Rights-based empowerment

According to the Census 2011, there are 2.68 crores (2.21%) persons with disabilities in India, though according to some estimates, the actual number may be as high as five per cent of our population. However, there has been a paradigm shift in the approach towards the persons with disabilities (PWDs) during last some years. The government’s focus now is on rights based economic empowerment of PWDs as we observe the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3rd of December this year.

In India the first step in moving towards rights based economic empowerment was taken when Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995 came into being.  The second was India’s ratification of the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (U.N.C.R.P.D.) now a new bill introduced in Rajya Sabha that has provisions for accelerating this process, awaits nod from the Parliament.  

Now all eyes are on the   Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill which will replace the 1995 Act.  The provisions in the Bill fulfil a number of demands of the Disabled Rights Groups and Activists who have been pressing for its early passage in the parliament.

Some of the significant  provisions of the Bill include,  making  accessibility a mandatory requirement under the law,  number  of beneficiary categories   proposed to  be increased from  7 to 19,  entitlement of  some benefits to persons with at least 40% of a disability .It also provides  disabled friendly access to all public buildings, hospitals, modes of transport, polling stations, etc. Significantly it also stipulates, violation of any provision of the Act be made   punishable under the law.

Apart from the proposed legislation, government has taken several measures towards empowerment of the persons living with disabilities. 

The campaign was launched almost a year back on the 15th of December. A flagship programme of the government, it is aimed at achieving universal accessibility of persons with disabilities and to create an enabling and barrier free environment. It is focussed on three objectives, accessibility of built up environment, transport system accessibility and accessibility of knowledge and ICT ecosystem.  According to Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, audit of   1092 buildings out of 1098 across 31 cities has already been completed in order to convert them into fully accessible buildings. .

In August this year, the government launched ‘Sugamaya   Pustakalay’ an online platform where a person with disabilities can access books in the library at a click of a button. He can read the publications on any device of his choice­ mobile phones, tablets, computers, DAISY player or even in braille using refreshable braille displays. He can also request for a braille copy through member organizations that have braille presses.

The Secretary General of  World Blind Union and President of All India confederation of the Blind, Mr A.K Mittal  is of the view that situation  with regard to availability  of  basic writing material and mobility aides like canes for the visually challenged has improved significantly. Appreciating the government initiative with regard to liberal grants related to production of books in Braille, he told this author that if  the scheme for  modernization and setting up of  new Braille presses is implemented properly this will increase and ease the production of books.

The government proposes to roll out a web-based unique disability identification (UDID) card. The initiative will help in a big way in ensuring the authenticity of disability certificates and eliminate the hassle of having to carry certificates for different purposes, as various details, including the type of disability, would be made available online.

The government has also initiated scheme for pre matric, (46000 slots) post matric (16650 slots) and the students seeking top class education (100 slots).

A National Action Plan for Skill Training of Persons with Disabilities was launched last year. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in collaboration with NSDC, proposes to set an ambitious target of skilling 5 lakh persons with disability in next 3 years (1 lakh in first year, 1.5 lakh in second year and 2.5 lakh in third year). The Action plan is aimed at skilling 25 lakh persons with disabilities by end 2022.

The Department organizes Camps to distribute aides and appliances to the persons with disabilities (Divyangjans). Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed Aids and Assistive Devices to more than 11000 Divyangjans at one such camp in held September in Gujarat. Similar Camps have been organized across the country to meet the needs of Divyangjans residing in remote areas.

More than a decade after  the first law on persons  with disabilities came into effect, despite  special recruitment drives  from time to time, by government’s  own admission   only  a little over one per cent of the vacancies could be filled against  three per cent reservation in  jobs in government. Over 14,000 identified vacancies remain to be filled. The backlog for the visually challenged is about ten thousand.  A report by the  International Labour Organization in 2011  said that over 73% of the disabled in India are still outside the labour force and those with mental disability, disabled women and those  in rural areas are the most  neglected.

More than half of the children with disabilities are out of school despite the fact that the government has taken a number of steps to encourage these children to be admitted to schools. Activists hope that if the Right to Education is implemented in letter and spirit, this situation is likely to improve considerably.

