Observer The Daily
VOL 13 ISSUE 2
Tuesday , December 3 , 2013 Extortion caught on camera
Disabilities day special report
Woman tried to sell her baby
Page 3
Page 6
Page 4 & 5
Skull split by iron rod An argument with a taxi driver leaves a tech park security guard fighting for his life EXCLUSIVE
tially it would have been a very crit-
Apurva Venkat & Nikita Narvekar
he was saved. He is going to be dis-
A
security
guard
ical situation but we were lucky that charged soon. He started walking
was
and is talking to us now. But he still
rushed to hospital aer a
remains in shock and trauma. e
cab driver attacked him
family is supporting him as much as
with a tyre iron.
possible. We are happy that he sur-
Rajyappa, 54, had an argument with
vived. "
the cab driver at the gates of Global
When Rajyappa was asked about
Village Tech Park.
the incident he burst into tears, un-
e driver hit Rajyappa with the
able to speak about it.
iron bar and it lodged in his skull.
When Kamal Prem, security head
Doctors at Balagangadharanatha
at the Global Village, was asked
Swamiji (BGS) Global Hospital
about the incident, he said: “We do
rushed him to surgery and removed
not want to talk about the issue.” Ac-
the iron rod.
cording to BGS Hospital Authori-
B. Raju, another security guard at
ties, the accused was identified by
Global village and an eyewitness to the incident, said: “It was a cab
Rajyappa at the BGS Hospital being treated for the skull fracture aer he was hit with an irod rod
Venkatrammanna added: “A case
driver of Infosys. e two had a fight
from his head. Due to the proximity
in the evening about entering the
of the place of incident, the patient
He was willing to talk but thinking
gate which turned physical and Ra-
could make it just on time. e inci-
of the incident has made him re-
jayyapa was attacked. "
dent happened when the patient re-
member the trauma again. He is
Bhajan Kumar, another guard,
fused to adjust the timing and data
now shied from the ICU to the
said: “We are aware of the incident.
according to the driver’s wishes."
ward. He is doing well and will be
It happened when I was on duty.
discharged soon.”
However, we have not been given
He added: “e cab driver in anger hit him with a wheel jack rod of the
was critical surgery.
was filed at Kengeri police station. e accused has been caught by the Kengeri police.”
car and injured him badly.” e rod
He added: “It was a skull fracture.
penetrated into his skull. e guard
We had to open the skull and open
He added that it was a serious head
was taken to BGS Global Hospital
the covering to the brain. We then
injury and could have led to paraly-
e incident happened on the
immediately.
took out the rod completely and
sis. However, since the rod pene-
same day Jyothi Udaya was attacked
stopped the bleeding.
trated the front portion of the skull
in an ATM in Bangalore, November
the guard was not le paralysed.
19. Both the patients suffered simi-
Dr.
X-ray of Rajyappa aer the attack
the patient.
Venkatrammanna,
Chief
Neuro surgeon at BGS Global Hos-
Only aer this we could conduct
pital, said: “e patient was brought
the surgery. We are happy with the
Kalidas, son of Rajyappa, said:
to the hospital with the rod hanging
recovery the patient has shown as it
“My father is doing fine now. Ini-
any details by any official here.”
lar injuries and had to undergo critical brain surgeries.
Tuesday December 3, 2013
e Daily Observer
2
Injustice, inhumanity and the AIDS epidemic Anannya Sarkar
with HIV.
disease. She lived in Shimoga with
Charulata, 35, a transgender, who
and is now with the Health min-
Activists from World Vision, the
Surekha, who is looking into the
her husband and 4 children. But
was a sex worker until she got
istry once again. Surekha added,
Bangalore HIV/AIDS forum and
case, believes that the Anti-Dis-
aer her husband's death, she was
diagnosed with HIV is now forced
“e Standing Committee on
students gathered at the Town
crimination
the
le in a Bangalore hostel by her-
to make a living by begging on the
Health, in its report to the Rajya
Hall for a rally, demanding the
HIV/AIDS Bill would help in the
family, never to be taken back
roads. Owing to her gender, she
Sabha in April 2013, has said that
tabling of the HIV/AIDS Bill,
protection of infected people in
again. According to the Care and-
has no valid ID proof or anything
the delay in bringing the Bill to the
pending since 2006, in the winter
both public and private sectors
Protection Act (2000), government
to even validate the fact that she is
Parliament is not justifiable.”
session of the Parliament.
from such discrimation.
