Local Congress leaders, Gadinadu Rakshana Vedike activists, private bus operators, autorickshaw drivers and local residents opposed on Wednesday the collection of toll at Talapady.
The local activists had conducted protests earlier, against starting toll collection before the construction of the service road. They had also demanded jobs for local people and complete exception of toll for local vehicles. But, the Navyug Company started collecting toll on Wednesday morning.
Argument
When the vehicle drivers refused to pay toll, the toll gate staff closed the gates, which were opened by the protesters. There was a heated argument between the police and the protesters when police present at the spot stopped the protesters.
But, the protesters did not withdraw or ease their stand. Later, the police arrested 12 people including Siddik Talapadi, Vaibhav Shetty, Siddik Kolangere, Ganesh Shetty and Harshad Varkadi of Gadinadu Rakshana Vedike.
ACP Shruti, Konaje Police Station Inspector Ashok, Ullal SI Rajendra and others
tried to take control of the situation. But, the toll gate staff continued to collect the toll, which resulted in traffic congestion for half an hour.
As the buses bound to Talapady turned back from the toll gate, the passengers waiting at Talapady to return to Mangaluru had to bear difficulties.
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