KRV activists ransack reservation counter in K'taka

Bangalore, Feb 14 (UNI) Passengers seeking reservation were put to hardship today as Railway authorities closed reservation counters in Contonment and Yeswantpur Stations, following violent agitations by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) activists.

The activists, continuing their tirade against Railway Minister Lalu Prasad for his alleged outburst on Kannadigas and declining reservation for candidates from the state in Group D recruitments, attacked reservation counters and damaged computers, furniture and window panes at the stations here.

Railway sources said there was 'no option' left but to cancel reservation since all the equipment, including computers and wiring, had been damaged by the agitators. However, steps were already taken to restore the reservation services.

Police have taken 10 people into custody in connection with the violence.

Meanwhile, three people arrested in yesterday's ransacking of South Western Railway Divisional Railway Manager's office, were remanded to police custody.

The agitators also staged a demonstration in front of the 'Kendriya Sadan' where several Central government offices were functioning.

In Hubli, police resorted to lathicharge to disperse KRV activists, who damaged furniture and other equipment at Gadag railway station.

Activists protesting against the reported remark by Mr Prasad that Kannadigas were 'dirty' people, demonstrated in front of the railway office at Gadag for some time and resorted to stone pelting and ransacked the office.

Police took into custody about 30 activists. Five injured activists were treated as out patients at Gadag District Hospital, police said.

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