Bandh Disrupts Life in Puducherry: Protests and Violence Erupt Over Power Tariff Hike

A day-long bandh by the INDIA bloc disrupted life in Puducherry as protesters condemned the hike in power tariff and the move to privatize the power sector. Transport services were halted, shops were shut, and an elderly woman was injured in stone-pelting. Several political leaders were taken into preventive custody.

The day-long bandh called by the INDIA bloc to protest against the power tariff hike and the privatization of the power sector disrupted normal life in Puducherry on Wednesday, with an elderly woman injured in a stone-pelting incident. All private transport services were halted, and government buses operated under police protection, with law enforcement deployed strategically across the town.

The local bus terminal and main shopping centers presented a deserted look, and shops, vegetable outlets, hotels, and tea stalls were shut in various parts of the town and suburbs. School Education Director P. Priyadharshini ordered all schools to close, except for classes IX to XII due to ongoing mid-term tests.

The turn-out at OPD blocks in hospitals was lower than usual, but government offices reported normal attendance. Demonstrations by Congress and DMK leaders condemned the hike and privatization move. The protest turned violent when a sixty-year-old woman was injured by stone-pelters. Major political leaders were taken into preventive custody while staging a road roko.

(With inputs from agencies.)