The 12-hour bandh, called by a few trade unions on Thursday seeking a judicial inquiry into the death of M.S. Murali Mohan, a worker of Regency Ceramics Limited, following a standoff between the management and workers, evoked partial response.
A majority of shops along Jawaharlal Nehru Street, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Anna Salai, Kamaraj Salai, S.V. Patel Salai and Bussy Street were closed till 5 p.m. Hawkers, who normally occupy these roads, stayed away. Several private schools declared holiday. However, government offices, schools and higher educational institutions functioned with less attendance.
While a few private and government buses were operated with police protection, autorickshaws and private vehicles plied without any hindrance. Activists belonging to the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Forward Block staged protest at different points.
