Deadly metal spikes installed outside HDFC Bank’s Fort branch to stop the homeless from sitting or sleeping there drew a barrage of criticism on Monday.
Pictures of the spikes put up by the bank went viral after a journalist tweeted photos of the dangerous iron spikes, which he noticed on Sunday afternoon.
“It reminded me of ‘defensive architecture’ installed in London to prevent homeless people from sleeping outside commercial premises, which attracted a great deal of public controversy. I noted however that the spikes outside this HDFC Bank branch were far longer and sharper than those I had seen photographed in the UK, and could cause grave injury to anyone who fell on them – there appeared a particular risk of this happening since the passageway outside the branch is narrow and crowded,” Mundy said.
Advertisement
Metal spikes installed outside HDFC Bank’s Fort branch, to stop the homeless from sitting or sleeping there, drew a barrage of criticism on Monday.
Advertisement
After being lambasted on social media, the bank admitted that it was insensitive and promised to remove the spikes.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to the public by the installation of the spikes at our Fort Branch, as part of the recent renovation. We're having the spikes removed on priority. HDFC has, however, not explained why the spikes were installed," said the bank in it's official statement.
According to the reports, the locals said that the sharp metal spikes, over three inches tall, pose a danger to passers-by as well, were installed last week soon after the bank was renovated.