hostels are supposed to take care of
a citizen of the country. She re-
At present, the winter session of
Law
under
Commenting on the necessity of
But discrimination is not just re-
abandoned children but this hostel
counted her experiences saying," I
the Parliament is slated to begin on
the Bill, Julian, Community Health-
stricted to this. According to
turned her and her children out
anyway never had any rights owing
December 5 while the Meenas and
Coordinator, World Vision, said,
Surekha, Bowring Hospital, a
aer getting to know that Meena
to what I am and now I have lost
the Charulatas continue to live a life
“e Bill is of utmost importance-
prominent government hospital in
of stigma and discrimination
the city, refuses to take many pa-
was HIV+. At present she lives near Jalahalli
my only source of income. I do not
for protecting basic human rights
have means to get proper treat-
clutching on to their only hope that
of people infected by HIV such as
tients as the doctors are themselves
and she still faces discrimination as
ment. No government hospital ad-
the government will someday do
the right to proper and free
scared of getting infected. ey
she said, "My neigbours do not
mits me."
something for them.
treatment. It is also necessary in
cite the lack of paraphernalia as the
even allow me to draw water from
order to tackle the stigma associ-
reason for not taking these patients.
the same tap.”
ated with it. "
KC General Hospital, a government
A resident of RPC Layout, Vijaynagar, she is forced to pay a sum of Rs.200 everyday along with the
Surekha N Shetty, Legal and Ad-
hospital in Malleshwaram, allegedly
According to Yashwanth, Student
monthly rent that she pays at the
vocacy Officer, said, "e Bill, until
refused to admit a pregnant woman
Union President, Jain College, who
end of the month. Commenting on
2011, was being draed in coordi-
in labour last month because she
participated in the rally, said “the
this, Charulata said, “is is be-
nation with the people and their
was HIV+. "Government hospitals
problem is due to lack of awareness.
cause I am an HIV+ transgender."
grievances were being heard. But
meting out such treatment is unac-
All the sensitization ends with the
aer 2011, the Bill has just been
ceptable" said Surekha.
end of the World Aids Day. "
According to Malathi from the Karnataka Network of Positive Peo-
shuffling between the Health Min-
Even the children of the affected
Grahm Movey-Stratton, an aspir-
istry and the Law Ministry. We
are not spared as a private school in
ing US journalist in India for an in-
want this Bill to be passed before
Kamlanagar allegedly forced a
ternship, seemed to be shocked to
from such inhumanities. "
the 2014 elections. NACO (has also
six-year-old to stop attending
see such recalcitrance in the system
e Bill has separate provisions
discussed the legislation and are ad-
school in May because his parents
when it comes to dealing with
for women and children along with
vocating for the Bill."
were both HIV+.
something as sensitive as this.
provisions for providing free and
A 45-year-old engineer working
Meena, 35, learnt she was HIV+
According to him, "legislation in
in a private organization at White-
about 21 years ago. According to
this regard should be speedy as it is
field was allegedly forced to resign
her, she contracted the disease from
extremely important in a country
last month aer he got diagnosed
her husband who succumbed to the
like India."
ple, "e Bill is very important as it provides for protection of people
complete treatment for all HIV+ people. As of October 2013, the Bill has been cleared by the Law ministry
Charulata, a victim.
Firms lack committee to check sexual assault Vaishnavi J. Desai
address these issues at workplace. It
stance where the complainant was
sector pertaining to sexual harass-
Most of the organizations includ-
surely helps to have one.”
not comfortable to speak in front of
ment, Kanti Joshi said: “Numbers
the male members of the ICC.
are not increasing; but the level of
ing hospitals and educational in-
e importance of these redressal
stitutions lack a committee to
mechanisms was highlighted by the
At her request, only the female
awareness is increasing. So, a lot of
address sexual harassment cases.
recent case of Tarun Tejpal who al-
members recorded her evidence
women are coming forward with
Speaking about the importance of
legedly sexually assaulted his fe-
and documented the reason for
their complaints.”
the internal committees, Kanti
male colleague.It also focused on
doing so. Decisions may have to be
She added, “Many employers are
Joshi, Convener of Sasha, an NGO
the absence of these committees in
taken depending on the facts and
initiating a lot of pro-active meas-
consultancy arm said: “It is the
many corporate sectors.
circumstances of each case.”
ures resulting in increase in confi-
need of the hour to set up commit-
Kanti Joshi said that it is impor-
She also said that she receives
dence levels of the employees. As a
tees at the earliest, according to the
tant to be sensitive towards a victim
cases where the complainant is
result of which they are encouraged
Vishaka guidelines and also accord-
while questioning her. erefore,
male. She said: “Anti-Sexual harass-
to come forward and raise their
ing the Sexual Harassment of
the members of the internal com-
ment Policies of most of the organ-
voice.”
