Protests broke out in several parts of Karnataka on Wednesday following the arrest of senior Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar by the ED in New Delhi in connection with a money laundering case.

Demonstrations and attempts to block roads by burning tyres were reported from Ramanagara, Chennapattana and few neighbouring towns, where a bandh has been called by Shivakumar's supporters. Shivakumar's Kanakapura Assembly constituency is in Ramanagara district.

As a precaution, the district administration declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Wednesday.

Incidents of stone throwing on government buses were reported at Kanakapura last night following the Congress leader's arrest.

Shivakumar, the Congress troubleshooter from the state, was arrested under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after he appeared before the Enforcement Directorate for questioning for the fourth time on Tuesday at its headquarters in Delhi.

The arrest of Shivakumar has drawn condemnation from Opposition leaders. Former chief ministers Siddaramaiah and H.D. Kumaraswamy accused the BJP of using central agencies to 'oppress voices of dissent'.

Chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa has said the law will take its own course and he would be more happy than everyone if the former minister comes clear of the charges.

With PTI reports