The parents of a 10-year-old girl who said her fourth-grade teacher molested her in class were outraged that school officials allowed him to continue teaching despite previous allegations.
James William McKinley, 57, a teacher at Cameron Elementary School, was arrested about 11 a.m. Tuesday in Barstow on suspicion of committing lewd and lascivious acts on a child.
McKinley, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday, was booked into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, where he posted bond on a $100,000 bail Tuesday, Barstow police Sgt. Mark Franey said.
The parents of the 10-year-old girl said their daughter told them McKinley touched her inappropriately in class about two weeks ago.
"She came home and told us that she was uncomfortable with the way he was touching her and other girls," the mother said.
The girl's father added, We were shocked when she brought this to light. And we're outraged that the school district didn't take some action against this man when they were investigating him 18 months ago."
After the accusations were brought to the attention of school resource officer Albert Toro on Jan. 6, a subsequent investigation turned up three other alleged victims, all girls between the ages of 9 and 10 and students in McKinley's class, Franey said.
The alleged assaults are believed to have occurred in McKinley's classroom at various times since the commencement of the 2005-2006 school year, Franey said.
"It appears this actually occurred in the classroom during classroom hours," Franey said.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Father Accused of Rape
A 40-year-old father was charged for rape Tuesday after he allegedly repeatedly molested his 14-year-old daughter in Barangay Sto. Cristo here. Chief Inspector Rosario Garcia, this town's police chief, identified the suspect as one "Jonito", a resident of the said area.
In a sworn statement signed by the victim, Ericka (name changed) revealed that her father started molesting her at the age of seven. He eventually sexually harassed her at the age of nine inside their residence, and last December 9, 2005. Garcia said according to the victim's statement, the suspect forced Ericka to get inside their parents' bedroom and threatened her should she refuse to obey him. The girl said she chose not to tell her disabled mother about the incident because of her condition.
A medical certificate revealed that Ericka has healed lacerations. With this, charges of rape and acts of lasciviousness in relation to Article III Section 5 of Republic Act 7610 known as the Child Abuse Law docketed under information sheet Nos. 06-A-263 and 06-A-281 was filed against the suspect, who is now detained at the Guagua District Jail here.
In a sworn statement signed by the victim, Ericka (name changed) revealed that her father started molesting her at the age of seven. He eventually sexually harassed her at the age of nine inside their residence, and last December 9, 2005. Garcia said according to the victim's statement, the suspect forced Ericka to get inside their parents' bedroom and threatened her should she refuse to obey him. The girl said she chose not to tell her disabled mother about the incident because of her condition.
A medical certificate revealed that Ericka has healed lacerations. With this, charges of rape and acts of lasciviousness in relation to Article III Section 5 of Republic Act 7610 known as the Child Abuse Law docketed under information sheet Nos. 06-A-263 and 06-A-281 was filed against the suspect, who is now detained at the Guagua District Jail here.
Dowry Accused Remanded in Police Custody
A city court has remanded to two days police custody a girl's father-in-law and brother-in-law for allegedly harassing her and demanding dowry at New Delhi.
Patiala House Court Special Judge remanded Ramesh Tiwari (55) and his brother Amresh Tiwari (29) to two days police custody for further interrogation and intensive investigation. Abinash Tiwari, the husband of the victim is still at large.
All the accused, including Abinash, used to harass the victim for dowry. Amresh even beat the victim's sister, a well known media personality, and injured her. The police took custody of the accused persons because it had to arrest the prime accused Abinash and also recover the dowry worth Rs 5.50 lakhs, jewellery and other items, the victim's counsel J C Digpaul, told UNI.
Patiala House Court Special Judge remanded Ramesh Tiwari (55) and his brother Amresh Tiwari (29) to two days police custody for further interrogation and intensive investigation. Abinash Tiwari, the husband of the victim is still at large.
All the accused, including Abinash, used to harass the victim for dowry. Amresh even beat the victim's sister, a well known media personality, and injured her. The police took custody of the accused persons because it had to arrest the prime accused Abinash and also recover the dowry worth Rs 5.50 lakhs, jewellery and other items, the victim's counsel J C Digpaul, told UNI.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Daughter killed Over Land Dispute
Tension prevailed in Dhoobipet, Shankerpalli in Hyderabad following the murder of a farmer and his daughter by four persons.
U Narayana, 55, and his daughter Savithri, 16, were sleeping when four persons - C Balvanth Reddy, his brother Chuka Reddy and their relatives Goverdhan Reddy and Narasimha Reddy - broke into their house by breaking open the rear door and stabbed Narayana to death.
