School teacher forces girls to dance in Betul district of MP
BHOPAL: A school teacher in the tribal Betul district of Madhya Pradesh asked students to fetch liquor for him and then caned the girls, forcing them to dance in a closed classroom onRepublic Day. The teacher, Mahesh Malviya, has been suspended and an inquiry ordered against him.

This shocking incident came to light when 30 school children from Deochowki village in Betul and their parents reached the district collector's office on Saturday complaining that Malviya handed Rs 30 to a 10-year-od tribal student, and asked him to fetch a bottle of country liquor from the nearest outlet.

The class V student walked half-a-km to buy the liquor bottle. Malviya then poured the drink in a glass, locked the door of the classroom, and asked the girl students aged between seven and 11 years to dance for him. When the girls did not dance satisfactorily, he caned them.

Showing injury marks on their bodies to the Betul district collector, the girl students said, "Masterji beat us because we could not dance. He also shut the door and we could not run away. Then we climbed out of the window and ran to hide in the forests.''

Betul collector Chandrasekhar Borkar confirmed the incident. "Students and their parents complained about the incident. We have ordered an inquiry and found the allegations to be true,'' he told TOI.

During inquiry it was found he was also accused of rape in 2008, when he was posted in Peepaldhana Government School in Bhagoli village also in Betul. District Congress chief Shashi Rajput said, "It's amazing how such a man was reinstated as a teacher. We demand a criminal case be registered against the teacher.''

Manipur sees over 80 percent turnout, seven killed
Imphal: Manipur recorded over 80 percent turnout in the assembly election Saturday but the figure could go up as voting was still on in some remote parts of the state, while at least seven people, including a paramilitary trooper and a suspected Naga militant, were killed in poll-related violence.

"We are expecting the final poll percentage to be around 86 percent. It will take time as polling is continuing in some remote polling booths across the state (as at 9.30 p.m.). In some polling stations, polling has been completed but we are yet to receive a confirmed report from the returning officers (ROs)," chief electoral officer P.C. Lawmkunga told IANS. 

"However, looking at the trends, we are expecting that the final polling percentage will be around 86 percent," he said adding that they would be able to calculate the exact percentage of polling only Sunday morning. 

A major tragedy was averted in Sagolband constituency after police and security forces recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). It was later defused.

The state election office said that although the polling was officially to end at 3 p.m., the polling officers would wait till those already in queues at the booths have cast their votes.

According to officials, voting was taking more time as every voter was being photographed after casting their vote, to ensure transparency and stop proxy voting. This was being done for the first time in India, they said.

Live webcasting was also done at 60 polling booths in the Imphal valley, an official said and added that the poll panel can monitor the whole process of voting through it. This has been done for the first time in Manipur.

Violence was reported in Chandel district as a group of armed militants tried to capture a polling booth in remote Chakpi Karong village but were thwarted by security personnel. A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper was killed and six others were seriously injured in the ensuing gun battle.

The injured, who included a suspected Naga militant, a woman voter, three other polling officials and a young girl, succumbed on way to the hospital.

Polling started at 7 a.m. and continued peacefully till noon with people turning out in huge numbers to elect a 60-member assembly despite a string of bomb blasts during the past one week.

In Tipaimukh constituency also, a minor incident of violence was recorded when some irate electors damaged an EVM at a polling booth. This caused security personnel to open fire but no one was injured.

Voting took place amid tight security at 2,357 polling booths, of which 875 were termed hyper-sensitive.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his legislator wife, Landhoni Devi cast their vote around 7.30 a.m. at a polling booth in Thoubal Aphokpam Lower Primary School in Khangabok constituency. Landhoni Devi is the sitting legislator from Khangabok.

"I am expecting that the Congress party would secure around 45 seats. But 35 is the minimum number we are winning," the two-time chief minister told IANS after casting his vote.

"People will come out despite the militants' threat as it is a democratic exercise that comes after every five years and no one wants to miss it," he said.

In addition to the state's police forces, the state election authority had deployed 350 companies of central paramilitary forces for smooth conduct of the election.

