Accidents & Disasters – Weekly Newsletter for February 14-21, 2011

Monday, February 21, 2011

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan arrested, to be produced in court

NEW DELHI – Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was arrested by India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Monday, a day after he was detained at the international airport here for carrying undisclosed foreign currency worth more than $100,000, an official said.

“He has been arrested and will be produced in Patiala House court …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan arrested

NEW DELHI – Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was Monday arrested by India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), a day after he was detained at the international airport here on charges of carrying undisclosed foreign currency, an official said.

“He has been arrested and will be produced in court,” an official of DRI …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Rahat Fateh Ali Khan arrested.

Omar condoles death of two children in blast

SRINAGAR – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday expressed shock and grief at the death of two children in an explosion in Srinagar suburbs Sunday evening.

Two teenaged siblings were killed and three people critically injured when an explosive device the children unsuspectingly carried home burst in their home in Malru village, 15 …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Omar condoles death of two children in blast.

Mystery shrouds death of retired IAF personnel

GORAKHPUR – A retired Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel was found dead under mysterious circumstances near a railway crossing here Monday, police said.

The body of Rajkishore Yadav, aged around 62, who retired as an airman in the IAF, was found near the railway crossing in the cantonment area of Gorakhpur, some 350 km from …. Source article : Mystery shrouds death of retired IAF personnel.

Thai jet fighters crash in military exercise

BANGKOK – Two US-made jet fighters crashed Monday during a joint Thai-US military exercise in Thailand, officials said. It was not immediately clear if there were casualties.

“We lost contact with the two F-16 fights at 10.20 a.m.,” Thai Air Force spokesman Air Vice Marshal Monthon Sanchukorn said.
The Air Force located at least one … Read : Thai jet fighters crash in military exercise.

2 Chinese engineers die in Pakistan mine collapse

ISLAMABAD – Two Chinese engineers were killed in a mine collapse in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, an official said Monday.

The Chinese engineers died in the chromite mine in Qila Saifullah district Sunday, Dawn reported Monday.
Sources said the two engineers were working in the mine when a portion caved in and they were buried under … Read more >>.

Torture video posted on YouTube as Valentine’s Day gift

Mexico City, Feb 14 (IANS/EFE) A video has been posted on YouTube that shows

a Mexican attorney being tortured with electric jolts. It was described as a Valentine’s Day gift for his sister, a former attorney general.
Mario Gonzalez – brother of Patricia Gonzalez, former attorney general of Chihuahua state – is seen being tortured … Read more >>.

Prostitution racket busted in Spain

Madrid, Feb 14 (IANS/EFE) A prostitution network that exploited girls from various nationalities in four brothels in Madrid has been busted after police kept a watch over it using cameras connected to the internet.

Police arrested 11 gang members of whom two were fee collectors, three were telephone operators and four were in charge of …. Source : Prostitution racket busted in Spain.

Pirates seize vessel with 10 Indians off Oman

Moscow, Feb 14 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Pirates have seized a Maltese-flagged vessel with a crew of 23 people, including 10 Indians, off the coast of Oman, the European Union anti-piracy force (EUNavfor) reported.

The Sinin carrier, with 13 Iranians and 10 Indian nationals onboard, sent a distress call while sailing approximately 350 nautical miles east of … Read more »»».

20 killed as bus catches fire in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least 20 people were killed and several others injured when a bus caught fire in Pakistan’s Punjab province, a media report said.

The incident happened Sunday night in Gujar Khan, around 100 km from Rawalpindi, police were quoted as saying by Samaa TV.
The bus was returning from Sialkot, they said.
The … Original source on Gaea Times at : 20 killed as bus catches fire in Pakistan.

Pakistan seeks release of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has initiated hectic efforts to secure the release of famous singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan detained at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on charges of carrying undisclosed foreign currency.

Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir called Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Sharat Sabarwal and discussed the matter around midnight Sunday. He requested the …. Read the original article : Pakistan seeks release of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

Pakistan concerned over Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s detention in India (Lead, superseding earlier story)

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI – Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik Sunday directed the country’s envoy in India to extend consular support to singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who was detained at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on charges of carrying undisclosed money.

Rahat was detained at the airport Sunday on his way back to Pakistan … Read more : Pakistan concerned over Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s detention in India (Lead, superseding earlier story).

CPI-M supporter dies in Bengal road accident

KOLKATA – One person was killed and 22 injured when a van carrying Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) supporters fell into a gorge in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district Sunday, police said.

“The vehicle ferrying CPI-M supporters from Meenakha in South 24 Parganas district to the Left Front rally at Brigrade Parade Ground, fell …. Source article on Gaea Times at : CPI-M supporter dies in Bengal road accident.

Sarpanch, driver held for killing RTI activist’s kin

FATEHABAD – Haryana Police have arrested a village sarpanch (headman) and his driver who killed the daughter-in-law of a Right to Information (RTI) activist here, police said Sunday.

According to police, the victim was identified as Sonu, a resident of Chandrawal village in this Haryana district. She was crushed under the sarpanch’s vehicle Saturday.
Her [..] Read the original article: here.

Barber held for extortion

NEW DELHI – A 43-year-old barber was arrested along with his associate in north Delhi for trying to extort Rs.2 lakh from an exporter, police said Sunday.

Rahisuddin and his associate Nadeem, 22, were apprehended from Jahangirpuri area on Saturday.
“They were into gambling and drinking. They wanted to earn easy money so they tried … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Barber held for extortion.

Minor raped by teenaged neighbour

NEW DELHI – A 12-year-old girl was raped by her teenaged neighbour in west Delhi Sunday, police said.

“The incident occurred in Nihal Vihars A-block, while the victim was on her way to the market around 10 a.m., said a senior police officer.
According to police, the 15-year-old accused, a labourer, caught hold of …. Source : Minor raped by teenaged neighbour.