Savithri was killed when she tried to stop the culprits. The latter also tried to eliminate Narayana's son Mallesh who was sleeping in another room.
But his dying father, despite being in pain, forced him to run and save his life.Chevella inspector K Srikanth said the murder was the fallout of a long-standing land dispute in the village.
Earlier attacks and counter attacks had taken place between Narayana and another farmer Narayana Reddy in connection with the dispute.
Narayana's family members had killed Narayana Reddy's son Srinivas Reddy on April 15 2004.
Its trial was scheduled to start from January 25. "We suspect the twin murders were committed by Narayana Reddy's family in retaliation to their kin Srinivas Reddy's death,"the inspector said.
He said a group of villagers tried to nab Goverdhan, but he pushed them aside andescaped.
A murder case under Section 302 of IPC has been registered by the police against four persons and special teams were formed to nab them.
Special pickets have also been posted in the village to prevent any untoward incident.
Police handed over the two bodies to their relatives after conducting an autopsy at the Government Hospital mortuary at Chevella in Rangareddy district.
U Narayana, 55, and his daughter Savithri, 16, were sleeping when four persons - C Balvanth Reddy, his brother Chuka Reddy and their relatives Goverdhan Reddy and Narasimha Reddy - broke into their house by breaking open the rear door and stabbed Narayana to death.
Savithri was killed when she tried to stop the culprits. The latter also tried to eliminate Narayana's son Mallesh who was sleeping in another room.
But his dying father, despite being in pain, forced him to run and save his life.Chevella inspector K Srikanth said the murder was the fallout of a long-standing land dispute in the village.
Earlier attacks and counter attacks had taken place between Narayana and another farmer Narayana Reddy in connection with the dispute.
Narayana's family members had killed Narayana Reddy's son Srinivas Reddy on April 15 2004.
Its trial was scheduled to start from January 25. "We suspect the twin murders were committed by Narayana Reddy's family in retaliation to their kin Srinivas Reddy's death,"the inspector said.
He said a group of villagers tried to nab Goverdhan, but he pushed them aside andescaped.
A murder case under Section 302 of IPC has been registered by the police against four persons and special teams were formed to nab them.
Special pickets have also been posted in the village to prevent any untoward incident.
Police handed over the two bodies to their relatives after conducting an autopsy at the Government Hospital mortuary at Chevella in Rangareddy district.
Raping Mentally Sick Woman in Hyderabad
Six persons were arrested by the Hyderabad city police for allegedly raping a mentally unstable woman at her guardian's house at Jawaharnagar in Chikkadpally.
The woman aged around 30 was staying at her guardian Butchamma's house for the last two years. She used to stay alone in the house after Butchamma, an MCH sweeper, left for her work place.
Taking advantage of her situation, the accused used to forcibly enter the house and rape her.
Chikkadpally inspector V N V Satyanarayana said the accused —Raju (30), Ramesh (23), Ravi (27), Kishore (25), Ranjit (23) and Ranga (23) — were committing the crime for the last six months.
They reside adjacent to Butchamma's house.The incident came to light when the victim's mother Narasamma came to the city two days ago and inquired about her daughter's health.
A local doctor confirmed that she was pregnant. When Narasamma grilled Butchamma about her daughter's condition, she tried to pacify her by offering money as her son Raju and sons-in-law Ramesh and Ravi were involved in the case.
But Narasamma came to the Chikkadpally police station and lodged a complaint against the accused. Police registered a rape case under Section 376 of IPC and arrested them.
The woman aged around 30 was staying at her guardian Butchamma's house for the last two years. She used to stay alone in the house after Butchamma, an MCH sweeper, left for her work place.
Taking advantage of her situation, the accused used to forcibly enter the house and rape her.
Chikkadpally inspector V N V Satyanarayana said the accused —Raju (30), Ramesh (23), Ravi (27), Kishore (25), Ranjit (23) and Ranga (23) — were committing the crime for the last six months.
They reside adjacent to Butchamma's house.The incident came to light when the victim's mother Narasamma came to the city two days ago and inquired about her daughter's health.
A local doctor confirmed that she was pregnant. When Narasamma grilled Butchamma about her daughter's condition, she tried to pacify her by offering money as her son Raju and sons-in-law Ramesh and Ravi were involved in the case.
But Narasamma came to the Chikkadpally police station and lodged a complaint against the accused. Police registered a rape case under Section 376 of IPC and arrested them.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
One Woman is raped every 54 minutes in India
One woman is raped every 54 minutes, 60 per cent of women are married before the age of 18 years and UN estimates reveal that 20,000 - 30,000 women are pushed into flesh trade.
