Bangalore: Security has been tightened in Bangalore in the wake of a ‘city bandh’ on Thursday, called by Kannada Okoota (federation) – an umbrella body of several Kannada organisations – to protest against the rising incidents of sexual offences against women and children.
The bandh comes after the public outrage over the alleged recent gang-rape of a six-year-old girl at Vibgyor High school that spilled on the streets and drew all-round condemnation with the government and police coming in for criticism.
“We have taken all the necessary preparatory measures in terms of mobilising maximum amount of force both civil as well as armed from the city police, also the home guards. Nearly 1000 home guards will be on duty on Thursday,” City Police Commissioner M N Reddi told reporters.
“Apart from this, we are also getting two companies of central reserve forces; we have alerted our intelligence units to collect information on any potential problems that can be created. We expect that we will be able to handle the bandh, fairly well,” he added.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Alok Kumar said they would take strict action against those who indulge in untoward incidents. “We may also book miscreants who indulge in unlawful activities under Goonda Act.”
Facing public pressure, police issued tough guidelines to schools for safety of children and government has tightened the Goondas Act to bring sexual offenders under its ambit.Â