News from Nepal January, 2011 (consolidated)

Casino Manager arrested for allowing Nepalese to gamble

Jan 1, 2010

The manager of Casino Tara at Hyatt Regency, Manoj Prasad Subedi, was arrested by Metropolitan Police on Thursday. He was arrested for evading tax amount to Rs. 20.6 million and illegally allowing Nepalese inside the casino to gamble.

After Police arrested the general manager of Casino Shangrila Harka Yera, they were searching for Manoj Prasad Subedi for quite some time.

National Shame

Jan 2, 2011 @ 03:47

UN deadline of Jan 10, 2011 to provide Armed Personnel Carriers (APC) and other logistics to Sudan-based Nepali Police unit may not be met. Home Ministry official has said that even if the fast track was processed, it would take one month.

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal directed concerned stakeholders to send logistics at soonest using either the fund of Police Welfare Council or government budget. However, a senior government official reported that even if Prime Minister’s directive was to be followed, the government will need three months time. The government is thinking of requesting UN for a deadline extension.

Experts have now warned the repatriation of the police mission from Sudan will have negative image and will be questioned on the institution’s credibility at international level. A recently retired general has said, “It will be very difficult to regain credibility; it will affect Nepal’s police prospects of future deployment in UN mission”.

Bryan Adams to perform in Nepal

Jan 2, 2011 @ 03:55
This New Year will bring joy for music fans in Nepal. Winner of many music awards, a Canadian artiste Bryan Adams is to perform in Nepal in February, 2011.
The Bryan Adams live-in-concert will be organized by JPR events and supported by ODC Network. They informed to media that Adam’s agent Roi Lamb had already been here to check out the venue for the event and the Hotel where the singer will be staying.
It is good for the country as Nepal is celebrating 2011 as Tourism Year, and Adam’s visit will highlight this around the globe. Adams will also be performing in India and Bangladesh.

2010 was a year full of strike

Jan 2, 2011 @ 18:43

Out of 365 days, 125 days involved bandhs and other strikes called by various political parties according to police statistics. Mathematically, on average, 10 days of strike took place every month.

The biggest political party UCPN Maoists topped the list for organizing 20 strikes including the longest strike staged by the Maoists for six straight days demanding resignation of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.

Political parties and interest groups did not live up to their commitment of not calling for any form of strikes till Nepal Tourism year 2011. All three major parties including Maoists, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have reneged on their promises of not calling for strike until Nepal Tourism year 2011.

Bhuwan KC becomes a politician

Jan 4, 2011 @ 17:16

Famous Nepali actor Bhuwan KC has formally entered politics by joining the CPN-UML. Prime Minister has warmly welcomed Bhuwan KC as a politician in his party. Bhuwan KC will be working as a part of the Janapakshiya Chalachitrakarmi Sangh.

KC always wanted to become a part of CPN-UML because he is very close to Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and he likes Nepal as a politician.

Dabur bosses released on bail

Jan 6, 2011 @ 11:11

The chief executive of Dabur Nepal, Udayan Ganguly, and Production Head Indranil Gupta were released on bail of Rs 50 million on Wednesday.

The commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) raid, on December 20, found wrong print of manufacturer dates on Company’s food production. The unauthorized print on 74 thousand cartons of Real Juice was found. CIAA penalized the company with such amount.
The CIAA interrogation with top officials of Dabur Nepal revealed that the later had mistaken for stamping false manufacturing dates due to miscommunication among company’s staff.
A CIAA team sealed Rs. 80 million worth Real Juice that had wrong manufactured date.

Businessman robbed in the valley

Jan 7, 2011 @ 08:43

A businessman was robbed of Rs 7 million by three motorcycle borne looters in Kamalpohkari, Kathmandu. The incident took place on January 06, 2011 in the daylight. The motorbike with number Ba 22 Pa 1734 robbed Pawan Sariya in the afternoon after he walked out of apartment nearby Himal Nursing Home. However, the mentioned motorbike number is yet to be confirmed if it is real or fake.

After the incident, the police have kept its entire administration on high alert and tighten the security in the valley entry points.

Kamlari girls rescued

Jan 8, 2011 @ 08:39

Eight Kamlari young girls were rescued by Children Welfare Community in Dang. They are usually sold as chattel slaves. Those girls fall in the age group between 12-15 years. They belong to poor Tharu families.

