One more person injured in firing by security forces in Kashmir Valley succumbed to his injuries on Monday, when restrictions and curfew continued in several towns, including this summer capital that again saw deserted streets and most businesses and educational establishments shut.

The death toll in the unrest that began here June 11 has risen to 63 with the passing away of Bilal Ahmad Sheikh, 22. He had been shot in Singhpora village near Pattan town of Baramulla district Aug 14 during clashes between stone pelting mobs and the security forces.

He was under treatment at the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura (SKIMS) in Srinagar to which he had been admitted immediately after suffering the bullet wound.

"He succumbed to injuries in the hospital today (Monday) morning," a police officer said here.

"Curfew shall continue in nine police station areas of Srinagar city as a precautionary measure. It shall also remain in place in Sopore, Bijbehara and Pulwama towns," police here said.

Besides curfew, authorities are continuing restrictions in north Kashmir's Trehgam, south Kashmir's Anantnag and some other towns in the Valley.

Shops, educational institutions, public transport, banks, post offices and other business remained shut in most parts of summer capital Srinagar both because of curfew and the shutdown called by separatists.

Some marginal private transport, however, plied on the uptown roads in Srinagar.

The hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference headed by Syed Ali Geelani has called for a protest shutdown Monday as part of the group's Quit Kashmir campaign.
 

(malathi)

Drought-affected farmers from Jarad village in Jharkhand have written a letter to the President of India and the Governor requesting them to grant permission to commit suicide.

The region has been facing an acute drought-like situation for the past two years. In the letter, 2,000 farmers from the region have demanded ration, immigration and irrigational facilities.

The farmers are desperate as this is the second year of drought that they are facing, as Jharkhand grapples a 42% rainfall deficit this year. All districts have been declared drought-hit. Meanwhile, the Governor of Jharkhand, MOH Farooq, has assured farmers across the state that the government is taking steps to help them in their trying times. 
 

(malathi)

A teenaged village girl in Jharkhand tried to commit suicide after discovering that a boy from her village her circulated a pornographic MMS involving her, police said on Monday.

A resident of Giddi village in Ramgarh district, around 45 km from Ranchi, Rajni (name changed) belongs to a very poor family. A student of Class 8, she tried to commit suicide by slashing her veins on Sunday.

She was, however, rushed to hospital in time and her condition is said to be stable.

The girl has alleged that Ranjeet Singh, a boy of the same village, promised to marry her, took snaps of her in the nude on his mobile and made a pornographic video with the help of his friend Sanjeet Singh.

Ranjeet and Sanjeet were allegedly selling the video to their friends at Rs 50.

Rajni was shocked when she came to know that pornographic visuals involving her were circulating on cellphones, prompting her to attempt suicide.

Irate villagers thrashed Ranjeet and later handed over him to police. Sanjeet, however, managed to escape.
 

(malathi)

Brothers in the city are picking up the tab for their sisters' cosmetic fix-ups

Jewellery, perfumes and clothes are passe. The gift of choice for an increasing number of siblings this Raksha Bandhan seems to be cosmetic treatments.

Take the example of 23-year-old Payal Jain (names changed on request), a resident of Parel who was involved in a bike accident five months ago that left scars on her face.

"The marks depressed me and finally the doctor told me that there was a new laser therapy that could help remove them. But it was quite expensive," said Jain, who was in no position to afford the bills amounting to over Rs 50,000.

That's when her brother Yuvi (22) came to her rescue. "I couldn't bear to see my sister sad especially since I knew that before the accident, she was very pretty and particular about her face. I've gifted her many things over the past years but she really wanted this and I was in a position to afford it so I thought why not?" said Yash, adding that the first session will take place on Tuesday, which is Raksha Bandhan. For good measure, Payal is also now having her lips plumped.

New trend
Cosmetic surgeon Dr Rashmi Shetty said that five such requests have come in this year. "The treatment ranges from anything like this Q switched laser treatment to peels to hair removal procedures and brothers are picking up the tab. It makes the most sense, I suppose. It's not the kind of thing a boyfriend or husband would gift but brothers don't seem to mind. It's the first year I've seen such a request but like in the case of Payal, it's very touching," said Shetty.

Favourite procedures are usually non surgical given the short period of time involved. Dr Mohan Thomas, senior consultant cosmetic surgeon at Breach Candy Hospital who has had three patients this year, said, "Dermal fillers, Botox, these are popular given that there's very little down time. However I did have one girl who was 24 with a weak chin who came in around 20 days ago for a chin implant that was entirely funded by her brother. The general amount that brothers seem to willing to spend is up to Rs 25,000. After all, with people who are fairly well off, how many watches or scarves could you gift your sister? The gift of good looks holds particularly significant value."

Raksha Bandhan is otherwise also a busy time for cosmetic doctors. Dr Vijay Sharma says that women have come in asking for glycolic face peels. "The day usually involves lots of meeting with brothers and cousins so ladies do want to look their best. But often they're willing to fork out the money by themselves for the treatment," said Sharma.

