Bengaluru Phoenix Mall Of Asia Closed For 15 Days, Sec 144 In Place

Bengaluru Police announced a restriction on public entry to the Phoenix Mall of Asia located on Bellari Road in North Bengaluru from December 31 to January 15, ahead of the city's New Year celebrations.

Citing sections 144(1) and 144(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the police declared limited access to the Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bellari Road, Byatarayanapura, Yelahanka, starting from 10 am on December 31 until 11:59 pm on January 15, 2024.

Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda stated that this measure aimed "to prevent annoyance and disturbance to public tranquility and to ensure a safe environment for traffic and the general public."

Meanwhile, Several restrictions including section 144 have been imposed in Bengaluru for safe New Year celebrations.

The Bengaluru Police has also announced stringent measures, including rigorous drunk driving checks, traffic controls in vital zones, and heightened security citywide. To anticipate sizable crowds gathering at prominent spots like MG Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road, St Marks Road, and Church Street for New Year celebrations, the police have limited traffic along these major routes on the nights of December 31 and January 1, 2024, prioritizing public safety.

The decision follows the closure of Phoenix Mall of Asia in Hebbal and Phoenix Marketcity in Whitefield on December 27 due to protests by pro-Kannada activists demanding Kannada signboards.

The order emphasized the urgency of preventing potential disruptions, offenses, and disturbances to public peace and order during the upcoming New Year celebrations and subsequent days. Due to time constraints and the pressing situation, the order stated the impossibility of conducting hearings for affected individuals or exploring alternative courses of action.