Bengaluru cops on their toes after SC order on Cauvery row

Bengaluru: The city police increased the security arrangements in the city, especially in west and north divisions on Tuesday evening, after the Supreme Court ordered Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu till September 27.

The police, who had made elaborate bandobust from the morning in view of the apex court hearing the petition related to Cauvery water dispute, diverted its forces to the western and northern part of the city, that had witnessed violent protests on September 12.

Most of the units of the central police forces that is camping in the city for a week was deployed at sensitive areas surrounding the Mysuru Road. Soon after the verdict was out by 5 pm, the police forces were on a high vigil and took out flag marches at the sensitive areas. The Satellite Bus Station on the Mysuru Road, where the protests started on last Monday, was surrounded by armed policemen.

Police had beefed up the security at Rajagopalanagar, Kamakshipalya, Vijayanagar, Byatarayanapura, Kengeri, Magadi Road and Raja Rajeshwarinagar areas. The city top cops also updated the law and order situation to Home Minister Dr. G. Paramaeshwara on regular intervals, as he himself had reviewed the security scenario on Monday late evening.

Vehicular movement to be hit
Though the city police have ensured tight security across the city, sources from the intelligence say that over the next few days vehicle movement and transport towards Mysuru and other Cauvery delta region will be largely effected, as the farmers have planned large scale agitation.

It is also said that sporadic incidents of violence is expected, though not organised, in parts of city. Owing the intensified agitation, KSRTC is likely to suspend bus services from Bengaluru to Mysuru region anticipating trouble, though they have not officially taken any decision.

Parents, workforce worried
The Supreme Court’s verdict has set off panic amongst Bengalureans, who had to bear the brunt of snap protests, arson and violence last Monday.

Panicked by news reports on the Supreme Court verdict, parents were worried over functioning of schools as mid-term examination are currently on. Confusion loomed large among parents on whether the schools will remain open on Wednesday, following the SC order. Many of them called the schools to enquire.

However, school staff clarified that the schools will be open on Wednesday.
Even the city’s workforce was a worried lot, as the memories of last Monday’s violence is still fresh in their minds. Many companies also discussed whether they should be open on Wednesday and decided to take a call based on the situation on Wednesday morning.

Rumours also made rounds on various social networking sites that there will be bandh on Wednesday. But, the police took to social media and clarified that there will be no bandh and everything would function as usual.