Dubai Crown Prince's Horse

Bishop wins Dubai World Cup 2015
Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor saddles seventh Dubai World Cup winner

From Sports Correspondent and Agencies



William Buick celebrates riding Prince Bishop to victory in the Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecourse on March 28, 2015 in Dubai, UAE. (Getty Images)
Prince Bishop belonging to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, made a historic landslide victory this evening when it won the $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan dirt racecourse.

The horse won the gold cup and a cash prize of US$ 6 million.

The world’s richest race in Dubai was watched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, a crowd of Sheikhs, senior officials, horse owners and trainers s well as more than 80,000 fans.

Congratulations poured on Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan on the historic, equestrian achievement.




Godolphin’s Prince Bishop (IRE) stunned American favourites challengers California Chrome and Lea to celebrate the 20th renewal of the $10 million Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates at Meydan racecourse on Saturday night.

Getty Images

California Chrome, ridden by Victor Espinoza, was the 6-4 favourite to triumph in the world's richest horse race, but the Kentucky Derby and Preakness champion could only finish second, one and a quarter lengths ahead of Lea, piloted by Joel Rosario.

Prince Bishop, ridden by William Buick, won by two and three-quarter lengths sprinting clear of California Chrome, the 2014 American Horse of the Year.

"He was slow away from the gate but we worked our way out down the back - we had a lot of ground to make up," said jubilant jockey Buick. "He's a very tough horse. He's got a huge heart and gave me his all today."

Getty Images

The eight-year-old life unleashed the run of his life to give the Dubai connections founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, their eighth Dubai World Cup winner.

Running in the colours of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, it was Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor’s seventh win.

“It’s a great result,” Bin Suroor exclaimed in between receiving kisses and hugs from many friends who ran to engulf him in the parade ring.

“I knew the horse had the class to win this race. Some horses improve with age, and it’s great to see him win. This is great for me and for everybody here.”

Buick, who just last November signed a retainer with Godolphin, kept Prince Bishop to his task stormed past California Chrome and early pacesetter Hokko Tarumae (JPN)

“I can’t believe it. This is surreal,” said the 26-year-old Buick. “I didn’t look back. I just kept going.”

Buick followed Bin Suroor’s instructions to stay clear of the kickback on Meydan’s new dirt track, and the jockey indicated that may have been the key to victory.

“Saeed and the whole team had a lot of faith in (Prince Bishop) going into the race today. He has a very unorthodox way of racing, so I took him out of the kickback in the back, and when I got onto California Chrome's tail, he picked up the bridle and listen, he ran on well in the end,” Buick said.

Getty Images

Prince Bishop, who had finished second by a neck to stablemate and 2014 Dubai World Cup winner African Story (GB) in the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 at Meydan on March 7, crossed the finish line in track record time of 2:03.24 for the 2000m.

It was the fourth time Prince Bishop had contested the World Cup, finishing ninth last year, seventh in 2012 and tenth the previous year.

He is the oldest winner of the Dubai World Cup amd this is his eleventh victory from 28 starts.

African Story finished well back in an attempt to defend his World Cup crown, checking in sixth in the field of nine.

Japan's Hokko Tarumae, with Hideaki Miyuki in the saddle, set the early running, but could not maintain that pace.

California Chrome was tucked in second and saw off the fading challenge of defending champion African Story, the Goldolphin-owned eight-year-old finishing a disappointing sixth, but had no response to Prince Bishop's charge.

"We brushed by him pretty quick," said Buick. "I went into the race thinking that he (California Chrome) could be a doubtful stayer so when I went I was going to stretch my horse and make him work and at the end of the day the best horse won."

The race was staged for the first time on a new dirt track, which was installed to help attract more runners from North America.

Co-owner Steve Coburn hugged the jockey and kissed California Chrome on the nose as his voice choked with tears, saying: “You ran your eyeballs out. You are still America’s horse.”

Jockey Victor Espinoza said California Chrome “ran awesome.”

“It seemed like the other horses were bumping me around in there on the first turn and then on the far turn,” Espinoza said. “He kind of lost his stride a little bit on the (home) turn because the horse on the inside (Hokko Tarumae) pushed me out. That kind of took some of the air out of his lungs.”



Getty Images

Lea, another American runner installed as the second favourite, came home third for trainer Bill Mott, who won the inaugural running of the World Cup with Cigar in 1996.

Racing for the inaugural Dubai World Cup-winning trainer Bill Mott, Lea was bottled up and checked while trying to rally from the rail in the stretch run but he also finished gamely.

“He ran his race - it was a very good race. He was always there for me, every time I asked him. I was on the inside and he didn't like to be there. He kept trying and going. When I turned for home, if I had a little room, I think I could have been second,” jockey Joel Rosario said of Lea.

Japan's pair of champions, Hokko Tarumae and Epiphaneia, could finish only fifth and last respectively in the nine-runner field.


Getty Images

a
Getty Images

►► Like, Share, Join  FB Page & Follow me on Twitter ◄◄

Gitex Day 4

Gitex Shopper Day 4: Last day 'must have' deals and bargains
From free TVs to price buster… and more

From B. Rai


Gitex Shoppper is buzzing with crowds thronging the venue. (B. Rai)

As the Gitex Shopper Spring edition enters it last leg before the curtains come down on the four-day event at 11pm tonight, here are some last minute bargains that you can still grab before end of day.

Buy TV, drive home car

The popular car deal returns this year with Sharaf DG, allowing customers to purchase the LG 55-inch Curved Oled TV, bundled with a BMW 316i.

Separately, the TV is valued at Dh14,999, while the German-made car is priced at Dh135,000.

Bundled together, the total cost of this deal is Dh99,990, which comes with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty, along with three years or 60,000km service package.

An Apple with your laptop

Here’s a deal that’s ideal for families, especially parents looking for an upgrade on their old laptops, while providing their young ones with a tablet to play with.

Buy a Dell laptop at Jumbo Electronics, priced above Dh3,555 and take home an iPad Mini, along with a Ferrari bag.

The retailer is also allowing customers to trade in their old laptops for a further price cut.

It’s a phone; it’s a TV

Here’s another TV deal that’s creating a buzz at the Jacky’s Electronics stand.

Customers can take home a free 50-inch Hisense LED TV, along with a Lenovo A536 smartphone when they purchase a Lenovo Vibe X2 smartphone for Dh2,099.

Shoot and watch on big screen

Those looking to purchase a DSLR camera can take a look at this ECity deal, which allows customers to purchase the Nikon D7000 with the 18-140mm VR Kit and take home a Hisense 40-inch LED TV worth Dh1,099.

The total price of this deal is Dh4,499 and includes a sports action camera, a selfie stick, a Nikon school training voucher, Nikon Care kit, a tripod, an 8GB card and case, and a cleaning kit.

Dh500 discount on Note 4

The Gitex Shopper started with the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 priced at Dh2,599.

By day three of the four-day event, various retailers had slashed the cost of the phone to offer it at Dh2,099. Some even included bundles to entice buyers further.

►► Like, Share, Join  FB Page & Follow me on Twitter ◄◄

Crazy World Pictures

In Pictures: Crazy World

From 24/7

Indian farmers form a human chain on the shore of Bay of Bengal to protest. (AP)

Brazil's Coritnhians soccer fans cheer their team during Copa Libertadores soccer match against Uruguay's Danubio in Sao Paulo. (Reuters)

Two grey geese cross a street in Salem, southern Germany. (AFP)

A trainer prompts tigers to stand on their hind legs at a circus performance in Hefei, Anhui province. (Reuters)

A Tornado is seen in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. A storm system produced at least three tornadoes in Arkansas and Oklahoma. (Reuters)

A handler holds up a toy during treadmill exercises at the Dog Resort in Sao Paulo. (Reuters)

Spanish matador Ivan Fandino performs a pass on a bull during the 2015 Open Season bullfight at Las Ventas bullring in Madrid. (AFP)

A Yangtze finless porpoise swims in a lightly-trafficked reserve on the Yangtze River in Jianli county in central China's Hubei province. (AP)

People take a selfie with cherry blossoms in full bloom in Tokyo. (Reuters)

Amphibious assault vehicles of the South Korean Marine Corps throw smoke bombs as they move to land on shore during a U.S.-South Korea joint landing operation drill in Pohang. (Reuters)

