Visitors to Nandi Hills near Bengaluru were shocked on Monday morning to discover the name of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi painted on the walls of the historic Tipu Palace, an 18th-century monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The defacement of the heritage site atop the popular hill station sparked outrage and raised questions about security at one of Karnataka’s most-visited tourist destinations. Videos and images of the graffiti quickly went viral on social media.
According to an ASI officer, vandalism likely occurred during early morning hours before security personnel took charge. “Visitors begin arriving at dawn. Before guards take position, some indulge in such mischievous acts,” the officer said.
ASI officials erased the graffiti and reviewed CCTV footage to identify the vandals.
Kushal Chouksey, Superintendent of Police, Chikkaballapur, told reporters, “After graffiti bearing the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was found on the wall of Tipu Sultan’s Palace in Nandi Hills, Chikkaballapur, a suo motu case was registered at the Nandi Giridhama police station under relevant sections, including trespassing and damaging property. The ASI-protected site was defaced days ago, prompting police action. Investigations are ongoing to identify the culprits.”
The police filed the case under section 2 (committing mischief in respect of property) of the Prevention of Destruction and Loss of Property Act as well as and 324 (2) (mischief) and 329 (3) (criminal trespass) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Located on the hill’s northern side, the two-floor Tipu Palace was built as a summer resort during Hyder Ali’s reign and completed in 1791 under Tipu Sultan. Records indicate Tipu Sultan occasionally held his durbar at the palace in summer. Constructed with mud bricks and mortar, the palace features wooden interiors renowned for their elegant arches, pillars, and balconies.