Woman at Workplace Act, 2013. It
mittee need to undergo a sensitiza-
izations are gender-neutral.”
is mandatory to have an Internal
tion program.
Complaints Committee (ICC) to
She said: “ere was this one in-
When asked about the increase in
Kanti Joshi, Convenor Of Sasha
the number of cases in corporate
Uni services refused to comment on being asked about the committee in their organization.
e Daily Observer
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
3
Debt-ridden clerk hangs himself A First Division Assistant at Commisioner of Police Office hung himself at his residence, aer getting into debt. Karishma Ravindran & Vaishnavi Desai
in the living room, which means he was
A 34-year-old police officer committed sui-
report mentioned “drinking heavily since last
cide during the early hours of Tuesday.
night”.
drinking the night the incident took place.” According to the police, the post mortem
According to cops at H.A.L police station,
According to the wife’s complaint, regis-
the deceased, Ravi Kumar, was a First Divi-
tered at H.A.L police station, he had taken
sion Assistant at the Commisioner of Police
loans from relatives and had pledged all the
offic.
gold ornaments and so he committed suicide.
e incident took place at 2am on Tuesday
Kumar’s wife also said that he used to engage
where he committed suicide at his residence
himself in betting at turf club and at cricket
in H.A.L police quarters.
matches.According to the neighbor,the peo-
Umbalaya, Investigation Officer at H.A.L
ple he had borrowed money from used to
police station said , “e wife of the deceased,
come to his house every day to get their
Roopa, 25, and his children were sleeping in
money back.
the living room and he had asked his wife and
Sujata Rashe, 42, who lives in the H.A.L
children to leave him alone in the bedroom.
quarters said, “At 3:45am on Tuesday, I heard
Soon aer that, his wife got up to see her hus-
hustle and bustle from downstairs, that’s
band but he had already hung himself.”
when I saw Kumar’s body being taken away
e police added, “He was a heavy drinker and used to come home drunk every day and
in an ambulance. He used to drink every day and beat his wife.”
quarrel with his wife. Also, he had not been
She added, “A month ago, he almost be-
to work for the past five months. According
haved like a mentally retarded person and
to the neighbours, they had seen rum bottles
kept talking to himself. Every time he quar-
e house where the policeman killed himself reled with his wife, he said sorry to me.” “He owned two auto rickshaws, two two-
wheeler vehicles which he recently sold since he required money for drinking.”
Mother gives her baby daughter away Sneha Ghosh
family and works at a silk reeling factory that is located close
A mother suspected of trying to sell her new-born baby
to her house.
daughter has been warned she could face jail.
“She used to carry the twenty-five day old child to the fac-
We can reveal the woman, Sushila, 35, claims she sent her
tory. She would carelessly place the baby close to the furnace
daughter to live with a relative. e Child Development Pro-
while she would continue her work. e other four children
tection Unit in Ramnagara district of Bangalore is investigat-
would remain unattended in the house”, said Radha, Child
ing the case.
Development Protection Officer.
Sushila, a mother-of-four, gave birth to her daughter on
“Even the other four children are severely malnourished.
November 2 close to Geetamandir, Eijur extension. Twenty
She does not even send them to school. We are trying to
days later, Pushpalata, an anganwadi worker who lives
admit them to a rehabilitation centre in Chenapattna,” added
nearby, contacted the Child Development Protection Unit to
Radha.
tell them the child had gone missing. “Pushpalata informed us about the missing newborn. Following that information two of our Protection Officers, Sajuddin Khan and Jyothi went to meet Sushila”, said Rashmi, Assistant to the Child Development Protection Officer.
e baby has been recovered by the Child Welfare Commit-
Sushila handing over her child to the adoption center “She says that she got married to him in a temple but that is not true. Ravi has another family altogether”, said Rashmi. “Ravi is my husband. I did not sell my baby. She was with a
Jyothi said: “She denied having sold her baby. She said that
relative of mine in Mysore Road. I got the baby back when
the child is with her mother-in-law who lives in Mysore. We
they asked me to. She is with the adoption agency now”, said
have warned her that such action could land her in jail fol-
Sushila.
lowing which she got the baby back.” Sushila is a widow whose husband died a few years back. She now lives with Ravi who has another wife and three children.
tee and is currently with Snehalaya Adoption Centre who will soon arrange for the child’s adoption. Sister Cynthia at Snehalaya Adoption Centre said: “e mother is yet to sign the adoption form following which we will start the process. e baby is very weak and malnourished.” “She claims she did not sell her baby, but she was fine with
When questioned if she is happy about her baby being sent
us asking to put the baby up for adoption. We have to believe
to the adoption centre, she said, “I have four other children”.
what she says as we don’t have proof of her selling her baby.
