Minister hurt as stage collapses

Tiruchirapalli, May 3 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Forest Minister N Selvaraj was injured when the stage on which he was seated collapsed at Royapetti Village near Musuri, about 70 km from here, today.

Police said the Minister who was to inaugurate the Centrally- sponsored National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme, was seated on the dias when suddenly the stage collapsed.

The Minister, officials and a group of partymen fell on the floor and were injured.

Mr Selvaraj, who received injuries on his chin and the others were treated by doctors of a nearby primary health centre.

The dias collapsed due to overcrowding. However, after receiving first aid, the Minister inaugurated the scheme and spoke as scheduled.

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