Accidents & Disasters – Monthly Newsletter March 2011

Chicago Blizzard To Rock U.S.

CHICAGO (GaeaTimes.com)- The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard watch from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday owing to the bad weather condition in Chicago. The officials reported that foot snow is expected along with rough winds of 40-miles-an-hour. The Weather Service officials said that this could be the third worst blizzard in Chicago.
Tom Skilling, … Read : Chicago Blizzard To Rock U.S..

Man sentenced to death for raping nine in China

BEIJING – A man was sentenced to death for keeping two girls in a dungeon as sex slaves for one year and raping nine other women in China.

Zeng Qiangbao, a 40-year-old worker in a steel factory in Wuhan, was convicted of rape, illegally imprisoning, robbery and forcible seizure by a court in central China’s … Read more >>.

Duped Indian students in US face uncertain future

HYDERABAD – The Indian students duped by a fake university in the US face an uncertain future as their appeal is not likely to be heard in a court there before September.

The 1,555 students, mostly from Andhra Pradesh, feel they are being subjected to inhuman treatment by the US authorities for no fault …. Source  : Duped Indian students in US face uncertain future.

Kerosene mafia attack police team in Nagpur

NAGPUR – Exactly a week after the additional collector of Nashik district was burnt alive by the oil mafia, a team of 10 policemen were Tuesday attacked by a kerosene seller and his men here, police said.

“The incident happened in Rajurwadi village of Umred tehsil of the district when a team of policemen went …. Read the original article  : Kerosene mafia attack police team in Nagpur.

Man burns mother alive in Haryana

SONEPAT – A 50-year-old man poured kerosene on his 70-year-old mother and burnt her alive here after they had an argument over his drinking, police said Tuesday.

The gruesome incident happened in Shamri village, near Gohana town of this district, late Monday.
According to the police, Raj Kumar, a farmer, is a drug addict and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Man burns mother alive in Haryana.

12 prisoners booked for attack on Hyderabad jail officials

HYDERABAD – A dozen prisoners of Cherlapally Central Jail here were Tuesday booked for attacking prison officials a day earlier. After police baton charged the attackers, two political parties have alleged it was an “assault on Muslim prisoners”.

A case against the 12 prisoners was booked at Kushaiguda police station under Cyberabad police commissionerate following …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 12 prisoners booked for attack on Hyderabad jail officials.

December crash takes toll on Nepal airline’s Bhutan flights

KATHMANDU – A deadly air crash in December that killed 18 Bhutanese pilgrims in Nepal has now claimed another victim – a Nepali airline’s direct flights between Nepal and Bhutan.

Nepal’s private-sector Buddha Air, which graduated to an international airline in August 2010 with flights to Bhutan’s Paro, has been forced to discontinue the operation … Read : December crash takes toll on Nepal airline’s Bhutan flights.

ITBP aspirants go on rampage

BAREILLY – Thousands of aspirants for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) here Tuesday indulged in arson and vandalism alleging mismanagement in the force’s recruitment drive, an official said.

“Angry over arrangements made by the ITBP for recruitment of Grade IV posts, candidates targeted a number of vehicles, setting some of them afire. The candidates also …. Source  : ITBP aspirants go on rampage.

Doctors’ strike continues in Bihar

PATNA – Health services in Bihar were severely hit Tuesday as hundreds of junior doctors continued their indefinite strike for the second day, demanding the arrest of a legislator and enforcement of the medical protection act.

Police have arrested Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) legislator Surendra Prasad Yadav’s two bodyguards who fired at three interns …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Doctors’ strike continues in Bihar.

5 shot dead during Colombian carnival

Bogota, Feb 1 (IANS/EFE) Five people were killed and 10 wounded when an assailant opened fire in a dance hall during carnival celebrations in the southern Colombian town of Tuquerres, an official said.

The dead were all members of a single family, said Fabio Trujillo, an official of the Nario provincial government.
The massacre followed [..] Read the original article: here.

6 partially burned bodies found in Mexico

Monterrey (Mexico), Feb 1 (IANS/EFE) Army troops found the partially burned bodies of six men on a highway outside Monterrey, the capital of the northern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, police said.

The bodies were found just after midday Sunday on the Monterrey-Colombia highway in Escobedo, a city in the Monterrey metropolitan area, said the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 6 partially burned bodies found in Mexico.

18 arrested for making fake eye drug in China

SHANGHAI – Eighteen people have been arrested on charges of manufacturing and selling fake eye medication that left 61 patients suffering from adverse reactions in Shanghai, authorities said.

A total of 116 patients were treated with the fake version of Avastin – originally produced by Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche Group – in September last year … Read more >>>.

Chinese man sentenced to death in demolition case

BEIJING – A man in north China’s Shanxi province has been sentenced to death after he killed one man and injured another during an illegal demolition last year.

Gao Haidong was given the death penalty after being convicted of intentional injury and property damage, Xinhua reported citing the verdict by a court in Taiyuan city.
… Read more >>>.

Interpol seizes fake goods worth $200 mn in South America

PARIS – The International Criminal Police Organisation – or Interpol – has seized fake goods worth $200 million in year-long operations in South America targeting organised criminal counterfeiting networks.

Nearly 1,000 people were arrested in the operations, Xinhua reported citing a statement by the France-based organisation.
In coordination with the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Interpol …. Original source  : Interpol seizes fake goods worth $200 mn in South America.

Somali pirates kill two Sri Lankan fishermen

COLOMBO – Two Sri Lankan fishermen were killed and three taken hostage by Somali pirates after their vessel went adrift, the ministry of fisheries said Monday.

The fishermen clashed with the pirates Jan 27, about two weeks after leaving port to fish off the south coast of Sri Lanka, according to information received by the … Original article on : Somali pirates kill two Sri Lankan fishermen.

Police file FIR in AIIMS child abuse case (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Police Monday registered a case accusing a junior resident doctor of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences of molesting an eight-year-old boy who had come to the hospital for treatment, an official said. The FIR has been filed on the basis of a complaint registered by the boy’s father.

…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police file FIR in AIIMS child abuse case (Second Lead).

ATM trickster arrested

NEW DELHI – A man who cheated people using ATMs by withdrawing money from their cards on the pretext of “securely locking their accounts” has been arrested, police said Monday.

Paras Luthra, 30, was present in an ATM centre in Adarsh Nagar in west Delhi. A couple after completing the transaction was on their way … Original article on : ATM trickster arrested.

Man shot dead resisting robbery

NEW DELHI – A 40-year-old man was shot dead in east Delhi Monday as he resisted attempts by two motorcycle-borne assailants to snatch his bag containing several lakh rupees, police said.

The incident happened around 4.30 p.m. when Vinod, a cashier in a scrap shop, was on his way from Patparganj to his employer’s … Original article on : Man shot dead resisting robbery.

Man held for killing wife, two sons

YAMUNANAGAR – A middle-aged man was Monday arrested for murdering his wife and two sons after a family dispute in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district, officials said.

Sarabjit Singh, resident of Bruthal village, was arrested Monday evening.
Sarabjit shot dead his wife Sukhwinder Kaur (46) and two sons – Jagdish Singh and Kuldeep Singh – this morning. … Read more »».

Suspected Maoists kill villager

BANKURA – Suspected Maoists shot dead one person while three rebels surrendered in West Bengals Bankura district Monday, police said.

The body of a villager earlier abducted by suspected Maoists was found in Sutan village under Barikul police station. He had been shot dead, Superintendent of Police Pranav Kumar told IANS over phone.
Another …. Original source  : Suspected Maoists kill villager.

Man sued for calling out wrong name during sex

WELLINGTON – A New Zealand man faces a legal suit for allegedly crying out another woman’s name while making love with his ex-partner.

The complainant told the court that the 30-year-old man, who is also the father of her children, called out another woman’s name while having sex after a Saturday night party last year, …. Source article  : Man sued for calling out wrong name during sex.

Two army pilots killed as chopper crashes in Nashik locality

NASHIK – Two army majors were killed when the chopper they were flying crashed in a residential area here, minutes after take off from an army base Wednesday morning, police said.

This is India’s first military air crash of the year.
The Cheetah helicopter, carrying Major Atul Gargi and Major Bhanu Chander, had …. Original article  : Two army pilots killed as chopper crashes in Nashik locality.

Quake hits China, damages 678 homes

BEIJING – A 4.8-magnitude earthquake jolted southwest China, affecting more than 80,000 people and damaging over 600 homes, authorities said Wednesday.

The quake occurred at 3.11 p.m. Tuesday in Yunnan Province. The epicentre was recorded 10 km deep at Yingjiang County of Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture of Dehong, Xinhua reported.
The tremor forced the emergency evacuation …. Source  : Quake hits China, damages 678 homes.

Ex-Indian Army soldier dupes Nepal banks to ‘malign’ Maoists

KATHMANDU – A 32-year-old man from western Nepal has been arrested for defrauding four banks in what he said was a bid to take revenge against Nepal’s Maoist party for allegedly causing him to be sacked from the Indian Army.

Ishwari Prasad Pokhrel, who claims to have served with the Indian Army for five years …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Briton, 74, nabbed in Nepal on suspicion of child abuse

KATHMANDU – A 74-year-old British tourist, identified as Peter James Sexton, has been arrested in Kathmandu on the suspicion of sexually abusing two street children after befriending them.

Preliminary reports said the Briton had been living in Nepal for about two months.
He was found to have befriended two underage street boys and taken them …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

I was sold every few months, recounts Pakistani woman

ISLAMABAD – Recounting a harrowing tale of rape, torture and exploitation, a Pakistani woman who escaped after a year in captivity says she was sold to someone new every few months since being abducted by her husband’s friend.

“Every few months I was sold off to someone new and eventually I even began to forget … Read more >>>.

University Of Illinois Remains Closed

CHICAGO (GaeaTimes.com)- As heavy snow storm and gusty winds engulfed the city of Chicago and many other states surrounding it, the Government of the country is leaving no stones unturned to ensure the safety of the citizens. The Governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn has already declared a State of Emergency to ensure safety of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

CBI quizzes Raja in 2G spectrum case

NEW DELHI – DMK leader and former communications minister A. Raja was Wednesday questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the the 2G spectrum scam for the second time this week.

Raja, who reached the CBI headquarters here Wednesday morning for further questioning, had also been quizzed Dec 24 and 25, … Read more : CBI quizzes Raja in 2G spectrum case.

Chicago Blizzard Slams U.S.

CHICAGO (GaeaTimes.com)- The National Weather Service predicted two days back that a massive blizzard would hit the city of Chicago along with 30 other states all across the country in 48 hours. A monster blizzard with 20 inches of snow, whiteout condition and 60 mph winds hit the area on Tuesday. The Governors … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chicago Blizzard Slams U.S..

Train rooftop accident toll 17, blame game on

LUCKNOW – Three more youths succumbed to their injuries in the train rooftop accident in Uttar Pradesh, taking the death toll to 17, officials said Wednesday. The authorities continue to pass the buck over why hundreds of youths were allowed to sit atop a train, which led to the victims being crushed by an overbridge.

…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Train rooftop accident toll 17, blame game on.

Government doctor hangs self in Uttar Pradesh

SITAPUR – A government doctor, who had just got engaged, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan at his residence here, police said Wednesday.

Ashish Rajani, 28, posted at the Sitapur district hospital, took the step Tuesday.
“After his engagement ceremony in Lucknow, Ashish returned Tuesday and joined his duty. We are … Original source on Gaea Times at : Government doctor hangs self in Uttar Pradesh.

Two pilots killed as chopper crashes into Nashik locality

NASHIK – Two pilots were killed when a defence helicopter crashed into a thickly-populated residential area of this city Wednesday morning, police said.

The chopper crashed on a private bungalow shed in the Jai Bhavani Nagar area, little before 9 a.m., the Nashik police said.
The cause of the accident or the identity of the [..] Read the original article: here.

Chinese hair care company found using banned chemicals

BEIJING – A hair care products company in east China has been fined for using banned chemicals in its products, China’s food and drug watchdog said Tuesday.

The Zhangguang 101 Co. Ltd. – based in Zhejiang province – paid 245,040 yuan (over $37,000) in fines and had its illegal gains confiscated, Xinhua reported citing a … Read more >>.

Shark attacks tourist in Mexico

Cancun (Mexico), Feb 2 (IANS/EFE) A Canadian tourist was seriously injured when a shark attacked her off a beach in Cancun resort city in Mexico, officials said.

The emergency management office said the 38-year-old woman was attacked Monday when she was riding a water bike with other tourists off the Park Royal Hotel.
The woman … Original article on : Shark attacks tourist in Mexico.

Brazil mudslides: Toll reaches 860

Rio de Janeiro, Feb 2 (IANS/EFE) The number of deaths caused by mudslides triggered by torrential rains in the southeastern Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has risen to 860, authorities said.

Floods and mudslides in the Serrana region, according to figures released by Agencia Brasil news service, have left 416 dead in Nova Friburgo, … Read more : Brazil mudslides: Toll reaches 860.

Ashok Chavan made undue recommendations in Adarsh, says FIR

MUMBAI – Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan allegedly made undue recommendations to allow allocation to civilians in the scam-hit Adarsh Society during his tenure as the state’s revenue minister, said the FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

A few details of the FIR that was filed Saturday came out Tuesday stating … Original article on : Ashok Chavan made undue recommendations in Adarsh, says FIR.

Three trucks catch fire, one dead

GHAZIABAD – A man was killed when three trucks parked in a row caught fire on G.T. Road here, police said Tuesday.

A truck was being loaded with goods near Lal Kuan Monday night when Shakku, the truck helper, accidentally touched an overhead high-tension wire triggering sparking which led to the fire.
The driver Naushad [..] Read the original article: here.

Youth stabbed by brother-in-law

NEW DELHI – A 25-year-old man was stabbed allegedly by his brother-in-law in east Delhi Tuesday evening as he was angry over the victim having an affair with his niece, police said.

The incident took place in Kalyanpuri when Daler Singh, a 30-year-old autorickshaw driver stabbed Gaurav, 25, a resident of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Youth stabbed by brother-in-law.

Fake US dollars seized in Dubai

Dubai, Feb 1 (IANS/WAM) Authorities in Dubai Tuesday foiled an attempt to smuggle fake dollars with face value of about $220,000.

The counterfeit money in the denomination of $100 was being carried by a passenger from a European country who arrived at the Dubai International Airport with a tourist visa.
Dubai Customs officers found …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Fake US dollars seized in Dubai.

Queensland braces for Cyclone Yasi

SYDNEY – Suburbs and hospitals in Cairns city in Australia were being emptied in a mass flight from the “deadly” power of tropical Cyclone Yasi, as it began lashing the far north Queensland coast, a media report said Tuesday.

In unprecedented scenes, the RAAF laid on medically equipped aircraft to spearhead an airlift of 255 …. Read the original article  : Queensland braces for Cyclone Yasi.

Australia Storm To Bring Rain

QUEENSLAND (GaeaTimes.com)- The Category 5 Cyclone Yasi hit the shores of Queensland on Wednesday midnight and left thousands of people homeless. However, the meteorologists reported that the Cyclone Yasi has diminished to category 1 storm on Thursday and it is expected to bring in heavy rain in Queensland. The weather forecast of the upcoming … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Australia Storm To Bring Rain.

We want enquiry, say survivors of train tragedy

LUCKNOW – Survivors and victims’ families Thursday sought an enquiry into the train rooftop accident that claimed the lives of 18 Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) aspirants in Uttar Pradesh.

“By holding the ITBP aspirants responsible for the accident, the state government or the ITBP or any government agency linked to the recruitment drive can’t wash … Original source on Gaea Times at : We want enquiry, say survivors of train tragedy.

Australian Cyclone Yasi’s Victims Promised Help

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The prime minister of Australia Julia Gillard assured the residents of Queensland of all possible help in rebuilding their homes and compensation for the damage they suffered from Cyclone Yasi. The weather experts agreed that it was the worst tropical storm to hit Queensland in a century. Before being hit by … Original source on Gaea Times at : Australian Cyclone Yasi’s Victims Promised Help.

Raja, aides presented in court

NEW DELHI – Former communications minister A. Raja, arrested for his role in the award of spectrum to telecom players that has been dubbed the biggest scam in Indian history, was Thursday presented in the Patiala House Court along with his two aides.

Raja and his aides — former telecom secretary Siddharth Behura and … Read more »».

Pakistan jail prison officials flee police custody

ISLAMABAD – A Pakistani jail’s former superintendent and a deputy superintendent have escaped from police custody, after the Lahore High Court turned down their bail plea in a case related to eleven missing inmates, a media report said.

Adiyala Jail former superintendent Saeedullah Gondal and Deputy Superintendent Khalid Bashir were arrested from the court …. Source article  : Pakistan jail prison officials flee police custody.

Two Punjab women dupe six with lure of Canada

MOHALI – Punjab Police have filed cases against a mother-daughter duo for duping at least six people of several lakhs of rupees on the pretext of helping them get permanent residency in Canada, police said here Thursday.

According to the police, the accused have been identified as Sukhwinder Kaur and her daughter Sumeet Kaur. They … Read more >>.

Arrested Bihar editor begins fast over bad jail food

PATNA – Navlesh Pathak, editor of an English weekly arrested for the murder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Raj Kishore Kesri, Thursday went on an indefinite fast at Bihar’s Purnia jail to protest the poor quality of food served to him.

“Navlesh Pathak has appealed to the jail officials in his letter to provide … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Arrested Bihar editor begins fast over bad jail food.

Lake Shore Drive Closed

CHICAGO (GaeaTimes.com)- Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive was closed Tuesday evening after three unfortunate accidents took place and whiteout conditions turned it misleading. The commuters were stranded on the road for about 12 hours and the authorities say that about 700 to 900 cars were abandoned on the road. Mayor Richard Daley’s chief staff Raymond … Read : Lake Shore Drive Closed.

Jail guard shoots inmate, self

NANDED – A policeman shot dead a prisoner before killing himself early Thursday, police said.

Constable P.M. Marwade, 47, fired at Sandeep Ghorbandh with his .303 rifle at the Kandhar sub-jail, police officer Geeta Chauhan told IANS.
Marwade then shot himself with the same weapon after writing in the official register that he was being … Original source on Gaea Times at : Jail guard shoots inmate, self.

Raja’s arrest to fool people: Jayalalithaa

CHENNAI – AIADMK chief J. Jayalalithaa Thursday reiterated her charge that the arrest of DMK leader and former communications minister A. Raja was meant to fool people.

“The arrest by the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) is to hoodwink the people and to make the Supreme Court think that action is being taken in the …. Original article  : Raja’s arrest to fool people: Jayalalithaa.

Aussies take to Facebook amid disaster

MELBOURNE – Australians shared real-time experiences on Facebook and Twitter as a devastating cyclone hit the northeastern coast.

A total of 23,141 tweets from 10,000 people were posted in the past 24 hours, The Age reported Thursday.
Others turned to Facebook to seek help with the most popular page, Cyclone Yasi Update, garnering close to … Read : Aussies take to Facebook amid disaster.

Five hurt as building collapses in Kolkata

KOLKATA – Five people were injured Thursday morning when a portion of an old multi-storey building collapsed in central Kolkata, police said.

The building collapsed in Indian Exchange Place area. The injured were admitted to the hospital. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot and had started the rescue operations.
“Five people were injured when …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Lahore shooting: court extends remand of American

ISLAMABAD – A Pakistani court Thursday extended till Feb 11 the custody of the US government official held for gunning down two Pakistanis in Lahore.