Government has already freed thousands of Kamaiyas, bonded slaves or Kamlari from their masters. Yet, the practices of keeping Kamlaris in the name of tradition in some far western district have not stopped.

Students arrested for submitting fake documents

Jan 8, 2011 @ 11:48

Seven students, who applied for student visa at American Embassy, were arrested by Police on the charge of producing fake documents to obtain student visa to USA. The arrest was made after the US Embassy in Kathmandu reported to the Metropolitan Police Crime Division.
Some educational consultancies in Kathmandu help these students get forged academic certificates and bank statement. The students who applied for the visas with fake documents refused to cooperate with embassy officials about the education consultancies behind the forgery.

Police have arrested Jatin Shrestha, accountant at Gulmohar Educare for forging documents for money. The embassy will disqualify all the students from applying visa in future if they are found to be involved in forging documents.

It is shame that because of some students applying for the visas with fake documents, not only they are disqualified from applying visa in the future, but also it is affected to other students who are determined to get good education abroad. Embassy officials may be reluctant to provide visas to even well-qualified students with legitimate documents.

Raid on Disco bar

Jan 10, 2011 @ 04:35

The Durbarmarg-based Platinum Disco bar was raided by police for partying late Friday night. It has been reported that the police raided the bar for not closing on time.

On Saturday police freed 45 revelers who were in the Disco bar partying; however six Disco Employees are still under custody for further investigation. Hema Lama, Samir Maharjan, Ajay Lama, Tashi Lama, Apurna Basnet and Sujant Shakya, all employees at Paltinum Disco bar are still to be freed.

NC not to work with UML led government

Jan 11, 2011 @ 16:48

NC has decided not to work with UML led government if the latter decides to vote against NC Prime Minister Ram Chandra Paudel. The next round of prime ministerial voting will be held on Wednesday.

NC President Sushil Koirala repeated the NC’s request to the UML to cast vote for Paudel by revising the decision made by UML central committee not to vote in favor of NC candidate. “If you decide to vote against our candidate it will be difficult to for us to work along with UML led government in the future”, Koirala told the UML leaders.

Nepal should learn quake lessons

Jan 12, 2011 @ 16:19

Nepal has a history of devastating earthquakes. Many people have died in the past. Nobody knows when that massive earthquake may hit again in the future. If Nepal is not prepared for it, the country will suffer a big loss in terms of people, home and property.

The United State embassy has urged the country to implement lessons learned from Haiti earthquake last year to ensure that Nepal does not suffer the same fate. The well preparation could reduce may lives and human suffering if the massive earthquake is to hit in the future.
This week marks the anniversary of the tragic earthquake that hit Nepal back in 1934. An 8.3 Richter quake shook Kathmandu on January 16, 1934 resulting in massive damage to property and lives. Likewise a devastating earthquake hit island nation of Haiti last year on January 12, which caused 220,000 people to die and many were left homeless. Both natural disasters offer important lessons for Nepal today.

Apparently, no major preparations have been made in the country. However, the United States applauded the Government of Nepal’s recent inauguration of Emergency Operation Centre located at the Home Ministry.

US warns of travel to Nepal

Jan 13, 2011 @ 20:25
Right on the eve of Nepal Tourism year 2011, which Nepal government is commemorating with an aim of bringing more than 1 million tourists, the US Department of state warns the US citizens of travel risk to Nepal.

The Department of state is still concerned about the security situation in Nepal, and the US travelers get the latest updates on security and political situation before they travel to the country. Such warning has come as a serious spoiler before the beginning of Nepal Tourism Year 2011.

In the past few months, although there have been relatively fewer major disturbances, political tensions remain. Protests, demonstrations and disruptions continue without notice in advance. This was one of the reasons for the Department of State to consider Nepal an unsafe place to travel. The other reason being the Maoists as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorists” organization under Executive order 13224, and its inclusion on the Terrorist Exclusion List remain in effect.

Standard Chartered Bank in Lalitpur robbed

Jan 15, 2011 @ 10:15

An armed group looted Rs 1.4 million from Lalitpur-based Standard Chartered bank in broad daylight on Friday. A motorcycle-borne gang barged into bank and held the staff at gunpoint in the afternoon demanding for money.
Three looters came on the bike (Ba 21 BWa 2856) at around 1:10 pm in the afternoon and looted Rs 1.4 million from the bank. The security guard did not retaliate against the looters. The searching for the looter is on according to police.

