16 booked for demonstrating against Metro fare hike

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have registered an FIR against 16 individuals who took part in a protest against the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the state government over the recent hike in Namma Metro fares as per reports. The Cottonpet police initiated a suo motu case, citing unauthorized assembly in front of Kempegowda Metro Station on Friday afternoon. The protest was triggered by BMRCL’s decision to revise metro fares for the first time since 2017. The revised fare structure introduced an increase of Rs 5 to Rs 10 across various distance slabs, leading to public outcry.

Commuters, especially daily metro users, have expressed concerns about the additional financial burden on their transportation costs. According to a complaint filed by Assistant Sub-Inspector Rangappa D, he and a colleague were patrolling Gubbi Thotadappa Road around noon when they noticed members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) demonstrating outside the metro station. The protesters were reportedly chanting slogans against the fare hike and the government.

Authorities reminded the protesters of the Karnataka High Court’s March 3, 2022, order restricting demonstrations to Freedom Park. However, the activists allegedly ignored the directive and continued their protest. Following this, senior police officials were alerted, and additional forces from Cottonpet and Upparpet police stations were deployed to the scene. The protesters were detained and taken to the CAR headquarters for documentation. The Metro fare revision has sparked a broader debate, with many commuters and activists urging the authorities to reconsider or roll back the hike.