Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Metro service, a lifeline for several Bengalureans came to a halt as the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) staff staged a protest against the arrest of their colleagues.

The service, which otherwise commences at 5 am daily, besides on Sundays remained a non-starter today as tension prevailed following the arrest of about six employees after a scuffle ensued between staffers of BMRCL and Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF) personnel.

Reportedly the scuffle started on Thursday morning at Sir M Viswesaraya metro station when the KSISF personnel insisted that metro staff comply with the mandatory physical frisking and baggage screening process before entering the station. About 35 metro staff allegedly retaliated, after which six employees and two constables of KSISF were arrested. While the police have released four of the metro staff, two persons were detained.

The protesting staff have refused to return to work demanding the release of their colleagues. Meanwhile officials say negotiations are on to get the staff to resume service.

Around 3 lakh commuters are dependent on Namma Metro network spread across 42kms in the city.