By IANS
Hyderabad : Gokul Chat, the famous eatery here which was the target of August 25 terror strike that killed 30 people, has re-opened with people once again flocking to the food joint savouring hot and delicious samosas, sev puri and pani puri.
Determined to defeat the designs of terrorists, the people returned to the eatery to taste their favourite lip-smacking chat varieties, leaving behind the painful memories of the place.
Gokul Chat, located in the busy commercial area of Koti reopened Saturday with metal detectors and closed circuit televisions to keep an eye on troublemakers. More than 300 customers turned up Saturday and the number increased Sunday.
However, it may take some more for the food joint to return to the business it was doing before the bomb blast, as some people are still reluctant to visit the place – the scene of the worst terror attack in the 400-year-old city.
The blast had taken place seconds after an explosion at Lumbini Park, which claimed 14 lives.
The eatery had since become a sort of memorial with some organizations displaying banners and posters condemning terrorism. Saffron flags were also put up there and a few had also started offering puja.
The Vijayvargi family, which owns the eatery, threw it open after a week-long purification rituals. Some people turned out to express their solidarity while others came out of curiosity.
Six policemen were posted at the entrance to scan the customers. The management has banned any luggage inside the eatery. A locker has been set up at the entrance for customers to keep their baggage.
Two-and-half-year old Vidusha Vijayvargi, granddaughter of Premchand Vijayvargi, one of the owners, inaugurated the eatery by purchasing samosas.
“We are happy that the chat is back on rails. We will now be more careful. We have taken sufficient security measures and are keeping a close vigil,” said Premchand Vijayvargi.
“People are determined to defeat designs of terrorists and that is why they have come back here,” he said.
Encouraged by the people’s response, the family has now decided to open three new outlets in the city.
“I am delighted that the chat has reopened. This is my favourite food joint and I will continue to come here with friends,” said Santosh Kumar, a student of class 12 at a city college.
“Gokul chat has become a part of our life. We were pained when terrorists targeted it. Such attacks will not deter us,” said P. Mahender Reddy, a businessman, who had come with his family members.