Kolar, 17 Oct

Many parts of Kolar district observed a peaceful partial bandh on Friday, protesting the throwing of a shoe at the Chief Justice of India by an advocate recently. The call for the bandh was given by several progressive organisations, including Dalit Sangarsha Samithi (DSS), Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane, Karnataka Vimochana Ranga, and other organisations.

Most businesses in Kolar, KGF, Srinivasapur, Bangarpet, and Mulbagal remained closed, while autorickshaws and private buses ran almost normally. Schools and colleges stayed closed as a precaution. Early in the morning, KSRTC attempted to run buses, but agitators led by DSS leader T Vijayakumar prevented services.

With Deepavali approaching, some merchants, including flower and grocery sellers, operated with half shutters, and roadside eateries did brisk business, while regular hotels remained closed. In minority-dominated areas like Clock Tower and Ammavarpet, all shops remained shut, said Congress leader K Anwar Pasha.

In KGF, Dalit leaders held a procession urging businesses to comply with the bundh and prevented KSRTC buses from running. By afternoon, most establishments reopened, buses resumed, and traffic on the Bengaluru-Chennai National Highway remained normal. Police had made elaborate arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents.