S P O T L I G H T

Two killed in crossfiring
VARANASI, Feb 5 (PTI) — Two persons were killed and 12 injured, including some policemen, in an incident of crossfiring between villagers and the police near Tiwaripur village in Chandaul district last night, the police said. Trouble started when one of the villagers protested against the alleged illegal collection of money by the police from the vehicles by firing at a police party from a country-made pistol. The police resorted to lathi charge and opened fire in self defence killing two persons on the spot and injuring several others.
5 hurt in blasts
TEHRAN, Feb 5 (Reuters) — A series of explosions today rocked the area around Iranian President Mohammad Khatami’s office, and a witness said at least five persons were injured. Iran’s official Irna news agency reported a number of small explosions. It quoted unnamed sources as describing the incident as a “terrorist attack”. It said the sources had ruled out any damage or casualties. Iran is preparing for key parliamentary polls, set for February 18, and authorities have been braced for possible trouble.
VHP’s appeal
RAIGARH (MP), Feb 5 (PTI) — The VHP today appealed to Madhya Pradesh Governor, Dr Bhai Mahavir, to invoke his special powers to allow the Bajrang Dal hold its maiden national convention in Bhopal from February 18. “The ban exhibits the dictatorial attitude of the Digvijay Singh government and reminds us of the Emergency days,” VHP district unit president, Mukesh Agrawal, said in a statement here.
Suicide bomber dead
COLOMBO, Feb 5 (DPA) — A suspected Tamil Tiger rebel was killed when he accidentally struck a sea mine while attempting to infiltrate a heavily-guarded harbour in eastern Sri Lanka, a military spokesman said today. The rebel, strapped with a suicide kit full of explosives, was apparently targeting a naval vessel anchored in Trincomalee harbour.
Nominee manhandled
GARWAH (Bihar), Feb 5 (UNI) — Independent candidate from the Bisrampore assembly constituency Rajkishore Singh was manhandled and his car torched by People’s War Group ultras at Adar village under Majhiama police station today. The police said Naxalite activists also roughed up Mr Singh’s associates before setting his car on fire.
12 dead in mishap
VARANASI, Feb 5 (PTI) — Twelve persons were killed and 20 injured in two road accidents in Varanasi and Bhadoi district today, the police said. Ten persons were killed and 18 injured when a bus collided with a stationary truck on the G.T. Road near Kishundeopur village in Bhadoi district.
Hike withheld
NEW DELHI, Feb 5 (UNI) — The freight rate for transportation of magazine parcels, which was hiked on February 1, has been withheld for the present by the Railways. The move was re-examined by the Ministry of Railways and it was decided that its implementation should be withheld.