WikiLeaks on royal mission

Jan 15, 2011 @ 10:19

In its latest leaks on US Embassy diplomatic cables, the Wikileaks has revealed that King Gyanendra, in 2005, had tried to convince then US Ambassador to make his country support the autocratic royal rule.

When the Maoist insurgency was in full swing, a meeting had taken place between then Minister for Foreign Affairs Ramesh Nath Pandey and US envoy James F Moriarty. In the meeting, Pandey told ambassador Moriarty that the US was not supportive of King Gyanendra, and this might indirectly lead the Maoist rebels taking over the country.

National Flag will remain unchanged

Jan 17, 2011 @ 17:36

Three big parties including UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have made a common agreement on not to change the current national flag in the new constitution.
Maoist leaders had been insisting on some change requirements in the current flag claiming that the existing flag represents the feudal monarchial system. However, the leaders present at the meeting have said that the change in the explanatory notes on the flag in the constitution will take into effect to explain the recent political movements and to recognize political achievements.

Singer Kumar Kancha dies at 54

Jan 17, 2011 @ 17:55

Famous singer Kumar Kancha, who has sang in more than 100 Nepali movies and who has also acted in some movies, passed away while undergoing treatment in a hospital in Mumbai on Monday.

The singer was battling against Spinal-cord-tumor for more than seven months. He was also partially paralyzed due to tumor. Kancha was born in Calcutta on Dec 13, 1957. He used to live with his wife and two sons. Apart from a successful singing career, he has also acted in Nepali movies such ‘Lahure’ and ‘Koseli’. Kumar Kancha has also sang in more than thousand songs in over 25 languages in India. He has also won national level award for his brilliant acting in the movie ‘Piya ka Gaon’.

DPM Gachchhadar wants small parties to form government

Jan 19, 2011 @ 02:36

Deputy Prime Minister Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar believes that the government should be formed by the small parties if the big three parties fail to form the government. The deadline set by the president to form the government is closer. If they fail to form the government within the deadline, the small parties should be given the responsibility to form the new government.

Taking part in an interaction in Parasi, Gachchhadar accused the big parties of not being too serious about forming new government, concluding the peace process and drafting the constitution. “It is the greed for power that delayed the formation of a new government and created political confusion”, accused Gachchhadar.

Consensus among the three parties would not be possible as they are busy in fighting for power. His party is ready to fulfill the people’s mandate if the major parties fail to form the government.

Robbery incidents intensify in the capital

Jan 20, 2011 @ 04:51

In separate incidents in the valley, cash and other valuables that worth more than 4 lakhs have been stolen or looted on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Giri Dhari Adhikari of Kaski who was staying in the Lumbini Guest House was robbed of Rs 1.20 lakh with a bag and a watch on Wednesday. A group of four people in a taxi (Ba. 1 Ja 911 ) looted Adhikari early in the morning .

In another incident, an unidentified group of men looted Rs. 1.50 lakh from Ramesh Kumar Ghimire when he was walking towards Dillibazar along the banks of Dhobikhola at Om Hospital, Chabahil. Ghimire was robbed at 1a.m. in the morning.

Likewise, on Tuesday, an unidentified woman looted ornaments worn by Subhadra Adhikari, 60, at KMC -11, Maitighar. The woman was friendly to Adhikari and made her drink fruit juice that was added with sedatives. The woman looted a pair of gold earrings, a ring and a chain.

In another incident, unidentified persons broke into the rented house of Rajesh Khadka and looted Rs 15,000. Police have said that the investigation is on to identify all these robbers.

Though the security in the valley has been extended, these sorts of incidents continue. It is also our responsibility to learn how to keep ourselves secured besides just depending upon the security provided by the government.

Om Hospital under scanner

Jan 20, 2011 @ 17:37

After a baby died with its stomach split open following an operation carried out by a team of doctors in Om Hospital, the relatives of the child had filed a case against Dr. Bhola Rijal, Dr. Rita Manandhar, Dr. KP Devkota, D. Ananda Prasad Shrestha, Dr. Amit Shrestha, Dr. Amod Prasad Tuladhar, and Dr. Pratima Shrestha.

The relatives of the child claimed the baby died due to the hospital’s negligence. However, the hospital refuted the accusation and said that the baby died due to gastroschisis.

