Bengaluru: Following a day marked by violence during a strike organized by private transport associations in Bengaluru, law enforcement authorities have taken swift action, detaining 12 individuals across the city in connection with these incidents.
The strike, which sought to exert pressure on the government to address the demands of private transport unions, resulted in a series of assaults on cab, autorickshaw, and bike taxi drivers who opted to continue their services despite the strike.
A total of 12 FIRs (First Information Reports) were registered based on video evidence and complaints received by the Bengaluru police. The highest number of cases, seven in total, were recorded in the city’s western division. In the northeast division, two FIRs were filed, leading to the arrest of three individuals. Similarly, in the northern division, two cases resulted in the detention of six individuals. Meanwhile, both the central and southeast divisions each reported one case, with a total of three arrests.
One particularly troubling incident took place in the Bagalagunte area, where a Rapido bike taxi rider was subjected to verbal abuse and physical assault while responding to a booking. The individuals arrested in connection with this incident were identified as Mani, Puneeth, and Sharan.
Law enforcement authorities have encouraged victims of vehicle damage and assaults during the Bengaluru strike to come forward and report their ordeals to the authorities.
The strike itself arose from the demands of private transport unions, a total of 32 in number, presented to the government. Following negotiations, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy agreed to address 27 of these demands on Monday, prompting the withdrawal of the strike. However, the day’s events were marred by multiple instances of violence, leading to the aforementioned arrests.