Cyclewala steps up agitation

SURAT, Nov 23: Zehra Cyclewala, who is waging a battle against the Dawoodi Bohra community for excommunicating her, intensified her agitation on Monday by launching a fast-unto-death in front of Swami Vivekananda8217;s statue at Makkai Pool.

Three of her supporters 8212; Arvind Bhandari, Bakulaben Patel and Gopal Popat 8212; went on an indefinite fast, while Cyclewala and two others observed a token fast under the banner of Surat Shahar Jilha Mahila Sangh. Cyclewala said her attempts to seek an audience with the religious head had failed, forcing her to intensify the agitation. It would help create awareness about the harassment of women in the Dawoodi Bohra community, she added.