Latest news with #AnilThomas
Gulf Insider
14-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Holiday Scam Hits Bahrain
What began as a clever way to beat summer's soaring flight prices has now left hundreds of Bahrain residents with nothing but broken holiday dreams and empty wallets. As social media buzzed with travellers boasting of cheaper fares by stopping over in Asian or European cities before heading home, a Gudaibiya-based travel firm saw an opportunity. Its representatives began approaching visitors at busy malls across the Kingdom, offering lucky draws for a chance to win a 'mini-vacation' stopover package this summer. Old scam, new twist While baiting shoppers with lucky draws and free crockery giveaways to push overpriced travel deals is an old scam, this version was far more convincing. It tapped into the trending 'travel hack' for avoiding summer peak fares – and it worked. Anil Thomas (name changed), one of many victims, said he lost nearly BD500. 'We thought it was a genuine offer. They promised flight tickets with stopovers in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand or even Maldives, combined with stays in luxury hotels, at a fraction of the peak season rates,' he told The Daily Tribune. Anil, who has since lodged complaints with the police, Tawasul and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, added, 'They even offered flexible packages – travel any time within three years. People with families were their main targets, charging different rates for different destinations.' Vanished without a trace Anil's own booking – a supposed Singapore-Malaysia-India trip, later changed to Maldives due to a claimed 'visa issue' – was due to begin this week. Instead, the family of four was left packed and ready, but no tickets ever arrived. Calls went unanswered and the Gudaibiya office was shuttered. 'The company's commercial registration is about to expire in June. I believe they've scammed hundreds and fled the country,' Anil alleged. 'When I spoke to hotel staff, they told me that the travel company had booked the conference hall for every day of the week for the past year. They were running this operation for a full year, continuously duping people. What has come out now is only the tip of the iceberg.' According to him, the scam operated on an industrial scale. 'They hired conference halls at hotels in Seef, where families were brought in droves after being told they had won a lucky draw at a mall. The halls were packed every day of the week. EMI payment options made it easy for people to fall for the deal,' he said. Anil has since begun contacting other victims through social media. 'Many people are ashamed to come forward. But silence only encourages more scams,' he warned. Company silent When The Daily Tribune contacted the travel company for a response, the company did not reply by the time of publication. Also read: Bahrain Ranks First In MENA & GCC Regions In The Global Network Excellence Index
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"Say no to Drugs, it shows our collective failure," Says Unni Mukundan as the film industry joins hands against drug abuse
Malayalam film and media personalities united at an event in Kalamassery to combat drug abuse, coinciding with the Branch X CCF Premier League. Actors, technicians, and law enforcement officials, including Unni Mukundan and Sachin Baby, pledged their support. Anil Thomas advocated for regular drug testing, signaling the entertainment industry's commitment to fighting drug abuse through united action. The Malayalam film, television, and media personalities came together in an impactful show of solidarity against drug abuse at an event held in Kalamassery. Organized as part of the Branch X CCF Premier League , the event took place at the St. Paul's College Ground and saw participation from actors, technicians, and law enforcement officials, all united for a common cause — to spread awareness and say no to drugs. 'We have failed somewhere as a society.' - Unni Mukundan The anti-drug campaign was formally launched with Kerala Ranji cricket team captain Sachin Baby administering the anti-drug pledge to the gathering. Leading the voice from the film industry, actor Unni Mukundan, who is also the celebrity owner of the Seahorse Sailors team, made a strong statement during the event. He said, "The fact that we still have to keep saying 'Say No to Drugs' again and again shows that we have failed somewhere as a society." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest $200 in Amazon without buying stocks to earn a second salary Marketsall Sign Up Undo 'Any level of drug testing is welcome.' - Anil Thomas CCF President Anil Thomas echoed the need for sustained action, stating that drug testing should be done at regular intervals and without hesitation. 'Any level of drug testing is welcome. It's high time we act firmly and consistently,' he said. (Picture Courtesy: Facebook) The entertainment industry is ready to fight drug abuse, not just through words, but through united action. The event saw the participation of several key figures, including Thrikkakara ACP P.V. Baby, Customs Preventive Commissioner Vivek Vasudevan, NCB Zonal Head Venugopal G. Kurup, and NCB Inspector Atul Kumar Dwivedi. From the film side, actors Naren, Siju Wilson, Akhil Marar, Rithu Manthra, and Shobha Vishwanath stood in support, while CCF Secretary Sleeba Varghese helped coordinate the gathering.
