40 buses damaged

At least 40 BMTC and KSRTC buses we­re stoned at different parts of the City on Thursday, despite  heavy security arrangements.

Stone-throwing incidents were reported from Indiranagar, Kudlu Gate, Jalahalli cross, Rajajinagar, Budigere Cross, K R Puram, Deepanjalinagar and other parts of the City. A driver named Manjunath was injured wheen a stone hit him at the Kudlu Gate, said a senior police officer.

City Police Commissioner Jyothi Prakash Mirji visited the Kempegowda Bus Station and requested drivers and conductors to call off the protest. He said the police would take strict action in case of any untoward incidents. Mirji also visited the autorickshaw stand and warned the auto drivers against demanding excess fare.

Additional Commissioner of Police (law and order) T Suneel Kumar told reporters the police took nearly 38 employees of  KSRTC and BMTC into preventive custody. Though there were a few stray incidents of violence, the stir was by and large peaceful as the police had deployed additional forces. The police department top brass were in constant touch with their counterparts in the transport department, he added.

Six police vehicles ferried passengers from Majestic area, while six other vehicles plied from Shivajinagar and five buses operated from K R Market bus stand. The police department vehicles ferried passengers to various destinations including Shivajinagar, KBS, Ulsoor and CMH Road.