Mysore: Forest Department officials on Sunday October 4 alleged that they were denied entry to the Palace where the elephants were being readied for the grand finale.

Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Parameshwar who along with his staff which is taking care of howdah elephant Arjuna, yesterday went to the Palace to check the harnessing of Arjuna to the Golden Howdah, but were denied permission to enter the Palace premises though they had passes signed by City Police Commissioner Dr MA Saleem.

They were then made to run to all the four gates of the Palace to seek entry, but in vain. They then informed the police brass about the ill treatment meted out to them by the Police. After sometime they were allowed to enter the Palace premises.

The trial continued as the Forest Officials went to Bannimantap to get the howdah removed from the back of Arjuna and were again denied permission to go near Arjuna by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel and by the Inspector of Palace security, who not only stopped the Forest Department personnel but also allegedly insulted them .

DRFO Vijaykumar said “We know the behaviour of elephants and we should have been present at the spot, but the Police ill treated us, though we had passes.”

Many Police officials were seen clicking their photographs with howdah elephant Arjuna and many were allowed to go near the elephant,  but not the Forest Department personnel, who were the only ones denied access.

They have threatened to not participate in the next Dasara,  if the District Administration does not take action against the erring Police officials.