Gandhi Bazaar, which used to be one of the most happening places in the City, particularly during the festive season, today resembles a cremation ground.





The eye-soothing traditional market with captivating aroma of flowers suddenly turned an eyesore for the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike which wreaked havoc on the helpless street vendors in the night and evicted them from the stretch.



Protesting against the eviction, Gandhi Bazaar vendors and their families staged a dharna near Roti Ghar on Wednesday demanding rehabilitation.



Mahboob Pasha said the lone traditional market with quality goods is now ruined, for which only Palike has to be blamed. He saw the conspiracy of the rich behind their eviction.



Recalling Tuesday night’s horror, Mahboob said: “We had a stock of fruits, flowers and other stuff worth about Rs two lakh. The Palike removed it and now we have no idea where it is. Did the Palike officials destroy them or take them home?”



The vendors later submitted a memorandum to the chief minister to intervene and save their livelihood.



The residents of Basavangudi, for whom Gandhi Bazaar was an integral part of their lives, were aghast to see the dance of destruction played there.



Ramesh, a local resident, was quite perturbed when his reaction was sought. “I am feeling as if I am at a cremation ground. This place too has fallen prey to so-called development. I will not be surprised if tomorrow the Palike chops all the trees lined up on this stretch to widen the road.

