Coimbatore: About 500 persons belonging to BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and other Hindu outfits were arrested in the district today (Nov 21, 2004) for attempting to observe fast without getting permission against the arrest of Kanchi Seer Jayendra Saraswathi, police said.

Spotlight: Kanchi Jayendra Saraswati's Arrest

They were arrested whey they attempted to sit on a one-day fast protesting against the arrest and the 'police treatment' given to the Seer.

Considering the 'sensitive' situation in the district, particularly Coimbatore, VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) and RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) had decided to observe the fast in response to the Bharat Bandh call given by the Central leadership.

Over 100 workers, including VHP Tamil Nadu president, V Mayilsamy, BJP treasurer, S R Seghar, BMS general secretary, Rajagopal and leaders of Hindu Munnani and Bajrangdal, had assembled near Tamil Nadu Hotel this morning to observe fast.

However, the workers, including a few women, were arrested since no proper permission was obtained for the fast from the competent authority, police claimed.

Meanwhile, 218 persons, including Hindu Munnani leader, K Subramanian were taken into custody in nearby Tirupur for attempting to stage fast, they said.

Fifty persons were arrested at Pollachi, 25 at Avanashi and 40 at Mettupalayam for similar reasons, police added.