A case has been registered against Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad and 28 others on Wednesday for violating the model code of conduct, the police said.
Senior Superintendent of Police Dinesh Kumar said, "He organised a rally and violated the model code of conduct on Monday. The local officials tried to stop them but he continues his rally. He was held for four hours in a private school."
"I am getting this gift (arrest) for raising voices of Dalits, backwards, Aadiwasi, Muslims. This is autocratic behaviour of Uttar Pradesh government. They know Bhim Army has created an environment in the country against BJP and they are not going to win ensuing Lok Sabha polls," Azad said on Tuesday.
Within some time of his arrest, Azad complained of high blood pressure and fell unconscious. He was admitted to a hospital in Meerut and, presently, under medical care.
According to police, a rally was called without permission in Kasimpura village by Azad. When they tried to stop him, it triggered a standoff and Azad's supporters blocked Muzaffarnagar-Saharanpur highway.
The police have registered against Azad under sections 147/188/171f/341/353 of Indian Penal Code. 150 other unknown people have also been named in the FIR.
On Tuesday, Azad started a 'padyatra' from Saharanpur to Delhi and announced to address a rally in Delhi on March 15. He also announced to fight elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.