Pune: Rural Police arrested five people from Kolhapur for illegally entering and staging a protest at MCA's (Maharashtra Cricket Association) Gahunje Stadium in Pune.

Gahunje Stadium in Pune will be hosting three one-day international cricket series between India and England later this month. According to the police, there was no damage caused to the pitch.

WHAT WAS THE PROTEST ABOUT

Five people entered the Gahunje Stadium on Monday and staged a protest.

The youth identified as Harshal Surve (42), Pradeep Hande (36), Vijay Darwan (47), Devendra Sawant (30), Ashish Ashtekar (31) hail from Kolhapur. They are booked under relevant sections of the IPC and Disaster Management Act.

Police Inspector Shahaji Pawar of Talegaon Dabhade Police Station said, "We received the information that five people have entered the Gahunje Stadium and are on the ground for the prtoest. We reached the spot and took them into custody."

According to the police, the youth staged a protest in order to demand to reclaim the 'Sacred Jagdamba Sword' of Marathi King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from the UK. The youth claimes that the sword was given to the Prince of Wales when he visited India in 1875. The youth during the protest also raised slogans such as 'England team go back.'

The police further stated that the youth are booked under relevant sections, and an investigation is underway.

ANOTHER INCIDENT

In another incident, a man from Gandhinagar in Gujarat called police officials, threatening to self-immolate if the T20 series between India and England at the newly constructed Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera wasn't called off. The threat comes in the wake of a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases in the city. After the call, an FIR was lodged at the Chandkheda Police Station in Ahmedabad.

The man, identified as Pankaj Patel, called the police official and asked if COVID-19 protocols are being followed for the fans at the stadium.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Cricket Association on Monday announced that the ongoing T20 series between India and England will be played behind closed doors amid a spurt in COVID-19 cases in Ahmedabad.

Also read: India vs England: Remaining T20s to be played behind closed doors