Bandh in Vijayawada 'peaceful'

Vijayawada, Jan 4: The response to Monday's bandh call given by the joint action committee (JAC) of Samaikhyandhra Parirakshana Samiti was 'total' and peaceful in the city.The traders and educational institutes voluntarily closed their establishments. The otherwise busy and bustling Besant Road and Mahatma Gandhi Roads wore a deserted look. However, a few shops were opened in the bylanes. Tipplers were seen hanging around at the bars. Regular boozers were allowed through the rear doors of the wineshops.

Praja Rajyam legislator Vellampalli Srinivas  was taken into custody at One Town while Mayor Ratna Bindu and 10 other Congress leaders were arrested at Krishna Lanka when they tried to take out rallies.About 200 rowdy-sheeters were taken into preventive custody in view of the bandh. As many as 50 Samaikhyandhra workers were also arrested. APSRTC kept its fleet of city buses off the roads anticipating damage. Bank customers were put to a lot of hardship as the ATMs were closed.