Bharat Bandh: factories, cars attacked in Noida near Delhi

The two-day Bharat bandh called by 11 major trade unions paralysed banking services across the country and shut down public transport in cities. Factories in Noida came under attack and a trade union activist died in violence in Ambala. Union Minister V Narayanasamy appealed to the unions to call off their strike, which industry body Assocham estimates will cause of loss of Rs. 15000-20000 crore.

Feb 20, 2013 09:11 IST

During the Bharat Bandh or all-India strike on Wednesday, factories and cars were vandalized in Greater Noida near Delhi.

A unit of Halonix that makes lamps was badly damaged during the rampage.
Cars set on fire in Noida.
In the wake of riots, several establishments have put up signs outside the gate announcing that they will be closed for two days.

Harjeev Chawla, one factory owner told NDTV that he began getting calls since around 8 am in the morning yesterday that mobs were roaming around the complex breaking glass and setting cars on fire.
A fire brigade engine was also attacked and set on fire in the area.
People walk past the vandalised cars at the premises of a factory.

Factory owners told NDTV almost all buildings and warehouses in the complex were found vandalised with glass on facades broken.
The worst-affected area was reportedly the Hoisery Complex, Phase 2, Noida.
A policeman on the spot of riots.

(Image: AFP)

Some owners were holed up inside their offices, claiming that the police is ignoring desperate calls for help.
A police van was damaged during stone pelting.
Police later increased their presence in the area. However, many factory owners felt the damage was already done.

Next: Bharat bandh: Banking, transport affected
Passengers wait for transport with their luggage in front of Howrah Station in Kolkata.
Passengers stranded at a railway station in Delhi. The few taxis plying are charging an exorbitant price for a ride which would otherwise cost much less.
A lone auto rickshaw can be seen on the streets of Bhopal.
Police keep watch in Thiruvananthapuram as the two-day strike begins.
A few passengers wait for a bus at a bus stand in Lucknow.
An empty street in Mumbai, a city usually bustling with life.
Protesters block a train during the two day nation-wide strike called by several central trade unions in Guwahati.
Activists try to stop a vehicle on the first day of Bharat Bandh called by trade union (AITUC) in Bhubaneswar.
Trade Union supporters stop trains during two-day nationwide strike in Patna.
Indian Trade Union activists protest during the Bharat Bandh called by Trade union in Mumbai.
Foreign Tourists travel on a camel cart to way to Ajmer Railway Station during All India trade unions strike in Ajmer.