Activists also plead for enhanced research and development with regard to aids and appliances for the PWDs to ensure that their accessibility to various facilities is made easy.

With the fast-tracking of several schemes and programmes which have been initiated during last two years, the objective of creating an inclusive and equitable world could become a reality.



Source : The Echoe of India , 7th Jan 2017 

Disabled may get 5% quota in colleges from next session

The government is keen to finalise the rules of the recently passed Disabilities Bill by April 14 which will allow disabled persons to avail 5 per cent reservation in higher education institutions from next academic session.

According to the bill, specially-abled persons with benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years will also have the right to free education.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, which was passed in the Winter Session, provides for raising reservation in government jobs for persons with benchmark disabilities from 3 to 4 per cent and in higher education institutes from 3 to 5 per cent.

"The Disabilities Bill was passed by Parliament in the Winter Session and it has already been notified. Now I'm keen for earliest implementation of this act. We are working on to finalise its rules by April 14, including reservation benefits for the disabled," Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot told PTI.

He further said that this very important legislation would be a game changer for disabled persons and it brings Indian laws in line with the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Under the newly enacted Act, the government has increased the types of disabilities from the existing seven to 21.

The newly added types include mental illnesses, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, chronic neurological conditions, specific learning disabilities, multiple sclerosis, speech and language disability, thalassemia, hemophilia, sickle cell disease, multiple disabilities, including deaf blindness, acid attack victims and Parkinsons disease.

Also, disability has been defined based on an evolving and dynamic concept and government will have the power to add more types of disabilities.

As per the Act, assaulting, insulting, intimidating, denying food to a person with disability or sexually exploiting a differently-abled woman and performing a medical procedure on such women without consent which may lead in termination of pregnancy will draw a jail term up to five years once the law is passed.

Any person who contravenes any provision of the act will be punished with a maximum fine of Rs 5 lakh.

Source : Business Standard , 3rd Jan 2017 

Social service projects discussed

 Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan has met member of Parliament (MP) Mohammed Al Emadi and several parents of differently abled children.

The meeting reviewed ways and means to meet the needs of this category of children to keep abreast of successive developments witnessed in the Bahraini society in line with the ministry's strategic plan(s).

The minister welcomed the MP and parents of handicapped children and discussed their needs and exchanged views with them to improve services and make them easily accessible. 

Humaidan affirmed the ministry's sparing no effort to follow up disabled persons through the provision of various developmental projects and community services emanating from the ministry's responsibility. The minister praised the efforts of Al Emadi, his fellow MPs and the Council of Representatives in communicating citizens' needs to the ministry and striving to find the solution(s) citing the Council's role in pushing legislations.

Al Emadi and the parents praised the ministry's efforts through the provision of rehabilitative, coaching and educational services to all categories of disabled persons to enable their inclusion in the society.



Source : Bahrain News Agency , 2nd Jan 2017 

Move to make Govt buildings disabled-friendly

All departments have been asked to submit details of Government buildings in the Capital and 10 other important cities and towns in a bid to make them fully accessible and disabled-friendly.

According to the strategy laid down by the Centre for Accessible India Campaign (AIC), all Government buildings in State Capitals would be made fully accessible by July next year. Besides, accessibility audit of 50 per cent of Government buildings in 10 important cities/towns would be taken up and made accessible by July, 2019.

The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disability (SSEPW) has sought a list of Government buildings from Secretaries of all departments in Bhubaneswar and 10 other cities/towns for initiating the process of access audit by the Centre.     

In November, the Supreme Court had pulled up the Centre for not doing enough to make Government buildings disabled-friendly in the national and State Capitals and said the Ministry concerned has not taken any step in this regard for the last couple of years.

The apex court had earlier stated that there was non-compliance with regard to several important statutory duties and warned the States of contempt action if they failed to enforce the National Building Code as well as guidelines issued by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).  

