Davanagere, Sept. 1 -- The BJP Raitha Morcha on Monday called for a bandh in Davanagere over the release of water from the Bhadra reservoir to other districts and the state government's decision on a gutka and pan masala ban, with former Karnataka Minister and BJP leader MP Renukacharya leading protests in the city.

The bandh saw protests at several locations across Davanagere, with protesters setting tyres on fire at major circles. Renukacharya led a protest at Jayadeva Circle, where tyres were set ablaze. Police personnel struggled to extinguish the fire, and during the operation, a police sub-inspector's shoe also caught fire.

Similar protests involving tyre burning were reported at Bapuji Bank Samudra Bhavan, Shamanur Road, Sangolli...