Over 300 SP workers arrested

VARANASI: As many as 347 Samajwadi Party (SP) workers were arrested in the four districts of Varanasi range while trying to carry out processions in protest against the action initiated by the administration and police during their previous agitation.
To recall, the SP had launched a statewide stir from March 7 to 9. According to SP's district unit chief Akhilesh Mishra and city president Rakesh Jain, chief minister Mayawati not only directed the officials of districts and police to crush the movement but also announced to foil the bid of SP to hold protests in future.
In view of SP's call, the district administration and police had become alert and launched a drive to arrest SP workers on Wednesday evening.
By Wednesday night, 231 SP workers and leaders were arrested from different localities of Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur and Chandauli districts.
By Thursday afternoon, 125 more SP supporters were arrested in Chandauli, 95 in Jaunpur, 66 in Varanasi and 61 in Ghazipur district.
The police said that 44 SP workers who were arrested on Thursday, were released on submission of self bonds.