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UK Suspends Indian-Origin Doctor May 27, 2026 13:08

An Indian-origin brain surgeon has been banned from working in medicine in the UK for eight months. This was because he had a sexual affair with a patient and gave her very addictive pain medication without recording it in her medical files. The doctor, Chirag Patel, who works as a consultant neurosurgeon at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, stated that he gave opioid painkillers to a woman referred to as 'Patient A' because she "blackmailed" him by threatening to reveal their affair, as reported by the BBC. Between February 2019 and December 2021, it was reported that he performed surgery on her three times to fix a damaged disc in her back. He started a sexual relationship with her soon after her second surgery. This relationship is said to have lasted six months, during which he even sent her intimate pictures of himself. The misconduct tribunal in the UK found that they maintained a close bond until January 2023, during which he continued to prescribe the controlled drugs. According to the BBC, Patel told the tribunal that he prescribed the medication because Patient A threatened to expose their affair. He expressed that he "bitterly regrets" what he did. As mentioned in the report, Patel had been a permanent consultant at the hospital since 2018. He was also the only trained doctor in Wales who could help Patient A with her specific issue. The first surgery occurred in February 2019. He performed another surgery on her in August 2019, and then one more in December 2021. Patel explained to the tribunal that he gave the woman his phone number after her second surgery, thinking she might need to reach him for health-related reasons. They then started a personal relationship which became sexual over time. According to the report, Patel's lawyer, Fiona Robertson, stated that from mid-August 2019 to late January 2020, Patient A was no longer under Patel's medical care. The doctor believed that his formal role in her treatment had ended. In January 2020, while they were still involved, the patient informed Patel about new symptoms, and he set up a meeting for her through his secretary instead of following the proper process. However, even with missed appointments, the tribunal discovered that Patel issued morphine sulfate tablets and diazepam to the patient for non-urgent situations. These prescriptions, written from May 2022 to January 2023, were not recorded in her official hospital files. After their relationship worsened by February 2023, Patient A went to the police to file a complaint against the doctor. The police did not start an official case against the doctor but informed the medical director of the health board. In that same month, Patel took it upon himself to contact the General Medical Council (GMC), which is the independent organization that oversees doctors, as reported by the BBC. In his statement, Patel asserted that Patient A initiated the relationship and was "mainly driven by her through ongoing threats and blackmail. " "I was scared that if she did something, I might lose the job I cherished and had worked so hard to get," he said. GMC lawyer Harriet Tighe pointed out that the inappropriate behavior in this situation was "constant, repeated, and represented an abuse of professional authority that showed a careless disregard for patient safety and professional norms. " Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, which manages the hospital, announced that Patel was no longer employed by the board.

Thailand Scraps 60-Day Visa-Free Stay for Indians May 22, 2026 19:23

Thailand, a popular place for Indian tourists, has made a big change to its entry rules, which will affect how visitors prepare for their trips. The nation has ended its well-known 60-day visa-free plan for all 93 countries and regions, including India. This change is part of a larger goal to make visa rules simpler and better organized. The new plan, which got approval from Thailand's Cabinet, aims to create smoother entry processes and clearer guidelines. For Indian tourists, this change is especially important, particularly after they recently started enjoying longer visa-free stays in July 2024. On May 19, 2026, the Cabinet approved the updated visa exemption and visa-on-arrival regulations, according to the Department of Consular Affairs within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The new system follows a fresh guiding idea: "one country, one Thai visa exemption privilege. " This is meant to create clearer and more uniform rules for international visitors. Starting now, Thailand will: Allow just one visa exemption type for each country or areaEnd the 60-day visa-free plan (Phor 60) for all eligible nationsCut the list of countries under the 30-day visa exemption plan (Phor 30) from 57 to 54Launch a new 15-day visa exemption type (Phor 15) for three countriesNarrow down the Visa on Arrival (VOA) list from 31 countries to only four. These changes will take effect 15 days after they are officially announced in the Royal Gazette. The 60-day visa exemption was first introduced to promote tourism and help the economy recover. However, the policy later faced criticism due to worries about security, illegal work, dummy businesses, and international crime. Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, previously mentioned that the country would reassess the policy and likely return to shorter stays for many nationalities. He said the government is now focused on attracting "high-quality tourists" rather than just increasing visitor numbers, while also considering economic gains and security issues. Travelers who are currently in Thailand under the existing visa exemption plan, or those thinking of visiting before the new rules start, will not be immediately affected. They will still be allowed to stay in the country until their allowed duration ends. After the new system starts, travelers must enter Thailand using the updated visa exemption categories, bilateral agreements, or apply through Thailand's e-Visa system where relevant. For Indian visitors, this change is especially noteworthy. India was included in the 60-day visa exemption plan in July 2024, allowing travelers to extend their stay by another 30 days. This made Thailand a more appealing option for longer vacations. However, with the new rules, India has now moved to the Visa on Arrival category. This means Indian tourists will not have visa-free entry anymore. Instead, they can receive a visa upon arriving at specific immigration points in Thailand by providing the necessary documents. The allowed stay under this category is just 15 days, making it better suited for shorter visits.

Telugu Techie Dies in California After Battling Valley Fever May 11, 2026 18:08

Chiranjeevi Kolla, a 37-year-old Indian techie living in California, passed away on May 5 after fighting Valley fever for nearly a month, as mentioned in a fundraising effort shared by his family. He is survived by his spouse, Pavani Marella, and their five-year-old son, Vihan. A GoFundMe campaign launched by his cousin, Rama Koteswara Rao, noted that Chiranjeevi became ill in April with symptoms resembling a regular flu. As his health declined, he sought help in the emergency department, where doctors initially thought he had severe pneumonia. Additional tests later revealed that he had Valley fever, which is a fungal illness caused by Coccidioides, found in California's soil and transmitted through airborne spores. “Most individuals infected don't even realize it. In his circumstances, it severely affected his lungs,” the fundraiser detailed. Due to his worsening health, Chiranjeevi needed to be intubated and connected to a ventilator. He stayed in the hospital for 30 days before losing his battle with the illness. "He was intubated and on a ventilator. For almost a month, Pavani was by his side in the ICU, holding his hand, talking to him, telling Vihan that Daddy was fighting hard. Their son is five. He kept asking when his dad would return home. The doctors had done everything possible. After thirty long days of machines, monitors, and prayers, his tired body could continue no longer," the fundraiser stated. The fundraiser portrayed Chiranjeevi as the emotional and financial support for his family. His unexpected passing has left his wife dealing with sorrow while also taking on increasing responsibilities, which include paying the mortgage, daily costs, hospital bills from the ICU, and planning funeral services in both California and India. Valley fever is a fungal disease caused by a fungus known as Coccidioides. It primarily impacts the lungs and is most frequently found in dry, dusty areas, particularly in parts of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. The fungus exists in the soil. When the soil is disturbed by wind, construction, or agriculture, tiny spores can become airborne. Individuals can contract the infection by inhaling these spores. Many individuals do not experience any symptoms, but when they do arise, they may include fever, cough, chest pain, tiredness, trouble breathing, headaches, and aches in muscles or joints. These symptoms can resemble those of the flu or pneumonia. Most cases are mild and resolve on their own. Some individuals may develop more serious lung infections. In rare instances, the infection can spread to other areas of the body, which is even more serious and referred to as disseminated disease.

Unemployed Andhra younger Kills Self In USA May 01, 2026 10:44

A cherished son, a caring older brother, and a genuinely kind friend to all who knew him - this describes 26-year-old Iraganaboyina Chandu, a student from Andhra Pradesh, who took his own life in the United States. Chandu, hailing from Kurnool district, had just finished his master's degree at DePaul University in Chicago. Reports indicate that he had been looking for a job for several weeks without any success. Family members and community sources noted that Chandu was under a lot of emotional pressure. He was worried about relying on his family back in Kurnool for financial support and was particularly troubled by the difficulties his father faced while working as a security guard. Chandu ended his life at his home in the US due to ongoing stress from being unemployed. More information about the investigation has not been shared publicly. The Indian community in the US has initiated a fundraiser aiming to raise $120,000 to help the family with bringing Chandu's remains back home. "The expense for bringing a body back from the US to India, which includes services from a funeral home, legal documents, and transport, is around $25,000. This is something that his family simply cannot cover on their own," stated the fundraising page. Any funds that exceed $25,000 will be given to his parents to assist them in dealing with the debts that Chandu left behind. In just two days, more than $76,000 has been collected. "Chandu came to Chicago with great aspirations, filled with hope and the same drive shared by many students studying abroad. He was a fantastic person - kind, welcoming, and a source of support for his friends and younger brother. Sadly, the burden of his struggles became too heavy to manage. His aspirations were abruptly ended, and his family in India is now devastated by this heartbreaking loss," read the description on the fundraising page. A user on social media reached out to Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh for assistance in bringing Chandu home. Acknowledging the post, Lokesh offered his condolences and asked Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to ensure "a smooth and easy process for transporting the remains. " In reply, Naidu mentioned that he has communicated with the social media user and is "working with the appropriate individuals to speed up the process. " "We will do everything we can to assist the family during these difficult times," he added.

Indian-Origin YouTuber Nancy Grewal Stabbed To Death In Canada March 05, 2026 19:55

Nancy Grewal, a 45-year-old YouTuber from Punjab, died after being stabbed in Ontario, Canada, on Tuesday night, March 3. The LaSalle Police Service stated that police and paramedics arrived at the scene on the 2400 block of Todd Lane around 9:30 pm after receiving a report of a stabbing. They discovered her with stab wounds, and although she was quickly transported to a hospital by Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services, she did not survive. On Wednesday morning, two houses on Todd Lane, between Canada Street and Bishop Street, were sealed off. Investigators found several pieces of evidence along a concrete path and on the stairs leading to the front door of one of the residences. The LaSalle Police Service posted on Facebook, "The LaSalle Police Service is still investigating a murder that happened on Todd Lane just before 9:30 p.m. on March 3, 2026. The person who died is Nancy Grewal, 45, from Windsor. The LaSalle Police Service sends our deepest condolences to Ms. Grewal's family and friends." The police do not see this as a standalone event. They are asking anyone with details about what happened to call Detective Sergeant Jamie Nestor at 519-969-5210 ext. 2531. They also want neighbors in the area to provide any security camera recordings that could help their investigation. Grewal used social media often to share her opinions on events in Punjab. Before this, she voiced her opposition to Amritpal Singh, a Member of Parliament who is in jail, as well as Akali party leader Bikram Singh Majithia and Gurinder Singh Dhillon from Dera Beas. She also criticized Khalistan supporters and discussed the disagreements between India and Canada. In June of the previous year, Grewal spoke out after Kanchan Kumari, a social media influencer known as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, passed away in Bathinda.

Rs 260 Crore Settlement for Family of Indian Student Killed by US Officer February 12, 2026 19:42