Sushila has four other children who are aged six, five, two-
But what mother happily sends her twenty-day old child
and-a-half and one-and-a-half. She is the only provider in the
away?” added Suchitra, Child Welfare Committee.
4
e Daily Observer
Celebrating the International D The Observer Team
gra either sent them to normal
are willing to pay premium prices for
schools or kept them at home.
such a service.
As the world celebrates Interna-
Kirti, the principal, said, “Only 50
KickStart, mainly funded by Em-
tional Day of Persons with Disabil-
per cent of the parents accept that
phasis Ltd, has three types of cabs to
ities today, team Observer brings
their child has a medical condition.
make the vehicles agreeable to its cus-
you all that is being done in Banga-
Fearing society’s reaction, they do not
tomers. e firm is engaging women
lore to “Break Barriers, Open
send their children to school."
and transsexuals as drivers who they
Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all.”
According to Kiran, administrator of the school, "Since most of the stu-
hope will be more sensitive towards disabled and old people.
A school for the differently abled
dents in this branch are Muslim, our
“During the pilot service we found
Sri Vaishnavi Education Academy
teachers are learning Urdu. It would
that only 50 per cent of our clients
for mentally challenged and disabled
help in strengthening the student-
were disabled,” said Jindal inferring
has got 37 admissions in one year of
teacher bond."
that the service is gaining popularity
operation.
However, a shortage of special
other than their target customers.
e school functions in a place that
teachers is a concern. “We need more
“e designs adopted to make the
was a scrap building inside the gov-
special teachers. Very few agree to
cabs disabled friendly are expensive.
ernment hospital compound in Ram-
come to a small far-away village to
It costs us around Rs. 4 lakh,” said Jin-
nagra until last year, when it was
help these children.”
dal. e team hopes to expand the
cleaned and painted to be put to bet-
Making travel comfortable
service to Delhi, Mumbai and Chen-
ter use.
A cab service designed especially
nai in the coming years.
Inaugurated on November 18, 2012
for senior citizens and the disabled
with just two admissions, it is the sec-
was launched in the city on Novem-
ond branch of Sri Vaishnavi Educa-
ber 28.
tion Academy.
Initiated by Vidhya Kalyani Rama-
e school enrolls students between
subban, KickStart Cabs aims to make
3 and 31 years with mild, moderate
transportation friendly for its target
and severe mental retardation and as-
customers.
Exhibition e Rangoli Metro Art Centre has organized a painting and pottery exhibition, with the artifacts contributed by disabled children. e three day event is taking place at the Rangoli Art Centre. e Ran-
sociated physical disabilities. ey
According to Ankit Jindal, Co-
goli Metro Art Centre has organized
are divided into four groups accord-
Founder of the cab service, “e dis-
the event in association with seven
ing to their ages.
abled and senior citizens face several
schools and organizations which
It does not teach them academic
problems while travelling. e driv-
work for the education and training
subjects but basic operational skills
ers of the usual cabs are not sensitive
of the disabled. e children are
needed every day like eating and
enough in handling these people,
being trained all around the year with
tute of Speech and Hearing Centre
face the society and stand on their
basic communication. ey are also
which causes them mental stress and
extracurricular activities like- Pottery
said, “Almost 70 per cent of the par-
own.”
given vocational training in areas like
inconvenience.”
and painting which would inculcate
ents who have a disabled child hide
Shanti, Vice-Principal of the
in them the confidence that they re-
them out of shame. It is not the right
Bethany Special School said, “We
quire.
paper bag making and candle making.
