Internet ban lifted in Gandhinagar and Vadodara

The mobile internet ban was lifted on Sunday in Gandhinagar and Vadodara as the situation remained peaceful in Gujarat, a day after sporadic incidents of violence took place in some parts of the state following Patel quota leader Hardik Patel's arrest for defying prohibitory orders.

"The situation is totally under control across the state. No incidents of clashes or violence have been reported today," an official at the state police control room said, adding that mobile internet ban has been lifted in Gandhinagar.

The ban on mobile internet services was also lifted in Vadodara city.

"Looking at <g data-gr-id="60">current</g> situation, I have ordered to lift the ban on <g data-gr-id="61">mobile</g> internet from today afternoon," Vadodara Police Commissioner E Radhakrishnan said.

State Director General of Police (DGP) P C Thakur had on Saturday banned mobile internet services across Gujarat for <g data-gr-id="62">indefinite</g> period to stop possible rumours.

Hardik, who is leading the agitation for reservation to his community under OBC category, was arrested on Saturday while he was trying to take out the 'Ekta Yatra' from Surat. This led to violent protests in Mehsana, Surat and Bapunagar area of Ahmedabad, where angry mobs engaged in stone pelting and clashed with local police. However, the protests did not spread further and were curbed immediately by police.

"Some angry locals of Bapunagar area came on roads and threw stones yesterday. However, local police along with State Reserve Police dispersed the mob. The situation is calm today," Bapunagar police inspector RK <g data-gr-id="48">Ladva</g> said. In Surat, the situation is under control following clashes on Saturday after Hardik's detention. "There are no reports of violence today in the city. <g data-gr-id="64">Situation</g> is normal and peaceful," Surat Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said. Similarly in Mehsana town, where angry protesters gathered in large <g data-gr-id="50">anumbers</g> at Modhera road on Saturday, there was no sign of any such protest on Sunday, an official at the district police control room said.