Department of Commerce had sent the hospital a letter three days ago after the kin of the deceased child filed a case against seven doctors and the hospital. The investigation is on and the DoC has asked the concerned bodies to provide details of the investigation within a week.

President to extend another five days for consensus government

Jan 21, 2011 @ 15:53

Based on the request made by three big parties; UCPN (Maoists), Nepali Congress and UML, President Ram Baran Yadav extended the deadline to form consensus government by five days. A meeting of all 28 parties also approved on the decision made by the President.

DSP commits suicide

Jan 23, 2011 @ 07:37

Kanchan Thapa, 41, a Nepal Police DSP has committed suicide by shooting himself with his service pistol. He shot his right temple with the pistol. This incident took place at 6:30 pm at his residence in Bashundhara.

The officer was announced dead at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

Khanal Slapping triggers angry response

Jan 23, 2011 @ 07:44

Khanal Slapping triggers angry response

Following the slapping of at the program in Itahari, the UML and NC condemning have act with angry response.

Flaying the act, UML-aligned organizations staged anti Maoist demonstrations in Itahari, claiming that Maoists have plotted the slapping incident. The demonstrators stated that the attacker, Devi Prasad Regmi of Sunsari district, is a Maoist cadre. He entered the program venue with the help of Maoist party.  Shouting slogans against Maoists, the demonstrators burnt tyres and created chaotic environment for about an hour.

Regmi is in the custody of the Sunsari District Police Office.

Regmi turning into a celebrity

Jan 24, 2011 @ 16:09

Though Devi Prasad Regmi (55) of Sunsari currently is in the police custody, and the existing law has confirmed Regmi in custody for public offense, a number of people, who are fed up of the political instability in the country, have supported Regmi.

Thousands of comments on online news reports in support of Regmi, more than 5300 persons choose to ‘Like’ for the support link in face book, and people in USA campaign initiation to release Regmi on bail are just few examples of Regmi-turned-into-a-celebrity story in the nation. His well-wishers have termed him a ‘national hero’ and ‘celebrity’.

Nepalese all over the world have united to support Regmi. Funds from the countries like Qatar, Britain, Japan and Belgium have been raised to support and release Regmi on bail. A website under the domain of www.deviprasadregmi.info with an appeal to help Regmi, terming him a ‘representative of 30 million Nepalis’, has been hosted. It has collected more than Rs 14,000 from Regmi’s well-wishers across the globe.

Regmi is a poor farmer with a small house and a kathha of land in Bharoul. He was taken into custody by police after he slapped UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal at party’s program in Itahari.

Photos of Regmi being felicitated.

Maoist’s own party leader makes a mockery of Chairman Dahal

Jan 26, 2011 @ 10:22

One of the Maoist party leaders indirectly made a mockery of Pushpa Kamal Dahal for claiming the prime ministerial candidacy. Maoist Standing Committee member Top Bahadur Rayamajhi mockingly said it up to seven-time-defeated Dahal whether or not to stand in the prime ministerial election.

Top Bahadur Rayamanjhi is close to Vice President Baburam Bhattarai. He added that the party has yet to decide the candidate for the prime minister’s post though the party has concluded that its leadership in the government will ease the peace and statue drafting process.

Effort to dupe US Embassy

Jan 27, 2011 @ 16:38

In yet another attempt to dupe US Embassy by presenting forging academic certificates and bank statements to acquire student visa, four persons have been arrested by police on Wednesday. The arrested persons include Om Prakash Chaudhary (33) of Saptari, Rosina Shrestha (20) of Dolakha, Kabindra Ghimire (23) of Kathmandu and Dil Bahadur Karki of Dolakha. The US embassy informed the police about these people.

The increasing incidents of forgery have alerted the US embassy to strictly verify the documents for the authenticity.

Inspector Shrestha has clarified that Chaudhary and other arrested persons are the brokers who help education consultancies bring ineligible students to apply for the visa to US. The sole purpose of such activity is nothing but making good money.

The names of the visa applicants, however, have not been revealed citing threat to their future career.

Abducted student found dead

Jan 31, 2011 @ 17:43

HImal Budha (21) of Nepalgunj was found dead on Friday evening after he was abducted in Kohalpur, Banke. Himal was a BA student at Kathmandu based Pashupati Multiple Campus.

HImal had left for his friend’s house on January 17 on his motorbike. He was found murdered in the house of Govinda Thapa at Rajhena of Kohalpur-4 on Friday evening. According to Himal’s relative, the abductors had SMS to HImal’s father demanding the ransom of Rs 3.5 million for the release of HImal.

