Bharat Bandh: Total bandh in Goa

Even as Goa had almost 100 per cent bandh as a part of nationwide protest against spiralling prices, police arrested two persons including Goa Shiv Sena Chief Upendra Gaonkar for unlawful activities.

Superintendent of Police (North) Arvind Gauns told PTI this morning that Gaonkar was arrested at Assnora village, 30 kms away from Panaji.

"He along with other group were deflating the tyres of the tanker," Gauns said, adding, a local panchayat member has been arrested for 'unlawful activity'.

Goa observed 100 per cent bandh as besides call for strike against spiralling prices of essential commodities and fuel hike, the private bus operators had also resorted for strike seeking hike in the ticket fare.

All the major markets in the state remained closed since morning.

Police confirmed that stray incidents of stone pelting were reported at Borim village 50 kms away from here.

State government-owned Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd (KTCL) operated its full strength of 370 buses today to make up for the absence of private buses on all the routes.

"We are running full strength under police protection," KTCL Chairman Dipak Dhavalikar told PTI.

The schools were hit with major absenteeism in the cities as even school buses remained off the road fearing violence.

Majority school had almost less than half of total students attending the classes.