The leaderless group moved towards Bommanahalli and blocked Hosur Road, throwing traffic out of gear. The busy Bommanahalli area was completely shut down, as shopkeepers downed shutters fearing violence.
Senior police officers rushed to the spot and tried pacifying the protesters, but in vain. Around 12.45 p.m., some mischief-mongers pelted stones prompting police to cane protesters. Cops also fired five tear gas shells to disperse the crowds.
Over 35 persons were injured. Four garment workers and a policeman have sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Four police vehicles and four buses were damaged in stone-pelting.
Protesters dispersed from Bommanahalli junction but congregated at Singasandra, targeting the EPF office. They pelted stones at the office, but police stopped them from barging inside. They were able to protect the EPF office’s staff from the wrath of the protesters. It was only when the protesters dispersed from Singasandra around 4.30 p.m. that police succeeded in clearing all the roads in the vicinity.
