HYDERABAD: Twenty-four hours before the much-awaited verdict in the twin blasts at
Gokul Chat and
Lumbini Park, there was tinge of anxiety in a substratum of normality. Though it has been 11 years since the blast ripped through these crowded areas, security personnel still suffer from deja vu.
When this correspondent visited Gokul Chat on Sunday, guards raised an alarm when a biker swerved and braked under the 'No Parking' signage. Can't you see the board, he screamed. This was just metres away from where the bombers wreaked havoc over a decade ago, killing 32.
Private security personnel deployed at Gokul Chat were allowing entry to customers after
metal detector scanning. On Saturday, the eatery was shut in memory of 32 victims on the 11th anniversary of blasts.
Though Gokul Chat managers refused to talk to media on Saturday and Sunday, employees were on alert, keeping in view Monday's verdict.
For customers, it was a mixed reaction. While some were aware about the verdict on Monday, many did not know. People casually walked into the eatery and enjoyed their favourite snack. "We are not aware about the verdict. I came to purchase books in Koti and then came to Gokul chat,'' said M Srinivas, a student.
The mood was similar at Lumbini Park, where people thronged the amusement centre-cum-park as it was a Sunday. Security personnel were seen stopping visitors carrying bags. On August 25, 2007, the bomber walked into Lumbini Park with a bag with an improvised explosive device (IED), which exploded and claimed 12 lives, mostly students from Maharashtra.
On Sunday evening, the laser show was organised as usual and many attended. It was during the laser show the blast took place in 2007.
Cherlapally prison officials were asked by Nampally court to produce the accused through video conference on judgment day.
Lumbini Park