In yet another incident in Rajbiraj, a 12-year old Sunil Chaudhary has been abducted since 6 days and nothing has been known about him since. According to Sunil’s father, a seventh grader in Model Boarding School has been missing since January 24 when Sunil’s friend Aish Ansari, a 13-year old son of neighbor had called Sunil to play with him. Both have been missing and have not returned home. Sunil’s father Shyam Dev Chaudhary informed the police that an unidentified person had asked for Rs. three million ransom from mobile number 9808704119 on Saturday morning.

News from Nepal December, 2010 (consolidated)

Tara Air flight gone missing – found crashed in Okhaldhunga

Dec 15, 2010 @ 18:41

UPDATE: The lost aircraft of Tara Air was found crashed at Kakanidanda, Okhaldhunga. All of the 22 passengers are reported to be dead in the crash.

Tara Air owned Twin Otter plane has gone missing since the last contact with the airport tower at 3:13 pm on Wednesday 15 December, 2010. The airplane was flying from Lamidanda to Kathmandu.

It has been reported that the flight lost contact five minutes after it took off from Lamidanda airport. The Twin Otter was carrying 22 passengers that included 18 Nepalese passengers, one foreigner and three crew members on board. Captain AR Shakya was in command of the flight.

The plane is reported still missing; however, two helicopters have already been sent to Khotang for the search of the missing Twin Otter. No further details have been reported on the plane.

Tara Air offers PC-6 flights for sky diving, special photography, high altitude mountain flights and rescue operations.

CPN-UML Leaders surprised by Nepal’s proposal

Dec 21, 2010 @ 16:56

Care taker Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal proposed Ram Chandra Poudel be made the next prime minister of Nepal and end the caretaker status of current government. It was a matter of concern that the country cannot afford any more delay in forming new government added Nepal.

The proposal has come as a shocker to many political parties. Maoist’s leaders took the proposal lightly but Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal objected Nepal’s proposal and stated that it was very immature of Madhav Kumar Nepal to make such proposal without even consulting with the party.

“The proposal came from the current Prime Minister when we said that the new package agreements on peace process cannot be materialized under the current caretaker government”, said Maoist Vice President Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

The price of petroleum products will be subsidized

Dec 22, 2010 @ 16:55

The government is in the preparation of subsidizing the price of various petroleum products. The decision was made after a high level task force of the Ministry for Commerce and Supplies prepared a report recommending the subsidies after two rounds of talks. The talks held between representatives of various student unions and consumer forums.
The government is planning to subsidize Rs 300 per cylinder in cooking gas and Rs 50 per month per household in kerosene. In addition, Rs 1600 per year in diesel for farmers will also be subsidized.
If approved by the Council of Ministers, the new system will cost the government an extra Rs 3.5 billion. However, the government has not agreed the proposal; subsidizing the prices in petroleum products could force to cut down various development projects.

Bungy Jump closed on dispute with the local community

Dec 23, 2010 @ 03:56

Update: The Last Resort was officially open later yesterday. The agreement between the resort and the locals is not made public. Previously posted text follows:

If the talks with the locals doesn’t go well, we might see the last of the internationally popular bungee jump in Nepal. In a press release titled “Bungy Nepal and The Last Resort forced to shut down” the owner of the New Zealand-Nepali partnership adventure sports facility, The Last Resort, has told that the locals have forced to close the bungy bridge on Poush 6, 2067. The company says that the local community has claimed the ownership of the bridge and won’t let them do the business on it. (Full press release posted at the end of the article).

The Last Resort, founded in 1999, is located in Sindupalachowk near Barabise. The 160-meter high suspension bridge was constructed on top of steep Bhote Kosi River gorge for bungy jump purpose.

Now the local VDC official and leaders want the bridge to be handed over to them and the company use the facility in a lease agreement. But, the company says that they had build and paid for the bridge and can’t hand it over to the local people. If the local insist on taking over the bridge it will certainly prove to be a bad example for investors. Some argue, what will happen if people in Gorkha ask for the ownership of the Manakamana Cable Car or locals in Kulekhani ask for the ownership of the hydropower project over there.

The copy of the press release:

Case filed against Rubel Chowdhary

Dec 23, 2010 @ 15:45

A case has been filed against Rubel Chowdhary, son in law of Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala, in Supreme Court on Thursday. The case was filed against Chowdhary, a Bangladeshi national for involving in illegal activities such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service scam.

