Allege money and liquor demands to facilitate entry into Palace

Mysuru: Traditional Jattis (wrestlers) have accused Police personnel of harassment, delaying their entry into the Mysore Palace and demanding money and alcohol during Dasara.

Addressing a press conference at Pathrakarthara Bhavan this morning, Krishna Jatti, accompanied by Balarama Jatti, Balaji Jatti and Madhava Jatti, said police excesses led to the cancellation of the century-old ‘Vajramushti Kalaga’ scheduled for Vijayadashami yesterday.

He accused Palace Security ACP Chandrashekhar of failing to address their complaints despite repeated requests.

The Jattis said they had valid entry and vehicle passes issued by the Mysore royal family and reached the Palace by 8 am. However, Police personnel under ACP Chandrashekhar questioned their valid passes and delayed their entry.

The delay disrupted the preparatory rituals, poojas and other ceremonies that had to be completed before the ‘Vajramushti Kalaga’. Despite having vehicle passes, the wrestlers said they were stopped at the Palace gates and could not enter on time. They said they had brought the matter to the attention of Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the Mysore Royal Family, who instructed ACP Chandrashekhar to look into the obstruction and the conduct of Police personnel at the gates. However, they alleged that the harassment continued.

Krishna Jatti also accused a constable, Eshwar, of repeatedly demanding money or items such as alcohol in return for facilitating access to the Palace.

Krishna Jatti showed the media digital payment records that he claimed were linked to the demands.

The Jattis said the delays prevented them from completing their traditional rituals and ‘jodi kattu’ procedures on time, causing distress among members of the wrestling community.