Bengaluru bounces back, throngs high streets

Bengaluru: If the bombers who shook Bengaluru to the core on December 28, thought they would dent the city’s Happiness Index, they should think again!

As the church bells pealed and the delirious mob, some said tens of thousands, who had thronged Brigade Road broke into a raucous cheer, the revellers demonstrated their intent to put the bad behind them and bring in the New Year with a bang. Was there an undercurrent of fear, many expecting another bomb to go off?

Revellers told Team DC that while the turn  out was only marginally lower, with Church Street’s normally bustling eateries seeing a slight dip, and many reluctant to cross the unfortunate Coconut Grove’s threshold, they wouldn’t let terrorists rain on their parade.

Authorities had ensured that every street-light in the CBD was switched on, and police were out in strength, not just to stop pick-pockets and eve-teasers, but to see that nobody suspicious was left unmarked.

CCTV and drone cameras recorded every movement on MG Road, Church Street and Brigade Road. Police were taking no chances, with Police Commissioner M.N. Reddi and his team in full attendance.

Party-goers were allowed to enter Brigade Road from M.G Road side, Cauvery Emporium only on foot. No cars were allowed to enter Brigade Road from 4.00 p.m. onwards, a ban that remains in place through the New Year night.

All establishments downed shutters at 8.00 pm, barring  pubs and eateries that remained open until the 1 am deadline announced for the night.