Coimbatore: About 50 students of Government Arts College here were arrested today when they attempted to stage picketing demandng immediate roll back of the increased bus fare.

Some 100 students, boycotting their classes, assembled in front of the college and raised slogans against the the Government and demanded withdrawal of the hike, which was affecting students and common people.

A group of students squatted in the middle of the road blocking traffic for a while, even as police warned of arrest if they continued their agitation.

As students stood their ground, police started taking them into custody and 50 students courted arrest, while other students were asked to move out of the area, police said However, students warned that their agitation would continue till the Government withdrew the hike.

Meanwhile, a large number of police was deployed in front of the Government Arts College in Tirupur, following reports of picketing.