Cuckolded husband kills three minors in revenge

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh’s temple town of Ratanpur woke up to a bloody Sunday with the discovery of the corpses of three children – all below ten years of age. The children were killed by a man in revenge for his wife eloping with their uncle, police said.

“It’s a brutal and shocking killing. The man, …. Original source : Cuckolded husband kills three minors in revenge.

Sarpanch held for killing RTI activist’s kin

FATEHABAD – Haryana Police have arrested a village sarpanch (headman) and his driver who killed the daughter-in-law of a Right to Information (RTI) activist here, police said Sunday.

According to police, the victim was identified as Sonu, a resident of Chandrawal village in this Haryana district. She was crushed under the sarpanch’s vehicle Saturday.
Her …. Read the original article : Sarpanch held for killing RTI activist’s kin.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan detained at Delhi airport

NEW DELHI – Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was detained at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here Sunday on his arrival from Pakistan for allegedly carrying a huge amount of undeclared foreign currency, said to be $100,000, official sources said.

“Khan arrived at IGI airport on a flight from Karachi and was intercepted by …. Original article : Rahat Fateh Ali Khan detained at Delhi airport.

Qureshi’s disclosure catches Pakistani government off-guard

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistani government is feeling the heat of former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s startling disclosure that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had “forced” him to confirm the diplomatic immunity for US consular staffer Raymond Davis, who is currently in custody on charges of killing two people in Lahore.

President Asif Ali … Read : Qureshi’s disclosure catches Pakistani government off-guard.

Senior official booked for driving employee to suicide

LUCKNOW – An Uttar Pradesh official has been booked for provoking her subordinate to commit suicide, police said Tuesday.

Sushila Agarwal, in-charge of secondary and senior secondary education in Mahoba district, about 250 km from here, has been accused of provoking 32-year-old stenographer Vineeta Budhauliya to commit suicide.
Budhauliya committed suicide Feb 13 by hanging … Read : Senior official booked for driving employee to suicide.

Nithari killings: Apex court upholds Koli’s death sentence

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday upheld Nithari serial killer Surendra Koli’s death sentence, describing his crime as horrifying and gruesome.

The court noted that Koli, after alluring the female victims to his employer Moninder Singh Pandher’s house in Noida, strangulated them and tried to have sex with their bodies. Thereafter, he cut their …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Nithari killings: Apex court upholds Koli’s death sentence.

Supreme Court uphelds Surendra Koli’s death sentence

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday upheld the death sentence of Nithari serial killer Surendra Koli, saying his crime was horrifying and gruesome.
…. Source : Supreme Court uphelds Surendra Koli’s death sentence.

Now, court cases to prevent power theft in Haryana

CHANDIGARH – Haryana government’s power distribution agency Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) will lodge power theft complaints in court as part of a special campaign, an official said.

“We will register complaints about power thefts in specially designated courts under the provisions of the Electricity Act 2003. Besides, informers will also be suitably …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Now, court cases to prevent power theft in Haryana.

Fire in Delhi factory

NEW DELHI – A factory manufacturing plastic products in west Delhi was engulfed in a fire early Tuesday, a fire official said. However, no one was injured.

“At 8.30 a.m. we got a call about a fire in a PVC factory in Peera Garhi. Twelve fire tenders had to be rushed to the spot to … Read more : Fire in Delhi factory.

Lahore shooting: Probe calls US official’s bluff

ISLAMABAD – Investigators have found that US official Raymond Davis “told lies” when he claimed to have fired in self defence at two men, both of whom were shot in the back, a media report said Tuesday.

The challan submitted against Davis said that “during investigations it has come to light that the stance of … Read more >>.

Hindu among five abducted in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A Hindu driver and four officials have gone missing and are feared to have been kidnapped in Pakistan’s Sindh province, a media report said Tuesday.

Driver Himmat Lal and four officials of the Sindh Seed Corporation were abducted from the national highway near Qazi Ahmed Sunday evening.
The corporation’s director Agha Shahid, deputy [..] Read the original article: here.

761 Pakistanis in Indian jails: Report

ISLAMABAD – As many as 761 Pakistanis, including 18 defence personnel, are lodged in Indian jails, according to a report presented in the National Assembly.

“As of January 2011, 761 Pakistanis are in Indian jails – 698 of them are civilians, 45 fishermen and 18 defence personnel,” said the foreign affairs division report.
Dawn … Original article on : 761 Pakistanis in Indian jails: Report.

Blackened mouths, bloody nostrils…three jumbos poisoned

BHUBANESWAR – Three female elephants are suspected to have been poisoned to death, as they were found with blackened mouths and blood oozing from their nostrils in Orissa’s Similipal National Park.

The carcasses of the jumbos were spotted within the core area of the park Sunday, park field director H.S. Upadhyaya told IANS adding the …. Source article : Blackened mouths, bloody nostrils…three jumbos poisoned.

Three kids killed as mother jumps into well with them

BHADOHI – Driven to the brink of desperation by her poverty, a woman here Tuesday jumped into a well with her three sons, killing them instantly, police said. The mother is battling for life in a hospital.

Usha Devi, 40, tried taking her final plunge along with her three sons – aged 5-10 years – … Read more »»».

Five die as man drives car into parade

BEIJING – A man drove his car into a dragon dance parade in an eastern China province, killing five people and injuring many late Monday night, officials said Tuesday.

The suspect was detained by police at 2 a.m. Tuesday, five hours after he escaped from the hit-and-run scene after he drove into the dragon dance …. Source : Gaea News Network.

14 killed in Honduras plane crash

TEGUCIGALPA – A small plane crashed near the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa Monday, killing all 14 people on board, authorities said.

Central American Airlines manager Felix Pacheco said the plane which was en route to the capital city as per its daily schedule crashed after it took off form the coastal city of San Pedro … Read more >>>.

Tunisian exodus puts heavy strain on Italy

ROME/LAMPEDUSA – The sadly familiar pictures of coastguards helping exhausted people off rickety fishing boats in the port of Lampedusa have alarmed Italians.

