Monica's obscene photos: MP Minister targets Cong

Barwani, MP, Aug 28 (UNI) Trashing Madhya Pradesh's main opposition Congress' allegations of obscene photographs of underworld don Abu Salem's girlfriend and Bollywood actress Monica Bedi being clicked during her incarceration at the Central Jail, Bhopal, in connection with a fake passport case, Jails Minister Antar Singh Arya has directed an inquiry from a fresh angle.

''Earlier probes proved all such talk as baseless. The Congress is a party sans an issue. This is a base attempt by them to lower the dignity of a lady,'' he told mediapersons this afternoon while quoting Monica's statement -- made to media as she was exiting the prison -- that the state's jails were safe for women.

Justifying Monica's moving the Supreme Court on the matter, the Minister added that the pictures issued by the Congress were misleading and computer-generated.

''The 'evidence' available with Congress state spokesman Manak Agrawal will be sought and examined in accordance with the legal and government processes. Later, the Bharatiya Janata Party will demand stern action against Mr Agrawal,'' he warned.

On August 24, the apex court ordered the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to halt beaming of such photographs on any television channel.

UNI