Mounted police go headless ahead of Dasara

Traditionally, horseback commandant leads ceremonial parade during Jamboo Savari

With less than a month left for Navaratri festivities to begin from October 14, the Karnataka Armed Reserve Mounted Police (KARP) force, popularly known as Mounted Police, has gone headless.

Many may wonder what may be the link between Mounted Police and ‘Nada Habba’ Dasara. It is not just the official thread, but also ceremonial, with horseback police force, dating back to the time of Wadiyars, the erstwhile rulers of Mysore (now Mysuru). The Mounted Police Commandant, in the cadre of SP, who heads the mounted police wing, also leads the contingent of policemen in the ceremonial parade, who offer guard of honour to the presiding deity Chamundeshwari. Chief minister and other invitees offer floral respects to the Goddess’ idol placed in the 750 kg golden howdah, marking the commencement of Jamboo Savari, the last leg of Dasara on the palace premises. The officer at the helm also leads a platoon of horseback men during the procession.

The commandant repeats the role, during the torchlight parade at Bannimantap, the same evening, where Governor receives the guard of honour. Jamboo Savari is scheduled to be held on October 23.

Sources told Deccan Herald, the commandant’s post has remained vacant since R Janardhan, who was holding the post for over one year was transferred to the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) force, Mangaluru, a month ago. Janardhan had the opportunity to command the parade, also his maiden role, during the previous Dasara. Earlier, S G Mariba Shetty, who had a long stint with the mounted wing, commanded the parade for over three decades.

For now, DCP (CAR) B V Kittur holds the additional charge of Mounted Police commandant. At present, the name of Shivakumaraiah who was recently promoted as SP and transferred to the bomb detection and disposal squad, Bengaluru, is doing rounds to succeed Janardhan. Shivakumaraiah, who was previously ACP (DySP cadre) at the City Armed Reserve (CAR) police force, Mysuru, had gained experience during the passing-out parades, one reason for which his name has emerged as the only probable candidate to head the wing.

According to history, the Mounted Police is in existence from 64 years, ever since it was commissioned in the year 1951. The horses with the Maharaja’s bodyguards were used for the force, having its headquarters on Lalitha Mahal Road. The stables, field and office buildings have been in existence since the princely rule.