State Government bans Mobile Internet in Rajkot ahead of 3rd ODI

State Government bans Mobile Internet in Rajkot ahead of 3rd ODI: Just a night prior to the 3^rd ODI between India and South Africa, mobile internet has been banned in the district of Rajkot. This is a measure taken by the administrative body of Rajkot after Hardik Patel raised a threat to stage a protest at the stadium during the proceedings of the match.

The District Collector of Rajkot, Manisha Chandra said, “The ban has been imposed to maintain peace, stop spread rumours and for smooth conduct of the international match.”

The third ODI is scheduled to be played at the SCA stadium which is located in the Khanderi Village located at the outskirts of the city. This is going to be the second ODI at the stadium. The first of the ODIs was played at this venue in 2013 between India and England. Unfortunately for India’s part, the home side lost the match.

This ban was as a result of the threat issued by Hardik Patel, who threatened that his community members would block the way of the Indian and the South African cricket teams to Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. Also, he said that he and his supporters won’t allow other players to enter the stadium if they aren’t allowed entrance to pose their protest in the stadium.

The 22-year old leader said that they do possess tickets for the match and would be visiting the stadium for the fulfilment of their purpose. Also, it was said that the PAAS conveners would be visiting the stadium and if they aren’t allowed, the state government would have to face the dreadful consequences from the Patel community.

Hardik has also urged his supporters to be present in large numbers during the match to raise their voice for the demand of the reservation for the OBC community for which they have been trying to make into government’s attention for the past two months.

The stadium has been fortified with a large number of police forces. Also, security measures in the city have been raised to a considerable extent to ensure the smooth conduct of the ODI.