Traders observe 12-hr bandh protesting growing crime rates in Balasore

Balasore: Protesting the spurt in crime incidents in Balasore town and the lack of security measures by police, the Trade Union Association Committee here is observing a 12-hour dawn-to-dusk bandh from 6 am to 6 pm today.

The association members informed that all the shops and other business establishments are closed. Normal life has been affected as bus service as well as trucks have also stayed off the road. Most schools and colleges have also declared holiday.

Sources said the crime rate in the area has seen a sudden rise over the past few months with major cases of daylight firing, loots, armed robbery and serious injury being  reported from various parts.

The committee alleged that despite repeated complaints, police have failed to arrest the miscreants and there is absolute lawlessness. They even threatened that agitations will increase in the future if the prevailing lawlessness continues.

On the other hand, police forces have been deployed at various places to avoid any untoward incident during the bandh.