Allahabad, Oct 15: Defying prohibitory order imposed in the district to prevent congregation of Rambhakts, Swami Vasudeva Nand Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Jyotishpeeth, Badrikashram today left for Ayodhya along with an estimated 25000 Rambhakts to participate in the VHP-sponsored religious programme on October 17 next. VHP state unit president A B Sharan said the entourage was flagged off by the local VHP workers and office-bearers amid chantings of ''Jai Shri Ram'' at Civil Lines market.

Several thousand Rambhakts from Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, who arrived here this morning, are also likely to leave for Ayodhya tomorrow, Sharan said. The VHP leader also claimed that the authorities have arrested eight to ten thousand Rambhakts and detained them at a schools and other public places and denied them basic amenities like food and water.

Police sources said that 700 Rambhakts were arrested from railway junction today taking the number of detainees to 3467.

Bureau Report