City Police Commissioner’s report to DC counters Pramoda Devi’s allegations of mismanagement

Mysuru: Following concerns raised by member of the erstwhile Mysore Royal Family Pramoda Devi Wadiyar over certain developments during this year’s Jumboo Savari, Mysuru City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar has submitted a report to Deputy Commissioner (DC) G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, who is also the Dasara Special Officer, maintaining that the festival was conducted without any lapses.

Pramoda Devi had recently written to the media, alleging poor coordination among various Government Departments during Dasara. She had specifically pointed to a lack of coordination among different wings of Police Department, which she said had led to several problems.

The issue attracted considerable public attention, particularly after the District Minister’s response triggered a debate. Following DC’s instructions, the Police Commissioner submitted a detailed  report yesterday.

According to the report, various divisions of Police Department worked with the District Administration for two months to ensure smooth conduct of Dasara.

Latkar said arrangements had been made for festival security, protection of Golden Howdah, regulating access to Palace premises and ensuring that traditional rituals and practices went ahead without disruption.

Vajramushti Kalaga cancellation

On the cancellation of Vajramushti Kalaga, the report said members of Jetty community, who take part in the event every year, were allowed to enter through the Brahmapuri Gate of Palace as per usual practice.

Of the four teams scheduled to participate, three arrived on time, while the fourth reached late.

Though its members were subsequently allowed inside, they reportedly insisted that people without official passes should also be permitted entry. This delayed the proceedings and the team eventually returned without taking part.

Parking arrangements

The report said parking had been arranged for members of Royal Family and their guests. A separate entry route through Brahmapuri Gate led to the Palace’s private parking area, where officials were deployed to oversee arrangements.

On crowd management, Latkar said nearly 50,000 seats had been arranged within the Palace grounds for dignitaries, guests and members of the public to watch the Jumboo Savari.

The venue was surveyed and inspected in advance in coordination with the District Administration to ensure smooth movement and prevent unauthorised entry. Barricades were put up only where necessary, keeping in mind the need to avoid obstructing Palace rituals.

Security for VIPs & public

The report pointed out that Dasara celebrations were attended by several prominent guests, including the Governor, the Chief Minister, Chief Ministers of neighbouring States, Ministers, foreign ambassadors, Supreme Court and High Court judges, senior military officers, sportspersons and film stars.

With dignitaries and large crowds present, extensive security arrangements were made to protect those attending the festivities and prevent untoward incidents, including stampedes.

Latkar maintained that all precautions had been taken and that the celebrations, including Jumboo Savari, had been conducted without security lapses and in accordance with established traditions and protocol.

‘No unnecessary access to Ambari’

The Police Commissioner’s report also rejected allegations of security lapses around the Golden Howdah (Ambari). She said no Police Officer, staff member or their family members had been allowed unnecessary access to the area around the Ambari inside the Palace premises.

Only officials and personnel assigned to Ambari-related duties were allowed in the area and all of them had official duty passes.

As a new elephant was chosen to carry the Golden Howdah this year, senior Forest Department officials with valid passes were present. They were joined by a special contingent of 40 Forest Department personnel, members of the Cheetah Force and traditional mahouts and handlers.

As in previous years, the Ambari was received from the Palace after a written assurance was given regarding its safety and security. After the Jumboo Savari, it was returned safely and handed over to the Palace authorities following the prescribed procedure, the report said.

Palace representatives with official duty passes were present from the time the Ambari was mounted on the elephant until it was handed back to the Mysore Palace after the procession.