Next generation rotor technology to be showcased at the maiden Dubai Helishow
2004More than 80 industry leaders to take part in the show boosting region's emerging civil, public service and defence markets for helicopters November 28, 2004
DUBAI - The use of rotor wing aircraft in civil, public service, and military use in the Middle East region is forecasted to increase as evidenced by the heavy presence of European and American manufacturers of rotor technology and related industries in the upcoming Dubai Helishow 2004, the region's first International Helicopter Technology and Operations Exhibition to be held at Dubai Airport Expo from December 6-9, 2004.More than 80 leading regional and global helicopter manufacturers are taking
part in Dubai Helishow 2004 organised by MEDIAC, a leading trade fairs organiser in the GCC region, under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister. Dubai Helishow 2004 offers the ideal platform for the participating exhibitors to tap the defence and civil market opportunities that are arising in the Middle East region."The Middle East region is about to witness a revolutionary change in the transportation sector. The resilience of the Gulf economies have increased commercial traffic to the region with international dignitaries, business leaders and key policy makers visiting the region, spurring the need for VVIP and Executive short haul transportation in addition to fuelling growth other sectors of the economy," said Abdulla Abdulhoul, Managing Director,
MEDIAC."The region also has enormous potential for both the defence and civil markets including military upgrades, transport and utility helicopters, commercial operators, and private ownership. Dubai Helishow 2004, with a combination of the most befitting venue and the exceptional access it provides to high value clientele from the governmental, military and private sectors in the region, offers the exhibitors a highly attractive opportunity to showcase their technologies under one roof, " he added.
Saudi Arabia is investing more in procuring helicopters for military use with other countries in the region eyeing the technology for use in the paramilitary sector. Military procurement is by far the key growth sector in the Middle East and Gulf region as demonstrated by the orders placed recently by the Sultanate of Oman for 16 Super Lynx's and Saudi Arabia's keenness to upgrading its Apache AH-64A fleet to AH-64D Longbow version and UAE's interest to upgrading 30 of its Apache AH-64A Attack Copters.
"In addition to the military applications, rotor wings are increasingly used in other areas. Emerging scenarios point to the increased use of helicopters in sectors including, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Offshore Utility Support, Tourism and Aviation training," added Abdulhoul.In the coming decade, many Offshore Utility Support operators in the Middle East and the Gulf will be replacing entire fleets of aging helicopters, making this sector in the region very lucrative. In addition, the increasing price of oil is spurring more activity in drilling and exploration, directly augmenting the use of rotor wings aircraft. Also, the increasing exploration for Natural Gas and the region's close proximity to some of the biggest reserves in the world including, raise the industry's scope in the region. For offshore support, the forecasted collective purchases of rotor wing aircraft stands at 31.5 per cent in Middle East, Africa and Asia, by far the greatest in a global civil helicopter market that is worth US$ 19 billion, with a projected shipment of 9500 commercial rot arywing aircraft over the next 10 years. EMS sector also looks promising with the development of specialised areas such as Health Care Cities that may rely heavily on helicopters to transport patients. Tourism, one of the key growth sectors in the Middle East region, is a long- term niche sector, as is the market for personal use.The exhibition will cover diverse technology areas and includes participants from various sectors like Air Frames, Aircraft brokers, legal advisors & insurers, Avionics, Commercial operators in agriculture and forestry, Airlines, Electronic News Gathering, Firefighting, Inspection of Pipelines and Transmission Lines, Offshore Oil Support, Police and Law Enforcement,Search and Rescue, Tourism, Helicopter airframes, Heliports & helipads, Repair & overhaul facilities and Trainers & Simulators.
The Dubai Helishow 2004 is supported by the UAE Air Force and Air Defence; Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai; Dubai International Airport and Government of Dubai, will see active participation from many regional and international companies from countries such as Australia, Bahamas, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, UAE, UK and the USA.
Kerala-Srilankan Lovers Found Dead in Locked Car within Jumeirah Villa
DUBAI - A unique obituary reached newspaper offices two days after a Keralite man and a Sri Lankan woman were found dead in a car parked inside a Jumeirah villa. Apparently the 36 years old Abdul Salam from Northern Kerala who was working as a driver for a local family was found dead in a locked car with his fiancée, a Sri Lankan housemaid. It appears that the couple had sex inside the vehicle and must have either slept with the car air conditioner working. It could also be a suicide case where the couple had deliberately closed all the windows and covered the vehicle that prevented carbon monoxide generated from the car exhaust or air-conditioned was breathed in. A statement said the lovers were found dead after breathing Freon gas inside the car. More
INDIA AND SINGAPORE TO SIGN MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE TREATY IN CRIMINAL
A delegation led by the Home Minister of Singapore, Shri Wong Kan Seng called on the Home Minister Shri Shivraj Patil here today and discussed bilateral security-related issues between the two countries. Both sides discussed various aspects of possible areas of mutual cooperation in tackling organized crime and terrorism of transnational nature. Linkages of terrorist organizations in the region and their modus operandi including the funding aspect was also discussed. Both sides desired that security related issues of common interest be discussed further in the forthcoming bilateral deliberations. Both sides also agreed to expedite signing of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters.