A day ahead of the polls, suspected militants triggered a blast at Thangmeiban Iikamdewan Leiki area in Imphal West district. One person received minor injuries in the bombing.

On Thursday, a blast took place just 2 km from Kangla Fort, where the state's official Republic Day function was celebrated. No one was injured. Militants exploded two powerful bombs in Kakwa area in Imphal West district Wednesday night but there was no casualty.

On Jan 22, militants triggered a powerful explosion outside the residence of I. Hemochandra Singh, the speaker of the outgoing assembly and a Congress party candidate in the state. One person was killed in the blast.

Manipur sees over 80 percent turnout, seven killed
Imphal: Manipur recorded over 80 percent turnout in the assembly election Saturday but the figure could go up as voting was still on in some remote parts of the state, while at least seven people, including a paramilitary trooper and a suspected Naga militant, were killed in poll-related violence.

"We are expecting the final poll percentage to be around 86 percent. It will take time as polling is continuing in some remote polling booths across the state (as at 9.30 p.m.). In some polling stations, polling has been completed but we are yet to receive a confirmed report from the returning officers (ROs)," chief electoral officer P.C. Lawmkunga told IANS. 

"However, looking at the trends, we are expecting that the final polling percentage will be around 86 percent," he said adding that they would be able to calculate the exact percentage of polling only Sunday morning. 

A major tragedy was averted in Sagolband constituency after police and security forces recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). It was later defused.

The state election office said that although the polling was officially to end at 3 p.m., the polling officers would wait till those already in queues at the booths have cast their votes.

According to officials, voting was taking more time as every voter was being photographed after casting their vote, to ensure transparency and stop proxy voting. This was being done for the first time in India, they said.

Live webcasting was also done at 60 polling booths in the Imphal valley, an official said and added that the poll panel can monitor the whole process of voting through it. This has been done for the first time in Manipur.

Violence was reported in Chandel district as a group of armed militants tried to capture a polling booth in remote Chakpi Karong village but were thwarted by security personnel. A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper was killed and six others were seriously injured in the ensuing gun battle.

The injured, who included a suspected Naga militant, a woman voter, three other polling officials and a young girl, succumbed on way to the hospital.

Polling started at 7 a.m. and continued peacefully till noon with people turning out in huge numbers to elect a 60-member assembly despite a string of bomb blasts during the past one week.

In Tipaimukh constituency also, a minor incident of violence was recorded when some irate electors damaged an EVM at a polling booth. This caused security personnel to open fire but no one was injured.

Voting took place amid tight security at 2,357 polling booths, of which 875 were termed hyper-sensitive.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his legislator wife, Landhoni Devi cast their vote around 7.30 a.m. at a polling booth in Thoubal Aphokpam Lower Primary School in Khangabok constituency. Landhoni Devi is the sitting legislator from Khangabok.

"I am expecting that the Congress party would secure around 45 seats. But 35 is the minimum number we are winning," the two-time chief minister told IANS after casting his vote.

"People will come out despite the militants' threat as it is a democratic exercise that comes after every five years and no one wants to miss it," he said.

In addition to the state's police forces, the state election authority had deployed 350 companies of central paramilitary forces for smooth conduct of the election.

A day ahead of the polls, suspected militants triggered a blast at Thangmeiban Iikamdewan Leiki area in Imphal West district. One person received minor injuries in the bombing.

On Thursday, a blast took place just 2 km from Kangla Fort, where the state's official Republic Day function was celebrated. No one was injured. Militants exploded two powerful bombs in Kakwa area in Imphal West district Wednesday night but there was no casualty.

On Jan 22, militants triggered a powerful explosion outside the residence of I. Hemochandra Singh, the speaker of the outgoing assembly and a Congress party candidate in the state. One person was killed in the blast.

Fire kills 32 in Peru rehab centre
Lima: At least 32 drug addicts have died at a rehab centre in Lima when a fire swept through the two-storey building.

The fire Saturday was caused by an explosion of a gas cooker, the RPP radio said. 

