Punjab Police Didn’t Follow Intel, Ignored ‘Blue Book’: MHA Official On PM Security Breach
Mumbai: A Ministry of Home Affairs official told ANI that Punjab Police did not follow the Blue Book and had not prepared a contingency route for PM Narendra Modi’s visit despite having intelligence inputs about protesters. Special Protection Group’s (SPG) Blue Book lays down security guidelines for the protection of the Prime Minister. Also Read: PM Cancels Punjab Rally After Being Stuck On Flyover For 15-20 Minutes Amid Protests
“As per the Blue Book, the state police have to prepare contingency route for the protectee in case of any adverse situation like the one that happened in Punjab during PM’s visit,” said the MHA official. Also Read: No Security Lapse, PM Was Supposed To Go By Helicopter: Punjab CM As PM Cancels Rally
He said that the Intelligence Bureau officials are in touch with the Punjab Police and have alerted them about the protest movement and Punjab Police officials have assured them of full security to the VIPs. Also Read: Protestors Given Access to PM’s Route, Punjab CM Refused To Get On Phone: JP Nadda
The Special Protection Group (SPG) personnel stay close to the PM, while the rest of the security measures are taken by the state government. The official said that in case of any sudden incident, the state police updates the SPG and the movement of VIPs is changed accordingly.
In 2021, around 150 drones were sighted along the Pakistan-Punjab border and many such sightings remained uncounted. Tiffin bombs, grenades, pistols and cash were also loaded in several drones.
A team from the Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking details of the deployment, picketing, rooftop deployment, barricades and other security measures undertaken by the Punjab Police during the visit of the Prime Minister.
“A report has been demanded from intelligence agencies over the security lapse,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to visit Ferozepur on Wednesday to lay the foundation stone of several development projects worth over Rs 42,750 crore.
The Home Ministry has taken cognizance of the “serious security lapse” and sought a detailed report from the Punjab government. The state government has also been asked to fix the responsibility of this lapse and take strict action.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a detailed statement on the breach of security during PM Modi’s visit to Punjab. Here is the full MHA statement:
“This morning the PM reached Bathinda, from where he was to go by helicopter to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala. Due to rain and poor visibility, the PM waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear. When the weather did not improve, it was decided that he would go to the National Martyrs Memorial by road, which would take more than 2 hours. After the DGP Punjab Police confirmed the necessary security arrangements, he proceeded to travel by road.
“Around 30 kms away from National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, when the PM’s convoy reached a flyover, it was found that the road was blocked by some protestors. The PM was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes. This was a major lapse in the security of PM.
“The Punjab government was informed in advance about the PM’s schedule and travel plan. They will have to make necessary arrangements for logistics, security as well as keeping contingency plans ready as per the procedure. Also in view of the contingency plan, the Punjab government would have to deploy additional security to secure any movement by road, which were clearly not deployed. After this security lapse, it was decided to return to Bathinda airport.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs taking cognizance of this serious security lapse has sought a detailed report from the state government. State Government has also been asked to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action.”
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