Rs 50,000, cost of hymen reconstruction surgery .

(malathi)

Convince 6 girls to live-in with them, threaten to kill them if they told anyone

The Kumarswamy Layout police have arrested two autorickshaw drivers, who not only robbed houses, but also fooled women into living in with them and later threatened to kill them if they told anyone.

Japan Raja's parents had sent him to work as an autorickshaw driver so that he could earn a livelihood.

He drove it for a few months and then quit, but stole another auto, changed its parts, and kept plying it on the city roads. Later, he married a girl from Mysore.

 
After swaying girls with all the love and attention, (right) Japan Raja and Blade Raja used to convince them to get into a live-in relationship with them
 However, the girl soon found out that he was a cheat, and was having an affair with another girl. This led to nasty fights, and she left him to live with her parents.

Soon, Blade Raja joined him, and duo started working together. Japan Raja bought a new auto and gave it to Blade Raja.

Both started to steal from empty houses, and in this manner, robbed 15 houses 11 out of these belonged to their own friends and relatives.

Elated by the ease with which they could rob and get away, the duo started to lure young girls with a promise of marriage.

Most girls were factory workers, so they would offer them free lifts. The girls were impressed with all the attention the duo showered on them. The duo then convinced them to have a live-in relationship with them.
 
Unknown to any of the girls, the duo were living with three different girls, in different houses.

But soon, the girls came to know that they were not the only ones in a 'live-in'. When they decided to go the police, the duo threatened to kill them.

It was only after the police arrested them in a robbery case, the women thronged to the police station to lodge complaints.

Shaila (name changed), one of Japan Raja's girlfriends, said, "He lied and spoilt my life. He threatened to kill me, if I told the police. I am glad he is arrested."

PI Babu Narona of  Kumarswamy Layout police station,  said, "They kept the girls in different houses. We arrested them in a robbery case, but are now investigating their other crimes.
 

(malathi)

The Union cabinet on Monday further increased allowances of MPs by Rs 10,000 per month, comprising a hike of Rs 5,000 each in constituency and office expense allowances for parliamentarians. However, the three-fold salary hike raise remained unaltered.

The panel met here under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to reconsider and bring amendments to the MPs' salary hike bill it had cleared last week.

It was severely opposed by parliamentarians who were demanding a 500 percent raise against the three-fold hike proposed by the government.

Sources said that the panel gave its nod to propose a hike in non-taxable perks - constituency and office allowances - given to MPs.
 
 

(malathi)

Constables have been instructed to check at least 100 vehicles every day, keeping in mind a terror threat during the festive season

With a number of religious festivals just around the corner, Mumbai cops have upped security measures in the city. As a law and order initiative the cops have ordered regular nakabandis and checks across the city. In addition, constables have been instructed to collect data of at least a 100 vehicles every day.

This includes the driver's name, contact number, vehicle number, licence number and other details of the vehicle. The details will be accumulated and later added to the police databank.

Mumbai police commissioner Sanjeev Dayal said, "We have instructed all the policemen to check the details of all the drivers and the vehicles. This has been done for security reasons keeping in mind the festive season and for collection of data."

Besides the security measures a huge inter-state vehicle theft racket has also been thriving for a while. The cops feel by collecting and maintaining a databank with the details of the owners and vehicles' registration they will be able to clamp down on the racket.

A senior official attached to a western zone said, "There have been several cases of bikes and car thefts not only in Maharashtra, but also in bordering states. By collecting data we can keep a check on the inter-state vehicle theft racket and nab the culprits."

However, on the ground collecting data of 100 vehicles every day is a rigorous and lengthy exercise. A police constable on duty said, "Our seniors have asked us to collect data of at least 100 drivers, mostly of the tourist vehicles. But we check other bikes and private vehicles also. This helps crack cases of any robbery or misuse of a vehicle."

100, the police toll free number to call during emergencies

(malathi)

The ongoing water cuts in the city have done the impossible -- united Mumbai's rival parties. Corporators from the Congress and BJP have joined hands against the Shiv Sena for refusing to withdraw water cuts imposed on the city. This, even after four of the six lakes supplying water to the city have overflowed.

 WATER WOES: Uddhav Thackeray visits Tansa Dam at Shahpur. Thackeray, in a review meeting at the Mayor's bungalow, insisted that water cuts should stay till the end of September.
 
"It's high time the administration rolls back water cuts," said BJP corporator and BMC's Standing Committee member Bhalchandra Shirshat. "Imposing cuts was decided at a Standing Committee meeting by us, so rolling it back should also be our call. So far, the lakes have received 90 per cent of rainfall and the monsoon will go on for another 40 days."

Sena vs Sena
The issue seems to have created a rift within the saffron party. On Friday, at the Standing Committee meeting, BJP corporator and MLA Yogesh Sagar proposed to roll back water cuts, which was supported by all parties, including Shiv Sena. Sena corporator and leader of the House Sunil Prabhu adjourned the meeting after the civic administration refused to budge from its stand.

Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray, during a review meeting at the Mayor's bungalow on Saturday, insisted that water cuts stay till the end of September. After Uddhav's verdict, Sena corporators chose to keep mum.

However, the BJP, which is in alliance with the Sena in the state, has not backed down. "The administration seems adamant about its decision. Even Uddhav and his corporators are convinced that water cuts should stay, but we will stick to our stand," said Shirshat.

They are enjoying full support of the Congress. "When the city is already facing problems related to rain ailments and there's dirt everywhere, it's time we relax the water cuts. We will insist on a rollback and will ensure the meeting remains adjourned till the administration agrees with us. It is we, the Standing Committee, who will decide about water supply and not the administration. The BJP and Congress are united in this cause," said Sameer Desai, Congress corporator and a Standing Committee member.
 

(malathi)

With the arrests of 10 men from Ghatkopar and Dadar, the Pant Nagar police have busted a bank fraud scam that could run into more than Rs 100 crore. What has shocked the police are the 300 fake debit cards, cheques and PAN cards belonging to 100 B-town celebs and some of the city's top businessmen and firms recovered from this gang. 

Investigations of the Pant Nagar police revealed that most of the scamsters are graduates in their late 20s, who have worked in some of the city's renowned private banks.

 
"The gang has been operating for more than a year and has robbed small businessmen and companies to the tune of Rs 2.5 crore. But they had bigger plans in place. They have been eyeing Bollywood personalities and some top entrepreneurs for a while," said K M Kasar, assistant police inspector, Pant Nagar police station. "We have recovered fake cheque books from them that belonged to some famous actors and a five-star hotel in south Mumbai. This racket would have run into a few hundred crores at least. The gang targetted those from the film industry, as they are casual about their finances."
 
The Pant Nagar police have identified one Amjad Khan alias Mac, who has a degree from a Britain-based university and operates from Uttar Pradesh.  According to police, Mac ensures that all the documents are dispatched to Nadeem Pathan, A Mishra and Sarfaraz Khan, their associates in UP who forged them. "While 10 of the scamsters are in our custody including Khan, the others are absconding," said Kasar.   

Clothing firm duped
The police stumbled on what they now say is an inter-state scam when Vilas Khade, an accountant with J K Clothing Pvt Ltd, a Ghatkopar-based subsidiary of one of India's leading garment manufacturers lodged a complaint at the Pant Nagar police station on June 25. According to the complaint, the firm had been duped for Rs 4 lakh.

Khade was shocked when he learnt that there was no balance left in one of the accounts. "I got a call from the bank on June 25 informing me that there was no money in one of the accounts. I was stunned, as I had not issued any cheques for withdrawal. The gang withdrew Rs 48,000 from the account and Rs 3,50,000 from the ATM." The police started working on the case on a war footing after they found that the cheques used to withdraw cash were fake.

After zeroing on the person who withdrew money using the cheque, the police with the help of their informers tracked down the gang members who offered loans.

"Posing as a customer, one police officer availed of the loan. After he handed over his documents to a scamster, who pretended to be a banker, we followed him. We found that the documents were handed over to an attendant working on the train heading for UP," said a police officer, requesting anonymity.

"We kept a close eye on the attendant and nabbed him red-handed at Dadar when he was returning with 100 fake cheques last month. This, then led to the arrest of nine others, one among them is a woman," he added.
 

(malathi)

Miss Universe organisation owner says nothing wrong with topless pictures; added they were artistic

Miss Universe Organisation owner Donald Trump defended the recently released official photos of the 83 pageant candidates, which drew flak from critics for featuring several of the contestants in topless poses, covered only with body paint.

The media giant said he finds nothing wrong with these photos as "we are in a different age."
 
"They are a little bit sexy, but I'll tell you what -- everybody's watching so I have nothing against it. The Miss USA pageant and the Miss Universe pageant just got renewed for three years by NBC. The ratings have been terrific. If you look at Miss America, it's now off-network television -- and we're doing better than ever, so I really have no problem with it," Donald said.

Critics question the organisation's intention for the concept of the photo shoot. Among those who posed topless during the Las Vegas shoot with photographer Fadil Badisha were Miss Trinidad and Tobago LaToya Woods, Miss USA Rima Fakih, Miss Ireland Rozanna Purcell, and Miss Japan Maiko Itai.

LaToya posed by the Mandalay Bay poolside with her floral body paint, bikini bottom, and high heels. She kept the private part of her torso hidden with a little help from "pasties." Meanwhile, Rima, wearing a skimpy bikini bottom, cupped her breasts and flaunted her painted back.

Angie Meyer, who previously worked with the Miss Universe Organisation, was appalled with the photos as it puts the candidates "in an extremely compromising position."

By making use of the topless concept, the competition has turned into a "playboy-esque masquerade," said Angie.

In a statement, however, the organisation echoed Donald's contention that the photos are permissible in culture, as "the contestants who compete at Miss Universe are diverse... [representing] more than 82 countries around the globe. Many of their cultures embrace nudity."
 

(malathi)