Mysuru: Former Minister and BJP leader S.A. Ramdas, who had launched an indefinite hunger strike yesterday urging the authorities to solve the issue related to Excel Plant at Sewage Farm in city, was arrested by Vidyaranyapuram Police, here this morning on charges of preventing public servants from discharging their duties.

Police said that the former Minister and his supporters, numbering about 19, had prevented the garbage trucks from entering the Sewage Farm following which MCC Health Officer Dr. Ramachandra lodged a complaint with Vidyaranyapuram Police.

Vidyaranyapuram Inspector Omkarappa, who arrived at the spot along with the staff, arrested Ramdas and his supporters and took them to CAR grounds.

Though the Police requested Ramdas to break his fast, he did not budge saying that he would break his fast only after the officials assured him of solving the sewage farm issue at the earliest.

The Police have registered a case under IPC Section 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty).

All the arrested were still kept at CAR Grounds and no decision was made with regard to their release either through regular bail in Court or through Station Bail.

Day-2: Stir continues

Meanwhile, the indefinite protest to seek solution to the foul smell emanating from the Excel Plant, entered the second day today with residents continuing their dharna in front of Sewage Farm amidst tight Police bandobast.