Hardik’s family put under house arrest

Patel quota spearhead Hardik Patel’s family was put under house arrest and seven women from the community were detained on Thursday for sloganeering and demanding his immediate release. The action was taken when Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel was addressing a gathering in the jailed leader’s hometown, Viramgam, in the district. 

The police action drew flak from the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, which spearhead the quota agitation, even as the women were later let-off and Hardik’s family was released after the CM’s programme ended. As a precaution ahead of the CM’s visit, Hardik’s family, who lives in the town, was kept under house arrest till the programme ended Thursday afternoon, Viramgam town Police Inspector Vishwarajsinh Jadeja said.

“We detained seven women as they started shouting slogans when the CM was delivering her speech at Shala Praveshotsav (school enrolment) programme. We released them after the programme ended in the afternoon,” Jadeja said.