Transporters' body President, Secy arrested

NEW DELHI: As the government started cracking whip against striking truckers, All India Motor Transport Congress President Charan Singh Lohara and its Secretary S Venugopal were arrested by Delhi Police here on Friday.

A Delhi Police, team led by ACP Ishwar Singh, arrested the two under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), when the AIMTC Management Committee was holding its emergency meeting in the afternoon.

The duo have been taken to the Kamla Market Police station.

About 30-35 members of AIMTC, who were at the office premises, were also taken away by the police.

As the strike entered the fifth day on Friday, the government has hardened its stand and said it would run 15-20 lakh vehicles for supply of essential goods, even as it warned the striking truckers of more arrests under the Essential Services Maintenance Act.