Detained Patel Agitation poster boy Hardik Patel was arrested by the Rajkot police after an FIR was filed against him at Paddhari Police Station for allegedly insulting the Indian national flag. Rajkot-Rural Superintendent of Police Gagandeep Gambhir said the police have collected concrete evidence before filing an FIR against Patel. He said, “We have checked all the video footage, which clearly suggested that Hardik did commit an offence of insulting the national flag. Thus, police have lodged an FIR against Hardik at Paddhari Police Station today. After which, we have arrested Hardik.”
Gambhir said Hardik's feet allegedly touched the national flag, which he was carrying, as he jumped on a car in an attempt to talk to the media when he was stopped by the police at Madhapar crossroads, while on his way to the stadium. “When he was stopped by police, he suddenly jumped on the roof of his car with the national flag. While doing so, the flag touched his feet, which is against the dignity of the tricolour. This is not allowed as per the law.” Hardik was detained by police on his way to Khandheri cricket stadium in Rajkot ahead of the India-South Africa One Day International. He had threatened to stage a protest at the stadium.
“Police detained Hardik Patel from Madhapar cross road area 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,” superintendent of police of Jamnagar Pradip Sejul. He said Patel along with four of his supporters were detained when they were going to the cricket stadium in the attire of a farmer, he said. “We have not come here to protest, but we just want to watch the match with our Patidar 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.
The PAAS convener had earlier declared that they will block the way of the two teams and not allow them to reach the stadium. He also said they would surround the venue if he and his supporters were not allowed to go inside to protest. Hardik has urged the Patel community members to remain present in large numbers during the Rajkot match to raise their reservation demands. PAAS leader Lalit Vasoya and his supporters were also stopped. “We tried to reach the stadium but were not allowed to take the Jamnagar Road.” Following the threats, the Rajkot police had made unprecedented security arrangements for the ODI. A three-tier security ring was thrown around the stadium and police ensured no spectator took placards and water bottles inside.