A four-day workshop on the ‘Gender Equality Through Entrepreneurship Development’ was inaugurated at ICSSR Complex by Dean University Instructions Prof Veer Singh at Panjab University.
The workshop is jointly organised by National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small business Development (NIESBD) and Centre for Women’s Studies and Development, PU.
‘‘The situation can only be reversed by changing the mind set and the effort has to be made first within one’s own family,’’ he said.
In her keynote address, Dr Rita Sengupta, NIESBD, explored the concept of entrepreneurship and how its development is significant for achieving gender equality. She declared that women already are entrepreneurs, for an entrepreneur mobilises resources and uses these for productive purposes, something that all women do.
‘‘However, very few people decide to take up entrepreneurship as a profession,’’ she said.
Director of Centre for Women Studies, PU, Prof Aruna Goel, stated that the social status of women is directly connected with her economic status.
‘‘Women do two-thirds of the world’s work, but earn only 10 per cent of the income and own one per cent of the property,’’ she added.
The working session of the workshop was on ‘Understanding Gender’. Prof Sherry Sabbarwal, the resource person for this session, explained how the subordination of women in society is a ‘construction’ of society.
Biology, she declared, does not determine women’s social status, society does.
A four-day workshop on the ‘Gender Equality Through Entrepreneurship Development’ was inaugurated at ICSSR Complex by Dean University Instructions Prof Veer Singh at Panjab University.
The workshop is jointly organised by National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small business Development (NIESBD) and Centre for Women’s Studies and Development, PU.
‘‘The situation can only be reversed by changing the mind set and the effort has to be made first within one’s own family,’’ he said.
In her keynote address, Dr Rita Sengupta, NIESBD, explored the concept of entrepreneurship and how its development is significant for achieving gender equality. She declared that women already are entrepreneurs, for an entrepreneur mobilises resources and uses these for productive purposes, something that all women do.
‘‘However, very few people decide to take up entrepreneurship as a profession,’’ she said.
Director of Centre for Women Studies, PU, Prof Aruna Goel, stated that the social status of women is directly connected with her economic status.
‘‘Women do two-thirds of the world’s work, but earn only 10 per cent of the income and own one per cent of the property,’’ she added.
The working session of the workshop was on ‘Understanding Gender’. Prof Sherry Sabbarwal, the resource person for this session, explained how the subordination of women in society is a ‘construction’ of society.
Biology, she declared, does not determine women’s social status, society does.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Rape Victim Accused Her Own Brother in India
In a shocking incident in which a seventh grade girl had accused her brother Beeru (25) of raping her for nearly a year, a local Sessions court in Chandigarh on Friday acquitted the man because the prosecution failed to bring forth any corroborative evidence while the girl and her mother, the only prosecution witnesses in the case, turned hostile.
While passing the order, Additional District and Sessions Judge RS Baswana said, "What to speak of reasonable and satisfactory evidence, there is not even an iota of incriminating evidence against the accused...
Accordingly I hold that the prosecution has miserably failed to establish on file that the accused sexually assaulted his own sister."
In an incident that had evoked widespread outrage, Beeru, an electrician, had been arrested in July last year on a complaint lodged by his father Daulat Ram, a resident of Colony Number 5.
Booked on charges of rape and criminal intimidation, Beeru had been allegedly raping his kid sister for more than a year.
When she could no longer stand being subjected to the regular sexual assaults, the teenage girl had told her mother of her brother's alleged misdeeds.
After hearing the shocking revelation, the mother informed her husband, who had reported the matter to the police. Nearly 50 colony residents had crowded the Sector 34 police station at 2.30 in the night, demanding Beeru's arrest.
In her statement before the police, the victim had said that her brother had been raping her and had threatened to kill her in case she told anyone about the abuse. But later in court both mother and daughter denied that any such incident took place.
While passing the order, Additional District and Sessions Judge RS Baswana said, "What to speak of reasonable and satisfactory evidence, there is not even an iota of incriminating evidence against the accused...
Accordingly I hold that the prosecution has miserably failed to establish on file that the accused sexually assaulted his own sister."
In an incident that had evoked widespread outrage, Beeru, an electrician, had been arrested in July last year on a complaint lodged by his father Daulat Ram, a resident of Colony Number 5.
Booked on charges of rape and criminal intimidation, Beeru had been allegedly raping his kid sister for more than a year.
When she could no longer stand being subjected to the regular sexual assaults, the teenage girl had told her mother of her brother's alleged misdeeds.
After hearing the shocking revelation, the mother informed her husband, who had reported the matter to the police. Nearly 50 colony residents had crowded the Sector 34 police station at 2.30 in the night, demanding Beeru's arrest.
