George Family Leaves Muscat Airport as Sex Trafficking Continues to Threaten Innocent Kerala Girls
MUSCAT - May 11, 2004 Ending a period of harassment lasting one and half years, the three member George family - George, wife and the young daughter - is leaving Muscat by Oman Air Cochin flight to night. The family has been escorted by leading social workers of Muscat. However, established and recognised institutions like the Christian Church, the Indian Social Club Linguistic Wings (Malayalam Wing) and even the local media like the Times of Oman have been keeping a safe distance from the issue. As earlier reported by KM on various occasions, the house arrest and attempts to sexually exploit an young Malayali girl is part of a major international racket which operates from Kerala and the Gulf region. While one more case is exposed due to the vigilence of some people, several other cases go unnoticed.
George and family on their way to Kochi at the Seeb International Airport Muscat. They reached salfely in Koch.Click photo for detailed view
It is a common knowledge that the Kozhikkodu Ice Cream Parlour Sex Scandal and Sooryanelli Scandal all have their god fathers with political connections and Gulf links. Paradoxically enough a few people in Muscat have tried to make a political mileage out of the crisis by bringing in the name of a notorious Congres politician like P J Kurian from Kerala -the main culprit involved in sexually assaulting an young Kerala Girl (Soorya Nelli). It is also common knowledge that the Calicut Ice Cream Parlour case culprits have strong links to Muscat and Gulf, the regional hub of woman and sex trafficking.
While the Christian church which is normally very fast in raising fund for helping people from the same community, for the George family it has provided a mere RO 250! Because they are not members of the Church. Is there any rule in the Bible saying that the George family does not belong to the Christian community? At least they also worship the same Jesus Christ. While all the major Kerala media including Asianet, Kairali Channel, Gulf Madhyamam and Manorama reported the issue, they all followed the first bold report filed by KM Bureau from Muscat. As every one in the media was reluctant to report the case due to unknown reasons, it was KM report in the last week of April that created a chain set of reaction, which resulted ultimately in the safe passage of the Malayali family to Kerala. Media silence is to be noted because some of the prominent figures from Muscat newspaper circles are frequent visitors to sex parlours in Kochi and enjoy pleasure boat ride with the help of the sex syndicate.
Malayala Manorama is a well known newspaper from Kerala with more than 100 years publishing history. However, when it comes to reporting such events from the Gulf, it is normally the last one. But the credit for publishing the report always go to the Manorma family. In this case, Malayala Manorama has shamelessly lifted and published an exclusive photograph of George posted by Kerala Monitor.com . Even the news report published by Malayala Manorama one week after KM published it is a reproduction of KM report. Malayala Manorama has not send any of its photographers to Badr Al Samaa hospital to take a photograph of Mr. George, who was lying in the hospital bed for a long time. George family, the hospital authorities and others associated with the case say they did not see a Manorama Photographer around. It was KM which published this photograph taken by one of KM well wishers in Muscat and Manorama has just lifted this KM photograph, without attributing any credit to it. Well Manorama sets the standard for Kerala media! KM is small and MM is too big which will not publish even a classified advertisment for seeking journalists to keralamonitor.com.
A lot of criticism was heard about KM giving a positive report about Asianet and its editor K P Mohan for boldly airing the news - despite a long delay. While KM still believes that what Mohan did in the Kuwait Indian school case is a grave mistake which the Indian community in the Gulf will never forgive. However, we have appreciated his positive role in this case to help a family in distress. There is no harm in appreciating a good deed. But the major shame is for the editor of Times of Oman, Mr.Issa bin Al Zadjali, who publishes reams and reams of editorial pieces about expatriate issues, media freedom and social responsibility of the print media. It is a shame that the newspaper which claims to be the most popular news medium among the the Indian community in Oman, remained a silent spectator to the whole controversy. While Nirmala and her chronies have threatened KM and its sources in Muscat, it is a plain fact that the drama ended because of reports published by KM. It is for the people of Oman to decide it. It is another opportunity for the arm chair suit and tie breed of journalists in Muscat to make a self introspection! It is easy to brand KM as yellow newspaper, but have you ever thought anything about what you all are doing for the society?
