Muzaffarpur: All markets and commercial establishments here wore a deserted look on Saturday during the bandh called by the RJD to protest the worsening law and order in the district. The district Congress supported the bandh.

RJD leaders, led by district chief Mithlesh Yadav, took out a procession raising slogans against the failure of the district authorities to clip the wings of criminals striking at will. "Traders are a frightened lot, as they are asked to cough up extortion money," alleged RJD MLA from Minapur Munna Yadav.

Police said the bandh supporters created nuisance on the streets by forcing shopkeepers to down shutters. RJD men also clashed with shopkeepers near Club Road.

Timely intervention of police, however, prevented the situation from spinning out of control. All private schools were closed as a precautionary measure.

A delegation of bandh supporters, led by district chief Mithlesh Yadav, met district magistrate Mohammad Sohail and handed over a list of complaints pertaining to police failure to tackle crime.

"The police administration is proving to be dwarf before the criminals are calling the shots in the domain of smuggling and organised crime such loot, murder and extortion," read the RJD complaint.