Taj on alert after threat of bombing

Lucknow: A mysterious call from Madurai inquiring about a bomb being planted at the Taj Mahal on Friday sent security personnel manning the monument of love into a tizzy.

ADG (law and order) Brij Lal said heavy frisking was done and CISF personnel alerted following the call received by Kalyan Singh of Lightpura locality.

"The caller asked Singh whether the bomb has been planted in the Taj after informing that he had done the same in Tamil Nadu," Mr Lal said.

—PTI

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Eight MNS workers arrested

Mumbai: Eight MNS workers were arrested on charges of rioting for allegedly pelting stones at a Samajwadi Party rally in a north-west suburb in which two SP activists were injured, the police said on Friday.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena activists crashed into the SP rally at suburban Goregaon’s late on Thursday evening, alleging that the speakers were casting aspersions on their party chief Raj Thackeray, the police said.

—PTI

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MLA kin killed in explosion

Jaunpur (UP), May 30: A relative of a Samajwadi Party MLA was killed in an explosion in the legislator’s house in Sarai Khawja area here on Friday, the police said. The man died after the blast blew away the roof of a room of the house of Jagdish Sonekar, MLA from Shahganj.

Superintendent of police Chandra Prakash said investigations were on to ascertain the nature of the blast. Additional director general of police (law and order) Brij Lal said in Lucknow that a bomb disposal squad has been summoned from Varanasi.

—PTI

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20 Cong workers hurt in TN

Coimbatore, May 30: At least 20 Congress workers were injured when clashes broke out between two rival groups, reportedly owing allegiance to senior leaders R. Prabhu and G.K. Vasan.

The police said the incident took place during a meeting when some members loyal to Mr Prabhu refused entry to Congress MLA Kovai Thangam and his supporters. Several chairs were damaged in the clash.

—PTI