As a precautionary measure, the Karnataka government has decided to provide necessary security to the residences of cricket stars Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble here and that of Javagal Srinath in Mysore.The decision follows attacks on the houses of Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly in Kolkata and Mohammed Kaif in Allahabad, especially after the miserable defeat suffered by the Indian team against Australia in their second World Cup match.Disclosing this to reporters in Gulbarga on Monday, Home Minister Mallikarjuna M. Kharge said: ‘‘Following reports of protest by cricket lovers after India’s poor performance, security measures will be taken against any possible violence in the state. The issue has been discussed with top officials and accordingly, precautionary measures have been taken.’’When contacted, Bangalore City Police Commissioner M.D. Singh told The Indian Express he was yet to receive intimation regarding the players’ security from the government. Singh added that though the police did not visualise any problem, necessary steps will still be taken to ensure protection to the families of Dravid and Kumble after getting proper directions from the Government.Meanwhile, Mysore Police Commissioner Bipin Gopalakrishna also maintained that he did not anticipate any threat to Srinath’s family in Mysore and said there was no official communication as yet from the state government to provide them protection.However, Mysore police have already increased patrol near Srinath’s house in Kuvempunagar. Patrolling has been stepped up, especially during the night.
