Protests fallout: Police shut down shops at DLF night food street

Hyderabad: Cyberabad police on Wednesday shut down all commercial establishments including the night street food eateries in DLF given the tension in the old city. Last night at 11.30 pm, police asked all shopkeepers to shut their shops. Interestingly, 24-hour medical shops like Apollo were also asked to put down the shutters.

No reason was reportedly given. Multiple customers who were at the night food street were asked to leave immediately.

Food shop owners said no prior notice was given to shut down early. Abdul, a pan shop vendor at DLF, was one of the first to shut shop. "I am aware of what's happening in the old city but I am not sure why they asked to close shops here," he said.

Meanwhile, the Swiggy delivery persons at the food street had a difficult time as the orders were abruptly canceled.

On a regular day, all food stalls and shops in DLF night food Street stay open till as late as 3 am. Also, multiple vendors in DLF food street primarily operate at night only.

A pharmacist at Apollo Pharmacy in Indira Nagar, Gachibowli was barely open near midnight. "The police suggested that we shut down the premises early due to something happening in the old city," he said.

Restaurants and shops in Indira Nagar and Gachibowli were also shut. A medical shop guy in Gachibowli said that they were suggested to close soon because of something happening in the Old City. In Indira Nagar, all big restaurants and bars were completely shut.

Police vans were stationed in the DLF area till 1:30 am on Thursday to ensure no one would reopen the shops.