The city of Seattle has settled for $29 million (about Rs 262 crore) with the family of a 23-year-old Indian graduate student who was hit by a fast police officer while she was crossing the street in 2023. Jaahnavi Kandula was struck by Officer Kevin Dave, who was going as fast as 74 mph (119 kph) in a 25-mph (40-kph) area while answering a call about a drug overdose. He had his emergency lights flashing and was using his siren at intersections. “The loss of Jaahnavi Kandula was tragic, and the city hopes this settlement helps the Kandula family find some closure,” City Attorney Erika Evans stated on Wednesday. “Jaahnavi Kandula's life was important. It was important to her family, her friends, and our community. ” Kandula was pursuing a master's degree in information systems at Northeastern University's Seattle location. The lawyers for Kandula's family did not respond right away to requests for comments via email or phone. The involved parties submitted a settlement notice to King County Superior Court last Friday. The local news site PubliCola was the first to report on this agreement. Kandula's death led to anger and protests, especially after a video from another officer’s body cam was released. In this video, the officer laughed and remarked that Kandula’s life had “limited value” and suggested the city should “just write a check. ” Indian diplomats called for an investigation. The city's civilian oversight group determined that the comments made by Officer Daniel Auderer, who was also a union leader, harmed the department’s image and weakened public confidence. Auderer was later let go from his job and has filed a lawsuit against the city for wrongful dismissal. He claimed his comments were meant to criticize how lawyers might react to the tragedy. The police department also dismissed the officer who was driving, who received a citation for careless driving and was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. King County prosecutors decided not to bring felony charges against him, stating they couldn't prove he deliberately ignored safety when he hit Kandula.

Three Indians Arrested In Canada's Surrey February 03, 2026 20:07

Three Indian citizens were taken into custody in Canada after a late-night shooting occurred in the seaside area of Crescent Beach in Surrey on January 31. As per a statement from the Surrey Police Service, these three individuals are now officially charged under the Criminal Code of Canada. Law enforcement reported that the arrests happened in the early morning of February 1, 2026, after they received alerts about gunshots and a small fire outside a residence near the intersection of Crescent Road and 132 Street in Crescent Beach. The call came in around 3:50 am local time, while officers working on Project Assurance were patrolling the area alongside the Major Crime Section of the police. According to the police announcement, officers began searching nearby streets and found the three suspects a short while later close to 28 Avenue and 140 Street. The men were arrested after they got into a rideshare car. The Major Crime Section of the SPS then took charge of the investigation. Officials have now filed the same charges against all three suspects. Harjot Singh, who is 21, Taranveer Singh, 19, and Dayajeet Singh Billing, also 21, each face a charge of discharging a firearm in a public place, which violates Section 244.2(1)(a) of Canada’s Criminal Code. The police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and more charges might be added as they continue to examine evidence and pursue new leads. All three individuals are currently detained and are expected to stay in custody until at least February 5, 2026, before their next court hearing. The police announcement also mentioned the Surrey Extortion Reward Fund, which was created in September 2025, offering up to $250,000 to people whose tips lead to charges and convictions in extortion cases.

Indian-Origin Couple Arrested In USA for Prostitution Racket January 19, 2026 19:12

A couple of Indian descent, along with three other individuals, have been taken into custody in Virginia, United States, for trafficking drugs and sex after law enforcement officials conducted a raid at a motel connected to the criminal operations. Kosha Sharma, aged 52, and Tarun Sharma, aged 55, are said to have used the top floor of their Red Carpet Inn to sell drugs and engage in prostitution while keeping guests on the lower floors, based on information from federal prosecutors in northern Virginia. They were arrested following a raid by federal and local agents after a number of undercover investigations. Court records indicate that since May 2023, Kosha Sharma, also known as Ma or Mama K, along with Tarun Sharma, known as Pop or Pa, and Kosha LLC, operating as the "Red Carpet Inn," have leased and managed the motel. Allegations in a criminal complaint state that the married couple permitted a prostitution and drug operation to function from the motel while benefiting financially from the illegal activities. Authorities mentioned that Kosha would direct individuals looking for prostitutes and drugs to the third floor and would warn them if law enforcement approached, often preventing officers from entering the rooms. Additionally, three other individuals—51-year-old Margo Pierce, 40-year-old Joshua Reddick, and 33-year-old Rashard Smith—were arrested during the operation for their involvement in the alleged illegal activities. Documents from the court revealed that between May and August 2025, undercover agents from Prince William County and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, posing as prostitutes, pimps, and clients, visited the motel at least nine times. The records indicated that at least eight women were exploited for prostitution from the inn, with Smith, along with several unnamed accomplices, charging between $80 and $150 for sexual services. Reports also stated that the women were not allowed to leave and suffered physical abuse. During the same period, undercover agents conducted 15 different drug transactions at the motel, purchasing fentanyl eleven times and cocaine four times. "The complaint claims that Margo Waldon Pierce, also known as Marko, supplied the illegal drugs in all 15 controlled purchases," the documents stated. Police reported that the five individuals face charges for conspiring to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl. If found guilty, they face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will decide the overall sentence, taking into account the US Sentencing Guidelines and other legal considerations.

