Bharat Bandh: Protests by Dalit groups over SC/ST Act on April 2, 2018 - As it happened

The bandh is being supported by several Dalit groups.

Violence in UP's Muzzaffarnagar on April 2, 2018, during Bharat Bandh (Pic courtesy: PTI)

New Delhi: Violence erupted in many states across India as Dalit protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to vehicles during a nationwide bandh against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Transport, mobile and internet services were hit in many states with over 100 trains getting affected due to protests, even as the Centre moved the Supreme Court seeking review of its recent judgement on the SC/ST Act, maintaining that the verdict will violate constitutional rights of these communities.

While some states had ordered the closure of educational institutions as a precautionary measure, incidents of arson, firing and vandalism were reported from MP, UP, Rajasthan, Bihar and Punjab, among other places.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has asked all states to take preventive steps and maintain public order to ensure the safety of lives and property.

What exactly is the SC/ST Act and why is it controversial? Read here

02 April 2018

23:51 IST

At least nine persons have been killed and hundreds injured during the nationwide bandh.

In Madhya Pradesh, at least six persons have died, while two persons died in Uttar Pradesh and one in Rajasthan, PTI reported.

22:50 IST

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has directed the security forces to stay on alert in view of the "volatile situation" prevailing in some of the neighbouring states.