In her statement before the police, the victim had said that her brother had been raping her and had threatened to kill her in case she told anyone about the abuse. But later in court both mother and daughter denied that any such incident took place.
Bar Dancers Kidnapped in Hyderabad
The first day back-to-work for bar girls ended in a filmi style in India. A day after the Hyderabad High Court gave them permission to resume their work, seven bar dancers who were returning home were kidnapped by a person who was allegedly in love with one of them.
They, however, escaped from the kidnapper later in the night. According to Saifabad ACP K Uma Maheshwara Rao, Maharaja Bar and Restaurant at Paradise organised a programme on Thursday night by hiring seven singer-cum-dancers and wrapped up the show at 12 noon.
When they were returning to their homes in a van, they were waylaid by one Nazaf on a scooter near Viceroy Hotel.
After stopping the vehicle, he told the panicked vehicle driver and dancers that he would not harm them and that he only wanted to speak to Shafali, with whom he was love for one year.
Nazaf then drove the vehicle towards the Old City when it met with an accident at Kamatipura. As a crowd gathered and the bar dancers raised an alarm, Nazaf fled. Five of the women approached the Hussainialam police station. Shafali went to a nearby house belonging to Venkataiah, an MCH staffer, and narrated the story.
As it was too late, Venkataiah called up the police at 5 am on Friday. The Ramgopalpet police registered a case of kidnap against Nazaf.
Shafali, 21, a native of New Delhi, told the police that Nazaf has been attending her programmes and sending SMS messages saying he was in love with her.
Only two days back, he attended a programme of Shafali at Kacheguda. The ACP said efforts were being made to trace Nazaf through his mobile number which he used to call Shafali.
They, however, escaped from the kidnapper later in the night. According to Saifabad ACP K Uma Maheshwara Rao, Maharaja Bar and Restaurant at Paradise organised a programme on Thursday night by hiring seven singer-cum-dancers and wrapped up the show at 12 noon.
When they were returning to their homes in a van, they were waylaid by one Nazaf on a scooter near Viceroy Hotel.
After stopping the vehicle, he told the panicked vehicle driver and dancers that he would not harm them and that he only wanted to speak to Shafali, with whom he was love for one year.
Nazaf then drove the vehicle towards the Old City when it met with an accident at Kamatipura. As a crowd gathered and the bar dancers raised an alarm, Nazaf fled. Five of the women approached the Hussainialam police station. Shafali went to a nearby house belonging to Venkataiah, an MCH staffer, and narrated the story.
As it was too late, Venkataiah called up the police at 5 am on Friday. The Ramgopalpet police registered a case of kidnap against Nazaf.
Shafali, 21, a native of New Delhi, told the police that Nazaf has been attending her programmes and sending SMS messages saying he was in love with her.
Only two days back, he attended a programme of Shafali at Kacheguda. The ACP said efforts were being made to trace Nazaf through his mobile number which he used to call Shafali.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Minor Rapped in Jarkhand
Medical examination on a minor girl, who was raped on Sunday allegedly by an employee of the Uranium Corporation of India Limited at Narwapahar mines colony, has confirmed the sexually assault.
Experts at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College Hospital confirmed that the seven-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted.
“The girl has sustained serious injuries in her genitals during the rape. This has been confirmed by both clinical and pathological examinations,” said experts in the obstetrics and gynaecology departments of the hospital.
A doctor in the department pointed out that the victim is under trauma especially because of her tender age.
“We have discharged the girl after her condition became stable. However, her parents will have to take good care of her and help her recover from the shock,” the doctor added.
The shocked parents of the victim were reluctant to speak much about the incident.
“The rapist should have thought about my daughter’s age before committing such a heinous crime. He should have thought that his drive to satisfy his urge my daughter’s life will be put in danger,” said the victim’s father in an emotional retort.
Meanwhile, the accused has been identified as Dharamdas Tigga (35) based on the victim’s statement. He was arrested within hours of the incident and has been sent in judicial custody.
Investigating officer of the case B.K. Jha said the police have started probe on the basis of information provided by the victim and her family.
The police, however, are yet to get the medical reports.
“Although the accused is denying the rape allegation, we have come across some evidence that could prove his denial as wrong. With the help of the evidence and medical reports, we expect to prove in the court that the accused is guilty of raping the minor girl,” added Jha.
Experts at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College Hospital confirmed that the seven-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted.
“The girl has sustained serious injuries in her genitals during the rape. This has been confirmed by both clinical and pathological examinations,” said experts in the obstetrics and gynaecology departments of the hospital.
