (IANS/EFE) A man mistakenly identified as the leader of the Tijuana drug cartel by Mexican prosecutors said he might sue the government for damaging his reputation.

Raul Inda Gonzalez’s image was posted on the web site of the Attorney General’s Office, which identified him as Fernando Sanchez Arellano, the leader of …. Original source  : Man mistaken for drug cartel boss to sue government.

Chopper piloted by Chilean president makes emergency landing

Santiago, Jan 24 (IANS/EFE) The helicopter being piloted by President Sebastian Piera to his vacation home in southern Chile had to make an emergency landing because of a malfunction, Radio Bio Bio reported Sunday.

However, the president soon thereafter denied the report.
“The helicopter transporting President Piera had to make a forced landing on its …. Original article  : Chopper piloted by Chilean president makes emergency landing.

Indian origin woman burned alive in New Zealand

WELLINGTON – New Zealand police alerted Interpol Monday to find the husband of an Indian-Fijian woman who they say was burned alive last week along a North Island roadside.

Police said the husband of Ranjeeta Sharma, 28, was believed to have flown to Fiji, where both came from, with their 4-year-old son Friday, the morning [..] Read the original article: here.

Gunman wounds four police officers in US

WASHINGTON – A gunman walked into a precinct police station Sunday afternoon in Detroit and opened fire, wounding four officers before he was shot and killed by police.

Detroit Police chief Ralph Godbee Jr. said that all four officers were alive and expected to survive, despite serious wounds.
Authorities said that the man walked into …. Original source  : Gunman wounds four police officers in US.

Orissa MP booked for assaulting cop

BHUBANESWAR – Bhartruhari Mahtab, an MP from Orissa’s ruling Biju Janata Dal, was Sunday booked for attacking a police officer who prevented his supporters from entering a museum complex, police said.

Mahtab allegedly assaulted Sub-Inspector Amitabha Mohapatra inside the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Birthplace Museum in Cuttack, 26 km from here, after the latter prevented …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Maoist-backed tribal leader held in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – A leader of Maoist-backed tribal outfit Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) was arrested Sunday in Orissas Koraput district, police said.

Ram Padi, 35, second in command in the CMAS, was nabbed from Bandhugaon area, over 500 km from Bhubaneswar.
He was sought by both Orissa and Andhra Pradesh police for his involvement in …. Original source  : Maoist-backed tribal leader held in Orissa.

Three arrested in sex scandal

KOLKATA – Three people were arrested early Sunday from West Bengal’s Howrah district after a 17-year-old girl accused the trio of raping her and circulating obscene video clippings involving her on mobile phones, police said.

The girl had accused Papai alias Chiranjeet, Mithun and Sanjay of raping her and circulating the footage via MMS. [..] Read the original article: here.

Two youths held for robbery, minor detained

NEW DELHI – Two youths were arrested and a minor boy detained in north Delhi Sunday soon after they robbed a bakery item supplier of Rs.8,000 and a mobile phone, police said.

Mukesh, 19, and Surender Singh, 20, were nabbed from Sultanpuri by passers-by after they looted Ishtyaq, who was going on his bicycle to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two youths held for robbery, minor detained.

Man who assaulted woman during robbery arrested

NEW DELHI – A man who assaulted a woman during a robbery bid in east Delhi last week has been arrested, police said Sunday.

Navin alias Goldy had pushed Madhumita, an MBA aspirant, near the Karkari More flyover Jan 15 as he tried to snatch her bag.
Navin and a receiver of stolen property were [..] Read the original article: here.

Wife, lover arrested for killing husband

NEW DELHI – A married woman, her paramour and a newly-married couple were arrested for killing the woman’s husband in Trilokpuri area of east Delhi, police said Sunday.

Reshma and Shah Alam, who killed Reshma’s husband Rakesh, 24, were arrested Saturday along with Nashir and his wife Arti.
The case was solved after Nashir was …. Source  : Wife, lover arrested for killing husband.

Three management professionals held for cheating

NEW DELHI – Three business administration professionals have been arrested for duping people in the guise of providing loans, police said Sunday.

Parmod Kumar Sharma, 29, an MBA, and Rajbir Singh, 26, and Mandhir Singh, 24, both BBAs, were arrested earlier this week from Vivek Vihar in east Delhi. Sharma and Rajbir Singh were arrested …. Source  : Three management professionals held for cheating.

Footballer accused of running cocaine smuggling ring

AUCKLAND – A footballer has been charged with running an international cocaine smuggling ring which was recently busted here in New Zealand, police said.

The 27-year-old Kindness Agwu, a semi-professional footballer, has played for Metro FC and Mangere United. He is one of the nine people facing charges in connection with the multimillion-dollar operation, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Footballer accused of running cocaine smuggling ring.

Four soldiers injured in Punjab explosion

LUDHIANA – Four Indian Army soldiers were injured when an explosive they were carrying to a dump to defuse exploded Sunday morning, officials said.

According to defence officials, the injured soldiers were immediately moved to a nearby hospital for treatment. Three were discharged after first aid but one soldier was referred to a hospital in … Read more >>.

Suspected toxic gas leak affects 9 detenus in China

KUNMING – A suspected toxic gas leak near a detention facility in southwest China caused the poisoning of nine inmates Monday night, local officials and witnesses said Tuesday.

Inmates of the Xishan Detention Centre in suburban Kunming city of China’s Yunnan province said they smelt a pungent gas Monday night, Xinhua reported quoting a district … Read : Suspected toxic gas leak affects 9 detenus in China.

‘My son should not be treated as criminal’: Utsav’s father

VARANASI – S.K. Sharma, father of the youth who Tuesday attacked murdered teenager Aarushi Talwar’s father Rajesh Talwar outside a court in Ghaziabad, has said his son “should not be treated as a criminal, considering his mental condition”.

“My son is suffering from depression since December 2007… Taking this into account, he should not be … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘My son should not be treated as criminal’: Utsav’s father.

Talwar family shaken by the attack: Lawyer

NEW DELHI – The Talwar family is extremely shaken after the attack on Rajesh Talwar, the father of murdered teenager Aarushi, by a man outside a Ghaziabad court Tuesday. A seriously injured Talwar was rushed to Apollo Hospital, their lawyer said.

The family’s lawyer Rebecca John, who was accompanying the Talwar couple, also expressed concern … Read : Talwar family shaken by the attack: Lawyer.

Vigilante justice haunts Pakistani women, says daily

ISLAMABAD – Vigilante justice is haunting women in Pakistan, a leading daily said Tuesday adding: “Aside from violating human rights, these are blatantly extrajudicial actions that cannot go unpunished in any society that claims to value law and order.”

An editorial in the Dawn said Saima, 20, was electrocuted to death in Bahawalpur district on … Read more »»».

Talwar out of danger, assailant questioned: Police

GHAZIABAD – Rajesh Talwar, the father of murdered teen Aarushi who was attacked outside a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here Tuesday, “is out of danger” and the assailant is being questioned in the matter, police said.

“Talwar was hospitalised and is out of danger. The attacker has been identified as Utsav Sharma … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Talwar out of danger, assailant questioned: Police.

Case against Facebook for hosting ‘I hate Gandhi’ group

LUCKNOW – A case was registered here against social networking site Facebook and others for hosting a group called ‘I hate Gandhi’ and posting offensive remarks against Mahatma Gandhi, police said.

