Hazaribag (Jharkhand): External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha today (Apr 9, 2004) escaped unhurt after his car came under attack by a stone-throwing group, allegedly belonging to the CPI (Communist Party of India), at Rotway bazar.

An FIR (First Information Report), lodged at the Kujju police station by the Union Minister's poll campaign in-charge Ranjit Sinha, alleged that the supporters pelted stones when Sinha was proceeding to address a poll meeting.

Elections 2004-The Drama unfolds...

Confronted with the same group while returning from the meeting, Sinha stopped the car and tried to persuade it from indulging in violence but when the car started moving the supporters again pelted stones, the FIR claimed.

However, there was no injury.

Later, addressing another meeting in the evening, Sinha condemned the attack and said, ''I did not expect the CPI supporters stooping to so low.''

Sinha is taking on a united Opposition candidate and CPI State secretary Bhubaneswar Prasad Mehta and expelled BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leader Mahavirlal Vishwakarma from the Hazaribag Lok Sabha seat.