Gujarati News: May 2007

Gangotri
Thursday, May 31, 2007 | AY

Amitabh Bachchan has returned to do a Bhojpuri film after a break for over two months for son Abhishek's wedding to Aishwarya Rai. The film titled “ Gangotri ” is a sequel to his earlier Bhojpuri blockbuster – Ganga. He did Ganga , the first part of Gangotri , 3 months after his discharge from the hospital in December 2005. He'll be shooting for five days at Film City , taking forward his character of Thakur from Ganga after his release from prison. It's believed that talks are on with Hema Malini, who played Bachchan's wife in Ganga , to play a cameo in this one.

Disposing Bhopal waste is
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad (Gujarat), May 29 (ANI): The Bharuch Enviro Infrastructure Limited (BEIL) here has claimed that it can dispose of the hazardous waste accumulated from the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. After years of controversy over who will clear the waste, BEIL said it would undertake the job for nine million rupees, which is to be paid by the Madhya Pradesh Government.About 350 tonnes of tarry waste lie in plastic sacks in the Union Carbide plant. BEIL will transport it from Bhopal to Ankleshwar, an industrial zone in Gujarat by July."This is a very simple product. India is very advanced in chemical industries. The controversy is created by vested interests who are interested in creating problem, otherwise this is a simple product. When we can do 13,000 tonnes of more toxic material without any problem, international experts have praised the action. So, where is the question," said Rajjubhai Shroff, the Chairman of BEIL. Environmentalists, however, say the decision to move the tar-smeared waste to Gujarat will be disastrous and are protesting against it.Union Carbide is now owned by Dow Chemicals Co., but the Michigan-based firm says it never owned or operated the Bhopal plant, which it took over in 2001.Dow has urged the Madhya Pradesh Government to withdraw a clean-up suit against it, saying that no court has ever held it responsible for the disposal of waste at the Bhopal plant.In 1989, Union Carbide paid 470 million dollars compensation to victims and said responsibility for the clean-up lay with officials. The Madhya Pradesh Government took over the site in 1998.Environmentalists warn India that it did not have the technology to safely dispose the waste and warned if it is burnt it would pollute the air.But the state-run Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) disagrees.On the night of December 2, 1984, tonnes of a toxic gas leaked from an Indian pesticide plant owned then by Union Carbide in Bhopal, killing 3,800 people, injuring thousands more.Since then, thousands more have died from exposure-related sicknesses, while tens of thousands of survivors remain sick. (ANI)

Rajkot NGOs adopt 111 HIV positive children
Monday, May 28, 2007 | AY

Rajkot (Gujarat), May 27 (ANI): Over a hundred HIV positive children got a new lease of life on Sunday as various NGOs in Rajkot joined hands to sponsor them.Rajkot AIDS Prevention Club, Rajkot NDP and Giants International, all of whom have been working for the cause of HIV positive people and to spread awareness on HIV, have adopted 111 HIV positive children from Gujarat’s Saurashtra region.The children will not only get financial aid, but will also be taken care of by providing treatment and medicines.“They (HIV positive children) need help. So, we have selected 111 such students from Saurashtra (region), which includes 58 children from Rajkot and the rest from Gondal, Jetpur, Jamnagar and (we) will give them aid of 350 to 1,000 rupees every month and we will visit the places and if they need more, we will do that," said AIDS Prevention Club, Rajkot, President Arun Dave.Padma Ben Patel, mother of an HIV positive child, said: “I think this is a wonderful gesture of adopting 111 children, which also includes my son. I am making all efforts to make my child’s life comfortable. But with the help of such organisations, I am sure, we will get lot of much needed help.”Children were excited receiving study material as gifts from the NGOs.“Today I got a school bag, notebooks and I want to study further. I would like to become a doctor one day", said Jigar.According to the United Nations, India last year overtook South Africa as the country with the most people living with HIV -- an estimated 5.7 million.As per the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), most of these people are in the age group of 15 to 35. (ANI)

Sohrabuddin case: Geeta Johri demands more powers
Monday, May 28, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, May 28 (ANI): Geeta Johri, the officer investigating the November 26, 2005 murder of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and his wife Kauser Bi, has demanded more powers from her superiors, and added that if this is possible, the investigations should be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).In a note to her superior, the Additional Director General of Police of the Gujarat Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Johri said that she was making her request in the wake of a denial of permission to arrest N K Amin, another policeman, in conenction with the case.Amin was interrogated last Tuesday. He is accused of being present while the body of Sohrabuddin's wife, Kauser bi, was burnt.Last week, a former driver of the Gujarat anti-terrorist squad (ATS), which has been alleged of killing Sohrabuddin Sheikh in a fake encounter in 2005, was produced before a special court here.Nathu Sinh Jadeja has been made a key witness in the case, which is being investigated by Inspector General of Police, Geeta Johri."Whatever the investigation team wants to do, they can. He was called to the CID (Central Investigation Department) office. They do not want to arrest him. They have said he is not an accused and just a witness for them," Chetan Shah, defence counsel told reporters.Nathu Sinh Jadeja had become a hostile witness earlier this week, alleging former investigation chief Rajneesh Rai had intimidated him, said Police.A statement given by an arrested police constable to police had said that Jadejahad informed him that Sohrabuddin's wife Kausar Bi was murdered in a farmhouse and later burnt. A magistrate's court also sent three Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) policemen to judicial custody in connection with the case.Inspector N H Dabhi and constables Ajay Parmar and Santram Sharma were produced by the state Criminal Investigation Department (Crime) which is probing the case.The investigating agency is also probing the role of these policemen in the murder of Sohrabuddin's wife, Kausar Bi, who is believed to have been killed and burnt by the police.So far, six persons have been arrested, including suspended IPS officer and former head of ATS, D G Vanzara, his former deputy Rajkumar Pandian and Rajasthan cadre IPS officer M N Dinesh Kumar.The three IPS officers were arrested on April 24.Sheikh was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by the Gujarat Police, allegedly trying to hatch a conspiracy to kill Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.The Gujarat Government had admitted in the Supreme Court that Sohrabuddin was killed in a fake encounter with the police officials.The Government also informed the court that Kausar Bi, who went missing after the incident, was also killed.The incident has triggered a nation wide debate over fake encounters by security forces at the behest of their political bosses. (ANI)

Mare Te Gaamde Ekvaar Avjo
Sunday, May 27, 2007 | AY

Garishma Films’ Mare Te Gaamde Ekvaar Avjo' is set for June release. Produced by Ajay R Shah and directed by Vijay Dalwadi, the film stars Vikram Aahir, Vidisha Banerji, Priya Singh, Feroz Irani, Shreekant Soni, Meena Patel, Jayendra Mehta, Jaimini Trivedi, Kayuri Shah, Jeetu Pandya, Jeet Kaur and Vikram Patel. Story, screenplay and dialogue by Vatshi Aahir, music by Brij Joshi and cinematography by Abdul Gani are major credits.

