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Michael Jackson formally charged with child molestation
MUMBAI: A nine-count criminal complaint was formally filed yesterday against pop icon Michael Jackson. The case concerns him allegedly molesting a cancer patient. Alcohol was apparently given to the boy who resides in Los Angeles.
A report in China’s online publication Xinhuanet states that the lawsuit, filed by Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon, accused Jackson of seven counts of child molestation and two counts of administering an intoxicating liquor to a child for the purpose of committing a felony.
On 16 January, an arraignment will take place. Right now the singer is free on a $3 million bail that he posted last month after surrendering to the Santa Barbara Sheriffs Department. If convicted, Jackson could face three to eight years on each account of child molestation charge according to California laws.
Meanwhile, a Copley News Service report indicates that the incident allegedly occurred in February and March at Jackson’s fairytale-like Neverland Ranch. Jackson’s lawyer has denounced the allegations.
While the documents provided no details of the alleged crimes they are believed to involve a boy who had his spleen and one kidney removed because of stomach cancer and was given three weeks to live when he first asked to meet Jackson a couple of years ago. The boy, who spent nights at Jackson’s ranch in Santa Barbara County was allegedly given wine. All this was seen in a television documentary in February. He was holding Jackson’s hand while the singer defended his practice of sharing his bedroom with children.
Jackson’s mother Katherine issued a statement saying, “We will fight with every ounce of our energy to reveal the truth behind these false allegations and the motivations behind those who have falsely accused Michael.” What could complicate matters is the fact that the boy’s family has a troubled background. His father pleaded no contest to child cruelty last year and to spousal abuse in 2001 for allegedly beating the boy’s mother. The couple are now divorced.
An AP report has stated that that the most serious of the crimes Jackson is accused of are alleged to have happened after the accuser’s mother signed an affidavit and videotaped a statement swearing that nothing improper had happened with her son.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
