Assault on SP leader: Bandh call evokes mixed response

LUCKNOW: The call of Uttar Pradesh ' bandh', given by some trade unions in protest against alleged thrashing of former SP MP and trade leader Banwari Lal Kanchal by a group of lawyers, evoked a mixed response today.

Most of the shops and business establishments in main markets of Lucknow, including Hazratganj and Lalbagh, remained closed. Some of the markets were closed due to the weekly off day today.

However, shops and smaller markets in some localities remained open.

Traders held roadside meetings at some places, took out marches and raised slogans demanding immediate arrest of those who assaulted Kanchhal.

On December 5, Kanchhal was beaten up by a group of lawyers, who also broke window panes of his vehicles in a local court here.

The former Rajya Sabha MP had gone to the court for a hearing when 15-20 lawyers beat him up and tore his clothes. They also damaged window panes of his vehicles.

An FIR was registered by the trade leader against eight lawyers at Wazeerganj police station.

The incident was the fallout of a dispute between a lawyer and Kanchhal over ownership of a shop at Latouche road here some days back.