Serial bomb blasts push up security level in city

Serial bomb blasts push up security level in city

Raghava M.

People do not mind being stopped at night or frisked at malls

The Hindu team of reporters did a reality check on security arrangements

A lone police constable was on night patrol in Jayanagar 7th Block

BANGALORE: It has been 10 days since the serial blasts in Bangalore, but the police and security agencies are taking no chances. Vehicles are being checked, baggage scrutinised and there are restrictions on plebs like you and me taking a night time stroll.

A team of The Hindu reporters went round the city over the last few days to see the police and security personnel in action. On Sunday night there was heavy rain. Our lawmen may face the most violent of criminals but it would seem very few can withstand the fury of nature. No policeman was found at the usual check points on Cubbon Road, M.G. Road and near Ashok Nagar police station.

The team then proceeded towards Lalbagh West Gate, Vidyapeetha Circle and entered the ring road. At the Deve Gowda Petrol Bunk, policemen on motorcycles set about dispersing the usual loiterers near the circle.

At Jayanagar 7th Block Main Road, a lone police constable was on patrol. “I have been asked to cover areas on either side of the main road on foot,” said the woebegone gent, adding, “It is difficult … my superiors will hold me responsible if any crime occurs here.”

But he collected himself, swung his lathi, and said: “I can chase and catch anyone without being scared for my life.”

At the K.R. Market, where a number of eateries open at night, a Hoysala patrol approached a packed stall. A police constable quickly jotted down the registration numbers of vehicles parked nearby even as another busied himself with some non-culinary grilling before shooing away customers.

Not that they minded too much. “We generally take a break here while returning from work from Koramangala. We don’t mind the police questioning us,” said S. Praveen, who was on his way to Srinagar along with his colleague.
Malls too

On Monday, at the Gopalan Mall on Mysore Road — the place where one of the blasts occurred — security personnel were checking the boot and undercarriage of four-wheelers. Bags were being checked before allowing people to pass through metal detector door frames.

“There is a marginal drop in the number of people coming to this mall,” said a representative of a retail store, which is now offering off-season discounts.

Similar was the scene at Big Bazaar on Mysore Road and another of its outlets on Old Madras Road. People queued up patiently to be frisked. “It’s okay; after all, it is for public safety,” said Vanaja R.

Movie fans, particularly those waiting to watch the Rajnikant-starrer Kuselan at Nataraj and Fun cinemas, were also frisked at the entrance to the theatres while plainclothesmen randomly questioned people in cinema foyers.