In the wake of a statue defilement incident recently, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) is set to strengthen security by installing CCTV cameras at key statue junctions across the city. The initiative is part of a plan to safeguard the statues and deter acts of vandalism.
Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, said local bodies have been directed to enhance security measures, with surveillance systems expected to be operational by next month.
As a first step, MCC will install cameras at three prominent statue circles in the city, it is learnt. The MCC’s move comes after the statue of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar at K.R. Circle was defiled recently by a man, sparking public outrage and exposing security lapses at heritage sites. Civil society organisations and residents strongly condemned the incident and demanded immediate protective measures.
Taking note of the incident, Minister in charge of Mysuru district, H.C. Mahadevappa, instructed the district administration, Police Commissioner, and Superintendent of Police to implement CCTV surveillance for all major statues across the district. This includes statues of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Basavanna, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, and Buddha, among others, he said.
