Patel leader Hardik arrested, gets bail, mobile internet banned in Gujarat

Patidar community leader Hardik Patel was released on late Saturday night by Gujarat police. He was earlier arrested for defying prohibitory orders in Surat and an FIR was also registered against him.

The 22-year-old Hardik was detained on Saturday morning by police along with 35 of his supporters after he launched his 'Ekta yatra' despite being denied permission by the state government.

Further, in a bid to curb spread of rumours after Hardik's detention, the Gujarat administration banned mobile Internet services across the state.

"We detained Hardik Patel along with his 35 supporters from Mangadh chowk in Varachha area of the city ahead of their yatra today," Surat Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said.

Condemning the police action, the firebrand leader said, "The Gujarat government wants to muzzle our voice. They want to harass us. The government and the state police wants violence in the state. This act is against the spirit of democracy."

Demanding Hardik's release, Patel Nav Nirman Sena warned of a nationwide "jail bharo" agitation. "If Hardik Patel is not released by government (Gujarat) by today (Saturday) evening then we will start massive jail bharo andolan across the country. Narendra Modi government and the state government will be responsible for it," Patel Nav Nirman Sena's national secretary Akhilesh Katiyar said.

"The state government along with the central government is creating an emergency like situation in the country. They have blocked all the mode of communication, including internet, and are even tapping the phone calls of our leaders," he said, adding, "It is totally illegal and against the Indian Constitution."

The rally, which the police said was 'unauthorised', was intended to press for caste-based reservations for the Patel community. The agitation is being spearheaded by the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS).

In massive protests in August 2015, 10 people lost their lives in Gujarat due to violent quota agitation by the Patel community. Police on August 25 had imposed statewide ban on mobile internet, social media and SMS services.