‘’The SC had expressed deep concern over slow progress in creating a barrier-free environment in Government buildings. Following the direction from the Centre, we have asked department heads to take up the matter personally and provide details to enable compliance to the directions of the apex court,’’ Principal Secretary of SSEPW Department Niten Chandra said.  

The AIC, known as the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, is an ambitious project that was launched in December, 2015 to enable persons with disabilities to gain universal access, equal opportunity for development, independent living and participation in all aspects of life.

The campaign seeks to enhance accessibility by making significant changes to infrastructure, transportation, information and communication systems with an aim to make all Government buildings in the national Capital and all State Capitals ‘fully accessible’.

Source : The New Indian Express, 2nd Jan 2017 

Seminar on understanding needs of physically challenged

The Higher Education for Persons with Special Needs (HEPSN) and National Service Scheme (NSS) wings of Andhra Loyola College (ALC) organised a National seminar sponsored by UGC  called the National Seminar on Challenges and Opportunities For The Physically Challenged Persons at the college seminar hall on Wednesday.

Moses Chowdary of Enable India, Bangalore, was the Chief Guest for the National Seminar.  Addressing the gathering Moses said that Conviction, Competence, Curiosity, and Confidence were the four Cs required for a Visually Challenged person to come up in life. Moses Chowdary said that he was the alumni of Andhra Loyola college, Vijayawada, is a visually challenged. Physical deformity should hinder a person’s curiosity to learn, and the person should work hard to bring out their hidden potentials.

The Guest of Honor for the programme, Anita Claudia Alexander, programme officer CBM, Bangalore said that, taking the magnitude of the problems faced by the physically challenged persons, we need to provide an inclusive environment to accept the persons with love and respect. She further said that every aspect of life should be adoptable and should meet the needs of the persons with disabilities.  

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A souvenir with 30 research articles and eight profiles of NGOs and two case studies were released on the occasion. Prof Annavaram Hyderabad Central University, Dr Saraswati Raju Iyer,  Socialogy Dept Nagarjuna university, Dr K Veeraiah Dept of Zoology ANU, Dr Raja Shekar EFLU Hyderabad, Dr Nagaraj of HCU, Dr Adam Paul form Haryana were present. 

Fr Kishore, principal, Fr Raju, correspondent, Fr Rex Angelo, Fr Cinnappa vice-principals Dr Saraswathi Raju iyer co convener, were present at the event. There were 90 persons with Hearing impairments, 40 persons with Visual impairments, 10 orthopedically challenged, 23 scholars from Special Education and Sociology Departments, 30 lecturers and teachers also participated. The teachers of Madonna College for the deaf provided sign language facility to the audience who were hearing challenged.


Source : The Hans India, 5th Jan 2017 

HC directs Railway Board to frame scheme for allotment of shops to physically challenged- Madurai

The Madras High Court on Thursday directed the Railway Board to frame a scheme within six months for preferential allotment of shops and other business establishments at all railway stations to physically challenged applicants.

It should be in accordance with Section 43 of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.

Justice M.S. Ramesh passed the order while disposing of a writ petition filed by a group of physically challenged people who were reportedly forced to vacate telephone booths on railway platforms in 2012 since Southern Railway felt that such booths had become redundant in view of widespread use of mobile phones.

The order was reserved in the principal seat of the High Court in Chennai and delivered it in its Bench here.

The judge expressed concern that no scheme had has been framed even after 20 years of the enactment of the PWD Act, 1995 though it requireds governments and local bodies to frame schemes for preferential allotment of land at concessional rates to the physically challenged either for constructing houses, or setting up business or establishing special recreation centres, special schools, research centres or factories.

Source : The Hindu , 7 Jan 2017

Dismal Condition of Enrolment of Children with Special Needs - Bhubaneshwar

It has been reported that only two percent of disabled children are in schools and 0.5 to 0.6 percent of them comprise girls.

The enrolment of children with special needs especially girls are in a bleak condition in the State. The National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) report points out that 74,805 disabled children are enrolled in Class I to V  of which, o.6 percent are girls i.e. about 30,641 and there are 40,243 students in this category in Class VI-VIII  and out of which 0.74 percent are girls i.e. about 17,165.

