Over 600 protesters detained during Gujarat shutdown

Over 600 protesters, including Congress leaders and workers, were detained during a shutdown in Gujarat on Friday.

The Congress leadership organised the shutdown to demand the resignation of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of damning evidence against him provided through a 10-page letter written by suspended police officer D.G. Vanzara.

Even as the police establishment said that security was tight in anticipation of the shutdown, Congress activists were out on the streets to enforce it.

The shutdown, however, evoked a mixed response in the state.

Party workers and supporters tried to stop buses and trains form commuting. Schools and colleges functioned in most parts of the state.

Congress leaders and supporters were detained in the old city in Ahmedabad, Vadaj and some eastern parts.

Over 60,000 police and other security personnel have been deployed across the state to maintain law and order. Twenty-four State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and six Rapid Action Force (RAF) battalions have been directed to be on alert to assist the state police.

Crime Branch personnel have also been directed in every city to maintain vigil in sensitive areas.

In Vadodara, Congress leaders and supporters were detained for trying to close business establishments in Mandvi, Karolia, Sama, Karelibaug and Pratapganj areas.

Vanzara is a prime accused in four encounter cases that took place between 2003 and 2006. He has been in jail since 2007.