Lathicharge on Uma supporters, five hurt

Gwalior, June 10 (UNI) At least five people, including two policemen and a cameraman, were injured when police resorted to a cane charge to disperse a mob blocking roads to protest the arrest of a close associate of expelled BJP leader Uma Bharti here today.

Police opened fire in the air and lobbed tear gas shells to disperse the mob, which retaliated with stone-throwing near Padav police station here. The demonstration took an ugly turn when police tried to lift the blockade.

Police said Preetam Lodhi, considered a close associate of Ms Bharti, was taken under preventive custody yesterday as several criminal cases were pending against him. Lodhi claimed he was framed in many cases due to political rivalry. His supporters staged a demonstration and resorted to road blockade to protest his arrest ahead of Ms Bharti's visit to Gwalior.

Preetam Lodhi was released on bail after the police action on demonstrators. A media cameraman was among the injured.

Few demonstrators were also arrested, police added.

UNI MKS-SP PA ND1524