Overall in the country, a recent report pointed out 2.6 million disabled children either never been to school or had to drop out. The report has pointed out higher literacy rate for disabled in urban areas at 68% than in rural areas which is 49%. The census report across all age group reports that the literacy rate among the disabled has increased from 49% in 2001 to 54.5% in 2011 was much lower than the overall literacy rate of 74%. The differences in the literacy rate between males and females is wider in rural than in urban areas.

Source : ENA India , 3rd Nov 2016 

History lessons by Lake Pichola

Get up close with Udaipur’s royal past, its art and architecture at the City Palace museum, writes Chitra Swaminathan

The muted yellow in the floral miniatures on the stately Badi Pol takes on an iridescent sheen in the sharp rays of the morning sun. As the day grows brighter, in its warmth, you look at the 400-year history of the Suryavanshi dynasty that ruled Mewar.

Through the Badi Pol, built by Rana Amar Singh I, you walk up the slope to the imposing Tripoliya built in 1711. A triple arched gate with ornate jaalis, jharokhas and cupolas, it gives one the first glimpse of Udaipur’s royal past. Through the Tripoliya you arrive at the Manek Chowk, which like any other chowk or junction has been seeing intense activity. Originally used for ceremonial processions, horse cavalry and elephant parades, now tourists throng the place for taking photographs with the colossal City Palace Museum as the backdrop. In the evenings, it is also the site for the sound and light show that chronicles bloody battles, seiges, Mughal intrigue and Rajput valour.

The gallantry of the region’s legendary warriors is symbolised in the crest at Darikhana ki Pol, the entrance to the museum.

As you step inside to explore Mewar’s living heritage, one of the walls illustrates the genealogical tree of the Suryavanshi rulers. At the Assembly Hall, a youthful portrait of Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar beckons your attention.

In 1969, he set up the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) and converted the 30 mt. high and 333 mt long City Palace into a museum.

A young guide, and an elderly Bhupendra Singh, administrator-in-chief, MMCF, take you through winding narrow staircases with exquisite Victorian tiles lining their side walls, quaint porticos and balconies with resplendent views of the city of the sun.

You stop by the Saleh Khana or the armoury and admire the paintings that pay homage to Panna Dhai, the selfless caretaker of a young Udai Singh (founder of Udaipur), who sacrificed the life of her son to save the prince. The golden chapter in the yellowed pages of history comes alive at Pratap Gallery I that houses the original armour, sword and shield of Maharana Pratap, the hero of the Battle of Haldighati (1576).

The Mewar style of construction integrates Persian architectural influences in Chandra Mahal, an outcome of Rana Karan Singh’s visit to Delhi to sign a treaty with Emperor Jehangir.

Baadi Mahal on the fourth of the palace has 104 elegantly carved pillars and is the highest point of the monument. It is here that royal banquets were hosted. In one of the balconies that flank this mahal is the chair that was placed in Delhi Darbar, held in honour of King George V, for Maharana Fateh Singh, who refused to attend the darbar.

A few sections of the palace indicate how art and literature thrived in Mewar. For instance, the miniature paintings at Dilkush Mahal, the walls and ceilings of Kanch ki Burj carry glass inlay work, Chitram ki burj showcases elaborately painted wall murals depicting court scenes, boat rides, festivals and processions.

Vani Vilas is where Kaviraj Shyamaldas wrote the four volumes of ‘Veer Vinod’, the official history of Mewar and Madan Vilas displays pages from the book ‘The Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan’ by Lt. Col. James Tod, who came to Udaipur as a British representative and stayed on for five years, undertaking extensive tours.

The book is a labour of his love for the region.

The physically challenged Maharana Bhupal Singh was the last Maharana to live in this palace before Mewar merged with the Union of India in 1948.

Though most parts of this palace, constructed in a phased manner, stand out for their blend of different architectural styles, the Surya Chopad and Surya Gokhada capture the design aesthetics and culture of Mewar.

On a cloudy day, the people and royal family used to look at this ornamental sun and begin their routine.

