Kolkata, Aug 21: Nearly 350 bandh supporters were today arrested for blocking road and rail traffic during the 24-hour Socialist Unity Centre of India and CPI-ML-sponsored West Bengal bandh which evoked a partial response. DIG, police (headquarter), Narayan Ghose told reporters here that about 300 SUCI activists and over 52 CPI-ML supporters were arrested from different places in the state for obstructing road as well as rail traffic.
Most of the arrests were made from Nadia district where 80 persons were taken into custody for enforcing the bandh, he said.
Government buses and trams plied as usual while the number of private and mini buses was less. Shops and markets remained closed in many areas. Stock exchange and forex market were open but there was no trading at bullion and jute exchanges and also at major wholesale markets, including the Burrabazar and Posta. Eastern Railway sources here said attempts were made by the bandh supporters to disrupt train services at some places in Sealdah South, Bongaon, Diamond Harbour and Budge sections in the morning. There was no effect on long distance train movements.
Metro rail services operated normally while work was on as usual in tea gardens in north Bengal, besides Haldia port and dock and industrial belt in Asansol, Ghose said.
SUCI and CPI (ML-Liberation) called the bandh to protest the alleged "misrule" of the CPI(M)-led Left Front government, besides increase in hospital and educational fees and land revenues and electricity rates. Bureau Report