Why? Which faith advocates that you need to kill in the name of god? Killing in the name of Allah??? These terrorists are bringing a bad name to all Muslims and human kind. And they rejoice and celebrate at the number of people killed?
Its terrifying, calling checking friends and relatives who live in Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore, Ahmadabad and now Delhi. Checking for blogs posts from bloggers who live in these cities, praying they are OK, but not all are well. There are countless whom I do not know, who are affected. And the media is just so insensitive. When will they every learn. Looking at half dead people being carried away was just too much for me. I have stopped watching news channels. Just catch up on the net. I'm not strong enough to view those gruesome images glorified by the news channels. Have we learned to live with terror that it does not shock and numb us?
Will there be no end to this mindless massacre? There is just no excuse for it. Where does it say that you need to avenge, where does it say that you need to kill to scare, where does it say that hatred is valid? Why this hatred?
Showing posts with label crime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crime. Show all posts
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Goa, The Drug Haven?
Every time I look at the photo I cant help but feel a twinge of regret
Young carefree girl, looking for an emotional anchor
Wants to have fun, wants to know where her life is leading and hungering for love.
15 years old, drugs and sex
she should have been in school
her mother was receiving grants from the govt so that her kids go to school
so why wasn’t she?
Jug Suriya talks about legalizing drugs in
If drugs were not banned, would Scarlett Keeling, the British teenager who was raped and murdered in
It was not drugs that killed Scarlett; it was the criminalization of drugs that led to her death and to the subsequent cover-up attempt by the local police who allegedly are in collaboration with the drug mafias, mainly from
Think about it. If you legalise drugs as alcohol and tobacco would the underworld be there at all? A horrifying scary thought. Imagine cocaine, LSD, escatsy available at the local panwalla. I can not even begin to imagine the affect on innocent teenage and younger children. A dangerous proposition. Drugs should be banned!
Why was the situation allowed to get so bad with different drug cartels operating from
Let go of the corruption, the greed for money and power and we have a safe tourist haven. But heck when the goa police is in cahoots with the drug mafia, will they be willing to let all the money go. If the drug trade is alive and rampant it has to be because of their blessings.
So who is responsible?
1. The 2 arrested for her rape and murder -Samson D'Souza and Placido Carvalho
2. The responsible boyfriend, Julio Lobo? Where is he?
3. Her mother, Fiona? How could she leave a 15 yr old and go to Karnataka? Is she really so naive? Or she just couldn’t be bothered? Her mother needs to be applauded for her fight for justice if not for her sense of priorities. Just think if a British national is having so much of difficulty getting justice, imagine an Indian?
4. The police and the govt for their cover up?
5. Or Scarlett herself? Should she have been a responsible 15 yr old and not indulged in drugs and sex. Known what was good for her. Maybe sex was a way of filling her hunger for love.
This is becoming a lesson for better safe than sorry. I can't help but feel that I should be sympathizing with her family instead of questioning their priorities.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Shame Mumbai Shame
Mumbai was considered a safe city in the night for women to travel. Now it seems to be going the Delhi way. Mob molests 2 women on New Years day in Mumbai
But is only the mob responsible? What was the need to go out for a walk so late in the night. If you are dressed in a certain way, it becomes your responsibility to make sure you stay away from sensitive areas. Don't get me wrong, I wear western dresses too, but that does not mean I will go for a walk after a new years party (which will no doubt end late) as there obviously will be groups of people roaming the streets drunk and high, making merry. And its only inviting trouble.
All the drunken mob saw were 2 women walking towards Juhu Beach. It wouldn't have mattered if they were fully covered and from the looks of the photograph they were not wearing revealing clothes. A sad and a traumatic beginning for the 2 women and their families.
But is only the mob responsible? What was the need to go out for a walk so late in the night. If you are dressed in a certain way, it becomes your responsibility to make sure you stay away from sensitive areas. Don't get me wrong, I wear western dresses too, but that does not mean I will go for a walk after a new years party (which will no doubt end late) as there obviously will be groups of people roaming the streets drunk and high, making merry. And its only inviting trouble.
All the drunken mob saw were 2 women walking towards Juhu Beach. It wouldn't have mattered if they were fully covered and from the looks of the photograph they were not wearing revealing clothes. A sad and a traumatic beginning for the 2 women and their families.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Don't Drink and Drive
Its that time of the year again. When the whole world celebrates at the same time, same day and same occasion. Its the New Year!
Its also the time when the most accidents and deaths happen. And all due to drinking and driving. Bike/Car and Booze make a deadly combination during Christmas and New Year. 90% of the deaths and accidents are because of drinking and driving. Police records show that drunken driving has increased over the years - from 10,163 cases in 2003 to 24,000 cases in 2006.
I have lost 2 of my friends due to this. And New years is a grim reminder of the pain borne by their family that I witnessed. I can still hear the screams of my friend's sister whenever I think of it. Its terrible. And that educated and aware people believe and behave as if they are immune to accidents, is a reality. In Dr.Bhushan Joseph's words, "Most people suffer from the syndrome: 'It can't happen to me'.
The bottom line is alcohol in the blood stream subdues the reflexes, an important neuromuscular action which protects our body. So everybody please have a safe and a happy new year. Leaving a torn, crippled family is not a way to ring in the new year. Its not something that you can undo, but yes we can choose NOT to Drink and Drive and be safe so that we can spend many more new years together with our loved ones.
Wish you all a very Happy, Safe and a Prosperous New Year!
Image Courtesy: Fotosearch
Its also the time when the most accidents and deaths happen. And all due to drinking and driving. Bike/Car and Booze make a deadly combination during Christmas and New Year. 90% of the deaths and accidents are because of drinking and driving. Police records show that drunken driving has increased over the years - from 10,163 cases in 2003 to 24,000 cases in 2006.
I have lost 2 of my friends due to this. And New years is a grim reminder of the pain borne by their family that I witnessed. I can still hear the screams of my friend's sister whenever I think of it. Its terrible. And that educated and aware people believe and behave as if they are immune to accidents, is a reality. In Dr.Bhushan Joseph's words, "Most people suffer from the syndrome: 'It can't happen to me'.
The bottom line is alcohol in the blood stream subdues the reflexes, an important neuromuscular action which protects our body. So everybody please have a safe and a happy new year. Leaving a torn, crippled family is not a way to ring in the new year. Its not something that you can undo, but yes we can choose NOT to Drink and Drive and be safe so that we can spend many more new years together with our loved ones.
Wish you all a very Happy, Safe and a Prosperous New Year!
Image Courtesy: Fotosearch
Just another day
"Had no option but to kill her." wtf?
Watching the news last night, left me stumped at Rohit's confession. In a fit of anger during an argument with his wife, he tried to gag her and then his arm went around her neck and she strangulated. Then he puts her in a suitcase and disposes of it close to his home. All this because she pushed him? What was this man thinking? Looks to me that he just wanted to shut her up and managed to do so, only permanently.
Archana had filed for divorce on grounds of domestic violence and harassment. They were apparently working on their marriage and had just gotten back together after a 2 year separation.
What struck me most was his behaviour. He showed no remorse, no guilt. Spoke as though it was just another errand, just another day. As if to say, whats done is done, now lets get on with our lives.
I'm speechless!
Watching the news last night, left me stumped at Rohit's confession. In a fit of anger during an argument with his wife, he tried to gag her and then his arm went around her neck and she strangulated. Then he puts her in a suitcase and disposes of it close to his home. All this because she pushed him? What was this man thinking? Looks to me that he just wanted to shut her up and managed to do so, only permanently.
Archana had filed for divorce on grounds of domestic violence and harassment. They were apparently working on their marriage and had just gotten back together after a 2 year separation.
What struck me most was his behaviour. He showed no remorse, no guilt. Spoke as though it was just another errand, just another day. As if to say, whats done is done, now lets get on with our lives.
I'm speechless!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The Chat Festival at Hotel Metropole
Hotel Metropole is a heritage hotel located in the heart of Mysore, Karnataka. It was built in the 1920's to accommodate the British guests of the Maharaja of Mysore. It is now run by the Royal Orchid Hotels.
Metropole has always been a favorite place to eat. Their Chili Chicken and Veg Au Gratin used to be to die for and the food has always been exceptionally good. The ambience , the look of the hotel all belong to the royal era. The only sore factor was the service, which was exceptionally slow. But you did not mind as you were there to relax. But all this was before it was taken over by the Orchid group.
Now the only thing working for Metropole is its ambience. The food is terrible and the service even worse. Last weekend they had a chat festival going on. It was inaugurated on Friday evening. It was Black Friday! How can anybody go wrong with chat? Pani puri, dahi vada, Bhajji's, Pav Bhaji, Channa Bhatura, Alu Tikki. ALL were terrible. No taste. and to top it all, all the items contained MSG, Ajinomoto. Why do you need to add this ingredient in chat? Its a taste enhancer that most use to make the food tastier. Its is usually found in packaged foods.
How do I know that it was present? Because I'm sensitive to it and I immediately fell sick the very next day. And not just me, Alicia was there too a week before me and fell sick after eating at their restaurant.
I've learned my lesson and I'm never going there to eat nor am I going to recommend this place to anybody.
Read this to know more about the harmful side effects of MSG or Ajinomoto.
Metropole has always been a favorite place to eat. Their Chili Chicken and Veg Au Gratin used to be to die for and the food has always been exceptionally good. The ambience , the look of the hotel all belong to the royal era. The only sore factor was the service, which was exceptionally slow. But you did not mind as you were there to relax. But all this was before it was taken over by the Orchid group.
Now the only thing working for Metropole is its ambience. The food is terrible and the service even worse. Last weekend they had a chat festival going on. It was inaugurated on Friday evening. It was Black Friday! How can anybody go wrong with chat? Pani puri, dahi vada, Bhajji's, Pav Bhaji, Channa Bhatura, Alu Tikki. ALL were terrible. No taste. and to top it all, all the items contained MSG, Ajinomoto. Why do you need to add this ingredient in chat? Its a taste enhancer that most use to make the food tastier. Its is usually found in packaged foods.
How do I know that it was present? Because I'm sensitive to it and I immediately fell sick the very next day. And not just me, Alicia was there too a week before me and fell sick after eating at their restaurant.
I've learned my lesson and I'm never going there to eat nor am I going to recommend this place to anybody.
Read this to know more about the harmful side effects of MSG or Ajinomoto.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Heart Attack
"Lady in Rajkot strips and parades semi nude to protest against harassment" screamed the headlines. All the news channels showed her walk to the police commissioners office. Why did it take an extreme step by Puja Chauhan to get the court and the police to react? Could it not have been avoided? Had the print and electronic media not hyped it, giving it such a coverage would a case have been registered?
It takes a lot of courage, determination for a woman to take the decision of walking out of her marriage. She will take all the abuse, have her self esteem and confidence battered just to stay married for the sake of her children and society. The very man who vows to protect and love her, becomes her oppressor. She is tormented by another woman, her mother in law. She quietly takes it all. But there is a limit to ones endurance. When she is cornered and no where else to go, she chooses 2 options - to fight back or to give up. Giving up leads to suicide and fighting back needs a lot of courage and support (emotional and psychological from loved ones and society). When she chooses to lead a safe, secure and sheltered life away from her tormentors, why do cops and lawyers try to stop her, to get her to change her mind? Puja choose to fight back, the cops refused to file a complaint, didn't take her seriously. It was all routine for them. Did they want her to go back to her husband? Or just that they did not want the hassle of a small routine case? Her husband called her a prostitute. The police wants to file a case of indecency against her. There is more exposure in the Indian music videos and by the movie stars. Puja compared to them was much more decent.