A senior employee (R) of Japanese shoe cream maker Columbus polishes the shoes of a newly recruited employee during an entrance ceremony at the company's headquarters in Tokyo. (AFP)

An Anna's Hummingbird feeds one of two recently hatched chicks in a nest outside The Register-Guard newspaper offices in Eugene, Ore. (AP)

A man whose livelihood depends on selling recyclable wastes collects trash from a dumping site as he surrounded by Marabou storks on the outskirt of Uganda's capital Kampala. (Reuters)

Jerry Middleton casts a shadow on a wall as he prepares to bowl a duckpin bowling ball during a tournament at Shenandoah Bowling Lanes. (AP)

►► Like, Share, Join  FB Page & Follow me on Twitter ◄◄

Top 10 Tips For Building Loving Relationships

Change Takes Time and Every Step Counts.

By; NoelGRSr

1. Create a safe environment where you can trust and share openly without being afraid: Don't interrupt, even if you need to put your hand over your mouth to stop yourself. Learn to fight fairly. No name calling. Don't make threats. Apologize when you know you should. If you're too angry to really listen, stop! Go into another room, take space for yourself, breathe, and "calm down." Remember: your partner is not the enemy.

2. Separate the facts from the feelings: What beliefs and feelings get triggered in you during conflicts? Ask yourself: Is there something from my past that is influencing how I'm seeing the situation now? The critical question you want to ask: Is this about him or her, or is it really about me? What's the real truth? Once you're able to differentiate facts from feelings, you'll see your partner more clearly and be able to resolve conflicts from clarity. 

                                     Google file

3. Connect with the different parts of yourself: Each of us is not a solo instrument. We're more like a choir or an orchestra with several voices. What is your mind saying? What is your heart saying? What is your body saying? What is your 'gut' saying? For example: My mind is saying ‘definitely leave her,' but my heart says 'I really love her.' Let these different voices or parts of you co-exist and speak to one another. In this way, you will find an answer that comes from your whole self. 

                                    Google file

4. Develop Compassion: Practice observing yourself and your partner without judging. Part of you might judge, but you don't have to identify with it. Judging closes a door. The opposite of judging is compassion. When you are compassionate, you are open, connected, and more available to dialoging respectfully with your partner. As you increasingly learn to see your partner compassionately, you will have more power to choose your response rather than just reacting.

                                    Google file

5. Create a "we" that can house two "I's": The foundation for a thriving, growing, mutually-supportive relationship is to be separate and connected. In co-dependent relationships, each person sacrifices part of him or her self, compromising the relationship as a whole. When you are separate and connected, each individual "I" contributes to the creation of a "we" that is stronger than the sum of its parts.                                                                                                              

6. Partner, heal thyself: Don't expect your partner to fill your emotional holes, and don't try to fill theirs. Ultimately, each of us can only heal ourselves. Your partner, however, can be supportive as you work with yourself, and vice versa. In fact, living in a loving relationship is healing in and of itself.

7. Relish the differences between you: The differences between you and your partner are not negatives. You don't need to be with someone who shares all of your interests and views. We may sometimes fear that these differences are incompatibilities, but in fact, they're often what keeps a relationship exciting and   full of good fire.

8. Ask questions: All too often, we make up our own stories or interpretations about what our partners' behavior means. For example: "She doesn't want to cuddle; she must not really love me anymore." We can never err on the side of asking too many questions, and then listen to the answers from your whole self — heart, gut, mind and body. Equally important is to hear what's not being said — the facts and feeling that you sense might be unspoken. 

9. Make time for your relationship: No matter who you are or what your work is, you need to nurture your relationship. Make sure you schedule time for the well-being of your relationship. That includes making "playdates" and also taking downtime together. Frequently create a sacred space together by shutting off all things technological and digital. Like a garden, the more you tend to your relationship, the more it will grow.

10. Say the "hard things" from love: Become aware of the hard things that you're not talking about. How does that feel? No matter what you're feeling in a situation, channel the energy of your emotions so that you say what you need to say in a constructive manner.

Don't interrupt, even if you need to put your hand over your mouth to stop yourself. Learn to fight fairly. No name calling. Don't make threats. Apologize when you know you should. If you're too angry to really listen, stop! Go into another room, take space for yourself, breathe, and "calm down." Remember: your partner is not the enemy.