Raymond Davis was arrested for killing two youngsters in Lahore last week.
Davis was produced in court under a tight security cover after his six-day remand period ended Thursday, Dawn … Original article on : Lahore shooting: court extends remand of American.

Drug peddler held with Rs.1 crore brown sugar

GORAKHPUR – An inter-state drug peddler has been arrested in this district with brown sugar worth over Rs.1 crore, police said Thursday.

Ramesh Singh, aged around 25 years, was nabbed late Wednesday from Gulriasahai area following a joint operation by the special operation group (SOG) and the district police.
“Acting on a tip-off, we nabbed …. Source  : Drug peddler held with Rs.1 crore brown sugar.

Canadian jailed for beating his puppy to death

TORONTO – A Canadian man has been locked up for six months for beating his puppy to death.

A court in Victoria, which is the capital of British Columbia province, Wednesday sentenced 24-year-old Brent Malcolm Connors for beating his dog to death last month.
“I am really sorry for what’s happened. It really affected me. … Read more »»».

Mexican kidnapper becomes first woman to be jailed for life

Mexico City, Feb 3 (IANS/EFE) The leader of a gang that carried out kidnappings in Mexico’s northern state of Chihuahua has become the first woman in the country to be sentenced to life in prison.

Erika Patricia Alonso Sandoval, 28, was found guilty in the abduction and subsequent murder of two businessmen, the state government … Original article on : Mexican kidnapper becomes first woman to be jailed for life.

Brazil mudslides: Toll rises to 869

Rio de Janeiro, Feb 3 (IANS/EFE) The toll due to mudslides triggered by heavy rains that have deluged the mountainous region of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has risen to 869, authorities said.

The floods and mudslides have killed 418 people in Nova Friburgo, 354 in Teresopolis, 71 in Petropolis, 21 in Sumidouro, [..] Read the original article: here.

Cyclone Yasi hits Queensland

MELBOURNE – Cyclone Yasi hit Australia’s north Queensland town of Tully just before Wednesday midnight and the damage caused by the storm is expected to be widespread, a media report said.

Tully, Innisfail, Mission Beach and Dunk Island have been the hardest hit communities so far as category 5 cyclone slammed into the north …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Cyclone Yasi hits Queensland.

Man held for abducting boy, throwing him before train

NEW DELHI – A man has been arrested in north Delhi for kidnapping an eight-year-old boy and throwing him in front of a train, police said Wednesday. The child survived but his right hand had to be amputated.

Karambir, a resident of Mangolpuri area, abducted Rahul, whose father was getting married to Karambir’s sister-in-law. The …. Original source  : Man held for abducting boy, throwing him before train.

Noida to get new communication system for crime control

NOIDA – Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway Authority area in Uttar Pradesh will soon have an integrated communication and intelligence system to support crime control and traffic management, an official said Wednesday.

The integrated system will be backed by a dedicated broadband metropolitan area (fiber optic) network.
New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA) … Read more : Noida to get new communication system for crime control.

26/11 martyr’s uncle critical after attempted suicide

NEW DELHI – K. Mohanan, the paternal uncle of 26/11 martyr Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, was in a critical state Friday after immolating himself Thursday evening, doctors said.

“He is still critical. We are constantly keeping an eye on his position. He is on the ventilator and has 95 percent burn injuries,” T.S. Sidhu, medical superintendent …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 26/11 martyr’s uncle critical after attempted suicide.

Opposition protests in Assam assembly – without naming corrupt

GUWAHATI – From cymbals to placards, many things made an unusual appearance in the Assam assembly Friday as part of vociferous opposition protests to demand the dismissal of ministers allegedly involved in the multimillion rupee scam in North Cachar Hills district.

The only thing missing was the names of the allegedly corrupt ministers.
We don’t …. Read the original article  : Opposition protests in Assam assembly – without naming corrupt.

MiG fighter crashes, no loss to life

GWALIOR – A MiG-21 fighter of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Madhya Pradesh Friday but there were no casualties as the pilot ejected safely, an official said.

The crash occurred at around 11.20 a.m. at Anup Nagar, 150 km southwest of this Madhya Pradesh town, an IAF spokesperson said here.
“The pilot …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

IT searches homes, offices of TDP MP

HYDERABAD – Income Tax officials Friday searched the homes and offices of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Nama Nageswara Rao across several cities including Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, New Delhi and Hyderabad.

Suspecting tax evasion, IT sleuths conducted simultaneous searches at the residences and premises of the companies owned by Rao at Khammam and in major …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : IT searches homes, offices of TDP MP.

Goa officer sold drugs from police warehouse, CBI told

PANAJI – A now suspended Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) officer sold drugs from a police warehouse in Goa to foreign clients, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was informed in a letter that was tabled in the state assembly Friday.

The officer, sub-inspector Sunil Guddler, was caught in a sting operation selling drugs to two …. Original source  : Goa officer sold drugs from police warehouse, CBI told.

RJD legislator surrenders in Bihar court

PATNA – Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) legislator Surendra Prasad Yadav surrendered in a Gaya court Friday, the fifth day of the junior doctors strike in the state after his security guards allegedly fired at interns of a medical college.

The government was under pressure to nab Yadav, who surrendered before a chief judicial magistrate’s … Read : RJD legislator surrenders in Bihar court.

Apex court issues notice in 2004 Tamil Nadu school fire case

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday issued notice to the central and Tamil Nadu governments on a petition seeking compensation for the 94 students who died in a fire in a primary school in Tamil Nadu’s Kumbakonam town in July 2004.

An apex court bench of Justice Dalveer Bhandari and Justice Deepak Verma issued … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Apex court issues notice in 2004 Tamil Nadu school fire case.

Government official immolates self, senior booked

AURAIYA – Alleging that he was being harassed by his senior, a government official here immolated himself, police said Friday. The senior official has been booked for abetment of suicide.

Rajesh Kumar, 32, a class IV government employee who worked at the Babarpur Nagar Panchayat, succumbed to his injuries Thursday in a hospital. Kumar had … Read more >>>.

Growing crime: Radio, Facebook to Chandigarh police’s rescue

CHANDIGARH – Police are grappling with a rising number of crimes and road accidents in Chandigarh, but radio channels and social networking site Facebook are coming to their rescue.

Chandigarh Police recently tied up with two private radio channels: Reliance-owned Big 92.7 FM and Bhaskar group-owned 94.3 MY FM. The idea is police will be …. Source  : Growing crime: Radio, Facebook to Chandigarh police’s rescue.

Over 200 kidnap victims killed in Mexico in 2010

Mexico City, Feb 4 (IANS/EFE) At least 209 kidnap victims were murdered last year in Mexico, double the number in 2009, a coalition of civic groups has said.

The Movimiento Blanco coalition said the total includes 72 Central American migrants who were kidnapped and massacred in August 2010 in northern Tamaulipas state by armed gunmen … Read : Over 200 kidnap victims killed in Mexico in 2010.

Cases lodged against ITBP, rail rooftop riders

LUCKNOW – The Uttar Pradesh Police late Thursday lodged criminal cases against 20,000 unidentified youth for allegedly going on rampage in Bareilly city after a last minute cancellation of a recruitment rally by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and also causing overcrowding of trains, leading to a serious accident that left 19 aspirants dead.

Simultaneously, …. Read the original article  : Cases lodged against ITBP, rail rooftop riders.

Jobless man commits suicide after wife leaves him

NEW DELHI – A man, allegedly depressed over losing his job and his wife walking out on him, committed suicide in east Delhi Thursday, police said.

Hemant, 23, was found hanging inside his room on the first floor of the house by his landlord who informed police.
Although no suicide note was recovered, police …. Original article  : Jobless man commits suicide after wife leaves him.

Karmapa cash row: Couple arrested in Delhi

DHARAMSALA – Himachal Pradesh Police Thursday arrested a couple in New Delhi in connection with seizure of Rs.1 crore from two people that was meant as part-payment by the Karmapa’s trust to buy land in Kangra district, police said.

“The couple, Karma Thapa and his wife Rinzin, was charged with arranging money for the monastery. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Karmapa cash row: Couple arrested in Delhi.

Two arrested with fake currency

KANPUR – Two men were arrested in this Uttar Pradesh city Thursday with counterfeit currency having a face value of over Rs.4 lakh, police said.

Sanjeev Awasthi and Ramu were arrested from Collectorganj area with fake currency notes with a face value of Rs.4.21 lakh.
“Prima facie it appears that the two worked for an …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two arrested with fake currency.

Property dealer looted

NEW DELHI – Motorcycle-borne robbers held up a property dealer near his home in north Delhi Thursday afternoon and snatched the Rs.8 lakh he was carrying, police said.

The incident took place at around 1.45 p.m. near Sector-5 in Rohini area when Ashok Kumar, 44, was on his way home in the same area …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Chhattisgarh town tense after cop killed by thieves

RAIPUR – A town in Chhattisgarhs Bilaspur district observed a total shutdown Thursday to protest the killing of a constable, when he went to a village to apprehend some people accused of theft. A sub-inspector was also killed in the incident.

A four-member Railway Protection Force (RPF) team was attacked Wednesday when they tried … Read more >>.

Man, wife crushed by train

KOLKATA – A 63-year-old man and his wife were crushed by a speeding train at Belur station Thursday in West Bengal’s Howrah district. He was trying to help her after her foot got trapped in the track.

The incident occurred when Balasore residents Padmalochan Banerjee and Nandita Banerjee (61) were about to board a …. Original article  : Man, wife crushed by train.

26/11 martyr’s uncle attempts self-immolation outside parliament (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – A 56-year-old man, identified as the paternal uncle of 26/11 martyr Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, attempted self-immolation outside the Parliament House Thursday evening allegedly disturbed over the government’s response towards the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks.

According to police, K. Mohanan, a native of Kozhikode in Kerala, poured kerosene over his body …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 26/11 martyr’s uncle attempts self-immolation outside parliament (Second Lead).

14-year-old raped by neighbour

NEW DELHI – A 14-year old girl was raped by a neighbour in Mehrauli in south Delhi, police said Thursday.

The incident took place at around 5.40 p.m. Wednesday at Paryavaran apartments in Mehrauli locality. The accused has been identified as Prabhat Kumar, 20.
The accused was a neighbour of the victim. Wednesday, when the … Read more »»».

Forced to tonsure heads for fee delay, allege Dalit students

GHAZIABAD – Thirty Dalit students of a privately-run institute in Ghaziabad, affiliated to the Uttar Pradesh Technical University, were forced to tonsure their heads as the state government delayed payment of their fees, a student said Thursday. The institute has denied the allegations.

The incident took place last month at the engineering division of the …. Source  : Forced to tonsure heads for fee delay, allege Dalit students.

26/11 martyr’s uncle succumbs to self-immolation bid

NEW DELHI – K. Mohanan, the paternal uncle of 26/11 martyr Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, succumbed to injuries sustained in a self-immolation bid, doctors said Saturday.

Mohanan, who suffered 98 percent burn injuries after a self-immolation attempt Thursday evening, died Friday around midnight. He was admitted to the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital following the self-immolation attempt. …. Source article  : 26/11 martyr’s uncle succumbs to self-immolation bid.

We need time to decide US official’s case: Islamabad

ISLAMABAD – Islamabad has told Washington that it needs time to decide the case of Raymond Davis who shot dead two Pakistanis in Lahore late last month.

The government, which is yet to decide on whether Davis enjoys diplomatic immunity, has informed the US about domestic compulsions as well as public backlash to any move [..] Read the original article: here.

Blast at Egypt gas pipeline

Cairo, Feb 5 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The Egyptian Army has stopped the gas flow at a pipeline in Egypt’s North Sinai following an explosion, the governor of the province said Saturday.

The explosion at the pipeline, which supplies gas to Israel, occurred Saturday morning near the Egyptian town of El Arish, close to the Egyptian-Israeli border.
… Read more : Blast at Egypt gas pipeline.

Notices served on 17 Indians over black money abroad: Mukherjee

KOLKATA – Notices have been served on 17 Indians suspected of having stashed black money in tax havens abroad but it will not be possible to reveal their names as yet, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said here Saturday.

“We have received a few names. We have already served notices on 17 persons and …. Original source  : Notices served on 17 Indians over black money abroad: Mukherjee.

Protests after Kashmir civilian killed in army firing

SRINAGAR – The killing of a civilian in an army ambush for guerrillas triggered protests in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district Saturday morning even as the army said the accidental death was “regrettable”.

Manzoor Ahmad Magray, 24, a resident of Chogal village in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, some 70 km from here, was killed at … Read more : Protests after Kashmir civilian killed in army firing.

Oman national held in Haryana

HISAR – An Oman national was arrested from near the military area of Haryana’s Hisar town on suspicion of being a spy, police said Saturday.

According to police, the accused has been identified as Hasan Bin Abdullah Abrahim and he was staying here illegally for the last one month.
“Acting on a tip-off, we arrested …. Original source  : Oman national held in Haryana.

Three injured in Delhi cylinder blast

NEW DELHI – Three members of a family, including two children, were injured in a cylinder blast in a west Delhi house, police said Saturday.

The blast took place in Veena Enclave of Nangloi area Friday night. The injured have been identified as Heera Chand, 38, Sumit, 10, and seven-year-old Sujit.
“They were taken to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Three injured in Delhi cylinder blast.

Four of family killed in Uttar Pradesh accident

FIROZABAD – Four members of a family were killed and three critically injured when the car they were travelling in ploughed into a stationary truck here Saturday, police said.

The accident took place in Shikohabad town when their Bolero car rammed into the truck, killing four men on the spot.
It appears that the car …. Source article  : Four of family killed in Uttar Pradesh accident.

Assassination attempt on Egypt vice president: Report

WASHINGTON – An assassination attempt on Egypt’s Vice President Omar Suleiman has failed, but it left two of his bodyguards dead, a media report said.

The attempt to kill Suleiman took place in recent days, sources told Fox News Saturday.
Embattled Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak had appointed Suleiman as vice president to quell the unrest …. Source  : Assassination attempt on Egypt vice president: Report.

Criminal, arms supplier arrested in Mumbai with arms

MUMBAI – A member of the Chota Rajan gang and an arms supplier were arrested in two separate cases by the Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch and arms recovered from them, police said Friday.

“Zuber Abdul Hamid Jamadar, who was arrested Wednesday is an aide and cousin of slain underworld operative Farid Tanasha, Joint Commissioner … Read more : Criminal, arms supplier arrested in Mumbai with arms.

Man shot dead in south Delhi

NEW DELHI – A 30-year-old man, who worked in an education department, was shot dead near his residence by unidentified armed assailants in south Delhi’s Neb Sarai area, police said Friday.

The incident took place around 10.30 p.m. Thursday when the deceased was returning home along with his mother and relatives after attending a …. Source article  : Man shot dead in south Delhi.

Man stabbed to death

NEW DELHI – A 20-year-old man was stabbed to death in an east Delhi park Friday. Police are searching for his absconding friend with whom he had a fight a few days ago.

The deceased was identified as Prem Sharma, resident of Gharoli Dairy Farm. “We got a call that a man was lying in … Read more : Man stabbed to death.

Two held for robbery in west Delhi

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Police have arrested two men for their alleged involvement in three robberies in west Delhi, police said Friday.

The arrested are Mohammad Afjal and Sual, both aged 22 years.
“Afjal is an aspiring self-styled don and both of them are habitual offenders and have been arrested many times,” … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two held for robbery in west Delhi.

Illicit liquor manufacturing unit unearthed, six held

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Police Crime Branch has unearthed a manufacturing unit making illicit premium scotch whisky, a printing press where fake stickers and labels of various premium brands were printed and arrested six people with 156 liquor bottles.

Police received a tip-off about a man in a Toyota Corolla car who was … Original article on : Illicit liquor manufacturing unit unearthed, six held.

Police pulled up for filing charges in rape case after 6 years

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday came down heavily on Delhi Police for filing a charge-sheet after six years against a person who in 2001, when he was a juvenile, allegedly eloped with his minor neighbour and raped her.

Justice Shiv Narain Dhingra said: “I consider that the prosecution owes an explanation as …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Police pulled up for filing charges in rape case after 6 years.

Ten killed in Bangladesh accident

DHAKA – At least ten political activists were killed when their minibus collided head-on with an oil-laden lorry in Bangladesh’s central Faridpur district Friday, police said.

Seven of the victims died instantly in the collision. They were on board the bus carrying supporters of a newly elected ruling party lawmaker when it hit the lorry, …. Original source  : Ten killed in Bangladesh accident.

Haryana sets up police stations to check power, water theft

CHANDIGARH – In a unique move, the Haryana government Friday announced the setting up of police stations to check the theft of power and canal water in the state.

Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda approved the proposal of setting up of eight special police stations to check the theft of power and canal water in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Haryana sets up police stations to check power, water theft.

Girl seriously injured in wall collapse

NEW DELHI – A four-year-old girl was critically injured Friday when the wall of the next-door police station collapsed on her house in north Delhi, police said. The girl has been admitted to a hospital.

A fire department official said the incident took place in Welcome area at around 1.30 p.m.
The girl …. Read the original article  : Girl seriously injured in wall collapse.

Drunken son kills mother

NEW DELHI – Enraged over his mother not agreeing to sell their house, a drunken man strangled his 80-year-old mother and then slammed her head on the floor in Mongolpuri northwest Delhi, police said Friday. The man has been arrested.

The accused Somnath, 40, allegedly strangled Amar Devi and hit her head on the …. Original source  : Drunken son kills mother.

Satyawati College student hangs self in classroom

NEW DELHI – A second-year Bachelor of Arts student of Satyawati College in north Delhi was found hanging from a ceiling fan in one of the classrooms here Friday afternoon, police said.

The incident came to light at around 3.15 p.m. when a college employee found Amir Mallik, 21, hanging in a classroom in the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Minor makes 350 obscene calls to women cops

RAIPUR – A 15-year-old boy was arrested here for making over 350 obscene calls to women cops, police said Sunday.

Women police cell in-charge Chitralekha Sharma said the boy was picked up from the Gudhiyari area late Saturday after police got the call details and located his residence.
“The boy was using his mother’s cell …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Minor makes 350 obscene calls to women cops.

Dalit girl attacked for resisting rape, one held

LUCKNOW – A teenaged Dalit girl was subjected to brutal attack and one of her ears nearly chopped off while resisting a rape attempt by three youths of her village in Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehpur district, police said Sunday. One man has been arrested.

The teenager was attacked late Saturday with a sharp-edged weapon in Udauli … Read more »»».

Vehicle hits Mexican envoy who was walking his dog

SAN SALVADOR – Mexico’s ambassador to El Salvador was injured in a hit-and-run incident Saturday while walking his dog in an exclusive residential area of this capital, police said.

Leandro Arellano Resendiz was taken to a nearby hospital but did not suffer serious injury.
The diplomat was hit by a private vehicle Saturday morning while … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Vehicle hits Mexican envoy who was walking his dog.

Australian punches attacking croc, escapes

SYDNEY – A north Queensland man who was grabbed by a crocodile while swimming in a popular waterhole escaped by punching the reptile repeatedly on the head.

The 37-year-old man was swimming with his daughters near Weipa, the largest town on the Gulf of Carpentaria coast of the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, when the …. Read the original article  : here.

Two die in Russian helicopter crash

Moscow, Feb 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Two people were killed when a helicopter crashed in Russia’s southern republic of Kalmykia, authorities said Sunday.

The Mi-2 helicopter crashed Saturday at 23:00 Moscow time (20:00 GMT).
The crew had landed the helicopter due to a technical malfunction and the flight engineer fixed the problem.
But …. Read the original article  : here.

Two killed as protesters, police clash in Tunisia

TUNIS – Two people were killed and at least 17 injured in a clash between protesters and police in Tunisia’s Kef city, a media report said.

