At 12:40 a.m. on December 26, near K.R. Market in Bengaluru, blankets were being given to homeless people braving 16°C cold. Police say over the last 40 days, 15+ homeless people have died sleeping on streets, all recorded as Unnatural Death Reports (UDR). Areas like Malleshwaram and City Market reported four deaths each. Officials say deaths rise in winter, possibly because low temperatures worsen health issues. The India Meteorological Department recorded Bengaluru’s December low at 13°C. Joint Commissioner C. Vamsi Krishna said, “Deaths might not be directly connected to the weather, but it may exacerbate existing health conditions, leading to fatalities.” Experts explained that cold combined with poor food, water, and air quality harms homeless health. NGOs and some police officers distribute blankets and food to support the homeless. Yet, shelter homes are too few. Bengaluru has only 48 shelters instead of 120 required under a central urban scheme. Shelters lack beds, sanitation, and safety. Many homeless fear staying in shelters, viewing them like “open jail” or unsafe spaces. Social activist R. Kaleemullah highlights this reluctance. Human rights activist T. Narasimhamurthy said some women feel safer outside shelters due to trauma and fear of abuse. Surveys show 1,329 homeless people remain in the city. Civic bodies conduct biweekly surveys but struggle to persuade many to join shelters. Shelter managers complain about delays in funds and poor facility conditions. Homeless people face dangers from weather, violence, and stray dogs. Mental health experts warn that cold and stress worsen anxiety and depression among the homeless. A civic official said some new shelters are planned but progress is slow. Activists urge better coordination, funding, and accountability from city authorities to protect the homeless. "Women are often traumatised and groped on the streets, yet feel safer in open spaces than in shelter homes," said Narasimhamurthy.