Pune roads wore a deserted look on Thursday -- when the Allahabad High Court delivered its judgement in the Ayodhya case -- even though public transport was running smooth and life was routine.
Due to apprehensions about the aftermath of the verdict, many IT and FMCG companies along with the small players had let their employees observe half a working day or not do so at their own risk. Some companies housed in the IT hub of Hinjewadi area also claimed they received notices from the local police station asking them to declare a half day for their employees.
When contacted the police station refused to confirm issuing such notices but sounded caution and peace to one and all. Retail shops and departmental stores closed for lunch around 12 noon as is the custom in the city and remained closed until after the verdict. The situation changed thereafter and some shops reopened counters.
Due to a bomb blast that ripped through a popular hang out in the city -- German Bakery -- is one of the sensitive areas apart from the Faraaz Khana police chowky area and the Vishram Baug chowky area where there was strict police vigilance.
According to information from the police bandobast helpline, close to 1,200 policemen were on duty in various parts of the city including home guards numbering to around 200. The forces borrowed from outside Pune numbered around 400 while the South and North zone police put together 500 personnel.
While Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)'s Shirish Parkar refused to give a comment he said party leader Raj Thackeray will give an official statement the next day.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe also refused to share her reaction on the Ayodhya verdict saying an official statement is awaited from the party chief.
“The verdict is reasonable and satisfactory. Indians must respect the rulings of the court," said the spokesperson and vice president of Nationalist Congress Party's Maharashtra Pradesh Commitee, Madan Bafna.