Charges framed against Speaker, two ministers

Jabalpur, Apr 9 (UNI) A local court today framed charges against Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Ishwardas Rohani, Health Minister Ajay Vishnoi, Fisheries Minister Moti Kashyap and six BJP workers for attacking a police station and threatening policemen 22 years back.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Rajeev Karmahe framed charges in the absence of the accused under sections 147, 148, 149, 353 and 506 B of the IPC for rioting, threatening and trying to obstruct government work.

The court directed the Speaker and the two ministers to be present in the court tomorrow.

According to the prosecution, the BJP's local unit had staged a demonstration in front of Belbagh Police Station on September 24, 1984, against alleged harassment of a businessman.

Mr Rohani, Mr Vishnoi and Mr Kashyap took part in the demonstration.

Later, some party workers pelted stones, barged inside the police station and threatened police.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Jan Shakti President Prahlad Singh Patel demanded resignation of Mr Rohani, Mr Vishnoi and Mr Kashyap owing moral responsibility in view of framing of charges against them.

Referring to Hubli Tiranga episode wherein Ms Uma Bharti had resigned as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, when only a warrant was issued against her.

He said Mr Rohani, Mr Vishnoi and Mr Kashyap disregarded the court and the Constitution by not remaining present during hearing for a long time.

He said Mr Vishnoi's counsel had misinformed the court recently that Mr Vishnoi was injured and could not appear before the court.

UNI