According to a survey conducted by KickStart Cabs, all the disabled
e disabled children about to perform at the function that was held t
thing to do. Parents should not hide
need lot of patience and perseverance
Before this school, parents of men-
people and senior citizens need spe-
Dr. M. N Nagaraj, Director (Tech-
their children from the society or be
to train these children. It basically re-
tally disturbed children in Ramana-
cial services and 60 per cent of them
nical), Dr. S R Chandrasekhar Insti-
too protective but rather help them to
quires routine repetition, though it
Dr. B. N. Praneshwar Rao at the function
NGO workers with some of the disabled children who took part
Displays created by disabled childr
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
5
Day of Persons With Disability have a problem with reading and writing. is sort of “Invisible Dis-
Although it aimed at increasing
ability” is difficult to understand even
awareness about disability and the
if there is a problem.
problems related to it, several senior
Learning applications
She added, “ese disabilities are
members of prominent disability-re-
irreversible and need the right kind
lated organizations felt that the event
Technology collaborates with the
of treatment and training at the right
was merely aimed at raising publicity
specially abled people to make life
time which should be initiated at the
for the government without actually
easier for them with a wide variety
tender age of 3-4 years, which is the
addressing the vast number of prob-
of apps and devices.
right time to educate the children.”
lems faced by disabled persons in the
She added, “Parents bring their chil-
state.
Every kid is different so this book is designed for children with special
dren to me and expect results in a
N. V. Darshan, Director of Mobility
needs. Zanny-Born to Run book
short period of time but they don’t
and erapy, Association of People
carries a different story which helps
understand that such kind of disabil-
with Disabilities (APD), said that the
diagnose a specific learning disor-
ity takes a longer to get better. Stu-
biggest challenge faced by disabled
der. is is the first ever custom
dents who have been here for over a
people in Karnataka was the lack of
made book for special children.
year are now in par with the normal
proper outreach programs coupled
Another special app to be men-
children. But for those children who
with poverty and social stigmas that
tioned is the Grace App. e best
join the organization and discon-
surround them.
feature of this app is it provides a
tinue, have not gained much as their parents expect immediate result.”
According to earlier reports, 70 per
means of communication for the
cent of the disabled persons in Kar-
non-verbal people. It is a simple
Vani added that they conduct coun-
nataka are unemployed despite the
mechanism where the user can
seling for the parents so that they can
provision of the Disability Act. Ques-
form a sentence by building rele-
understand the problem better and
tions were also raised about govern-
vant images.
have teachers specially trained from
mental negligence with regarding to
the Karnataka Parent’s Association
providing adequate facilities in rural
for Mentally Retarded Citizens to
areas.
handle the children with ease.
to commemorate World Disability Day
Citizens, K. Rajanna.
Dr. B.N. Praneshwar Rao, a repre-
On the surface
sentative and State Level Coordinator
At a function held to commemorate
for Disabilities, Indian Red Cross,
World Disability Day, the state gov-
said, that the most important meas-
ernment recognized a number of or-
ure to be taken is the proper evalua-
takes a bit of time it enhances their
the much needed respect they de-
ganizations dedicated to helping
tion of identity cards for disabled
AVAZ with a vision to provide a
motor skills and help them be inde-
serve in the society.
people with disabilities.
people. He emphasizes that it is es-
voice for the non verbal people has
Vani Nagaraj, Special Educator and
e event, held at the Kanteerava
sential that evaluation of I.D. cards be
developed affordable tools. Aug-
She added that they have organized
Director, Aarohan- Centre for Learn-
Stadium, was attended by a large
carried out by certified medical pro-
mentative and Alternative Com-
an Inter-school Athletic meet at the
ing Disability said that parents should
number of disabled people as well as
fessionals. "Our biggest responsibility
munication (AAC) devices are tools
Madhavan Park in order to motivate
be aware about the fact that though
the Commissioner of the Directorate
is creating a barrier-free atmosphere
which are rarely found in India.
the children and provide them with
these children behave normally, they
of Welfare of Disabled and Senior
for the disabled."
AVAZ is an artificial voice which
pendent.”
ren were exhibited during the event at the Rangoli Art Centre in the city
comes close to being a substitute for natural voice and is flexible, people with all forms of disabilities can use it. Invention Labs has provided features which makes the tool loud, fast, clear and most importantly its eco friendly. See. Touch. Learn. by Brain Parade can’t be le behind. An app for autistic kids to learn from picture cards and the learner’s response can be tracked automatically. Parents and teachers can help their kids benefit from 60 exercises and high quality images.
e Daily Observer
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
6
Celebrating the United Nations' 16 day campaign from November 25 to December 10 which aims to fight violence against women, e Daily Observer brings you the stories of the survivors and healers associated with this gender-based struggle that is still rampant.