The first information report (FIR) was filed by Indian Police Service officer Amitabh Thakur at Gomti Nagar police station Monday.
The complaint also names … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Case against Facebook for hosting ‘I hate Gandhi’ group.

Mob injures three cops in Uttar Pradesh

SONBHADRA – At least three policemen were injured here after a mob, protesting the death of a local youth, turned violent and fought pitched battles with the police, officials said Tuesday.

The incident took place late Monday in Kon town of Sonbhadra district, where the locals were protesting the death of a 30-year-old man Ajai …. Original article  : Mob injures three cops in Uttar Pradesh.

Kerala announces judicial probe into Sabarimala stampede

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The Kerala government Tuesday announced a judicial inquiry into the Sabarimala stampede Jan 14. A Kerala High Court judge will look into the tragedy that left 102 pilgrims dead.

A cabinet meeting held here Tuesday cleared the demand for a judicial probe into the stampede which occurred shortly after what people believe is …. Source article  : Kerala announces judicial probe into Sabarimala stampede.

Mirchpur violence: Jat protest enters 11th day

JIND – Demonstrations by the Jat community to demand a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into last year’s Mirchpur caste violence entered its 11th day Tuesday in this Haryana district, which remained cut off from the rest of the state for the third consecutive day.

Protestors, including scores of women, blocked all … Original article on : Mirchpur violence: Jat protest enters 11th day.

Same man attacked Talwar, S.P.S. Rathore

CHANDIGARH/GHAZIABAD – The man who attacked Rajesh Talwar, father of murdered teen Aarushi Talwar, outside a Ghaziabad court Tuesday has been identified as Utsav Sharma, who had earlier assaulted Haryana’s tainted former police chief S.P.S. Rathore, sources said.

Talwar was attacked with a cleaver outside the special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in broad … Original article on : Same man attacked Talwar, S.P.S. Rathore.

Supreme Court modifies Graham Staines murder verdict

NEW DELHI – Supreme Court Tuesday modified a portion of its judgment in the Graham Staines murder case as, many pointed out, by implication it justified the killings citing the Australian missionary’s religious activities.

The apex court bench of Justice P. Sathasivam and Justice B.S. Chauhan, in a suo motu order modifying the judgment, said …. Source  : Supreme Court modifies Graham Staines murder verdict.

Rajesh Talwar attacked with cleaver outside court (Second Lead)

GHAZIABAD – Rajesh Talwar, the father of murdered teen Aarushi, was Tuesday seriously injured after an unidentified man attacked him with a sharp-edged cleaver outside the special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in full view of hundreds of people.

Talwar could be seen holding his head in pain as blood flowed out. The place …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rajesh Talwar injured after attack outside court

GHAZIABAD – Rajesh Talwar, father of murdered teenager Aarushi Talwar, was Tuesday attacked outside a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court. Talwar could be seen holding his head in pain as blood flowed out.

A sharp-edged cleaver was seen on the ground as television cameras caught details of the assault and security personnel grabbed …. Source article  : Rajesh Talwar injured after attack outside court.

Rajesh Talwar attacked in Ghaziabad court

GHAZIABAD – Rajesh Talwar, father of murdered teenager Aarushi Talwar, was Tuesday attacked in a court here after he filed a protest petition in the case.

Talwar could be seen holding his head in pain as blood flowed out.
… Read more >>.

2,900 kg of cocaine seized in Panama

Panama City, Jan 25 (IANS/EFE) Panamanian police and military units confiscated over 2,900 kg of cocaine in two separate operations over the weekend, authorities said here Monday.

More than 100 bales containing 2,625 kg of the drug were found on a stretch of the Uvero river near the Caribbean coast in Colon province, the deputy …. Source  : 2,900 kg of cocaine seized in Panama.

Beware of attack tool kits from malicious websites: Symantec

BANGALORE – The latest threat to internet users from hackers is tool kits from malicious websites that attack computers with software programmes, says global security solutions provider Symantec Corporation. Its global intelligence network has detected 240,000 attack tool kits across 200 countries.

“Attack tool kits are software programmes that infect networked computers when unsuspecting users …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Indian-American engineer gets 32 years for selling secrets to China

WASHINGTON – Weeks after China conducted a flight test of its new J-20 stealth fighter, a US court has sentenced a former Indian American B-2 stealth bomber engineer to 32 years for selling military secrets to China.

Mumbai-born Noshir Gowadia, 66, who has been in custody without bail since his 2005 arrest, showed no emotion …. Source article  : Indian-American engineer gets 32 years for selling secrets to China.

Husband charged with Sikh woman’s murder in Canada

TORONTO – An Indo-Canadian man is among three people arrested for the murder of his wife in the Vancouver suburb of Surrey in 2007.

Amanpreet Kaur Bahia, 33, was killed in her home in February 2007. The body of the mother of three, including a one-year-old infant, was found by her father-in-law Didar Singh …. Read the original article  : Husband charged with Sikh woman’s murder in Canada.

Husband of Indian origin woman burned alive found in Fiji

WELLINGTON – The husband of a young Indian-Fijian woman who was burnt alive along a New Zealand country roadside has been found in Fiji, along with their four-year-old son, police said Tuesday.

The man, identified by a New Zealand newspaper as Daniel Sharma, a courier driver, had been described by New Zealand police as a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Husband of Indian origin woman burned alive found in Fiji.

Arizona shooting accused pleads not guilty

LOS ANGELES – Jared Lee Loughner, who is accused of shooting Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords earlier this month, pleaded not guilty Monday on three federal counts related to the deadly attack.

An attorney for the 22-year-old college dropout asked the court in Phoenix, Arizona to enter a not-guilty plea on behalf of her client. A further …. Original source  : Arizona shooting accused pleads not guilty.

Burning of Malegaon official to be probed; compensation announced

MUMBAI – Mahrashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has announced a Rs.25 lakh compensation for the family of Malegoan additional district collector Yeshwant Sonawane, who was burnt alive by the oil mafia while on a raid Tuesday.

The chief minister has also ordered a probe into the gruesome killing.
The chief minister Tuesday night also announced … Original source on Gaea Times at : Burning of Malegaon official to be probed; compensation announced.

New Zealand police in Fiji for Indian origin woman’s death case

SUVA – New Zealand police have arrived in Fiji as part of a homicide inquiry into the death of a south Auckland resident Indian-origin woman, who was burned alive last week.

Ranjeeta Sharma, 28, was burned to death near the coal mining town of Huntly in New Zealand last Thursday. Her body was found [..] Read the original article: here.

Malaysian state to whip pot-bellied cops into shape

KUALA LUMPUR – Fat police officers in Malaysia’s central state of Pahang will soon be forced to attend daily exercise sessions in response to criticisms that many in the force were out of shape, a newspaper reported Wednesday.

“I am aware that there are personnel in the force who are pot-bellied and overweight,” said state …. Read the original article  : Malaysian state to whip pot-bellied cops into shape.

Italian TV host’s body stolen from grave

Novara, Jan 26 (IANS/AKI) The body of Mike Bongiorno, a US-born Italian television host who died in 2009 has been stolen from its grave near the northern city of Milan, Italian media said Tuesday, citing police.

Bongiorno’s coffin was removed overnight from his family’s crypt in Dagnente, in the province of Novara. An old man … Read more >>>.

