Ban orders in Puducherry ahead of Apr 27 bandh

Puducherry, Apr 25: Prohibitory orders under Sec 144 of CrPC has been clamped for two days, on Tuesday and Wednesday in Puducherry and Mahe regions in view of April 27 bandh called by opposition parties demanding recall of Lt Governor Iqbal Singh, embroiled in various controversies, including recommending issuing passport expeditiously to suspected money launderer Hasan Ali Khan.

To protect law and order and prevent disturbances and to ensure that the model code of conduct for assembly polls still in force was adhered to, an order under section 144 had been clamped in Puducherry and Mahe regions, District Magistrate G.Ragesh Chandra said in a release.

He said information was available that the bandh supporters would indulge in wrongful activities to compel shops, industrial establishments, government offices, educational institutions and other sectors to observe the shutdown.

There was also possibility of commission of rioting, criminal intimidation and damaging of public transport vehicles and other activities, he said.

Opposition AIADMK, All India NR Congress and Left parties, among others, have given the call for the bandh to protest against Iqbal Singh continuing in office "despite several controversies including the one relating to South Education Trust"

PTI