by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

Mysore, Jan 3: Mysore Palace, one of the most visited places in the State, is getting ready to become a fortress.

In the wake of the terrorist attack on Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore recently, the city Police force is on a high alert and is tightening the security for one of the most prestigious monuments in Karnataka, the Mysore Palace, which averages about 10,000 visitors everyday.

Detailed security plans have been drawn up, which include installation of sirens, closed circuit TVs and metal detectors, placed at strategic points inside and outside the premises of the Palace. Added to this, sten-gun totting security personnel are on guard round the clock, in the 72-acre premises.

The armed security personnel were deployed to the North Gate of the Palace (main entrance) soon after the attack on IISc in Bangalore. Every visitor was made to pass through the metal detector, it was reported.

Gunmen will be deployed at other two main entrances to the Palace — South Gate and the East Gate.

The Police, after scruitinising the strategic points inside the Palace, have installed the security gadgets to closely monitor the movements of tourists. The closed circuit TVs will be connected to the sirens through the main monitors, said M.B. Naidu, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Palace security.

The Palace is being guarded by 55 constables, 15 head constables, two ASIs, SIs and an Inspector under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

City Police Commissioner Praveen Sood said, it was proposed to arm the Palace security force with modern weapons and discussions were held about the security measures to be implemented in the Palace.

Apart from this, security has also been tightened in all the important institutions and monuments in city, he said and added that ID cards were made mandatory for all the employees of these places.