Mexican mayor vows to continue her work despite attacks

Morelia (Mexico), Jan 26 (IANS/EFE) The mayor of Tiquicheo, a city in the Mexican state of Michoacan, used the one-year anniversary of the latest of three attacks on her to show the public her wounds and vowed to continue doing her job.

Maria Santos Gorrostieta showed photographs of the gunshot wounds she sustained to her …. Read the original article  : Mexican mayor vows to continue her work despite attacks.

Cholera claimed 4,000 lives in Haiti

Port-au-Prince, Jan 26 (IANS/EFE) More than 3,900 Haitians have died of cholera since the outbreak of the disease in mid-October, the country’s health officials has said.

The disease has spread across all 10 provinces of Haiti, infecting 199,497 people. Of the 112,656 patients hospitalised, 110,031 have been successfully treated.
Artibonite, the northern province, accounts for … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cholera claimed 4,000 lives in Haiti.

Woman found murdered in Gurgaon home

GURGAON – A 28-year-old woman was found murdered in her house in Gurgaon’s Saraswati Vihar area Tuesday evening, police said.

Shweta Singh, the victim, had married just last year and police said the murder looked like the work of professional killers. She was found dead at around 7 p.m.
“Shweta was attacked by a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Woman found murdered in Gurgaon home.

Man shot dead, robbed of Rs.3 lakh

AGRA – A man was Tuesday shot dead in Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehabad town by unidentified masked men on a motorcycle who snatched away his bag containing Rs.3 lakh, police said.

Dare Lal, a 42-year-old dairy owner in Fatehabad, 20 km from Agra, was shot dead while he was returning on his cycle from the bank … Read more >>>.

Woman killed in Delhi factory fire

NEW DELHI – A 25-year-old woman was burnt to death while 14 people were critically injured when a major fire broke out in a cloth factory in south Delhi Tuesday evening, police and fire brigade officials said.

The fire started at 5 p.m. on the top floor of a four-storey building in Tughlakabad Extension area …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Woman killed in Delhi factory fire.

Games graft: Mahendroo to appear before CBI Jan 27

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Tuesday directed Sanjay Mahendroo, a close aide of former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi, to appear before the CBI Jan 27 over alleged financial lapses during the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) in London last year.

He had offered to surrender in the case filed …. Read the original article  : Games graft: Mahendroo to appear before CBI Jan 27.

Ex-IAS officer of Orissa gets three-year jail for graft

BHUBANESWAR – A retired Indian Administrative Service officer was Tuesday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment by a court here in a corruption case, a lawyer said.

Sanjeeb Kumar Ray, who worked in different posts including collector of Boudh district and vice chairmen of the Cuttack Development Authority at Cuttack, 26 km from here, was …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Ex-IAS officer of Orissa gets three-year jail for graft.

IPS officer’s widow oppose Sen’s bail plea

BILASPUR – The widow of an Indian Police Service officer, killed by the Maoists, Tuesday sought to oppose the bail plea of rights activist Binayak Sen in the Chhattisgarh High Court and to present evidence to prove his links with the rebels. The court set Feb 9 as the next date of hearing.

Ranjana Choubey, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : IPS officer’s widow oppose Sen’s bail plea.

Case against daughter-in-law unfair, says Binayak Sen’s mother

KOLKATA – Jailed rights activist Binayak Sen’s mother Tuesday termed as “unfair” the police case against his wife Ilina for allegedly not informing the security forces about the participation of foreigners in a conference she had organised in Maharashtra. She also said she was confident her son would be out of jail soon.

“It is … Original article on : Case against daughter-in-law unfair, says Binayak Sen’s mother.

CBI again questions Niira Radia in 2G scam

NEW DELHI – As part of its probe into the 2G spectrum allocation scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Tuesday again questioned corporate lobbyist Niira Radia, whose tapped conversations with ministers, journalists and industrialists were recorded by the Income Tax department.

Sources in the CBI said Radia was grilled at the agency headquarters in … Read : CBI again questions Niira Radia in 2G scam.

Putin announces compensation worth $100,000 for blast victims

Moscow, Jan 25 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Families of those killed in a deadly terrorist attack at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport Monday will receive three million rubles ($100,000) each as compensation from the government, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Tuesday.

At least 35 people died and up to 180 were injured when a suicide bomber detonated an … Original source on Gaea Times at : Putin announces compensation worth $100,000 for blast victims.

Four nabbed for setting on fire raiding senior officer (Third Lead)

MALEGAON – Maharashtra Police Tuesday arrested four people in connection with the gruesome incident when a senior district administration official was doused with petrol and kerosene and burnt to death while he was raiding a petrol mafia warehouse here.

The main suspect, a known history-sheeter Popat Shinde, has sustained over 50 percent burn injuries when … Read more »»».

Games graft: Mahendroo to appear before CBI Feb 27

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Tuesday asked former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) official Sanjay Mahendroo to appear before the CBI Feb 27, after he offered to surrender in the second case against him over alleged financial lapses during the Queens Baton Relay (QBR) in London last year.

“Let applicant (Mahendroo) be … Read more : Games graft: Mahendroo to appear before CBI Feb 27.

CARE India winds up tsunami relief programmes

CHENNAI – Non-governmental organisation (NGO) CARE India Tuesday formally wound up its three phased tsunami relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction programme for the victims of the 2004 calamity.

The organisation has helped around 20,000 families to rebuild their lives devastated by the tsunami that hit the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry and Andaman … Read more >>>.

70-year-old man under debt jumps to death

NEW DELHI – Depressed over not being able to repay his bank loan, a 70-year-old man allegedly jumped to death in West Patel Nagar in central Delhi Tuesday morning, police said.

Satish Anand jumped from the fourth floor of his house around 10.30 a.m.
“He was due to repay some bank loans and was … Read more »».

Five Bangladeshi nationals held for robbery

NEW DELHI – Five Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested for committing a robbery in east Delhi, police said Tuesday.

Those arrested were identified as Abu Jalil, Alamgir, Abbu Said, Muneer and Alamgir, all nationals of Bangladesh. They were arrested near Anand Vihar railway station Monday night.
They were involved in a robbery in Dayanand Vihar … Read : Five Bangladeshi nationals held for robbery.

Ragging drives student to suicide in Bihar

PATNA – A first year medical college student hanged himself at his private lodge here after allegedly being harassed by seniors, his family said Thursday.

Sunny Kumar, a student of Bihar’s Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), committed suicide late Wednesday after being ragged by seniors.
Sunny, in his early 20s, was a resident …. Source  : Ragging drives student to suicide in Bihar.

Millions of flood-hit Pakistanis struggle for food

ISLAMABAD – Millions of Pakistanis hit by last year’s devastating floods are “still facing flood water, shivering in temporary shelters and struggling to find food”, said a report of an international NGO.

The Oxfam report, “Six months into the floods”, said that though the aid effort had reached millions, it struggled to meet the huge …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sonawane’s burning: Maharashtra government employees on strike

MUMBAI/MANMAD – Lakhs of government employees across Maharashtra Thursday went on a strike and residents of Manmad city observed a total shutdown to protest the burning of Nashik additional collector Yashwant Sonawane, officials said.

“We strongly demand protection of government officials to prevent such untoward incidents in future. Sonawane was on duty while he was … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sonawane’s burning: Maharashtra government employees on strike.

