Hyderabad: The state government has decided to crack down on the RTC strike, in its 18th day on Tuesday.
The government ordered the police to book cases against agitators who were protesting at bus depots and stations without prior permission and stopping public transportation.
The government had stood firm against the strike from the start had not taken any stringent action up to now against the staff, though they have been on dharnas and in rallies every day.
Senior police officers said the government’s order has come following complaints from the RTC management that RTC employees along with opposition leaders are obstructing buses and attacking temporary drivers and conductors.
Following the state government’s direction, the Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda police commissioners have issued circulars down the line, to not allow processions, dharnas and rallies without permission. Police officials disclosed that all cases registered relating to the strike will go to fast-track courts.
Police has cautioned striking RTC workers and the public not to interfere and abuse temporary drivers and conductors.
RTC JAC convener Ashwathama Reddy said workers will not be deterred by such orders, and that RTC workers have faced threats during the Telangana agitation. He asked Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao if he had taken permission to protest at that time.
