Kanakapura: Congress strongman and former minister D K Shivakumar’s arrest came as a shock to his supporters and sparked widespread protests in several parts of the country, especially in Karnataka. Some of these protests even took a violent turn when protesters pelted stones and got into scuffles.

Many political leaders from the opposition also voiced their support for the popular leader and accused the BJP-led Central Government of indulging in vindictive politics. Some of the former minister’s most vocal supporters have been Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) leader and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress leader Siddaramaiah.

In a show of support to his colleague, Kumaraswamy, on Friday, met with Shivakumar’s mother Gowramma in his home town of Kanakapura, in the Ramanagara district.

JD(S) and Congress supporters had, just a day prior, held a protest at Channabasappa Circle in Kanakapura against the arrest. Protesters were seen used flaming wooden stick torches in their demonstration.

It can be recalled that the Enforcement Directorate arrested DKShi on September 3 in connection with an alleged money laundering case. He has denied all charges and continues to proclaim his innocence.