250 Shiv Sainiks held in Varanasi

Varanasi, Aug 7 (UNI) At least 250 Shiv Sena activists, on way to the highly sensitive Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanwapi complex to perform the 'Jalabhishek' of Shrinagar Gauri, were arrested from separate places for shouting slogans here today.

Additional Police Superintendent (ASP) Nachiketa Jha said 250 Sainiks were held from Lanka, Luxa, Sarnath, Pandeypur and Girjaghar crossing. The maximum 100 Shiv Sainiks, including district president Gulshan Kapoor, were arrested from Girjaghar crossing, Mr Jha added.

Meanwhile, Sena's divisional president Ajay Chaubey, contrary to police statements, claimed at least 500 saffron activists were arrested to prevent them from proceeding to the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanwapi complex.

The arrest was made in pursuance with an official directive to ensure no procession shouting slogans is permitted to enter the complex, besides preventing the start of any new tradition on the complex.

Meanwhile, countless devouts thronged various Lord Shiv temples of the ancient city, to offer prayers on the last Monday of the holy 'shrawan' month.

UNI ARS VS SHB KP1853