Two booked for driving government employee to suicide

LUCKNOW – Two officials who harassed a government employee here have been booked for driving him to commit suicide, police said Thursday.

Sub-divisional magistrate Sunil Chaudhary and ‘tehsildar’ J.P. Chauhan were placed under suspension Wednesday night on the directives of the state government for their alleged role in the suicide of junior revenue official …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Two booked for driving government employee to suicide.

Thundersnow Disables City Life

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com)- Tumultuous weather conditions have gripped the city of New York which has become already half-paralyzed due to the frequent thundersnow that has literally brought the life of the region to a stand still. On Wednesday heavy snow storm again caused a massive disruption to the region which continued til …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Thundersnow Disables City Life.

Were Kerala whistleblower, two sons murdered?

PALAKKAD – Three days after a former official of Malabar Cements and his two sons were found hanging in their home, the initial theory of suicide was giving way to the possibility of murder with relatives saying he had exposed corrupt deals in the state-owned firm.

V. Saseendran, 46, was the company secretary cum finance … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Were Kerala whistleblower, two sons murdered?.

India proposes five point plan to tackle piracy off Somalia

UNITED NATIONS – India has proposed a five point plan to strengthen international cooperation, including tracking the trail of ransom money, to tackle the problem of piracy off the coast of Somalia.

“A comprehensive approach to tackle the problem has to be found to address this serious issue,” India’s Permanent Representative to UN Hardeep Singh … Original article on : India proposes five point plan to tackle piracy off Somalia.

Biggest date-rape drug seizure by Canada

TORONTO – Canadian police have made the biggest date rape drug seizure in the country’s history with the arrest of five Chinese smugglers.

Making the announcement in Vancouver Wednesday, police said they have seized over 1,000 kg of the date rape drug ketamine, valued at $15 million, from a container that came from Hong Kong.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sonawane’s burning: Maharashtra raids oil, milk adulterators

MUMBAI – The Maharashtra government carried out simultaneous raids on oil and milk adulterators and the sand mafia across the state Thursday, two days after Nashik Additional Collector Yeshwant Sonawane was allegedly burnt alive by petrol robbers, an official said.

The raids have been initiated by various departments along with police protection and are … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sonawane’s burning: Maharashtra raids oil, milk adulterators.

School principal sets herself afire

JAUNPUR – A school principal here set herself afire outside the home of the school manager who she claimed had been sexually harassing her, police said Thursday. The woman’s condition was described as “extremly serious”.

The incident took place in Shahganj locality of Jaunpur, about 250 km from the state capital Lucknow.
In a …. Original source  : School principal sets herself afire.

Mirchpur violence: Dalits leave village fearing Jat threat

MIRCHPUR – Nearly a dozen Dalit families have left this village in the last 15 days as last year’s violence in Mirchpur has come back to haunt them. It was here that a 70-year-old and his physically-challenged daughter were killed in an attack by the dominant Jat community.

The fear of violence from Jats, who [..] Read the original article: here.

Arizona shooter studied assassins on internet before attack

NEW YORK – The 22-year-old man, accused of shooting US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffordsm, studied about several assassins and legal consequences on internet before opening fire at a supermarket in Arizona, an official has said.

Jared L. Loughner, who pleaded not guilty Monday to three counts of attempted murder in connection with shooting at a Tucson … Read : Arizona shooter studied assassins on internet before attack.

Interpol issues global alert for Ben Ali

PARIS/TUNIS – The international police organisation Interpol said it has issued a global alert for the arrest of Tunisia’s ousted President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and his six relatives.

“As stated by Tunisian authorities in media reports today, Ben Ali and some of his family members are wanted in Tunisia on charges of alleged property …. Original article  : Interpol issues global alert for Ben Ali.

20 killed in Colombia mine blast

Bogota, Jan 27 (IANS/EFE) At least 20 miners were killed and six injured in a gas explosion inside a coal mine in Colombia, an official said.

The blast occurred Wednesday at the La Preciosa mine in the northeastern town of Sardinata, Colombia’s Ingeominas regulatory agency official, Marisa Fernandez, said.
While four bodies were recovered, …. Original article  : 20 killed in Colombia mine blast.

Facebook founder’s fan page hacked

SAN FRANCISCO – The fan page of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has been hacked by a mystery invader who posted a message decrying the company’s attempts to cash in on its hugely successful site.

Facebook declined to comment on the embarrassing security snafu, but did take down the compromised page.
“Let the hacking begin: If …. Source  : Facebook founder’s fan page hacked.

Osbourne campaigns to stop lesbians from being raped

LONDON – Singer Kelly Osbourne will lead a campaign to protect lesbians in South Africa from an increasing number of brutal sex attacks.

The singer highlighted the practice of “corrective rape” – in which homosexual females are raped in a bid to “cure” their sexual preferences, reports contactmusic.com.
“Please sign this petition!” Osbourne posted on …. Read the original article  : Osbourne campaigns to stop lesbians from being raped.

Man accidentally shoots wife dead

NEW DELHI – A man accidentally shot dead his 32-year-old wife in central Delhi Wednesday after she asked him to prove he knew how to use a rifle, police said.

“The incident was reported at 10.30 a.m. and the victim has been identified as Sunita Mishra. We have arrested her husband Pappu,” said a senior … Read more : Man accidentally shoots wife dead.

30 chained people rescued from brick kiln in Bangladesh

DHAKA – At least 30 people, including children, were found tied up with chains at a brick-kiln Wednesday evening on the outskirts of the Bangladesh capital city, a media report said.

The elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) rescued the people from Savar area.
RAB media wing director M. Sohael confirmed over phone that 30 chained … Original article on : 30 chained people rescued from brick kiln in Bangladesh.

Controversial cop named for medal, locals protest

KANPUR – Locals and activists took to the streets here to protest the award of the President’s Police Medal to the city’s former Deputy Inspector General of Police Prem Prakash, accused of shielding the rapist of an 11-year-old girl last year.

“DIG Prem Prakash was squarely responsible for shielding the owners of Gyansthali School, where … Read more >>.

Three kids drown in uncovered Delhi drains

NEW DELHI – Three children died after falling in uncovered drains in two incidents here Wednesday, police said.

Mohammad Imran, 12, died after falling in an uncovered sewage drain while playing cricket around 2.30 p.m. in Jamia Nagar.
The second incident took place at Sector 22 in Dwarka.
Seven-year-old Karan and his 10-year-old sister … Original article on : Three kids drown in uncovered Delhi drains.

62 convicted in fodder scam, 23 jailed

RANCHI – A special CBI court here Friday convicted 62 people, including 27 government officials, in the 1996 multi-million fodder scam and 23 of them were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment ranging from three to five years.

Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) judge R.R. Tripathy pronounced the judgment in the case related to fraudulent withdrawal …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nepali held with drugs in Uttar Pradesh

BAHRAICH – A Nepali national involved in drug peddling was arrested here with cannabis worth over Rs.10 lakh, police said Friday.

Sharif Manihar, around 35, was nabbed Thursday night in Nawabganj area.
“He was arrested while he was going to hand over an illegal consignment to his clients in Gorakhpur,” police inspector Mohd. Naseem told …. Read the original article  : Nepali held with drugs in Uttar Pradesh.

Drugs in bath-towel shipment from India seized

TORONTO – After trying to smuggle drugs into Canada through cricket bats, balls, marble slabs, and mugs from India, police have now seized ephedrine hidden in a shipment of bath towel from India.

