Hubli comes to a virtual standstill

HUBLI: It was a bundh like situation in the commercial city of Hubli on Wednesday afternoon, as majority of people confined to their homes to watch India-Pakistan playing semi-finals at Mohali.
Movement of vehicles on Koppikar Road, Station Road, Dajibanpet, K C Circle and others in the city drastically came down by 2.30 pm. Parking lots were empty and some of the otherwise bustling streets wore a deserted look.
Almost all the shopkeepers in the central business district, which had no television sets in their shops downed the shutters while others got glued to TV sets in neighbouring shops watching the much hyped match between the arch rivals.
Groups of people peeping into the shops to catch a glimpse of the match was a common sight on all major streets of the city.
Meanwhile, working hours were restricted to half day for some of the private offices and coaching and tuition centres to allow cricket lovers to watch the match.
Jai Bhim Sangha offered puja at Sri Sai Baba temple praying for India's victory. In Bellary, youths took out a bike rally extending their wishes to team India. MLA Somshekar Reddy led the bike rally.
Police patrolling was heightened in the city in view of the cricket match and to avoid any untoward activities. DCP Chandiram Singh said they have taken 16 persons into custody as a precautionary measure and to check betting.