Demo seeking release of social activist

Around 100 workers of various political parties and organisations were arrested today for attempting to stage a demonstration here, seeking the release of a social activist arrested on a cheating complaint by a woman.
The activist, Siva, was arrested last week, based on a complaint by the woman that he had cheated her after promising to get her land and had taken Rs 5,000.
However, the demonstrators alleged that the woman was used as a tool by the Isha Foundation at Vellingiri here to settle scores with Siva, who had accused the spiritual organisation of encroaching land belonging to government and tribals, police said.

Activists from CPI-M, CPI, AIFY, DYFI, Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhakam, Viduthalai Chituthaigal Katchi and PUCL, participated in the demonstration.
Since there was no permission for the demonstration, the activists, including 38 women, were arrested, police said.