Dhanusha Police on Friday arrested 33 people including CK Raut, coordinator of the Independent Madhes Alliance. Raut was leading a rally organised at Shivachowk to mark what the outfit calls “Rangabhed Birodh Diwas”.

Police interfered after the supporters of the alliance started their march from Barhabigha Rangabhumi Maidan. Some members of the alliance were arrested after they clashed with the police. Authorities did not allow Raut’s supporters to organise a corner meet in Janakchowk.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Manoj Yadav said they were held to maintain law and order in Janakpur. “We will release them after a detailed investigation,” said DSP Yadav.

The alliance started observing the Rangabhed Birodh Diwas after 300 Madhesi people including Raut were arrested in Kathmandu on November 26, 2014. The alliance had planned to demonstrate on the day in all the Tarai districts. In Nepalgunj, 16 supporters of Raut’s campaign were caught during their protest.