Former ATS driver produced in court in fake encounter case
Saturday, May 26, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, May 24 (ANI): A former driver of the Gujarat anti-terrorist squad (ATS), which has been alleged of killing Sohrabuddin Sheikh in a fake encounter in 2005, was on Thursday produced before a special court here.Nathu Sinh Jadeja has been made a key witness in the case, which is being investigated by Inspector General of Police, Geeta Johri."Whatever the investigation team wants to do, they can. He was called to the CID (Central Investigation Department) office. They do not want to arrest him. They have said he is not an accused and just a witness for them," Chetan Shah, defence counsel told reporters.Nathu Sinh Jadeja had become a hostile witness earlier this week, alleging former investigation chief Rajneesh Rai had intimidated him, said Police.A statement given by an arrested police constable to police had said that Jadejahad informed him that Sohrabuddin's wife Kausar Bi was murdered in a farmhouse and later burnt. Sheikh was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by the Gujarat Police, allegedly trying to hatch a conspiracy to kill Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.The Gujarat Government had admitted in the Supreme Court that Sohrabuddin was killed in a fake encounter with the police officials.The Government also informed the court that Kausar Bi, who went missing after the incident, was also killed.Three top police officials DG, Vanjara and Rajkumar Pandyan, and Rajasthan Police SP, Dinesh Kumar were arrested last month, for their involvement in this case. The incident has triggered a nation wide debate over fake encounters by security forces at the behest of their political bosses. (ANI)

Fake encounter: Gujarat Anti-Terror Squad policemen sent to judicial custody
Tuesday, May 22, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, May 21 (ANI): A magistrate's court sent three Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) policemen to judicial custody on Monday for their involvement in the November 26, 2005 killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in a fake encounter. Inspector N H Dabhi and constables Ajay Parmar and Santram Sharma were produced by the state Criminal Investigation Department (Crime) which is probing the case.The investigating agency is also probing the role of these policemen in the murder of Sohrabuddin's wife, Kausar Bi, who is believed to have been killed and burnt by the police.So far, six persons have been arrested, including suspended IPS officer and former head of ATS, D G Vanzara, his former deputy Rajkumar Pandian and Rajasthan cadre IPS officer M N Dinesh Kumar.The three IPS officers were arrested on April 24.Meanwhile, the prosecution's application seeking to conduct narco-analysis test on the three arrested ATS officials is expected to come up for hearing on May 25. Vanzara and the two IPS officers are presently lodged in the Sabarmati Central jail. (ANI)

Team India coach to be finalised before June 12: BCCI Secretary
Tuesday, May 22, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad May 21(ANI): Secretary of the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI), Niranjan Shah, today said that the new coach for team India will be finalised before the team's tour to Ireland and England in June.He also said that Australian Dav Whatmore, the present coach of Bangladesh, is a candidate for the coach's job and supported Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar's recent statement about taking players' opinion regarding coach's selection."I don't mind there is nothing wrong in it (consulting players before selection of a coach) after all board and players are part of one body therefore there is no harm in that also," Shah said. Regarding Whatmore's chances of being given the responsibility to coach the team after former coach Australian Greg Chappell resigned following India's debacle in the World Cup, Shah said, "It was an extremely brief meeting with Whatmore. We only wanted to know whether Whatmore was willing to coach the Indian team. After all the decision lies with the committee. On June 4, the committee will decide on the other names as well. We will finalise the coach by June 10 or 12." Whatmore guided Sri Lanka to the World Cup victory in 1996 and helped Bangladesh to reach the second round of World cup after a shocking victory over India in the Caribbean this year.The 53-year-old, Whatmore has decided not to renew his contract with Bangladesh, which came to end in April, but agreed to coach the team in a series against India this month.Shah refused to give the names of the other probable candidates and said several rounds of discussion would be held before selecting the new coach. (ANI)

Cinemax launches its eleventh theatre facility in Himmatnagar
Sunday, May 20, 2007 | AY

In a bid to attain a greater share of the movie-goer pie, Cinemax is set to launch its eleventh theatre facility in Himmatnagar, Gujarat. The theatre called Cinemax Starcity is said to have the capacity to seat 1146 and contain three screens and will be launched on 27 April, 2007. The multiplex will also host shows and events in Gujarati to suit the preferences of all its patrons.

Brass industry downs shutters in Gujarat
Saturday, May 19, 2007 | AY

Jamnagar, Apr 17 (ANI): The brass industry in Gujarat is observing a day-long shut down today over a demand for a cut in duty.Traders and manufacturers say that the 16 percent duty on brass items has led to a rise in prices.Price of raw brass has increased by rupees 50 per kilogram in just 15 days. The brass which was sold per kilogram for Rs. 210 to Rs. 215 a fortnight back is now available for Rs 270 to Rs 275."We have given our demand to remove the 16 percent duty on brass," said Jamnagar Factory Owners Association President Ramjeeb Bhai Patel.Brass manufacturers and exporters say the high duties are preventing them from competing effectively in the international market."There are a variety of reasons for this kind of price rise. Firstly, it is question of demand and supply. Demand from a country like China is extremely heavy and against that supply is not adequate. Secondly, the most important factor in my opinion is speculation," said Vipin Bhai Vadhar, a brassware manufacturer and exporter.There are over 4,500 brass units in Jamnagar, which employ over a million people.Jamnagar exports over 95 percent of India’s brasswares to Central Europe.India imports brass and shapes it up in artistically and aesthetically into antique, modern, classical and traditional brasswares. (ANI)

Gujarat’s Bandhani gains popularity worldwide
Saturday, May 19, 2007 | AY

Jamnagar (Gujarat), Apr 15 (ANI): The Bandhani work, a popular form of tying and dyeing of pieces of cloth is not only a creative artistic fashion but also an avenue for lucrative business in Gujarat’s Jamnagar District. Introduced 400 years ago in Jamnagar, this ancient art has today achieved worldwide popularity. "It is very popular in worldwide. It has different designs, patterns and variety. We also get Chaniya Choli in different ranges," said Nayanaben, customer. It is a process in which the fabric in intricate patterns is tied with nails, beads and grains. This does not let the colour to seep into the tied areas during dyeing. With distinct designs, craftsmanship and ornamentation, the Bandhani tradition is manifested in the Chaniya Choli which uses accessories like Tikki, Moti and Copper works. "There are varieties for people. Chaniya Choli costs rupees 500 to 15,000 and saris from rupees 2500 to 25000. The work is also done on cotton, crap and even on real jari work," said Vibodhbhai, exporter of Bandhani. The traditional final product can be classified into Khombi, Ghar Chola, Patori, and Chandrokhani. The main colours used in Bandhani popularly know as ‘Bandhej’ are natural. The main colours used in Bandhani are yellow, red, green and black. Some of the famous places in Gujarat well known for this ancient tradition are Jamnagar, Anjar and Bhuj. (ANI)

Muslim women demand justice in Gujarat fake encounter case
Thursday, May 17, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, May 16 (ANI): Muslim women staged protest here on Wednesday demanding justice for Kausar Bi, Sohrabuddin Sheikh’s wife, who was also allegedly killed by top police officials of Gujarat. Holding placards, women protesters under the banner of India Peace Organization (IPO) shouted slogans against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, demanding his resignation and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the fake encounter case. "We demand a CBI inquiry into the case and the case should be taken from Gujarat government as they are like the Milosevics of Bosnia, who used to kill Muslims,” said Begum Fatima Shahnaz, President of IPO.The Gujarat Government had admitted in the Supreme Court that Sohrabuddin was killed in a fake encounter with the police officials.The Government also informed the court that Kausar Bi, who went missing after the incident, was also killed. Investigating officials say there was no evidence-linking Sohrabuddin to any assassination plot. His wife, who witnessed the killing, was allegedly locked in a bungalow for days, tortured and later killed. Three top police officials DG, Vanjara and Rajkumar Pandyan, and Rajasthan Police SP, Dinesh Kumar were arrested last month, for their involvement in the fake encounter of a Muslim, Sohrabuddin on November 26, and later his wife Kausar Bi in the same month. Police had then claimed Sohrabuddin was an operative of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba and was planning to assassinate Narendra Modi. (ANI)

Love is Blind gets best Gujarati film
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 | AY

Gujarat government adjudges Gujarati film Love is Blind as the best film of 2005-06. The film has also got eight other awards. Sejal Sarju has been adjudged as the second best film. Sejal Sarju has got six awards in all. The Information Department today announced these awards.Love is Blind has got awards : Best Director- Vipul Sharma, best playback singer- Shaan, Best Music Director- Kardam Thakar, Best Photography- Darshan Dave, Best script- Moolraj Rajda, Best Dialogue- Moolraj Rajda, Best Sound Recordist-Hetendra Ghosh and special Acting Jhalak Thakkar and Mayur Vakani .Sejal Sarju has got awards: Best Actress –Chandni Chopra, Best Supporting Actress- Jayshree Parikh, Best Art Director- Arvind Panchal, and Best Sound Recordist- Suresh Nayar and best Child artist Kumari Prajakta Garg.Best Actor award has gone to Hiten Kumar for Gago Ke Dadanu Parnu parnu karto to, Best female play back singer Sadhna Sargam for Dukhda Haro Ma Dashama, Best story writer-Sandip Patel and best coordination award –Dilip Koplagi and Kedar gogre. Best lyrist- Rudradutt Rana.

Arrested art student gets bail in 'obscene paintings' case
Tuesday, May 15, 2007 | AY

Vadodara (Gujarat), May 14 (ANI): The fine arts student, arrested last week on charges of making "obscene" art works was granted bail here on Monday. Chandramohan, a student at the M.S. University at Vadodara was arrested for an exhibition of his works meant for the faculty for internal assessment.Activists of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) called the police, alleging the exhibits demeaned Hindu and Christian deities.Meanwhile, chaotic scenes were witnessed outside the college premises on Monday, where fine arts student and social activist were not allowed to enter.The students and faculty members were protesting the arrest of Chandramohan and the suspension of Shivaji Panicker, Head of Department faculty of fine arts.Social activists slammed Chandramohan's arrest as an assault on freedom of expression."Inside the University the goons and police are mixed with them and the university authorities instead of supporting the university faculty have joined them and suspended a faculty member. This is something absolutely shocking," S. Hashmii, social activist from Mumbai, said.However, right wing student organizations lashed out at the art community for backing Chandramohan."Instead of asking for apology, the fine arts students are calling people from all over the country and trying to prove that what they have done is not wrong. We are holding a protest against this," said Vikas Dubey, activist of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. (ANI)

Gujarat govt. submits status report on fake encounter case
Monday, May 14, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, May 14 (ANI): The Gujarat Government submitted its report in connection with the Sohrabbudin Sheikh fake encounter case in the Supreme Court today. According to the media, more arrests are likely in connection with the case. The report has also rejected the need for a CBI inquiry. So far, one confessional statement has been recorded and some telephonic conversation has confirmed the involvement of the accused in the case, the report said. The hearing of the case will now take place on Tuesday. Earlier, the Gujarat Government had admitted to the apex court about its collusion in the death of Kausar Bi, wife of the fake encounter victim Sohrabuddin. She was first killed and then her corpse was burnt a few days after her husband was killed in a fake encounter. Meanwhile, a two-member Gujarat Crime Investigation Department (CID) team headed by Inspector General of Police Geeta Johri has started investigating the role of Andhra Pradesh Police in the case.Andhra Pradesh Police, however, deny any involvement in the case.The team has already submitted its report to the apex court. The present probe has led to the arrest of three police officers – DIG (Border Range) DG Vanzara, Pandian and Alwar Superintendent MN Dinesh Kumar.Vanzara and Pandian were part of the team that killed Sheikh. They have also been accused of killing Kausar Bi.Sheikh was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by the Gujarat Police, allegedly trying to hatch a conspiracy to kill Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.The probe revelation has raised a debate across the country over staged encounters by security forces at the behest of their political bosses. (ANI)

Vadodara college students, teachers protest against arrest of their colleagues
Sunday, May 13, 2007 | AY

Vadodara (Gujarat) May 12 (ANI): Students and teachers of M.S. University in Vadodara today demanded immediate release of the two art students, arrested by the police for ‘immoral’ depiction of Hindu gods and goddesses in their paintings. They also demanded revoking of the suspension order against the Head of the Department of the Arts faculty, who had supported the students. On Thursday, police had arrested two students of the University for an exhibition of works, which was objected to by activists of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) after the right wing group members ransacked the exhibition alleging that the exhibition was an attack on Hindu religion’s sensibilities. The students and teachers today took out protest demonstration carrying banners and placards and vowed to intensify their agitation for release of the arrested students and reinstatement of the suspended teacher."Yesterday, our Head of the Department, Shivji Pannikar sir was suspended from duty. And our friend who was arrested has still not been granted bail. We are protesting against these actions because the university authorities are not supporting us," said Abhiram, a protesting student.However, the suspended teacher had earlier said that the exhibition was not for public viewing but was meant only for internal assessment of students. “Instead of controlling outsiders who just walked into the college premises, disrupting the ongoing examinations, the authorities have suspended a teacher. The person who has given this directive should be dismissed from service because nobody can act against the rules of the university," said I.I. Pandya, representative of the Baroda University Teachers Association (BUTA).The teaching community has charged the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University for succumbing to VHP pressure. (ANI)

IAF conducts flood relief training, awareness camp
Saturday, May 12, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, May 10 (ANI): Aiming to optimize the Indian Air Force's flood relief efforts starting from the grassroots level of various districts and tehsils in the state, the South Western Air Command (SWAC) began a series of 'Flood Relief Training and Awareness Camps' starting today from Gandhinagar. With a camp to be held tomorrow at Rajkot, similar camps in Baramati and Nashik in Maharashtra, and Jodhpur in Rajastghan will follow. State Disaster Management officials from every district in the State will participate in the camps. In Gujarat, the initiative together with the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), was aimed at disseminating information in a phased manner to understand the issues relating to safety of the people on the ground, procedures relating to packing and dispatch of relief packets, and conduct of rescue operations in conjunction with the IAF in flood relief operations. "Monsoon will be normal. We don't know if there are the chances of floods in Gujarat this year or not. Nobody can tell this exactly. We are assuming that there will be need for the disaster management operation and for that we are preparing ourselves," said Rajesh Kishor, Commissioner of Relief. As a routine, the IAF is called upon on several occasions to provide relief and succour at various places all across the country. The unprecedented flood during last two years in Gujarat is a case in point. Last year in Gujarat alone, SWAC helicopters airlifted 244 tons of relief material and rescued 560 people of which 420 were alone winched up to safety. While IAF helicopters are national resources, there is a need to utilize them optimally during relief operations to derive maximum benefit. The awareness camps by the IAF include practical demonstration of winching on a Mi-8 helicopter; an operation involving pulling into the hovering helicopter stranded personnel from places where landing is not possible. "We are explaining to the disaster management personnel that what all we can do to provide relief at the time of the floods. We are explaining to the state officers that what are the capabilities and the limitations of our officials," said Pankaj Baisnoi, an officer of the Indian Air Force.It was observed during the last flood relief operations that lack of knowledge and the fear of being displaced were among the reasons why people in distress refused to be rescued even as IAF Pilots painstakingly reached locations in most adverse conditions, where they were stranded. It is in this light that all concerned agencies on ground need to be aware of its capabilities and limitations. Life-saving missions are time bound due to adverse factors such as bad weather, fading light conditions, rising water levels etc. In these circumstances accurate knowledge of the location of the people in distress becomes critical to the mission's success. (ANI)

California celebrates Gujarat Day with great zeal
Friday, May 11, 2007 | AA

Mumbai, May 11, 2007: Preparations to celebrate the ‘Gujarat Day’ are in full swing in the Northern California, US to mark the formation of Gujarat state on May 1st, which is organized by the ‘Bay Area Gujarati Samaj’ on 13th May 2007 Arzoo.com the recently launched travel portal by Mr. Sabeer Bhatia is supporting this grand event. “We at Arzoo.com greatly believe in these cultural and social events, which helps bind people even though they are miles away form their own country and therefore we thought sponsoring would be the best way to get associated with the people of Gujarat”, says Mr. Yogesh Patel, COO and CTO, Arzoo.com. The celebrations are scheduled throughout the day, which includes various Gujarati cultural programs and activities like the famous Raas-Garba, Folk Songs, Gujarati Madhur Sangeet and much more. Apart form the cultural programs, it will also highlight on the History, Culture and Arts of Gujarat. The event is been organized at The Hindu Temple and Community Center and would be broadcasted live on www.bayareagujaratisamaj.com About Arzoo.com:Through Arzoo.com, customers can book Domestic and International Flights, make Hotel Reservations, buy Domestic & International Holiday Packages, find Exciting Weekend Gateways and also Service Apartments. Apart from offering amongst the best rates in all categories, the unique value proposition of Arzoo.com is that customers have a choice of multiple ways of making travel reservations via the Internet or Mobile Phones or by calling a Toll Free Number (1-800-22 21 20) for 24x7 assistance, or by simply sending an SMS to 67 67 55 mentioning brief travel requirements. Arzoo also specializes in handling regular travel requirements of corporate customers, including group bookings. Through special deals with major hotels in all categories across India and overseas, Arzoo suits the budget and tastes of all types of customers. For Further Details Contact:Archana PradhanThe Source,archanapradhan@sourcepr.com

Gujarat fake encounter: IPS officers in judicial custody for one more week
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, May 9 (ANI): A city court has sent three senior police officials, who were accused of killing a Muslim man two years ago in a fake encounter, to a further week of judicial custody."As the arrested police officers' 14-day remand period ended, the court directed that they be sent to Sabarmati Central Jail on judicial custody," said Arvind Pandya, counsel for M.N. Dinesh Kumar, one of the three accused police officials. Three other policemen arrested in the case were also produced in the court. D.G. Vanzara and Rajkumar Pandyan from Gujarat and Kumar from Rajasthan Police were arrested last month for the fake encounter death of Sohrabuddin Shiekh and his wife Kausar Bi. Sheikh was wanted in several cases of extortion and murder. Police had claimed that Sheikh was an operative of terror Lashkar-e-Taiba and was planning to assassinate Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Last week, intelligence reports leaked to the media warned of a threat to the officers' lives at the Sabarmati Central Jail.Pandya, however, said that the defence wasn’t aware of the threat. "If there is a threat, we would know. We are not aware of any threat," he said. The fake encounters have triggered a nation wide debate over staged encounters by security forces at the behest of their political bosses. The Parliament is witnessing furore for last few days, as the ruling Congress and its allies and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), locked horns over the issue. (ANI)

Parliament adjourned over Gujarat encounter controversy
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, May 8 (ANI): The Lok Sabha, the Lower House of Parliament, was adjourned till 2:00 p.m. as the Congress, the Left parties and the Samajwadi Party Member of Parliaments raised voices against the fake police encounters in Gujarat and alleged the involvement of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government in the State. The Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament, was also adjourned till 1:00 p.m. The Lok Sabha was adjourned, earlier too; as soon as it met this morning to take up Question Hour till 12:00 p.m. In Lok Sabha, Congress members shouted slogans against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and accused him of shielding the politicians and policemen involved in the fake encounter. In their reply, BJP MPs blamed Left leaders for Nandigram killings. Yesterday too, the Parliament was adjourned over the same issue. The Gujarat Police, on Supreme Court’s prodding, has arrested three senior police officers for killing Sohrabuddin Sheikh in a fake encounter. Sheikh was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by the Gujarat Police. Gujarat cadre IPS officers Border Range DIG D G Vanzara and SP (Operations) Rajkumar Pandyan; and Alwar (Rajasthan) SP M N Dinesh Kumar have been arrested in connection with Sheikh case. The probe revelation has raised a debate across the country over staged encounters by security forces at the behest of political bosses. (ANI)

World School Chess champ Sweety wants to become youngest grandmaster
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | AY

Surat (Gujarat), May 8 (ANI): Surat's Sweety Patel, who won the Under-9 category World School Chess Championship held in Greece on May 6, today said she wants to become the youngest international grandmaster.Eight-year-old Sweety, who beat 390 participants from 29 countries to win the championship, said that she dreamt about becoming the world champion about a year ago and the gold medal at Greece was a prize of her determination. "I went to Greece to take part in the championship, I had dreamt about becoming the world champion about a year ago. I had written it on the wall that come what may, I will win the championship and I have lived up to my expectation. I have not won the gold only for myself but also for the country. Now, I want to become the youngest international grandmaster", she said. Patel won all the nine rounds of the tournament, making both the country and her parents to be proud of her."My daughter is a world champion at such a young age and I am delighted," said Sweety's father. The country has produced young grandmasters like D.V. Harikrishna, Koneru Humpy and Tanya Singh, ever since Vishwanathan Anand became the international grandmaster in the 90s inspiring kids to take up chess. (ANI)

3 more cops arrested in Gujarat fake encounter case
Tuesday, May 8, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, May 7 (ANI): In the latest development in the Gujarat fake encounter case, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested three more policemen of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The three cops-- Inspector N H Dabhi and two lower-rank policemen Ajay Parmar and Sant Ram Sharma-- have been charged with abduction, illegal confinement and murder, media reports said. They are likely to be produced before a court tomorrow. The total number of arrested policemen for their alleged involvement in the killing of Sohrabbudin Sheikh has rose to six. Two of the three IPS officers arrested in the case, DIG (Border Range) DG Vanzara and Superintendent of Police Rajkumar Pandian have been suspended from the service. The suspension order came after the police custody of these two officers along with Alwar Superintendent MN Dinesh Kumar was extended to May 8. According to service rules, policemen who spend 48 hours in custody after their arrest stand as suspended. Vanzara and Pandian were part of the team that carried out the fake encounter of Sohrabuddin. They have also been accused of killing Sohrabuddin's wife Kausar Bi. Investigators have said that they would approach the court to seek permission for conducting narco-analysis tests on them. The Gujarat Police, on Supreme Court's prodding, arrested three senior police officers for killing Sohrabuddin. Sheikh was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by the Gujarat Police, allegedly trying to hatch a conspiracy to kill Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The probe revelation has raised a debate across the country over staged encounters by security forces at the behest of political bosses. (ANI)

We are stepping up efforts to push through IPI gas project: Deora
Tuesday, May 8, 2007 | AY

