Sena leader escapes bid on life

LATUR, NOV. 25. Supporters of the Chief Minister, Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh, allegedly made an unsuccessful bid on the life of Shiv Sena Latur Taluka chief, Mr. Venkat Panhale here late on Thursday night.

Talking to newsmen, Mr. Panhale said that as he was returning home after canvassing for the December 4 elections to the market committee, at around 12.30 last night, four persons with their heads covered attacked him using abusive language. They not only beat him but also threatened him talking against Mr. Deshmukh, while pouring kerosene down him. Mr. Panhale said that luckily since it was the main road, vehicles coming from the opposite direction blinded the attackers with the blare of lights. Seizing the opportunity Mr. Panhale, who was completely doused in kerosene, made a get-away. A case was lodged with the police station here.

He said that the Congress through its actions are accepting that it is losing ground. He said that the elections must be carried out in a democratic manner in a free and fair atmosphere.

The Shiv Sena in a statement condemned the attack and said that if the elections are not carried out in a democratic way they would give a fitting reply. The elections to the market committee are prestigious as the body has a turnover of Rs. 300 crores. For the first time all opposition parties have united under the banner `Shetkari Vikas Aghadi' Latur, against the Congress, led by Mr Shivajirao Patil Kavhere.

In all there are 17 members, about sixteen are elected from societies including the Matdar Sangh Gram panchayats, Vyapar Matdar, and Hamal Mahapadi. One seat is by norm unopposed.

- UNI

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