But witnesses said it started when some inmates set fire to their mattresses.

The victims could not escape as the exits were mostly locked up, Xinhua reported. 

Some patients survived by jumping out of the windows on the second floor.

The injured were sent to hospital.

Fire kills 32 in Peru rehab centre
Lima: At least 32 drug addicts have died at a rehab centre in Lima when a fire swept through the two-storey building.

The fire Saturday was caused by an explosion of a gas cooker, the RPP radio said. 

But witnesses said it started when some inmates set fire to their mattresses.

The victims could not escape as the exits were mostly locked up, Xinhua reported. 

Some patients survived by jumping out of the windows on the second floor.

The injured were sent to hospital.

US worried about arrested Pak doctor who found Osama
WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has expressed concern about Pakistan's treatment of a doctor who helped the United States find Al-Qaedafounder Osama bin Laden. 

The doctor, Shikal Afridi, has been arrested and charged with treason by the Pakistani government. Panetta told CBS's "60 Minutes," in a profile to be broadcast on Sunday, that Shakil Afridi helped provide intelligence for the raid on bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. 

Afridi ran a vaccination programme for the CIA to collect DNA and verify bin Laden's presence in the compound. He has since been charged by Pakistanwith treason. US Navy SEALs killed bin Laden on May 2 in a raid on a compound in Abbottabad, north of the capital Islamabad, and later buried him at sea. 

"I'm very concerned about what the Pakistanis did with this individual ... who in fact helped provide intelligence that was very helpful with regards to this operation," Panetta said, according to excerpts of the interview. 

"He was not in any way treasonous towards Pakistan," the defense secretary said. "Pakistan and the United States have a common cause here against terrorism ... and for them to take this kind of action against somebody who was helping to go after terrorism, I just think is a real mistake on their part." 

Panetta said he still believed someone in authority in Pakistan knew where bin Laden was hiding before US forces went in to find him. Intelligence reports found that Pakistani military helicopters had passed over the compound in Abbottabad, according to the interview. 

"I personally have always felt that somebody must have had some sense of what was happening at this compound," Panetta said. "Don't forget, this compound had 18-foot walls ... It was the largest compound in the area. So you would have thought that somebody would have asked the question, 'What the hell's going on there?'" Panetta told CBS. 

The Pentagon chief said this concern contributed to Washington's decision not to give Pakistan advance warning of the impending raid. "It concerned us that if we in fact brought (Pakistan) into it, that, they might, give bin Laden a heads-up," he said. Panetta acknowledged he did not have "hard evidence" that Pakistan knew of the Al-Qaeda leader's whereabouts.

US worried about arrested Pak doctor who found Osama
WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has expressed concern about Pakistan's treatment of a doctor who helped the United States find Al-Qaedafounder Osama bin Laden. 

The doctor, Shikal Afridi, has been arrested and charged with treason by the Pakistani government. Panetta told CBS's "60 Minutes," in a profile to be broadcast on Sunday, that Shakil Afridi helped provide intelligence for the raid on bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. 

Afridi ran a vaccination programme for the CIA to collect DNA and verify bin Laden's presence in the compound. He has since been charged by Pakistanwith treason. US Navy SEALs killed bin Laden on May 2 in a raid on a compound in Abbottabad, north of the capital Islamabad, and later buried him at sea. 

"I'm very concerned about what the Pakistanis did with this individual ... who in fact helped provide intelligence that was very helpful with regards to this operation," Panetta said, according to excerpts of the interview. 

"He was not in any way treasonous towards Pakistan," the defense secretary said. "Pakistan and the United States have a common cause here against terrorism ... and for them to take this kind of action against somebody who was helping to go after terrorism, I just think is a real mistake on their part." 

Panetta said he still believed someone in authority in Pakistan knew where bin Laden was hiding before US forces went in to find him. Intelligence reports found that Pakistani military helicopters had passed over the compound in Abbottabad, according to the interview. 

