Shops in the city remained closed today in response to the bandh call given by the Moorusavirmath Hitavardhark Samithi, comprising supporters of the senior pontiff.

Police said the lathi-charge was ordered after miscreants in the procession taken out by the senior pontiff's supporters began hurling stones at them.Buses stayed off the roads and schools and colleges declared a holiday in view of the bandh call. Incidents of stone throwing were reported from one or two places.

The deadlock between the math's senior pontiff and his disciple continued for the fourth day today, with both refusing to call off their fasts.

Efforts to bring about a rapprochement between the two by Police Commissioner B G Kokatnur and DeputyCommissioner Rajneesh Goel were in vain.