Sagar(MP): The BJP-sponsored Madhya Pradesh bandh on May 22 to protest the power cuts evoked a mixed response in the state even as agitators in the town resorted to stone pelting, leading to police lathi-charge that left 13 persons, including local BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) MLA, Sudha Jain, injured.

Police said the agitators, led by Sagar district BJP president and MLA Harnam Singh and Jain, indulged in stone-throwing at the electricity board office, causing injury to 12 policemen.

Following this, police burst teargas shells and made a lathi-charge to disperse the agitators, which left 13 persons injured.

A number of vehicles were also damaged and around 100 persons were arrested but were later let off.

Three of the injured police personnel have been admitted to the district hospital.

Meanwhile, commercial establishments and main markets in the state remained closed, though banks and government offices functioned normally and public transport plied as usual.

Security was stepped up in view of the bandh.

In Indore, BJP workers appealed to traders and businessmen to down shutters in various areas. The workers also took out rallies and set fire to effigies of Chief Minister Digvijay Singh at various places, according to party sources.

PTI