Jamboo Savari: Journalists protest against police restrictions

Journalists staged a protest at the Mysuru Palace in front of the Jamboo Savari on Vijayadashami, alleging that police restrictions prevented them from reaching the designated locations in time to cover the event.

The journalists, who arrived in a vehicle belonging to the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), were initially stopped near the entrance of the Brahmapuri Palace.

After an argument, they managed to enter the palace grounds, but were stopped again before reaching the North Gate.

As the journalists protested the restrictions, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Harsha Priyamvad rushed to the spot and facilitated their passage. TS Srivatsa, Krishnaraja MLA, was also present and criticized the obstacles placed in the way of journalists covering the event.

Upset with the behavior of the police personnel, journalists staged a sit-in on the road leading to the North Gate, prompting Director General of Police MA Saleem to intervene.

Senior police officials said the confusion over the entry of journalists arose because police officers from outside Mysuru were deployed at the palace.

Meanwhile, K. Shivakumar, MLC, condemned the alleged misbehavior of police personnel towards journalists covering Jamboo Savari and demanded disciplinary action against the officials who allegedly obstructed them in the discharge of their duties.

He questioned the need for the police to stop a vehicle with an official vehicle license and journalists who had valid service licenses issued by the office of the Mysuru City Police Commissioner.

In a letter to the Principal Secretary and Director General of Police and Inspector General of Police, Mr. Shivakumar, who also worked as a journalist, said media personnel faced considerable hardship due to inadequate arrangements to cover this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations.

Journalists were traditionally allowed to enter the palace premises through the Karikallu Thotti gate to cover the Jamboo Savari. However, this year the police department has designated Brahmapuri Gate as the entry point. The police personnel deployed there reportedly denied entry to journalists despite having official service cards issued by the office of the Mysuru City Police Commissioner, he said.

Meanwhile, the Mysuru District Journalists’ Association (MDJA) also condemned the alleged arrogance of the police personnel who prevented journalists from performing their duties. In a statement, MDJA President K. Deepak and General Secretary Dharmapura Narayan called for police action and sought disciplinary action against the police officers involved.

Published – 21 Oct 2026 22:54 IST