Tension grips Chikkamagaluru ahead of Datta Jayanti

Chikkamagaluru, Dec 13: A tense atmosphere has prevailed in Chikkamagaluru city and other parts of the district amidst massive preparations for the three-day Datta Jayanti, scheduled from December 20.

Meanwhile, administration has tightened security around the disputed site at Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudan Swamy Dargah to prevent untoward incidents. Last year, during the event some devotees had attempted to damage tombstones adjacent the disputed area.

This time the height of the fence around the area has been increased and a decision taken to post additional police force.

“The chain-link fence is almost 8.5ft. We are prepared to avoid such incidents. Last year also, nothing was damaged in the disputed site,” Harish Pandey, Superintendent of Police, said.

Deputy Commissioner M.K. Sreerangaiah has issued orders banning the entry of tourists to the Bababudangiri during the event.

Devotees have been asked to travel to the cave shrine only in minivans or buses. The entry of vehicles with long chassis has been prohibited to avoid traffic congestion on the narrow roads.

Prior to Datta Jayanti, the VHP had planned a rath yatra in the district from Wednesday. However, the district administration refused to grant permission citing a shortage of police staff as many have been deputed to Belagavi for the State Legislature session.

Mr. Pandey said the organisers had agreed to take out the yatra after December 17. “They have plans to take out a bike rally on December 19. They have been doing it every year,” he said.