Date:05/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/03/05/stories/2005030503090300.htm

Karnataka - Bellary

Lorry drivers stage protest

By Our Staff Correspondent

BELLARY, MARCH 4. Agitated by the alleged harassment and rude behaviour of the Bellary rural police, several lorry drivers and cleaners resorted to a snap strike and staged a rasta roko near Tilak Nagar on Thursday night blocking the movement of traffic on National Highway 63.

The police, led by the Sub-inspector, Bellary Rural police, Vijay Biradar, were checking lorries travelling between Hospet and Bellary. Irked by the inquiries, a lorry driver Srinivas contacted the president of the lorry owners' association, Venkatarao. This angered the police, who reportedly attacked the driver and cleaner.

Mr. Venkatarao and others heard of the incident and rushed to the spot. They protested against the police by squatting on the road demanding action against the police personnel responsible for the attack. The agitation was withdrawn after the Kurgodu MLA, N. Suryanarayan Reddy, and senior police officials pacified the agitators by promising to order an inquiry into the matter and initiate action.