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Former IMD director arrested on corruption charges

     New Delhi: Central Bureau of Investigation officials arrested former director of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) S K Srivastava late on Friday night under the Prevention of Corruption Act. According to official sources, Srivastava could not explain about the sources of huge assets that he had acquired. Srivastava was out on interim bail in connection with a sexual harassment case in which he was accused of rape by a 30-year-old woman last year. Srivastava took voluntary retirement although he still had two years to go before superannuation. A chargesheet is yet to be filed in that case. Last year, the 30-year-old victim, wife of an IMD employee, had accused the DG of sexually exploiting her for almost a decade and alleged that he used to ''threaten, pressurise and coerce'' her for sexual favours on the pretext of providing her with a job. When she got married, he threatened to reveal their relationship to her in-laws, the FIR alleged, adding that he threatened to get her husband fired.

Preparations in full swing for Sting's concert (Go To Top)

     New Delhi: Sting, of the angular looks and jazz- tinged pop rock hits, is all set to rock Delhi and get the adrenaline flowing with a high wattage performance on February 6. The school teacher-turned-rock artist is performing in India as part of his Asian tour dubbed as "Sacred Love" for hundreds of thousands who perished in the December 26 killer tsunami waves. The preprations at the Dilli Haat grounds are on at a war footing. Around 160 tonnes of theatrical and electronic equipment has been flown in and a 3000 sq ft stage with big screens and monolithic walls have been put in place for a concert that is likely to last four hours. An elated crewmember of Sting, Philp Gourd seemed very satisfied with the arrangements at the venue. "So far, it's going great. They are doing a great job. I think it's going to be a great show. I am sure there will be lot of excitement in the show and a really nice one," said Philip. Also elaborate security arrangements have been made to prevent any untoward incident at the show. Around 8000 police personnel have been depolyed in and around the venue.

     Many policemen have been deployed to frisk people in buses and other vehicles "We have made arrangements for plainclothes' staff also in and around the areas where the spectators will be watching Sting perform. Ladies have also been deployed. Our plainclothes staff will check people who are travelling by buses to the venue. PCR vans have also been placed around the venue. Patrolling staff is stationed on the roads, so that no untoward incident takes place," said Mangesh Kashyap. The singer-musician, known for his thought-provoking lyrics and inimitable singing style, will rock Delhi, at a high-octane audio-visual show that will most likely include his all-time hits from his 'Police' days to the latest numbers from his 'Sacred Love' album. Sting will also be accompanied by singers Joy Roch, Donna Guardian and musicians Domnique Miller, Jason Rebello, Rhain Criga and Keith Carlocle during the concert.

Repoll in 1000 Bihar poll booths likely (Go To Top)

     Patna: Bihar State Election Commission sources on Saturday said that the Election Commission (EC) may order a repoll in 1000 booths of 64 assembly constituencies in a dozen districts of the state that took part in the first phase of polling on February 3. According to the sources, returning officers have recommended repolling after receiving EVM-related complaints and other electoral abuses. The repolling may take place tomorrow after receiving the final list from the EC, the sources added. Meanwhile, a NDA delegation has demanded repolling in 350 booths and deployment of central paramilitaries at all booths as well as deployment of such forces for the second and third phase of assembly polls on February 15 and 23. BJP spokesperson Kiran Ghai, JD(U) spokesman Anil Pathak and others represented the NDA team.