Fleeing chaos and unemployment, some 5,000 Tunisian illegal migrants have braved the treacherous sea route to the small Italian island in the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, over the past four days.
On …. Read the original article : Tunisian exodus puts heavy strain on Italy.

Britain receives request to freeze Mubarak assets

LONDON – Britain has received a request from Egypt to freeze the assets of former high-ranking officials and will act accordingly, Foreign Secretary William Hague told parliament Monday.

Hague said a formal request from Egypt had been received earlier Monday, and added that Britain would respond, as it had done with similar requests made by … Original source on Gaea Times at : Britain receives request to freeze Mubarak assets.

Some stolen Egyptian artefacts recovered

CAIRO – Some of the artefacts stolen from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo during the recent unrest that toppled president Hosni Mubarak have been recovered, the minister for antiquities affairs said Monday.

The objects – a heart scarab, one of 11 small wooden statuettes of Yuya, a piece of a coffin dating back about 3,000 …. Original source : Some stolen Egyptian artefacts recovered.

Cops fire during marriage ceremony, one killed

AURAIYA – Two cops were booked and suspended here Monday for opening fire from an AK-47 rifle that killed a man and left two people injured at a wedding ceremony, police said.

Constable Sahreer Singh attended the marriage function of his relative Sunday night along with his colleague Ram Kailash, and fired during the …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Cops fire during marriage ceremony, one killed.

4 students drown while on Valenmtine’s Day picnic

MUMBAI – A picnic with friends on Valentines Day proved to be fatal for four college students in Maharashtra who drowned in a reservoir of a dam Monday, police said.

The four – Siddhant Bor (18), Abhijit Ende (17), Mayur Gore (19) and Shivam Pandey (20) – went for a picnic at the Pimpalgaon-Joga dam …. Source : 4 students drown while on Valenmtine’s Day picnic.

Woman found dead at railway station remains unidentified

NEW DELHI – Three days after a woman’s body was found in a bag at the New Delhi railway station, the police are yet to identify the victim. About 50 people have so far seen the body but no one has claimed it, an officer said Monday.

Since the news was flashed in the media … Original source on Gaea Times at : Woman found dead at railway station remains unidentified.

Gang of train robbers busted, three arrested

NEW DELHI – Three men accused of robbing passengers on a moving train were arrested, police said Monday.

Sohanveer, 23, Omveer, and Mobeen Khan, both 19, are residents of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and were involved in similar criminal activities earlier, police said. They were addicted to drugs and alcohol and committed crimes to fund … Original source on Gaea Times at : Gang of train robbers busted, three arrested.

Raymond has diplomatic immunity: Pakistan’s ruling party

ISLAMABAD – In the first sign of giving in to the US pressure on the Raymond Davis case, ruling Pakistan Peoples Party spokesman Fozia Wahab said Monday that the arrested American official has diplomatic immunity.

Davis, a US consular staffer, was arrested Jan 27 in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, after he shot dead … Read more »».

Delhi Police to increase vigil in outer Delhi areas: Gupta

NEW DELHI – Delhi police commissioner B.K. Gupta Wednesday said vigilance would be increased in outer Delhi areas as they are more crime prone.

“Delhi Police will soon get 75 new Police Control Room (PCR) vans,” Gupta told reporters on the sidelines of the 64th Raising Day parade of Delhi Police.
“We will …. Source article : Delhi Police to increase vigil in outer Delhi areas: Gupta.

Foreign journalists attacked in China

BEIJING – Chinese security forces assaulted foreign journalists attempting to visit a dissident under house arrest, the Foreign Correspondents Club of China said Wednesday.

“Correspondents should be careful if they attempt to enter the village of activist Chen Guangcheng in Shandong province,” the club warned after incidents involving journalists of US broadcaster CNN, the New … Read : Foreign journalists attacked in China.

Pakistani girl films grisly murder of her lover

ISLAMABAD – A jilted Pakistani girl, who orchestrated the murder of her 20-year-old lover, had filmed the gruesome act on her mobile phone as two of her associates hacked his body into pieces after stabbing him to death, police said.

Fresh evidence shows that Kamran’s murder was more gruesome than previously thought.
Seventeen-year-old Maira Maryam …. Read the original article : Pakistani girl films grisly murder of her lover.

Video shows Chinese man skinning dog on roadside

SHANGHAI – A video has been posted on Chinese websites that shows a man using a knife to skin a golden retriever dog on a busy street in Shanghai, which has ignited calls for appropriate laws to protect animals.

The five-minute video was uploaded on the ipai.kankanews.com website Tuesday by a woman who said she … Read more : Video shows Chinese man skinning dog on roadside.

Why is Karunanidhi denying Tata’s letter now: Jayalalithaa

CHENNAI – AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa Wednesday asked why Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was belatedly denying receiving a handwritten letter from industrialist Rata Tata.

In a statement issued here, she said: “Karunanidhis hasty denial of the letter from Ratan Tata, reportedly hand-delivered to him by Niira Radia, raises a new set of …. Source article : Why is Karunanidhi denying Tata’s letter now: Jayalalithaa.

Chhattisgarh junior official’s illegal assets – Rs.50 mn!

RAIPUR – A junior official posted in Chhattisgarhs Korba town has illegal assets worth a whopping Rs.50 million, officials of the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) said Wednesday.

EOW carried out raids Tuesday at five locations related to Awadhkishore Gautam, sub-divisional officer with the water resources department, and seized several documents.
“After analyzing the papers we … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chhattisgarh junior official’s illegal assets – Rs.50 mn!.

`Increase in violence against women in Pakistan’

ISLAMABAD – The incidents of violence against women are increasing in Pakistan, said Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Asma Jahangir.

Jahangir said violence against women was taking place everyday due to apathy of the police and the government towards the victims, Daily Times reported Wednesday.
She was speaking at a press conference along …. Source : `Increase in violence against women in Pakistan’.