KM editor takes this opportunity to appreciate the positive role of Badr Al Sama poly clinic doctors, nurses and other staff who have helped the George family during the treatment period. We also appreciat Mr.Koshy P Thomas, Managing Director, Decorstone International, Mr.Bhadran (Omasco Muscat), Gopa Kumar, Binoy (Asianet), Shashi and Abdul Rahman who have made their own contribution for the safe release of George family. KM also appreciates each and every one who has contributed liberally to raise money for the family. George will be admitted to hospital after reaching Kerala and all the well wishers will continue to monitor his situation. KM wishes the George family all the best. We will continue to monitor such grave violations of human rights. More Appreciation Letters
Finally Nirmala Succumbs to Pressure, Returns Passport to George family...
Click Photo for detailed view
. MUSCAT - May 6 2004 The first KM Report about the pathetic situation of George family has created a chain reaction, which ultimately resulted in the family getting their passport through the good offices of the Indian Embassy Muscat through the mediation of a number of good Samaritans. Special mention should be made about Talmiz Ahmed, the Indian Ambassador in Muscat, Binoy, Asianet Representative in Muscat, Biju Abel Jacob, Asianet Dubai, P M Jabbir, Kairali Representative, Muscat Bhadran, Omasco Muscat and Gopakumar, social activist Muscat and all others who have extended support to the family. The role of Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, especially its director Latheef, in giving timely treatment to Mr. George is appreciated by every body in Muscat. A journalist works under pressure from different quarters and despite that Binoy was helping the family from the beginning by admitting George in Badr Al Samaa with other friends. KM Bureau in Muscat also deserves a pat in the back for doing a wonderful job!
This incident has once again proved beyond doubt that Keralamonitor.com and its journalists remain active! Our editor was forced to leave Muscat under pressure from the Khimjis , Galfar Mohammed Ali, the Bahwans group to name a few. However, no one could seal KM fate as we have been doing such good work to the society. Where is other portal which was created to tarnish KM and its editor? While the Malayalai staff in Omasco have jointly sponsored an air ticket to the family, a Malayali preferring anonymity has offered another ticket. The Christian church too seems to be collecting some money to help the family overcome the Muscat ordeal. Even though we have got many new angles to the story, KM is putting a full stop to this episode here, on the assumption that Nirmala or her sponsors will behave themselves. It is a case to remind other Gulf Malayalis that after working for 25 years in the Gulf - half of his life - George is virtually at the mercy of other philanthropists. The morale of the story is think about tomorrow and abstain from lavish spending for big villas and unwanted luxuries.
K P Mohan Instructs Gulf Bureau to handle George Family Case without Partiality
K P Mohan is a familiar name in the Gulf media circles. The senior Editor of Asianet, who was always a good journalist, has taken a personal interest in supporting the George Family and in telecasting the news without any fear or favour. Having worked with the Kuwait Times for a long time and with Mathrubhoomi Newspaper in Kerala, Mohan's name was marred in a controversy. However, the manner in which he handled the George family issue shows once again that the genuine journalist in K P Mohan is still alive. Apparently there was a clear instruction from Mohan to pursue the story without showing any favouritism. Despite some negative media reports, including the strong ones in Keralamaonitor, which tarnished his image, Mohan continues to remain a genuine journalist. To err is human, but to be apologetic about what happened is Devine. Mabrook K P Mohan, keep up the good work and drive your channel's attention to such areas affecting the common man's fate. Instead of the channel being hijacked by money bags and commercial interests, always keep a human touch to reporting by your team.
Update on Christian Family in Muscat
Indian Embassy asks Nirmala to return passport, or she will not be allowed to user her passport.. A written statement signed by George is being circulated among officials and the police to claim that the family was under the full protection of Nirmala. Was the signature obtained using force? Apparently the embassy is also taking positive steps to help the family. Meanwhile Abu Dhabi Malayalis are raising some fund to help George, who used to live in Abu Dhabi. But everybody is asking one question - why is the media silent and the Church lobby is doing behind the curtains? To err is human, but to protect an arrogant and adamant lady, despite strong public opinion against Nirmala, is something ridiculous. Jesus, please forgive them!
