Patel agitation: Gujarat Bandh today, security tightened

The Gujarat government has stepped up security in Ahmedabad, Mehsana and Surat in view of the outbreak of fresh protests and Gujarat bandh today, called by the Patel community.

Security has been tightened in other parts of Gujarat as well.

According to the state Chief Secretary GR Aloria five companies of Rapid Action Force has been deployed in these three cities. In addition to that, 20 companies of the state Reserve Police are posted across the state.   

The call for shutdown has been given by the Sardar Patel Group (SPG) and Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS).

Curfew was clamped in Mehsana yesterday when a rally by the Patel community demanding reservation and release of Patel turned violent. Patel, who led series of protests, was arrested in October last year on charges of sedition.   

The protest turned violent with mob pelting stones and arson. There were reports of violence spreading to Ahmedabad and Surat. Mobile internet was suspended in Surat, Ahmedabad and Mehsana.