Bengaluru Bandh: Sec 144 Clamped As Police Deny Nod For Protest, Schools To Remain Closed — Updates

The Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samithi has issued a bandh call in opposition to the supply of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

To prevent any untoward occurrence or violence during the Bengaluru Bandh on Tuesday, the city police have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) across the city for 24 hours from Monday midnight, news agency ANI reported. The Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samithi has issued a bandh call in opposition to the supply of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. Riots erupted in the city in 2016 after similar protests over the Cauvery River water issue with Tamil Nadu. As a result, the municipal police have taken many preventive steps in order to prevent any breakout of violence on Tuesday. 

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda stated that officers have been told to ensure that no one compels people to participate in the bandh and that such violators will face harsh punishment. 

Taking to X, Bengaluru City Police stated: "Today addressing press, Bengaluru Police Commissioner has reiterated that no bundh/protests/processions are allowed as per Supreme Court/High Court instructions. Section 144 enforced citywide - gatherings of more than 5 people not permitted. Dial 112 for any help. Additional police will be deployed for maintaining law and order."

In response to the bandh request, Bengaluru Urban District Deputy Commissioner Dayananda K A has announced a holiday for all schools and colleges in the city on Tuesday, PTI reported.

Most private schools and institutions in the city have already declared tomorrow a vacation for pupils.

The city police are taking all necessary security precautions to ensure that no untoward occurrence occurs. To protect the city, around 100 platoons will be sent.

Speaking on Bengaluru Bandh, BJP Leader C T Ravi stated: "Today our State Party Chief and BS Yediyurappa (BJP leader) declared support. We will support it and with it, we'll also protest in front of the Gandhi statue."

"It's our duty, we are also supporting the Karnataka bandh called tomorrow (by pro-Kannada organisations) as we are not getting justice for several years," said PC Rao, Hotel Association President.