Badr Al Samaa Offered Free Medical Service to George (click pix ) Full Report and more News
Malayali Family Problems Worsened as Nirmala Tightens grip
KM correspondent
Target is to lure the Young Beautiful girl of the family in distress
MUSCAT – April 28, 2004 When George Thomas who has worked in Abu Dhabi for 25 years lost his job, his only daughter was an 11 th class student there. When a distant relative in Muscat came forward with a helping hand, offering job and chance for continuing her education in Oman, George did not think twice to lend her 50,000 Dhms. In return the lady, Nirmala (full name withdrawn), the second wife of a distant relative, lured them to Muscat offering just three visit visas. The girl was admitted to the Indian School Muscat, using her high level influence. (How it happened? ISM needs to give an explanation)?
The family was accommodated in a small house near Darsait Indian school and the man was not allowed to go out for one and half years!, alleged George and family. Being illegal expatriates living without valid visa, they could be nabbed by the police any time, Nirmala allegedly threatened them frequently. She was allegedly demanding more money and got a cheque worth Rs.3 lakh from the family. The family alleged that Nirmala has been regularly harassing them for the last one and half years, demanding more money and trying to lure the mature and beautiful girl into immoral activities. Being a diabetic patient, George had several injuries on his palm. When the family had no other means of survival, some well wishers who were informed about their pathetic situation by the school girl, came forward with helping hand. His fingers were removed and doctors advised his immediate transfer to India for better treatment.
Nirmala is allegedly holding their passport and the three have to pay huge amount as fine for overstaying. Meanwhile his passport too expired! They could not pay monthly rent. The family has been seeking Nirmala’s help to send them back to Kerala, but she did not help. Said to be a very influential lady running a manpower company with “high level connections” due to unknown reasons, the lady is threatening everyone who is coming forward to help the family in distress. Some good samiritans have offered help to get the man treated and part of his leg has been amputed at the Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic. While he was in hospital, the mother and daughter are repatriated to some other safe locations to avoid further harassment from Nirmala. She has threatened to take the girl by force with the help of Baluchis, if the mother and daughter are not brought back to their “original home”. Some people are engaged in a hide and seek game to protect the girl and her mother.
The family members alleged that the main target is the beautiful young girl in the family. (Expect a detailed report on sex trafficking and sex racket in Oman). At least RO 1500 is required to repatriate the three member family to Kerala. It is alleged that the lady has been demanding more money from George and the problems started when he refused to pay. “Her target is the grown up daughter in the family. She has shown more interest in the family matters after visiting their Abu Dhabi home and seeing the girl. She tried several times to take the girl alone, but the careful interference of her mother prevented her from doing so,” the mother told KM sources. Meanwhile Nirmala has forcefully taken the signature of George from hospital bed on some papers, on the pretext that she has to reply to KM reports about the alleged harassment case. While we could not contact Nirmala directly for her views, the story will be persuaded further giving her version.
The champions of freedom, human rights and democracy in Muscat are scared of reporting the whole story because of her high level influence and contact with big policemen and industrialists. Any thing is possible in Oman , if you can give woman and wine! Big sharks may be eagerly awaiting the right moment to taste the young girls flesh? The Indian Embassy, which is supposed to be protecting the overseas Indian community, too is watching from the sidelines. As usual the local media too is silent. Asianet reporter is keenly waiting for the green signal from the Parish head –anyway reporting the event will not serve any purpose! Well, how many families have been cheated in this fashion in Muscat ? People say many families have been trapped by the sex trafficking racket in this fashion. Manpower and Woman Power consultants continue to thrive and George remains helpless, with one leg amputed at the Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic. Anyone is listening? Keep Watching this space for the follow up story. George is now in safe custody of Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic (keralamonitor.com)
Reflections on Media and Human Rights in the Gulf Region : a case study of Oman
By V M Sathish M.A.M.Phil *
“Human Rights” is a much used jargon by the Middle East media as every newspaper, TV channel and Internet sites prominently report the rampant human rights violations by Israeli forces against Palestinians. Due to historical reasons and a religious frenzy created by the century old Arab Israeli issue, human rights, read Palestinian rights, captures the headline of the media almost every day. However, on domestic issues including human rights violations and the journalists’ role in society, a number of subtle measures are adopted to keep the media within strict control. Full Report
Two Americans, Two Britsh and an Australian gunned down in Riyad.