Three held with 100 cartridges and firearms

LUCKNOW – Three arms smugglers, two of them from Uttarakhand, were arrested with illegal firearms and over 100 live cartridges in Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh, police said Wednesday.

The three men were held late Tuesday from Sungadhi town following a joint operation by the Special Task Force (STF) and the district police.
“Preliminary investigations …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Three held with 100 cartridges and firearms.

Journalist sexually assaulted at Tahrir celebration

WASHINGTON – A journalist working for CBS News “suffered a brutal and sexual assault” when she was covering the celebration at Cairo’s Tahrir Square Feb 11, the day when Egypt’s president Hosni Mubarak stepped down.

The correspondent was covering the jubilation in Tahrir Square for a story when she and her team was surrounded “by …. Original article : Journalist sexually assaulted at Tahrir celebration.

20 charged with $200 mn health care fraud in US

Miami, Feb 16 (IANS/EFE) Twenty people, including three physicians, have been charged with health care fraud worth $200 million, the office of the attorney of Florida state in the US said.

The 20 people are accused of taking part in a fraud network that cheated the government of “purported mental health services”.
In all, 38 … Original article on : 20 charged with $200 mn health care fraud in US.

Judge shot dead in Guatemala

Guatemala City, Feb 16 (IANS/EFE) A civil court judge was shot dead by unidentified assailants in northern Guatemala, officials said.

Judge Eddy Caceres Rodriguez was Tuesday shot at least four times, including twice in the head. He died at a hospital in Peten province, police said.
The 48-year-old judge was attacked near his residence in …. Read the original article : Judge shot dead in Guatemala.

Varsity security guard shoots two dead

GREATER NOIDA – A security guard at a private university Tuesday shot dead two men, both former guards at the institution after they beat him up alleging he he had been responsible for their removal, police said.

The two security guards Sachin Tomar and Indrajeet barged in to the room of Ravinder and started to … Read more »»».

Management aspirant hangs self

NOIDA – A 25-year-old man preparing for Common Admission Test (CAT) – the gateway to pursue MBA in Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) – committed suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling of his bedroom here, police said.

Asif Raza, a resident of Lucknow, was preparing for CAT-2011 and was living in Noida.
His …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Management aspirant hangs self.

Abu Salem threatening me, says his brother

AZAMGARH – Underworld don Abu Salem has been charged with threatening his brother Abu Jais here over a property dispute.

Jais, who lives in Azamgarh – the native district of Salem – Tuesday alleged that he has received repeated threats from his brother in the last few days.
“He has threatened me several times…He wants … Read more >>>.

Newborn girl’s body found in train

NEW DELHI – The body of a newborn baby girl was recovered from a toilet aboard a train at the Nizamuddin Railway Station in south Delhi Tuesday evening, police said.

The body was recovered from a toilet on the Utkal Express when it halted at the station at 7 p.m. A passenger told us about [..] Read the original article: here.

Two factories gutted, no casualties

NEW DELHI – In two incidents Tuesday, two factories were gutted in fire, destroying property worth Rs.12 lakh in the capital, police said. No one was injured.

In the first incident, a plastic factory caught fire in Paschim Vihar area of west Delhi around 8.30 a.m. Valuables worth Rs.5 lakh were destroyed.
Around 12 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two factories gutted, no casualties.

Five held for selling fake gold bricks

NEW DELHI – A gang that duped people by selling fake gold bricks was busted with the arrest of five people in south Delhi, police said Tuesday.

The arrested have been identified as Islam, 32, Faruq, 24, Anjala, 22, Arshad and Ikbal, 25, all from Mewat in Haryana.
They were apprehended from south Delhi on …. Original source : Five held for selling fake gold bricks.

Student commits suicide by jumping off Metro station

NEW DELHI – A 22-year-engineering student committed suicide by jumping off an elevated Metro station in west Delhi, police said Tuesday.

Police said the body was recovered Monday near the Kirti Nagar Metro Station after a passerby raised an alarm and police control room was informed. The body was identified with the clues from a …. Original source : Student commits suicide by jumping off Metro station.

Pandher has some explanation to do: Apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday confirmed the death penalty awarded to Nithari serial killer Surendra Koli and indicated that his employer and businessman Moninder Singh Pandher, in whose house the gruesome murders took place in 2006, had some explanation to do.

“For two years, murders were going on in your (Pandher’s) house. …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Pandher has some explanation to do: Apex court.

Childless woman commits suicide in capital

NEW DELHI – Unable to conceive despite five years of marriage, a 28-year-old woman killed herself by jumping from her second-floor house in north Delhi Tuesday, police said.

Reena Sharma, who lived in Kewal Park area of Adarsh Nagar, jumped to her death around 9 a.m. Tuesday. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where …. Read the original article : Childless woman commits suicide in capital.

Hundreds hold rally seeking Orissa collector’s release

BHUBANESWAR – Residents of Orissas Malkangiri town observed a shutdown and held a massive rally Thursday demanding the safe release of the district collector abducted by Maoists rebels a day earlier.

Most of government offices, business establishments, schools, colleges and other educational institutions remained closed, Additional District Magistrate S.L. Seal told IANS.
Students and …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Hundreds hold rally seeking Orissa collector’s release.

Nepal teenager’s murder goes unpunished even after 7 years

KATHMANDU – Rights organisations in Nepal and abroad Thursday urged the new government of Nepal to bring to justice the army officers and soldiers responsible for the torture and killing of a 15-year-old school girl, whose case has now become a rallying point for victims of the 10-year armed insurrection.

In 2004, soldiers went to …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Munitions store explodes in Tanzania, several killed

NAIROBI/DAR ES SALAAM – A munitions store in the Tanzanian economic centre Dar es Salaam exploded, leaving an unknown number of people dead, a news report said Thursday.

