Rahul Gandhi arrested before going to Mandsaur, talked to families of Farmer in Jail

Mandsaur:  Rahul Gandhi was arrested today before he could go to Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur, the epicenter of violent farmer protests that have escalated over the death of five in police firing on Tuesday.

The Congress Vice President's attempts to defy police barricades turned into a wild steeplechase as he swapped his car for a bike, then hopped on to another bike, and finally set out on foot through fields before he was taken to a guest house that served as a makeshift jail.

"Rahul Gandhi tried to break all security provisions which is wrong. It doesn't suit a national party leader to ride a bike without helmet like a college student," said Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh.

The police had said this morning they would not allow Mr Gandhi and other Congress leaders to enter Mandsaur, where a large group of farmers are on a protest to demand better prices for their crop and loan waivers.

Mr Gandhi had tweeted yesterday that he wanted to meet the families of the five farmers killed in police firing. He finally spoke to them on the phone, while in custody. The ruling BJP has accused him of exploiting the protests for political gain.