Chowdhary, not only was charged against the VoIP scam but also is accused of being involved with passport forgery case in Nepal.

Advocate Jayantra Bahadur Thakuri filed the summoned petition against Chowdhary. Meanwhile, Nepali Congress general secretary Mr. Prakash Man Singh spoke against Chowdhary saying that he is equally worth investigated over allegations of his involvement in
illegal acts. The law should be equally valid for everybody and it should apply to him (Chowdhary) as well if found guilty.

22-year-old student murdered in Capital – Colleagues at her workplace suspected

Dec 26, 2010 @ 05:16

A 22-year-old girl, who was pursuing her studies in Capital city, was murdered by none other than her own colleagues at her workplace. It has been reported that police have enough evidence to prove that her own colleagues have murdered her.

Sarala Thapa, a student at 12th grade was found stuffed in sack with multiple head injuries. That sack was found in Bishnumati River at Gongabu on Tuesday.

There were two main evidences that police found made them believe that the murder was none other than her own colleague at her workplace. The recovery of a piece of clothe from her workplace and an audio clip of a conversation between Thapa and Sahil Khan led the investigators to suspect the murderer of Thapa. The motive behind the murder by her colleagues however was not clear. Police have arrested Sahil Khan, Alam Khan and Angila Thapa as suspects for Sarala Thapa’s murderer.

CA Member killed in road accident

Dec 27, 2010 @ 03:45

CPN-UML Constituent Assembly member Dambar Bahadur Khadka was killed in an accident that took place in Bhaktapur district on Saturday night at around 8:30 pm. He was riding on the motorbike when a passenger bus hit the motorbike at Kaushaltar. Police have arrested the bus driver.
Dambar Bahadur Khadka was elected to the Constituent Assembly from Shankhwasabha Constituency No. 2.

Nepali Girls saved from traffickers in Goa

Dec 27, 2010 @ 17:09

Three Nepali girls, including one minor, were rescued from the traffickers in Goa on Saturday, 25 December, 2010.

According to police in Goa, among three of the Nepali girls, one was minor, who were promised by the traffickers to get job at casino as dancers. However, the three victims were pushed into prostitution later. Thankfully, the girls were lucky on Christmas day to be rescued; they were taken to the state protective on the same day.

Two persons were arrested for trafficking Nepali girls in Goa. They have been identified as Nandisha gowda, 25 from Bangalore and Hanumant Patel, 25 from Rajasthan. Both will be booked under the Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act and Goa Children’s Act for trafficking the girls, including minor.

A baby born with two heads

Dec 29, 2010 @ 03:38

A mother from Dailekh district VDC-9 has gave birth to a child with two heads. Bishnukala Nepali, 37, gave birth to a female child having two heads on the way to the local Balekanda sub health post on Sunday afternoon.

The detailed report on this is still being awaited. No details on this have been reported.

At least three injured in Bomb Blast

Dec 31, 2010 @ 03:59

At least three people were injured in a bomb blast that took place near a hardware store in Surkhet road in Nepalgunj. The three people that were injured in the blast have been identified as Kausal Acharya, Yubraj Chalise and Dilli Regmi. The injured people have been admitted to Bheri Zonal Hospital for treatment.
All the shops were closed following the blast in the city. No further on who may have been involved in the blast has been so far reported.

Real juice – five fainted after drinking the tainted juice

In a latest news, five people from Kabhrepalanchowk have fainted after drinking Real branded juice. The Dabur Nepal product, Real Juice, has been in the headlines for some time after extensive numbers of quality complaints from all over Nepal.

Naya Patrika writes, the victims are admitted in Shir Memorial Hospital in Banepa. One of the victim, 56 year-old Harikumari Humagain is serious and is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit.

Earlier, there were reports of a police raid and protest in Indian cities on India-Nepal border. The protest was related to on reports that Dabur is
supplying the tainted juice to Indian market.

The police has confiscated the juice packs and is investigating the reason for the illness. (Photo credits Nayapatrika)

Embarrassing story of a mother and her daughter

A mother filed a complaint to the police about bullying. Her complain was against some local boys who have been, for past few days, making mockery of her daughter named Munni. It was complained that boys sung the famous song of an Indian movie Dabang, ‘Munni badnaam Hui Darling Tere Liye‘ whenever Munni passed by her neighborhood.