The Surya Chopad opens into a spectacular courtyard where ends the tour of the Mardana Mahal or the Kings Palace. A narrow passage leads to the the Zanana Mahal or the Queen’s Palace. Royal textiles, musical instruments, sculptures, paintings, photographs and palanquins preserved caringly transport you to a world of grandiose.

As you exit through Moti Chowk, the dun-coloured Aravallis and the still waters of Lake Pichola seem to reiterate that the sun never sets on Mewar.

(The writer was in Udaipur at the invitation of Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation)



Source : The Hindu , 3rd Nov 2016 

HC directs JU for admission to physically challenged girl - JAMMU

High Court has directed the University of Jammu to provide admission in MA Sociology subject to a physically challenged girl under reservation category.

The petitioner Shivangi Sharma, daughter of Inderjeet Sharma of Rajpura Mangotrian Jammu, with 75% permanent disability had sought admission in Jammu University under reserved category (handicapped).

But she was not given admission on the ground that she has failed to secure minimum marks which were prescribed for general category candidates as well as other categories namely scheduled caste and scheduled tribes.

The petitioner took up the matter to the High Court which ordered to reserve one seat for the candidate.

Lateron a final order dated 01-09-2016 was also passed in favour of the candidate thereby directing JU to consider the person at par with other resereved categories availing reservation.

But JU authorities outrightly denied justice and Vice Chancellor JU preferred to take the matter with Division Bench against the Single Judge judgment.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice B S Walia passed an order directing the Jammu University to consider the physically disabled candidate on the basis of Inter-se merit for MA Sociology and complete the exercise within a period of two weeks.

Source : Daily Excelsior, 3rd Nov 2016

Prosecution need not prove motive every time: High Court

While confirming the life sentence awarded to a man who brutally killed a physically handicapped person, packed his body in a plastic bag, and threw it near Gorewada Ring Road, the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court ruled that prosecution was not bound to prove motive of crime every time to secure conviction. It noted that if chain of circumstances sufficiently proved an accused's guilt, there was no need to establish motive.

"Motive is one of the circumstances in prosecution case based on circumstantial evidence. An accused may not exhibit his motive to anybody prior to the commission of an offence. It is not possible that every time the prosecution will have evidence to show that accused was having any motive to commit an offence," a bench of Justice Bhushan Gavai and Justice Vinay Deshpande held.

The ruling came on a plea by Paramjit Singh Kake, who contended that the prosecution had failed to show there existed any motive and there was not sufficient evidence to prove it. "Every time the prosecution is not obliged to establish motive or its adequacy in commission of an offence. It is enough if some motive is established that indicates it would be the accused who is interested in doing the crime. Non-payment of rent and gold ornaments, which were ultimately found in petitioner's possession, could be treated as motive for commission of offence," the judges said before rejecting the petition.

The deceased, also known as Goldie, was suffering from post-polio paralysis and used to drive a scooter with additional wheels. A resident of Lashkaribagh, his family had rented out their old flat to Kake, who failed to pay the rent for long. The deceased had a habit of stopping by in the same area to meet with friends. On August 23, 2011, the deceased didn't return home and a search by relatives was in vain. Next day, the police received information that a blue bag containing something was found in area between Gorewada Ring Road and Katol Naka Chowk. Police found deceased's body in it tied up with lace.

After that, a search was conducted at Kake's house. Several bloodstained clothes were discovered from his home and chemical analysis confirmed that those matched with Goldie. Kake was arrested and he confessed to killing Goldie during interrogation. His confessions led to recovery of deceased's vehicle along with weapon and also about 16 tolas gold ornaments that Goldie used to wear.

Nagpur Sessions court sentenced Kake to life imprisonment, which he challenged it in the high court that upheld the verdict while noting down 32 circumstantial evidences to nail his role in the killing of the handicapped man.

