Bengaluru comes under security blanket

The measure has been initiated following widespread violence and arson in which a youth was killed in firing by Indo-Tibetan Border Security Force personnel in the State following Supreme Court direction to release water from river Cauvery to Tamil Nadu. The agitation is still continuing in the cauvery basin area in the state in Mandya district with agitators, besides demanding the State Government not to release water, urging for compensation for crop loss due to lack of water.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner NS Megharik told newsmen that “The situation has returned to normalcy, but we are not taking any chance. More than 16,000 police personnel, 3,000 KSRP, 3000 Home Guards besides 14 companies of Central Forces have been deployed at vulnerable places, bus stand, railway station etc. There is no scope for any sort of agitation as it will not be permitted.” 

Around 20 companies of Central forces have been deployed following state’s request due to largescale arson witnessed last week in which more than 50 buses, including 35 of a private transport company, were either burnt or damaged by miscreants across the state.       

Referring to previous incidents of violence, arson and vandalism witnessed in the city last week, Megharik said, “we are collecting details and have already taken into custody those who were involved and also verifying the footage of CCTV. Many more will be nabbed and nobody will be allowed to go scot free.” 

Agitations were continuing in Mandya, Srirangapatna where the agitators are holding protest march by tying black cloths on their eyes demanding the State not to release water to Tamil Nadu. 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is on tour of Chamarajanagar, told newsmen that, efforts were being made by the State counsels and officers to convince the Supreme Court which takes up the issue of quantum of water released by the State on Tuesday.