Ephedrine is used in the production of crystal meth.
The seizure announced Thursday by police is part of the Iran-linked international ring … Read : Drugs in bath-towel shipment from India seized.

Dharmapuri bus burning: Apex court stays execution of three

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday stayed the execution of three people who were awarded death sentence in the 2000 Dharmapuri bus burning case where three students of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University were charred to death in the wake of an agitation by AIADMK activists.

In February 2000, three agriculture university girl students were … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dharmapuri bus burning: Apex court stays execution of three.

Trader found dead below west Delhi flyover

NEW DELHI – A steel trader was found dead with injury marks under the Naraina flyover in west Delhi, police said Friday.

Praveen Singh, 40, was found by his family late Thursday.
“He did not return home till late Thursday from his shop in Naraina. His family members went looking for him at his shop … Read more >>.

One killed, three trapped in Ahmedabad building collapse

AHMEDABAD – One person was killed and three people were trapped when a five-storey newly-constructed building here collapsed Friday morning, leading to the partial collapse of two adjoining buildings also, fire officials said. Over a dozen people were injured in the accident.

The five-storey building, called ‘President’, was apparently constructed illegally in Kalupur area of …. Source  : One killed, three trapped in Ahmedabad building collapse.

Two students killed as truck rams into school bus

MUZAFFARNAGAR – Two students were killed and 12 injured when a speeding truck crashed into their school bus here Friday, police said.

The accident took place in Jhijhana area, when the speeding truck spun out of control and collided head-on with the bus of the Laurels Convent School (LCS).
“While two boys aged around 14 … Read more »»».

Tax officials attacked during raid in Punjab

LUDHIANA – Two excise and sale tax officials were attacked by the “godown mafia” while conducting raids at a railway warehouse here to check tax evasion and fake billing, police said Friday.

The two officials and their driver were mercilessly beaten up with batons by around 15 people when they were conducting a raid at …. Source article  : Tax officials attacked during raid in Punjab.

Lahore incident: US consulate vehicle number plate found fake

LAHORE – The number plate of the US consulate vehicle that knocked down and killed a motorcyclist as it sped to help an American employee who had shot dead two youths in Lahore has been found to be fake, a probe has revealed.

The US consulate vehicle that killed motorcyclist Abdur Rehman carried a fake …. Original article  : Lahore incident: US consulate vehicle number plate found fake.

219 migrants rescued from truck in Mexico

San Cristobal de las Casas (Mexico), Jan 28 (IANS/EFE) As many as 219 undocumented immigrants were found inside a trailer in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas when the vehicle passed through a checkpoint equipped with an X-ray machine, the state government said.

During the inspection, the 219 immigrants inside the trailer called for help, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Utsav’s parents put up defence for son

GHAZIABAD – Stressing that their son has a serious mental disorder, the Varanasi-based parents of Utsav Sharma, who attacked murdered teenager Aarushi’s father Rajesh Talwar outside a court here earlier this week, are here to help mount a defence for their son.

When asked about her son’s act, Utsav’s mother Indira Sharma told IANS: “It …. Read the original article  : Utsav’s parents put up defence for son.

2 priests slain in Colombian capital

Bogota, Jan 28 (IANS/EFE) Two Catholic priests were fatally shot Thursday inside a car in a suburb of the Colombian capital, police said.

Officers went to the scene after residents of the Dindalito neighbourhood of Ciudad Kennedy reported hearing gunshots, police Col. Jose Baquero said.
Witnesses told cops they saw a man exit the car … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 2 priests slain in Colombian capital.

Building collapses in Ahmedabad, several trapped

AHMEDABAD – Several people were trapped when a five-storey under-construction structure collapsed on the adjacent residential building here Friday morning, fire officials said.

The under-construction building collapsed in Kalupur area of the densely populated old walled city and its debris brought down an old building adjoining it.
According to witnesses, at least 15 people are …. Read the original article  : Building collapses in Ahmedabad, several trapped.

‘Reporter’ held for theft

NEW DELHI – A man, claiming to be a reporter for a news channel, was arrested for stealing a vehicle, police said Thursday. He also has two charges of murder against him.

Amit, 26, claimed he worked for news channel ‘Khabar Aap Tak’.
Amit, who was earlier arrested in two murder cases, was held … Read more >>.

All FIRs on Delhi Police website from Feb 1

NEW DELHI – Implementing the directions of Delhi High Court, the Delhi Police would upload all the new First Information Reports (FIRs) registered on their official website – www.delhipolice.nic.in – from Feb 1.

Anybody can download the same from the website while an accused can also get a copy from the police station by … Original article on : All FIRs on Delhi Police website from Feb 1.

Two brothers hacked to death by sibling

ROHTAK – A dispute over ancestral property Thursday claimed the lives of two brothers who were hacked to death by their elder sibling and his son in this Haryana district, police said.

Police have registered a case of murder against father-son duo Karamveer and Sunil, who are both absconding after the incident in Giravar village.
…. Read the original article  : here.

RTI activist attacked

SONBHADRA – A Right to Information activist was attacked by three people including a government official in this Uttar Pradesh district, police said Thursday.

A case was filed against the three, but police say they suspect that the activist could have named the government official due to some pesonal enmity.
Amarnath Pandey, aged around 50, …. Read the original article  : RTI activist attacked.

Doctor suspended for hiding evidence in rape-murder of Dalit teen

LUCKNOW – A government doctor was suspended Thursday for hiding evidence in the autopsy of a 17-year-old Dalit girl who was allegedly raped and murdered. Four people have been arrested for the rape and murder, police said.

The girls body was recovered late Tuesday in Chinhat area and a post-mortem examination was conducted by doctor …. Original source  : Doctor suspended for hiding evidence in rape-murder of Dalit teen.

Abandoned by children, old woman seeks to be buried alive

HYDERABAD – In a shocking incident, an old woman who was abandoned by her daughters after taking away her property, approached authorities in Andhra Pradesh pleading that she be buried alive.

Devudamma, who claims to be a freedom fighter, moved a petition before Visakhapatnam district collector, urging him to bury her alive.
The 110-year-old woman, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Abandoned by children, old woman seeks to be buried alive.

School van catches fire, no casualties

New Delhi, (IANS) A van used to ferry school children caught fire in central Delhi on Thursday morning, fire officials said. There were no casualties.

The accident took place in front of Liberty Cinema hall in Karol Bagh area of central Delhi around 8 a.m. when the driver was returning after dropping the children …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nathan Woods Dies In Crash

TAFT (GaeaTimes.com)- Two-time WORCS Champion Nathan Woods succumbed to his injuries following an accident at the Honolulu Hills Raceway in the city of Taft in California. The much-acclaimed bike racer was part of a practice session for the current season of the World Off-Road Championship Series when tragedy stuck as he went on to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Nathan Woods Dies In Crash.

CBI files FIR in Adarsh scam

MUMBAI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Saturday filed a first information report (FIR) in the controversial Adarsh Housing Society scam naming among others some retired defence officials.

The FIR has named certain promoters of the society besides retired defence officials and members of the society, an official said, but declined to reveal the …. Original article  : CBI files FIR in Adarsh scam.

CBI files chargesheet in Adarsh case

MUMBAI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Saturday lodged a first information report in the controversial Adarsh Housing Society scam, an official said.