There you have it. Be kind to yourselves. Remember: change takes time and every step counts.

                                                                       Google file

Your tip: Do you have a great relationship tip of your own? If so, share it with me.

►► Like, Share, Join  FB Page & Follow me on Twitter ◄◄

US college frats: Animal house or horror farm?

Police investigate private Facebook page featuring images of naked and unconscious women

From AFP



Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens. Seth Rogen and Zac Efron 's 'Neighbours' was about a frat house that turns a quiet neighborhood upside down. (BANG)


Fraternities have long been a fixture of American college life, but revelations about sexual assault and racism are casting a pall over hard-partying "Greek life" on campus.

Some are going so far as to question the future of fraternities, an institution that dates back to the earliest days of the United States.

"This is the biggest outcry I have seen in the past 50 years," Laura Hamilton, a sociology professor at the University of California at Merced, told AFP.

In recent weeks, several fraternity chapters have been suspended or dissolved at a pace the Chronicle of Higher Education newspaper has described as "an unusually rapid clip."

Video of racist chants by members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at the University of Oklahoma touched off a national furor with their reference to lynching and use of the N-word.

The chapter was promptly shuttered and two students expelled.

The Penn State chapter of Kappa Delta Rho has been suspended for a year as police investigate a private Facebook page featuring images of naked and unconscious women who attended its parties.

And the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity at the University of Michigan has been suspended after its members were involved in vandalizing a ski resort, wrecking 44 rooms at an estimated cost of more than $400,000.

Booze-infused frat parties and hazing rituals that morph into sexual assault, accidents and even death have turned up regularly in US news media over the years.

Claims of a gang rape at the University of Virginia, reported in Rolling Stone magazine, were later discredited, yet fueled a nationwide debate about sexual assault on American campuses.

Under-age drinking

With their own, often historic premises, fraternities "generally have a monopoly on alcohol consumption for those under 21," said Hamilton, who studies the sociology of university life.

Over the years, they have "reinvented themselves as fun sort of party houses," with no policing of what goes on within their doors, she said.

Hollywood has perpetuated the image with movies like the 1978 hit ‘Animal House’ starring the late John Belushi and, more recently, the Seth Rogen and Zac Efron vehicle ‘Neighbours’, about a frat house that turns a quiet neighborhood upside down.

"Greek life" harks back to 1776, when Phi Beta Kappa -- which means "philosophy is the guide to life" -- was founded as a forum for discussion at the College of William and Mary in Virginia.

"Fraternities exist on college campuses to create opportunities of friendship and brotherhood, leadership, academic success, and philanthropy and community service," said Peter Smithhisler, president of the North-American Interfraternity Conference.

Fraternities are male-only, but "not specific to race or religion," said Smithhisler, whose group represents 5,500 chapters at 800 US and Canadian campuses, making up a total of 350,000 freshmen.

"Each organisation chooses their membership based on a core set of values" as well as academic and community involvement standards, he said.

Fraternity membership can have long-term career benefits: most Supreme Court justices, senators, cabinet members and Fortune 500 executives were frat men, as well as 18 US presidents since 1877.

Students who run afoul of their fraternity's honor code can expect "appropriate disciplinary action," said Smithhisler, who praised the way national fraternity leaders acted "swifted and decisively" in the Oklahoma and Penn State cases.

To each their own

African-American fraternities have existed since 1906, and all-female sororities since 1851. Upstarts cater to Latinos, Asians and gays.

But it is predominantly white fraternities that are able to "garner benefits" from the university system, including access to social and economic capital, said Rashawn Ray, a sociologist at the University of Maryland at College Park.

With their own premises, they can "control social environments, reduce the involvement of authority figures, maintain privacy and choose when to be viable and invisible," he said.

Hollywood star Will Ferrell, whose 2003 comedy ‘Old School’ centered on three friends trying to revive their frat-house glory days, said the Oklahoma incident makes "a real argument" for ditching the fraternity system altogether.

"Because when you break it down, it really is about creating cliques and clubs and being exclusionary," said the actor, a Delta Tau Delta member during his University of Southern California student days.

