Post blast Pune's two-wheeler riders asked not to wear scarves

A week after the Pune blast, the city police have asked the people, especially women, not to cover their faces while driving two-wheelers as suspicious elements can take advantage of the practice to disguise themselves.

The directive issued today, would remain in force for next 15 days, city traffic chief, Manoj Patil said, adding the order is aimed at preventing suspicious movements of elements trying to hide their identities.

Women bikers have been specifically asked to avoid using scarves while driving their two wheelers through the Koregaon
Park area, where the terrorists targeted the German Bakery on
February 13.

"Women riders, however, can use scarves while going through other parts of the city," he added. 

Pune, according to official estimates, is listed among the most polluted cities in the country and has the largest number of two-wheelers being used as means of transport by a population of about five millions. 

An appeal by city police commissioner Satyapal Singh circulated some time back against use of scarves while driving, had met stiff resistance by women who use them as protection from the sun and abnormally high levels of air pollution.

Meanwhile, police have further beefed up security since last night around the Jewish centre -- Chhabad House -- Osho Ashram and a synagogue in the vicinity of Koregaon Park area which has been on the terrorist radar.