Vijay Goel hurt in anti-petroleum price hike demonstration

New Delhi, Feb 15 (UNI) BJP national secretary and former Union Minister Vijay Goel was today hurt when police used water cannon to control a crowd demonstrating against the price hike on petroleum products at Jantar Mantar.

Organised by the Delhi unit of BJP, the demonstration started at 1200 hrs and was led by Delhi BJP President Harsh Vardhan.

Leader of Opposition in Delhi Jagdish Mukhi and almost 2000 workers also participated.

Condemning the use of water cannon on a peaceful demonstration, Mr Goel said the police were targetting him for the reasons best known to them and he was badly hurt in the process.

''The demonstration was peaceful and required no police intervention. There should be an inquiry into the police conduct,'' Mr Goel demanded.

The protest is part of the BJP's decision to take the issue to the streets across the country against the eighth hike imposed by the UPA government.

UNI KAS/MCN MS RS1443