Bihar put on alert ahead of Friday shutdown

Patna, Jan 24 : All districts in Bihar were put on alert ahead of a State-wide shutdown called by the opposition on Friday in protest against the death of three demonstrators in police firing at Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur District.

"Special security arrangements would be made to protect vital installations. Steps would be taken to ensure smooth functioning of train services and traffic on roads," Additional Director General (Law and Order) Anil Sinha said.

Additional policemen have been deployed at all the key places.

Opposition parties, including the RJD, the Congress, the CPI-M, the CPI and the NCP have called a shutdown on Friday.

Earlier, Bihar Government ordered a judicial inquiry into police firing on January 17-18 on residents demanding adequate power supply from National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at Kahalgaon.

Last year, a similar shutdown was organised in Bhagalpur and Purnea for the same reason. Gaya was brought to standstill by the protestors.

The State has been passing through unprecedented power-crisis for the last many months.

ANI