What was once a bustling hub in the heart of the city has now become a spectacle of sorts for people to watch.
The convalescent atmosphere at Dilsukhnagar, where two bombs exploded exactly a week earlier, says it all. Those who witnessed explosions are left wondering how safe they are now, while others try to get on with their lives.
The two sites still look like tourists spots with police continuously driving away onlookers. Those who run establishments near the sites are still unable to believe what happened. “It was a day just like everyday last week. Suddenly, we heard an explosion and seconds later the building in front of me was on fire,” explained K Kishore, who works at SVR Mobiles, opposite Anand Tiffin Centre.
What followed was mayhem. People took the dead and injured to nearby hospitals, while the frenzied public remained in shock. Hundreds thronged the sites to grab a view of the remains, and a week after the incident, the site continues to look the same with public stopping to look at the aftermath and shooting pictures.
“That day, so many people had flocked to see what happened. It was appalling to see people acting like idiots. Instead of helping, they started clicking pictures,” said an infuriated K Sadanandam, who also works at SVR mobiles.
The crowd was so overwhelming that night that even cops were unable to stop the barrage of oncoming public. Caning people was the only choice they had, which was done more than 10 times.
While unlucky ones perished, some were lucky enough to live and tell their tale. “I delayed going out by just five minutes and here I am,” said Krishnaveni Reddy, who runs a Soda stall opposite Anand Tiffin Centre.
A crater behind the bus stop and broken shards of glasses are the only remnants of the first explosion, as owners of establishments began repairs. Others nearby have also started limping back to life. Feb 21 maybe just another date in 2013 and the years to come, but it will be a day which residents of Dilsukhnagar will never forget.