Mysuru, 19 Sept 

Mysuru City police have roped in 7,500 cops for Dasara duty from 22 September to 2 October. A Rapid Action Force has also been deployed to tackle any emergency.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Mysuru, Police Commissioner Seema Latkar said that for the first time, the city police are planning to use drone cameras for crowd management to prevent any stampede-like situation.  Additionally, private cameramen will be roped in at all Dasara venues.

This heightened security comes in the wake of the 4 June stampede at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations, which claimed 11 lives, as well as the violent stone-pelting incident at Maddur during a Ganesha procession.

The department expects over 15 lakh people to attend the Jamboo Savari procession on 2 October.  

This year, the department has made 48,000 seating arrangements in Mysuru palace, 30,000 in Torchlight parade grounds at BanniMantap.  Only people with entry passes will be allowed.  

Police have ramped up security measures at Chamundi Hills, owing to the Banu Mushtaq row. Police are anticipating some form of protest. 

Along with boots on the ground, digital surveillance will be ramped up with 30,614 CCTV cameras, both mobile and stationary, to monitor key areas. 

Security forces have also been pooled in from across the State.

Latkar added that the department has also set up 43 helpline centres for the benefit of tourists, besides diverting the traffic for hassle-free movement.