Telugu girl Killed by Ex-Boyfriend in USA January 05, 2026 15:13

Nikitha Rao Godishala, a 27-year-old woman from India, was discovered deceased with knife injuries inside her ex-boyfriend's house in Maryland, USA. Her former boyfriend, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, reported her missing on January 2, claiming he last encountered Godishala on New Year's Eve at his place in Maryland City. Following the missing person's report, Sharma left for India, according to the police. The next day, January 3, investigators located Godishala's body at Sharma's residence. Authorities suspect that Sharma took Godishala's life shortly after 7 pm on December 31. The police have accused the ex-boyfriend of first and second-degree murder and are actively pursuing his arrest. Godishala worked as a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health in Columbia, Maryland. She became part of the company in February 2025, and within just a few months, she earned the "All-In Award" for her work. In a LinkedIn post about her achievement, Godishala expressed: "This award serves as a reminder of the purpose and duty I strive to fulfill. I am eager to keep contributing with focus, creativity, and that same 'all-in' spirit that brought me to this point. Here's to advancing, creating, and stepping into 2026 with energy. " Before her time at Vheda Health, Godishala worked at Management Sciences for Health for over a year, holding the position of Data Analysis and Visualization Specialist (Technical Advisor). Prior to that role, from June 2022 to May 2023, she was affiliated with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. In India, Godishala served as a Clinical Pharmacist intern at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospitals for a year and a half, before becoming a Clinical Data Specialist for two years. She studied pharmacy at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University from June 2015 to September 2021, then relocated to the United States for a master's degree in health information technology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. As per her LinkedIn profile, Godishala was proficient in three languages: English, Hindi, and Telugu. She was passionate about using data insights to enhance healthcare systems and improve patient results.

Indian Student Killed In Germany On New Year January 02, 2026 11:54

Hruthik Reddy's family had been looking forward to his return for the Sankranti festival. Now, it is the deceased student's body from Telangana that is set to arrive in the new year. The 25-year-old student lost his life in a fire incident in Germany late Wednesday night. Authorities reported that a significant fire erupted at his home in Germany. As he attempted to flee the quickly escalating flames and heavy smoke, it is said that Hruthik jumped from the upper level of the building in Berlin and sustained injuries to his head. He was taken to a nearby hospital, but sadly, he passed away during treatment. This tragedy happened on New Year's Day, transforming a moment meant for joy into one of grief for his family. A shadow of sadness has fallen over his home in Malkapur village, located in the Jangaon district of the state, as the family struggles with the shock of his unexpected loss. Hruthik Reddy had gone to Magdeburg in Germany in June 2023 to study for a master's degree at the University of Europe. He completed his studies at Vaagdevi College of Engineering in 2022. He had reportedly chosen to skip a break during the Dasara festival, with plans to return home in the second week of January to celebrate Sankranti instead. Local officials in Germany are currently looking into what caused the fire. In the meantime, Hruthik's family and friends in Telangana have contacted the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Germany to speed up the process of returning his remains to his home village for the final farewell. This incident follows a series of unfortunate events involving Telugu students living abroad, including the recent death of a 24-year-old woman from Jangaon district in a house fire in the US last month. The victim, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, had relocated to the US in 2021 for further education. She was residing in Albany, New York. According to early reports, the fire started in a nearby building and quickly spread to Sahaja's residence. She was reportedly asleep when the fire began and could not get out in time.

