Protest marches and deserted streets are expected on Friday when the State observes a bandh to express anguish over the Supreme Court order directing Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, Cauvery basin districts have been seeing continued protests since Monday when the court direction was issued. The protests are expected to intensify on Friday. To ensure the bandh remains peaceful in the State capital, the Bengaluru police have made elaborate arrangements. Over 3,551 police personnel, 1,000 Home Guards, apart from 36 platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police, 30 platoons of the City Armed Reserve, one company of the Rapid Action Force, a commando vehicle and a water jet truck will be deployed, said Police Commissioner N.S. Megharikh on Thursday.
Those who have planned immersion of Ganesh idols will be allowed to do so, said the police.
Meanwhile on Thursday, the city continued to see protests by various organisations, including Kannada Rakshana Vedike and Ambedkar Sene, which choked traffic at a few key junctions. The city traffic police said there was an increased number of vehicles heading out of the city and towards Tamil Nadu and Kerala ahead of the weekend.
Bus services suspendedFor the third day, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation suspended services along 512 routes passing through Mandya district. Cumulatively, the corporation has incurred a loss of over Rs. 1.8 crore in the past three days.
