DSS protest throws B’luru traffic haywire

NT Correspondent

Traffic went haywire in several parts of Bengaluru on Saturday including the nodal Central Business District (CBD) following a massive protest by a large number of activists from different Dalit organisations who demanded the suspension of a Sessions Judge in North Karnataka.

The protesters were upset over the judge’s order to remove the portrait of the architect of the Constitution Dr B.R. Ambedkar during the Republic Day celebrations at a court in one of the districts in North Karnataka. The protesters shouted slogans against the judge condemning his order. “The Governor should take immediate action against the judge by dismissing him from judicial service and register a sedition case against him,” they demanded. Vehicular Traffic around Majestic, Anand Rao Circle, KR Circle and surrounding areas was disrupted for several hours due to the protest near KSR railway station. The Union had earlier given a call to its associations across the state for the ‘Vidhana Soudha Chalo’ rally.

As per reports, there was a huge traffic block at KR Circle, affecting even the emergency vehicular service including ambulances. Sources said that traffic movement was hit primarily during office timings from around 10 am to 12 pm. Many travellers reportedly missed their trains and flights as they were stuck in the traffic for hours.

“Blocking traffic is not a wise idea. There are ambulances stuck on the road and other commuters also who may have various emergencies,” a commuter stuck in traffic said. “Protests should be planned out well and police authorities must monitor the situation,” he added.

The Bengaluru traffic police had a hard time arranging for an alternative road for the commuters on Sheshadri Road to avoid a gridlock.

Earlier, the Karnataka High Court had initiated a suo motu public interest litigation with regard to traffic gridlocks causing severe hardship to residents due to frequent protests being held in Bengaluru.