S P O T L I G H T

Red alert in Bihar
Patna, January 2
A red alert has been sounded in Bihar in view of an Opposition-sponsored statewide bandh tomorrow in protest against the killing of three youths in an alleged fake police encounter here last Saturday, which has turned into a veritable political battle against the RJD government. All police stations have been kept on high alert and patrolling intensified throughout the state keeping in view the widespread violence during Patna bandh on December 31, official sources said. PTI

Curfew imposed
Ahmedabad, January 2
An indefinite curfew was imposed on Lunavada town of Gujarat’s Panchmahal district from 6 p.m. today after communal rioting forced the police to open fire and teargas the clashing mobs. At least nine rounds and 23 teargas shells were fired after mobs pelted each other with stones and set several shops ablaze. UNI

Two intruding boats seized
Kolkata, January 2
Coast Guard personnel impounded two intruding Bangladesh vessels deep inside the Bay of Bengal off Haldia in East Midnapore district, 14 days after 10 such foreign boats were seized for violating Indian waters. PTI

Day curfew lifted
Vadodara, January 2
Day curfew was lifted in riot-hit Dahod town of Gujarat from 10 am today, with the situation remaining under control during the past 36 hours. Night curfew would continue in the sensitive areas from 9 pm as a precautionary measure. The police arrested altogether 39 persons in connection with Tuesday’s violence and arson. UNI

Idols desecrated
Jaipur, January 2
The police beefed up arrangements at Neemkathana in Sikar district of Rajasthan today to calm tensions following the desecration of three idols at a Hanuman temple. UNI