The explosion, which occurred overnight, also injured several people, The Citizen newspaper reported on its website, without providing further details of the casualties or the cause of …. Source article : Munitions store explodes in Tanzania, several killed.

Mock drill held at parliament ahead of budget session

NEW DELHI – A mock drill was conducted at Parliament House Thursday morning to check the preparedness of various agencies in the event of an emergency in the heavily-guarded complex.

“The drill started around 8.30 a.m and it is part of normal security drill to check the preparedness of various agencies in case of …. Original article : Mock drill held at parliament ahead of budget session.

Twelve dead in Vietnam tourist boat sinking

HANOI – Twelve people drowned when a tourist boat sank Thursday in Vietnam, officials said. Fifteen others have been rescued.

The accident occurred at 5 a.m. (2200 GMT Wednesday) at Ha Long Bay when a tourist boat carrying 27 people sank, said Vu Van Thin, an official of the Quang Ninh provincial government.
The … Read more : Twelve dead in Vietnam tourist boat sinking.

Tyre of Jet Airways plane catches fire

KOCHI – A Chennai-bound Jet Airways flight from here was aborted when one of its tyres caught fire just before take-off. All the passengers were safe.

Rafi, one of the passengers on board the plane, said that a few passengers noticed the fire and immediately informed the air hostess.
“The entire responsibility lies with the …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Tyre of Jet Airways plane catches fire.

School van plunges into river, four children, helper drown

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Four nursery children and a woman accompanying them drowned Thursday when their school van fell into a river on the outskirts of the Kerala capital, police said.

The children were on their way to the Little Hearts Kindergarten. Eyewitnesses say the accident took place at around 9.30 a.m. The van was travelling at [..] Read the original article: here.

At least eight dead as Vietnam tourist boat sinks

HANOI – Eight foreign tourists were killed and five were still missing when a tourist boat sank Thursday in Vietnam, officials said.

The accidents occurred at 5 a.m. (2200 GMT Wednesday) at Ha Long bay when a boat carrying 22 people, including 21 foreign tourists, sank, said Ngo Van Hung, head of the management …. Source article on Gaea Times at : At least eight dead as Vietnam tourist boat sinks.

Gunmen attack funeral procession in Mexican city

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Feb 17 (IANS/EFE) Gunmen opened fire on the funeral procession for a teenager killed earlier this week in the northern Mexican city of Chihuahua, wounding a police officer, police said.

A group of armed men arrived at the cemetery Tuesday in two SUVs and opened fire on the funeral procession, forcing relatives …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Gunmen attack funeral procession in Mexican city.

35 prisoners flee after beating guards in Tunisia

Tunis, Feb 17 (IANS/AKI) Thirty-five inmates held in a prison in southern Tunisia escaped by assaulting guards and making a hole in the wall, a media report said.

Most of the escapees were apprehended following the break-out from the prison in the Mediterranean coastal town of Gabes, said a report Wednesday by TAP, the country’s …. Original article : 35 prisoners flee after beating guards in Tunisia.

Maoists abduct district collector in Orissa (Second Lead)

BHUBANESWAR – The collector of Orissa’s Malkangiri district, who went missing Wednesday evening, has been kidnapped by the Maoists who have set two conditions for his release, authorities said Thursday.

It is for the first time the rebels have taken hostage of an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in the state.
Police and local … Read more >>>.

Orissa official suspected to be abducted by Maoists

BHUBANESWAR – The collector of Orissa’s Malkangri district, who has been missing since past several hours, is suspected to have been kidnapped by Moists, a top state government official said Thursday.

The collector R. Veenel Krishna has not returned to the district headquarters from Chitrakonda area where he along with several other officials went to …. Source : Orissa official suspected to be abducted by Maoists.

Collector of Maoist strong hold Orissa district missing

BHUBANESWAR – The collector of Orissa’s Malkangiri district, a strong hold of Maoists, went missing since past several hours, official said Thursday.

The collector R. Veenel Krishna had gone to Chitrakonda area early Wednesday morning with several other officials for a district level public relation meeting.
“He and two-three other people have not yet … Read more »».

Somali pirate sentenced to 33 years in prison

NEW YORK – Somali detainee Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse, portrayed as a modern-day pirate, was sentenced Wednesday to 33 years and nine months in prison for hijacking a US vessel in 2009 off the coast of Somalia.

In US District Court in Lower Manhattan, US prosecutors had sought the maximum sentence of 34 years for Muse’s …. Original source : Somali pirate sentenced to 33 years in prison.

Pakistan defiant on Davis case despite Kerry diplomacy

ISLAMABAD – Despite a hectic 24-hour visit of John Kerry, chairman of US Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee, Pakistan’s civil and military establishment seems to be in a defiant mood on the issue of granting diplomatic immunity to Raymond Davis, a US consular staffer arrested on charges of gunning down two Pakistani men in Lahore.

…. Source : Gaea News Network.

Delhi trader shot at, critically injured

NEW DELHI – Three unidentified men shot a 56-year-old man, critically injuring him, outside his medical store in east Delhi when he was locking up his business for the day, a police official said Wednesday.

The attack occurred Tuesday night when it was raining.
The men came on a motorbike and tried to waylay M.R. …. Original article : Delhi trader shot at, critically injured.

Census enumerators thrashed in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Two teachers, who were conducting census survey, were allegedly beaten up by residents in a east Delhi locality Wednesday, police said.

According to police, the incident took place around 2 p.m. in West Karawal Nagar in Khazoori Khas.
The victims – Arvind Kumar, 45, and Sunil Kumar, 47, both teachers at Municipal …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Sri Lanka to charge 112 Indian fishermen with poaching

COLOMBO – Sri Lankan officials said Wednesday that they would charge more than 100 Indian fishermen for poaching.

Police say Sri Lankan fishermen off Point Pedro on the northwest coast spotted the Indians poaching and alerted the police Tuesday.
“We will be producing the 112 fishermen before the local magistrate in the area Wednesday evening,” … Original article on : Sri Lanka to charge 112 Indian fishermen with poaching.

