Hyderabad: Following Wednesday’s shooting incident, the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park saw 20 per cent fewer walkers on Thursday. Among those missing were K. Nityananda Reddy, whom the assailant had tried to abduct, and his brother K. Prasad Reddy.
A sense of fear and anxiety prevailed among many walkers, especially the rich and the VIPs. Many are also thinking about changing their fitness routine by taking up yoga or joining gyms.
Jaiveer Reddy, secretary of KBR Walkers’ Association, said, “On Thursday, the number of women and senior citizens saw a decrease and everyone was talking about the attack. Walkers are still questioning the dysfunctionality of the police outpost opposite the Telugu Desam Bhavan (towards the left of the park entrance). Around 100 police officials and four patrolling vehicles were present at the KBR Park on Thursday morning. They should check vehicles entering the park. Gun men (security of VIP walkers) should not be allowed to enter.”
C.S. Reddy, a regular walker and a relative of Mr Nityananda Reddy, said, “The incident has definitely planted seeds of doubt in the minds of many about choosing this lung space. Families and friends of many walkers have advised them to opt for alternatives like home yoga and fitness centres. The reduction of walkers was clearly visible. There are usually many people on the inside track on a normal day, but there weren’t many people on Thursday.”
He added, “Many are also wondering how the assailant walked around openly with a weapon and escaped so easily. Mr Nityananda Reddy might join in for a walk on Friday.”
Walkers have demanded metal detectors, deployment of guards, CCTV cameras monitoring the parking area, checking of vehicles entering the park and surprise checks on strangers inside and outside the park.
