Uma, Patel and supporters court arrest

Bhopal, Nov 9 (UNI) Bharatiya Jan Shakti (BJS) founder-president and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Uma Bharti, former Union minister Prahlad Patel and more than 100 supporters courted arrest today in protest against a ''fabricated case'' of attempt to murder being registered against the BJS Chief during the Malehra assembly bypoll.

After being apprehended near Lily Talkies, the firebrand leader and the others were packed into two vehicles and taken to the Police Headquarters where Ms Bharti had a discussion with Director-General of Police Anand Rao Pawar even as hundreds of BJS workers raised slogans outside.

Those arrested included Ms Bharti's elder brother Swami Prasad Lodhi, her nephews Rahul and Siddharth Lodhi, BJS senior leader Bhagwandas Sabnani and other office-bearers.

A case was registered on October 30 -- polling day -- under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code against Ms Bharti and 149 others for violence at Sainrora village.

UNI AG-AC YA VC1906