Indian Woman Detained During Green Card Interview December 16, 2025 14:16

A woman of Indian descent, aged 60, was taken into custody in the United States by immigration officials during her most recent green card interview. Babblejit "Bubbly" Kaur, who has lived in the US since 1994, was detained by federal agents while she was at an appointment for a biometric scan related to her ongoing green card situation, as shared by her daughter Joti. Kaur’s green card petition has been endorsed by her daughter, who is a US citizen, and by her husband, who holds a green card, according to Long Beach Watchdog. Joti informed the publication that on December 1, her mother was at the reception area of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office when several federal agents entered. Kaur was then called into the room with those agents and was notified that she was being taken into custody. Kaur was given the chance to call her lawyer, yet she remained detained, stated her daughter. For many hours, the family had no idea where Kaur had been taken. They discovered later that she was moved overnight to Adelanto, which was once a federal prison but now serves as an ICE detention center, where she is currently kept. After her family immigrated to the US, they initially moved to Laguna Beach and later relocated to Long Beach when job opportunities arose in the Belmont Shore area. Kaur and her spouse have three children: 34-year-old Joti, who has status in the US under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), along with her older brother and sister, both of whom are US citizens. For over 20 years, Kaur and her husband ran a restaurant called Natraj Cuisine of India and Nepal on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore, becoming a "beloved part of the Long Beach community," as the report mentioned. She also worked for about 25 years at the Rite Aid pharmacy in Belmont Shore until the chain shut down its last stores earlier this year. More recently, she had been getting ready to return to work in the restaurant business at Royal Indian Curry House. Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia, representing Long Beach, has urged for Kaur's release. His office stated that he has been in touch with federal agencies concerning the matter while her family is preparing further legal documents that might enable Kaur to be released on bail as her case moves forward. As reported by her family, Kaur is being held in a large shared room at Adelanto with many other detainees. The lights in her space are kept on all night, and there is constant noise, which makes it hard for her to sleep, her family told IndiaWest. Kaur has been allowed to see family during limited visiting hours, but the process often requires waiting a whole day to have a short visit. "It's a nightmare... We are doing everything possible to get her out. She doesn’t belong there. It’s very cruel," Joti expressed.

Indian Student Missing in Russia for 19 Days Found Dead November 07, 2025 19:25

The mortal remains of a 22-year-old Indian student, who had been missing in Ufa, Russia for 19 days, were discovered in a dam on Thursday. Ajit Singh Chaudhary, who lived in Kaphanwada village in Lakshmangarh, Alwar, Rajasthan, began his MBBS studies at Bashkir State Medical University this year. He vanished in Ufa on October 19. According to sources, the student left his hostel around 11 AM, mentioning he was going to get some milk, but he never came back. Nitin Sangwan, the chairman of Alwar Saras Dairy, stated that Chaudhary's body was located in a dam near the White River. The Indian Embassy in Russia has not released a statement yet but they informed Chaudhary's relatives about his passing on Thursday, sources reported. Former Union Minister Jitendra Singh Alwar noted that Chaudhary's clothes, phone, and shoes were discovered near the riverbank 19 days ago. He suggested that something suspicious had happened to the young man. "Ajit, from Kaphanwada village, was sent to Russia by his family with great hopes, having pooled their hard-earned money for his medical education. Hearing that Ajit's body has been found in the river is incredibly shocking. This is a very sad time for the Alwar family; we have lost a young man with so much potential under suspicious circumstances," he stated in a message on X on Thursday. "The family was very upset after they learned about the 22-year-old going missing; they had been trying and praying for his safe return," he continued. The Congress leader called upon External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to assist in bringing the student’s body back to India. "An unfortunate event has happened to the young man under suspicious circumstances; this needs thorough investigation. The family should not be required to run around your offices anymore," he expressed. The All India Medical Students' Association (HQs) Foreign Medical Students Wing, which is part of the All India Medical Students' Association, has also reached out to Jaishankar regarding this issue. "The friends of the student attending the same university have confirmed that it is his body," said the association. The university has not yet provided any comments regarding the student's death.