Prof's death: Cong 'bandh' passes off peacefully

Bhopal, Sep 5 (UNI) A state-wide 'bandh' called by Madhya Pradesh's main opposition Congress in support of a CBI probe into the death of Prof H S Sabharwal during alleged student violence in Ujjain's Madhav College, evoked widespread response today in urban areas and party strongholds.

Besides halting of a train at Jabalpur and some stray incidents, the agitation remained peaceful.

''The 'bandh' was an unprecedented success. Until the CBI inquiry is ordered, protest demonstrations and relay hunger strikes will continue,'' said Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee President Subhash Yadav.

Shops and other business establishments remained shut in Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain and the public transport system was affected.

A Congress corporator and 129 party workers were arrested at Ratlam.

AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh paid a visit to late Prof Sabharwal's family in Ujjain and later addressed a public meeting.

Meanwhile, state Industry Minister Babulal Gaur described as ''prejudiced,'' Mr Singh's allegation that Mr Gaur was an RSS puppet.

Prof Sabharwal was targetted on August 26 after cancellation of a students' union poll process. Another professor M L Nath was subjected to misbehaviour and the college premises ransacked. CID and magisterial probes are underway. Two ABVP leaders were among 35 people arrested.

Interacting with media at Ujjain, BJS Founder President Uma Bharti also called for a CBI probe.

MP Jyotiraditya Scindia alleged that Madhya Pradesh's law and order situation was in shambles.

''The statement of seven witnesses have been recorded so far,'' Additional Collector Ravindra Singh told UNI.

(Eds: Pl pick up suitably from earlier series.) UNI Team AC HS HT2340