MORE THAN 300 activists of Shiv Sena, including women, were arrested from different parts of city on the last Monday of Sawan here today. They were marching towards the sensitive Gyanwapi Complex to perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva and Shringar Gauri.
Uproarious scenes were witnessed at the Girjaghar crossing when cops cordoned off the road and arrested divisional president of Shiv Sena Ajay Chaubey, city president Gulshan Kapoor and its secretary Shiv Seth. A minor clash was also witnessed between cops and Shiv Sainiks insistant on marching towards the complex from Girjaghar crossing.
Hundreds of activists led by local Shiv Sena leader, assembled at Luxa and started marching towards the complex. As they reached the Girjghar crossing, cops foiled their attempt to proceed ahead and held 150 of them.
Another group of around 50 Shiv Sainiks, led by Varun Singh, was arrested from Lanka. Around 100 Sainiks led by Dr Raja Ram Tiwari managed to sneak into the territory of Varanasi from Chandauli. They had hardly reached Manchodari area when cops arrested them.
Besides, Shiv Sainiks were also arrested from Pandeypur, Panchkroshi and other areas. Two activists of Bhawani Sena, Chandra Kala Devi and Suman were also arrested.
{{/usCountry}}Besides, Shiv Sainiks were also arrested from Pandeypur, Panchkroshi and other areas. Two activists of Bhawani Sena, Chandra Kala Devi and Suman were also arrested.
{{/usCountry}}The Sena leaders addressed the activists in Police Lines and reiterated their commitment for the liberation of the Gyanwapi Complex. The arrested activists were released in the evening on the basis of personal bond.
It may be noted that the administration has banned the worship of Goddess Shringar Gauri in the complex of Gyanwapi for devotees. The small temple of Goddess is situated on the back portion of the mosque in the complex. The Shiv Sena has been struggling for the routine worship of deity daily for devotees.
Administration fears that Sainiks, in name of worship of Lord Shiva, may suddenly throng the temple of Shringar Gauri, so it does not permit them to come to the complex in mass.