Sir,

Day after day, life has become a breath-holding affair for those living in and around Mysore Palace, the Exhibition Grounds and the Zoo — particularly for us, the residents of Ittigegud.

Once a proud and peaceful neighbourhood, it is now descending into chaos and insecurity. Illegal parking has taken over our roads. Cars are lined up everywhere — on pavements, in front of homes and around corners. Though the Police are fully aware of this open defiance, no firm action is taken.

On weekends, the situation becomes unbearable as tourist vehicles choke every stretch of road, trapping residents within their own locality.

As if these civic issues weren’t enough, Ittigegud was shaken by two back-to-back tragedies in a single week. On Oct. 7, 2025, the brutal killing of a local man shocked citizens. The very next night, Oct. 8, (intervening night of Oct. 8 and Oct. 9) another heartbreaking incident occurred — the young daughter of a street vendor was mercilessly raped and murdered while sleeping beside her parents on the footpath of Tank Bund Road.

These incidents have shattered our peace and sense of safety. Ittigegud, once admired for its proximity to the Palace and its serene surroundings, now shelters illegal activities in the shadows. Abandoned public spaces meant for community use have become hideouts for anti-social elements.

Even Yezdi Park (Children’s Traffic Park) at Nazarbad, located alarmingly close to the City Police Commissioner’s Office, has turned into a free zone for unlawful gatherings and illicit activities. The so-called “Miniature Park,” featuring replicas of public institutions like the post office, bus stop and Police Station, lies vandalised and misused for illegal purposes.

How much longer must citizens live in fear and distress? How much longer will authorities look away? The people of Ittigegud are crying out for justice, protection and accountability.

We are not asking for miracles — only for basic law and order, the freedom to move about our streets without fear and the reassurance that the rule of law still stands strong in the heart of Mysuru.

— M. Praveen Kumar, Mysuru, 10.10.2025

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