More than 500 Communist Party of India (Marxist) cadres, including its State secretary G. Ramakrishnan, were arrested when they tried to stage demonstration in Chennai against the Centre’s move to demonetise Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes.

The CPI-M cadres assembled in the morning and organised a protest rally from Rajaji Salai to stage demonstration near the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

However, when they suddenly blocked the road and raised slogans against the Union Government, police asked the party leaders to leave the place.

Tension prevailed for a while, when the protesters, who were holding Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes, refused to leave and started arguing with the police.

When the situation went beyond control, police arrested them.