West Bengal bandh: Buses torched, train services disrupted

A 12-hour bandh called by BJP today to protest power tariff hike turned violent with supporters setting afire buses, damaging vehicles and disrupting train services.

     
A bus was set on fire at VIP Road, which connect the metropolis to the NSC Bose International Airport, following which the police cane-charged the protesters.

    
The agitators torched another bus at the Howrah maidan, police said, adding that a number vehicles were damaged due to stone-throwing by the bandh supporters.

     
Traffic was also disrupted at the Howrah bridge with the demonstrators putting up blockades and deflating tyres of the vehicles.

     
Meanwhile, train services were disrupted at Howrah and Sealdah divisions of Eastern and South Eastern Railways with the protesters squatting on tracks and throwing banana leaves on the overhead traction at many places.

     
Around 75 persons, including former state BJP chief Tathagata Roy were arrested for trying to enforce the shutdown, police said.

    
However, Metro services and flights were normal.

    
Earlier on November 24, a shutdown had been called on the same issue by Socialist Unity Centre, a Left opposition party.