Neetu was also troubled by her inlaws. Hers was an arranged marriage. One year after her marriage she decided to end it. Why? Domestic Violence. The lawyer she went to, refused to file her divorce. Instead he would counsel her on going back and to try to make amends as divorce is against the Indian traditions. Fed up and frustrated she turned to her aunt who counseled the lawyer. No woman would like to go back to her parents house after a failed marriage. She will try her best to make it work but it should not be done at the cost of her self esteem. What if she becomes a victim of dowry? Whose responsibility will that be? The cops who refused to file her case or the lawyer who wanted her to go back?
Prathiba married against her parents wishes. During the 10 year courtship she supported him both emotionally and financially, through his business downfalls. His parents were always loving and caring. 2 weeks after marriage they showed their true colours by mentally harassing her. One year later she got pregnant. The harassment continued and after delivery her husband joined them as well. The reason - Dowry and Girl child. She is still waiting for a divorce. Her lawyer counseled her to go back. Today her parents and her daughter are her biggest support.
There are countless cases like these. And it affects women of all economic strata. A lot of cases go unreported. Times are changing and more and more women are choosing to say no to domestic violence. Till men and women stop thinking that a woman cannot exist without a man,that she has no identity without a man, this will never change. As Michael J.Fox says " One's dignity may be assaulted,vandalized and cruelly mocked, but cannot be taken away unless surrendered."
It takes a lot of courage, determination for a woman to take the decision of walking out of her marriage. She will take all the abuse, have her self esteem and confidence battered just to stay married for the sake of her children and society. The very man who vows to protect and love her, becomes her oppressor. She is tormented by another woman, her mother in law. She quietly takes it all. But there is a limit to ones endurance. When she is cornered and no where else to go, she chooses 2 options - to fight back or to give up. Giving up leads to suicide and fighting back needs a lot of courage and support (emotional and psychological from loved ones and society). When she chooses to lead a safe, secure and sheltered life away from her tormentors, why do cops and lawyers try to stop her, to get her to change her mind? Puja choose to fight back, the cops refused to file a complaint, didn't take her seriously. It was all routine for them. Did they want her to go back to her husband? Or just that they did not want the hassle of a small routine case? Her husband called her a prostitute. The police wants to file a case of indecency against her. There is more exposure in the Indian music videos and by the movie stars. Puja compared to them was much more decent.
Neetu was also troubled by her inlaws. Hers was an arranged marriage. One year after her marriage she decided to end it. Why? Domestic Violence. The lawyer she went to, refused to file her divorce. Instead he would counsel her on going back and to try to make amends as divorce is against the Indian traditions. Fed up and frustrated she turned to her aunt who counseled the lawyer. No woman would like to go back to her parents house after a failed marriage. She will try her best to make it work but it should not be done at the cost of her self esteem. What if she becomes a victim of dowry? Whose responsibility will that be? The cops who refused to file her case or the lawyer who wanted her to go back?
Prathiba married against her parents wishes. During the 10 year courtship she supported him both emotionally and financially, through his business downfalls. His parents were always loving and caring. 2 weeks after marriage they showed their true colours by mentally harassing her. One year later she got pregnant. The harassment continued and after delivery her husband joined them as well. The reason - Dowry and Girl child. She is still waiting for a divorce. Her lawyer counseled her to go back. Today her parents and her daughter are her biggest support.
There are countless cases like these. And it affects women of all economic strata. A lot of cases go unreported. Times are changing and more and more women are choosing to say no to domestic violence. Till men and women stop thinking that a woman cannot exist without a man,that she has no identity without a man, this will never change. As Michael J.Fox says " One's dignity may be assaulted,vandalized and cruelly mocked, but cannot be taken away unless surrendered."
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