"I personally have always felt that somebody must have had some sense of what was happening at this compound," Panetta said. "Don't forget, this compound had 18-foot walls ... It was the largest compound in the area. So you would have thought that somebody would have asked the question, 'What the hell's going on there?'" Panetta told CBS. 

The Pentagon chief said this concern contributed to Washington's decision not to give Pakistan advance warning of the impending raid. "It concerned us that if we in fact brought (Pakistan) into it, that, they might, give bin Laden a heads-up," he said. Panetta acknowledged he did not have "hard evidence" that Pakistan knew of the Al-Qaeda leader's whereabouts.

Nearly 300 Australian kids under 10 charged with rape, arson

MELBOURNE: Crime by minors is soaring in Australia as nearly 300 children under 10 years have been charged with offences like rape and arson, a newspaper has revealed. 

The Herald Sun got access to statistics allegedly kept hidden by police in Victoria state that would expose at least 288 children investigated for 305 serious offences in the past five years. 

The crimes include burglary, car theft, drugs, weapons and explosives. 

But because the suspects were aged under 10, and the law states that they do not know right from wrong, the accused children cannot be charged with any crime. 

Frustrated police officers have termed the rising child criminals "The Untouchables", the daily said. 

The statistics showed that 254 boys and 34 girls, aged nine and under, were processed for 11 sex crimes, including rape, 36 burglaries, five counts of stealing a motor vehicle, three drug possessions, or using drugs, and three counts of being armed with weapons or explosives. 

Police Association spokesman Bruce Mckenzie said such crimes were going on "without consequence" and called for laws to be reviewed. 

Police initially claimed the children's crime data was not stored. But a whistleblower leaked the information, saying the situation was out of control. 

The age of criminal responsibility varies across the world, from six in North Carolina in the US and seven in India, South Africa, Singapore and most of the US, to 17 in France and Poland and 18 in Brazil and Belgium.

Nearly 300 Australian kids under 10 charged with rape, arson

MELBOURNE: Crime by minors is soaring in Australia as nearly 300 children under 10 years have been charged with offences like rape and arson, a newspaper has revealed. 

The Herald Sun got access to statistics allegedly kept hidden by police in Victoria state that would expose at least 288 children investigated for 305 serious offences in the past five years. 

The crimes include burglary, car theft, drugs, weapons and explosives. 

But because the suspects were aged under 10, and the law states that they do not know right from wrong, the accused children cannot be charged with any crime. 

Frustrated police officers have termed the rising child criminals "The Untouchables", the daily said. 

The statistics showed that 254 boys and 34 girls, aged nine and under, were processed for 11 sex crimes, including rape, 36 burglaries, five counts of stealing a motor vehicle, three drug possessions, or using drugs, and three counts of being armed with weapons or explosives. 

Police Association spokesman Bruce Mckenzie said such crimes were going on "without consequence" and called for laws to be reviewed. 

Police initially claimed the children's crime data was not stored. But a whistleblower leaked the information, saying the situation was out of control. 

The age of criminal responsibility varies across the world, from six in North Carolina in the US and seven in India, South Africa, Singapore and most of the US, to 17 in France and Poland and 18 in Brazil and Belgium.

MS Dhoni might lose Test captaincy, Sehwag likely to replace him
NEW DELHI: India's whitewash in Australia - the second in a row overseas for the cricket team - has triggered a big debate in the cricket establishment, throwing up several ideas, some radical, many cosmetic. 

An idea finding favour with the BCCI bosses is that MS Dhoni should be stripped of Test captaincy. The current front runner for the captain's position is Virender Sehwag. 

This doesn't mean Dhoni would be stripped of all captaincy - he's expected to remain captain for the limited-overs versions of the game, ODI and T20. 

For Test matches, though, his captaincy has been found wanting. Meanwhile, Sehwag has made plain that he hasn't got his due (and has begun to view Dhoni as the reason for that) and the cricket bosses think that perhaps he should be given a chance. It's another matter that Sehwag's record as captain, either of India or of Delhi Daredevils, hasn't been great. 

While all the senior players, including VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid, have clarified that they won't be retiring from cricket as yet, it doesn't mean that both or either will be selected to play Tests. 

