Udupi: About 400 people, led by the Pontiff of a Dharwad-based Mutt, protesting the demolition of the old "Kanaka Gopuram" in front of the famous Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi, were arrested yesterday (Dec 17, 2004) for defying a court order banning their entry into the city, police said.

The protestors, belonging to "Kanaka Gopuram Sangharsha Samiti" headed by Basavaraja Devaru Swamiji of Revanasiddeshwar Mutt, were arrested at Parkala, the entry point to the city.

They were later released, police said.

High drama was witnessed at the time of the arrest with the Seer showing reluctance to board the police van. He demanded that the Admar mutt head, Sri Viswapriya Thirtha Swamiji also be arrested for being "responsible" for the demolition of the Gopuram.

"Those who are responsible for the demolition have not been jailed while the activists who have come to Udupi to have darshan of the Lord have been arrested," the Swamiji shouted.

"We will not create any law and order problem," he said.

The Swamiji demanded that the temple, which came under the purview of the endowment department, be taken over by the Government with immediate appointment of an administrator.

The slogan-shouting agitators later submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner T Sham Bhat who was present on the occasion.

The agitators are part of the "Kanaka Gopuram Sangharsha Yatra" demanding takeover of Sri Krishna Mutt by the State Government.