Badr Al Samaa Offers Free Medical Service to George
MUSCAT Nirmala willing to send back George, daughter and wife. Thanks to the strong report filed by KM, when other media including Asianet, Kairali, Times of Oman and others remained silent, the family may be able to go back to Kerala. George is being discharged from the hospital and the big wigs of Christian community are talking to Nirmala to hand over their passport. Meanwhile watch this space to hear from Nirmala. Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic Makes another Milestone by Treating George free of charge for one and half months. Even when the so called social clubs and Indian Embassy did not extent any help to the George family in distress, the Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic has been treating George FREE OF COST for the last one and half months. Badral Samaa, a premier polyclinic in Oman has already established its credentials as a an economically affordable center for treatment. While for the common expatriate population, getting treatment from the Oman Government hospitals and private hospitals is only a mirage, the new hospital has been offering cheap and reliable treatment. Mabrook Badr Al Samaa. Keep up the good work for the community and continue to help the poor and needy...KM Editor
International Sex Racket has Muscat VIP Links 150 Dance Girls from India who were coming to Muscat by IC 885 Flight were caught in Gujarath!
Ahmedabad, Dec. 20 The Ahmedbad crime branch is cracking down an international prostitution racket with possible underworld links and arrested four persons on Wednesday. Some VIPs and prominent Indians in Muscat are allegedly part of the Middle East- India sex traffic syndicate. Even though some prominent Non Resident Indian name is made public by the police, KM is not publishing now. The VIP being monitored by the Gujarath police have close links with leading Gujarathi businessmen, hotel industry and bureaucrats. Full Report
Malayali Girl had a narrow Escapes from the Gulf Mafia keralamonitor.com Forced to give statement in front of Video Camera
Cochin: Ending one and half month period saga, a Malayali women from Ernakulam who was recruited by an agent to work in Oman as housemaid, has reached home safely. In a special interview given to keralamonitor , the girl has alleged that even though she was recruited by one Malayali agent -Mr.Maniraj from Ernakula to work as housemaid, he had been behaving badly with her. (View her letter written after reaching Cochin) "I reached Muscat on June 10 and the (person who recruited me) came to the airport and took me to his house. Since then he had been behaving and talking badly," she said without revealing details. She alleged that he forced her to give a written statement, which was read out in front of a video camera to prove that there is no complaint about the whole episode. The girl was told that she will be put behind bars for her entire life if she refused to give such a statement. "They did not harm me physically, but I faced severe mental torture Full Report
Malayali Girl from Ernakulam had a narrow Escapes from Sex Mafia
KERALA MONITOR SPECIAL REPORT SERIES Malayalis arrested for kidnapping Malayali girls from Gulf airports keralamonitor.com August 6,2001 Dubai and Muscat: Giving another sensational dimension to the growing sex trafficking from Kerala to various Gulf countries, two Malayali ladies from Trichur, were kidnapped and illegally kept in brothels. One of the girls was sold by a Malayali agent to another brothel just for Omani Rial 300 (Rs.35,000)! The Royal Oman Police have arrested more than 10 Indians, majority of them Malayalis including 2 women who have been involved in kidnapping the Malayali girls from the Seeb International airport, Muscat and forcing them to work in brothels. The incident took place in the second week of June 2001 (10th) when the girls hailing from two poor neighbouring families in Thrichur district reached the Seeb International Airport, Muscat from Kerala on their way to Khasab to work as housemaids. The kidnap drama was staged when the girls recruited by Khasab Air Travels, which has an office in Ernakulam to work as housemaids, were waiting for the connection flight to Khasaba, where the Malayali travel agent was awaiting them. Full Report