Man withdraws lakhs from girlfriend’s account, caught

MUMBAI – Twenty-eight years old Amit Gupta made money quickly and in a novel way – through his girlfriend. After winning her trust and obtaining her ATM password, he quietly applied for new credit and debit cards and merrily began withdrawing money from her account. Several weeks and Rs.3.42 lakh later, he is now cooling … Read more : Man withdraws lakhs from girlfriend’s account, caught.

Couple killed in gas cylinder blast

NEW DELHI – A couple was killed in their house in Delhi when a leaking liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder exploded Tuesday night, police said Wednesday.

Chandan Vishwas, 45, and his wife Tara, 41, both from West Bengal, were living in a rented accommodation at Geeta Colony in east Delhi.
Tara was making dinner … Read more >>>.

Man kills daughter’s lover for family honour

LUCKNOW – In a case of honour killing, a Dalit youth in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh was killed by the family of an upper caste girl with whom he was in a relationship, police said Friday.

The girl’s father Madan, two brothers and an uncle have been booked for killing the 21-year-old Atul Kumar, …. Source : Gaea News Network.

CBI raids CWG offices

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Friday conducted raids at several locations in the capital in connection with irregularities in overlays contracts for the 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG), officials said.

Searches are being carried out, but we can’t give out the names of the officials and places raided, a CBI official told …. Original source : CBI raids CWG offices.

Child crushed to death in Delhi, truck torched

NEW DELHI – A child was crushed and another injured when they came under the wheels of a truck in northwest Delhi’s Rohini area Friday morning, triggering tension in the area as angry locals stoned the vehicle and then torched it.

“At around 8.20 a.m., we were informed that a truck had crushed two …. Original source : Child crushed to death in Delhi, truck torched.

UAE prisoners awarded for memorising Quran

Dubai, Feb 18 (IANS/WAM) A number of prisoners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who memorised the Quran while spending time behind bars have been awarded by the government.

The Dubai International Holy Quran Award was presented at a special ceremony held at the General Directorate of Reformative and Punitive Institutions in Dubai. Another section … Read : UAE prisoners awarded for memorising Quran.

Indian jailed in New Zealand for murders

AUCKLAND – An Indian fruit packer was Friday sentenced to life imprisonment by a New Zealand court for killing a woman and her two-year-old daughter.

Deepak Nagpal, 24, who pleaded guilty to both the murders last year, was given life sentence with at least 20 years in jail by Justice Brewer of the Rotura High … Read more »»».

17 dead in Tanzania arms depot blast

NAIROBI/DAR ES SALAAM – At least 17 people died when a series of explosions ripped through an arms depot in Tanzania’s capital Dar es Salaam, the prime minister said Thursday.

Foul play was not suspected in the second such incident in Tanzania in recent years.
Mizengo Pinda, addressing lawmakers, said the explosions began late Wednesday … Original article on : 17 dead in Tanzania arms depot blast.

Two contract killers arrested in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Two members of a gang of contract killers, allegedly involved in killing a sandal wood smuggler of Chhattisgarh, were arrested from north Delhi and arms were seized from them, police said Thursday.

Ranbir, 30, and Narender, 26, were arrested from Rohini area of north Delhi Wednesday on a tip-off.
“A … Read more »»».

Man killed for protesting lewd comments on daughter

NEW DELHI – A man was battered to death by five people when he protested their lewd comments about his daughter here early Thursday morning, police said.

The attackers have been identified as Brijan, Puran, Kanta Prasad, Babu, and Asha Ram. “We have apprehended Asha Ram, Kanta Prasad and Babu, the rest two [..] Read the original article: here.

Unable to go to school, boy commits suicide

NEW DELHI – Frustrated at being unable to go to school as his father failed to deposit the fees, a 14-year-old boy committed suicide by hanging himself inside his house in west Delhi Thursday morning, police said.

Aljin Varghese, a student of Class 8 in Adarsh School in Uttam Nagar area, was found …. Source : Unable to go to school, boy commits suicide.

Narayanan condemns killing of boy protesting eve-teasing

KOLKATA – Condemning the Feb 15 killing of a 16-year-old lad by three men when he tried to prevent them from misbehaving with his sister, West Bengal Governor M.K. Narayanan Thursday said the attackers should be “taken out on the street”.

“I think everyone has condemned it. I fully, completely and totally condemn the …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Essar CEO Prashant Ruia questioned by CBI

NEW DELHI – Essar Telecom’s CEO Prashant Ruia was Thursday questioned for close to two hours by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at its headquarters here in connection with the 2G telecom scam, officials said.

“The questioning has ended now and he has just left our office,” a CBI official told IANS around 9 …. Read the original article : here.

Refused money for liquor, man kills wife

NEW DELHI – A man stabbed his wife to death after she refused to give him money for liquor, and has been arrested Thursday, police said.

Sudhir, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, murdered his wife Ruby Wednesday at their home in Madanpur Khadar in south Delhi. Police got a call from her 13-year-old sister Meenu … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Refused money for liquor, man kills wife.

Man held for overseas job racket

NEW DELHI – A 34-year-old Delhi University graduate was held here for duping several people on the pretext of giving them jobs in Singapore and other countries, police said Thursday.

“Sujeet Kumar Biswas, who hails from West Bengal, was held from PVR Saket complex Wednesday when he came to meet someone to collect money,” a … Read more »»».

Bangladeshi driver faces jail for groping woman in London

LONDON – A 44-year-old Bangladeshi-origin taxi driver is facing jail and deportation for allegedly grabbing a passenger’s breasts after she got into his cab.

Unlicensed taxi driver Zamal Uddin, who has been living in Britain for 20 years, but has not learnt English, was criticised by a judge for failing to integrate into the society.
…. Source : Gaea News Network.