►► Like, Share, Join  FB Page & Follow me on Twitter ◄◄

100-carat 'flawless' diamond in Dubai

Stone, discovered a decade ago in South Africa, will go under the hammer next month

From AFP



A Sotheby's employee shows a 100.2-carat diamond in a classic emerald-cut during a preview organised by the action house before the jewel goes under the hammer on March 16, 2015 in Dubai. The diamond, valued at USD 19 to 25 million (about 16,669,000 to 21,920,000 euros), will be auctioned at Sotheby's in New York on April 21, 2015, according to the auction house. (AFP)


An internally ‘flawless’ 100-carat diamond was on show in Dubai ahead of being sold at auction next month by Sotheby’s, where it could fetch up to $25 million (Dh91.75 million).

The stone, which was discovered a decade ago in the De Beers mines of South Africa, will go under the hammer at a ‘Magnificent Jewels’ sale in New York in April, the auction house said.

One of five diamonds weighing more than 100 carats that have surfaced on the market over the past 25 years, the jewel’s estimated sale price is between $19-25 million (Dh69.73-91.75 million), according to Sotheby’s.

The auction house describes it as the “ultimate emerald-cut diamond, weighing 100.20 carats, D colour, internally flawless” and “unlike any diamond offered at auction before”.

Frank Everett, Sotheby’s vice-president of sales for jewellery, told AFP in Dubai that the diamond was “for anyone who really desires the best of the best”.

Everett said the diamond could be worn as “a pendant on a necklace, or a cuff bracelet or a ring” although someone might buy it “to admire it just as an object in its own right”.

Sotheby’s hopes that showcasing this “perfect” diamond in Dubai and other locations ahead of the April sale can help it attract the attention of the Middle East’s wealthy elite.

►► Like, Share, Join  FB Page & Follow me on Twitter ◄◄

US man walks free after 30 years on death row

His conviction for 1985 double murder overturned on insufficient evidence

From AFP

Hinton was released after a key piece of ballistics evidence used against him in his December 1986 trial for two separate murders during robberies in Birmingham was discredited. [Image via Shutterstock]


An Alabama man who spent 30 years on death row for crimes he didn't commit walked free from court on Friday after his conviction for a 1985 double murder was overturned because of insufficient evidence.

Anthony Ray Hinton, 58, emerged from Jefferson County Courthouse to cheers from well-wishers before being embraced by tearful friends and relatives, a day after a judge had dismissed all charges against him.

"Sun do shine," an emotional Hinton said moments after his release.

"They had every intention of executing me for something I didn't do ... I shouldn't have sat on death row for 30 years."

Hinton was released after a key piece of ballistics evidence used against him in his December 1986 trial for two separate murders during robberies in Birmingham was discredited.

State technicians said bullets recovered from the crime scene were fired from a gun later recovered from Hinton's mother.

However, subsequent tests later cast doubt on the assertion that the bullets used in the killings came from the gun.

A long legal saga culminated in victory last year when the US Supreme Court ruled Hinton had not been given an adequate defense.

His trial lawyer had hired an expert witness not properly qualified to challenge the ballistics evidence.

"All they had to do was test the gun," Hinton told reporters, frequently wiping away tears.

"But when you think you're high and mighty and above the law, you don't have to answer to nobody. But I've got news for you -- everybody that played a part in sending me to death row, you will answer to God."

Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Laura Petro dismissed all charges against Hinton after his lawyers from the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) argued there was not enough evidence linking him to the crimes.

Hinton, who was 29 at the time of the killings, was one of the longest-serving death row prisoners in Alabama history and among the longest-serving condemned prisoners to be freed, according to EJI.

Hinton was charged after two restaurant managers were shot dead in a robbery at a fast-food restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama.

Police did not find eyewitnesses or fingerprint evidence, according to EJI. That same year, another restaurant was held up at gun point and the manager was shot and seriously injured.

The manager identified Hinton as the suspect, though Hinton said he was at work at the time 15 miles (24 kilometers) away. A manager and colleagues backed his alibi.

Chief attorney Bryan Stevenson said Hinton, who is black, was wrongly convicted in part because the color of his skin.