MS Dhoni might lose Test captaincy, Sehwag likely to replace him
NEW DELHI: India's whitewash in Australia - the second in a row overseas for the cricket team - has triggered a big debate in the cricket establishment, throwing up several ideas, some radical, many cosmetic. 

An idea finding favour with the BCCI bosses is that MS Dhoni should be stripped of Test captaincy. The current front runner for the captain's position is Virender Sehwag. 

This doesn't mean Dhoni would be stripped of all captaincy - he's expected to remain captain for the limited-overs versions of the game, ODI and T20. 

For Test matches, though, his captaincy has been found wanting. Meanwhile, Sehwag has made plain that he hasn't got his due (and has begun to view Dhoni as the reason for that) and the cricket bosses think that perhaps he should be given a chance. It's another matter that Sehwag's record as captain, either of India or of Delhi Daredevils, hasn't been great. 

While all the senior players, including VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid, have clarified that they won't be retiring from cricket as yet, it doesn't mean that both or either will be selected to play Tests. 

Congresswill win minimum 35 seats: Okram Ibobi Singh Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh Saturday said he is expecting his Congress party to win a minimum of 35 seats in the 60-member assembly, voting for which continues peacefully across the state.

"I am expecting that the Congress party would secure around 45 seats. But 35 is the minimum number we are winning," Okram Ibobi Singh told IANS after casting his vote. 

Along with his legislator wife Landhoni Devi, Idobi Singh cast his vote around 7.30 a.m. at the polling booth in Thoubal Aphokpam Lower Primary School in Khangabok constituency. Landhoni Devi is the sitting legislator from Khangabok.

"The voting percentage is likely to be over 80 percent. People would come out despite the militants' threat as it is a democratic exercise that comes after every five years and no one wants to miss it," the two-time chief minister of the state said.

22 killed in Iraq car bombing

Posted on: 27 Jan 2012

Baghdad: At least 22 people were killed and 35 others injured in a suicide car bombing that rocked Baghdad Friday, Xinhua reported.

An interior ministry official said the attack took place near a funeral site outside a hospital in the Iraqi capital's al-Zafraniya district.

The toll could rise as many of the injured were in serious condition, the official said.

No one has claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Congresswill win minimum 35 seats: Okram Ibobi Singh Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh Saturday said he is expecting his Congress party to win a minimum of 35 seats in the 60-member assembly, voting for which continues peacefully across the state.

"I am expecting that the Congress party would secure around 45 seats. But 35 is the minimum number we are winning," Okram Ibobi Singh told IANS after casting his vote. 

Along with his legislator wife Landhoni Devi, Idobi Singh cast his vote around 7.30 a.m. at the polling booth in Thoubal Aphokpam Lower Primary School in Khangabok constituency. Landhoni Devi is the sitting legislator from Khangabok.

"The voting percentage is likely to be over 80 percent. People would come out despite the militants' threat as it is a democratic exercise that comes after every five years and no one wants to miss it," the two-time chief minister of the state said.

22 killed in Iraq car bombing

Posted on: 27 Jan 2012

Baghdad: At least 22 people were killed and 35 others injured in a suicide car bombing that rocked Baghdad Friday, Xinhua reported.

An interior ministry official said the attack took place near a funeral site outside a hospital in the Iraqi capital's al-Zafraniya district.

The toll could rise as many of the injured were in serious condition, the official said.

No one has claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Voting peaImphal: Voting was peaceful Saturday morning across Manipur as people came out to exercise their democratic right despite a string of bomb blasts in the past one week.

The state will elect its 60-member 10th assembly.

The State Election Office said polling began at 7 a.m. and will be held till 3 p.m. Ballotting is taking place at 2,357 polling booths, out of which 875 have been termed hyper-sensitive.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his wife Landhoni Devi cast their votes around 7.30 a.m. at the polling booth in Thoubal Aphokpam Lower Primary School in Khangabok constituency. Landhoni Devi is the sitting legislator from Khangabok.