Appy to help Sneha Bengani
not for women in the community
ences and the impact of violence
“We need to get the message out,”
adjunct position at St. John’s Re-
but for health workers to system-
on their health, I am finally seeing
she declares. “We need to ensure
search Institute in Bangalore, she
A mobile application has been
atically look for domestic violence
policy level attention to this issue.”
that the data gathered by folks like
collaborates with NGOs to see
developed to help public health
cases and respond in an organized
She has an array of BBMP offi-
me from these community-based
change happen.
workers find if their patient is a
way so that the right messages are
cials supporting her work who of
studies is understood by the larger
victim of domestic violence.
being communicated on a consis-
late have started recognizing the
community.”
tent basis,” says the woman who
link between domestic violence
Currently working with a non-
help groups in the city to a con-
leads the Soukhya Project.
and women’s health, which, ac-
profit research institute in the US
sciousness about the issue so that
cording to her, “is a huge develop-
called Research Triangle Institute
women feel more comfortable
ment.”
and serving as a visiting faculty in
talking about their problems.
is app called “Com-Care” (for community care) borrows from Dr. Sunita Krishnan’s carefully de-
A public health researcher born
veloped protocol based on her re-
in the United States, Krishnan
search and documentation, is
spent the first half of her life there.
created by Dimagi Inc., funded by
She calls herself “a women’s health
U.S. Agency for International De-
researcher and advocate” and is
velopment (USAID) and sup-
“committed to seeing my research
ported by BBMP.
translated to programs and poli-
is initiative has not been made
cies.”
a program by BBMP yet. It is still
e 43 year old has been working
a project. e idea of the app was
for women welfare since she
conceived in 2006 when Krishnan
started her PhD in Public Health
met the founder of Dimagi Inc.
at University of California and
and discussed with him the possi-
Berkley. “I came back to India in
bility of using their platform to fa-
1996 and did three years of re-
cilitate primary health system
search in Chikmaglur district in
responses.
rural Karnataka. It was then that
Together they created an app that functions as “a job aid.” It helps the
my interest in looking at women’s issues started.”
staff carry out the screening proto-
She has been involved with in-
col and enables them to look for
depth research projects that look
certain signs and symptoms to as-
at gender-power dynamics in mar-
sess if their patient is a victim of
riage and how it impacts women’s
domestic violence.
sexual and reproductive health. “I
It makes the health workers ask
found violence faced by women as
indirect and direct questions to
one of the major health hazards.
find out the problems of the
Its impact on their mental and
women patients and then prompts
physical health has been a constant
them to provide information
throughout my career.”
about the necessary referrals. If a
She believes that since the Delhi
woman wants a referral, that can
gang rape there has been a lot
also be recorded on the app and a
more media and government at-
SMS alerts a Soukhya counselor
tention to the issue of violence
that a woman experiencing do-
against women and its myriad im-
mestic violence has been identi-
pacts on the victims. “Aer work-
fied.
ing on this issue for years and
“is app is unique because it is
documenting women’s experi-
She intends to launch an awareness campaign with women’s self
Dr. Sunita Krishnan, the brains behind ComCare, a mobile app to help domestic violence victims
e Daily Observer
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
7
Six men caught for illegal issuing of gun licenses Sneha Ghosh
imum of 20,000 rupees. Vijay Kumar was
Six security guards were arrested by city po-
overcharged as their greed had increased a lot
lice for issuing fake gun licenses .
which ultimately led to their arrest.”
On October 23, Inspector Girish of D.J.
“A security guard usually has a nominal
Halli Police Station, led by a team of four
salary of Rs. 4000. But if he has a registered
other constables, arrested Ajay Yadav, 28,
gun with a license number then the company
Ravindra Kumar, 32, Sunil Kumar, 26, Suren-
pays him much more. e salary then in-
dra Kumar, 22, Nagendra Kumar, 33 and
creases to around Rs 12,000. is is the basic
Jugetan and Pandey, 20, for cheating people
reason why they started dealing in weapons”,
by charging exorbitant amounts and handing
said Mr. Shivprakash.
out duplicate license numbers for guns and
A team of four people are being sent to
revolvers.
Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Na-
Girish, Inspector of D.J. Halli Police Station with the six arrested security guards
galand within a week to investigate the false
lice station aer the group had tricked two
Police Station said:”Most of them are from
licenses issued allegedly by the Deputy Com-
lakh rupees from him. ey had supplied
different villages in Bihar. Ajay Yadav is from
“All six of them have accepted their charges
him with a single barrel gun and issued a false
Dharamchack village, Ravindra Kumar from
during interrogation. ey claim that their
license against it. Mr. Kumar, a Field Officer
Bagavanganj, Sunil Kumar from Sadabe ,
friend Bijayendra Kumar, who lives in Bihar
at Shiva Industries, a security agency, had
Surendra Kumar from Jehanabad district and
used to supply them with the license num-
contacted them for they were known among
Jugetanad Pandey from Dumriya, Bochpur.”
bers”, said Inspector Girish.
