Shopkeepers observe bandh against 'police inaction'

Street vendors also took part in the bandh called against the alleged failure of the district police to maintain law and order in the city.

The local shopkeepers alleged that around six thefts and two robberies took place in various localities of the city this week.

The bandh was observed on a joint call of Congress, CPM, CPI, Shiv Sena, BSP and other political and social organisations.

A protest rally was taken out by local MLA Sunder Sham Arora, former MP Kamal Chaudhary, several municipal councilors and local leaders of various parties.

The procession assembled at Clock Tower crossing opposite the City Police Station.

However, police denied the charge of negligence.

Balkar Singh Sidhu, SSP, Hoshiarpur, said several anti-social elements had been rounded up in connection with the robberies and thefts and their interrogation was on.

Sidhu also said police patrolling has been intensified to check crime.