Nine people injured in MPs BJP-BJ clash

Jabalpur, MP, Oct 1 (UNI) Nine people have been injured in firing and arson during a clash between Madhya Pradesh's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party workers and their Bharatiya Janshakti counterparts over the installation of Goddess Durga idol at a particular site in Narsinghpur district's Gotegaon.

Deputy Inspector-General (Jabalpur Range) D Srinivas Rao told UNI, ''The BJP workers gathered to select the site in the bus stand area last night.'' Some youths owing allegiance to the BJ appeared on the scene following which a dispute ensued. Later, the saffron party workers reached the residence of BJP district General Secretary Mohan Singh Patel. A few members of the BJ attacked the house and one of the groups damaged some parked two-wheelers.

Mr Patel's sons Prahlad, Devendra and Kamal were among the workers of both the parties injured in the incident.

''A case has been lodged against about 40 people, including Mukesh, Rajesh Jain and Annu Thakur who are absconding,'' said Gotegaon's Sub-Divisional Officer (Police) R S Tiwari. The victims were rushed to the Medical College Hospital here. Assembly Speaker Ishwardas Rohani and Minister of State H S Babbu visited the hospital.

Gotegaon is the native place of BJ General Secretary Prahlad Patel and his MLA brother Jalam Singh Patel. Some months ago, state Health Minister Ajay Vishnoi's convoy was stoned in Narsinghpur district following the formation of former chief minister Uma Bharti-led BJ in the state.

UNI