Cops deny nod for 'Chalo Tank Bund'

Hyderabad: Denying permission to the march (Chalo Tank Bund) planned by the TSRTC JAC on Saturday, the city police detained thousands of striking RTC workers and sympathisers across the state.

The JAC leaders had planned to hold 'Chalo Tank Bund' on the lines of historic 'Million March' of 2011 during the agitation for separate Telangana.

JAC convenor Ashwathama Reddy said they were firm in their decision to conduct the 'Chalo Tank Bund' programme. He said the strike was being supported by students, teachers, other government employees, civil society groups and political parties.

Sensing trouble, the police arrested JAC co-convenor Raji Reddy and shifted him to an undisclosed place. They also kept a close vigil on the movements of all RTC JAC leaders in Hyderabad and districts.

Special police are checking all vehicles on the national highways and state highways to prevent RTC employees from reaching Hyderabad.

Earlier in the day, the JAC convenor, accompanied by the committee members, called on City Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar and requested him for the permission to organise the march. The police refused permission and warned them of arrest if they attempt to organise the march.

Undeterred JAC leaders announced that there was no going back and that come what may they will make the 'Chalo Tank Bund' programme a success. The BJP, Congress and TDP gave a call to their rank and file to participate in big numbers in the march.

The Osmania Students JAC also announced their decision to join the march. Soon after, the police launched a hunt to arrest student leaders on the OU campus. The movement of students were restricted by deploying heavy police forces since morning on the campus.

The police said restrictions on the movement of vehicles are also being imposed in and around the Tank Bund from Saturday morning.

The police check-posts were already set up at all the entry points of Hyderabad to prevent the striking workers entering the city.

Telangana Jana Samithi chief M Kodandaram said that even after giving an assurance that they would take up the programme in a peaceful manner, the police denied permission.

"We condemn the arrests of the JAC leaders, and we will definitely organise the 'Chalo Tank Bund' on Saturday and make it a success.