"I am expecting that the Congress party would secure around 45 seats. But 35 is the minimum number we are winning," the chief minister told IANS after casting his vote.

The two-time chief minister of the state said over 80 percent voting is expected across the state. 

"People would come out despite the militants' threat as it is a democratic exercise that comes after every five years and no one wants to miss it," he said.

In addition to the state's police forces, the state election authority is using 350 companies of central paramilitary forces for smooth conduct of the polls.

A day ahead of the polls, suspected militants triggered a blast in the Manipur capital at Thangmeiban Iikamdewan Leiki locality under Imphal West district. One person received minor injuries in the Friday bombing.

On Thursday, a blast took place just 2 km from Kangla Fort, where the state's official Republic Day function was celebrated. No one was injured. Militants exploded two powerful bombs in Kakwa area in Imphal West district Wednesday night with no casualty.

On Jan 22, militants triggered a powerful explosion outside the residence of I. Hemochandra Singh, the speaker of the outgoing assembly and Congress party candidate in the state. The blast killed one person.ceful in Manipur

Voting peaImphal: Voting was peaceful Saturday morning across Manipur as people came out to exercise their democratic right despite a string of bomb blasts in the past one week.

The state will elect its 60-member 10th assembly.

The State Election Office said polling began at 7 a.m. and will be held till 3 p.m. Ballotting is taking place at 2,357 polling booths, out of which 875 have been termed hyper-sensitive.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his wife Landhoni Devi cast their votes around 7.30 a.m. at the polling booth in Thoubal Aphokpam Lower Primary School in Khangabok constituency. Landhoni Devi is the sitting legislator from Khangabok.

"I am expecting that the Congress party would secure around 45 seats. But 35 is the minimum number we are winning," the chief minister told IANS after casting his vote.

The two-time chief minister of the state said over 80 percent voting is expected across the state. 

"People would come out despite the militants' threat as it is a democratic exercise that comes after every five years and no one wants to miss it," he said.

In addition to the state's police forces, the state election authority is using 350 companies of central paramilitary forces for smooth conduct of the polls.

A day ahead of the polls, suspected militants triggered a blast in the Manipur capital at Thangmeiban Iikamdewan Leiki locality under Imphal West district. One person received minor injuries in the Friday bombing.

On Thursday, a blast took place just 2 km from Kangla Fort, where the state's official Republic Day function was celebrated. No one was injured. Militants exploded two powerful bombs in Kakwa area in Imphal West district Wednesday night with no casualty.

On Jan 22, militants triggered a powerful explosion outside the residence of I. Hemochandra Singh, the speaker of the outgoing assembly and Congress party candidate in the state. The blast killed one person.ceful in Manipur

Australia crush India by 298 runs; complete 4-0 whitewashIndia today slumped to their second successive overseas series whitewash after losing the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia by a humiliating 298 runs here today.

Chasing 500 for a win, India were bundled out for 201 runs in 69.4 overs in their second innings.

Australia pocket the Test series 4-0 after having scored comprehensive wins in the previous three games.

India, thus, suffered their eighth straight overseas defeat after having whitewashed 0-4 in England last year.

Resuming at 166 for six, the Indians lasted almost an hour and 13-odd overs during which they added 35 runs before being bowled out for 201, handing Australia a clean sweep in the series.

The sight of Indian tailenders prompted Australian captain Michael Clarke to start the proceedings with his faster bowlers and they responded to his skipper's call by removing the two overnight batsmen Ishant Sharma (2) and Wriddhiman Saha (3) in the first three overs of the day.

Ishant was the first to depart, poking at a Ryan Harris delivery which wicketkeeper Brad Haddin had no problem in pouncing.

Next over, Saha followed suit in identical fashion, caught by Haddin off Peter Siddle.

Zaheer, unlike his previous innings in the series, seemed determined to spent time at the crease rather than flashing at every delivery.

He batted for 18 balls from which he scored 15 runs with the help of four boundaries before Ben Hilfenhaus sent him packing.