Protesters in Kef, 220 km west of the Tunisian capital, called for the dismissal of the city’s police chief, Khaled Ghazouani, due to his relationship with ousted president Zine … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two killed as protesters, police clash in Tunisia.

Yet another theft in Maharashtra’s village without locks

AHMEDNAGAR – Known for its homes and shops with no doors or locks, the temple village of Shani-Shingnapur in this Maharashtra’s district Saturday reported yet another theft early Saturday, police said. Four thefts were reported in the village last year.

Saturday’s theft took place at the house of Dagdu Sheth, one of the members …. Source article  : Yet another theft in Maharashtra’s village without locks.

Vehicle thieves’ gang busted, 4 held

MOHALI – Punjab police Saturday said they had busted an inter-state gang of vehicle thieves, arresting four people and recovering 27 vehicles from their possession.

Working on a secret tip-off, Mohali district police arrested these four from Kharar town Feb 1.
“We have recovered 27 vehicles worth Rs. 1.46 crore. This gang was active … Original source on Gaea Times at : Vehicle thieves’ gang busted, 4 held.

Four arrested for cheating government dispensaries

NEW DELHI – Four men, including a pharmacist of Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), allegedly involved in buying medicines from government dispensaries on false pretences and then selling them in the market, have been arrested, police said Saturday.

Attar Singh, 46 working as a pharmacist in a CGHS dispensary in Nanak Pura, Satish Kumar, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Four arrested for cheating government dispensaries.

Cash returned by youths found to be fake

KOLKATA – Six months after being rewarded by West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee for returning cash worth Rs.1.5 lakh, two youths of Birbhum district will now face police interrogation as the notes were found to be fake.

Selim Khan and Salam Seikh Lal, while rescuing the victims of the July 19 Sainthia train accident, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cash returned by youths found to be fake.

Gujarat riots: Government issues notice to top cop

GANDHINAGAR – Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rahul Sharma was Saturday issued a show cause notice by the Gujarat government seeking an explanation why departmental action should not be taken against him for misconduct.

The charges against him related to the making of a CD containing telephone call data of officials, politicians and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Man held for stealing 4,000 litres of edible oil

NEW DELHI – A man who stole 4,000 litres of vegetable oil from a truck in west Delhi was arrested here, police said Saturday. A woman, who plotted the robbery, is still absconding.

Mahesh Gupta, 40, met the truck driver in Baprola area of west Delhi Wednesday, who told him that his truck was loaded …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Man held for stealing 4,000 litres of edible oil.

2008 Delhi serial blasts: Court to frame charges Feb 21 (Second lead)

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Saturday found sufficient evidence to put to trial 13 suspected Indian Mujahideen (IM) terrorists in the 2008 serial blasts here in which 26 people were killed. Charges against them would be framed Feb 21.

The court discharged accused Salman in all the five cases as there was no material …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 2008 Delhi serial blasts: Court to frame charges Feb 21 (Second lead).

Delhi Police bust robbers gang, two arrested

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police busted a motorbike gang engaged in robberies in the city after the arrest of two of its members. They have also recovered Rs.3 lakh and a pistol from the two, an official said Saturday.

According to the police, Rakesh (35) and Shyam Sunder (36) are residents of Partap Nagar in …. Source article  : Delhi Police bust robbers gang, two arrested.

Five injured in Delhi cylinder blast

NEW DELHI – Five people, including two children, were injured in a cylinder blast in a west Delhi house, police said Saturday.

The blast took place in Veena Enclave of Nangloi area Friday night. Four of the injured have been identified as Harish Chand, 38, his wife Rita, 31, and their children – Sumit, 10, … Read more »».

Major fire in state power utility’s warehouse

ALLAHABAD – Equipment and goods worth around Rs.1 crore were gutted Saturday after a major fire broke out in a warehouse of the state-owned Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) here, police said. No casualty has been reported.

The fire engulfed the UPRVUNL warehouse in the industrial Naini area, and over 15 fire …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bank robbery: Rs.63.5 lakh seized in Uttar Pradesh

NEW DELHI – A week after a driver and a guard sensationally escaped in their bank van with Rs.67.5 lakh, police have seized almost the entire money and caught three of five accused, it was announced Saturday.

Delhi Police found Rs.63.5 lakh from a house in a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district. The house …. Original source  : Bank robbery: Rs.63.5 lakh seized in Uttar Pradesh.

Chennai Police to seek court’s help for summoning Lalit Modi

CHENNAI – Chennai Police plans to approach a court against former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi, who is refusing to accept its summons to appear in person in a criminal complaint lodged by the Indian cricket board, a top police official said Saturday.

Speaking to reporters here, Chennai City Police Commissioner T. Rajendran …. Source  : Chennai Police to seek court’s help for summoning Lalit Modi.

Reliance petrol pump owner abducted in Meghalaya

SHILLONG – The proprietor of a Reliance petrol depot is suspected to have been abducted at gunpoint by a rebel group near the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya, police said Saturday.

No ransom call has so far been received by his family but police strongly suspect the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) to be behind [..] Read the original article: here.

Cash van robbery: Rs.63.5 lakh recovered from Uttar Pradesh

NEW DELHI – The Delhi police have recovered from Uttar Pradesh Rs.63.5 lakh robbed from a bank’s cash van here last month. Two of the five accused are still absconding, a police official said Saturday.

The money was recovered Friday from a village in Etah district in Uttar Pradesh from the house of … Read more >>>.

Three arrested with drugs worth Rs.1 crore

GORAKHPUR – Three drug peddlers, who worked for a Nepal-based racket, have been arrested here with banned drugs worth over Rs.1 crore, police said Monday.

The three Uttar Pradesh men were nabbed late Sunday from Campereganj locality.
“The three were arrested while they were on their way to hand over the illegal consignment of the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Musharraf is now an accused in Benazir killing

ISLAMABAD – Former president Pervez Musharraf’s name was Monday included in the list of accused in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, a media report said.

Musharraf’s name was added to the list following a statement of former Rawalpindi city police chief Saud Aziz, the daily Dawn reported.
Aziz claimed that Musharraf had given … Read more >>>.

More explosive chemical recovered from Ranchi

RANCHI – The seizure of 40 sacks of ammonium nitrate in two separate incidents from this city and its outskirts is the latest indicator that the Jharkhand capital may be turing into a hub of illegal explosives meant to reach Maoists.

The incidents come less than a week before the 34th National Games begin … Read more »».

Raging Perth bushfire guts 59 homes

MELBOURNE – More West Australians have been urged to flee their properties since the number of homes destroyed by out-of-control bushfires in Perth rose to 59, said a report Monday.

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett has declared parts of the Perth foothills a natural disaster area following the loss of homes since the fires … Read more : Raging Perth bushfire guts 59 homes.

Lahore shooting: 3 more Americans barred from leaving Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Three more Americans, besides US official Raymond Davis who fatally shot two Pakistanis in Lahore, have been prohibited from going abroad, said an official.

The government barred the three more US nationals from going out of the country on allegations that they were in the vehicle that crushed a man to death in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Lahore shooting: 3 more Americans barred from leaving Pakistan.

Girls unsafe in Uttar Pradesh, say women’s panel, activists

NEW DELHI – The National Commission for Women (NCW) Monday formed a committee to investigate the shocking case of a Dalit minor who was brutally attacked for resisting rape in Uttar Pradesh, a state where, activists say, the situation for women, ruled by a woman chief minister, is going from bad to worse.

NCW chairperson … Read more »».

Two killed, 26 injured in Vietnam train crash

HANOI – At least two people were killed and 26 injured when a train hit several cars and motorbikes on a bridge in southern Vietnam, police said Monday.

The accident happened Sunday when a train travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi crashed into six cars stuck on Ghenh bridge in Dong Nai province.
… Original article on : Two killed, 26 injured in Vietnam train crash.

Two held for stealing Punjab Police Gypsy

CHANDIGARH – Two unemployed young men were arrested for audatiously stealing a Gypsy van of the Criminal Investigation Department of Punjab Police, an official said here Monday.

Of the two arrested, Vikas Bhalla, 24, is a resident of neighbouring Mohali town and Deepak Kumar, 25, is an Amritsar resident.
“The two youth had used a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Forward Bloc leader shot dead in Bengal

KOLKATA – A Forward Bloc leader was killed and two other people were injured Monday when some miscreants fired at them in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, police said.

“The incident occurred at Kirnahar in Nanoor block. Forward Bloc leader Paltu Sheikh and Mukbul Hussein were travelling in a bus, when some miscreants in the same … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Forward Bloc leader shot dead in Bengal.

Volkswagen Beetle Accident Leaves 5 Dead

MIDLAND (GaeaTimes.com)- At least five people are known to have killed which includes three children when a Volkswagen Beetle collided with a truck at the city of Midland in Texas on Sunday afternoon. The accident is said to have taken place at a distance of fives miles in the northern direction of Midland in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Volkswagen Beetle Accident Leaves 5 Dead.

Girls not safe in Uttar Pradesh, say activists

NEW DELHI – Women activists Monday expressed shock at the attack on a Dalit minor whose ear was nearly chopped off and fingers smashed after she resisted gangrape, saying girls were not safe in Uttar Pradesh and the situation was going from bad to worse.

Girija Vyas, chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), … Read more »».

Rahul set to visit disfigured Dalit girl in Kanpur hospital

KANPUR – Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is Monday likely to visit the minor Dalit girl who was brutally disfigured after she resisted gangrape and is being treated at a hospital here, police sources said.

Gandhi, who is scheduled to visit his constituency Amethi, is expected to make a stopover in Kanpur on his way, … Read : Rahul set to visit disfigured Dalit girl in Kanpur hospital.

Single punch kills man in Australia

SYDNEY – A single punch in the face during a “chance meeting” killed a 48-year-old man in a town in the Lake Macquarie region of Australia’s New South Wales state.

A 50-year-old allegedly punched the man from Budgewoi, a suburb, in the face about 12.30 a.m. Sunday, knocking him to the road where he …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Six killed in Mumbai-Pune Expressway accident

PUNE – Six people, including two children, were instantly killed when a speeding tempo rammed into their car on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway early Monday, police said.

According to preliminary reports, the victims, who have not yet been identified, hailed from Goregaon suburb of Mumbai.
Pune Rural Police Control said the victims were travelling to Mumbai … Read : Six killed in Mumbai-Pune Expressway accident.

Arrested Bihar editor to be provided newspapers, books

PATNA – Navlesh Pathak, the editor of an English weekly arrested in connection with the murder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Raj Kishore Kesri, will be provided newspapers and books in Bihar’s Purnia jail, officials said Monday.

Navlesh Pathak had demanded newspapers and books to read while in prison and jail Inspector General Ramesh … Read more : Arrested Bihar editor to be provided newspapers, books.

One killed in US shooting

WASHINGTON – At least one person was killed and 11 wounded Sunday in a shooting incident near a college campus in the US state of Ohio, police said.

Police said the shooting happened in a fraternity house near the Youngstown State University campus, Xinhua reported.
The university officials said that the deceased and the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : One killed in US shooting.

Women held for trying to block Mayawati’s convoy

LUCKNOW – Three women were arrested on charges of trying to block Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati’s convoy in Aligarh by lying down on the road, police said Sunday.

Brij Lal, special director general of police, told reporters here that the women were arrested Saturday minutes before the chief minister’s convoy passed.
Two of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Women held for trying to block Mayawati’s convoy.

Doctor suspended for sexually harassing intern

ROHTAK – A senior doctor of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) here has been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by an intern, an official said Sunday.

According to the PGIMS official, the doctor was identified as Mahavir Garivan, a professor in the department of surgery.
“An MBBS intern …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Doctor suspended for sexually harassing intern.

Woman, lover arrested for killing brother

NEW DELHI – A woman and her paramour were arrested in south Delhi for allegedly killing her brother for money, police said Sunday. The woman’s father too was arrested for concealing the crime.

Rekha, 27, and her father Sher Singh, 52, are residents of Pushp Vihar area of south Delhi while her … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Woman, lover arrested for killing brother.

Missing sand trader’s body found near Patna

PATNA – The bullet-riddled body of a missing sand trader was found on the outskirts of this Bihar capital Sunday, leading to angry protests by hundreds of locals.

The body of Jitendra Singh, who was missing for the last three days, was recovered by the police from Digha locality. Earlier, the police had found his …. Read the original article  : Missing sand trader’s body found near Patna.

Court extends A. Raja’s CBI custody

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Tuesday allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to keep former communications minister A. Raja in its custody for two more days so the agency could quiz him further over the 2G spectrum scam.

Raja was brought to the Patiala House courts complex at the end of his …. Source  : Court extends A. Raja’s CBI custody.

Portion of Delhi’s Kasturba Gandhi Marg caves in

NEW DELHI – A portion of the Kasturba Gandhi Marg – one of the capital’s busiest roads – caved in Tuesday, leading to traffic jams in parts of central Delhi, police said.

According to the Delhi Traffic Police, about 8 to 9 feet of the road had caved in.
“The road collapsed following … Read : Portion of Delhi’s Kasturba Gandhi Marg caves in.

Man stabbed to death at his birthday bash

MELBOURNE – A man was stabbed to death at his own birthday party in Medina, a suburb of Perth in western Australia.

Police have charged a 43-year-old woman from Orelia, a suburb of Perth, over the death. The man and the woman had known each other for some months, but were not in a … Original article on : Man stabbed to death at his birthday bash.

Bihar legislator killing: Husband backs accused

PATNA – Ashok Pathak, the husband of a school teacher who stabbed to death Bihar’s BJP legislator Raj Kishore Kesri for allegedly exploiting her sexually, Tuesday said she was “forced” to take the extreme step and that he stood by her.

“I am with my wife and will support her. I will do everything … Original article on : Bihar legislator killing: Husband backs accused.

Court verdict on Aarushi case closure report Wednesday

GHAZIABAD – A special CBI court here Tuesday adjourned till Wednesday its ruling on the investigating agency’s closure report in teenager Aarushi Talwar’s murder case.

The CBI said before the court that it had not found any substantial evidence in the case and a closure report was its only option.
“The fingerprints found on the … Read more : Court verdict on Aarushi case closure report Wednesday.

Minorities feeling insecure in Pakistan, says minister

ISLAMABAD – Abduction for ransom and killing of people belonging to Pakistan’s minority communities, including Hindus, has caused insecurity among them, a minister said.

Balochistan Minister for Minorities Affairs Basant Lal Gulshan said Monday there was a sense of insecurity among the minority communities.
The daily Dawn quoted him as saying that the Hindu community … Read : Minorities feeling insecure in Pakistan, says minister.

Police yet to register report in JNU sex scandal

NEW DELHI – A day after an objectionable video clip showing two Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students in a compromising situation came to light, Delhi Police were yet to register a complaint Tuesday.

According to DCP (South) H.G.S. Dhaliwal, police are awaiting confirmation from the university which has launched an internal probe in the matter.
…. Original article  : Police yet to register report in JNU sex scandal.

Nine of family stabbed to death in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Nine members of a family, including four children, were stabbed to death in a town in Pakistan’s Punjab province following a family feud.

The murders took place in Qadirabad town in Mandi Bahauddin district.
Abdul Rab, a police official, said the nine people were killed with a sharp knife when they were fast …. Original article  : Nine of family stabbed to death in Pakistan.

Fake currency from Pakistan causing a headache to India: Report

WASHINGTON – Counterfeit currency is becoming a cause for concern in India with fake rupees believed to be printed in Pakistan and then channelled through Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Bangkok, Thailand, into Kathmandu, according to a new report.

This heavy inflow of fake currency has led some to speculate that Pakistani elements are deliberately trying to [..] Read the original article: here.

Ambulance-truck collision kills four

ALLAHABAD – Four people were killed and one injured when an ambulance in which they were travelling in collided with a speeding truck here Tuesday, police said.

The accident took place in Utraon in Allahabad district, about 200 km from here, when the ambulance was hit by the truck.
“We are yet to ascertain the … Read more »».

Pune land scam probe may be given to CBI, says court

MUMBAI – Another land scam in Pune, which could run into over Rs.3 billion, paling the Adarsh Society scam of Mumbai, may be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe, a legal official said.

This was indicated Monday by a division bench of the Bombay High Court following a public interest …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pune land scam probe may be given to CBI, says court.

Prosecutors may widen Berlusconi sex probe

Milan, Feb 8 (IANS/AKI) Investigators may expand the sex probe against Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on grounds that a second young suspected prostitute might have spent the night in his villa in a Milan suburb.

Brazilian Iris Berardi may have attended Berlusconi’s parties and stayed overnight at the billionaire’s villa in Arcore Dec … Read more >>>.

Baby dies after beating in Puerto Rico

San Juan, Feb 8 (IANS/EFE) A Puerto Rican woman accused of beating to death her three-month-old son has been jailed.

The woman was jailed Monday after she failed to post the $500,000 bail set by a judge.
Zuleika Forti Martinez, 26, initially claimed that husband Edelmiro Colon Marrero was responsible for the injuries the baby … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Baby dies after beating in Puerto Rico.

5 mutilated bodies found on Mexican highway

Monterrey (Mexico), Feb 8 (IANS/EFE) The police found five mutilated bodies over the weekend on a highway in the northern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon along with a message from a drug cartel, an official said.

State Investigations Agency, or AEI, officers discovered the bodies on the Monterrey-Reynosa highway near the city of Los Ramones, …. Source  : 5 mutilated bodies found on Mexican highway.

17 killed in Indonesia bus accident

JAKARTA – Seventeen people were killed and 40 others were injured Monday in a bus accident in the Central Java province of Indonesia, Xinhua reported.

The bus plunged into a ravine in the Peringkesit area of Temanggung district, police officer Sugiyono told Xinhua by phone. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 17 killed in Indonesia bus accident.

Rahul meets three rape victims in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi spent Monday meeting three victims of sexual assault, including a young girl with deep gashes and half an ear chopped off in a brutal attack for resisting rape.

He first met a 17-year-old Dalit girl, allegedly raped and kept in captivity by Bahujan Samaj Party legislator Purushottam Naresh …. Original article  : Rahul meets three rape victims in Uttar Pradesh.

India’s shame: More violence against women

NEW DELHI – Two gangrapes, including one in the heart of the national capital, an attempt to rape an 11-year-old girl, a raped teen commits suicide in Uttar Pradesh, another lies disfigured in a brutal attack for resisting rape, a young woman in Kerala dies after being flung off a moving train and raped on …. Source  : India’s shame: More violence against women.

BJP demands CBI probe against Uttar Pradesh minister

LUCKNOW – Accusing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati of shielding tainted ministers, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Monday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry against a minister accused of murdering a junior engineer.

The demand for CBI inquiry comes after a woman, Sunita, protested before Mayawati, alleging involvement of Minister of State for … Read more : BJP demands CBI probe against Uttar Pradesh minister.

Factory owner robbed of Rs.5 lakh

NEW DELHI – A steel factory owner was robbed of Rs.5 lakh Monday morning by armed motorbike-borne men while he was going to deposit the money in a bank in north Delhi’s Wazirpur area, police said.

Deepak Jindal (42) was robbed around 10.33 a.m. after the culprits threatened him with a gun.
As soon …. Original source  : Factory owner robbed of Rs.5 lakh.

Class 11 girl raped in Delhi, three nabbed

NEW DELHI – A Class 11 student of a south Delhi school was gang raped by her neighbour and two of his friends near Bhikaji Cama Place last week, police said Monday. The three youths have been arrested.

The 16-year-old girl, a student of a private school in Chanakyapuri area belongs to Kerala. She is …. Source  : Class 11 girl raped in Delhi, three nabbed.