Hazira (Gujarat), May 7 (ANI): India on Monday said it was trying hard for a speedy realization of a planned 7.4-billion-dollar trans-nation Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project. Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said that though the three concerned parties were trying hard to arrive at a solution, it was, however, to early to say anything on it. "We are trying very hard to push through the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline. India and Pakistan will get much needed gas supplies when it comes through. Talks with Pakistan are going on at a high level. I met the Pakistani and Iranian Oil Ministers in Riyadh last month, and the Iranian President in Tehran. We are trying hard to arrive at a solution. It is, however, to early to say anything right now,” he said. The three countries are negotiating supply of natural gas through terrestrial pipelines to feed the growing energy needs of the subcontinent. But the project has made slow progress, as Tehran has not agreed on pricing as also partly due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. Iran sits atop the world's second largest gas reserves after Russia. But sanctions, politics and construction delays have slowed its gas development and analysts say it is unlikely to become a major exporter for a decade. Apart from the pipeline, New Delhi is also negotiating with Iran to secure a deal that would see Tehran supply five million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) a year over a 25-year-period from 2009. The Dahej-Panvel-Surat-Dabhol gas pipeline, which Deora re-opened on Monday, had earlier hit a roadblock with Gujarat refusing it the right of way. The pipe was to feed the mothballed Dabhol Power Project in Maharashtra that would help the state tide over its impeding power crisis. Work had to be stalled on a 100- kilometer stretch of the proposed 576-kilometre pipeline in Surat in Gujarat, triggering protests in Mumbai. Gujarat on Friday reportedly communicated to Maharashtra a climb-down from its stance, after intervention from the Central Government. Deora, however, said all was well between the states and with the project. "I don't think there is any problem now between Gujarat and Maharashtra or any other state. Whatever little problem or misunderstanding… its all clear now and we are all working in harmony. By next June, mid-June, the gas (supply) will be on," he said. (ANI)

ujarat fake encounter rocks Parliament
Tuesday, May 8, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, May 7 (ANI): The 2005 Gujarat fake encounter case in which three IPS officers have been arrested, rocked both the Houses of the Parliament today with the Left, the Congress and the Samajwadi parties attacking the BJP for trying to shield Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.In the Lok Sabha, Congress and Left MPs demanded Modi's resignation to which BJP members raised the issue of killings in Nandigram.There was utter chaos in the din and in spite of Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee's repeated assurances, the members refused to sit down.The constant sloganeering led Chatterjee to adjourn the House till noon. But when the House met after the lunch, the situation hardly changed and the Speaker had to adjourn the House till tomorrow. “Gujarat government knew what was happening. According to newspapers also there are not one but many such incidents that happened in Gujarat in the pretext of encountering those militants who were planning to assassinate Narendra Modi. That is the reason we have asked for an enquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation," said Congress leader Kapil Sibal.The scene in Rajya Sabha was no different, as treasury bench members raised the issue of the fake encounter and demanded discussion on it as soon as the Question Hour began in the House.Congress and Samajwadi Party members demanded dismissal of the Gujarat government and immediate arrest of Modi. Rajya Sabha Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat urged the members to raise the issue during the Zero-Hour.BJP leaders on the other hand tried to counter the Congress' attack by raising the issue of the US Senators' letter to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in which they asked India to sever its military ties with Iran. However, BJP leader Sushma Swaraj lashed out at Congress for deliberately stopping the Parliament proceedings."It is clear that if the Opposition is sitting quietly to let the proceedings of the Parliament, then the government will have to let the work on. That is the reason they are hampering the proceedings and then blame us," she said.Sekhawat had to finally adjourn the House for till Tuesday. (ANI)

Gujarat’s Siddhagiri Palitana Tirtha, a major pilgrimage centre of Jainism
Tuesday, May 8, 2007 | AY

Palitana (Bhavnagar), Nov.27 (ANI): The Shri Siddhagiri Temple in Gujarat’s Palitana city continues to draw thousands of devotees and tourists, particularly, when the full moon is sighted. Known as Shri Siddhagiri Palitana Tirtha, the temple, is situated atop one of five most sacred hills of the Jain faith, Shetrunjaya Hill, the other four being Girnar, Abu, Ashtpad and Sametshikhar. Situated around 55 kilometres from Bhavnagar and 256 kilometres from Ahmedabad in Gujarat, the 603-metre-high Shetrunjaya Hill, is also known as Siddhagiri. "On the Poornima day, large number of devotees visit this place to worship at this temple. They come from every nook and corner of the country. On the first day, the number reaches nearly a lakh visitors," said Raghav, a devotee. Devotees believe that if rituals are performed with full devotion, their prayers will be answered."This is the first day, as the temples opens on Kartik Poornima. Devotees from all walks of life come here. Many ailing ones visit the sacred place so that their prayers are heard and their ailments ended," said Rakesh Jain, another devotee from Ujjain. Historically, a great sage Nagarjuna established Palitana city as Padlipatur in the memory of his master. Earlier, the temple on Shetrunjay Hill was made of wood. When Rajendra Kumarpal and his son Divan Uday visited the temple, they pondered over the possibility of fire so they resolved to rebuild the shrine with stone. The following years were all devoted to the construction of the temple, which continued for many years under the supervision and motivation of the rulers and Divans and many Jain sages. The sage, who framed the first phase of Jain heritage, Rushabhdev, is the main deity here along with twenty-three Tirthankars (or, promoters of a place of pilgrimage) who promoted Jainism. All of them had paid a visit to Shetrunjaya hill. The hilltop of Shetrunjaya is spread over 20 acres and has 108 giant Derasar (Jain Temples) and 872 shrines with 7,000 idols. One has to climb about 3,750 steps to complete a two-mile long journey to the top. The theological importance of the area not withstanding, the Shetrunjaya Hill also provides the visitor with a view of some marvellous carvings. Temples dedicated to Lord Adinath, Hanuman, Bhuteshwar Mahadev, Bhavani Mata and a Dargah of Garibshah Pir, a Muslim saint located. A fair is also organised during Kartik Poorima, Chaitra Poornima and Phalgun Sudh Teras.The temples at Palitana are considered to be the most sacred among all Jain temples. (ANI)

Rain damages jeera, cotton isabgul crops in Gujarat
Monday, May 7, 2007 | AY

Rajkot, Mar.15 (ANI): Unseasonal rains that lashed parts of Saurashtra, Kutch and Gujarat's crop sowing regions have put expected production of cotton, cuminseed and isabgul under pressure.J B Ranparia, divisional agriculture officer at Rajkot, told Commodity Online that the damage is minimised since 80 percent of the wheat and cumin seeds standing crops is already harvested and lifted. (ANI)

Gujarat fake encounter: DIG Vanzara, SP Pandian suspended
Monday, May 7, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, May 6 (ANI): Two of the three IPS officers arrested in the Gujarat fake encounter case of Sohrabbudin Sheikh, DIG (Border Range) DG Vanzara and Superintendent of Police Rajkumar Pandian have been suspended from the service.The suspension order comes a day after the police custody of these two officers along with Alwar Superintendent MN Dinesh Kumar was extended to May 8.However, the suspension orders against the officers were issued on Saturday itself but were kept under wraps.According to the service rules, policemen who spend 48 hours in custody after their arrest stand suspended. Vanzara and Pandian were part of the team that carried out the fake encounter of Sohrabuddin. They have also been accused of killing Sohrabuddin's wife Kausar Bi.Investigators have said that they would approach the court to seek permission for conduct narco-analysis tests on them. The Gujarat Police, on Supreme Court's prodding, arrested three senior police officers for killing Sohrabuddin.Sheikh was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by the Gujarat Police, allegedly trying to hatch a conspiracy to kill Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.The probe revelation has raised a debate across the country over staged encounters by security forces at the behest of political bosses. (ANI)

Police raids suspended Gujarat DIG's village home for Kauser Bi's remain
Monday, May 7, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, May 6 (ANI): Just a day after suspending the Gujarat DIG (Border range) D G Vanzara, who is presently in police custody for his alleged involvement in the 2005 fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Sheikh, the Gujarat police today raided his native home in Illol village, anticipating to find Sheikh's wife Kausar Bi's remains.Kausar Bi was killed and a police team under Vanzara burnt her dead body to wipe out any witness to the fake encounter of Sheikh.On Monday, the Gujarat Government admitted in the Supreme Court about Bi's brutal death.However, the investigating team believes that Bi's body was burnt and her remains were buried near Vanzara's village Illol, 80 km north of Ahmedabad.Earlier, Superintendent of Police Rajkumar Pandian, one of the three IPS officers arrested in the fake encounter case, was suspended from the service along with Vanzara.The suspension order comes a day after the police custody of these two officers along with Alwar Superintendent MN Dinesh Kumar was extended to May 8.However, the suspension orders against the officers were issued on Saturday itself but were kept under wraps.According to the service rules, policemen who spend 48 hours in custody after their arrest stand suspended. Vanzara and Pandian were part of the team that carried out the fake encounter of Sohrabuddin. They have also been accused of killing Sohrabuddin's wife Kausar Bi.Investigators have said that they would approach the court to seek permission for conduct narco-analysis tests on them. The Gujarat Police, on Supreme Court's prodding, arrested three senior police officers for killing Sohrabuddin.Sheikh was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by the Gujarat Police, allegedly trying to hatch a conspiracy to kill Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.The probe revelation has raised a debate across the country over staged encounters by security forces at the behest of political bosses. (ANI)