"Race, poverty, inadequate legal assistance, and prosecutorial indifference to innocence conspired to create a textbook example of injustice," Stevenson said.

Hinton is the 152nd person on death row to be cleared since 1973 and the second to be exonerated in 2015, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

►► Like, Share, Join  FB Page & Follow me on Twitter ◄◄

Typhoon to hit Philippines on Easter weekend

About 24,000 people from Aurora Storm to be evacuated

From AFP



This handout picture received on April 2, 2015 from ESA/NASA shows the eye of Super Typhoon Maysak as photographed from the International Space Station (ISS) in space on March 31, 2015. Residents in storm wrecked areas of Micronesia appealed for help April 2 as a clean up began on the worst affected islands after Super Typhoon Maysak swept through the region. (AFP)


Around 24,000 people from the Philippines were being evacuated Saturday with Typhoon Maysak a day away from potentially striking the country's northeast coast, officials said.

Storm surges, flash floods and landslides remained potential threats even though Maysak, once a super-typhoon, has now weakened with maximum sustained winds of 160 kilometres (99 miles) per hour, they said.

"We plan to move people out of coastal villages," Nigel Lontoc, a senior civil defence official for the region, told AFP.

In all, some 24,000 people from the coastal province of Aurora, where the typhoon is projected to make landfall early Sunday, would be evacuated, Lontoc added.

Having started out in the Pacific Ocean, Maysak is expected to weaken further as it crosses the main Philippine island of Luzon Sunday, according to state weather forecaster Alczar Aurelio.

Aurelio said large waves of up to two metres (6.6 feet) are expected to hit the area.

Such storm surges caused many of the fatalities when Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the country in November, 2013, leaving more than 7,350 dead or missing.

About 20 typhoons and storms hit the Philippines each year, many of them deadly, but such weather disturbances are rare in April, the height of the tropical Asian nation's dry season.

Maysak is forecast to strike at the tail-end of a long Easter holiday that saw millions of Filipinos flock to the beaches to escape the heat.

Retired army general Jovie Narcise, who is visiting the Aurora town of Dingalan, said the skies there were clear but that there were big waves crashing along the shore.

Small outrigger fishing boats had been pulled up and stored about 30 metres away from the water to keep them from being swept out to sea, he said.

"There are lots of tourists arriving in the area but they are going to resorts situated on higher ground," Narcise told AFP.

Social Welfare undersecretary Vilma Cabrera told a news conference in Manila that about 10,000 tourists were warned Friday to stay away from the Aurora beaches.

"We have asked the tourists (in Aurora) to stay in their hotels and avoid the water," said Lontoc, the regional disaster official.

Maysak was tracked about 450 kilometres southeast of Aurora's coast at 10:00 am (0200 GMT) and was moving northwest at 22 kilometres an hour.

Maysak last week ravaged the Federated States of Micronesia, leaving at least five dead, thousands homeless and crops destroyed.

►► Like, Share, Join  FB Page & Follow me on Twitter ◄◄

Hidden Camera in India

Hidden camera in women's changing room at boutique in India
4 arrested

From AP



Camera had recorded footage of 'women changing clothes over the past three to four months'. (Shutterstock)


Indian police arrested four people Friday following a federal government minister's complaint that a niche boutique in the southwestern resort of Goa had a closed-circuit TV looking into a changing room where she was trying out clothes.

Police officer Umesh Gaonkar said the four boutique employees face charges of insulting a woman and outraging her modesty, which carry a maximum prison sentence of two years. They will be formally charged in a court at the end of the police investigation.

Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani was in the store on Friday when one of her assistants informed her about the camera, which the officer said was aimed through the changing room's ventilator, said Nilesh Rane, another police officer.

The store is in the beach village of Candolim, popular with international tourists.

The camera was found to be recording customers inside the room, Gaonkar said.

Michael Lobo, a state lawmaker belonging to Irani's governing Bharatiya Janta Party, told reporters that the camera had recorded footage of "women changing clothes over the past three to four months."

Complaints of hidden changing-room cameras have been pouring in from around India.

"Not just this boutique. All stores with such a facility must be investigated," opposition Congress party spokesman Durgadas Kamat demanded.

►► Like, Share, Join  FB Page & Follow me on Twitter ◄◄