Aarushi case: Parents to be tried for murder

GHAZIABAD – A special CBI court Wednesday ordered that Rajesh and Nupur Talwar be tried for the murder of their teenaged daughter Aarushi. The couple will also be prosecuted for destruction of evidence.

The CBI court had Tuesday adjourned till Wednesday its ruling on the investigating agency’s closure report in the teenager’s case.
…. Source  : Aarushi case: Parents to be tried for murder.

Aarushi’s parents should be tried for murder: CBI court

GHAZIABAD – A special CBI court Wednesday ordered that Rajesh and Nupur Talwar be tried for the murder of their teenaged daughter Aarushi.

The couple will also be prosecuted for destruction of evidence, the court ruled.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Aarushi’s parents should be tried for murder: CBI court.

Balwa taken to Delhi, company says ‘wrongly implicated’ (Second Lead)

MUMBAI – Shahid Balwa, managing director of DB Realty, was Wednesday taken to Delhi after a Mumbai court Wednesday granted a two-day transit remand to the CBI in the 2G scam but his company said he had been “wrongly implicated”.

Balwa, arrested in Mumbai late Tuesday by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was presented … Read more »»».

Passengers of crashed aircraft walk to safety

SYDNEY – A light aircraft, carrying two people in their 20s and a dog, crashed in a street in Sydney’s west. However, the passengers managed to walk away with minor injuries!

The plane brought down power lines and disrupted traffic when it crashed in Brenan Street, alongside Brenan Park in Smithfield, a suburb of … Original article on : Passengers of crashed aircraft walk to safety.

Balwa innocent, claims DB Realty

MUMBAI – A day after its managing director Shahid Balwa was arrested, DB Realty Ltd Wednesday said he had been “wrongly implicated” in the 2G scam.

“We reiterate that neither Balwa nor any person or entity forming part of the DB Group has done anything illegal or inappropriate,” the company said stressing that he would …. Source  : Balwa innocent, claims DB Realty.

Meerut jail inmates to churn out sports goods

MEERUT – From behind bars, they will churn out cricket pads, footballs and badminton racquets. Inmates of Meerut District Jail will now produce sports goods, gaining skill and money in the process to assist their families.

Three-four sports goods companies have already been enlisted for the innovative scheme by the jail authorities which will see … Read : Meerut jail inmates to churn out sports goods.

Shahid Balwa taken to Delhi

MUMBAI – Shahid Balwa, promoter of Swan Telecom, was taken to New Delhi in connection with the 2G scam after a Mumbai court Wednesday granted a two-day transit remand to the CBI, an official said.

Balwa, arrested in Mumbai late Tuesday by the Central Bureau of Investigation, was presented before a court Wednesday morning and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Shahid Balwa taken to Delhi.

Missing man’s body found dumped in freezer

SYDNEY – A missing Sydney businessman’s body was found dumped in a freezer chest, a week after he disappeared from his tyre shop, said police.

Allan Noor’s body was hidden inside a commercial freezer in the basement of an apartment block in Sydney’s south, The Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday.
Police confirmed that they made the [..] Read the original article: here.

Two held with antique idol worth Rs.20 mn

ALLAHABAD – Two men have been arrested here with an ‘ashtadhatu’ (eight-metal alloy) idol worth around Rs.20 million (over $400,000), police said Wednesday.

The men, who worked for an inter-state racket involved in smuggling of antique idols, were nabbed Tuesday night from the Civil Lines area.
“They were arrested while they were on their way …. Source article  : Two held with antique idol worth Rs.20 mn.

Bombay House Sets On Fire

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- A major fire broke out in the basement of the famous Bombay House building, located in South Mumbai. The huge building is located near Flora Fountain in the Fort area, and is known as the main head quarter of the Tata group. The disaster took the life of three people and … Read more : Bombay House Sets On Fire.

CBI gets transit remand of Shahid Balwa

MUMBAI – A Mumbai court Wednesday granted a two-day transit remand of Shahid Balwa – the promoter of Swan Telecom – to the CBI in the 2G spectrum scam, an official said.

Balwa, who was arrested here late Tuesday by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was presented before the court Wednesday morning and will …. Read the original article  : here.

Man posing as Punjab chief minister’s aide nabbed

CHANDIGARH – A man who posed as principal secretary to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and duped at least eight people of several lakhs of rupees has been arrested, police said Wednesday.

Gagandeep Singh, in his early 30s, was arrested near the Mohali border Tuesday evening.
His latest victim was Harshvardhan Singh, an employee … Original source on Gaea Times at : Man posing as Punjab chief minister’s aide nabbed.

Two killed in clash over dance

PATNA – Two men were shot dead in a Bihar village when two groups clashed at a cultural function to celebrate Saraswati Puja, police Wednesday said.

According to police, the clash erupted at Ghosvara village in Nalanda district, when one group of villagers favoured a dance performance and another objected to it.
…. Original source  : Two killed in clash over dance.

Five kids of family buried alive in Ghaziabad

GHAZIABAD – Five children of a family, aged between 6-14, were buried alive when the house they were sleeping in collapsed here shortly after midnight, police said Wednesday.

The incident took place in Islam Nagar locality at around 12.30 a.m.
Police said the front wall of the house was built on a drain by …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Kidnapped Hindu trader rescued in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A Hindu trader, who had been abducted late last month, was rescued after a fierce gun battle in Pakistan’s Sindh province, police said.

Sarwan Kumar was rescued from the Achhro Thar area of Sanghar district Tuesday, said police official Mohammad Ali Baloch.
He told a press conference that Kumar was recovered after … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Kidnapped Hindu trader rescued in Pakistan.

Nithari case: Supreme Court pulls up CBI

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday pulled up the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for making excuses to get an adjournment on a petition by Surendra Koli, sentenced to death in the Nithari serial killing case of 2006.

An apex court bench of Justices Markandey Katju and Gyan Sudha Misra chided the investigating …. Read the original article  : here.

Pakistan defence photos found in US official’s camera

ISLAMABAD – Prosecutors have recommended registering an espionage case against US official Raymond Davis, who shot dead two Pakistanis in Lahore, after police retrieved from his camera photographs of some sensitive areas and defence installations, including those of army bunkers on the eastern border with India.

Raymond Davis was arrested for fatally shooting two Pakistani …. Original article  : Pakistan defence photos found in US official’s camera.

Fire in Tata headquarters in Mumbai, three killed

MUMBAI – Three people were killed and one suffered serious injuries when a major fire broke out Wednesday morning in the basement of Bombay House, the headquarters of the Tata Group, an official said.

According to chief fire officer U.K. Tatkare, the fire broke out in the basement of Bombay House in south Mumbai around [..] Read the original article: here.

Another teen attacked in Uttar Pradesh, one held

UNNAO – A minor girl was stabbed in the jaw and throat for spurning the advances of a man in an Uttar Pradesh village, police said Wednesday, just three days after another 17-year-old girl was brutally disfigured in Fatehpur district for resisting gangrape.

The latest incident took place late Monday in Kansapurwa village near … Original article on : Another teen attacked in Uttar Pradesh, one held.

Prosecutors to request Berlusconi trial over ‘Rubygate’

Milan, Feb 9 (IANS/AKI) Prosecutors in Milan will Wednesday make a formal request that Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately go on trial for allegedly having relations with an underage prostitute nicknamed ‘Ruby’.

The request for a fast-track trial will be made Wednesday, chief prosecutor Edmondo Bruti Liberati told reporters Tuesday.
Liberati and the three …. Original article  : Prosecutors to request Berlusconi trial over ‘Rubygate’.

Don’t free Davis, warns ex-spy chief

Islamabad, Feb 10 (IANS/AKI) Former army officers will “take action” against the government if Pakistan releases US official Raymond Davis who shot dead two Pakistanis, ex-spy chief Hamid Gul has warned.

“If the government shows any softness in the case of Davis, former army officers would play their role in the defence of national interest,” …. Read the original article  : Don’t free Davis, warns ex-spy chief.

Two bank robbers killed in Jharkhand gun battle

BOKARO – Two bank robbers were killed and three others, including a police officer, were injured in a gun battle in this Jharkhand city Thursday.

“Four criminals barged into the Bank of Baroda in Sector 4. The security guard and others resisted the robbery. The criminals fired gunshots, injuring the security guard and a customer,” …. Source article  : Two bank robbers killed in Jharkhand gun battle.

Sacked Maoist army fighters attack UN office in Nepal

KATHMANDU – Seven young men, who had been discharged from the Maoist party’s guerrilla army after a UN verification said their recruitment was illegal, attacked an office of the world organisation in farwestern Nepal, injuring two guards, vandalising vehicles and smashing window panes, police said.

Led by Chandra Singh Khanal, the group attacked the UN …. Source  : Sacked Maoist army fighters attack UN office in Nepal.

Bangladeshi rape victim was whipped to death, court told

DHAKA – The teenager who died after she was raped and whipped a 100 times following a fatwa by local clerics had suffered “heavy wounds” all over her body, said a fresh autopsy report submitted to the high court here.

Media and judicial activism has helped revive the case of the teenager who was whipped …. Read the original article  : here.

Refused phone number, trooper kills woman kabaddi player

PATNA – Manisha Kumari, a woman kabaddi player, was shot dead by a CRPF trooper posted at a Patna stadium where she had been practicing for the 34th National Games when she refused to give him her phone number, police said Thursday. The trooper later turned the gun on himself and is in a critical … Read : Refused phone number, trooper kills woman kabaddi player.

Berlusconi vows to sue state over sex allegations

Rome, Feb 10 (IANS/AKI) Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has vowed to sue the state over “unfounded” and “shameful” allegations by “subversive” prosecutors who want to put him on trial for allegedly paying an underage prostitute for sex and abuse of office.

“In the end, the state will pay, as usual. I will sue the …. Read the original article  : Berlusconi vows to sue state over sex allegations.

Cops gun down gangster in Lucknow

LUCKNOW – A gangster, wanted in over 10 cases including murder and abduction, was gunned down while his three aides managed to escape in the shootout here, police said Thursday.

Gopal alias Guppan, aged around 30 years, was killed in a shootout late Wednesday in Sarvodaya Nagar locality.
“While carrying out a regular vehicle checking …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Cops gun down gangster in Lucknow.

Former spymaster warns against handing over Raymond Davis

Islamabad, Feb 10 (IANS/AKI) Former army officers will take action against the Pakistani government if it releases US official Raymond Davis, suspected of murder and espionage, ex-intelligence services chief and retired general Hamid Gul warned.

“If the government shows any softness in the case of Raymond Davis, former army officers would play their role in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Former spymaster warns against handing over Raymond Davis.

‘Over 250,000 killed by disasters worldwide in 2010???

UNITED NATIONS – Over a quarter of a million people were killed by disasters worldwide last year, making 2010 one of the deadliest years in more than a generation, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said.

Addressing an informal thematic debate in the UN General Assembly on disaster risk reduction, Ban warned that natural disasters could …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Over 250,000 killed by disasters worldwide in 2010′.

Apex court canteen worker commits suicide

NEW DELHI – A man employed in the Supreme Court’s canteen and a worker in a private company committed suicide in two separate incidents, police said Wednesday.

Apex court canteen worker Tema, 22, committed suicide by hanging himself inside his house in Krishan Nagar in east Delhi Tuesday night.
“The family members discovered him hanging [..] Read the original article: here.

Two Nigerians caught trying to abduct child

NEW DELHI – Two Nigerians were caught and beaten up by the public in north Delhis Burari area for attempting to kidnap a seven-year-old girl Wednesday, police said. Their accomplice managed to escape.

The incident occurred around 12.30 a.m. when the trio were seen running away with the child.
Passersby and locals of the area … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two Nigerians caught trying to abduct child.

Handicapped woman rescued, four held

NEW DELHI – A 20-year-old handicapped woman from Jharkhand was rescued and four people were arrested from Delhi and Gurgaon on charges of abduction and molestation, police said Wednesday.

The four arrested people were identified as Saleem, 32, Pinku, 24, Sumeer, 38, and Sanjit, 28, all residents of Jharkhand. They were arrested during separate raids … Read more »»».

Woman nabbed with live cartridges at Delhi airport

NEW DELHI – A 23-year-old woman was arrested after she was caught with two cartridges minutes before she was to board a flight at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here, police said Wednesday.

The woman has been identified as Neha Tomar, a resident of Ghaziabad. She was about to board a Kingfisher flight Sunday when … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Woman nabbed with live cartridges at Delhi airport.

Car crushes pet dog, 12 injured in clash

NEW DELHI – A pet dog was run over by a speeding car driven by its owner’s neighbour in east Delhi, leading to a clash between the two families in which 12 people were injured, police said Wednesday.

The incident took place around 11 p.m. Tuesday in east Delhi’s Trilokpuri area.
“Around 12 people …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Wheat ’scam’ exposed in Meghalaya

SHILLONG – The Meghalaya Right to Information Movement (MRTIM) Wednesday exposed what it termed a “wheat scam” worth crores of rupees after the Food Corporation of India (FCI) revealed that the state has been receiving wheat from 2008 but none of the fair price shops are distributing it.

Every month, the state receives its quota …. Source  : Wheat ’scam’ exposed in Meghalaya.

High court order on Binayak Sen’s bail plea Thursday (Third Lead)

BILASPUR – The Chhattisgarh High Court has reserved its order till Thursday on the bail plea of rights activist Binayak Sen even as the state government opposed it on the grounds of his links with the Maoists.

Sen is at present lodged in a jail in state capital Raipur following his sentencing to life …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nine killed in South African plane crash

PRETORIA – At least nine people were killed when a private plane crashed near Plettenberg Bay off South Africa’s southern coast, the company that owned the aircraft and whose CEO died in the accident, said.

The aircraft, which belonged to South African tiles company Italtile, lost its link from air traffic radar while travelling … Original article on : Nine killed in South African plane crash.

Abducted astrologer rescued, two held

NEW DELHI – An abducted Delhi-based astrologer was rescued with the arrest of two people in Gurgaon. The astrologer was allegedly kidnapped by his former client who had suffered huge losses due to his astrological advice, police said Wednesday.

The abductor, Surender, who is still absconding, wanted to make up for the losses by demanding … Read more >>.

Parents as accused: Aarushi murder’s similarity with others

NEW DELHI – As a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court Wednesday ordered the trial of dentist couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar for the 2008 murder of their teenaged daughter Aarushi, the 33-month-old case evoked memories of crimes where parents have faced allegations of harming their children.

“Similarities can be drawn between Aarushi …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Parents as accused: Aarushi murder’s similarity with others.

Two held for killing 70-year-old woman

NEW DELHI – Two men who wanted to get rich quick have been arrested here for strangling a 70-year-old unmarried woman and robbing her house of cash and jewellery, police said Wednesday.

The accused were identified as Mohammad Ibrahim, 21, and Aftab Ahmad, 30. Both hail from Bihar and lived in Shastri Park here.
They … Read more »»».

Firms warn staff of iPhone, iPad hacking

SYDNEY – Companies that let staff use iPhones and iPads for business have been warned that hackers could steal passwords from the device in just six minutes even if its lock is enabled.

The hack, which could seriously compromise a corporation’s critical infrastructure, was uncovered by experts in Germany and allows attackers to break into … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Firms warn staff of iPhone, iPad hacking.

Insurance claims from floods in Australia soar

SYDNEY – Insurance claims following Australia’s devastating floods in Queensland have reached the $2 billion mark, a media report said Friday.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) Friday released a brief statement outlining the latest claim figures for the December-January floods, The Age newspaper reported.
The council says 43,755 claims had been received. These include … Read more »».

Gunmen attack police in Rafah after Mubarak speech

Al-ARISH – Clashes took place between police and unidentified gunmen in Rafah, a town near Egypt’s border with the Gaza Strip, witnesses said Friday, after President Hosni Mubarak refused to step down the day before.

Some people were ready to fire bullets in the air to celebrate Mubarak’s resignation, as was expected late Thursday. Gunmen … Read more »».

Man kills girl for spurning his friendship

LUCKNOW – A man gunned down a teenaged girl allegedly after she spurned his friendship, and later shot himself here Friday, police said. He is being treated at a trauma centre.

Ashish Kumar, 24, shot dead an 18-year-old student of New Public Inter College in Krishnanagar locality here.
According to police, Ashish killed the …. Original article  : Man kills girl for spurning his friendship.

Kidnapped boy rescued in Haryana, abductor injured

CHANDIGARH – An eight-year-old schoolboy kidnapped from Ambala in Haryana Thursday was rescued after a gunfight with his abductors here, police said Friday.

“The school bus had dropped Vansh near his house in Defence Colony (in Ambala) and his grandmother was waiting for him on the other side of the road. Eyewitnesses told us that … Original article on : Kidnapped boy rescued in Haryana, abductor injured.

Snowfall brings respite to wheat crops in China

BEIJING – Light to moderate snowfall has brought relief to the winter wheat crops in drought-hit areas of China, where more than seven million hectares of farmland have been affected due to a lingering drought.

The snowfall occurred Thursday in the parched grain-producing provinces of Anhui, Henan, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Shandong and Jiangsu, said Yang … Original source on Gaea Times at : Snowfall brings respite to wheat crops in China.

Two hurt in Karachi rail track blasts

ISLAMABAD – Two people were injured Friday in two blasts on a railway track in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi, a media report said.

The explosions occurred near the Baloch Colony of the city, the Geo TV reported. The blasts caused minor damage to the rail track.
Rescue teams were dispatched to the site, … Read more >>>.

Snowfall eases drought in China

BEIJING – Widespread snowfall in the past two days has helped ease a severe drought gripping China’s winter wheat producing regions, said officials.

The snowfall occurred in the areas along the Yangtze, Huaihe and Yellow rivers, the country’s winter wheat producing regions, China Daily reported Friday.
The Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said that … Read more : Snowfall eases drought in China.

Mathura market fire destroys goods worth Rs.50 lakh

MATHURA – Goods worth Rs.50 lakh were destroyed after a broke out at a wholesale grain market here Friday, police said.

The fire engulfed around 30 establishments of the Mandi Samiti. The market is governed by the State Agriculture Produce and Marketing Board.
“Within a few minutes, the fire, which is believed to have erupted … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mathura market fire destroys goods worth Rs.50 lakh.

CRPF trooper who killed woman kabaddi player dies

PATNA/SHIMLA – A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper who fired at himself after shooting down a national-level woman kabaddi player died of his injuries at a hospital in the Bihar capital, police said Friday.

CRPF trooper Jaswant Singh was being treated at the Patna Medical College and Hospital. “He died Thursday night,” a police … Read : CRPF trooper who killed woman kabaddi player dies.

India needs ‘freedom movement’ to root out corruption: Dosanjh

TORONTO – Top Indo-Canadian leader Ujjal Dosanjh has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, calling for a “third freedom movement” to liberate India from corruption.

He joins eminent Indians, including Wipro chief Azim Premji, who last month drew the prime minister’s attention to the widening ‘governance deficit’ in an open letter.
In a … Original source on Gaea Times at : India needs ‘freedom movement’ to root out corruption: Dosanjh.

9 die in shootout in Mexico

Mexico City, Feb 11 (IANS/EFE) Eight gunmen and one soldier died in a shootout in the central Mexican state of Zacatecas, authorities said.

Two other soldiers were wounded in the clash, which broke out Wednesday when army troops were fired on while responding to a tip about the presence of armed men in the town …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 9 die in shootout in Mexico.

Rape victim dies in Agra after self-immolation

AGRA – A class five girl, who set herself ablaze after she was raped by two students of her school, has died after struggling for life for almost a fortnight with 70 percent burn injuries in a hospital here.