A FIR was lodged by Vijay Kumar at the po-
the local people for dealing in guns.
out let in Cunningham Road.”
Mr. Dinesh, Station-Writer said: “All six of
Bijayendra Kumar is absconding and is be-
misioner, Dimapur, Nagaland and District Magistrate, Udhampur, Uttar Pradesh. With the ongoing investigation, the charge sheet is yet to be filed. On November 25, the group was produced at Regular Court, Mayo Hall and released on
Mr. Kumar informed the police of the
them were employed as security personnel in
lieved to be the mastermind behind these op-
rented apartment at Defense Lane, Nanda
different organizations. Nagendra Kumar and
erations.
Gokula Layout, where the gang usually
Ravindra Kumar worked in Bharath Co-Op-
He got the license numbers issued from dif-
our team returns from Jammu, if it is found
stayed. Following the tip-off, Mr. Girish ar-
erative Bank. Jugetanand Pandey , Sunil
ferent district magistrates of other states like
that licenses were actually manipulated, the
rested the six, seizing half-a-dozen other du-
Kumar and Surendra Kumar worked at a cash
Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland.
case will proceed to court and trial will begin.
plicate license numbers, guns and 34
filling escort company in Frazer Town. While
He added: “Generally a very nominal fee is
It is going to be interesting as out of six guns
cartridges.
Sachin Kumar was unemployed, Ajay Yadav
charged for delivering a license number. But
we seized, two were made in Bangalore while
worked as a security guard at an Axis Bank
these people charged their customers a min-
remaining are from UP”, added Mr. Girish.
Police Sub-Inspector Shivprakash, D.J.Halli
bail. “Based on reports that we will receive aer
Ha w kers on walkway p a y a b r i b e Gaurav Kumar
Bagh Road, happened to be the vendor here
Vegetable and fruit vendors have to pay
in the past but le the place five years back
money, allegedly to government officials, to
due to the extortion by BBMP officials.
sell their produce outside KR Market on the surrounding walkways.
“Officials from both police department and BBMP come and extort. On average they col-
ree people were caught on camera on two
lect Rs 100-150 from each vendor. One has to
different days collecting money from ven-
give the money irrespective of the earnings,”
dors. Vendors said that they were from the
said Anand.
corporation (BBMP)but their identity could not be verified independently. More than twenty vendors have admitted to
He added that there is no fixed person for the extortion and they keep changing on different days.
bribing the alleged officials and none of those
According to vendors, officials come every
interviewed denied giving money even while
day and take rounds ranging between six and
saying that they can’t speak about it due to
eight and on every such visit they ask for be-
A vendor paying a bribe to an “official” outside K R Market
fear.
tween Rs 10-20.
ere are days when they have to return
around the market. One shop owner said, “
without any money when the sale is below Rs
let’s see what method they devise now?”
ose who admitted paying a bribe said
Finally, at the end of the day almost every
that corporation officials extort money and
roadside vendor coughs up around Rs 150 in
that sometimes they are also accompanied by
total to stay and sell there.
150.
According to Narayansamy, Station House
A shop owner in the BBMP owned K R
Officer at K R Market, there are already four
police in civil dress. ey said they either did-
Sunil Kumar, currently studying 12th Grade
Market, who did not wished to be named,
CCTV cameras and within a week 32 more
n’t know the exact name and designation of
Commerce from National College, who
said that he pays “monthly” rent to BBMP
will be installed.
the alleged officials or did not wish to reveal
sometimes sells his produce in the absence of
whereas the small vendors on the walkways
details out of fear of losing their livelihood as
his father, said that they hardly earn Rs 300 a
have to pay “daily” rent, the former being
well as physical harassment.
day and out of that they are forced to shell out
legal and the latter illegal.
Anand, a resident of Sudamnagar in Lal
some Rs 150 to the corporation’s officials.