A doctor in the department pointed out that the victim is under trauma especially because of her tender age.
“We have discharged the girl after her condition became stable. However, her parents will have to take good care of her and help her recover from the shock,” the doctor added.
The shocked parents of the victim were reluctant to speak much about the incident.
“The rapist should have thought about my daughter’s age before committing such a heinous crime. He should have thought that his drive to satisfy his urge my daughter’s life will be put in danger,” said the victim’s father in an emotional retort.
Meanwhile, the accused has been identified as Dharamdas Tigga (35) based on the victim’s statement. He was arrested within hours of the incident and has been sent in judicial custody.
Investigating officer of the case B.K. Jha said the police have started probe on the basis of information provided by the victim and her family.
The police, however, are yet to get the medical reports.
“Although the accused is denying the rape allegation, we have come across some evidence that could prove his denial as wrong. With the help of the evidence and medical reports, we expect to prove in the court that the accused is guilty of raping the minor girl,” added Jha.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Daughters Killed for Marrying in Pakistan
A man slit throats of his four daughters in Pakistan's Punjab province when his eldest daughter married of her own choice, a news report said on Sunday.
The Daily Times said Nazeer Ahmed, a resident of Burewala town, killed his daughters late Saturday while they were sleeping at home.
"He brought his married daughter Muqaddas Bibi, 25, home from her in-laws. They had dinner and when all girls slept, he butchered them with sharp knife," senior police officer Mukhtar Iqbal Tikka told the newspaper.
Tikka said the man killed his unmarried daughters who were 6, 10 and 12 years old fearing that they would follow their elder sister.
Ahmed, a labourer, told police that his eldest daughter tarnished the family's honour by marrying on her own choice.
There have been many incidents where females were killed by their male relatives for allegedly disgracing their family's honour by marrying on own choice.
Even though President Pervez Musharraf declared "honour killing" a crime, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan says more than 750 such murders occurred within last 18 months.
The Daily Times said Nazeer Ahmed, a resident of Burewala town, killed his daughters late Saturday while they were sleeping at home.
"He brought his married daughter Muqaddas Bibi, 25, home from her in-laws. They had dinner and when all girls slept, he butchered them with sharp knife," senior police officer Mukhtar Iqbal Tikka told the newspaper.
Tikka said the man killed his unmarried daughters who were 6, 10 and 12 years old fearing that they would follow their elder sister.
Ahmed, a labourer, told police that his eldest daughter tarnished the family's honour by marrying on her own choice.
There have been many incidents where females were killed by their male relatives for allegedly disgracing their family's honour by marrying on own choice.
Even though President Pervez Musharraf declared "honour killing" a crime, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan says more than 750 such murders occurred within last 18 months.
Monday, January 02, 2006
South African Model Raped in India
A South African model of Indian descent, who was aspiring to be a Bollywood star, was allegedly gangraped after being drugged late on December 28 night.
In her mid-20s, the model was staying at Hotel Bawa International in suburban Vile Parle. The police said the woman, after a dinner party, went to the hotel pub around 11 pm.
Two persons, who had allegedly tried to befriend her, drugged her drink when she went to the toilet leaving it unattended.
The two took the woman in their vehicle and allegedly raped her there. They then took her to another hotel and raped her again. The police said there was prima facie evidence that the woman was raped several times.
“This is evident from her wounds,” said a police officer. She was beaten with a belt when she resisted, he said.
The youths dropped the woman near her house between 5 pm and 6 pm on December 29 after which she filed a complaint. A medical check-up on Friday confirmed rape.
Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Arup Patnaik said the owner of the hotel GS Bawa would be questioned.
The woman had come to Mumbai in September to make a career in Bollywood. Her father is a businessman in South Africa.
In her mid-20s, the model was staying at Hotel Bawa International in suburban Vile Parle. The police said the woman, after a dinner party, went to the hotel pub around 11 pm.
Two persons, who had allegedly tried to befriend her, drugged her drink when she went to the toilet leaving it unattended.
The two took the woman in their vehicle and allegedly raped her there. They then took her to another hotel and raped her again. The police said there was prima facie evidence that the woman was raped several times.
“This is evident from her wounds,” said a police officer. She was beaten with a belt when she resisted, he said.
The youths dropped the woman near her house between 5 pm and 6 pm on December 29 after which she filed a complaint. A medical check-up on Friday confirmed rape.
Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Arup Patnaik said the owner of the hotel GS Bawa would be questioned.
The woman had come to Mumbai in September to make a career in Bollywood. Her father is a businessman in South Africa.
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