“The girl, who was studying in a school in Firozabad, was in a terrible condition and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rape victim dies in Agra after self-immolation.

Case of financial misdoing against Rajya Sabha deputy chairman

BANGALORE – The Karnataka government late Thursday said it had filed a police complaint against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman K. Rehman Khan over alleged financial irregularities of around Rs.100 crore (Rs.1 billion).

The irregularities are said to have taken place in Bangalore-based Amanath Cooperative Bank when Khan was its chairman between 1989 and 2002.
The …. Original source  : Case of financial misdoing against Rajya Sabha deputy chairman.

Three Uttarakhand cops held after prisoner escapes

GHAZIABAD – Three Uttarakhand Police constables were detained Thursday after they tried to mislead police here about the escape of a criminal they had escorted to Delhi for a court case.

The three constables – Parminder, Sudhanshu and Rajendra Prasad – Wednesday brought Amit alias Bhura to Delhi from Dehradun for a hearing in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Three Uttarakhand cops held after prisoner escapes.

‘Sold’ Bhutanese boy recovered in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – The crime branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Police Thursday evening recovered a Bhutanese boy in Srinagar whose parents had complained to the Indian external affairs ministry that their son had been kidnapped and sold to a local in Srinagar.

Interpol, acting on the representation made by the parents, had flashed a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Sold’ Bhutanese boy recovered in Kashmir.

Bangladeshi accused of murder in US arrested

NEW DELHI – A Bangladeshi accused of a 1989 murder in the US was arrested at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here Thursday by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), an official said.

Mahfuz Huq was an absconder and was hiding in Bangladesh. An Interpol red corner notice had been issued against him at the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Bangladeshi accused of murder in US arrested.

Deaf, mute youth held for minor’s rape

NEW DELHI – A class 3 student of a government school was raped by her deaf and mute neighbour in west Delhi, police said Thursday. The accused has been arrested.

Mannu, 20, was caught after a power utility employee came to the eigh-year-old girl’s help in Kanjhawala. The incident occurred around 3.15 p.m.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Deaf, mute youth held for minor’s rape.

Six robbers planning V-Day celebrations held

NEW DELHI – They had planned to gift diamonds to their girlfriends on Valentines Day Feb 14 but as luck would have it, six members of a gang which committed more than 100 robberies and snatchings landed in police net a week before the day marking the celebration of love, an official said Thursday.

Police … Original source on Gaea Times at : Six robbers planning V-Day celebrations held.

Seven killed as truck ploughs into Congress meeting

BHOPAL – At least seven people died and 19 were injured when a runaway truck slammed into a roadside Congress meeting in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district Thursday, police said.

The meeting was being held at Silkua village in Kukshi constituency, where bypolls will be held Feb 14 along with Sonkutch, when the truck ploughed … Original source on Gaea Times at : Seven killed as truck ploughs into Congress meeting.

US flood aid reaches Sri Lanka

COLOMBO – More US assistance has reached Sri Lanka to aid the thousands hit by massive flooding.

The latest consignment of American assistance was handed over to Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa by US ambassador Patricia A. Butenis this week.
The supplies include 600 rolls of plastic sheeting and 1,000 mosquito nets and will …. Source  : US flood aid reaches Sri Lanka.

No clean chit to Karmapa in cash row yet: Dhumal

DHARAMSALA – Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Saturday said Tibetan religious leader Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje has not yet been given a clean chit following the discovery of unaccounted money from his monastery, but added that the state government had not made any accusations against him.

Investigations are still on into the nearly … Read : No clean chit to Karmapa in cash row yet: Dhumal.

6.8-magnitude quake rocks Chile

CONCEPCION – A 6.8-magnitude quake rocked the Bio Bio region in southern Chile but there was no damage or casualty, Xinhua reported.

The quake occurred at 17.05 p.m. Friday, and its epicentre was located 45 km north of Concepcion at a depth of 28 km, the US geology survey said.
The …. Original source  : 6.8-magnitude quake rocks Chile.

Protect police officer as Gujarat riots witness, SIT urged

GANDHINAGAR – An NGO providing legal aid to victims of the 2002 riots has requested the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to protect senior police officer Rahul Sharma, a witness who was issued notice for making a compact disc containing call records of officials, politicians and rioters during the communal violence in the state.

NGO …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Protect police officer as Gujarat riots witness, SIT urged.

Fire guts Meerut factory, sports goods destroyed

MEERUT – A massive fire gutted a sports goods factory in this Uttar Pradesh city, destroying equipment worth lakhs of rupees, police said Saturday. No casualties were reported.

The fire engulfed the Premium Leg Guards Works, which manufactures cricket bats, pads, gloves and other sports goods, late Friday in Transport Nagar area.
“Within minutes, the …. Source article  : Fire guts Meerut factory, sports goods destroyed.

Man kills children before attempting suicide

MUZAFFARNAGAR – Depressed over strained relations with his wife who had killed herself earlier, a man poisoned his four minor children before attempting suicide here Friday, police said.

Vijay Pal, 38, a resident of Rampuri village, consumed a poisonous substance after administering it to his two daughters and two sons — aged between 4-11 years.
[..] Read the original article: here.

Man shot over money dispute

NEW DELHI – A 32-year-old vehicle supplier was allegedly shot by his client in central Delhi after a heated argument between them over pending bills turned violent Friday afternoon, police said.

“The incident was reported from a private company, Shriram Info Visions office in West Patel Nagars E block. The victim has been identified as … Original source on Gaea Times at : Man shot over money dispute.

Three awarded death penalty for killing five of family

HARDOI – A court here Friday awarded the death penalty to three people for killing five members of a family in 2009, police said.

The fast track court-IV awarded the death penalty to Umesh Shukla and his two sons, who had killed Shriniwas, his wife and his three sons over a land dispute.
“Shukla and [..] Read the original article: here.

Police rescue kidnapped father of PM’s security officer

NASHIK – Nashik police Friday rescued the kidnapped father of an officer from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s security detail and also apprehended the abductors, an official said.

The police rushed to the rescue efforts following an alert from Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur district superintendent of Police about the incident, Nashik Deputy Superintendent of Police P.R. Patil …. Original article  : Police rescue kidnapped father of PM’s security officer.

Gang of bus robbers busted, 11 arrested

NEW DELHI – To buy gifts for girlfriends and visit brothels, 11 men known as “karate gang” hijacked buses and robbed passengers here, making Rs.30,000-50,000 on every heist. The gang has been busted, police said Friday.

Nand Kishor, 38, also known as Karate, Ajid Hussain, 34, Maan Singh, 32, Mukesh, 35, Bunti, 22, Manoj, 19, …. Read the original article  : here.

Two arrested for killing peacocks

GHAZIABAD – Two poachers, who had killed two peacocks in Ghaziabad, were caught by alert farmers Friday and handed over to police, officials said.

Two men, carrying a sack, were passing along a field on the Kuchesar Road near Chaupala in Hapur area when they were stopped by farmers, who suspected the two had … Read more »».

Man kills girl for spurning friendship

LUCKNOW – A man shot dead a teenaged girl here Friday allegedly after she spurned his friendship and later shot himself, police said. He is being treated at a trauma centre.

Ashish Kumar Verma, 24, killed an 18-year-old student of New Public Inter College in Krishnanagar locality.
Police said Verma shot her after an altercation … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Man kills girl for spurning friendship.

Student forced to finish race dies

JHANSI – A class 9 student died here Friday after allegedly being forced to finish a race organised by his school administration in a sports meet, an official said.

Saddam, a student of Veerangana Jhalkaribai Inter College, fell unconscious after completing two laps of the race. He died while being rushed to hospital.
The victim’s … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Student forced to finish race dies.

Dalit girl killed for protesting harassment

BHOPAL – A minor Dalit girl died in Madhya Pradesh Friday after a boy who was harassing her set her ablaze after pouring kerosene on her, police said.

The gory killing took place Thursday in Narsinghpur district, about 200 km from here. The girl was rushed to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Dalit girl killed for protesting harassment.

Court calls man ‘coward’ for killing woman, two kids

LONDON – A hoodlum in Britain, who set fire to a house killing a mother and her two young children, was Friday branded a coward by a judge who imprisoned him for 29 years.

Asjid Mahmood’s brother, Arshed Mahmood, 18, was also jailed for 17 years Friday for three counts of manslaughter.
The …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Court calls man ‘coward’ for killing woman, two kids.

Prisoners in Andhra jails to get phone facility

HYDERABAD – Prisoners in Andhra Pradesh will soon be able to get in touch with family members through telephone.

Concerned over the increasing incidents of seizure of mobile phones in jails, the government decided to provide a telephone to prisoners to help them to speak to their near and dear ones.
The authorities hope … Original source on Gaea Times at : Prisoners in Andhra jails to get phone facility.

Minor girl burnt alive for protesting harassment

BHOPAL – A Scheduled Caste minor girl has been burnt alive after she protested to being teased by a youth in Narsinghpur district of Madhya Pradesh, police said Friday.

“A few days back, the 15-year-old victim had protested to teasing by Dasrath Choudhary. Yesterday (Thursday), the boy poured kerosene on her and burnt her alive. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Minor girl burnt alive for protesting harassment.

Court rejects Maudany’s bail plea

BANGALORE – The Karnataka High Court Friday rejected the bail plea of Abdul Nasir Maudany, leader of the Kerala-based Peoples Democractic Party and an accused in the Banglaore blasts case.

Maudany has been in a Bangalore jail since Aug 17 last year after his arrest in Kerala.
Justice V. Jagannathan accepted the state government’s plea … Original article on : Court rejects Maudany’s bail plea.

US official to be charged with murder: Pakistani police

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistani police Friday said they will lodge a murder charge against the US official Raymond Davis, whose judicial custody was extended by 14 days by a court in Lahore.

Davis, an official with US diplomatic mission in Pakistan, was arrested Jan 27 after he shot dead two Pakistani men in Lahore. Davis …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Upper-casing password can foolproof your e-mail account

LONDON – Simply upper-casing your password can minimise a hacker’s chance of finding out your account.

A six-letter password in lower-case text takes a hacker’s computer just 10 minutes to crack. But make those letters upper-case and it takes 10 hours for it to randomly work out your password.
Add numbers and/or symbols to your …. Original article  : Upper-casing password can foolproof your e-mail account.

Gales leave thousands blacked out in south European Russia

Moscow, Feb 13 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Strong winds have damaged power transmission lines in south European Russia, leaving thousands blacked out in the Volgograd Region, a regional emergencies spokeswoman said Sunday.

“A total of 16,637 people remain without electricity in the region,” spokeswoman Ilona Yegorova said.
The strong winds caused power outages in 30 towns and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gales leave thousands blacked out in south European Russia.

Promising Canada journey, Punjab couple duped siblings of Rs.2 mn

PHAGWARA – A couple has been booked for duping two brothers of Rs.2 million (Rs.20 lakh) on the pretext of helping them settle in Canada, police said here Sunday.

The accused — Jagmohan Sharma and his wife Kulwinder Kaur — are residents of Amritsar city. Police said Simranjeet Singh and Pardeep Singh, residents of Pandwa …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Promising Canada journey, Punjab couple duped siblings of Rs.2 mn.

Somali pirates face gallows in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – Seven Somali hijackers, including three minors, face a possible death sentence under Malaysian law for attempting to hijack a Malaysian vessel in the Gulf of Aden.

They were produced before a magistrate’s court here and charged with discharging their firearms at Malaysian commandos. The offence, under Section 3 of the …. Original article  : Somali pirates face gallows in Malaysia.

Man survives shark attack in Australia

MELBOURNE – A 59-year-old man was attacked by a shark in western Australia’s Exmouth town, but lived to tell the tale.

After Saturday’s attack, the man received at least 50 stitches on his arm at a hospital.
Police said the man was snorkelling on the west side of Exmouth in Lakeside …. Original source  : Man survives shark attack in Australia.

13-year-old beggar gangraped, killed in Taj city

AGRA – A day after a missing 13-year-old beggar girl’s body was found in a drain, an autopsy has revealed that she was gangraped, subjected to unnatural sex and killed, police said here Sunday.

An autorickshaw driver found the body floating in an open drain near Kidwai Park Saturday evening.
The girl’s mother who … Original source on Gaea Times at : 13-year-old beggar gangraped, killed in Taj city.

15 killed in stampede at Nigerian political rally

NAIROBI – A stampede during a campaign rally for Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan left some 15 people dead and numerous injured at a stadium in southern Nigeria, local media said Sunday.

The stampede occured Saturday near the main entrance to a stadium where Jonathan’s party was holding an event in Port Harcourt. Security personnel … Read more : 15 killed in stampede at Nigerian political rally.

Constable dies during endurance test

LUCKNOW – A 50-year-old police constable died Saturday while running as part of an endurance test in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

Special Director General of Police Brij Lal said: Constable Mahabir Pandey was appearing for a promotion examination of which a 10-km run is an essential part. He completed two laps but collapsed during the …. Original source  : Constable dies during endurance test.

Man killed in vehicle collision

NEW DELHI – A 22-year old man was killed when the vehicle he was in was hit by a speeding bus in north Delhi Saturday, police said.

Prem Singh was on his way to Jahangirpuri in north Delhi in Mahindra pick-up carrying vegetables when the vehicle was hit by the Haryana Roadways bus at the …. Source  : Man killed in vehicle collision.

Proclaimed offender, aide held

NEW DELHI – Two people, including a man declared a proclaimed offender by courts in five cases including attempt to murder and rioting, were arrested in south Delhi, police said Saturday.

Anni Massey, 32, a proclaimed offender, and Ajay, 31, who also has a criminal record, were arrested from Lado Sarai Friday.
“Following a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Proclaimed offender, aide held.

Four held for stealing phones worth Rs.1 crore

NEW DELHI – Four members of a gang involved in kidnapping and robbery have been arrested and 2,850 stolen mobile phones worth more than Rs.1 crore recovered in north Delhi, police said Saturday.

Amit, 25, the kingpin, Dharmender, 26, Sachin, 22, and Praveen, 22, were arrested Friday from Sultanpuri. One of their associate Pradeep, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

17 Delhi Police cops rewarded for good work

NEW DELHI – To motivate beat officers, Delhi Police Commissioner B.K. Gupta Saturday rewarded 17 constables from different police stations for their exceptional work.

Gupta also said that he has decided to reward the best beat officers from each police station every month so as to encourage them. The various deputy commissioners of police will … Read : 17 Delhi Police cops rewarded for good work.

Ex-legislator’s son shot dead by relative

NAGPUR – This Maharashtra city was shaken Saturday afternoon when a former legislators son was shot dead by his brother-in-law inside a marriage marquee, police said. The assailant was arrested.

The incident took place at the wedding ceremony of a relative of former Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Indu Nakade from Gadchiroli, in Nagpur this afternoon.
…. Original article  : Ex-legislator’s son shot dead by relative.

No clean chit to Karmapa in cash row yet: Dhumal (Second Lead)

DHARAMSALA – Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Saturday said Tibetan religious leader Karmapa has not yet been given a clean chit following the recovery of unaccounted money from his monastery, and added that the government had not made any accusations against him either.

Investigations are still on into the nearly Rs.70 million worth …. Original source  : No clean chit to Karmapa in cash row yet: Dhumal (Second Lead).

Ex-Liberian president stashed $400 mn: WikiLeaks

LONDON – Former Liberian president Charles Taylor, facing trial for his involvement in war crimes in Sierra Leone, may have amassed $400 million but only a fraction of his wealth could be recovered, the leaked US embassy cables have revealed.

US officials were told that if Taylor is found guilty of war crimes, the … Read : Ex-Liberian president stashed $400 mn: WikiLeaks.

Jilted lover throws acid on girl, family

PRATAPGARH – Angered by repeated rejections from a teenaged girl, a man barged into her home here and threw acid on the girl and two of her family members, police said Saturday. The condition of the victims is serious.

Sattar, aged around 23 years, threw acid on the 16-year-old girl, her elder sister and brother-in-law …. Source article  : Jilted lover throws acid on girl, family.

Kalmadi aide sent to five-day CBI custody

NEW DELHI – Shekhar Deorukhkar, an aide of then Commonwealth Games (CWG) Organising Committee (OC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi, was Saturday brought before a special court here and sent to five days in remand of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), an official said.

“He was presented before the magistrate in the court and has been … Read more : Kalmadi aide sent to five-day CBI custody.

Egypt reduces curfew hours

Cairo, Feb 12 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Egypt’s interim authorities shortened the curfew hours Saturday, setting the new time from midnight to 6 a.m., state TV reported.

Friday night, tens of thousands of people defied the curfew – previously set from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. – to celebrate the end of President Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule.
…. Source  : Egypt reduces curfew hours.

Rejected by dance reality shows, 9-year-old hangs self

KOLKATA – Parents of nine-year-old Sandeep Mondal used to watch in bemusement when their son used to prance in front of the TV, nursing his dream of appearing in at least one of the numerous dance reality shows. But nothing could have prepared them for the horror of Friday night – when they found … Read more : Rejected by dance reality shows, 9-year-old hangs self.

Lalgarh carnage: Police announce reward for information

KOLKATA – The criminal investigation department (CID) of West Bengal police probing the Lalgarh carnage Saturday released photographs of the accused including five Communist party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leaders, police said.

The photographs of the six persons accused in the incident have been released and cash reward of Rs.50,000 for person proving information leading to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Lalgarh carnage: Police announce reward for information.

Day 4 of Darjeeling shutdown: Interlocutor meets officials

KOLKATA/DARJEELING – The central government-appointed interlocutor Vijay Madan visited West Bengal’s Darjeeling hills to assess the situation Saturday, day four of an indefinite shutdown the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) has called to protest its three supporters’ death in police firing.

“Interlocutor Lieutenant General (retired) Vijay Madan held meeting with the senior police officers and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Day 4 of Darjeeling shutdown: Interlocutor meets officials.

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.

Man shoots himself

NEW DELHI – A 38-year-old builder, depressed since his separation with wife, allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself here Saturday afternoon in west Delhi, police said.

According to police, Rajesh Arora shot himself in the bathroom of his house in Chand Nagar near Tilak Nagar around 2 p.m.
Rajesh used his brothers pistol [..] Read the original article: here.

Nigerian, Nepali aide held, heroin seized

NEW DELHI – A Nigerian man and a Nepali woman were arrested and two kg heroin worth Rs.2 crore in international market recovered from them in west Delhi, Delhi police said Saturday.

Nigerian Ojiakor Johanson, 32, and Nepali Annu, 29, were arrested Friday at Deepali Chowk on Outer Ring Road in west Delhi. Both were … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nigerian, Nepali aide held, heroin seized.

Delhi property dealer shot dead

NEW DELHI – A 30-year-old property dealer was shot dead in north Delhi by four motorcycle-borne assailants due to personal rivalry, police said Saturday.

Zubair, a resident of Indira Enclave of north Delhi, was shot dead by unidentified four assailants in Aman Vihar area of north Delhi Friday night, Delhi Police officials said.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Delhi property dealer shot dead.

Two arrested for kidnapping three-year-old

NEW DELHI – Two men, who kidnapped a three-year-old boy from Uttar Pradesh and were going to sell him to a buyer in the capital, were arrested in west Delhi, police said Saturday. The boy has been reunited with his mother.

Dileep, 29, and Rajesh Sharma, 28, are carpenters. Sharma worked near the boy’s house … Read more : Two arrested for kidnapping three-year-old.

