Why is the Kolkata Mounted Police Excluded from the R-Day Parade Again?
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Synopsis
The Kolkata Mounted Police's absence from the Republic Day parade for the fourth consecutive year raises questions. An incident involving a horse's unexpected behavior in 2022 has led to this decision, leaving spectators with only robotic mules for entertainment. Read on to discover the full story behind this unusual decision.
Key Takeaways
- The Kolkata Mounted Police will miss the Republic Day parade for the fourth year.
- A 2022 incident involving a horse caused this exclusion.
- Robotic mules will feature in the parade instead of real horses.
- The mounted police will still be present in the Maidan area for crowd management.
- This decision reflects the authorities' commitment to maintaining order during national celebrations.
Kolkata, Jan 25 (NationPress) The Kolkata Police's Mounted Police will be absent from the Republic Day parade on the Red Road this Sunday. According to sources within the Kolkata Police, this marks the fourth consecutive year that the Mounted Police have been excluded from the parade, a decision stemming from a 2022 incident where a horse unexpectedly turned its back on the then-Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar during the salute.
On a brighter note, attendees will still see the Indian Army's mechanical 'robotic mules' in lieu of real horses.
While the horses won't be part of the parade, the mounted police unit will remain active in the Maidan area from early morning on Republic Day. The police cavalry will monitor the event to ensure that the spectators enjoy a safe and orderly experience.
It is worth noting that during the January 26, 2022 Republic Day parade, a contingent from the Army's Eastern Command marched along the Red Road, while the Kolkata Police's mounted unit paraded with their horses, all in perfect synchronization. However, one horse, aged 11 at the time, unexpectedly broke formation and turned away from Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Following the incident, officials at Lalbazar conducted an investigation and discovered that a giant screen along the road was displaying the parade. The horse had been distracted by its own image on the screen, prompting its erratic behavior.
Despite being quickly brought back into line, this incident has led to the mounted police unit being excluded from both the Republic Day and Independence Day parades since then. According to sources at Lalbazar, the mounted police will again not participate in this year's festivities.
Point of View
It is important to highlight that while the absence of the Kolkata Mounted Police may seem trivial, it reflects a larger conversation around public events and safety. The authorities have made a decision grounded in past experiences, ensuring that such incidents do not affect the overall atmosphere during significant national celebrations. This approach prioritizes the experience of attendees and the integrity of the event.
NationPress
25/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't the Kolkata Mounted Police participate in the parade?
The Kolkata Mounted Police have been excluded from the parade for four consecutive years due to a 2022 incident where a horse turned its back on the then-Governor during the salute.
What will replace the Mounted Police in the parade?
Spectators will see the Indian Army's mechanical 'robotic mules' in place of the horses during the parade.
What happened during the 2022 parade?
During the 2022 parade, one horse broke formation and turned away from the Governor, causing a disruption.
Where will the Mounted Police be on Republic Day?
The mounted police unit will be stationed in the Maidan area to ensure safety and order during the celebrations.
Has this unit participated in previous parades?
Yes, the Kolkata Mounted Police have participated in Republic Day and Independence Day parades in the past, approximately four times before the incident in 2022.