POWER IN INDIA CAN ONLY FLOW FROM THE BALLOT BOX; NEVER FROM THE BARREL OF A GUN” : PM
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has underlined the Government’s commitment to evolving a new agenda of hope for the northeastern region. Inaugurating the diamond jubilee celebrations of The Shillong Times in Guwahati today, the Prime Minister reiterated that the doors would always be open to all groups committed to the economic upliftment and the social and political empowerment of the region. “There is no issue, no grievance that is so intractable that it cannot be resolved through a patient, constructive dialogue, free from preconditions. Our democratic system is open enough, and flexible enough to welcome the participation of all shades of opinion. In the final analysis, power in India can only flow from the ballot box; never from the barrel of a gun”, he added.
Amitabh Kant was "visitor" to Special Parties organised by Icecream Sreedevi's Boss! O Rajagopalan T.P.Dasan were accused...others left out by investigation team...
Confidential Report says the IAS officer was a visitor to the house of a retired Chief Engineer's home where Sridevi, the main accused in the Ice Cream Parlour Case used to work. Her long relation with Kunjalikutty started from there..he had sex with two girls simultaneously...
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - A confidential report by Kallada Sukumaran, former Director General of Prosecutions, who was harassed by a section of the CPIM leadership in collaboration with the help of Muslim League using the state machinery, says that Kunjalikutty, the state industry minister who is accused in the Kozhikkodu Ice Cream Parlour Case was part of the sex racket and was regularly indulged in sex with many of the girls who were working in the ice cream parlour run by Sridevi. According to this report, the First Information Report (FIR)was filed on August 6, 1997 based on the complaint lodged by a women's association Anweshi headed by K. Ajitha, a former naxalite leader. He says Mahal Beauty Parlour which was converted into R K Ice Cream Parlour after one and half years by Sreedevi, the main accused was used to lure youngsters visiting the shop to the sex racket. According to the complaint, many agents were active in providing young girls to the rich and politically influential people in Kozhikkodu. Sreedevi was working in the house of a retired chief engineer where the former collector and a senior bureaucrat in the tourism ministry Amithabyh Kanth was a visitor for special parties. Amithabh Kanth is one of the accused in another corruption case against Kunjalikutty. KM understands that several senior bureacrats including Amithabh Kanth played a crucial role in privatising the Kovalam Hotel which is shrouded in controversy now. At a time when many eyebrows are raised about the dubious manner in which a public property (the Ashoka Hotel in Kovalam) was handed over to the private groupf from Muscat and that such senior bureacrats name crop up in other corruptiion cases. Another senior bureaucrat in the tourism ministry has tried to clear his name by convening a press conference recently.
After raiding the ice cream parlour Nadakkavu Police filed a case (282/97). Even though some diaries and notebooks confiscated during the raid contained valuable phone numbers and other details about other influential people were confiscated on August 6, 1997, Sreedevi was arrested only on August 28. This gave ample time for the influential culprits to destroy evidence and influence the main witnesses in the case. Another list of crucial phone numbers obtained by the police also disappeared. It was only on August 28, 1997 that Sreedevi was made an accused as per IPC 366 Immoral Trafficking Act 5(1) ABC.
According to the report made by the investigation team on 17 October 1997, 165 witnesses were questioned before October 18 1997. In this report, the statements of five girls who were taken to different customers by Srilekha in return for money were also recorded. These statements were in agreement with the diary and other records confiscated by the police raid. It was revealed that Sridevi was engaged in prostitution racket to serve the rich. In the pretext of recruiting girls to work in the beauty parlour and ice cream parlour, Sridevi was using them for the sex trade. In addition to sending girls to different places, the ice cream parlour was also used as a brothel.