BCCI happy with explanations from Sachin, Yuvraj
Sunday, May 6, 2007 | AY

Rajkot/Ahmedabad, Apr 15 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday expressed its happiness over the reply of the notices that were served to Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh."BCCI is happy with their (Sachin and Yuvraj) answers and the chapter is now closed," said BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah.Both players were served notices on April 7 for speaking to media and giving their comments about former coach Greg Chappell.Today, Shah said that BCCI would serve notices to everyone who would speak to media. "Every player should remember that the game is more important than individuals," he added.He also said that for the forthcoming Bangladesh series, a young team would be selected, and there would be two different teams for the one day and test series."BCCI's focus is on the domestic cricket and so we have instructed all the five selectors to watch the 20/20 matches that are presently going in Ahmedabad and Mumbai," he added. Meanwhile, cricket fans in Ahmedabad today protested against the dismal performance of the Team India in World Cup, and demonstrated in front of the hotel, where Sachin Tendulkar, Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan and Wasim Jafar are staying.The players today arrived in Ahmedabad to participate in the Inter-State All India Twenty - Twenty Tournament. " During the World Cup these senior cricketers have hurt the emotions of every Indian and now they should resign and let the newcomers participate," said Balvant Rathore, a protestor. (ANI)

A jilted lover takes to life-threatening stunts in Rajkot
Sunday, May 6, 2007 | AY

Rajkot (Gujarat), Apr.3 (ANI): A jilted lover, who courts danger to mend his broken heart, is astounding spectators in Rajkot with his hair-raising feats.He says that he is performing these feats in memory of his beloved.Loud Bollywood music blares in the background, as 27-year old Sarjeet Yadav, transforms a street into his stage, as crowds surround him to watch him performing daredevil stunts.Yadav has come a long way since he first took to performing stunts at the young age of eight, after leaving his home having suffered from neglect.He says at that point he only performed trivial stunts to get by in life, but when the woman of his dreams left him broken-hearted and shattered, he actually took to performing life-threatening stunts."The one person for whom I wanted to live and do something left me. There already was a void in my life and when at such a stage the only support deserts you, I guess it leaves you devastated. I missed her and I still do. It made me crazy to such a limit that I stopped believing that I was fated for anything good anymore. Love breezed in and stormed out of my life and left me here in this manner," said Yadav.Yadav mesmerises his audiences with such acts like smashing beer bottles and tube lights on his head and back, rolling over shreds of glass. He uses his bare hands to rub fuel on a red hot iron link and even sets himself on fire as part of his act.Farzana, Yadav's wife, whom he met during one of his performances, says that though it pains her to see him perform, she loves him for what he does."When he performs all those scary and painful stunts it scares me and also pains me to see him undergo all that. But there is an inner satisfaction that he is getting somewhere in life. The injuries he sustains may not be visible to the public, but when I nurse them when he gets back home, I feel pained for him," she said.Using a sharp blade, Yadav also inflicts small incisions on his bare chest and rubs chilli powder on his wounds as part of his painful act.Siddharth, a spectator said the stunts are amazing."It was a terrible, but also an amazing sight. I have never witnessed anything like this before in my life. It's only once in a while that there comes by a man like this, and what more can I add? I'm at a loss for words, his feats are amazing," he said.Yadav, who has also performed in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, warns his audiences against performing such feats, as they are extremely dangerous. (ANI)

Gujarat fake encounter accused IPS officers' remand extended till May 8
Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, May 5 (ANI): The Metropolitan court here on Saturday extended the police custody of three senior police officials arrested in connection the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case.The three IPS officers are Gujarat cadre IPS officers Border Range DIG D G Vanzara, SP (Operations) Rajkumar Pandyan; and Alwar (Rajasthan) SP M N Dinesh Kumar.The officers were produced before the court, which extended their police custody till May 8. The four-day remand of all of them was coming to an end today.The Gujarat CID probing the case had sought extension of police custody by seven days for further interrogation to find out more details about Kausar Bi, Sheikh's wife, who has been missing since the encounter in November 2005.The CID also filed an application seeking the court's permission to conduct narco-analysis and brain-mapping tests on the three IPS officers.However, the three officers have reportedly refused to cooperate in the forensic tests.Vanzara's lawyer has claimed that Vanzara's life is under threat and added that they are going to approach the court to increase his security, which is already of Z-category.Earlier today, villagers hailing from Vanzara's community staged demonstrations outside the court premises in his support.Sheikh was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by Gujarat Police. The police have claimed that Sheikh was plotting to kill Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to avenge the death of Muslims in the Gujarat riots in 2002.On Monday, the Gujarat Government told the apex court that Kausar Bi was raped, killed and burnt a few days after Sheikh was killed.While Kausar Bi's whereabouts remain unknown, her first husband, Basharat Ali said in Ujjain that he was not in touch with Kausar for over five years.After a married life of 21 years, Kausar left Basharat Ali when he lost his job."She used to wear a veil like Muslims do, but later she changed and adopted a more modern way of life. Following this we had problems, we started bickering and eventually she went back to her parents' home. I tried for three months to bring her back, but in vain. She said she wanted a divorce, and in 2002 we got divorced," said Ali."I never heard from her in the past five years, and I was not concerned either. It was only when I read in the newspapers that I got to know about her death," he added.Ali has sent his and Kausar's three children away from his home to a relative's home at Nagda, about 90 km from Ujjain, to avoid media glare."We have a television at home and they read the newspapers. Of course the children know that Kausar is no more, they are stunned and depressed," he said. (ANI)

SC fixes May 15 for fresh order on Gujarat fake encounter
Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, May 3 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Thursday announced that it would determine the need for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the 2005 Gujarat fake encounter case on May 15.Today’s order came in response to a petition file by Rubabuddin, the brother of Gujarat fake encounter victim Soharbuddin Sheikh. The Central Government also favours a CBI probe into the incident.Sohrabuddin Sheikh was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by Gujarat Police.Gujarat cadre IPS officers Border Range DIG D G Vanzara and SP (Operations) Rajkumar Pandyan; and Alwar (Rajasthan) SP M N Dinesh Kumar have been accused and arrested in connection with the case, and are in police custody till May 5.Admitting the petition, a bench comprising of Justices Tarun Chatterjee and P K Balasubramanyam said that a prima-facie case was there, and directed the Government of Gujarat to place its report within two weeks.The court also sought a reply from the State Government on whether senior IPS officer Geeta Johari, who is investigating the case, had been taken off the probe.Rubabuddin has also filed a habeas corpus petition seeking a direction to the Gujarat Police to trace Kausar Bi, the wife of Soharbuddin Sheikh, who has been missing since the 2005 encounter.On Monday, the Gujarat Government told the apex court that Kausar Bi was raped, killed and burnt a few days after Sheikh was killed.The police have claimed that Sheikh was plotting to kill Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to avenge the death of Muslims in the Gujarat riots in 2002.

