Public places deserted following blasts

Mumbai, Jul 27 (UNI) The city wore a deserted look today following blasts at Ahmedabad and Banglore.

Most of the shopping malls, cinema halls and public places were visited by very few people despite of the high security at Chowpatty, Gateway of India, Juhu Beach, Bandra Bandstand and other popular places.

There was heavy police on duty at railway stations, religious places and other highly populated areas.

The persistant rain since morning also discouraged the Mumbaikars from stepping out of their homes.

However the city's youngsters and couples were seen enjoying the rain and the sea at Marine Drive.

The number of private security guards with metal detectors were doubled from 40 to 80 and were deployed at strategic locations across the malls.

Kiran Kadam, manager of City Mall at Andheri in Mumbai suburb said they have increased the daily shifts of security personnel from two to three, with exra men in each shift, following the threats.

Roadside hawker Rajesh who sells toys on holidays at D N Road in South Mumbai said, compared to other holidays and Sundays, when he earned Rs 400 to Rs 500, today he was not even able to open his account.

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