Miscreants scribble gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s name on Tipu Sultan’s summer residence in Nandi hills

Visitors who flocked to Nandi Hills during the spate of festival holidays were in for a rude shock to see the summer palace of Tipu Sultan defaced. Miscreants had scribbled the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi on the palace walls, exposing serious lapses in security and heritage preservation.

The construction of the palace was initiated by Hyder Ali and was later completed by Tipu Sultan, to be used as a summer retreat. It was named “Tashk-e-Jannat”, meaning “the envy of heaven”. The structure is constructed with wood and carved arches, pillars, and beautifully painted walls and ceilings that reflect the grandeur of Mysuru architecture.

Local visitors have expressed shock and concern over the vandalism, urging authorities to restore the damaged portions and ensure better protection of the 18th-century monument. There are many write ups and graffitis on the walls too.

A view of Tipu’s summer residence at Nandi hills.
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Special arrangement

Though there are security and CCTV camaras installed at the site, none of them are functioning, a staff at the Nandi Hills admitted.

There are guides and security personnel who monitor the visitors and warn them against vandalism. Moreover, writing the gangster’s name on Tipu’s residence appears aimed at disturbing law and order situation, a visitor averred.

The summer residence is situated at the entrance of the site close to Amrita Sarovara. It is a restricted place and the staff and security are not aware how someone climbed up to the terrace of the two-storeyed building.

A senior police officer said he would look into the matter and take necessary action. Officials from the State Tourism Department, tasked with overseeing Nandi Hills, said that the matter has not yet come to their notice and that they would look into it.