Rumours have been doing the rounds on Whatsapp that a 3-day long petrol pump strike will be held in Bengaluru, formerly called Bangalore, from Sept. 16. However, the Bengaluru City Police have rubbished the rumours and confirmed that there is no strike or bandh in the city on Friday.
People have been receiving messages on Whatsapp asking them to fill petrol in their vehicles on Sept. 15 itself as all the petrol pumps will observe a bandh for the next three days due to the rise in petrol prices.
"Breaking news: Petrol pumps will be closed for the next 3 days due to strike called by petroleum dealers association due to the increase in price. Pls pass on the msg to all your contacts. Pls full ur tank immediately [sic]," says the false message being circulated on Whatsapp.
Taking note of the false rumours, official Twitter handle of Bengaluru City Police tweeted, "Please don't pay heed to rumours floating on Whatsapp reg #PetrolPumpStrike in next 3 days. It's a rumour."
International Business Times, India contacted some petrol pump stations in Bengaluru, who also reconfirmed that there is no such strike. "It's totally false. There is no such strike. Even I have received such messages on Whatsapp. But it is not true," said an authorised person at Sai Service Centre petrol station near Cubbon Park Police Station. Another petrol station named Vinod Auto Services at Frazer Town also rubbished the rumours.
Apparently, rumours are also being spread saying that another bandh will be observed in Bengaluru on Sept. 16 in light of the Cauvery issue. But, the police have confirmed that there is no strike or bandh in the city of any kind. However, Section 144 will remain imposed across the city till Sept. 25 as a preventive measure.
"#NoBandgInBengaluruTomorrow: As a preventive measure #Section144 will continue till Sep 25 in Bengaluru. Strong bandobust will continue [sic]," says the Bengaluru City Police official Twitter handle.