The investigation also revealed the names of many customers of the sex racket and on fourth September 1997 a criminal case was filed in the Kozhikkodu First Class Megistrate as per IPC 366 109 sections. Four accused where Abdulla, Khadar Kutty, Rahman (millionaire from Gulf). The fifth accused Abdul Khadar was arrested on first October 1997. Other accused - Basheer, James, Joseph, K.T.Joseph, Baby HJoseph and Mohammed Kutty - were arrested on 17 October 1997. On 22 October 1997, former Kozhikkodu Mayor T.P.Dasan, O Rajagopal were also arrested and made accused number 11 and 12 respectively. They were accused of conspiracy in the sex racket with Sridevi.
The fourth accused Abdul Rahman is a rich businessman in the Gulf countries (UAE) has property worth several crores in Kozhikkodu town. The investigating officer filed the case on 22 October 1997 as per immoral trafficking rules. An examination of the statements made by the victims (girls) mentioned in the case diary clearly indicated that former minister P K Kunjalikutty, his driver Aravindashan, Advocate Baijunath, Customs official Shafi and Customs Superintendent Vijayan were actively involved in the sex racket. Many witnesses including Mobi, Rejina, and Rajula said Kunjalikutty was a partner in the sex racket run by Sridevi. The report also quotes statements made by several girls during police interrogation.
The statement by Boby on 12 September 1997 said Sreedevi took her and Vimala (another girl) to have sex with others to a flat near Y.M.C.A. There Kunujalikutty had sex with Vimala and his driver Aravindan had sex with Boby. These sexual acts happened in adjacent rooms. Sreedevi and Vimala stayed in that flat. Bindu was paid Rs.500. The witnesses also agreed that the complaint about sex racket run by Sridevi was correct. Laila, Sheeja, Rosiline, Rajula and Vimala were also recruited by Sridevi. They were regular visitors to the ice cream parlour.
On 28 September 1997, Rajula was questioned and she said Kunjalikutty's driver Aravindan came to the Ice Cream Parlour and asked Sridevi to send Rejina and another girl. As soon as Sridevi and the girls reached a house near the Kozhikkodu stadium, former Minister Kunjalikutty also reached the house. One after another the minister had sex with both the girls. He gave Rs.1000 as remuneration. On the way, Customs Officer Vijayan who was waiting in his Maruthi car took them to a house near Kannur airport. There also the girls were used for sexual relation. Rejina was given Rs.1000 and the other girl was given Rs.750 plus a job.
Rejina said on 24 August 1997 that when she was recruited by Sridevi, there was another beautician trainee Rejula. In the ice cream parlour, she was trained to have sex with the men arranged by Sridevi. One day Sridevi took her and other gilrs (Vimala and Rejula) to a house near Perambra Stadium. After sometimes Kunjalikutty came here and the girls danced as per his demands. He made both the girls to lie down and simultaneously indulged in sex with both of them. Each one of the girl was given Rs.500 each. Sreedevi took her to another house in Shornur where Kunjalikutty used the girls. These statements were made by the girls during interrogation upto 13 September 1997.
Police investigation revealed that the unique relationship between Sreedevi and Kunjalikutty is very old. According to the police, this relationship started when she was working as a domestic servant for a retired chief engineer. She was working there when the engineer organized special parties for the former Kozhikoodu collector Amithabh Kanth (who was also the acting Mayor), former Mayar O Rajagopal and other VIPs. According to the witness made by Bindu two girls - Sabina and Saairabanu - visited Thiruvananthapuram to meet Kunjalikutty. Bindu also said she was taken to Thiruvananathapuram to meet Kunjalikutty, but as the minister was out of station, his driver Aravindashan used her for sex.
In each place, the minister and his associates reached there. Kunjalikutty, his driver Aravindashan and Sridevi were engaged in conspiracy to engage in illegal and immoral activity. There is prama facie evidence that the minister was involved in the sex racket. Even though many girls who were part of the sex racket made such strong statements against the minister, police investigation excluded Kunjalikutty. The report also mentions names like Baiju, Biscuit Abdullah and Queen Baby. All the culprits from accused number sixth to accused number ten were charged with IPC 366/109. However. Kunujalikutty who repeatedly committed more serious crime than all the other accused was not mentioned in any court cases. It is suspected that police investigation was discriminatory.
Similarly Advocate Baijunadh was not included in the main case. Rejecting the bail plea of Sridevi, the court ordered on 30th September 1997 arrest of all accused in the case. However, police did not implement this court order. In a public order dated 10 November 1997, the High Court noticed that the accused did not kidnap or force the girls to indulge in sex. Police used this order as a cover to stop arresting the accused by collecting more evidence. The statements against Kunjalikutty and other accused were made by the girls on September 30 1997. The HC order dated 10th November 1997 could not be used as a shield to protect Kunjalikutty.