Senior cops to listen to citizens’ problems everyday

NEW DELHI – Senior officials of Delhi Police will be now available two hours (12 p.m. to 2 p.m.) on all weekdays to personally hear grievances of people, Commissioner of Police B.K. Gupta announced Saturday.

He said that he will be also keep time free for 90 minutes on all weekdays from 12 p.m. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Senior cops to listen to citizens’ problems everyday.

One injured in students’ clash

CHANDIGARH – One person was injured when rival groups of students political parties clashed in the hostel of DAV College here, police said Saturday.

According to police, activists of Students’ Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU) and another group clashed over a minor issue.
Initially, there was some verbal spat between the students and it …. Read the original article  : here.

100 men arrested in Kolkata for harassing women

KOLKATA – Kolkata Police Saturday said their forces and the administration have started conducting raids at several hooch and illegal liquor shops in the city and arrested people for unruly behaviour towards women.

The raids come following the murder of Rajib Das, a 16-year-old boy who was beaten up by three men Feb 14 while …. Original article  : 100 men arrested in Kolkata for harassing women.

Kolkata police yet to arrest two men for youth’s killing

KOLKATA – Even five days after Rajib Das was killed while trying to protect his elder sister from abusers, Kolkata Police are yet to arrest two of the attackers now on the run.

Rajib Das, a young lad of 16, was severely beaten up by three men Feb 14 night near …. Source article  : Kolkata police yet to arrest two men for youth’s killing.

Sri Lankan maid suffers 17 years’ slavery in Saudi house

RIYADH – A Sri Lankan maid, who was made to serve virtually as a slave by her Saudi sponsor for 17 years, has been rescued by officials of the Sri Lankan embassy in Saudi Arabia.

Kusuma Nandini, 56, who had arrived in Riyadh in 1994, was kept as a slave at her sponsor’s home. She …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sri Lankan maid suffers 17 years’ slavery in Saudi house.

Indian drowned at New Zealand beach

WELLINGTON – An Indian national drowned while board surfing Saturday at Ohope beach in the eastern Bay of Plenty.

The 22-year-old was boogie boarding, a surface water sport, with friends when he and another man, in his early 20s, got into difficulty in the surf just off the beach, TVNZ.co reported Saturday.
The name [..] Read the original article: here.

Water tank wall crash kills three kids in Maharashtra

LATUR – Three children were killed near this Maharashtra town when wall of a water tank gave away, police said Saturday.

“The three kids had gone to the temple at Mirgali village to attend a religious event in the morning. After they were served food, they went to the temple water tank. When one … Read more >>.

Massive fire in Uttar Pradesh carpet factory

BHADOHI – Rugs and carpets worth several lakhs of rupees were destroyed in this Uttar Pradesh town Saturday after a fire broke out in a manufacturing unit, police said.

The fire broke out in R.B. Sons’ Carpet on Mashal road that housed a manufacturing unit along with warehouse.
“The fire was massive and soon started …. Original article  : Massive fire in Uttar Pradesh carpet factory.

After attacks, Dalits flee two Rajasthan villages

JAIPUR – In two Rajasthan villages, atrocities against Dalits take place over the flimsiest of reasons – a hen being run over, or a goat straying into the house of another community. The Dalits are now fleeing their homes.

Dalit families of Husheypura village in Alwar district and Chandpur in Bharatpur district fled enmasse when …. Original source  : After attacks, Dalits flee two Rajasthan villages.

Major fire breaks out in Lucknow plastic factory

LUCKNOW – A massive fire broke out in a plastic recycling factory in a densely populated area of this Uttar Pradesh capital Monday, police said. No casualties were reported.

The fire engulfed the factory in Talkatora area. At least 10 fire tenders were pressed in to douse the blaze.
“It’s a major fire…We are still … Original source on Gaea Times at : Major fire breaks out in Lucknow plastic factory.

Leopard’s carcass found in Uttar Pradesh forest

LAKHIMPUR KHERI – In a suspected case of poaching, a young leopard’s carcass was recovered from a forest area here, officials said Monday.

The carcass of a three-year-old male leopard was recovered late Sunday evening from Bira forest range, some 200 km from Lucknow.
The exact cause of the leopard’s death is yet to be [..] Read the original article: here.

Estonia mourns deaths at orphanage fire

Tallinn, Feb 21 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The government of Estonia has announced Monday as the day of mourning for victims of an orphanage fire that killed 10 children.

The fire at the orphanage for disabled children in western Estonian town of Haapsalu broke out Sunday afternoon, when 37 children and nine adults were in the building.
… Read : Estonia mourns deaths at orphanage fire.

Man dupes CIA of $21 mn over anti-terror software

LONDON – A computer expert was paid more than 13 million pounds (about $21 million) after he fooled the CIA that he developed software to stop Al Qaeda attacks, a media report said.

Officials were so convinced by Dennis Montgomery that, acting on a tip-off from him, former president George Bush ordered passenger jets flying …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bihar’s hooch tragedy toll rises to 11

PATNA – The deaths in Bihar’s Samastipur district hooch tragedy rose to 11 Monday as two more people died since late Sunday, police said.

At least three people are still battling for life. “They are critical,” a police official said.
Police Sunday arrested 13 people for their involvement with the tragedy. Over 400 pouches of …. Source  : Bihar’s hooch tragedy toll rises to 11.

Indo-Canadian doctor held on drugging, rape charges

TORONTO – An Indo-Canadian doctor and his colleague have been arrested here for allegedly drugging and raping a young woman in a downtown hotel.

Amitabh Chauhan and Suganthan Kayilasanathan, both 32, who were arrested at the weekend, appeared in a city court Saturday to face charges of drugging and sexual assault. Their bail hearing was … Read more >>.

11-year-old boy dies after falling into pit

NEW DELHI – A 11-year-old boy died after falling into a pit filled with water near a hospital construction site in north Delhi, police said Sunday.

Abhishek, who hailed from Uttar Pradesh, died Saturday evening near the construction site of Max Super Speciality Hospital. He had come to Delhi with his family members to visit …. Original article  : 11-year-old boy dies after falling into pit.

Man involved in 250 CNG car kit thefts held

NEW DELHI – A thief who, along with his accomplices, stole around 250 cars and removed their compressed natural gas (CNG) kits and music systems before dumping the vehicles has been arrested, police said Sunday.

Monu, a resident of Ashok Vihar in north Delhi, was held Friday night from Pushp Vihar in south Delhi following …. Source article  : Man involved in 250 CNG car kit thefts held.

Labourer beaten to death in Jharkhand

RANCHI – A labourer was beaten to death by a contractor and his son in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district after he demanded his wages, police said Sunday.

Sufal Razwar, involved in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) work, had a heated argument with contractor Bhanu Razwar Saturday night over his day’s earnings, police said.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : Labourer beaten to death in Jharkhand.

Victim drags rapist to police station

BANDA – In a rare display of courage, a woman who was gangraped by six men here last month managed to grab one of her tormentors with the help of another woman and hauled him to the police station after she spotted him Sunday , police said.

“The 23-year-old woman was kidnapped on January 28 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Victim drags rapist to police station.

Dewani murder: Prosecution chief terms husband ‘murderer’

LONDON – The family of an Indian-origin Briton, accused of arranging his bride’s murder during their honeymoon in Cape Town, said they were “deeply shocked” after South Africa’s prosecution chief termed him a “fugitive” and a “murderer” in an emotional outburst.

Shrien Dewani was described by Menzi Simelane, director of South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority, …. Read the original article  : Dewani murder: Prosecution chief terms husband ‘murderer’.

Radiation leaks at n-research centre in South Korea

SEOUL – A South Korean nuclear power research centre Sunday issued a radiation leak warning, forcing its staff to immediately evacuate, the local media reported.

A “white” warning was issued at around 2.32 p.m. local time at the state-run Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), located in the central city of Daejeon, about 160 … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Radiation leaks at n-research centre in South Korea.

8 cricket bookies arrested in Delhi

NEW DELHI – With the arrest of eight bookies, the Delhi Police Sunday claimed to have busted three cricket betting syndicates operating here during Saturday’s World Cup match between India and Bangladesh.

The bookies were dealing in bets to the tune of around Rs.3 crore for the match, according to police.
“While the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 8 cricket bookies arrested in Delhi.

Tripura tribal woman’s death sparks ethnic tension

AGARTALA – The death of a 26-year-old tribal woman, a candidate of a tribal-based party for the upcoming local body elections, has sparked off ethnic tension in western Tripura, police said here Sunday.

“The father of the victim, Nilima Debbarma, complained to the police that the TSR (Tripura State Rifles) troopers gangraped the victim and [..] Read the original article: here.

Tourist couple jump off fighting elephant, injured

JAIPUR – A South Korean couple was critically injured when the elephant they were riding on clashed with another elephant at the Amber Fort here Sunday morning.

The terrified couple jumped off the elephant, one sustaining a head injury and the other fracturing his leg when caught under the elephant’s feet, police said.
“Two …. Original article  : Tourist couple jump off fighting elephant, injured.

Maoists kill youth in Bengal

KOLKATA – Maoist rebels killed a man in West Bengals West Midnapore district for allegedly being a police spy, police said Sunday.

A bullet-ridden body was recovered Sunday near Sankrail in Jhargram sub-division. The body has been sent for autopsy. We are yet to identify the victim, said West Midnapores Additional Police Superintendent Mukesh Kumar.
… Read more : Maoists kill youth in Bengal.

List of 31 convicted in Godhra case

AHMEDABAD – The following is the list of 31 people convicted in the Godhra train burning case:

1. Haji Bilal
2. Razzak Kurkur
3. Shauqat Pitadi
4. Salim Zarda
5. Jabir Binyamin Behra
6. Abdul Rauf
7. Yunus Ghadiyal
8. Bilal Badam
9. Farooq Ghazi
10.Irfan Kalandar
11. Ayub Pathadia
12. Shoaib Badam
13. Salman … Read this article on Gaea Times at : List of 31 convicted in Godhra case.

Bhojpuri singer’s charge of misbehaviour to be probed

PATNA – Three days after popular Bhojpuri singer Devi alleged that an acting vice chancellor of a Bihar university misbehaved and attempted to molest her at a cultural function in Gaya district, police began investigation into the case, officials said Tuesday.

Devi, known for her Bhojpuri folk songs, alleged that D.P. Sinha of Chapra-based Jai … Read : Bhojpuri singer’s charge of misbehaviour to be probed.

Government doctor murdered, two detained

AZAMGARH – Two men have been detained for the brutal murder of a government doctor here, police said Tuesday.

Sanjiv Saxena, 42, an orthopaedic surgeon, was found murdered Monday at his residence in Hariharpur area.
Police said Saxena was repeatedly attacked with sharp-edged weapons.
“Injury marks on the doctor’s body indicate that the assailants … Read : Government doctor murdered, two detained.

36 killed in stampede in Mali: media report

BAMAKO – At least 36 people were killed and 70 others injured Monday night in a stampede that occurred in a stadium in Mali’s capital Bamako, media reports said.

The Republic of Mali is a landlocked country in western Africa.
The accident occurred at the 25,000-seat Modibo Keita Stadium when the crowd wanted to … Read more : 36 killed in stampede in Mali: media report.

Three killed in Haryana school bus accident

JIND – Two students and the driver of a school bus were killed while five students were injured when their vehicle collided with a tractor-trolley here Tuesday morning, police said.

The accident took place on Jind-Rohtak road near Kinana village.
Two school children and the driver of the bus were killed while five students sustained …. Source  : Three killed in Haryana school bus accident.

Timeline of Godhra train carnage case

AHMEDABAD – The timeline of events related to the 2002 Godhra train carnage case in Gujarat:

Feb 27, 2002: 59 people killed as mob attacks S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express — en route from Ayodhya to Ahmedabad — near Godhra railway station in Gujarat.
May 22, 2002: First chargesheet filed by investigation agency, no …. Source article  : Timeline of Godhra train carnage case.

65 killed as quake shakes up New Zealand city (Second Lead)

CHRISTCHURCH – At least 65 people were killed, buildings were flattened, falling debris crushed vehicles and panic-stricken people shrieked in fear as an earthquake of 6.3 magnitude caused the earth to heave in this New Zealand city.

Prime Minister John Key said the toll stands at 65 and is likely to rise. Key, who …. Original source  : 65 killed as quake shakes up New Zealand city (Second Lead).

31 convicted, 63 acquitted for Godhra train carnage

GANDHINAGAR – A special fast track court here Tuesday convicted 31 people and acquitted 63 in the Godhra train carnage case in which 59 people on board the Sabarmati Express were burnt to death, triggering the 2002 communal violence in Gujarat.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 31 convicted, 63 acquitted for Godhra train carnage.

Honour killing: Constable murdered by lover’s father

KAPURTHALA – A 21-year-old constable was killed by the father of the woman he loved, in a case of honour killing in Punjab, police said Tuesday.

The accused, Balwinder Singh, was arrested Monday and he has confessed to his crime, police said.
The deceased, Sandeep Singh, was from the Balmiki community and was a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Honour killing: Constable murdered by lover’s father.

65 dead in New Zealand quake

CHRISTCHURCH – Sixty five people have been killed in Tuesday’s earthquake that struck New Zealand’s Christchurch city, Prime Minister John Key has said.

Key told reporters that the toll from the magnitude 6.3 earthquake stands at 65 and is likely to rise, New Zealand Herald reported.
He flew to Christchurch Tuesday afternoon.
Key told One … Original article on : 65 dead in New Zealand quake.

150-year-old cathedral damaged in New Zealand quake

CHRISTCHURCH – A cathedral dating back to 1860 that Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw visited in 1934 and praised its architecture was badly damaged in a massive earthquake that struck this New Zealand city.

Christchurch’s historic cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on Barbadoes Street half collapsed in the 6.3 magnitude quake that hit the city …. Read the original article  : here.

Bodies lying around Christchurch after huge quake

CHRISTCHURCH – “There are just bodies lying around,” said a stunned resident of this New Zealand city after a massive earthquake Tuesday flattened buildings and falling debris crushed vehicles.

An earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck New Zealand at 12.51 p.m., causing extensive damage to this city, one of the country’s biggest, in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bodies lying around Christchurch after huge quake.

Strong quake flattens Christchurch

WELLINGTON – A 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch Tuesday in New Zealand’s South Island causing widespread destruction with reports of many deaths.

Police said the quake caused deaths in the central city, including two buses crushed by falling buildings, but released no casualty figures.
There were other reports of bodies being pulled out of buildings and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Strong quake flattens Christchurch.

6.3 magnitude quake hits New Zealand, causes deaths

CHRISTCHURCH – A massive earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale Tuesday hit New Zealand South Island’s largest city of Christchurch for the second time in less than six months, causing multiple deaths and widespread destruction.

Police said fatalities had been reported at several locations and that two buses had been crushed by falling buildings, …. Read the original article  : 6.3 magnitude quake hits New Zealand, causes deaths.

Violence in Uttar Pradesh after youth’s death

SANT KABIR NAGAR – At least eight people, including five policemen, were injured here Monday night after a mob indulged in arson and vandalism to protest the death of a youth who was hit by a car and dragged for over 10 km, officials said.

Buddhi Sagar, 20, got trapped in the rear portion of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Violence in Uttar Pradesh after youth’s death.

Businessman’s house burgled, burnt, Rs.3 lakh looted

NEW DELHI – A burgle-and-burn gang struck at a businessman’s house and looted Rs.3 lakh in north Delhi’s Trinagar area Monday, two days after the leader of another such gang was arrested, police said.

“The incident was reported at 1.15 a.m. from 40-year-old Sanjay Jain’s residence in Trinagar’s Omkar Nagar. Jain was away at …. Source  : Businessman’s house burgled, burnt, Rs.3 lakh looted.

Three held for duping people

NEW DELHI – Three youths who set up a fake agency to provide domestic helps and cheated many people, including a senior IAS officer, have been held, police said Monday.

Lokesh, 23, Shashi Kant, 20 and Shekhar, 19, all resident of Burari in north Delhi, were held on Saturday night from their residence, said a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Three held for duping people.

Man held for stabbing two friends

NEW DELHI – Two days after a man attacked two women, including his girlfriend of four years after the couple fell out and then tried to commit suicide, the assailant has been arrested, police said Monday.

“Thapa had been hiding at his friend, Sattar Imrans house in the same area after attacking his girlfriend …. Read the original article  : here.

Geelani asked to meet Delhi Police in hawala case

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Police Special Cell sleuths have asked Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani to indicate a date when he could meet an investigating officer in connection with a hawala case allegedly linked to him in which four people have been held, police said Monday.

“In a letter sent to … Original article on : Geelani asked to meet Delhi Police in hawala case.

Delhi police arrest robber on the run

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Police have arrested a proclaimed offender, who has been on the run for three years, from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, officials said Monday.

The man was involved in a series of robbery cases in the capital city.
Sajjad Akhtar (44), who claims to be district president of Uttar Pradesh Bhrastachar …. Read the original article  : Delhi police arrest robber on the run.

I’ll go on hunger strike, threatens Davis

LAHORE – US official Raymond Davis, who shot dead two men here, has threatened that he would go on hunger strike if his demands, including an early decision on his diplomatic immunity, were not met, a media report said.

Davis gunned down the two Pakistanis Jan 27 and is currently lodged in the high-security Kot …. Read the original article  : I’ll go on hunger strike, threatens Davis.

Tech student hangs himself in Uttar Pradesh

GREATER NOIDA – A first-year B.Tech student of a private engineering college, upset over a family dispute, hanged himself from the ceiling fan of his room in the Kasna area here, police said.

Vivek Patel, a student of IILM college in Knowledge Park area, committed suicide in his house Tuesday afternoon, said Rahul Kumar, Circle …. Read the original article  : Tech student hangs himself in Uttar Pradesh.

Bangla gangrape victim kills self

DHAKA – A tribal girl, who was a gangrape victim, took her life in a Bangladesh village after one of her alleged rapists who was to marry her as part of a pact brokered by the local Catholic priest ditched her.

The gangrape victim took her life after the settlement did not work … Read more : Bangla gangrape victim kills self.

75 dead in New Zealand quake; emergency declared

CHRISTCHURCH – The New Zealand government Wednesday declared a state of emergency a day after massive earthquake hit the country’s second largest city killing at least 75 people and leaving 300 missing in perhaps the worst disaster in the country’s history.

According to Civil Defence Minister John Carter, the declaration of a National Emergency reflects … Read more : 75 dead in New Zealand quake; emergency declared.

Hijacked sailor’s wife prays ‘every hour’ for his release

PANAJI – Zenaida Pereira, wife of a Goan sailor who along with 21 other sailors has been taken hostage by African pirates on an Iranian cargo ship off the coast of Oman, has said she is “praying every hour for the pirates to show some largesse”.

Zenaida told IANS over telephone from her …. Source  : Hijacked sailor’s wife prays ‘every hour’ for his release.

Government employee shot dead outside office

GREATER NOIDA – A divisional clerk was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside his office here in Gautam Budh Nagar district, police said.

N.K. Mishra, posted in the minorities division of the district administration, was shot Tuesday evening.
Mishra resided in Ghaziabad and commuted to his office in Surajpur collectorate. After finishing the …. Read the original article  : Government employee shot dead outside office.

Cops eat ice cream with accused, face action

PANAJI – It is being called the “ice cream expose”! Strict action has been promised against three policemen who shared an ice cream with a murder accused in Goa and were caught in the act by the local media.

The expose was telecast on local TV news channels Tuesday night and published in the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cops eat ice cream with accused, face action.

