Bengaluru police have filed an FIR against 16 individuals who participated in a protest against the recent hike in Namma Metro fares. The protest took place outside Kempegowda Metro Station on Friday afternoon, leading to the registration of a suo motu case by the Cottonpet police. The protesters were accused of unauthorized gathering, as they voiced their opposition to the fare revision.
The fare hike, which ranges from 40% to 70%, has sparked public outrage. The fare increase, which affects various distance slabs by ₹5 to ₹10, is the first fare revision since 2017. Commuters, particularly daily users, are expressing concern about the added financial burden, as the metro is a vital means of affordable transportation in the city.
The protest was led by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), with members raising slogans against the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the state government. Authorities informed the group about a 2022 Karnataka High Court order that limits protests to Freedom Park. Despite the warning, the protestors continued, prompting the deployment of additional police forces.
The protesters were detained and taken to the CAR headquarters, where their details were recorded for further investigation. The controversy over the fare hike continues to stir public debate in the city.
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