Union Minister on fast alleging police excess in Guj town

Protesting against the lathi charge on agitating tribals demanding restoration of power connection, Union Minister Tushar Chaudhary today launched an indefinite hunger strike at Vyara town of Tapi district of Gujarat.

Among other things, he was demanding suspension of police officials responsible for lathi charge on tribal women.

Chaudhary led a procession of tribals to the collector's office demanding that power connections cut off for non-payment of electricity bills be restored and "faulty" electricity meters be replaced.

Talking to PTI over phone, Chaudhary said tribals in the area were receiving excessive bills due to the faulty meters.

However, the police did not allow their delegation to meet the collector, and 15 tribal women were injured when police lathi-charged without provocation, he alleged.