Police did not bother to question two girls Laila and Suraiba. The direct statement made by Rejina in front of the magistrate named Kunjalikutty as a culprit. Police commissioner did not answer questions about the investigations conducted on the basis of Rejina's statement. The High Court was issued on the basis of evidence and facts available before the court and could not be seen as an ultimate decision for further investigation.
Corruption case against Kunhalikutty, Amithabh Kanth and others
Saturday November 6 2004 12:05 IST
KOZHIKODE: The Vigilance Inquiry Commissioner and Special Judge M R Gopalakrishnan Nair on Friday directed the police to produce the case diary and statements of witnesses in a corruption case in which P K Kunhalikutty and four others, including IAS officer Amitabh Kanth, have been arrayed as accused.The case was registered on November 3, 1997. Industries Minister Kunhalikutty was the Minister for Local Administration when the incident took place.
The court direction came in the wake of a police petition, requesting the court to ''remove the file from the records of the court''.The court said that the investigating officer alluded to certain materials to proceed against the accused persons. But the legal advisor to the court opined that there were no materials to do so; consequently, no sanction was accorded for prosecution.
''The controversy between the officer and the legal advisor is to be resolved. For that purpose, the case diary and statements of the witnesses are to be looked into,'' the court said.Accordingly, notices were issued to former city police commissioner Neera Ravath, investigating officer K.R. Ramesh and petitioner K. Sreenivasan.
Police stumbled upon the corruption case - two incidents - while investigating into the infamous ice cream parlour sex racket case. P P Abdul Rahiman, an NRI is the first accused and Ex-Kozhikode mayor O Rajagopal of CPI is the second. Former corporation secretary T K Raveendran, former district collector Amitabh Kanth and P K Kunhalikutty are the third, fourth and the fifth accused respectively.According to the report submitted by the investigating officer, it was found that Abdul Rahiman and Rajagopal conspired together to secure for Abdul Rahiman the 52 cents of land proposed to be acquired for Palayam Bus Stand.
Amitabh Kanth, then in-charge of the city mayor, exempted the land from acquisition with the help of the then corporation secretary T.K. Raveendran, which enabled Abdul Rahiman to gain an undue advantage of Rs 2 crore, and thereby causing a loss of Rs 49,25,000 to the corporation.Based on the evidence from the statements of the witnesses, it was found that Kunhalikutty granted exemption of building rules to the owners of a multi-storeyed building at Mavoor Road. Based on this, Kunhalikutty was made the fifth accused.The case has been posted to November 19.
UGC ASKED TO WITHDRAW COURT CASES AGAINST RESEARCH SCIENTISTS
MHRD DIRECTS UGC TO REINTRODUCE SCHEME OF RESEARCH SCIENTISTS
Resolving the long drawn out dispute between the Research Scientists and the University Grants Commission, the Ministry of Human Resource Development has directed the UGC that it need not pursue the cases against the scientists. MHRD has also directed the UGC to reintroduce the scheme of Research Scientists with a view to promote high standards of research in Science and Humanities and to provide opportunities to persons having outstanding merit and the zeal for creative work. The Ministry has constituted a Committee to work out modalities of the scheme. The Chairman of the Committee will be eminent scientist Prof. C.N.R Rao.
It may be recalled that the UGC floated the Scheme of Research Scientists in 1983-84 with the objective of providing research facilities to bright young researchers who are having aptitude for research. In all 200 positions were created, 100 for Science subjects and the remaining for Social Science subjects. According to the scheme the Researchers were to be granted award initially for a period of five years and the work was to be evaluated before the expiry of the five year period so that the award could either be withdrawn or continued at the same level or the Scientist could even be promoted to the higher level for another period of five years. The researchers were to be appointed by UGC in three grades such as Scientist Grade A, B or C equivalent to Lecturers, readers and Professors under the laid down pay scales. The implementation of the programme especially in the last five years had caused serious friction between the Scientists and the UGC leading to a number of litigations in various courts of the country. In all the cases, UGC lost out but went on appeals in higher Courts leading to a situation where it was spending a vast amount of money in litigations and the scientists had a feeling of gross harassment.
SHRI JAIPAL REDDY LAUNCHES ONLINE FACILITY FOR THE REGISTRATION OF NEWSPAPERS/PERIODICALS
Shri Jaipal Reddy, Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Culture today launched the Online facility for viewing new registrations of publications by Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI).Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the measure would provide transparency in the functioning of RNI and also facilitate the smaller newspapers and periodicals, especially in the far flung areas. He said that the idea behind such an effort is to see that the whole procedure is simplified and rationalized. The Minister stressed the need for a sustained effort in maintaining such services, introduced for facilitating the publishers.