Visitors to the picturesque Nandi Hills on the outskirts of Bengaluru were in for a shock on Monday morning after the name onotorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was found painted on the wall of the historic Tipu Palace atop the hill.
The act of vandalism at the 18th-century monument, a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the security arrangements at one of Karnataka’s most visited heritage spots
Authorities rush to site after graffiti goes viral
As videos and photos of the graffiti went viral on social media, authorities and ASI officials quickly reached the site and erased the defacement. Ramesh, the special officer of Nandi Hills, said the mischief was likely done in the early hours before guards took charge.
“Visitors begin arriving as early as dawn; before the guards take position, some indulge in such mischievous acts,” he explained.
Sources said ASI officials are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible for the act.
Recurring vandalism concerns at Nandi Hills
Officials admitted that vandalism and unruly behaviour have become recurring problems at the hilltop destination, which sees a weekend footfall of nearly 20,000 visitors.
“The Basava Mantapa built by the tourism department has had its grill fencing broken four to five times in the past three months,” Ramesh noted. “We are working with ASI to strengthen surveillance and deploy additional security personnel.”
The Nandi Hills police confirmed that they had spotted the graffiti but said no formal complaint had yet been filed by the ASI. However, additional police have been deployed to monitor the area and prevent further damage to the monument.
Historic palace under watch
Located on the northern side of the hill, the two-storey Tipu Palace was originally built as a summer resort during the reign of Hyder Ali, and completed in 1791 under Tipu Sultan.
Historical accounts indicate that Tipu Sultan occasionally held summer durbars here. Constructed with mud bricks and mortar, the palace features wooden interiors, arches, pillars, and balconies, showcasing the architectural style of the Mysore kingdom.
Officials said restoration and conservation work at the site will be re-examined in light of the incident.