MYSURU: District Minister Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah has assured government assistance to the family of a five-year-old child who sustained serious head injuries during the Mysuru Dasara Jumboo Savari procession on October 21. The minister visited Manipal Hospital in Mysuru on October 22 to enquire about the child’s health and promised action against the police constable allegedly responsible for the incident.
The child, identified as Shishira, was watching the Vijayadashami procession with her family at Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Circle, also known as Highway Circle, in Bannimantap when a police constable’s lathi reportedly struck her on the head.
The child was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where she received emergency treatment and underwent a surgical procedure. The incident raised concerns over crowd-control measures during one of Mysuru’s biggest annual public events.
Minister assures financial assistance
During his visit to the hospital, Dr Yathindra spoke with the child’s family members and enquired about her condition. He assured them that the state government would extend the necessary medical and financial assistance.
The minister also announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. In addition, he assured the family that he would provide financial assistance personally.
The family had reportedly paid Rs 3 lakh towards the hospital expenses. According to hospital sources cited by Star of Mysore, the amount would be reimbursed following a letter from the authorities concerned.
Dr Yathindra directed Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy and City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and initiate appropriate action against the constable responsible.
Child undergoes surgery, condition stable
The child sustained serious head injuries when the police constable’s lathi struck her during crowd-control efforts at Highway Circle on the evening of October 21.
Following the incident, she was taken to Manipal Hospital for emergency treatment and was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit. Doctors performed surgery to treat the head injury and continued to monitor her condition.
Hospital sources said on the morning of October 23 that the child’s condition was stable. She was expected to remain under medical observation for the next three days.
The medical team continued to provide treatment and monitor her recovery following the procedure.
Incident raises questions over crowd control
The incident occurred during the Jumboo Savari procession, which attracts large crowds of residents and tourists every year. Police personnel are deployed along the procession route to regulate movement, maintain security and prevent overcrowding.
However, the injury to the young child has prompted concern about the use of force while managing spectators during major public gatherings.
The child’s family questioned the need for the use of a lathi in a crowded area where children and families had assembled to watch the procession. The incident also drew public criticism, with demands for accountability and appropriate action.
Police Commissioner Seema Latkar had earlier stated that the department was looking into the incident and that necessary assistance would be extended to the family.
Inquiry ordered into constable’s role
The minister’s directions to the district administration and police leadership came as the incident attracted attention. The inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances in which the child’s injury occurred and the role of the police personnel deployed at the location.
The authorities have been asked to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action against the constable found responsible.
The case has also highlighted the importance of ensuring that crowd-control measures at large public events protect spectators, particularly children and other vulnerable visitors.
As the child continues to recover, the family is expected to receive assistance towards medical expenses. Further details about the inquiry and any disciplinary action against the constable are awaited.