The NDA Opposition at the Centre, Left parties and other had called for the countrywide shutdown against FDI in retail, the coal blocks scam and exorbitant hike in prices of petroleum products.

In Ranchi, life was paralysed as shops stayed closed till the evening. The bandh was supported by trade body FJCCI against introduction of FDI in retail and price hike in petroleum products.

Railway services and other public transport was the worst-affected  as protesters blocked many trains. Passengers remained stranded at stations and railway sources said a good numbers of trains ran late.

Hundreds of workers of the BJP, Left and others  brought out rallies and were widely supported by the people. Police sources  said around 500 agitators were arrested by evening.