MUMBAI: The State Government has allowed essential commodities to be transported in private vehicles after talks with the Maharashtra Rajya Truck Tankers Lorry Bus Owners' Mahasangh failed this evening. The agitation began on Sunday night. A Government circular said essential commodities including milk, fruits, vegetables, oil, medicines, petrol could be transported in private vehicles.

Monsoon toll 321

NEW DELHI: Swollen rivers continued to wreak havoc in Bihar, inundating fresh areas in Patna and Vaishali districts on Sunday as two more rain-related deaths were reported in Rajasthan, taking the countrywide toll to 321. Waters of the Punpun, Morhar and Gandhar submerged more areas in Patna, Vaishali and the Jehanabad districts.

Hardwar clash

HARDWAR: At least 28 people, including 12 policemen, were hurt in a clash between devotees and local shopkeepers over a sexual harassment incident, official sources said on Sunday.The two groups clashed on Saturdaywhen a kanwaria (Shiva devotee) allegedly misbehaved with a shopkeeper's daughter.

Curfew relaxed

AHMEDABAD: Curfew has been relaxed in the riot-torn Shahpur and Karanj police station areas of the walled city following improvement in the situation. At least six persons suffered burn injuries when a group of rioters set a hotel in Memnagar area on fire on Saturday night.

Pilgrims stranded

JAMMU: About 3,000 Amarnath pilgrims were stranded on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Udhampur.