Mandya, Oct 05: Rail and road services between Bangalore and Mysore were suspended as agitation against release of Cauvery waters to Tamil Nadu intensified today with protesters going on a rampage in Mandya district of Karnataka.

Protesters removed sleepers and placed burning tyres on railway tracks between Pandavapura and Bydarahalli on Bangalore-Mysore broad gauge line, police said. Fish plates were also found removed at some points. Dozens of vehicles were stoned at different places in Mandya district and tyres deflated since last evening leaving hundreds of people stranded, police said.

On receiving reports of violence, the railway authorities announced suspension of train services between Bangalore and Mysore. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation also stopped plying buses. Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed in sensitive areas even as additional police were rushed to further tighten security measures. A close watch is being kept particularly near central and state government offices, police said.

There was an undeclared bandh in Mandya where shops and commercial establishments were closed. A holiday has been declared for schools and colleges till Monday. Violence flared up yesterday following a Supreme Court decision asking Karnataka to release 0.8 tmc ft of Cauvery waters to Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister S M Krishna has ruled out release of water.

Bureau Report