Blast leaves traders rattled despite reopening of mkts

The explosion, which rattled the historic monument and its surrounding commercial hubs, has left business owners wary of reopening fully despite the return of routine police patrols and temporary barricades.

- PRAJYOT DEOGHARE

The most visibly affected are the traders of Old Lajpat Rai Market, one of the capital’s busiest electronics hubs. Many shopkeepers resumed work only reluctantly, with several admitting they still feel unsafe.

“We have opened our shops again, but the fear is still in our eyes,” said a trader whose store stands directly along the roadside where the blast’s tremors were felt most strongly. He added that daily business has dropped significantly, as customers also remain hesitant to visit the area.