Mangaluru: A replica of the saxophone associated with renowned musician Kadri Gopalanath, installed at Mallikatta Park in Mangaluru as a tribute to the late saxophonist, has reportedly been stolen.
The replica was placed at a memorial pedestal created in honour of Kadri Gopalanath as part of the development of Mallikatta Park. The theft has raised concerns over the maintenance and security of the public park.
Saxophone replica installed as tribute
Mallikatta Park was developed a few years ago at a cost of around Rs 75 lakh. As part of the project, a memorial pedestal dedicated to Kadri Gopalanath was created at the park.
A replica of the saxophone associated with the celebrated musician was placed inside a glass enclosure at the memorial. The installation subsequently became one of the attractions for visitors to the park.
Kadri Gopalanath, who hailed from coastal Karnataka, was known for popularising the saxophone as a concert instrument in Indian classical music. The memorial installation was intended to recognise his contribution to music and his connection with Mangaluru.
Replica reportedly stolen a week ago
According to local sources, the saxophone replica is believed to have been stolen around a week ago.
The glass enclosure and memorial space were reportedly found without the replica, prompting local representatives to bring the matter to the attention of the police.
The circumstances in which the replica disappeared are yet to be established. It is also not clear when exactly the theft occurred or how the item was removed from the enclosure.
Police begin investigation
Local corporator Kadri Manohar Shetty informed Kadri police about the theft.
Following the complaint, police have initiated an investigation to trace the missing replica and identify those responsible.
Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and are expected to gather information from people familiar with the park and its surroundings.
No breakthrough had been reported in the case at the time of filing this report.
Concerns over park maintenance
The reported theft has also brought attention to the condition of Mallikatta Park.
The park, which was developed with an investment of around Rs 75 lakh, has reportedly faced maintenance difficulties in recent years due to a lack of funds.
Local sources said the park has gradually fallen into neglect, raising concerns about the upkeep of public infrastructure and memorial installations.
The absence of adequate maintenance and security could also have contributed to concerns regarding the protection of the memorial and other facilities at the park, although the circumstances of the reported theft have not yet been established.
The saxophone replica had particular significance as a tribute to Kadri Gopalanath, whose musical legacy remains closely associated with Mangaluru.
The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the theft and help determine the whereabouts of the missing replica.