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Superintendent of police M A Siddiqui said minister of state for forest and environment, Ramji Rishdev's car fell into a ditch near Achra village when he was proceeding to Forbesganj to attend a programme by deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar [Images] Modi.

The minister's staff approached the people sheltered in relief camps at Achra who refused pull out the car following which a quarrel ensued. Soon, nearly 200 flood-affected people gathered and manhandled the security men accompanying the minister.

Armed with sticks, the victims, who were reported to have raised pro-Lalu Prasad and anti-Nitish Kumar slogans, smashed the windscreen of the car.

However, a police patrol, which happened to pass by, intervened and safely escorted the minister to Forbesganj before he could be brought to any harm, Siddiqui, who along with district magistrate Indrasen Singh met the minister, said.

Siddiqui denied as "rumour" reports that some of the victims fired at the minister. Siddiqui said since the minister had made no written complaint, an FIR could not be registered. Rishdev could not be immediately contacted for comments.