The FIR has named certain promoters of the society besides retired defence officials and members of the society. However, the official declined to reveal the details.
The development comes in the …. Source article  : CBI files chargesheet in Adarsh case.

Christa McAuliffe Remembered

CONCORD (GaeaTimes.com)- For Christa McAuliffe, who was a teacher at the Concord High School, joining the group of six astronauts on their space mission aboard space shuttle Challenger was the ultimate dream come true. However, the schoolteacher’s dream of earning recognition as the first ordinary citizen on space, soon turned into a nightmare when …. Original source  : Christa McAuliffe Remembered.

Cash controversy: Karmapa quizzed, misses prayer meeting

DHARAMSALA – Tibetan religious leader Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje has been questioned by the Himachal Pradesh police and other central government agencies over the recovery of currency worth nearly Rs.7 crore from the monastery. Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said Saturday he will take up the issue with the prime minister.

The Karmapa, police sources … Read more : Cash controversy: Karmapa quizzed, misses prayer meeting.

College security supervisor booked for molesting student

MOHALI – The security supervisor of a law college here has been booked for molesting a first year student, police said Saturday.

Amandeep Singh, in his late 30s, is the security supervisor of Army Institute of Law. The victim, a resident of Gurgaon, was staying at the college’s hostel.
“The girl says she had gone …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : College security supervisor booked for molesting student.

Tribal villagers help nab kidnappers in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Residents of a tribal hamlet in Orissa helped police rescue a man within a few hours after his abduction, an official said Saturday.

Pramod Kumar Sahu, an executive of a private educational institution, was abducted while he was taking a walk in the info-city area of state capital Bhubaneswar Friday morning.
The abductors’ … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Tribal villagers help nab kidnappers in Orissa.

Cash controversy: Karmapa questioned, misses prayer meeting

DHARAMSALA – Tibetan religious leader Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje has been questioned by the Himachal Pradesh police and other central government agencies with his office in the middle of a controversy following the recovery of foreign and Indian currency worth nearly Rs.70 million (Rs.7 crore) in the last two days.

The Karmapa, police sources said, …. Original article  : Cash controversy: Karmapa questioned, misses prayer meeting.

Three die of gas leak in Uttar Pradesh

HARDOI – Three people, including a woman, died and two others were hospitalised following a gas leak at a chemical factory here, an official said Saturday.

The gas leakage from Amit Hetro Chem factory in Sandila town is believed to have taken place early Saturday.
“All the three, who died following the gas leakage, were …. Read the original article  : here.

Farmer immolates self to protest land acquisition

LUCKNOW – A farmer in Uttar Pradesh’s Mahoba district set himself on fire, protesting the acquisition of his agricultural land for an irrigation project and demanding higher compensation for the same, officials said Saturday.

Babbu Kushwaha, a resident of Jhir village, set himself ablaze Friday and was rushed to the Jhansi Medical College. He succumbed …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Gold burglar targeting South Asians gets 46 months

WASHINGTON – The leader of a gang of picky New York City burglars, who targeted the homes of Indian and South Asian residents around Washington for their gold jewellery has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.

Dagoberto Soto Ramirez, 28, and his wife, Melinda M. Soto, 34, of Queens, admitted that they travelled … Read more : Gold burglar targeting South Asians gets 46 months.

Cattle baron slain in Mexico

Monterrey (Mexico), Jan 29 (IANS/EFE) A Mexican cattle baron was found slain Friday a few hours after his abduction in suburban Monterrey, an official said.

The body of the 74-year-old Arturo B. de la Garza was dumped near the town of China on the highway linking Monterrey, the state capital, with the border city of …. Original article  : Cattle baron slain in Mexico.

18 acquitted in Kandhamal riot cases

BHUBANESWAR – A fast track court in Orissa acquitted 18 people in two cases of rioting in the Kandhamal district in 2008, a lawyer said Saturday.

While 10 people were booked for burning the house of Sramika Digal, eight people were booked for torching John Nayak’s house. Both the incidents took place at Pipudidei village [..] Read the original article: here.

Slain Indian-origin woman’s husband faces murder charge

WELLINGTON – The husband of an Indian-origin woman, who was burned to death in New Zealand last week, has been charged with killing his wife and was presented before a court Saturday, Radio New Zealand reported.

Twentynine-year-old Diwesh Sharma, a postal worker from Manukau, is accused of killing his wife Ranjeeta, 28.
Diwesh’s wife was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Slain Indian-origin woman’s husband faces murder charge.

Cyclone Wilma lashes New Zealand, brings floods, landslides

WELLINGTON – Tropical cyclone Wilma lashed the top of New Zealand early Saturday, bringing widespread flooding and landslides which cut highways and power blackouts.

The fire service in Auckland, the country’s largest city, reported more than 400 emergency calls in the 11 hours to dawn, including one after a cliffside house collapsed onto a beach …. Source article  : Cyclone Wilma lashes New Zealand, brings floods, landslides.

Two held for duping girls via matrimonial ads

NEW DELHI – Two men were arrested in Delhi for duping money from girls on the pretext of marriage after contacting them through matrimonial advertisements, police said.

Ashish Shankar, 31, was arrested for taking Rs. 3.49 lakh from a girl for making arrangements for their marriage after both came in contact through a matrimonial advertisement … Read more : Two held for duping girls via matrimonial ads.

Two allege beating by cop at police station

NEW DELHI – Two youth who had gone to their local police station in north Delhi after a dispute alleged they were beaten up by the additional station house officer. Police dismissed the claim.

Deepak and his brother Karan have alleged that Kunwar Singh Yadav of Shalimar Bagh police station was under the influence of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two allege beating by cop at police station.

Truck rams 10 vehicles, eight people killed

HYDERABAD – In a ghastly accident, a truck spun out of control and hit 10 vehicles, crushing eight people to death at Nagole on the outskirts of Hyderabad Friday night, police said.

The truck hit a van, an auto-rickshaw and eight two-wheelers. Twenty people were injured in the accident.
The injured were admitted to various … Read more : Truck rams 10 vehicles, eight people killed.

Two killed, including toddler, in accidents

NEW DELHI – Two people, including a toddler, were crushed to death by speeding trucks in different incidents in the capital, police said Friday.

A 45-year-old motorcyclist was hit by a truck in Sarojini Nagar in south Delhi at around 10 a.m.
Rajesh was a resident of Kidwai Nagar. He was rushed to a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two killed, including toddler, in accidents.

Rape victim’s family alleges pressure by minister’s kin

LUCKNOW/ALLAHABAD – An Uttar Pradesh minister has been accused of shielding his nephew who has been charged with pressuring a minor girl to compromise with a person, who with his two friends, had allegedly raped her. However, police have denied the allegations made by the girls family.

According to the victims father, a resident of … Original article on : Rape victim’s family alleges pressure by minister’s kin.

Dhaka may arrest top Islamist leader for war crimes

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s top Islamist leader Ghulam Azam, who chaired the formation of the militia that allegedly killed thousands of unarmed civilians four decades ago, may be arrested on charges of committing “war crimes”, a media report said.

Mohammad Abdul Hannan Khan, the senior-most member of the International War Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh, said “some …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Dhaka may arrest top Islamist leader for war crimes.

Karmapa asked 50 questions, denies allegations

DHARAMSALA – Tibetan religious leader, the Karmapa, was asked a set of 50 questions by police Sunday about nearly Rs.70 million worth of unaccounted foreign and Indian currency being found in his monastery. Denying all allegations, he said the money was given by devotees all over the world.

