Hardik Patel detained before Rajkot ODI

The Rajkot police on Sunday detained Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel as he was protesting outside the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium before the start of the third ODI match between South Africa and India.

The city administration had yesterday banned mobile internet services in the district, ahead of Patel threatening to stage a protest at the cricket stadium during the match.

The 22-year-old leader had said they have got tickets for the match and will go to the stadium.

The Rajkot stadium has been fortified and the city secured with large deployment of police and State Reserve Police personnel to ensure smooth conduct of the ODI.

Hardik is the face of the Patel agitation which practically brought Gujarat to a standstill in September.

The state of Gujarat has witnessed severe disruptions and incidents of violence in the past few weeks, with curfew imposed in some areas, including the biggest city of Ahmedabad.