Police arrested around 40 protestors who attempted to wave black flags at Tamil actor Vishal, who had come to the city to participate in a conference that stressed on better care for animals.

The protestors belonged to the Samooha Needhi Iyakkam, led by Paneerselvam. Also arrested were 16 members of the Dalit Viduthalai Iyakkam.

The conference is expected to be attended by nearly 10,000 students from various colleges in and around Coimbatore. The organizers are also planning to hold rallies against the cruelty meted out to the animals while being transported to slaughterhouses.