10 buses damaged in bandh called by BJP in Puducherry on Sabarimala temple issue

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At least 10 interstate government buses were pelted with stones during the day-long bandh in Puducherry called by BJP here on Monday to protest against the "deliberate attempt" of the Kerala government to "damage" the sanctity of the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

Police said that windscreens of the buses were damaged and none was injured in the incident. Fifteen people were arrested in connection with incident at the buses, they added.

Around 150 people belonging to the local unit of the BJP, including the party leader and legislator V Saminathan, were taken into custody when they staged a dharna at the neighbouring Natesan Nagar.

Shops and establishments remained closed at several centres while government-run educational institutions and government offices functioned normally, police said.

All privately-operated buses were off the roads and the local bus terminal wore a near forlorn look.