New Zealand quake: 300 missing, 75 bodies recovered

WELLINGTON – Three hundred people are missing and 75 bodies have been recovered from the quake ravaged New Zealand city of Christchurch, local authorities said Wednesday.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said there were now 55 identified bodies at a morgue, which had been set up at local military base. Another 20 bodies had been recovered, …. Read the original article  : here.

New Zealand quake: Mum dies with baby in her arms

CHRISTCHURCH – A mother died with her baby in her arms as she reportedly tried to run out of a store in panic in a shopping district when the devastating 6.3 magnitude quake struck this New Zealand city.

Passers-by went to her aid, but the woman was already dead. It was not clear how badly … Read this article on Gaea Times at : New Zealand quake: Mum dies with baby in her arms.

Clinton condemns killing of four Americans by pirates

WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Tuesday strongly condemned the killing of four Americans by pirates off Somalia, calling for “continued international progress” toward confronting the menace posed by piracy, Xinhua reported.

“This deplorable act firmly underscores the need for continued international progress toward confronting the shared security challenge posed by piracy …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Clinton condemns killing of four Americans by pirates.

Raymond Davis is a security contractor for CIA: Reports

WASHINGTON – An American citizen held by Pakistani authorities in connection with a shooting incident last month is a security contractor for the CIA, US media reported Tuesday.

Raymond Davis was taken into custody following the shooting deaths Jan 27 of two Pakistanis in Lahore. Davis has said he acted in self-defence during an armed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Raymond Davis is a security contractor for CIA: Reports.

Teenager immolates self after rape attempt by youth

ALIGARH – A teenager here immolated herself after a youth tried to rape her, police said Tuesday. The accused is absconding.

The 19-year-old girl, who was a native of Quarsi town died Tuesday – a day after she had set herself ablaze after her 20-year-old neighbour tried to rape her.
“The girl had over 70 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US military says pirates killed four Americans

WASHINGTON – Pirates killed four Americans Tuesday aboard a captured yacht off the coast of Somalia, the US military said.

The US Navy had been trailing the yacht, the S/V Quest, since Friday, when it was hijacked by the pirates, who took the four Americans hostage.
The navy stormed the vessel after detecting gunfire and [..] Read the original article: here.

Sikh massacre: SGPC rejects Haryana government’s probe

CHANDIGARH – The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the mini-parliament of Sikh religion, Tuesday rejected the Haryana government’s move to seek a report from a divisional commissioner into an alleged massacre of Sikhs in Rewari district during riots in 1984.

Avatar Singh Makkar, SGPC president, told IANS that they have rejected the ongoing inquiry by [..] Read the original article: here.

Cop held for killing farmer

JALGAON – A policeman was arrested for killing a farmer in this Maharashtra district Tuesday, police said. An eyewitness alleged that the farmer died after the policeman beat him up. The incident sparked violent protests by residents.

Faijpur division’s Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Dilip Shankarwar has been booked for murdering Suresh Chaudhary (55). He …. Original source  : Cop held for killing farmer.

One killed as bus falls into gorge

PINJORE – One person was killed while over 35 people were injured when a bus carrying a baraat (marriage procession) party fell into a gorge near this Haryana town Tuesday evening, police said.

According to the police, the marriage party was returning after attending a wedding in Dharampur town of Himachal Pradesh.
“One person was … Read more >>>.

CBI takes over Netai carnage case

KOLKATA – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Tuesday officially took over investigation into the Jan 7 Netai village shootings in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district, in which nine people were killed and several others injured.

“We took over the case from West Bengal Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this (Tuesday) evening. An officer of …. Read the original article  : CBI takes over Netai carnage case.

Murderer evading arrest for last 20 years held

NEW DELHI – A man evading arrest in murder and other heinous cases in Uttar Pradesh and staying in the capital for the last 20 years under a fake identity has been arrested in south Delhi, police said Tuesday.

Akhtar, who hails from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, was declared a proclaimed offender by …. Original article  : Murderer evading arrest for last 20 years held.

Punish Kolkata cops, Rizwanur’s mother tells apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court was told Tuesday that the right to love and marriage was a part of the fundamental right to live and the Kolkata policemen who allegedly acted in its violation in the Rizwanur Rehman-Priyanka Todi inter-religious marriage should be punished.

Computer graphic teacher Rizwanur, who married businessman Ashok …. Read the original article  : Punish Kolkata cops, Rizwanur’s mother tells apex court.

Kolkata cops guilty, Rizwanur’s mother tells apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday was told that the right to love and marriage was a part of the fundamental right to live and Kolkata policemen who allegedly acted in its violation in the Rizwanur Rahman-Priyanka Todi inter-religious marriage case should be punished.

Computer graphic teacher Rizwanur, who married businessman Ashok … Read : Kolkata cops guilty, Rizwanur’s mother tells apex court.

Have done nothing wrong, says Bhanot

NEW DELHI – Lalit Bhanot, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee secretary general arrested Wednesday by the CBI, Thursday reiterated that he has done nothing wrong and all the decisions were taken collectively by the Organising Committee’s board.

Speaking to IANS before being brought before a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court, Bhanot said: “We …. Read the original article  : Have done nothing wrong, says Bhanot.

Hunt on for child snatching Indian ‘tantrik’

KATHMANDU – A hunt is on in the southern plains of Nepal adjoining the Indian border as well as the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh for a ‘tantrik’ – regarded by traditional society as a man with supernatural powers – who abducted a seven-year-old girl.

A manhunt has been started for Kalika Murao, who comes … Read more : Hunt on for child snatching Indian ‘tantrik’.

Nine held after Bangladesh gangrape victim kills herself

DHAKA – A Roman Catholic priest and nine other tribal Christians have been detained for their role in an out-of-court settlement of a gangrape case that caused the girl to commit suicide when the promised marriage did not come through.

Police have claimed that Father Bernard Tudu and others “provoked” the 14-year-old into a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two criminals killed in gun battle with police

MUZAFFARNAGAR – Two criminals, wanted for many cases by police of several states, were gunned down by a team of Uttar Pradesh Police here, an official said Thursday.

Anil Kumar, 40, and Rajendra, 38, were shot dead during a gun battle late Wednesday in Bhaura Kala town.
“While Kumar had 37 criminal cases, including of …. Source article  : Two criminals killed in gun battle with police.

At least 98 now dead in New Zealand quake

CHRISTCHURCH – The devastating earthquake that rattled New Zealand’s second largest city Tuesday claimed 98 lives, while a total of 226 people were missing Thursday with least hope for any survivors beneath the tonnes of rubble of wrecked buildings.

The 6.3-magnitude quake hit the central city of Christchurch, the country’s business hub, at 12:51 p.m. …. Read the original article  : At least 98 now dead in New Zealand quake.

Two killed in Lucknow factory fire

LUCKNOW – At least two labourers were killed and nine injured after a massive fire broke out in a plywood factory here Thursday, police said.

The fire engulfed the Kiran Plywood Factory in an industrial area of Talkatora locality.
“While a labourer died on the spot, another succumbed to his injuries while being treated at …. Source  : Two killed in Lucknow factory fire.

Indian doctor gets bail for gangrape, two more victims come forward

TORONTO – As an Indo-Canadian doctor and his colleague, charged with drugging and raping a woman, were released on $100,000 bail each Wednesday, two more women have alleged sexual assault by him.

Dr. Amitabh Chauhan and Dr. Suganthan Kayilasanathan, both 32, were arrested Friday for the alleged drugging and gangrape of a 23-year-old in …. Original article  : Indian doctor gets bail for gangrape, two more victims come forward.

Case against vice chancellor after singer’s complaint

PATNA – A case has been lodged against the acting vice chancellor of a Bihar university after a Bhojpuri singer complained that he misbehaved and attempted to molest her at a cultural function in Gaya district, police said Thursday.

Police have registered a first information report (FIR) in Gaya against D.P. Sinha of Chapra-based Jai …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Case against vice chancellor after singer’s complaint.

Pope prays for victims of New Zealand quake

Rome, Feb 24 (IANs/AKI) Pope Benedict XVI Wednesday offered prayers and condolences to the scores of people who perished in the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. His thoughts were also dedicated to the families of the dead.

“At this time my thoughts turn especially to the people there who are being severely tested by this … Read : Pope prays for victims of New Zealand quake.

Mexican border city officials seek ban on video game

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Feb 24 (IANS/EFE) The mayor of Ciudad Juarez city in Mexico has said he would ask that a video game set in this gritty border metropolis be banned.

Action should be taken to prevent “Call of Juarez: The Cartel” from reaching the public and further damaging the image of this city, located …. Source article  : Mexican border city officials seek ban on video game.

Organized crime poses biggest threat to journalists: Report

WASHINGTON – A total of 141 journalists and media workers were murdered by organized criminal groups between 2000 and 2010, the group Reporters Without Borders said in a report issued Wednesday.

The report said that organized crime’s mafias and cartels now pose the biggest threat to media freedom, replacing “the world’s remaining dictatorial regimes as …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Organized crime poses biggest threat to journalists: Report.

Arizona anti-immigrant vigilante sentenced to death

LOS ANGELES – A female anti-immigrant vigilante has been sentenced to death in Arizona for orchestrating a raid on the house of a family of Hispanic-Americans in which a man and his young daughter were murdered.

Shawna Forde, 43, a leader of the Minutemen American Defence group, was sentenced to die by lethal injection, the …. Original source  : Arizona anti-immigrant vigilante sentenced to death.

Jeweller shot dead in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A jeweller was shot dead and robbed of valuables worth lakhs of rupees in the national capital Wednesday, police said.

The incident took place at Lal Quarter market in Krishna Nagar of east Delhi.
Gaurav Gambhir, 30, died on the spot, police said.
The victim was in his jewellery shop …. Source  : Jeweller shot dead in Delhi.

Rahat mulls legal action against Indian officials

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who was arrested at the Delhi airport for carrying undeclared foreign currency, is contemplating legal action against the Indian authorities for allegedly confiscating his money.

Rahat was arrested at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport Feb 13 for carrying undeclared foreign currency worth more than … Read : Rahat mulls legal action against Indian officials.

Delhi police nab serial criminal

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police have arrested a man involved in 17 cases of robbery, molestation and drug peddling here, a senior official said Wednesday

Pankaj (24) was caught from Rohini Tuesday and two live cartridges and a pistol were recovered from him,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Chand said.
According to police, Pankaj, a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Delhi police nab serial criminal.

Man accused of multi-crore fraud kills self

NEW DELHI – A 44-year-old man, accused of duping around 1,000 investors to the tune of several crores of rupees, committed suicide by leaping off the roof of his office in west Delhi, police said Wednesday.

Subhash Agrawal, a resident of Prem Nagar in Aman Vihar area of west Delhi, leapt to his death …. Source article  : Man accused of multi-crore fraud kills self.

CBI arrests Kalmadi aides Bhanot, Verma (Third Lead)

NEW DELHI – Lalit Bhanot and V.K. Verma, two close aides of Commonwealth Games (CWG) chief organiser Suresh Kalmadi, were arrested Wednesday for irregularities to the tune of Rs.1.07 billion ($23 million) in a contract with a Swiss company for time-keeping equipment during the Oct 3-14, 2010 event, officials said.

“The CBI has today (Wednesday) …. Original source  : CBI arrests Kalmadi aides Bhanot, Verma (Third Lead).

5 crushed to death as speeding truck overturns

KOLKATA – Five people, including two women, were crushed to death and several others injured when a speeding truck overturned in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district Wednesday, police said.

The accident happened near the Binpur area of Jhargram sub-division when the truck driver lost control.
The two women died on the spot, while three …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 5 crushed to death as speeding truck overturns.

Constable saves senior’s life in capital

NEW DELHI – A constable in the Delhi Police saved the life of his senior, a sub inspector, when an automobile thief tried to shoot him, police said Wednesday.

“When the police intercepted a vehicle thief, Rahul, during patrolling near Modi Mill flyover Tuesday, Rahul took out a country-made pistol and tried to shoot …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Constable saves senior’s life in capital.

Man held for murder after 10 years on the run

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police have arrested a man, who was on the run for 10 years, on the charge of murdering a truck driver, a senior official said Wednesday.

Baljinder Singh (36) of Gurdaspur in Punjab was arrested Tuesday from SAS Nagar, Mohali, in the state,” Deputy Police Commissioner Chhaya Sharma said.
Singh, … Read more : Man held for murder after 10 years on the run.

Disquiet among Pakistani Hindus over kidnapped leader

ISLAMABAD – There is disquiet in the Hindu community over the as-yet unsolved abduction of their religious leader, a senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader in Quetta has been told.

Sardar Sanaullah Zehri, provincial convener of the PML-N, said all efforts will be made to free Lakki Chand Garji from the captivity of his abductors.
… Read more : Disquiet among Pakistani Hindus over kidnapped leader.

New Zealand counts rebuilding costs after quakes

WELLINGTON – Rebuilding quake-ravaged Christchurch is set to cost more than $7 billion, the New Zealand government said Friday.

Tuesday’s 6.3-magnitude earthquake destroyed large parts of the city with 113 bodies so far pulled from the rubble.
Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said the cost of rebuilding his home town after two major earthquakes in …. Source article  : New Zealand counts rebuilding costs after quakes.

Businessman kidnapped in Noida

NOIDA – A leading businessman was kidnapped from Noida, on the outskirts of Delhi, and the abductors want Rs.1 crore for his release, police said Friday.

The incident came to light Thursday night when the ransom call was tracked by police.
Saurabh Jain deals in electrical appliances while his wife runs a printing press in …. Source article  : Businessman kidnapped in Noida.

Attempt to steal pharaoh’s statue foiled in Egypt

Cairo, Feb 25 (IANS/AKI) Archaeologists have thwarted an attempt by looters to steal a statue of Egyptian pharaoh Rameses II who ruled more than 3,000 years ago.

The thieves tried to cut the six-metre tall statue into pieces but were caught by archaeologists and guards at the site at Aswan in southern Egypt, Antiquities …. Read the original article  : here.

Two Nepalis arrested with detonators, gelatin rods

LUCKNOW – Two Nepali nationals suspected of supplying explosives to Maoists have been arrested with a cache of detonators and gelatin sticks in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, police said Friday.

The two men – Deepak Bahadur and Udan Bhuda – were arrested Thursday near the India-Nepal border in Rupaidiha town.
“Around 850 detonators … Original article on : Two Nepalis arrested with detonators, gelatin rods.

Violence leaves 8,500 orphans in Mexican border city

Ciudad Juarez, Feb 25 (IANS/EFE) Over 7,000 killings in Ciudad Juarez in Mexico, bordering America’s Texas state, in the past three years have left nearly 8,500 children orphaned, a senior state official said.

The state government of Chihuahua has created a trust fund with 100 million pesos ($8.3 million) to help the children, Chihuahua Comprehensive … Original article on : Violence leaves 8,500 orphans in Mexican border city.

Gujarat high court gives relief to pimp

GANDHINAGAR – Pimps, who charge a commission to get customers for prostitutes, cannot be made to face charges related to abetment to seduction, the Gujarat High Court has held, while offering relief to one.

Justice Akil Kureshi, in a judgment made available Thursday, held so while hearing a petition of Mintu Sinh alias Rana …. Source  : Gujarat high court gives relief to pimp.

Man held with detonators in Uttar Pradesh

MIRZAPUR – A man was held with 1,950 detonators and a huge quantity of aluminium wire in this Uttar Pradesh district, police said.

Badrilal, 45, was held from Katra town.
“We are yet to ascertain from where the man got the detonators and to whom he was to supply them,” Inspector B.P. Shukla told … Read more »»».

Sikh massacre: SGPC asks PM for probe

FATEHGARH SAHIB – The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the mini-parliament of Sikh religion, Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking a judicial probe into the alleged massacre of Sikhs at a village in Haryana’s Rewari district during the 1984 riots.

“Haryana police and government have failed to arrest the culprits behind the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two held for murder

NEW DELHI – A man and his associate were arrested for murdering his girlfriend’s husband in south Delhi, police said Thursday.

Sandeep Sharma, 30, was intimate with the deceased Gaurav Gupta’s wife and along with his associate Aman Kumar, 22, killed the victim, the police said.
“They picked up the victim from Saket area Feb …. Read the original article  : here.

Three held for attempt to rape

NEW DELHI – Three people were arrested for allegedly attempting to rape a woman and her niece in west Delhi Thursday, police said.

“Sanjeev, Monu and Sunil were held from Kanjhawala area in west Delhi. The victims, a 32-year-old woman and her 22-year-old niece, who stay at Sharda JJ Colony, have said that the incident …. Source article  : Three held for attempt to rape.

Police file case in JNU sex clip scandal

NEW DELHI – Over two weeks after the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University was rocked by the emergence of a video clip showing two of its students in a compromising position, the Delhi Police Thursday lodged a first information report (FIR) in the case.

“An FIR has been lodged against unknown people and we have … Original article on : Police file case in JNU sex clip scandal.

CBI quizzes top telecom firm officials in 2G scam

NEW DELHI – Top brass of India’s telecom industry were questioned Thursday by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over the 2G spectrum allocation scam, agency officials said.

Spice Mobile managing director Dilip Modi, S Tel director Shiva Shankaran and CEO Shamik Das, Tata Realty and Infrastructure chairman and Tata Sons board member Krishna …. Source article  : CBI quizzes top telecom firm officials in 2G scam.

Protest over growing crime in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A day after a 30-year-old jeweller was shot dead while resisting a robbery attempt in east Delhi, hundreds of local residents took to the streets Thursday to protest against growing crime in the area.

Protestors jammed Swami Dayanand Marg in Krishna Nagar from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., leading to massive traffic …. Read the original article  : here.

54 Somalis die in boat accident: UN

GENEVA – The UN’s refugee agency said Thursday that 54 Somalis had drowned while trying to flee their war-torn country for the relative safety of Yemen.

Three other people on board were smugglers and also died when the small boat capsized, the agency said. Only one person survived the accident, which occurred Sunday, swimming for … Original source on Gaea Times at : 54 Somalis die in boat accident: UN.

CWG scam: Bhanot, Verma sent to five-day CBI custody

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Thursday sent Lalit Bhanot and V.K. Verma, former high ranking officials of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) Organising Committee, to five days’ CBI custody in connection with financial lapses in a contract with a Swiss company.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge Talwant Singh sent the OC’s former secretary …. Read the original article  : CWG scam: Bhanot, Verma sent to five-day CBI custody.

Kalmadi demands JPC to probe CWG scam

RANCHI – A day after two of his close aides and senior officials of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee were arrested, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president and MP Suresh Kalmadi Thursday demanded a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe in the Games scam to ensure an “impartial” inquiry.

“As the central government has no faith in …. Original article  : Kalmadi demands JPC to probe CWG scam.

Why only OC officials targeted in CWG probe: Kalmadi

RANCHI – Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Suresh Kalmadi Thursday questioned why the investigating agencies were calling only the organising committee (OC) officials in their probe into the Commonwealth Games (CWG) scam.

“I am surprised why officials of OC are being called by the investigating agencies. No decision was taken by any individual. There was …. Read the original article  : Why only OC officials targeted in CWG probe: Kalmadi.

New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead)

CHRISTCHURCH – The toll in a devastating quake in New Zealand’s second largest city of Christchurch Saturday rose to 145 and officials feared the number may rise further.

“We expect that number to rise,” said Superintendent David Cliff. The number of missing people remains at more than 200, he said.
A 6.3 magnitude quake … Read more »».

New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead)

CHRISTCHURCH – The toll in a devastating quake in New Zealand’s second largest city of Christchurch Saturday rose to 145 and officials feared the number may rise further.

“We expect that number to rise,” said Superintendent David Cliff. The number of missing people remains at more than 200, he said.
A 6.3 magnitude quake …. Original source  : New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead).