When a sister marries her sister-in-law in Vadodara
Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AY

Vadodara, May 4 (ANI): A tribal community of Gujarat has a unique wedding tradition that requires an unmarried sister to act as a "bridegroom" by replacing her brother during the marriage ceremony. The bachelor sister goes through all rituals, which otherwise are performed by the boy. Members of the Randhwa tribal community have been following this tradition for ages. "Only the younger sister of the groom performs the rituals, and the sister should be unmarried. A married sister cannot go," said Bhavsinghbhai Radhwa, the tribal leader of the Randhawa community. In the Hindu marriage system, the bridegroom goes to a girl's place and is supposed to perform various rituals to marry her. But the bridegroom belonging to the Randhawa tribal community is forbidden to visit his would be wife's place on the wedding day. He can meet his bride only after she is escorted by his unmarried sister to their home. It is believed that by replacing the boy during his marriage, the unmarried sister takes upon herself every probable curse meant for him by evil spirits. "It is believed that since the groom is young and unmarried, he will probably face troubles in terms of his health if he goes out to get his bride. Therefore, for the safety of the groom, it is the sister of the groom who brings the wedded bride home after they perform vows in front of the sacred fire," said Sunitaben Radhwa. The sister's role concludes when the bride reaches the new home at her husband's residence. Be it garlanding, going round the holy fire in the presence of a priest uttering Shlokas from scriptures, it is all done by the groom's sister. Even the marriage vows are actually taken by the sister.A day later, the entire village is invited to dine with the newly-wed boy and girl and bless them for a happy married life. (ANI)

Gujarat Fake encounter net widens, Pathan’s kin to move Supreme Court
Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, May 4 (ANI): In yet another instance of an alleged fake encounter killing by the Gujarat Police, kin of Samir Khan Pathan are all set to move the Supreme Court for a detailed probe to unravel the truth.Branding Pathan as a Jaish-e-Mohammad militant, the Gujarat Police had shot him dead after attempted to flee from custody.Police had said Pathan had also planned to kill Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Lal Krishna Advani.Pathan's father, Sarfaraz Khan, said his son was innocent, and that they would move the Supreme Court to seek justice."We are quite hopeful. We will definitely move the court. There is some evidence we have, and after we are fully sure of it, we will file a case,” said Sarfaraz Khan.Pathan’s family is determined to find out the truth behind the encounter.“My son's case was otherwise already closed, but we will let them know that his encounter was wrong. They have labelled him a militant, but they did not recover any ammunition from him. The police, when arresting him, had told him that they would kill him," Sarfaraz said.Pathan's mother, Janud Bibi, said: “He (Pathan) was not a militant. He was a good person. They made a mistake by killing him”.Pathan's parents said the surfacing of a similar fake encounter case has prompted them to knock the doors of the Supreme Court in search for justice.The Gujarat Police, on Supreme Court’s prodding, has arrested three senior police officers for killing Sohrabuddin Sheikh in a November 2005 fake encounter.Sheikh was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by the Gujarat Police.Gujarat cadre IPS officers Border Range DIG D G Vanzara and SP (Operations) Rajkumar Pandyan; and Alwar (Rajasthan) SP M N Dinesh Kumar have been accused and arrested in connection with Sohrabuddin Sheikh case.The probe revelation has raised a debate across the country over staged encounters by security forces at the behest of political bosses. (ANI)

Mercury soars in Gujarat during wedding season
Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, May 4 (ANI): Gujarat is reeling under heat wave, like several parts in the north and west of the country.It is the marriage season in Ahmedabad, and the heat is keeping most shoppers away from the marketplaces."We have to go out in the heat to shop. We cannot help that as the marriage season is on. We cannot go out in the night to shop, as it is not safe for women to do so,” said Nimmi Chauhan, a customer, who came out at noon for shopping for a marriage in the family.Roadside cold-drink stalls selling lemonade, ice candies, colas and ice-cream have come to the rescue of the shoppers.“The temperature is pretty high, but we somehow manage with headscarves and hand socks. We are just waiting for the monsoon outbreak, so the rain rescues us," said Chauhan. The weatherman has said that the mercury across Gujarat would soar in coming days. "Temperatures are expected to soar in the rest of the State as well, by around one to two degrees. From May 1 to May 5 the average temperature in Ahmedabad is expected to be 41 degrees Centigrade; it might rise to 42.8 degree Centigrade. In rest of the State, temperatures are higher than normal, though less than 40 degrees Celsius," said M H Tomar, Chief of the Ahmedabad Meteorological Department. Most of the Northern India is in the grip of a severe heat wave, with Punjab and Rajasthan recording temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. (ANI)

Gujarat fake encounter: Remand of 3 IPS officers extended by 15 days
Thursday, May 3, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, May 1 (ANI): A city court on Tuesday extended the remand of three senior police officials, accused of killing a Muslim man two years ago in a fake encounter, to 15 more days."No one is above the law. We have given our reasons for asking 15 more days remand to the court," H. Paheria, the investigating officer told reporters.The three top officers, who were suspected of killing Sohrabuddin Sheikh in November 2005, were arrested last week.Meanwhile, the Supreme Court said that it would hear the case of Kausar Bi, the wife of fake encounter victim Sohrabuddin Sheikh, on May 3. The Gujarat Government told the apex court on Monday that Kausar Bi was killed and burnt a few days after Sohrabuddin was killed in November 2005.The apex court is expected to pass an appropriate order on a habeas corpus petition to produce Kausar Bi.The State Government said that efforts are on to retrieve Kausar's remains through a DNA test. Earlier, Gujarat's Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ranjnish Rai, who was investigating the fake encounter case, was removed from the process. DIG D G Vanzara is the prime accused along with another Gujarat Police officer Rajkumar Pandyan and Rajasthan Police's Dinesh Kumar. All three were arrested last week.The police have claimed that Sohrabuddin was a Lashkar-e-Taiba militant and was plotting to kill Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to avenge the death of Muslims in the Gujarat riots in 2002. (ANI)

54 brides and grooms tie nuptial knot at mass marriage in Porbandar
Thursday, May 3, 2007 | AY

Porbandar (Gujarat), Apr.30 (ANI): Dozens of Hindu and Muslim couples tied the nuptial knot at a mass marriage ceremony in Porbandar, Gujarat, on Sunday.The wedding ceremony was conducted by the Guru Bhai Bodwaria Trust.The brides and grooms were married off as per traditional Hindu and Muslim rituals in a huge makeshift hall that was erected for the occasion."This year we have got 54 couples married at this ceremony, out of which 19 people are from minority community and the rest are Hindus. There is also a deaf couple amongst them. Here people from different communities, religions and backgrounds come together under one roof to unite in holy matrimony," said Ram Dev Bodwaria of the Guru Bhai Bodwaria Trust.Mohammad Rafi, a Muslim cleric, expressed delight over the event."I am here in the capacity of a priest and I am delighted at this beautiful gesture that is taking place here in Porbandar," he said. Gujarat was rocked by large-scale communal riots in 2002, the worst seen in the country in more than a decade in which more than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed. Scars of the riots still remain with even minor incidents sparking clashes. Group marriages are becoming very popular, especially among the economically backward sections of Indian society, as it eases a huge financial burden. The family of a bride is expected to bear the expenses of a lavish wedding and give "dowry" or handsome gifts in cash or kind, to their daughter. Several organisations are now campaigning against high-cost marriages and social evils like dowry. However, multi-faith marriages are still rare and at times trigger tension between communities. (ANI)