This had been like a daily routine for the local boys against Munni, and the family was very irritated by the unwelcomed and disturbing activity made by their neighbors. Munni’s mother pleaded to boys not to show such behavior against her daughter but in vain. Instead, boys would defend themselves by saying “what is harm in singing famous song like this”. It had been very difficult moments for the family to stay in such disturbing environment.

Finally, Munni’s mother decided to report this incident to the police after her friends suggested her to do so. Munni’s mother was reluctant to go to the police at first fearing that the embarrassing story would spread like a fire all over cities and it would be even more intolerable for her family.
It was sighing of relief for the family for a week. But the local boys started singing the song “My name is Shila..Shila ki Jawani…” from the Hindi movie ‘Tees Mar Khan’. Coincidently, Munni’s mother name is Shila. The local boys came to know about Mother’s name after she had reported her daughter’s incident. The family’s story got even worse after Shila’s name was revealed in the neighborhood. The local boys would sing both songs whenever the mother and the daughter would pass by the neighborhood.

It was excruciating for the mother and the daughter to stay in such neighborhood that does not have respect for the family. And therefore, they decided to move to different place in the city by changing their names.
The questions to be pondered upon are:

  • Should the mother and daughter have moved out just because the song was sung after their names? Were they so embarrassed that their lives were like hell?
  • Who would you blame for all the coincidences?
  • Should the song writer be blamed for writing such provocative songs? Or should such movies be banned?
  • What would you do if such incident happened to you?

Paras Shah accused of shooting at Sujata’s daughter and son-in-law

Ex-prince Paras Shah was accused of shooting at Deputy Prime Minister, Sujata Koirala’s daugher and son-in-law, in a jungle resort, Tiger Tops, in Chitwan.

Sujata, currently in Bangkok, reportedly called PM to inform about the incident that happened on Friday evening. Sujata’s daughter Melanie Koirala Jost and her Bangladeshi husband Rubel Chaudhary ran away from Tiger Tops after the incident and took refuge in a guest house in Gaidakot. Sujata’s daughter got married with Rubel back in 2006. The lavish wedding party was accused of being against Nepalese law.

An Indian newspaper, Indian Express, writes that the Home Minister Bhim Rawal refused to obey the PM Nepal’s order to arrest Paras Shah, who had returned back to Kathmandu on Saturday. Rawal however has promised to probe the incident and punish the culprit.

In the recent days, the members of the royal family had been active in various public  functions in a bid to win support of the public. Paras’ wife, Himani Shah, had also registered a NGO and started her social activities. In recent interviews Paras used to accepted all the wrong-doings of his prince-days and promise that, he has changed himself and will not repeat such mistakes again.

The current incident might ruin all the efforts of the royal family to restore their popularity in the public.

UPDATE: Nayapatrika writes that the event occurred on Saturday (which can’t be independently verified). Nayapatrika further writes – Paras told, “You were the behind ending Royalty. Now, I will end you!” before opening fire. Paras fired a total of 7 rounds in the air.

Screeshot from Nayapatrika news:

UPDATE 2

Kantipur writes – “The resort management dismissed the shooting report, but did confirm that there was a verbal altercation between the former royal and the Chaudhary couple that night.”

UPDATE 3

Nagariknews has published a press statement sent by Paras.

Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood to be called back?

An Indian newspaper has reported that one of the most controversial Indian Ambassador to, Rakesh Sood, might be called back by the Indian government soon.

Apart from being the most controversial person, he is also accused of  being arrogant. Sood had been very tough with Maoist and was unnecessary involved in business of Dabur Nepal. Sood was instrumental in reducing anti-Indian sentiments in media and stop Maoist from leading the government.

The newspaper accus
es Sood was one of the reason behind the current political deadlock in Nepal. He was one of the most hated ambassador and was once thrown shoes by the crowd. He is also the first ambassador whose effigies were burnt on the streets.

India is planning to send Jayant Prasad as the new ambassador for Nepal. Jayant Prasad had served as an ambassador to Pakistan previously. His father Bimal Prasad had also served as an ambassador to Nepal during the Rana regime.

Ranjana Cinema Hall to be made a Rs. 3 billion Ranjana Trade Center

The Ranjana Cinema Hall, one of the oldest cinema hall of Nepal, is was demolished earlier this year. Construction works for a new trade center, in the location, is going to start in the near future. The total cost of the Ranjana Trade Center is expected to reach Rs. 3 billion.

