Mysore/Mysuru, April 14 -- Concerns have surfaced over reports that the historic Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion on the Manasagangothri campus may be leased to private parties for long durations, triggering a strong reaction from heritage experts.

The heritage structure comes under the administrative purview of the University of Mysore (UoM). Describing the move to lease out the Mansion as "nothing short of a crime," noted historian and heritage scholar Prof. N.S. Rangaraju said, the beautiful Mansion must be preserved and not commercialised.

Speaking to the media, he said that the proposal might have gone through quietly had it not been flagged by a UoM Syndicate Member. He cautioned against handing over the property on long-term lease or al...