Bangaloreans prefer to stay home on weekend

Bangalore: After the back-to-back serial bombings in the city and in Ahmadabad, life in the country's IT hub on Sunday was subdued with most residents preferring to stay home rather than crowd in theatres and other hangout places.

A day after the Ahmadabad serial blasts that left at least 45 people dead and scores injured, Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa cancelled a scheduled visit to his home district Shimoga, 275 km from Bangalore, and met senior state home ministry and police officers on security aspects.

Vigilance at the crowded city and intra-state bus depots, three railway stations, the airport, busy shopping areas and shopping malls was stepped up with police checking baggage with hand-held metal detectors.

Strictly enforced

Shopping malls which have their own security strictly enforced the rule that customers pass through metal detectors and allowed handbags in only after a thorough check.

State director general of police R. Sri Kumar Saturday held a meeting with senior intelligence and law enforcement officials on security measures to be implemented.

"The chief minister has instructed police and civil officials to be vigilant round the clock to ensure safety of the citizens," an official statement said. "Security has been stepped up at the Krishna Raja Sagar reservoir and Brindavan Gardens near Mysore," chief minister's spokesperson said.

Like Saturday, the weather was gloomy with overcast skies and frequent showers.