Shivamogga: A bandh called by right-wing organisations, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, in Shikaripura town on Wednesday evoked a strong response, with shops, hotels and business establishments remaining closed and commercial activity coming to a halt.The protest was triggered by an alleged attack near Salur village, where two trucks reportedly rammed a vehicle carrying right-wing activists who were pursuing suspected illegal cattle transporters based on a tip-off. The activists alleged that the suspects later attempted to assault them with deadly weapons.Members of various right-wing organisations, along with Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra, participated in a rally that began at the private bus stand, passed through several parts of the town, and concluded at Mahadevi Circle. Protesters raised slogans demanding immediate action against the accused.The demonstrators put forward three key demands – the immediate arrest and strict prosecution of those involved in the alleged attack, a crackdown on illegal cattle-smuggling networks operating in and around Shikaripura, and adequate security for right-wing activists to prevent similar incidents in the future.Earlier, BJP state president and Shikaripura MLA BY Vijayendra had visited the injured activists in hospital on Monday and enquired about their health. He also urged the govt to take stringent action against those responsible.
