Uma case: MHHC notices to govt, CBI

Jabalpur, Dec 8 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh High Court today issued notices to the state government and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on a petition challenging a criminal case that was registered following a complaint by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers against Bharatiya Jan Shakti (BJS) founder-president and former Chief Minister Uma Bharti during the Malehra assembly bypoll.

Acting on a plea by Ms Bharti and BJS worker Jaiprakash Tamrakar, Justice Ajit Singh issued the notices to the Home Department, Director-General of Police; Superintendent of Police, Chhatarpur and others who have to respond by January 17, 2007.

''On October 30, the ruling party (BJP) indulged in heavy violence including an attempted assault on Ms Bharti who was saved by a whisker by her security personnel,'' Petitioners' Counsel Vivek Tankha submitted.

The petitioners alleged attacks and an attempt to murder Ms Bharti also took place during the byelection and BJP workers framed fabricated charges.

''Political vendetta led to the registering of a criminal case against Ms Bharti, her secretary and security personnel,'' the plea said.

The petitioners pleaded for quashing of the first information report, urged a CBI probe and strict action against the officials responsible.

UNI XC-AC PA RS1854