At least 12 people arrested in 13 cases during Bengaluru bandh

BENGALURU: The Bengaluru bandh called by about 32 unions of autorickshaw drivers and private transporters on Monday was marked by several instances of harassment and attacks on taxi and auto drivers, and bike taxi riders.

The protesting transporters’ unions forcefully stopped autorickshaws and taxis that were plying. They deflated tyres, slashed the tyre of a Toyota Innova taxi, smashed eggs taxi drivers and vehicles.

While the bandh was called off after a meeting with Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, a total of 13 cases have been registered by the police during Monday’s protest and 12 people have been arrested for violating the laws.

One case each in the central division and southeast division; two cases each in the north division and north-east division and seven cases in the west division have  been registered and the 12 arrested were questioned.

The private transporters said they had temporarily called off the protest after Minister Ramalinga Reddy assured to fulfill their demands.