Central forces in Bengaluru after violence

Rapid Action Force personnel on Wednesday staged a flag march along the Jalahalli Cross stretch, one of the worst-hit by the violence on Tuesday, even as police arrested about 50 persons in connection with the untoward incidents. 

Along the stretch from Madiwala to Bengaluru’s IT corridor Electronics City which saw widespread protest and violence, 15 platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), three platoons of Central Reserve Police Force and RAF and six to seven City Armed Reserve (CAR) platoons have been deployed, a top police official said. 

“We have registered around 18 cases — nine on Tuesday and nine on Monday; and about 50 persons have been arrested so far,” Additional Commissioner of Police (East-Bengaluru City) Harishekaran said. 

He said photographs and footage of those involved in stone pelting, assault on police and torching of vehicles are available with police and they would be arrested. 

In a spurt of violence, protesting garment workers set several vehicles ablaze and attacked a police station here on Tuesday forcing the government to revoke the amendment to Provident Fund rules that caused the unexpected spontaneous unrest.

Protesters had gone on the rampage pelting stones at Hebbagodi police station and torching seized vehicles there. The agitation which began on Monday, spun out of control on Tuesday in which several people, including 25 policemen, were injured and traffic was thrown out of gear as thousands of workers took to the streets at different places. City Police Commissioner has promulgated prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC in the limits of Bengaluru city till the midnight of April 22. Harishekharan said police are also visiting garment factories and informing workers about the government’s stand. 

Workers opposing amendment to Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act have expressed fear that the new rule would take away their right over the employer’s contribution of Provident Fund till they attain 58 years.