Pranab Mukherjee critically injured in road accident

Kolkata, Apr 7 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee was critically injured when a lorry collided head on with his car at Birhattala area under Bethuadahari Police Station in Nadia district at 2115 hours tonight.

Police here said Mr Mukherjee, who was rushed to Bethuadahari Grameen hospital, had to undergo 12 stitches in his head and was on saline when reports last came in.

Efforts were on to bring the Minister to Kolkata, police added.

The District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police have rushed to the area.

Mr Mukherjee was returning from Baharampore in Murshidabad district after inaugurating a book fair.

The driver of the vehicle was also taken to the hospital, where his condition was stated to be serious.

Congress leader Manas Bhunia, who was accompanying the Minister, also sustained injuries.

UNI