Expressing surprise over the detention of noted historian Ramachandra Guha on Thursday for staging a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa instructed the police to exercise restraint against the agitators.
"Where? (Guha arrested)...without reason police should not take law into their hands, I will immediately issue instructions," a surprised Yediyurappa said on hearing about Guha's detention.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Yediyurappa said, "Action should be taken against 'goonda' elements and those indulging in disturbing law and order, and no action should be taken against common people. If any such thing has happened action will be taken against officials."
Guha and many others were detained on Thursday for staging a demonstration against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act near the Town Hall in Bengaluru, in defiance of prohibitory orders imposed in the city.
He was taken away by police personnel and led to a police vehicle parked nearby.
The police said the protesters violated prohibitory orders clamped in the city against any protest or demonstration.
Reacting to his detention, Guha -- one of India's finest historians -- said it was 'absolutely undemocratic' that police were not allowing even a peaceful protest, which is the democratic right of every Indian citizen.
