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FRIDAY, April 4, 2014 Don’t delay, take Advantage of Extension. Apply for Health Coverage To-day Read more on Page18 Or Call 713-771-2900.
Vol. 27 No. 14 Friday, April 4, 2014 Published Weekly from Houston 713-774-5140 24 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com
MAGH holds candlelight vigil for missing Rice University student Reny Jose, asks for answers
Rev. Fr. Roy A. Thomas President ICECH addressing the gathering. by Shobana Muratee
M
ISSOURI CITY, TX March 31 2014 – Houston’s Malayalee community is looking for answers and solutions to missing teen Reny Jose of Harris County Sheriff’s Office officials, elected officials, MAGH members and community leaders who spoke at the occasion. Photos by reflectionmediausa.com Rice University whose search nears a month this week. In the recent months, the Indian American com- tary, (MAGH) said, “It is indeed an and universities.” munity has been grieving the loss of alarming situation and time for us to Sophia Kumbanattel, sister of Stanmissing and dead youth: Pravin Var- work together and take action as a ly Babu, gave a touching account of ughese, 19, Southern Illinois Univer- caring concern community.” her brother and the loss that her famsity student was found dead on February 18; 31-year-old Stanly Babu Kumbanattel was robbed and shot dead in Houston on March 11, Jasmine Joseph, 22, NYIT student was found dead in her car on March 12, and Reny Jose, the Rice University student who went missing in Panama City Beach on March 3, still untraceable. Prayers, condolences and a candlelight vigil went out to the teens and their family members at the condolence convention organized by the Malayalee Association of Greater Houston (MAGH) in Stafford. Candle Light Vigil L-R: Surendran Koran, K. Surendran , Attorney at Law, Secretary MAGH, Addressing a gath- George Jose, (Reny Jose’s father), Mark Hanna, Chief of the Narcotics and Gang Division of the ering of nearly 200 Fort BendCounty District Attorneys Office and Ken Mathew, Councilman, City of Stafford, TX. people, George Jose father of Reny Jose, Thomas Varkey, President MAGH, ily is going through. who flew in to attend the meeting said, “The only thing we can do is thanked the host of high ranking poOther prominent community leadget answers from the students who lice officials, elected officials and ers who spoke on the occasion were were with him.” Of the 22 students leaders of the community for their Koshy Thomas, publisher, Voice of who were with him, 16 of them had support at such critical time. A booth Asia, had helped with organizing the left before any police officer ques- was set up by Harris County Sher- meet, Alex Madathithazham, Presitioned them, he told the gathering. iff’s office to hand out information dent Knanaya Society, Jay Raman, Later, speaking to KPRC LOCAL 2, on IWatch, Internet Safety for Teens KHS Youth representative and Joy he said, “I felt there was some kind and other such programs. Thumpaman. Elected officials presof foul play that happened here.” Rev. Roy Thomas, President ent were Ron Reynolds, State RepreGeorge says he believes they have ICECH, who was instrumental in sentative for District 27, Councilmen not told investigators all of the in- putting together the meeting said, Harish Jajoo, City of Sugar Land, Ken formation they know. “I want to get “While some may attribute these Mathew, City of Stafford, and Robin an answer from the kids. The same recent events to the breakdown of Elackatt, Missouri City Councilman. as my wife and my daughter, they all family structure or the poor choices Emcees of the event were Ashley want an answer,” Jose said. Reny is of youth, the families and friends of supposed to be graduating May 17th those who have died and the family Mathew, Joanne John, Joshni John, READ REPORT ON PAGE 5 Serena Thomas and Merina Thomas. of this year. of Reny Jose will tell you a different Kennedy Joseph, Treasurer, MAGH Speaking on behalf of the Malaya- story. These were good children in proposed a vote of thanks. lee community, K Surendran, Secre- good standing with their community
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