The city police have beefed up the security ahead of the famed Mysuru Dasara, which will commence on Saturday. The police will deploy 4,212 personnel in two phases to ensure safety of the visitors and also to ensure free flow of traffic in the city during Dasara between October 1 and 11.
City Police Commissioner B Dayananda, in a press conference, said, “Due to the agitations over Cauvery River issue police personnel are unavailable from neighbouring districts and thus security personnel from Eastern, Western and Northeastern range will be deputed in the city. Of the 4,214 security personnel, 1,400 home guards, 40 Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, 40 commandos, Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) battalions and City Armed Reserve (CAR) personnel, 49 security inspection teams, 23 dog squads and anti-sabotage check teams and three bomb detection and disposal squads will be pressed into duty during Dasara.”
He further added, “To oversee the security, 13 SP grade officers and 35 DySPs will be deputed. In all, over 3,432 civil police will be on duty and traffic police personnel from Bengaluru along with Mysuru traffic police will be deployed to manage the traffic. Crime squads from neighbouring districts and states will assist the local police in identifying criminals,” the commissioner said.
Frisking
Visitors to the inaugural function atop the Chamundi Hill and Mysuru Palace to view Jamboo Savari will be thoroughly frisked at the entrances. The police will instal 47 additional CCTV cameras at major and sensitive areas in the city. Dasara procession route and Bannimantap grounds will be under CCTV surveillance.
Police help desk
The city police will set up Police Help Desk or kiosks at 20 prime locations to help tourists and patrolling will be intensified across the city.
No laser, fireworks
As the cultural events begin at 8 pm, delayed by an hour compared to previous years, at Bannimantap Grounds on October 11, on the day of Jamboo Savari, laser show, a major attraction during torch light parade, finale of Dasara, has been cancelled.
As Dasara is being celebrated with an eco-friendly theme, the police department has cancelled the cracker show, the commissioner said. But, Mallakhamb, a desi gymnastic, is added.
A group of students from Bagalkot will demonstrate the acrobatic skills. Other events like motorcycle stunts, and horse jumping will be performed during the torchlight parade.
Published 29 September 2016, 17:49 IST