Rahul Gandhi, Sachin Pilot arrested during attempt to reach violence-hit Mandsaur

The Congress leader announced yesterday that he would try to reach the violence-hit area in Madhya Pradesh  The MP police had already made it clear they would not allow his entry into the district, which has been on the boil for days now Five persons were killed on Tuesday as the farmers' agitation turned violent in Mandsaur, prompting the authorities to clamp curfew   

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi made a semi-determined bid to reach Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh via Rajasthan today. The Congress leader initially flew to Udaipur, and then set off in a car convoy. 

As expected, the cops halted his drive near the border. In a grand show, Mr Gandhi then jumped onto the pillion seat of a motorcycle and drove on, trailed by Sachin Pilot in another bike and, of course, his retinue. 

Mr Gandhi did not get far, however, as he was soon halted. He then set off on foot, apparently with plans to walk the remaining 80 or so kilometres to Mandsaur. Though surrounded by Rahul's special security, party workers and journalists, the cops nevertheless managed to halt the leader, who got into a loud shouting match with them. He was finally taken into preventive custody. Sachin Pilot was also arrested soon after. 

Gandhi left Delhi for Mandsaur, where five farmers were killed during protests earlier this week, even though local police had already made it clear that he would not be allowed to enter the district. Superintendent of Police of Neemuch Manoj Kumar Singh said the Congress leader will not be allowed to enter the violence-hit district where the situation remains tense. 

The Congress yesterday termed as "cold-blooded murder" the killing of five farmers in police firing in Madhya Pradesh and questioned the prime minister's silence over it. The Congress accused the BJP of "acting as a curse of death for Indian farmers".

AICC spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said yesterday that it was insulting and unfortunate that the BJP-led NDA government was in denial mode over the firing and accused it of spreading rumours and canards over who fuelled the farmers' protest.

He also hit out at the BJP for denying permission to people who wanted to go and express solidarity with the bereaved farmers, including Gandhi. The Congress vice president is visiting Mandsaur to meet the kin of the five persons who were killed in violence during the farmers' agitation.

Five persons were killed on Tuesday as the farmers' agitation turned violent in Mandsaur, prompting the authorities to clamp curfew in the trouble-hit area. Mandsaur has been on the boil since the farmers' agitation in the district turned violent.

Farmers in western Madhya Pradesh are protesting since June 1 over various demands.

(With PTI inputs)