Now, private security personnel to guard Mysuru Palace

Upset with the alleged laxity on the part of local policemen in protecting the Amba Vilas Palace, the Palace Board has reportedly decided to have private security personnel to guard the heritage property.

The Palace Board has hired at least 30 men from the private security agency who will be deputed along with the state police to guard the palace, reports Vijaya Karnataka. Following complaints over harassment to tourists at the Palace's 'Varaha' gate and also at the parking lot, the Palace Board was forced to bring in the private personnel, it is reported. To ensure the safety of tourists, State Chief Secretary who is the Palace Board chairman and Mysuru Deputy Commissioner D Randeep, the Board executive decided to make a change in the security system.

At least 60 police personnel provide security at the various gates of the Palace but they have reportedly failed to protect the interests of the tourists. The Amba Vilas Palace is one of the must-see place on every tourists' itinerary visiting Karnataka. The police have reportedly failed to check the repeated complaints of miscreants and roadside vendors troubling the tourists. Despite bringing these issues to the police commissioner, no action was taken, reports Vijaya Karnataka. "Some of the police officials have been deployed at certain points since many years and they seem to be comfortable at their duties. This has adversely affected the tourists' flow to the Palace. Please transfer who are incapable of discharging their duties," said a letter written by Deputy Commissioner to the police commissioner.

But the City police commissioner Dr A S Subrahamanyeshwar Rao denied receiving any such letter from any of the Palace Board officials. Deploying security is left to the discretion of the Palace Board and if they do not want the police's service, they will be shifted elsewhere, reports Vijay Karnataka quoting the police commissioner.

• mysuru palace
• security to palace
• karnataka