Jessica case: Hostile witnesses to now face the heat

NEW DELHI – Witnesses who turned hostile during the trial in the 1999 murder of model Jessica Lal may now be in trouble as the Delhi High Court will from Friday resume perjury (lying on oath) proceedings against them.

Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, along with some other judge, will take up regular hearing of …. Original article : Jessica case: Hostile witnesses to now face the heat.

Minor, friend stab auto mechanic to death

NEW DELHI – A 16-year-old boy and his friend were arrested for stabbing an auto mechanic to death after an argument in Ambedkar Nagar area of north Delhi, police said Thursday.

Nitin, 20, and the boy killed Ram Avtar, a 35-year-old mechanic after a heated argument between them. Avtar was under the influence of alcohol … Original article on : Minor, friend stab auto mechanic to death.

Class 11 student attacked inside Chandigarh school

CHANDIGARH – A Class 11 student was seriously injured when a number of youths attacked him inside his school here Thursday, police said. A teacher who intervened was also beaten up.

According to police, around eight to ten young boys, armed with sharp-edged weapons, attacked Feroze Khan, 17, in the ground of the Government … Read more : Class 11 student attacked inside Chandigarh school.

Egyptian pharoah’s statue found in trash after two weeks

CAIRO – A limestone statue of Egyptian pharoah Akhenaten, one of the eight artefacts stolen during the uprising that brought down president Hosni Mubarak, has been found in a trash heap two weeks after it was purloined and has been returned to Cairo’s national museum.

The ministry of antiquities said Thursday that the limestone statue … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Egyptian pharoah’s statue found in trash after two weeks.

CBI questions Essar CEO Prashant Ruia

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Thursday questioned the CEO of Essar Telecom, Prashant Ruia, at its headquarters in connection with the 2G telecom scam, officials said.

“He is present at our office and is being questioned,” a CBI official told IANS.
CBI had earlier told a Delhi court that former communications …. Original article on Gaea Times at : CBI questions Essar CEO Prashant Ruia.

Adarsh missing papers probe handed over to CBI

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Thursday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over investigations into the missing documents of the controversial Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society.

A division bench headed by Justice B.H. Marlapalle of the Bombay High Court, while transferring the case from the Mumbai police, also asked the CBI to … Read more »».

Mother hacks off daughter’s body parts

THANE – A woman killed her 26-year-old daughter and then hacked off her head and other body parts in a bout of anger in Maharashtra’s Thane district, police said Saturday.

The accused, Rajratna Nadar, 50, is a mental patient and resides in Virar township with her daughter and husband.
“Rajratna used to get angry every …. Source : Gaea News Network.

CBI probe sought in NRI chef’s death

PANAJI – A civil rights group and a relative of a non-resident Indian (NRI) chef, who died in police custody, demanded Saturday that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe be ordered into the controversial death.

The Goa government has already formed a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the death of 39-year-old Cipriano Fernandes, …. Source article : CBI probe sought in NRI chef’s death.

Maoists kill CPI-M worker in West Bengal

KOLKATA – A Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) worker was shot dead by Maoists in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district, police said Saturday.

“The locals informed about the bullet-ridden body of Bablu Mahato (a local CPI-M worker) lying in Beliabera village in Jhargram sub-division of the district,” said West Midnapore Additional Police Superintendent (operation) …. Read the original article : Maoists kill CPI-M worker in West Bengal.

Man stabs two women in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Two women studying medicine were critically injured here Saturday after a fellow male student who lived with them but had been asked to leave stabbed them following a row, police said.

The three, in their early 20s, lived in Gautam Nagar in south Delhi. They had apparently returned from abroad and were …. Original article : Man stabs two women in Delhi.

‘Narnia’ producer commits suicide

LONDON – Perry Moore, an executive producer of the fantasy movie series The Chronicles of Narnia, committed suicide in his New York City apartment. He was 39.

His death was from an overdose of pain-killers, the New York Daily News reports.
Moore wrote ‘Hero’, a novel about a young gay superhero, and also served … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Narnia’ producer commits suicide.

Four of family commit suicide in Uttar Pradesh

SITAPUR – A couple and their two teenaged daughters allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison here, police said Saturday.

Vijay Singh, 45, who owned a small grocery shop, consumed poison late Friday, along with his wife Madhu and two teenaged daughters – Babita and Anita – inside his home in Azadnagar locality.
“While investigations are … Original source on Gaea Times at : Four of family commit suicide in Uttar Pradesh.

Eight students injured in accident

FIROZABAD – At least eight students, in the age group 12-15 years, were injured when their school bus overturned due to a tyre burst here in Uttar Pradesh Saturday morning, police said.

The accident took place in Tundla area, when the driver of the bus of Udai Public School lost control of the vehicle.
“We … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Eight students injured in accident.

17 killed in Mexico violence

MEXICO CITY – Seventeen people were killed in two incidents of fresh violence in Mexico, authorities said.

Eight gunmen were killed Friday morning in a 40-minute shootout with soldiers in Monterrey city, capital of Nuevo Leon state in northern Mexico, Xinhua reported.
The soldiers seized eight weapons including AK-47 and G-3 assault riffles, one … Read more »».

Former Indian Army general arrested after sentencing in court martial

JALANDHAR – Army authorities at the 11 Corps have put a former top general under formal arrest after he was convicted of professional misconduct and sentenced to three years rigorous imprisonment by a general court martial (GCM) in a multi-million ration scam in this cantonment city Friday.

Lt Gen. S.K. Sahni, who had been under … Read : Former Indian Army general arrested after sentencing in court martial.

Six bodies found in Mexico

Mexico City, Feb 19 (IANS/EFE) Six bodies were found outside a police station in the eastern Mexican state of Veracruz. Police suspect they were dumped by a criminal group linked to drug cartels.

The corpses were left outside the police post in the small town of El Moralillo, located in the municipality of Panuco, not … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Six bodies found in Mexico.