(With inputs from Sakina Dawood)

Source : TOI , 4th Nov 2016 

An idyllic getaway - Kocchi

PJ Princess Regency is a pretty surprise tucked away in a secret nook of Puthuvype in Vypeen. The property pops up at the end of a narrow road, a couple of kilometres off the main road. The white Indo-European style building sits on a lush five acres, surrounded by coconut palms and the backwaters. A perfect fit for the ‘God’s Own Country’ tag line. A statue of a cheery blue cavorting dolphin, the mascot, welcomes us to the property.

Holiday luxuryA view of the property

Built by entrepreneur Prakash James, the resort is a dream come true for him. “The dream was to build a five star property, I want to provide the best of facilities but I had to open it as a three-star rating,” he says. But now, it is ready and waiting for a five star rating. An island of calm, it looks like the perfect getaway from the city, without really going away. The rooms spell luxury and comfort, the view is resplendent - take in the sunrise or the sunset or watch the moon rise, its reflection skimming the water’s surface.

Luxury suites, premium, deluxe and basic rooms are the options you can choose from. The categories, and the levels of the luxe element may differ, but the same attention has been given to each room.

There is a room for the physically challenged, with all requirements met. Interestingly, the art on the walls represent aspects of the Kochi of yore, painted versions of old photographs.

The proximity to the beach would make it more attractive for the lovers of the sea. The view from each of the rooms, especially the premium ones, is breathtaking. At nights you can see the light from the lighthouse play peekaboo. A mangrove by the backwaters near the resort forms a cover over the canal, unfortunately it is not in a state to be used for boating or any kind of tourism-related activity. The Puthuvype beach is close by as is the light house. Cherai beach is another 15 or so kilometres away. A curio shop offers memorabilia and sports gear such a swimsuits and such.

The property also boasts a spa, a health club and of course, a swimming pool. There is a larger pond for peddle boats. The resources, like the backwaters, have been utilised well. Not just as a weekend getaway, it is ideal for conferences, get-togethers, workshops, parties and weddings too - these can be accommodated in a boardroom (Leo), a mini hall (Ashwathi) which can fit in 75-85 and a larger hall (Abin), which can fit in around 450-500.

There are a couple of lounges which can also double up as play area and even a boardroom.

Each of these bears the names of Prakash’s family members. The restaurant offers a bouquet of cuisines - the star is seafood. “We have access to fresh seafood and we offer the best of the catch. In the expert hands of our chefs, we assure you the best will be put on the table,” says Andrew Noronha, deputy general manager.

“There are a number of activities for our guests - indoor and outdoor games, canoeing, pedal boating, bird watching and angling. There is a special play area for kids also,” he adds. Tours can be arranged to nearby places of interest as well, Andrew says.

Source : The Hindu , 4 Nov 2016 

Language proficiency classes planned for Kerala school students: Thiruvanthapuram

Students from Classes I to VII will be given language proficiency classes starting with English, Education Minister C Raveendranath has said. 

“The government is of the view that the learning medium should be the mother tongue. But we will make the children fluent in speaking and writing Malayalam, English and Hindi,” he said in the Assembly on Friday. 

SSA is conducting masters training programme in English and next is Hindi.  The Minister said the LDF Government was the first to introduce reservation in aided schools by giving three per cent quota to the physically-challenged, he said.  Handloom uniforms will be given to students in classes one to five from next academic year.  

Redeployment of protected teachers will not affect the opportunity of PSC rank holders or disturb reservation, Raveendranath said.  

“Of the 3,674 protected teachers, 2,974 were redeployed. Posting of the remaining 700 will be done as per the directive of the High Court. None of the teachers were deputed to posts reported to the PSC. Appointment as per reservation norms too will not be affected,” he told the Assembly on Friday.

The Minister said protected teachers were redeployed on deputation in place of teachers who were assigned with other duties or to the IT@school project. Those on deputation have to be recalled when the incumbent comes, the Minister said.

Higher Secondary School teachers who were not paid salary for months will get it soon as the Finance Committee has sanctioned Rs 70 crore.   The Minister said data on teachers in aided and government schools up to March 31, 2019, were compiled using a software which would be used for timely reporting to the PSC.

