Monday, October 17 2005 14:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhagalpur (Bihar): Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo and Railway minister Lalu Prasad escaped with minor injuries when a portion of dais at an election rally crumbled due to overcrowding at Sajangi ground in Bhagalpur today (Oct 17, 2005), police said.

As Prasad alighted from his helicopter as per schedule and hurriedly went to the dais, a large number of slogan-shouting supporters led by the RJD candidate from Nathnagar Pervez Khan alias Pappu Khan climbed onto it.

A portion of the dais crumbled as party supporters jostled with each other prompting Khan and others to give support to the RJD strongman to prevent him from tripping, police said.

Prasad, who suffered bruises on his hands, left the venue after addressing the gathering.