Australia crush India by 298 runs; complete 4-0 whitewashIndia today slumped to their second successive overseas series whitewash after losing the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia by a humiliating 298 runs here today.

Chasing 500 for a win, India were bundled out for 201 runs in 69.4 overs in their second innings.

Australia pocket the Test series 4-0 after having scored comprehensive wins in the previous three games.

India, thus, suffered their eighth straight overseas defeat after having whitewashed 0-4 in England last year.

Resuming at 166 for six, the Indians lasted almost an hour and 13-odd overs during which they added 35 runs before being bowled out for 201, handing Australia a clean sweep in the series.

The sight of Indian tailenders prompted Australian captain Michael Clarke to start the proceedings with his faster bowlers and they responded to his skipper's call by removing the two overnight batsmen Ishant Sharma (2) and Wriddhiman Saha (3) in the first three overs of the day.

Ishant was the first to depart, poking at a Ryan Harris delivery which wicketkeeper Brad Haddin had no problem in pouncing.

Next over, Saha followed suit in identical fashion, caught by Haddin off Peter Siddle.

Zaheer, unlike his previous innings in the series, seemed determined to spent time at the crease rather than flashing at every delivery.

He batted for 18 balls from which he scored 15 runs with the help of four boundaries before Ben Hilfenhaus sent him packing.

A humble car driven by Barack Obama before he became US President is up for sale on a shopping website. The starting bid? A cool USD 1 million.

The 2005 grey Chrysler sedan in which Obama travelled to and from the state house in Illinois when he was a senator is up for auction on eBay.

The owner of the car is now offering the ultimate piece of Obama memorabilia on eBay, ABCNews reported. The ad states 'Barack Obama owned driven car – 2005 Chrysler 300C 19k miles driven by Barack'.

A brand-new Chrysler 300c is available for USD 27,000. Normally a model of this age would resell for USD 14,446. Lisa Czibor, who is managing the auction for a 'friend of a friend', told ABCNews.com: 'How do you put a price on something like that?'

Obama leased the Chrysler 300C from 2004 until 2007, then traded it in for a hybrid vehicle.

"The guy who bought it found out it was Obama's car," Czibor said. "He put 1,600 miles on it and once Barack was elected president, he stopped driving it." The listing has received a lot of clicks, but no

interested buyers have emerged.

"There are other cars that have sold for large amounts of money," Czibor said.

She pointed to Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's 1977 white Peugeot, which sold for approximately USD 2.4 million at auction and Adolf Hitler's convertible blue Mercedes, which sold for USD 8 million.

The auction ends on February 1.

When Obama hits the road these days, he travels in an armoured presidential limousine nicknamed 'The Beast'.

... contd.

A humble car driven by Barack Obama before he became US President is up for sale on a shopping website. The starting bid? A cool USD 1 million.

The 2005 grey Chrysler sedan in which Obama travelled to and from the state house in Illinois when he was a senator is up for auction on eBay.

The owner of the car is now offering the ultimate piece of Obama memorabilia on eBay, ABCNews reported. The ad states 'Barack Obama owned driven car – 2005 Chrysler 300C 19k miles driven by Barack'.

A brand-new Chrysler 300c is available for USD 27,000. Normally a model of this age would resell for USD 14,446. Lisa Czibor, who is managing the auction for a 'friend of a friend', told ABCNews.com: 'How do you put a price on something like that?'

Obama leased the Chrysler 300C from 2004 until 2007, then traded it in for a hybrid vehicle.

"The guy who bought it found out it was Obama's car," Czibor said. "He put 1,600 miles on it and once Barack was elected president, he stopped driving it." The listing has received a lot of clicks, but no

interested buyers have emerged.

"There are other cars that have sold for large amounts of money," Czibor said.

She pointed to Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's 1977 white Peugeot, which sold for approximately USD 2.4 million at auction and Adolf Hitler's convertible blue Mercedes, which sold for USD 8 million.

The auction ends on February 1.

When Obama hits the road these days, he travels in an armoured presidential limousine nicknamed 'The Beast'.

... contd.