New CCTV cameras are being installed
Narayansamy denied having registered any complaint about extortion in the market. Deputy Commissioner (Market), BBMP was unavailable for comment.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
e Daily Observer
Medical tourism gaining momentum in Bangalore Prutha Subhash Bhosle e total number of international patients arriving in the city for medical treatment has doubled since 2008. e medical industry is expected to boom further in the next couple of years, say International Marketing Heads of private hospitals in the city. In 2008, 300-350 international patients have visited BGS Global Hospital. is has apparently increased to around 700 patients in 2012. Kumar B, Public Relations Officer at BGS Global Hospital said, “is is a booming industry. e economy of the country is growing stronger due to a rise in international patients. If this continues, India could sharply recover from recession.”
Siddik, from Iraq, was cured of fits He added, “We have registered these international patients mostly coming from Middle Eastern countries and Africa.” Dr. Shetty, Director of Narayana Hospitals Healthcity said, “India is emerging as a medical tourist hub. Bangalore specifically is doing great in this industry. e city being famous for IT industry has now also developed into a health destination.” He added, “ere are not enough medical facilities in Middle Eastern countries and Africa, hence they are bound to come to our country to get treated. Besides, our hospitals have aced in oncology, cardiac treatments, neuro-related surgeries and even plastic sur-
gery.” Dr. Priya, Medical Tourism head at BGS Global Hospital said, “ere are several reasons to back the rise in international patients in the city or country. If one person comes down to get treated, he/ she is accompanied with family. erefore, not just one but the entire family gets itself checked. On their return back to their own country, by word-of-mouth, the news spreads and more people head to India to get themselves treated. is is one of the major reasons why we succeed in attracting international patients.” Rise in these patients is registered by major hospitals of the city like Apollo Hospitals, BGS Global Hospitals, Manipal Hospital and Narayana Hospitals Healthcity. Dr. Priya added, “Our cost of treatment is almost 10 times lesser than that in the West and the same level of care is offered.” Dr. Rajan from a private hospital in Delhi said, “Out of all the cities in the country, Chennai has the highest number of international patients. is is followed by Bangalore and then Delhi and Mumbai.” He added, “Bangalore is still lagging behind Chennai by a huge difference. Yet, it has the potential to top in attracting international patients.” We Care India, a medical tourism organization, has recorded a rise in international patients in the country. A spokesperson from this organization said, “To alert people from abroad about our capabilities, we hold camps and meetings in various countries. ere, we make them aware about the technology we own. We also help patients from Middle Eastern countries to get visas as travelling to India is a challenge for them.” Siddik (44), a patient from Iraq said, “I came to Bangalore to get treated about four months back. I used to get fits. e reason I chose this city over any other in the world is because many of my relatives have been here before. ey suggested me to come here as it is the best. I also did my share of research before
8
Events Food
heading here.” Fatima, a patient from Dubai, too has got her knee replacement surgery done in Bangalore Kids across Bangalore try their hands at pizza making in the Junior Pizza Chef Competition Where: All outlets of California Pizza Kitchen, Bangalore When: Upto December 14, 2013
Art
Fatima, from Dubai, had a knee operation at BGS Global Hospital. Juwaith from Saudi Arabia, said, “I came to India for my son’s treatment. He was shot in the chest during a family wedding back in our country. Initial surgeries were done there but later we flew down to Bangalore aer watching videos on YouTube of Baby Iman who was too shot under similar circumstances and was treated here in the city.” Habib Kader, International Marketing Head at BGS Global Hospitals, said, “My job is to attract foreign patients to this country. I contact them through medical tourist guides and ensure that they are satisfied enough to get themselves treated here. Once they are, my duty is to make sure their safe stay in country.”
Budding and talented artists of Bangalore get an opportunity to showcase their work at ‘Sensorial Perspective’ Where:
ird Eye- Indian Art
Gallery, Airport Road, Bangalore When: Until December 31, 2013 Contact: 9845585235
Music
e Raghu Dixit Project is here to present an enticing amalgamation of Carnatic classical and Western music. Where: Opus, Palace Orchards, Bangalore When: December 23, 2013 Contact:08023442580,
Habib, International Marketing Head
9844030198, 9008303330
Observer Team: Editor - Sneha Mejari Chief Sub Editor - Shweta Nair News Editors - Sneha Bengani, Tanisha Das, Tulana Nayak, Shivpriya Jodha, Saikat Ghosh Sub Editors - Sneha Ghosh, Suchitra Sharma, Raju Peethala, Prutha Subhash Bhosle Picture Editors/ Deisgn - Sushmita Sen, Sureshkumar, Sreelakshmy Sivaram Emergency Service - Vaishnavi J. Desai, Rahul Sadhu, Soumya Basu Email- editor@iijnm.org An IIJNM Publication (For Private Circulation)