Candlelight processions and peace marches across the city marked the first year anniversary of the German Bakery blasts and citizens and survivors alike paid homage to the blast victims on Sunday.
At 6.55 pm on February 13, 2010, a powerful bomb ripped through the bakery, claiming a total of 17 lives including four foreigners and injuring another 65.
The blast occurred when the city was warming up for Valentine’s Day celebrations the following day. Several college students died in the blasts.
The survivors are still reeling and are yet to overcome the horrific memories. “As I have experienced what a blast feels like, I am fortunate to be alive. When I was at one of the tables, a powerful blast occurred and I could see an orange ball of fire in front of me,” said Tushar Banerjee, who was present at the blast site on Sunday to pay homage to the victims. Mr Banerjee had suffered 30 per cent ear damage and sustained bruises on his body.
Cricketer V.V.S. Laxman paid his tribute by placing flowers and lighting a candle at the site. A series of peace marches and memorial services were organised for the entire day amidst tight police security.
Tanaji D Sherkhane, one of the victims, recalls, “The blast broke my left leg and I was bedridden for almost five months. After the blast, the site was horrible to look at and life has changed since”.
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Bakery contractor to part ways with owner
Pune, Feb. 13: The Nepali contractor of the German Bakery, who claims to have brought popularity to it, is parting ways with the owners after a two-decade-long stint over sharing of the compensation received from the state government following the bomb blast at the eatery in 2010.
Ramgopal Karkee sounded bitter when he said that a part of the `14-lakh compensation awarded by the Maharashtra government to the Kharose family, owners of the eatery premises, should have been given to him as he was the one who ran the German Bakery giving rent to them. “I have been associated with the German Bakery since 1988 along with my German partner Mr Caluss, he said. —PTI