Programmes are being designed for infrastructure development in government schools with the help of voluntary organisations. All parties interested in helping the government will be entertained. A decision has been taken to raise 1,000 schools to international standards. The government is examining options to receive funding from different private agencies for this, he said.

Source : The New Indian Express , 5Nov 2016 

Rajasthan woman wanted in over 100 cheating cases across country detained in Bengaluru

Khushbu allegedly posed as an IAS officer and lawyer and extorted money from men she befriended on social media.BENGALURU: A 28-year-old woman from Rajasthan was arrested by Pulakeshinagar police in east Bengaluru on Saturday for allegedly duping people of money and other valuables, across the country.

The suspect, Khushbu Sharma is physically challenged, and wanted in approximately 100-150 cases in Delhi, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and  and Maharashtra. "Claiming to be a Supreme Court advocate or an IAS officer, she is reported to have stolen Rs 80,000 cash and a mobile phone from a city-based advocate on October 29, 2016. According to the complainant, Sharma visited the office under the pretext of discussing civil matters, and joining his team as an advocate," police said.

However, the advocate refused her a job, citing lack of vacancies. "In the course of the conversation, she managed to divert his attention and allegedly stole cash and a mobile phone," cops added. Senior police officers said that Sharma would be handed over to Rajasthan police after questioning.

Sources pointed out that she had previously been arrested by Jaipur police in 2015 on similar charges. "Sharma was spotted in a car she had stolen from a businessman. Also, she has many aliases such as Smriti Sharma, Lady Coca," they added.

On many occasions, Sharma posed as an IAS officer and extorted money from men, she befriended on social media. "Sharma had created a fake Facebook ID, in which she called herself an IAS officer. She came into contact with a lot of people, including those from the upper strata of the society, people from the film industry, etc. Following an initial round of conversation, she went out with them on parties and other such outings. She would later extort money from them threatening to file rape charges. Her Facebook account, which has been blocked, has many photographs wherein she is posing as an advocate," sources said.

Recalling a car-jacking incident that involved Sharma in 2015 in Delhi, a senior police officer said, "One evening, Sharma took a lift from a man from DCM near Ajmer Road, Adarsha Nagar, Delhi. She subsequently asked the man to take her to Raja Park, after managing to gain his confidence. Sharma then asked if the man was interested in getting intimate with her, and when he responded in the affirmative, she asked him to bring contraceptive from a medical shop. The man then drove the car to a chemist, and just as he alighted from the car, Sharma drove away with the automobile."

"We are cross-checking with police officials across the city to see if Sharma was involved in other cases, After questioning her, we shall hand her over to Rajasthan police," DCP, east Bengaluru, Satish Kumar told TOI.



Source : TOI , 6 Nov 2016 

Physically-challenged con woman wanted in 200 cases nabbed in Bengaluru

A 25-year-old woman who claimed to be a Supreme Court lawyer and cheated an advocate of `2 lakh was arrested on Saturday.

Investigations by Pulakeshinagar police revealed that she had cheated about 200 people posing as either a celebrity, an advocate or an IAS or IPS officer.

The accused is Kushbu Om Prakash Sharma, a native of Jaipur. She was living in a PG accommodation in

Kushbu Sharma

Indiranagar. She is also physically challenged and has been living in the city since April.

A police source said, “Kushbu recently came in contact with the advocate (Sanket Yenagi) on Facebook and asked him to take her on as his junior at work. Claiming to be the daughter of a retired IAS officer, she said that she has a commercial space in UB Towers which she was ready to give to him on rent.

“On October 28, Yenagi and Kushbu went in his car to complete the formalities. Yenagi, however, had to meet somebody. So he asked Kushbu to wait in the car. This is when Kushbu made away with the `2 lakh cash Yenagi had carried with him. Yenagi came back home and searched about Kushbu online and was shocked to see that there are some 150 cheating cases against her across the country. He then filed a complaint with Pulakeshinagar police,” the source said.

According to police sources, she is a Class 8 dropout. However, she carries a graduation certificate which seems to be forged, police said. She was recently arrested by the Mumbai police for stealing a car from a man.

Source:The New Indian Express,6 Nov 2016