Bengaluru: Two of Bengaluru’s popular shopping destinations, Phoenix Mall of Asia in Hebbal and Phoenix Market City in Whitefield, abruptly closed their doors on December 27, 2023. The malls, well-frequented by shoppers, remain shut, with police stationed at the entrances, advising against entry and stating the closure for the day.
Reports suggest that the closure may be linked to actions taken by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) activists, who targeted various malls, shops, commercial buildings, and multinational companies. The activists reportedly destroyed and defaced signboards and nameplates not in Kannada. KRV convener T A Narayana Gowda and other members were taken into preventive custody by the police.
While unverified claims on Reddit allude to an incident last night triggering the closure, police officials are on high alert amid suspicions of a potential threat to the stores. However, the authenticity of these claims remains unclear.
Contrary to the alleged concerns affecting Phoenix Malls, the neighboring VR Bengaluru mall seems unaffected and continues regular operations, adding to the confusion. Authorities have not issued official statements about the situation, leaving residents and visitors without concrete information.
Residents and shoppers are advised to await an official statement from mall management or local authorities for clarity on the circumstances surrounding the closure. The unexpected turn of events raises questions about the safety and operational status of the malls in question.
