Bengaluru Phoenix Mall Of Asia Closed Today Amid Protests Over Kannada Language Rule

Two of Bengaluru's most popular shopping destinations, Phoenix Mall of Asia in Hebbal and Phoenix Market City in Whitefield, have unexpectedly closed their doors today, December 27th, 2023.

According to reports, the mall remains abruptly closed, with police stationed at the entrance, denying entry and advising visitors against attempting to enter the premises, citing the mall's closure for the day.

While the official reason for the closure remains unconfirmed, according to reports, it is due to the missing Kannada language nameplates.

Many malls, shops, commercial buildings, companies and factories, especially multinational companies, faced the ire of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) activists. They destroyed and defaced signboards and name plates which were not in Kannada. Later, the agitating members including the KRV convener T A Narayana Gowda, were taken under preventive custody by police.

A reddit post claims that last night witnessed an incident triggering the closure, and police officials are on high alert amid suspicions of a potential threat to the stores. However, these claims remain unverified.

While the validity of these claims, however, remains shrouded in doubt. The neighboring VR Bengaluru mall, seemingly unaffected by the alleged concerns, stands open for business, further adding to the confusion.

Meanwhile, Authorities have not issued any official statements regarding the situation, leaving residents and visitors without concrete information about the circumstances surrounding the closure.

Residents and shoppers are advised to await an official statement from the mall management or local authorities for clarity on the situation.