Violence, arson and deaths: Bharat Bandh over SC-ST Atrocities Act

With Dalits already facing 'plight' in the country, a Supreme Court ruling on the SC/ST Atrocities Act, banning automatic arrest and registration of cases for harassment of SCs and STs, triggered discontent among the community. The discontent turned to anger on Monday during the nationwide bandh called by Dalit organisations and protesters resorted to violence. The protesters rampaged through the towns across the country arsoning, damaging public property, setting police vehicles on fire and pelting stones on security forces. Five people died in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan while scores injured during the violent clashes with police. Meanwhile, feeling the heat of the protest, the ruling government filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order and appealed people to maintain peace.

Violence, Arson and Deaths: Bharat Bandh in Pictures

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With Dalits already facing "plight" in the country, a Supreme Court ruling on the SC/ST Atrocities Act, banning automatic arrest and registration of cases for harassment of SCs and STs, triggered discontent among the community. The discontent turned to anger on Monday during the nationwide bandh called by Dalit organisations and protesters resorted to violence. Five people died in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan while scores others injured during the violent clashes with police. Meanwhile, feeling the heat of the protest, the ruling government filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order and appealed people to maintain peace. (Photo ctsy: PTI)

Violence, Arson and Deaths: Bharat Bandh in Pictures

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People in Amritsar stage protest during Bharat Bandh. In the wake of protests, schools and colleges in Punjab remained shut on Monday. Public transport services were also suspended to avoid any untoward incident. (Photo ctsy: PTI)

Violence, Arson and Deaths: Bharat Bandh in Pictures

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The protesters rampaged through the towns across the country arsoning, damaging public property, setting police vehicles on fire and pelting stones on security forces.

Violence, Arson and Deaths: Bharat Bandh in Pictures

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The protesters set police vehicles on fire. Some of them even had guns who also fired shots. Curfew imposed in several parts of Madhya Pradesh where five people died in clashes.

Violence, Arson And Deaths: Bharat Bandh In Pictures

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The protesters turned violent and started pelting stones at police, that later resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse them. One person each died in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Violence, Arson And Deaths: Bharat Bandh In Pictures

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Over hundred people injured while around a thousand were detained in several states. Normal life was affected in Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha due to disruptions in rail and road traffic, forced closure of offices and vandalism of properties during the "Bharat Bandh".