Bharat Bandh 2024: Protests, Police Action & Roadblocks

Bharat Bandh 2024 is taking place today, August 21, across the country, in response to the Supreme Court’s decision on SC/ST reservations. The “Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti” and SC/ST groups from Rajasthan are leading this nationwide strike. Despite the call for a bandh, reports suggest that government offices, banks, schools, colleges, and petrol stations are expected to remain open. Several political parties, including the BSP, have shown support for the bandh.

Bharat Bandh 2024 LIVE: Police Lathi Charge in Patna

During the bandh in Patna, clashes broke out at Dak Bungalow Square, leading to a police lathi charge. In the chaos, a constable mistakenly struck SDO Shrikant Kundlik Khandekar with a baton. The incident occurred while the SDO was attempting to turn off a generator attached to a DJ setup. Accompanied by several officers and policemen, the SDO was unexpectedly hit from behind.

Bharat Bandh 2024 LIVE: Impact in Jharkhand

The bandh has had a significant impact in Jharkhand as well. The “Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti” has called for a one-day strike to protest the recent Supreme Court ruling on reservations.

Patna Deputy SP Responds to Lathi Charge Incident

Deputy SP Ashok Kumar Singh of Patna explained the reason for the lathi charge during the bandh. He stated, “It was not a peaceful protest. Law and order were being disrupted, and common people couldn’t travel. We tried to reason with the protestors, but they didn’t cooperate, so we had to use minimal force to push them back.”

Significant Impact in Chaibasa, Jharkhand

The bandh received support from several organizations, including the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Congress, Adivasi Youth Ho Mahasabha, and more. The bandh has resulted in roadblocks, with NH 33 at Dimna Chowk and Kandarbhera Road blocked, and NH 18 in Baharagora completely shut down. Vehicles from West Bengal and Odisha are unable to enter Jharkhand, causing major disruptions.

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Bharat Bandh 2024 LIVE: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Supports the Bandh

Various organizations, including Bhim Sena, have called for the Bharat Bandh on August 21, in protest of the SC/ST reservation issue. The bandh is supported by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, with workers actively enforcing it on the streets. Schools, colleges, and businesses in Ghatshila and Chaibasa are closed, with workers ensuring compliance with the bandh directives.