KOZHIKODE: A dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the district on Tuesday passed off peacefully. The hartal was called in protest against the death of a remand prisoner of the district jail here on Monday.

No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the city or suburbs. At some places such as Kallayi, hartal supporters placed roadblocks to prevent vehicles from plying.

Transport buses, lorries, autorickshaws and goods carriers remained off the road. Private vehicles, mainly two-wheelers, plied to a limited extent. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation suspended bus services till 6 p.m.

Schools and other educational institutions remained closed in view of the hartal. Trading came to a standstill at the commercial hub of Valiyangadi, and shops and other business establishments remained closed.

Attendance was thin at the offices at the Collectorate here. Banks carried out operations as usual, though with a limited number of staff.

The prisoner Rajan died while being taken by the police to the mental health centre at Kuthiravattom after he turned violent.

Rajan, lodged in the police cell of the General Hospital, had been undergoing treatment since Saturday.

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