Traders observe bandh in Steel City

Jamshedpur, July 23 (UNI) The industries and business establishments in Adityapur industrial area and the Steel City here today observed a bandh in protest against the police's failure to trace a kidnapped industrialist.

Vishwanath Garg (45), owner of an iron ore induction plant at Chandil in Seraikela-Kharsawan district, was reportedly abducted along with his driver and car from his way back to his residence at Sonari here on July 17.

The bandh call was given by the Singhbhum Chabmer of Commerce and Industries (SCCI) and supported by the Seraikela Chamber of Commerce and the other industrial units.

Work in the 700 units in the industrial hub of Adityapur came to a grinding halt, while about 5,000 big and samll shopkeepers in and around the Steel City downed their shutters. Financial institutions, including banks and General Post Office in Bistupur area, also remained closed.

Despite conducting raids in Seraikela-Kharsawan and East Singhbhum districts, no breakthrough had been achieved so far. Even the family members of the kidnapped trader did not receive any demand of ransom so far.

Several politicans, including Jharkhand Deputy Cheif Minister Sudhir Mahto and former Chief Minister Arjun Munda, visited Mr Garg's house and assured his family members that efforts were being made to trace the trader and free him from the kidnappers.

SCCI general secretary Suresh Santhalia said the city had observed such a spontaneous industrial bandh for the first time and congratulated the traders for extending support to the bandh.

The SCCI called an emergecny meeting here today to chalkout the future course of action, Mr Sonthalia added.

UNI