Panic buying in parts of Lucknow; long queues at ATMs and filling stations ahead of Ayodhya verdict

LUCKNOW: The news flash that the Supreme Court would deliver on Saturday morning its verdict in the protracted Ayodhya dispute triggered panic buying in parts of Old City on Friday night.
Apprehensive about the law and order situation, people came out in large numbers in Nakkhas, Chowk, Thakurganj and Aminabad to stock up on everything - from food and medicines to fuel.
If markets were buzzing with buyers, long queues were also witnessed outside ATMs."Who knows what will happen after the judgment. Keeping cash handy is necessary. I have refilled by bike's fuel tank and have withdrawn enough money to last me a week," said Rudranshu Singh, a teacher.
Napier Road resident Sachin Tandon claimed several ATMs in Old City had run dry. "I need cash to buy pills for my father who is a heart patient. I will go to the medical college, where the prices are subsidised," he said.
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Vegetable vendors took full advantage of the buy-buy frenzy and hiked prices by 20-30%. “Vegetables sold for Rs 50 a kilo till evening are now on offer for Rs 60-70 per kg,” complained Sara Khan, a resident of Nakkhas.
The humble potato flaunted a price tag of Rs 90 per kg; onion hit Rs 100, tomato soared to Rs 120 a kilo; and lemon acted pricey at Rs 10 apiece. Some even complained that medicines had become more expensive within hours.
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“People are buying everything they can. Some are getting betel leaves in bulk, fearing a curfew after the verdict,” said Abhishek Sharma, a resident in Chowk.
Kasim Rizvi of Chowk, who owns a hardware store, said he was returning home when he heard the breaking news. “I quickly collected ration for around a month,” he added.
Amina, also from Chowk, said she had stocked up on essentials such as milk and vegetables. “Shops are already charging extra for food and medicines. The prices may soar after the judgment tomorrow,” she maintained.