Vol. 12 Issue 5
Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bangalore
20 September, 2012
Ghost town Bangalore after staging protests against the recent hike in fuel prices. Former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, along with the other BJP leaders Ananth Kumar, C M Chandrashekar, Ramachandra Gowda and Lakshmi Narayana were held at the Ashok Nagar Police Station for a little more than an hour. They were later released, after congregations of protesting BJP cadres were dispersed by the city police. “It is the duty of the police to maintain law and order, and sometimes it becomes necessary to take people into preventive custody. That is the reason we had to take them into custody,” said B R Ravikanthe Gowda, DCP (Central Division).
Photo: KPN
Current scenario
Yeddyurappa was detained near Maharani College and taken into preventive custody. hike in diesel prices and al- prevent any untoward incidents Reporting Team: Krishnaprasad S, Rohan Prem, lowance of Foreign Direct In- in the city. 20-25 units of RPF Nikita Malusare, Shruti Tiwari & vestment (FDI) received good personnel were deployed at railresponse across the state. way stations across Bangalore. Sumit All schools and colleges All shops and offices chose BANGALORE came to a across the city were closed. to remain shut and only essential standstill as the nationwide KSRTC and BMTC buses were commodities like milk and medbandh called by the opposi- off the road. However, a KSRTC ical services are available. tion affected mobility and official told ‘The Observer’ that some buses were operational in Yeddyurappa detained work across the city. The nationwide strike called the morning. "We operated Leaders from the top echeby the National Democratic Al- buses to Shimoga, Arsikere and lons of the state BJP were taken liance (NDA) and other opposi- Tumkur," he said. Police were on high alert to into preventive custody today, tion parties against the recent
The city was deserted until six in the evening after which the buses were back on the road. Shops around MG Road and Majestic Bus Station returned to normal. Police sources said that there were no cases of violence or stone pelting reported in the city.
Despite the production of a million incense sticks a month, the workers’ future is uncertain. >Page 2
The number of female addicts are on the rise but there are no female rehab centres. >Page 3
Background The Bharat Bandh is a part of a series of nationwide protests called by the opposition parties, opposing the hike in fuel prices, introduction of FDI in the retail sector and also the aviation industry. (Contd on Page 3)
Youth rally held in the city spotlights the plight of the young unemployed. >Page 4
Rachael Market three years ago. She said: “They often take me to the court and say they will release me soon but for the last three years I have been here. I miss my mother, father and elder brother.” She complained her parents are not aware of where she is
Photo: Debanti Roy
By Debanti Roy FORGOTTEN children as young as seven clean toilets in a government juvenile home awaiting justice. Jyoti, 14, was brought to the Department of Karnataka Women and Child Development when she was found begging in
No ray of hope for these girls in juvenile home.
and the authority has not informed them or taken her back home, despite frequent assurances. To add to the plight of these girls, the authorities are strict and make them do menial work. “They make us clean toilets and sweep floors. Leaders are chosen from among the inmates and these leaders even beat us up badly if the work is not done properly,” said Jyoti. It’s the same case with Geetha, 11, and Meghna, 7. They were brought to the juvenile home 15 days ago when they were found begging in Morar. Geetha said: “I was begging in a railway station when a police officer caught hold of me and Meghna, and brought us here.” “My father does not know where I am and he must be looking for me. I keep telling them to take me back to my father but they take no action,” she added. According to the Prevention
Photo: Debanti Roy
Girls in juvenile home only want to go back home
Some girls have spent three years awaiting trial. of Begging Act, 1959, begging is said: “It is not morally right to an offence and juveniles found make the children do such work. guilty by a court of law can be Even if the police bring the chilsentenced to a minimum of one dren to juvenile homes, their priyear and a maximum of three ority should be contacting their years. parents.” Aditya Mathur, Public Rela(Names of the children have tions Officer of the social devel- been changed to protect identiopment organization Pankhudi, ties).