MP bandh against Prof's death on Teachers' Day

Bhopal, Sept 5: A near total bandh was observed in Madhya Pradesh on Teachers' Day today to protest the death of Prof H S Sabharwal during students violence in Ujjain last week.

The bandh, called by Congress to support the demand for a CBI probe, was by and large peaceful, police said. Main markets and commercial establishments were kept closed and educational institutions observed holiday.

Besides the state capital, the day-long bandh was successful in Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain and other areas. Students, teachers and traders extended spontaneous support to the bandh, while essential services had been kept out of its purview, Congress spokesman Manak Agrawal said.

At Ujjain, the teachers observed 'black day' to pay tributes to Prof Sabharwal and took out a silent rally. They also demanded high-level probe into his death. The bandh was limited to half day as the temple town observed bandh earlier also to protest Prof Sabharwal's death.

A total of 37 people, including 9 of ABVP and 28 of NSUI and Congress, have been arrested so far in connection with rioting and attack on professors in violence after abrupt postponement of students union elections at Madhav College on August 26. Two ABVP leaders had been detained on the charge of murdering Prof Sabharwal.

Normal life remained disrupted in Indore, where city bus service was suspended. In view of the Ganesh idol immersion ceremony, the bandh would be observed till 1500 hours.

Teachers Day functions had been boycotted in Bhopal and Jabalpur universities.

At Bhopal, the main markets were closed and educational institutions observed holiday due to which Teachers Day functions could not be held. Elaborate security arrangements had been made in view of the bandh.

The bandh was successful in Dhar, Jhabua, Ratlam, Neemuch and Mandsaur also, reports received here said.

Meanwhile, Prof Sabharwal's son Himanshu met Governor Balram Jakhar and sought a CBI probe into his father's death.

UNI

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