Mexican army kills eight in shootout

Monterrey (Mexico), Feb 19 (IANS/EFE) At least eight gunmen were killed in a battle with Mexican army in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico’s defence department said.

The shootout began around 1:00 a.m. Friday in Cadereyta near state capital Monterrey, when “suspicious individuals” travelling in several vehicles fled as soldiers tried to stop and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mexican army kills eight in shootout.

Girl, set ablaze by spurned suitor, dies

LAKHIMPUR KHERI – A 15-year-old girl, whom a youth set ablaze in this Uttar Pradesh district for resisting his advances, died Friday, police said. The accused, who was on the run, has now been arrested.

The girl, a resident of Chandrapura village, was Feb 14 attacked in her home by Angad, 20, also a native [..] Read the original article: here.

Four robbers held

NEW DELHI – An autorickshaw driver who robbed passengers travelling alone in his vehicle in night was arrested in east Delhi and three other robbers were held in central Delhi, police said Friday.

Mujahir was apprehended Thursday from Geeta Colony on a complaint filed by Durga Rao, an army personnel posted at …. Read the original article : Four robbers held.

Seven arrested for defrauding bank, card-holders of lakhs

NEW DELHI – Seven people, including a HDFC Bank official, were arrested for fraudulently using other people’s credit cards and siphoning off lakhs of rupees, police said Friday.

Arvind Kumar, 26, Dara Anand, 35, and Sangeet Anand, 33, were arrested Feb 14 while Sube Singh, 23, Dharamvir, 28, Rajender Kumar, 31, and Vishnu, 26, … Read : Seven arrested for defrauding bank, card-holders of lakhs.

Samajwadi Party MP gets bail

LUCKNOW – The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court Friday granted bail to Samajwadi Party MP Shailendra Singh, booked and jailed in December 2010 on charges of attempt to murder a candidate in a local body election in Uttar Pradesh.

He was arrested along with eight others, including Independent legislator Raja Bhaiya. Except Raja …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Samajwadi Party MP gets bail.

Violence erupts after truck runs over a child in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A child was crushed to death and a youth injured when they came under the wheels of a truck here Friday morning, triggering tension in the area as angry locals torched the vehicle and then pelted stones at policemen trying to stop them.

“Around 7.20 a.m., we were informed that a truck …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Violence erupts after truck runs over a child in Delhi.

Tax sleuths grill Pune billionaire Hasan Ali Khan

MUMBAI – Leading businessman Hasan Ali Khan, allegedly the country’s top tax evador, was grilled by Income Tax authorities from Mumbai Friday, official sources said.

The Pune-based multi-billionaire was asked to clarify his stand on a variety of issues, including a 2007 case pertaining to $8 billion in his wife Rheemas name in a Swiss …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Tax sleuths grill Pune billionaire Hasan Ali Khan.

Three held for gang rape in south Delhi

NEW DELHI – Three men, who allegedly gang raped a 30-year-old married woman here while she was returning home from office, have been arrested, police said Friday.

All the three – Sandeep, Ravinder and Umesh – were arrested Thursday night. They are from Sonepat in Haryana, police sources said.
According to the sources, … Read : Three held for gang rape in south Delhi.

Infosys employee commits suicide at Hyderabad centre

HYDERABAD – A woman employee of Infosys Technologies Friday committed suicide by jumping off the car park building in the company’s Hyderabad development centre at Gachibowli. The reason for her taking the fatal plunge was not known, police said.

R. Sahiti, 23, died on the spot while a worker in the parking was …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Infosys employee commits suicide at Hyderabad centre.

Gang of ‘tantriks’ busted, three arrested

NEW DELHI – Posing as a tantrik, a man claimed to solve any person’s hardships with the help of his Indian eagle owl. After cheating more than 500 people of lakhs of rupees in the last few years, his gang was busted and three members arrested, police said Friday.

Gang leader Shahzad, his associates Ikram …. Source : Gang of ‘tantriks’ busted, three arrested.

Human trafficking manual helps police in northeast

SHILLONG – What does human trafficking mean, why is it done, what punishment can it attract and how do we rehabilitate victims? A manual on human trafficking brought out by an NGO is proving a boon for police in the northeast where trafficking is a major issue.

Impulse, the NGO, has simplified the law …. Source article : Human trafficking manual helps police in northeast.

13 held for hooch tragedy in Bihar

PATNA – Thirteen people were arrested in Bihar’s Samastipur district Sunday in connection with a hooch tragedy that claimed nine lives, police said. Over 400 pouches of country-made liquor were seized from them.

Seven people, including four women, died at Kashipur locality in Samastipur, about 100 km from here, Saturday and two died Sunday, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 13 held for hooch tragedy in Bihar.

Cocaine stash found in steamroller

Mexico City, Feb 20 (IANS/EFE) Mexican security forces confiscated more than 630 kg of cocaine hidden inside a steamroller in the southeastern city of Ciudad del Carmen, authorities said.

The cocaine seizure, in which Mexican authorities discovered 549 packets of cocaine, each weighing approximately 1,150 grams each, was the largest thus far this year, the … Read : Cocaine stash found in steamroller.

German foreign minister picks up journalists in Iran

BERLIN/TEHRAN – German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle was on his way back to Germany early Sunday with two journalists set free by Tehran.

Westerwelle also met with top officials including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and thanked his counterpart Ali Akbar Salehi for his efforts to release the two men.
Westerwelle is bringing the two journalists – … Original article on : German foreign minister picks up journalists in Iran.

Guard, maid rob employee’s house

GHAZIABAD – The guard and maid employed by an ex-army officer Saturday burgled his house in this Uttar Pradesh town, after overpowering and tying up him and his grandson when they tried to resist, police said. Both sustained injuries and have been hospitalised.

The incident occurred in the posh Chiranjiv Vihar area.
The guard and …. Read the original article : Guard, maid rob employee’s house.