Section 144 imposed in parts of Bengaluru

After two days of ever-escalating violent protests, Bengaluru police imposed Section 144 in affected parts of the city. The section forbids the assembly of more than ten persons in one spot. The act has been imposed for three days from Tuesday night.

 

Speaking to ANI, the Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwar said, "Section 144 has been imposed in the area and preventive arrest has been ordered if in case anybody tries to create problems again."

 

In a day of violence, some 65 policemen, including 15 home gaurds and over 45 members of the public were injured on Tuesday. The city police arrested 116 people, including three women.

 

In a press conference, the Bangalore Commissioner NS Megharikh denied any failure of intelligence. He blamed the violence on 'out-of-station anti-social elements'  who provoked protesting garment factory workers.

 

Protesters torched buses in Jalahalli while stone pelting was reported at Gorguntepalya. In the violent protests in Tumkuru, at least five women were injured.

 

Incidents of stone-pelting on buses and other vehicles were reported also from Bannerghatta and Jalahalli cross, as well as near Electronics City - the hub of IT firms.

 

State DGP Om Prakash said the situation went out of control at Hebbagodi and Jalahalli, where reinforcements had to be deployed.

 

According to State Transport Department, 50 buses belonging to Karnataka State Transport Corporation (KSRTC) were damaged and seven were burnt, and three buses belonging to Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) were burnt and 36 were damaged.

 

Thousands of workers also gathered in Mandya, Srirangapatna, Maddur and Ramnagar.

 

Trade unions claim that the situation turned violent after police lathi charged peaceful protesters. 

 

"We staged a peaceful protest but when police resorted to lathi charge on women, the crowd became violent. The problem is with the government and its attitude towards the people," All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Secretary, Nagaraju said.