‘No entry’ for journalists in Gujarat police stations
Thursday, May 3, 2007 | AY

Gandhinagar, May 2 (ANI): Gujarat police on Wednesday barred entry of journalists in its offices apparently after leakage of probe details into the November 2005 fake encounter case. The gates of police headquarters in Gandhinagar were shut on journalists and photojournalists scouting for details of the fake encounter case that has rocked the nation. Policemen on duty said they had orders to bar newsmen's entry inside the building. "Journalists are not allowed in," said D G Vaghela, a policeman. Journalists said the move was to scuttle the freedom of press. "Criminals can go wherever they want, but journalists are being restricted. This is highly illogical. Now everything is being revealed. We should vehemently protest such a move. Freedom of press and our right to information cannot be suppressed whoever it may be," said R. K. Mishra, a senior journalist from Pioneer. Though there was no official explanation for the impromptu decision by the police, local journalists said it could be a sequel to leakage of reports on the staged killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and also his wife by police in November 2005. Three top police officers suspected of killing Sheikh with no concrete evidence were arrested last week. State police had claimed Sheikh was a member of Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba and was plotting to kill Chief Minister Narendra Modi. But last month, the state government, in reply to the petition in the Supreme Court, admitted the gun battle was fake, and said fresh investigations had been ordered. The Gujarat government also admitted the missing wife of Sheikh had been killed. (ANI)

Supreme Court to hear Kausar Bi case
Thursday, May 3, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, May 3 (ANI): The Supreme Court will today hear the case of Kausar Bi, the wife of Gujarat fake encounter victim Sohrabuddin Sheikh, in connection with her having been missing since the encounter.The Gujarat Government had told the apex court on Monday that Kausar Bi was killed and burnt a few days after Sheikh was killed in November 2005.The apex court is expected to pass an appropriate order on a habeas corpus petition to produce Kausar Bi.The State Government said that efforts are on to retrieve Kausar’s remains.Gujarat's Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ranjnish Rai, who was investigating the fake encounter case, has been pulled out from the probe.According to reports, the State's Director General of Police (DGP) P C Pandey had written a letter to CID ADGP mentioning that Investigating Officer (IO) J B Paderia would not report to Rai.DIG D G Vanzara is the prime accused along with another Gujarat Police officer Rajkumar Pandyan and Rajasthan Police's Dinesh Kumar. A city court on Tuesday extended the remand of all the three by 15 more days.The police have claimed that Sheikh was a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant and was plotting to kill Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to avenge the death of Muslims in the Gujarat riots in 2002.Kausar has been declared missing since the encounter. (ANI)

Bharatiya Jnanpith awards for Gujarati and Hindi writers
Wednesday, May 2, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, Apr 18 (ANI): Bharatiya Jnanpith has chosen eminent Gujarati writer Narayan Mahadev Desai’s ‘Maroon Jeewan Aj Mari Vaani’ for the 18th Moortidevi Award for 2004 and eminent Hindi scholar Dr. Rammurti Sharma’s ‘Bharatiya Darshan ki Chintandhara’ for the 19th Moortidevi Award for 2005.While, Desai’s epic is based on the life, philosophy and work of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Sharma’s book is an encyclopedia of Indian philosophy from Rig Veda to the modern age.Desai, 83, has worked with Gandhiji, Vinoba Bhave and Jayprakash Narayan and is a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi award, the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi Award and the Darshak award.Dr. Sharma has also been conferred with UP Sanskrit Academy award thrice, the Mahavir Samiti Award and the Delhi Sanskrit Academy Award. He attended the International Sanskrit Conferences in Mexico, Philadelphia and Melbourne in 1982, 1984 and 1994 respectively.The Moortidevi Selection Board meeting was held under the chairmanship of Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi.Bharatiya Jnanpith instituted 'Moortidevi Award' is presented every year for contemplative or creative work, which express human values rooted in the broad vision of Indian philosophy and its cultural heritage. (ANI)

Harappan city of Dholavira crying out for preservation
Wednesday, May 2, 2007 | AY

The ancient Harappan city of Dholavira, which is located in Gujarat’s Kutch District, is crying out for proper infrastructural repair. Dholavira, locally known as Kotada, was discovered in 1967-68 by archaeologist J. Joshi, in the Khadir island of Kutch. It listed by UNESCO as world heritage site. The ancient city of Dholavira is remarkable for its magnificent planning and enormity of area and deposit. It is one of the two largest Harappan settlements in India and the fourth or fifth largest in the subcontinent.The most notable feature of this site is its water management acumen. There is extensive water harvesting throughout the site. It also enjoys the unique distinction of yielding an inscription of ten large-sized signs of the Harappan script, indeed the oldest signboard of the world. Despite its historical and socio-cultural significance, the site is a classic case of Government apathy and indifference. The year 2006 was celebrated as Tourism Year by the Gujarat Government, but not much has been done to develop it. Archaeologists believe it was an important centre of trade between South Gujarat, Sindh, Punjab and Western Asia. The Harappan site today attracts many tourists from both within the country and outside. It has one or two restaurants, but no proper transportation facility to reach the site. Local people believe that the Archaeological Survey of India has much to do to realise the heritage potential of the site. Shambhu Bhai, the man responsible for bringing Dholavira to the notice of the ASI demanded that "proper care should be taken for the maintenance of the site, and the place around the excavated site should be kept clean” since tourists visit this place. The place presently attracts not more than 70 tourists a day and an average of two foreign tourists. There is a museum here, but it is opened only when any dignitary arrives. It should be opened for public, demanded, Janak Bhai, a visitor. Moreover, there are no guides who can inform the tourists about its historical significance. (ANI)

Gujarat govt confirms Kausar Bi’s death, investigating officer removed
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 | AY

The Gujarat Government today confirmed the death of Kausar Bi, wife of the fake encounter victim Sohrabuddin, and told the Supreme Court that she was first killed and then her corpse was burnt , few days after her husband was killed in a fake encounter. The admission in the court of the Gujarat Government comes days after it had stated that Kausar might be dead. The State Government said that Kausar’s remains are being searched and a DNA test would validate it. Meanwhile, Gujarat's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ranjnish Rai, who was investigating the high profile Gujarat fake encounter case has been removed. According to reports, the State's Director General of Police (DGP) P C Pandey had written a letter to CID ADGP mentioning that Investigating Officer (IO) J B Paderia would not report to Rai. Sohrabuddin Sheikh was allegedly killed in the fake encounter in November 2005. DIG D G Vanzara is the prime accused along with another Gujarat Police officer Rajkumar Pandyan and Rajasthan Police's Dinesh Kumar. All three were arrested last week. The police have claimed that Sheikh was a Lashkar-e-Taiba militant and was plotting to kill Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to avenge the death of Muslims in the Gujarat riots in 2002. Kauser Bi, Sheikh's wife, has been declared missing since the incident. On Friday, the Gujarat Government told the Supreme Court that she too "might have been killed".(ANI)

Gujarat tribals seek recognition through their music
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 | AA

Kochrab Ashram (Gujarat), May 1 (ANI): Pleading for recognition and economic sustainability, tribals of Kochrab in Gujarat recently participated in a day-long musical, using traditional instruments.The tribals lament was that even after 47 years, they did not have their own identity."We do not get any financial help from the Government. There have been no efforts on the part of the Government to give us ration cards. We cannot get our children admitted to schools, as they ask for birth certificates. We stay in fields and that is where the babies are born, so how do we get birth certificates? We are being harassed by everyone and we just feel helpless," said Jayanti Bhai, one of the protestors.Singing and playing traditional musical instruments on social occasions is the sole means of their earning."The instruments that they are playing with once used to be their means of livelihood. But now, modern musical bands have made them irrelevant," said Mittal Patel, the coordinator of the Vicharta Samudaay Samarthan Manch, an organisation helping the tribals.The Centre formed a Commission in 2006 to prepare a report on de-notified nomadic tribes and to suggest ways for their upliftment. (ANI)