New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead)

CHRISTCHURCH – The toll in a devastating quake in New Zealand’s second largest city of Christchurch Saturday rose to 145 and officials feared the number may rise further.

“We expect that number to rise,” said Superintendent David Cliff. The number of missing people remains at more than 200, he said.
A 6.3 magnitude quake …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead).

New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead)

CHRISTCHURCH – The toll in a devastating quake in New Zealand’s second largest city of Christchurch Saturday rose to 145 and officials feared the number may rise further.

“We expect that number to rise,” said Superintendent David Cliff. The number of missing people remains at more than 200, he said.
A 6.3 magnitude quake …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead)

CHRISTCHURCH – The toll in a devastating quake in New Zealand’s second largest city of Christchurch Saturday rose to 145 and officials feared the number may rise further.

“We expect that number to rise,” said Superintendent David Cliff. The number of missing people remains at more than 200, he said.
A 6.3 magnitude quake …. Source  : New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead).

New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead)

CHRISTCHURCH – The toll in a devastating quake in New Zealand’s second largest city of Christchurch Saturday rose to 145 and officials feared the number may rise further.

“We expect that number to rise,” said Superintendent David Cliff. The number of missing people remains at more than 200, he said.
A 6.3 magnitude quake … Read this article on Gaea Times at : New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead).

New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead)

CHRISTCHURCH – The toll in a devastating quake in New Zealand’s second largest city of Christchurch Saturday rose to 145 and officials feared the number may rise further.

“We expect that number to rise,” said Superintendent David Cliff. The number of missing people remains at more than 200, he said.
A 6.3 magnitude quake … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead).

New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead)

CHRISTCHURCH – The toll in a devastating quake in New Zealand’s second largest city of Christchurch Saturday rose to 145 and officials feared the number may rise further.

“We expect that number to rise,” said Superintendent David Cliff. The number of missing people remains at more than 200, he said.
A 6.3 magnitude quake …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead)

CHRISTCHURCH – The toll in a devastating quake in New Zealand’s second largest city of Christchurch Saturday rose to 145 and officials feared the number may rise further.

“We expect that number to rise,” said Superintendent David Cliff. The number of missing people remains at more than 200, he said.
A 6.3 magnitude quake … Original source on Gaea Times at : New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead).

24 students injured in Uttar Pradesh bus accident

MATHURA – At least 24 students were injured, four of them critically, when a speeding truck rammed into their school bus here Saturday, police said.

The crash took place in Chhata area when the truck spun out of control and rammed into Saraswati Shishu Mandir bus carrying teh students.
“All the students are being …. Read the original article  : 24 students injured in Uttar Pradesh bus accident.

NCP suspends legislator over rape charge

MUMBAI – An embarrassed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Saturday suspended party legislator Dilip Wagh, who is accused of raping a 22-year-old woman, an official said.

An NCP spokesperson here confirmed Wagh’s suspension but declined to comment on the issue further.
Wagh, the legislator from Pachora in Jalgaon district, and his secretary Mahesh Mali have been …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Punjab cops to go to Britain to probe Rulda murder

PATIALA – A special team of Punjab Police will leave for Britain next month to gather evidence in the murder case of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat president Rulda Singh.

Rulda Singh was seriously injured when unidentified attackers opened fire at him outside his house-cum-shop in this Punjab town July 28, 2009. He died in hospital after … Read more >>.

Massive fire guts machinery in Uttar Pradesh warehouse

ALLAHABAD – A major fire broke out in a warehouse of the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) here Saturday morning, gutting machinery and equipment worth around Rs.50 lakh, an official said. No casualty was reported.

Eight fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the fire at the warehouse of UPPCL in Bamrauli area.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

123 dead, 200 missing in New Zealand quake

CHRISTCHURCH – The toll in a devastating earthquake in New Zealand’s second largest city of Christchurch Saturday rose to 123 as rescuers worked feverishly to look for 200 people who were still missing.

Police said the toll is expected to rise further.
Superintendent Dave Cliff told a media conference Saturday morning that 123 people had … Original source on Gaea Times at : 123 dead, 200 missing in New Zealand quake.

Indian-American diamond merchants re-enact movie heist, held

NEW YORK – Two Indian American diamond merchants have been arrested on charges of staging a robbery straight out of the movie “Snatch” in which two men disguised as Hasidic Jews made off with $10 million worth of jewels.

Atul Shah, 48, and Mahaveer Kankariya, 43, owners of Dialite Imports on West 46th Street, were …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

19 dead in Peru bus accident

Lima, Feb 26 (IANS/EFE) At least 19 people were killed and 37 injured when a bus plunged into a ravine in central Peru, police said.

The bus was approaching the capital city of Lima from Huancayo city Friday when it ran off the road and fell 180 meters to the bottom of a ravine.
Preliminary …. Source  : 19 dead in Peru bus accident.

New Zealand quake: Toll rises to 123

CHRISTCHURCH – The toll in New Zealand’s earthquake-hit Christchurch city has reached 123 and is expected to rise further Saturday, police said.

The magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit Christchurch Feb 22.
Police superintendent Dave Cliff told the media Saturday morning that 123 people had been confirmed dead. “We do expect that number to rise today.”
Two …. Source  : New Zealand quake: Toll rises to 123.

Three hostages freed in Niger

PARIS – Three hostages kidnapped more than five months ago in Niger near a uranium mine exploited by the French nuclear energy firm Areva have been released, the French government said.

Media reports Friday said the trio includes the ill French wife of a still missing Areva employee. The other two released hostages were said … Original source on Gaea Times at : Three hostages freed in Niger.

NALCO CMD, wife arrested for taking bribe

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Friday arrested the chairman-cum-managing director of the National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO) A.K. Srivastava and his wife for allegedly accepting bribe.

“The CBI arrested Srivastava and his wife Chandni Srivastava along with two accomplices, Bhushan Lal Bajaj and Anita Bajaj,” said a senior CBI official … Original source on Gaea Times at : NALCO CMD, wife arrested for taking bribe.

Doctor held for carjacking in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A 29-year-old doctor who wanted to earn a quick buck and committed various auto thefts in the capital was arrested here, police said Friday.

Manoj Kumar Singh, was arrested Thursday in Rohini area of north Delhi, and has named his three associates as Deepak Bhardwaj, Rajesh and Babloo.
According to police, Singh …. Original source  : Doctor held for carjacking in Delhi.

CBI books bank officials for criminal conspiracy

CHANDIGARH – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) here has booked Punjab National Bank’s senior officials, including a former chief manager, and a couple for hatching a criminal conspiracy, cheating and embezzling public funds.

The accused include former chief manager S.M. Mahajan, former deputy general manager N.K. Mehta, senior manager R.K. Chaba, Dhiraj Singh, owner … Read more »»».

Rash driving kills three in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH – Rash driving has claimed three lives, including that of a child, here since Friday, police said Sunday.

A 21-year-old student was killed in a road accident after his car, which he was driving at 150 km per hour, rammed into a roadside tree in the neighbouring Mohali town Saturday.
The deceased was identified …. Read the original article  : Rash driving kills three in Chandigarh.

Two held with 5,000 pirated CDs in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH – Two people were arrested here with nearly 5,000 pirated CDs and VCDs of movies and music albums, police said Sunday.

Acting on a tip-off, they laid a trap and nabbed the men late Saturday from Sector 17, the commercial hub of this union territory.
“Rajinder Singh and Sanjay Kumar are residents of Sector … Original source on Gaea Times at : Two held with 5,000 pirated CDs in Chandigarh.

25 Chinese missing in New Zealand quake

CHRISTCHURCH – Twenty students are among the 25 Chinese missing following the devastating earthquake in this New Zealand city, a media report said Sunday.

A list of the names of the missing Chinese was released by the Chinese embassy Saturday, the China Daily reported.
The students are from the King’s Education Ltd., an …. Source  : 25 Chinese missing in New Zealand quake.

New Zealand quake toll is 147

CHRISTCHURCH – New Zealand Prime Minister John Key Sunday announced the launch of a fundraising event as the death toll in the devastating Christchurch earthquake rose to 147, the media said.

Police Superintendent Dave Cliff said more than 200 people, including a police officer, were still missing, the New Zealand Herald reported. The officer confirmed …. Read the original article  : New Zealand quake toll is 147.

Two Jodhpur hospital employees suspended for deaths

JAIPUR – Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Sunday suspended two employees of the government-run Umaid Hospital in Jodhpur where 13 women have died of excessive bleeding during childbirth allegedly after being administered contaminated IV fluids.

Gehlot summoned senior medical and health department officers to his residence at 2 a.m. Sunday, seeking an explanation on the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two Jodhpur hospital employees suspended for deaths.

Policeman killed, several injured in Tripura clashes

AGARTALA – A policeman was killed and 15 political activists and a police official were injured in Tripura late Saturday night as supporters of ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and a tribal party clashed during counting of votes of local bodies’ elections, police said.

“Supporters of the CPI-M and Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura … Read more »»».

Indian-American doctor jailed for 8 years

WASHINGTON – An Indian-American doctor has been sentenced to eight years in prison for her role in a health care fraud scheme that earlier resulted in a 15-year prison sentence for her husband.

Kemah, Texas-based Kiran Sharma, 56, pleaded guilty in April 2010, admitting that she and her husband, Arun Sharma, billed Medicare, Medicaid and …. Original source  : Indian-American doctor jailed for 8 years.

Indian-American doctor jailed for 8 years

WASHINGTON – An Indian-American doctor has been sentenced to eight years in prison for her role in a health care fraud scheme that earlier resulted in a 15-year prison sentence for her husband.

Kemah, Texas-based Kiran Sharma, 56, pleaded guilty in April 2010, admitting that she and her husband, Arun Sharma, billed Medicare, Medicaid and … Read more »»».

Indian-American doctor jailed for 8 years

WASHINGTON – An Indian-American doctor has been sentenced to eight years in prison for her role in a health care fraud scheme that earlier resulted in a 15-year prison sentence for her husband.

Kemah, Texas-based Kiran Sharma, 56, pleaded guilty in April 2010, admitting that she and her husband, Arun Sharma, billed Medicare, Medicaid and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Indian-American doctor jailed for 8 years.

Balakrishnan’s kin accumulated unaccounted wealth: Income Tax

KOCHI – Retired Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan’s family members are in possession of wealth disproportionate to their known sources of income, a top Income Tax official said here Saturday.

Director general of Income Tax E.C. Lukose was addressing reporters here to inform about the procedures to be followed at the time of the forthcoming polls.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Balakrishnan’s kin accumulated unaccounted wealth: Income Tax.

Uttar Pradesh engineer owns assets worth Rs.100 crore

LUCKNOW – Simultaneous raids over the past three days by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at more than half a dozen cities across India have unearthed immovable properties worth about Rs.100 crore owned by an Uttar Pradesh government chief engineer, officials said Saturday.

According to CBI sources, Arun Misra, posted as the chief engineer … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Uttar Pradesh engineer owns assets worth Rs.100 crore.

Pragya Thakur arrested in Madhya Pradesh murder case

BHOPAL – Madhya Pradesh Police have arrested from Mumbai Hindu missionary Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur in connection with the murder of a prime suspect in the Samjhauta Express blast case, police confirmed Saturday.

“She was arrested yesterday (Friday) and on March 9 she would be presented before a Dewas court,” Inspector General of Police A.K. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pragya Thakur arrested in Madhya Pradesh murder case.

NALCO chief suspended for graft

BHUBANESHWAR – A.K. Srivastava, chairman-cum-managing director (CMD) of the National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO), was suspended Saturday, a day after he was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for allegedly accepting a bribe, a company official said.

A NALCO official, confirming the development, said they had received instructions over phone from the union …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : NALCO chief suspended for graft.

Three held for killing youth protesting abuse of sister

KOLKATA – The three main accused in the killing of a youth, after he protested their abusive language against his sister, were arrested Saturday in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, police said. Another man arrested earlier was freed after his innocence was proved.

“Three people – Mithun Das, Manojit Biswas and Biswanath …. Read the original article  : Three held for killing youth protesting abuse of sister.

Two children injured in bomb blast

KOLKATA – Two children in West Bengals West Midnapore district sustained serious injuries Saturday when crude bombs kept in a plastic bag in front of a Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) party office went off, police said.

“Two children were admitted to Midnapore Medical College and hospital. We are investigating how the bombs came there, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two children injured in bomb blast.

Jodhpur police to quiz IV fluids firm over pregnancy deaths

JODHPUR – A Jodhpur police team is in Madhya Pradeshs Indore town to quiz the manufacturer of the IV fluids which are suspected to have caused the death of at least 12 pregnant women in a hospital here due to contamination, officials said Saturday.

The team led by a sub-inspector rank officer is likely to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Jodhpur police to quiz IV fluids firm over pregnancy deaths.

New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead)

CHRISTCHURCH – The toll in a devastating quake in New Zealand’s second largest city of Christchurch Saturday rose to 145 and officials feared the number may rise further.

“We expect that number to rise,” said Superintendent David Cliff. The number of missing people remains at more than 200, he said.
A 6.3 magnitude quake …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : New Zealand quake toll rises to 145 (Second Lead).

China drops death penalty for 13 economic crimes

SHANGHAI – China has dropped the death penalty for more than a dozen non-violent, economic crimes for offenders over the age of 75.

The 13 economic offences will be removed from the list of 68 crimes punishable by death sentence, said Lang Sheng, who heads the legal team of the Standing Committee to the National …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : China drops death penalty for 13 economic crimes.

Three Avadh-Assam train coaches jump rails, no casualty

MORADABAD – Passengers on the Avadh-Assam Express had a providential escape after the train’s three coaches derailed here Saturday, officials said.

The cause behind the derailment, which subsequently damaged several metres of the railway tracks, is yet to be established.
“All the passengers are safe. We have initiated an enquiry to know the reason behind …. Read the original article  : here.

Two killed in protests against power plant in Andhra

HYDERABAD – Two people were killed and two injured Monday when police opened fire to quell violent protests against a controversial thermal power plant in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, police said.

Police opened fire when the villagers attacked them with iron rods, sticks and stones at Vadditandra village of Santhabommali mandal in Srikakulam …. Original source  : Two killed in protests against power plant in Andhra.

Postmaster fleeing to Myanmar with rural job fund held

AIZAWL – Mizoram Police arrested a postmaster who was fleeing to neighbouring Myanmar with Rs.13.50 lakh meant to be disbursed for work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), police said here Monday.

The money was deposited with Lalrodinga, 36, a postmaster at Vaphai branch Post Office in eastern Mizoram, by the …. Source article  : Postmaster fleeing to Myanmar with rural job fund held.

Britain foils plan to export 1 bn pounds in Libyan banknotes

LONDON – British authorities have foiled an attempt to send out nearly one billion pounds worth of Libyan banknotes back to Tripoli, a media report said Monday.

It was revealed Sunday that an attempt was made last week to move 900 million pounds of uncirculated notes held in a secure storage facility in Britain back …. Original article  : Britain foils plan to export 1 bn pounds in Libyan banknotes.

Youngest victim of New Zealand quake laid to rest

CHRISTCHURCH – Five-month-old Baxtor Gowland who was named the youngest victim of the Christchurch earthquake was laid to rest Monday, a media report said.

Gowland was born Sep 17 last year, the New Zealand Herald reported.
Last week, he was named as the youngest confirmed victim of the 6.3 strength quake that hit this New … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Youngest victim of New Zealand quake laid to rest.

Quake hits Chile

SANTIAGO – An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale jolted the southern region of Chile, but there was no damage or casualty, Xinhua reported.

The quake occurred around 8.00 p.m. Sunday in the Bio-Bio region with its epicentre at a depth of about 16 km, the US Geological Survey said.
…. Source article  : Quake hits Chile.

Bolivia rains: 250 homes collapse in La Paz

La Paz, Feb 28 (IANS/EFE) Nearly 800 Bolivian families became homeless after intense rains caused 250 homes to collapse in the capital city of La Paz, but there have been no reports of any casualties, an official said.

La Paz Mayor Luis Revilla said Sunday that the mudslides began Saturday night, destroying around 80 hectares …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two dead in shooting at Puerto Rico concert

San Juan, Feb 28 (IANS/EFE) Two people were killed and five were wounded in a shooting at a music concert in Puerto Rico, police said.

Investigators were trying to determine what set off the shooting during Sunday’s concert by singer Elvis Crespo in Bayamon city near San Juan, police said.
One of the victims died … Read more >>.

Jodhpur pregnancy deaths: IV fluids firm manager detained

JODHPUR – A manager of a firm which allegedly manufactured the contaminated IV fluids responsible for the deaths of at least 12 pregnant women at a government hospital here was detained in Indore town of Madhya Pradesh Sunday, police said.

A team of Jodhpur police officers who went to Indore to probe the case detained … Read more >>>.

Wife murdered by husband on wedding anniversary

NEW DELHI – Hours after celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary, a wife was smothered to death by her husband who was tired of their constant quarrels and fights, police said Sunday. The man has been arrested.

Prince Kocher, 32 murdered Anchal Kocher, 29 in their home in Janakpuri in west Delhi on the night of … Read : Wife murdered by husband on wedding anniversary.

Police arrest betting gang in Ghaziabad

GHAZIABAD – Police Sunday arrested four businessmen from Ghaziabad for taking bets on the India-England World Cup cricket match and recovered around Rs.150,000 from them along with a cache of communication equipment.

In the raid conducted Sunday evening, the police also recovered a router equipped with a broadband connection with their betting counterparts in Dubai, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Huge cache of arms recovered in Bengal

KOLKATA – A huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from a pump house in an agricultural field in West Bengal’s Burdwan district, police said.

“Acting on a tip off, we raided Zahid Sheikh’s pump house at Ketugram and recovered 11 firearms, four pistols, two muskets, 60 box bombs, 40 kg of gunpowder, four …. Original article  : Huge cache of arms recovered in Bengal.

Nearly 200 live cartridges recovered in Bengal

KOLKATA – Nearly 200 imported live cartridges were found on the banks of a roadside pond in West Bengal’s North 24 Paraganas district Sunday, police said.

“Nine cases, each containing 20 rounds of imported bullets of different types, were recovered from an abandoned packet dumped on the bank of a pond near Rajarhat in the …. Read the original article  : here.

LIC entrance exam paper leaked, one held

NEW DELHI – The question papers of an all-India examination for posts of 375 assistant administrative officers in the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) were leaked, police said Sunday. A youth, allegedly selling them for Rs.5 lakh each, was arrested.

On the basis of a tip-off, police got hold of two sets of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Train hits road roller, derails; passengers safe

KOLKATA – The engine and 11 compartments of the Puri-bound Neelachal Express derailed Sunday in Orissa after it hit a road roller that had entered the railway track at an unmanned level crossing. The road roller driver was critically injured.

None of the train passengers were injured, according to a railway official.
The 12875 Puri-New …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Girl attempts suicide, critical

GURGAON – A 20-year-old girl was in critical condition Sunday after jumping from the third floor of the crowded Sahara Mall here, police said.

A guard tried to catch hold of Kanika but failed. The Paras Hospital said her condition was critical.
“The girl lives in Palam Vihar with her family and is employed with …. Source article  : Girl attempts suicide, critical.

Rape-accused NCP legislator remanded to police custody

NASHIK – Suspended Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Dilip Wagh and his personal assistant Mahesh Mali have been remanded to police custody till March 3 for allegedly raping a 22-year-old woman here, police said Sunday.

A Nashik trial court has remanded Wagh and his personal assistant to police custody till March 3, a police officer … Read more >>.