Patel quota stir: Hardik detained ahead of India-SA ODI in Rajkot

Minutes before his detention, the 22-year-old leader, who had earlier threatened to stage protests at the ODI venue on their reservation demand, said he just wanted to watch the match like a common spectator. Following his threat, the Rajkot administration had last night banned mobile Internet services in the district.

“Police detained Hardik Patel from Madhapar cross road area today when he was on his way to Khandheri Cricket Stadium in the city, where an ODI between India and South Africa is scheduled to be played,” said Superintendent of Police of Jamnagar (Rural) Pradip <g data-gr-id="24">Sejul</g>.

Hardik, who is spearheading the Patel quota stir and convener of the Patidar <g data-gr-id="23">Anamat</g> Andolan Samiti (PAAS), and around four of his supporters were detained when he was going to the cricket stadium dressed like a farmer, he said. “We have not come here to protest, but we just want to watch the match with our Patidar (Patel) brothers. Like many other spectators who have come here to cheer up Indian team. We have tickets for the match also,” Hardik said.

“I want to urge to the people to keep calm and not to do anything that will breach peace and law and order situation of Gujarat,” he said.

Police said Hardik was taken to SRP headquarters in Ghanteswar area on the city’s outskirts.