A police team, led by Una’a Additional … Original article on : Karmapa asked 50 questions, denies allegations.

Ashok Chavan named as accused in Adarsh scam

MUMBAI – In an embarrassment to Maharashtra’s ruling Democratic Front government, former chief minister Ashok Chavan has been named as one of the 13 accused in the FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Adarsh Co-operative Housing Society scam, top sources in the CBI said here Sunday.

Besides Chavan, the first …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

CBI raids offices, residences of Adarsh promoters

MUMBAI – A day after filing its first FIR in the Adarsh Co-operative Housing Society scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Sunday conducted raids at the residences and offices of three of its promoters, an official said.

CBI officials raided residences and offices of promoters M.M. Wangchu, Kanhaiyalal Gidwani and R.C. Thakur in Mumbai, … Read : CBI raids offices, residences of Adarsh promoters.

Fire in Chandigarh high court record room

CHANDIGARH – A major fire broke out in the record room of the Punjab and Haryana High Court here in the wee hours Sunday, gutting many old files, fire officials said.

Four fire tenders were pressed into service.
“We got a call at around 3.45 a.m. about a fire in the high court’s record … Read more : Fire in Chandigarh high court record room.

Karmapa cash row: Hotelier, banker held

DHARAMSALA – Dharamsala businessman and hotelier K.P. Bhardwaj, who is believed to have struck a land deal with the Karmapa’s trust, and a bank manager from Haryana have been arrested and are being questioned following the recovery of unaccounted foreign and Indian currency worth nearly Rs.70 million from the monastery.

“Bhardwaj was arrested last (Saturday) [..] Read the original article: here.

Bihar police official found dead

PATNA – A Bihar police official was found dead in mysterious circumstances in Bagaha district, the police said Sunday.

B.N. Prasad, a sub-inspector posted at Piprasi police station in Bagaha, was found dead near a field.
The district police officials refused to speak about the incident. But some policemen alleged that Prasad was murdered.
The [..] Read the original article: here.

Iran hangs dozens of drug peddlers

TEHRAN – The Iranian government has hanged dozens of drug traffickers in the first month of 2011 and vowed to pursue its anti-drug trafficking campaign. The latest one to be hanged was an Iranian-Dutch woman.

On Saturday, Iran hanged the Iranian-Dutch woman identified as Zahra Bahrami for smuggling drugs into Iran, keeping and selling …. Original source  : Iran hangs dozens of drug peddlers.

Lyngdoh, hundreds march against corruption in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD – Hundreds of citizens and youth, among them former chief election commissioner J.M. Lyngdoh, joined hands to march against corruption here Sunday as part of a nationwide anti-graft campaign by civil society groups.

The participants marched along Necklace Road on the banks of Hussain Sagar lake in the heart of Hyderabad. Led by Lyngdoh, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Lyngdoh, hundreds march against corruption in Hyderabad.

10 dead in Germany train collision

OSCHERSLEBEN – A collision between two trains late Saturday in northern Germany left 10 people dead and 20 seriously injured, police told DPA.

A freight train collided with a passenger train in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The reason for the collision was not immediately known.
The wreckage of both trains was ablaze.
The passenger train … Original article on : 10 dead in Germany train collision.

Two corpses found in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Bodies of two unidentified men were found in central and east Delhi Saturday, police said.

In the first incident, body of a man, in his late 20s, carrying a fake identity card of a news channel, was found on the bank of the Yamuna river at Vikas Marg in central Delhi.
The … Original article on : Two corpses found in Delhi.

ATM guard shoots self by accident

NEW DELHI – A security guard posted outside a bank ATM died after accidentally shooting himself Saturday evening in east Delhi, police said.

Lan Je Jeen, 25, who hailed from the northeast, shot himself in the chest at Central Bank’s ATM on Vikas Marg in Laxmi Nagar area.
Around 5 p.m., a cash van … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ATM guard shoots self by accident.

Two killed in road accident

GHAZIABAD – Two people were killed and over a dozen injured when a vehicle, carrying about 20 passengers, collided head-on with a gas tanker in Ghaziabad area Saturday afternoon, police said.

Noor Jahan, 32, and Ankur Kumar, a junior engineer, were killed.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) M.M. Begh said the vehicle was going …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Two killed in road accident.

Cash van robbery: Photos of driver, gunman released

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police Saturday released the photographs of the driver of a cash van and a gunman who fled with Rs.67.5 lakh a day earlier. The duo have a bounty of Rs.50,000 each on their head. The cash van was recovered in Faridabad Saturday.

“We have released the photographs of the two men, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Cash van robbery: Photos of driver, gunman released.

Newly recruited servent drugs employer, decamps with jewellery

NEW DELHI – A newly-recruited servant allegedly drugged his employer and his wife in west Delhi and decamped with jewellery. The police are yet to reveal the exact amount of the theft.

According to the police, the theft took place Jan 27 night at M-Block in Vikaspuri area of West Delhi.
“Narendra Dogra (65), …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Newly recruited servent drugs employer, decamps with jewellery.

Alert cops catch three auto-thieves

NEW DELHI – Alert beat constables have arrested three auto-lifters in north Delhi and several stolen vehicles have been recovered, police said Saturday.

In the first incident, Anil Kumar, a resident of Sonepat in Haryana and a tempo driver, was held in Y Block in Mangolpuri area at around 12 noon and a car stolen … Original source on Gaea Times at : Alert cops catch three auto-thieves.

Soldiers, troopers arrested for molesting woman in train

ALIGARH – Six people, including army soldiers and paramilitary personnel, were arrested here Saturday for molesting a woman passenger in a train, officials said.

Two soldiers, a trooper each of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Border Security Force (BSF), an employee of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and a civilian, molested a young …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Soldiers, troopers arrested for molesting woman in train.

Three die in Uttar Pradesh gas leak, factory owner booked (Third Lead)

HARDOI/LUCKNOW – Three people, including a woman, died and seven others were hospitalised following a gas leak at a chemical factory in Hardoi district, officials said Saturday. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered and a criminal case has been registered against the factory owner who is absconding.

The gas has been identified as phosgene.
A …. Original source  : Three die in Uttar Pradesh gas leak, factory owner booked (Third Lead).

Rapist run over by train, dies

GHAZIABAD – A man who raped a five-year-old girl in Loni town of this district died after he was run over by a train while trying to escape late Friday, police said Saturday.

Police said Rajesh, 25, a resident of Vikas Nagar in Loni, lured the girl to an abandoned area Friday night and raped …. Original article  : Rapist run over by train, dies.

Kerala Left front hits back at opposition with Kozhikode sex case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – With assembly elections around the corner, Kerala’s Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led government appears to have grabbed the sensational Kozhikode ice cream parlour sex scandal case as a possible election issue.

The case of sexual abuse on a minor girl, which involved former state industry minister and Indian Union Muslim League …. Read the original article  : here.

Bihar junior doctors on strike, legislator’s guards held

PATNA – Health services in Bihar were severely hit as junior doctors in all six government-run hospitals struck work Monday, demanding action against a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) legislator and his bodyguard who fired at three interns of a Gaya hospital. Police said two guards were held and that the legislator would also be …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Andhra youth gets lifer for killing girl’s parents

HYDERABAD – A youth was Monday sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Andhra Pradesh for murdering a couple and injuring their daughter because she had spurned his advances more than a year back.

