Hardik Patel detained ahead of `Ekta Yatra`: As it happened

Mobile Internet services have been banned to curb rumours after Hardik Patel's detention and to control the law and order situation.

Also Read: Mobile Internet services banned in Gujarat after Hardik Patel's detention

According to a notification issued by Ahmedabad city Police Commissioner Shivanand Jha, mobile Internet services have been banned from Saturday afternoon to 12 pm on September 20 across Gujarat.

Surat Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana tells PTI: "We detained Hardik Patel along with his 35 supporters from Mangadh chowk in Varachha area of the city ahead of their rally today. They were detained in the interest of law and order as they did not seek any permission from the state authorities to take out this rally."

Hardik Patel and his supporters have now been moved to Surat Police Headquarters.

Also Read: Hardik Patel detained by police in Surat

Condemning the police action, the 22-year-old firebrand leader tells reporters: "The Gujarat government wants to muzzle our voice. They want to harass us. The Gujarat government and the state police wants violence in the state. This act is against the spirit of democracy."

Hardik Patel along with 78 protesters have been moved to Varachha police station in Surat.

Patel quota stir leader Hardik Patel has been detained in Surat for trying to take out the 'Ekta Yatra' without taking prior permission from authorities. Notably, the Gujarat government had on Friday denied permission to 'Ekta Yatra' scheduled for Saturday.

Also Read: Hardik Patel, Gujarat govt set for a face-off over 'Ekta Yatra'?

Hardik Patel will on Saturday launch an `Ekta Rally` in Surat. The rally is to press for the caste-based reservations for the Patel community and will be spearheaded by Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS).