A 22-year-old woman was arrested on the suspicion of setting fire to buses, run by a Tamil Nadu-based operator, during the protests over Cauvery water-sharing in Bengaluru. She was allegedly promised Rs 100 and a plate of mutton biryani for instigating arson, The Times of India reported.
C. Bhagya, alias Bhaghyasri, a native of Yadagir district, is one of 11 people, and the only woman, arrested on Friday for the 12 September attacks on a fleet of KPN buses. According to The New Indian Express, 12 more were detained on Saturday, including two minors. Over 400 people in all have been arrested by the police in various incidents related to the Cauvery protests.
Bhagya, who is a day labourer, had returned home after work, when a few men known to her came over and asked her to join the protests. Her mother, Yellamma, allegedly told the media about the Rs 100 and biryani deal promised to her. The New Indian Express, however, said her family claimed she was one of the onlookers, not an active participant.
A group of people had barged into a bus depot behind PES college at D'Souza Nagar near Nayandahalli, doused the crew with fuel and threatened to set them on fire, after the protests broke out. As footage from CCTV cameras and mobile phone videos recorded by the workers show, Bhagya was carrying a can of fuel, which she handed over to some men, who used it to set fire to the buses.
Over 40 buses belonging to KPN Travels was burnt in the mishap, as several employees of the company were injured and rushed to the hospital.
Bhagya, who was taken into custody by the Rajrajeswarinagar police, apparently showed the police a cobra tattoo on her hand and said no harm would come to her. The police are yet to ascertained if she carried the fuel can voluntarily or was forced to do so.
Old Bangalore
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Open Image ModalFather Chevalier was Bangalore's first parish priest, who built the first Church of St. Francis Xavier in 1851. The St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Bangalore was captured by the Times of India photographer on 1 January, 1900. (credit:BCCL)
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Open Image ModalThe Bangalore City Railway Station, shot by the Times of India cameraman on 1 January, 1950. (credit:BCCL)
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Open Image ModalA portion of the Bangalore Fort, that was built by Kempe Gowda I in 1537. In the 18th century, Hyder Ali rebuilt the fort with stone and his son Tipu repaired it after it was damaged during his battles with the British. This image was taken by the Times of India photographer on 24 July, 1938. (credit:BCCL)
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Open Image ModalThe Minto Ophthalmic Hospital in Bangalore was built in 1913. This government-run hospital provides advance eye health care. (credit:BCCL)
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Open Image ModalCommercial Street in Bangalore was one of the city's busiest shopping centre. Seen here by the Times of India photographer on 24 July, 1938. (credit:BCCL)
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Open Image ModalThe Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore is of royal origin and was set up by Hyder Ali initially as a private garden, covering an area of 40 acres. With well-laid out roads, paths, open spaces, shade and a collection of many types of plant species, the garden attracts a large number of visitors. (credit:BCCL)
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Open Image ModalThe City Market is one of Bangalore's oldest markets. It is called KR Market after Maharaj Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV of Mysore. The image shows an aerial view of the market, taken by the Times of India cameraman on 16 September, 1932. (credit:BCCL)
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Open Image ModalThe Ulsoor Lake was constructed by Kempe Gowda II. The Times of India cameraman captured the picturesque lake on 24 July, 1938. (credit:BCCL)
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Open Image ModalThe Sri Krishnarajendra Market that was established in 1928 and named after one of Mysore's rulers Krishnarajendra Wodeyar. It now houses one of the largest flower markets in Asia. (credit:BCCL)
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Open Image ModalThe Bangalore Race Course is considered among the best in the country, for the challenge it poses both to the horses and the riders. The racecourse nestles amidst 85 acres of greenery in the heart of the city and presents a truly beautiful sight throughout the year. (credit:BCCL)