Ayodhya, Oct 17: Police today arrested VHP leader Ashok Singhal as the outfit`s cadres thronged the temple town to participate in a `sankalp sabha` as part of ram temple construction campaign. Singhal was arrested from Karsevakpuram, the VHP central office, when he came out to attend the VHP`s programme. Over 2000 Ram bhakts assembled at the Karsevakpuram and reportedly indulged in heavy stone pelting prompting police to resort to lathicharge and burst teargas shells to disperse them. There were also unconfirmed reports of police firing some shots in the air.
VHP cadres also reportedly wielded sticks when the police tried to arrest them.
Singhal has called for a bandh across the country on October 19 in protest of the alleged police atrocities on Ram bhakts. He also demanded immediate withdrawal of security forces from Ayodhya. The VHP leader alleged that Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav was using security forces to persecute and beat up Ram bhakts.
Meanwhile, more VHP cadres were said to be pouring into the city who were holed up in the town. Bureau Report