Stray violence during forced Bellary bandh

BELLARY: The Bellary bandh,  forcibly imposed by the ruling BJP in protest against the arrest of former minister G Janardhana Reddy by the CBI, did not affect normal life on Tuesday though stray incidents of stone-throwing and damage to offices, shops and buses were reported.The offices of the Forest Department, Regional Transport Office, deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner’s offices, besides Bellary Urban Development Cell (BUDC), were targeted by protesters.Protesters entered the premises of DC’s office on two-wheelers and asked the employees to close the office. When they objected, protesters threw stones and damaged window panes, furniture and a computer at BUDC and AC’s office. They, however, left on seeing the DC and police officials.DC A A Biswas said some of those who attacked government offices have been identified and rioting cases will be filed against them. He said two people who led the attack have been identified as Sunil Reddy, the personal assistant of city MLA G Somashekhar Reddy and corporator Diwakar. Police have been asked to book cases against them, the DC said.With the bandh call given by a forum called G Janardhana Reddy Fans’ Association, the district administration had announced a holiday for schools and colleges. Government buses, autorickshaws and other vehicles were off the roads, but it was business as usual for commercial establishments, barring some areas.Miscreants shut shops in some areas. Showrooms on Anantapur Road were damaged and four buses, three belonging to NWKRTC and one belonging to Andhra, were damaged in stone throwing. Protesters, mostly BJP workers, went around with lathis, spreading fear.SP Dr Chandragupta said police took several people into custody. Additional police forces were manning the streets, he said.