Protests in Nashik over Bhujbal's arrest

Nashik, March 15: Supporters of NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Tuesday, March 15 blocked the busy Mumbai-Agra National Highway in Nashik district and staged a protest against his arrest even as several commercial establishments remained closed in some areas in the city.

Bhujbal, the MLA from Yeola constituency in Nashik district, was arrested last night by Enforcement Directorate in Mumbai after 10 hours of questioning in connection with a probe in a money laundering case registered against him and others.

Protesting his arrest, the former Deputy Chief Minister's supporters and NCP activists shouted anti-government slogans and blocked the highway near Ojhar, about 21 kms from here, affecting the movement of vehicular traffic, an officer at rural police control room said.

Later, police rounded up the protestors and cleared the highway, he said. The party activists also staged a 'rasta-roko' in the busy Central Bus Stand locality of the city. However, police rushed to the spot and cleared the road.

Besides, all commercial establishments and shops were closed in Yeola, Lasalgaon and Nandgaon tehsil towns in the district after a bandh call was given by NCP activists to protest the arrest of their leader.

Both the city and rural police have beefed up security by deploying extra force on highways, near Bhujbal's farm and NCP office in the city, as a precautionary measure.

PTI