Mysuru: People, who had assembled in front of the Aranya Bhavan at Ashokapuram, had to return with disappointment as entry for the public was banned. However, the family members of the Forest Department officers and staff were given easy access to the elephants.

While officials denied permission for the general public to get up close to the jumbos, their family members were seen clicking photos and recording videos.

As soon as the elephants entered Aranya Bhavan, the main gates were closed, restricting entry to the general public.

The officials, citing that the elephants were new to the atmosphere, also did not allow the media persons inside the Aranya Bhavan.

However, the officials and staff members residing in quarters ensured that their family members got full access to the elephants.

While rules do not allow the public near the elephants, the same did not apply to the Forest Department. Some of their children were seen not only clicking photographs with the jumbos but also getting close to them.

While the media persons and public were made to wait near the gate, some of them were given easy entry, stating that they were residents of the quarters.

People, who were standing outside the Aranya Bhavan were heard making remarks like, “Dasara elephants only harm the general public but not the family members and children of the Forest Department officials.”