A local court in Rajhamundry town sentenced M. Rajesh after holding him guilty of murdering the couple Sep 17, … Read : Andhra youth gets lifer for killing girl’s parents.

Five of family burnt to death in Uttar Pradesh

MUZAFFARNAGAR – A couple and three of their children were burnt to death here, while their three other children received multiple injuries after their house caught fire under mysterious circumstances early Monday, police said.

The incident took place in Bhopa area, when Mehboob Qureshi, 50, was sleeping inside his one-room house along with his wife …. Original source  : Five of family burnt to death in Uttar Pradesh.

Main accused in burning of Sonawane dies of injuries

MUMBAI – Popat Shinde, the main accused in the burning of Nashik district’s additional collector Yashwant Sonawane in Malegaon, succumbed to his burns at the J.J. Hospital here Monday afternoon, said a senior hospital official.

“Shinde was declared dead at 1.10 p.m. after he succumbed to more than 70 percent burns,” dean of the hospital … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Main accused in burning of Sonawane dies of injuries.

Karmapa not a Chinese spy, says Beijing

BEIJING – Beijing has said that speculation over Ugyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Karmapa of the Karma Kagyu sect, being a Chinese spy “shows that India is keeping its mistrustful attitude toward China”, an official said.

A Chinese official denied reports that the Karmapa was part of a Chinese plan to control monasteries along the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Karmapa not a Chinese spy, says Beijing.

Russian woman rescued from drowning in Goa

PANAJI – A Russian woman was rescued from drowning off Ashwem beach, a popular haunt for Russian tourists, lifeguards said.

A spokesperson for a lifeguard management agency responsible for beach safety in the state said 27-year-old tourist Mila Usenko Bakrainy had ventured into a ‘no swim’ zone on the Ashwem shore despite caution from … Read : Russian woman rescued from drowning in Goa.

Three eunuchs raped in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Three eunuchs, who had gone to perform at a wedding in Pakistan’s Punjab province, were abducted and raped by armed men, police said.

The incident took place in Dera Ghazi Khan district where the three eunuchs had gone to take part in a wedding ceremony.
We had been invited for a dance performance … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Three eunuchs raped in Pakistan.

Wanted gangster killed in Uttar Pradesh

KANPUR – A gangster, who was wanted for several cases of murder and abduction, was gunned down by police here early Monday, but his accomplice managed to escape, an official said.

Shanu alias Boss carried a reward of Rs.50,000 for his capture.
He had over 20 cases of heinous crimes pending against him, and … Original article on : Wanted gangster killed in Uttar Pradesh.

Maoists kill three youths, torch bus in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Maoist guerrillas slit throats of three people and set a bus on fire at two places of Jharkhand, police said Monday.

The guerrillas of Jharkhand Liberation Tiger (JLT) raided Hulsu village situated on the outskirts of Ranchi late Sunday.
Around 10 to 15 JLT Maoists abducted three youths Alok, Mahabali and Bhola, … Read more >>>.

Karmapa cash row: police custody for hotelier, banker

DHARAMSALA – A Dharamsala hotelier and a Haryana bank manager have been sent to police remand after they were arrested following the recovery of nearly Rs.7 crore in unaccounted foreign and Indian currency from Tibetan leader Karmapa Lama’s monastery, an official said here Monday.

“Both K.P. Bhardwaj (the hotelier) and D.K. Dhar (manager of the …. Source article  : Karmapa cash row: police custody for hotelier, banker.

Warship on fire post collision, efforts on to douse blaze

MUMBAI – Frantic efforts were on Monday to save Indian Navy warship INS Vindhyagiri after a major fire engulfed it following a collision with a merchant vessel off Mumbai Harbour, official sources said here.

The warship of the Nilgiri class had collided with the container vessel MV Nordlake around 5 p.m. Sunday but there were … Read more : Warship on fire post collision, efforts on to douse blaze.

Polish first lady may visit plane crash site

Warsaw, Jan 31 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Polish first lady Anna Komorowska, wife of President Bronislaw Komorowski, is planning to go to the site of the Polish presidential plane crash in Smolensk, Russia, on the first anniversary of the incident.

The Tu-154 aircraft crashed April 10 last year when it attempted to land in thick fog, killing …. Source  : Polish first lady may visit plane crash site.

2.5 mn Chinese suffering from drought

BEIJING – Around 2.57 million people in China are facing shortage of drinking water, the national drought control authorities have said.

Due to the ongoing drought situation, 5.16 million acres of crops have been damaged, according to Xinhua.
The local governments in the affected regions must make efforts to monitor drought conditions, speed up construction …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 2.5 mn Chinese suffering from drought.

10 members of Colombian soccer team injured in accident

Bogota, Jan 31 (IANS/EFE) Eight players, the coach and assistant coach of a second-division soccer club in Colombia were injured when their bus overturned in a rural area in the northeastern part of the country.

The vehicle – carrying the members of the Alianza Petrolera club – flipped over near San Alberto town on way …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

10,000 people evacuated after fire in Venezuela arms depot

CARACAS – Around 10,000 people had to be evacuated after a fire broke out in an arms depot in Venezuela, killing at least one person, officials said.

The fire broke out Sunday in the Anonymous Venezuelan Campaign of Military Industries in Maracy city in Aragua state, Xinhua reported.
Aragua Governor Rafael Isea said the victim …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 10,000 people evacuated after fire in Venezuela arms depot.

Candlelight procession in Karmapa’s support

DHARAMSALA – Hundreds of Tibetans and foreigners took out a candlelight procession here Sunday evening to express solidarity with the spiritual head of the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who is in controversy after a large amount of unaccounted money was recovered from him.

Nearly Rs.70 million worth of unaccounted foreign and Indian currency recovered …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Candlelight procession in Karmapa’s support.

Child brain tumour patient sodomised

NEW DELHI – An eight-year-old boy suffering a brain tumour was allegedly sodomised by a doctor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here, hospital sources said Sunday.

The hospital administration has set up a panel to inquire into the incident but no police complaint has been filed so far.
According to the …. Original article  : Child brain tumour patient sodomised.

5 killed in Maharashtra accident

BEED – Five people were killed and 22 others were injured as a state transport bus rammed into a container in this Maharashtra district, police said.

“Initial reports say that the driver of the bus lost control and rammed into a container on the Jalna road,” a police official said.
Of the 22 injured, 14 …. Source  : 5 killed in Maharashtra accident.

Apprehended pirates to be interrogated in Mumbai

NEW DELHI – The 15 Somali pirates, apprehended by the Indian Navy from the Arabian Sea Friday, will be interrogated by police and central agencies in Mumbai, where they are being brought, a navy officer said here Sunday.

The navy’s fast attack craft INS Cankarso had destroyed the pirates’ mother-ship, the hijacked Thai fishing …. Original article  : Apprehended pirates to be interrogated in Mumbai.

Cargo vessel hits naval warship, no casualties

NEW DELHI – A naval warship returning after a day out for service families had a close shave Sunday when a cargo vessel collided with it in the Mumbai harbour, causing minor damage. No one was injured, an officer said here.

INS Vindhyagiri was entering the Mumbai harbour after a day out at sea Sunday … Original article on : Cargo vessel hits naval warship, no casualties.