Kerala couple waiting for safe return of son from cargo ship seized by Iran
Kozhikode (Kerala) (PTI): An elderly couple in this northern Kerala district is facing anxious moments thinking about the safety of their son onboard a seized Israel linked cargo ship in the gulf region and praying for his return.
Shyamnath, their son, was among the 17 Indians onboard an Israeli-linked cargo ship seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.
The ship 'MSC Aries' was seized recently.
Shyamnath's parents Vishwanathan and Shyamala, who are yet to come to terms with the news, said here that they talked to him on Saturday also.
Later in the day, they received a call from the shipping company's Mumbai office informing them about the shocking development.
"We are going through tough times...we have great concerns about the safety of our son. The company authorities said they could not contact the ship crew after the seizure," Vishwanathan told media.
Hailing from Velliparamba in this northern district, Shyamnath has been working as a second engineer in 'MSC Aries' for the last 10 years.
He last visited the hometown in September last year, parents said.
Viswanathan said besides Shyamnath, two men from neighbouring Palakkad and Wayanad districts were also among the crew members.
Besides Indians, nationals from the Philippines, Pakistan and Russia were among the crew as per their knowledge, he said.
Though Shyamnath's mother also tried to talk to the media, she burst into tears.
Amidst the anxieties, the family expressed hope the interventions made by the Centre would help to bring their son and his colleagues back to safety at the earliest.
Official sources on Friday said India has called on Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, both in Tehran and Delhi, to ensure the welfare and early release of the 17 Indian crew members of the cargo ship 'MSC Aries'.
The MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) said it is working closely with relevant authorities for the well-being of 25 crew members and return of the vessel.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka: College student dies by suicide in Dharwad, 3 policemen suspended
Dharwad (Karnataka) (PTI): A college student allegedly died by suicide here, following which three policemen were suspended over allegations of harassment linked to his death by the victim's family.
Aditya Myageri, a BSc student at a private college here, was among 18 students detained by the Vidyagiri police on April 25 during an anti-drug drive, police said on Wednesday.
He hailed from Belur village in Bagalkot district, but was staying with his friends at a rented accommodation in Girinagar area of Dharwad city, police said.
Among the 18 students tested, Aditya was among the 10 who had tested negative for ganja consumption and was subsequently released.
Some of his roommates, however, tested positive.
According to police, Aditya's family alleged that despite testing negative, he was harassed by police. They also claimed some policemen demanded Rs 2,000 to settle the matter and threatened legal action if he failed to pay.
He had called his mother asking for money, but she could not arrange it immediately, the family claimed.
On Monday night, Aditya allegedly died by suicide by hanging from a ceiling fan at his rented accommodation, with his family alleging police harassment and pressure over demand for money drove him to the extreme step, a senior police officer said.
Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar told PTI that an unnatural death case has been registered at Vidyagiri police station. Three policemen have been suspended over the allegations, and further investigation is underway.