The trade center made a new record, in its planning stage, by selling all the business area on a single day. The trade center to be constructed on a 6 ropani land in one of the busiest area in K
athmandu, will have banks, insurance companies, wholesale and retail shops, restaurants, food court, and children’s play area.

The trade center is told to have free WiFi, CCTV, and 24 hours security arrangement in its premise. The investors plan to finish the construction and hand over the spaces to the respective owners within 30 month. It is told that the trade center will be a huge, 25 storey building, and connected internally with the nearby buildings.

The trade center will be one more addition to growing number of all-in-one retail and business locations in Kathmandu. The main competitor to the new market will be Bishal Bazar, R.B. Complex, People’s Plaza,  Kathmandu Mall, World Trade Center,Pashupati Plaza, and Ratna Plaza.

Canadian PM advisor wants WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange killed

WikiLeaks has created a ripple in the diplomatic circle all around the world and China has already blocked the website. Now, a Canadian politician wanted the founder of the website, Julian Assange, dead.

In an interview with CBC news, an adviser to Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada, Prof Tom Flanagan, said, “I think Assange should be assassinated actually … There is no good coming of this.”

A t the end
of the interview, Prof Flangan added, “I wouldn’t feel unhappy if Assange disappeared.”

Interpol has issued a “Red Notice” alert for Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, in relation to two rape charges issued by Swedish police.

The 39 year-old Julian Assange, is already facing legal problems on an unrelated case. Interpol has issued "Red Notice" alert for him in charge of two rape charges issued by Swedish police.

Mediniprasad Adhikari, oldest person in the world ?

The oldest person in record is Jeanne Calment of France (1875–1997), who died at age 122 years, 164 days. The current oldest person is 120 year-old (Guinness World Records holder).

If proven, a grandfather in our country might be the oldest person in the world and still alive. Mediniprasad Adhikari, shown in the photo above, claims that he is 132 years old. According to Nagariknews, he is currently sick and is admited to the Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu (Photo credits -Sajana Shrestha).

Kantipur TV in the USA

Kantipur Television has started its program in the USA from Nov. 17, 2010. The program is being broadcasted through a DTH company Dish Network. With this deal, Dish Network has become the first network to offer Nepali TV in the USA.

The TV is offered as a free preview initially in the Network’s channel no. 757.

We wish Kantipur TV all the best in their new venture in the world’s largest economy, the USA.

TV Filmy – formally inaugurated

The first Nepali television channel dedicated to the Nepali film industry is formally started from this Thursday (November 18, 2010). The channel was previously in its test stage.

On the occasion of the inauguration, the hit Nepali movie "Kusume Rumal" was broadcasted in the TV. The channel is the Gopi Krishna movies initiative. Apart from the TV channel, the company has movie theaters, produces movies, and is also building the first large scale shooting studio in Nepal.

Himani in Dolkha for 10 days

The princess of the past and the social worker of the present, Himani Shah, has moved to Dolkha for her first major social working through her own NGO, Himani Trust. During the ten days long stay in Namdu village, she will help the development activities in the district including education, health and drinking water. The most important part of her stay will be the interaction with the local people plan accordingly.

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In secular state, Nepal, police arrest Muslim for selling cow meat

It was back in May 18 of 2006, Nepal was pronounced a secular state and was no longer the ‘only Hindu nation in the world’. But, a news published on Nov. 5 in Kantipur and Himalayan Times implies that Nepal is still a ‘Hindu Kingdom’ in practice.

A Muslim from Siraha, Eastern Nepal, Mohammad Sabir, was arrested on charges of selling cow meat. Muslims don’t worship cows, and the "New Nepal" respects every religions.

Then, why is a Muslim arrested for selling cow meat? Is it only because Hindu (80% of the population) don’t eat it? Well, Muslims don’t eat pigs. Does that mean butchers selling pig meat should be arrested ?

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Rajesh Hamal says, the Real Juice ad. is legal

Rajesh Hamal has responded to various media reports accusing him to be irresponsible towards the health of general public. The allegation is the result of an advertisement featuring Real Juice. A consumer advocate group had also asked the government to investigate the involvement of Rajesh Hamal, Karishma Manandhar, Dipak Bista, and Min Bahadur Gurung in the advertisement of tainted product.

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