Punjab forms panel to probe Modi 'security breach'

THE government of the northern Indian state of Punjab has set up a high-level committee to investigate the alleged security lapse that took place during prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ferozepur district of the state bordering Pakistan and sparked an outrage throughout the country.

The committee will submit its report in three days’ time.

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An official spokesperson of the chief minister’s office of Punjab said on Thursday (6) that the committee would include retired judge Mehtab Singh Gill and principal secretary, home affairs and justice Anurag Verma.

The spokesperson confirmed that the committee will submit its report within three days.

The ‘security lapse’ took place on Wednesday (5) when Modi was scheduled to visit Ferozepur in the poll-bound state to lay the foundation stone of several development projects worth more than Rs 42,750 crore.

The home ministry said in a statement that the prime minister landed in Bathinda in the morning from where he was set to go to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur district by helicopter. However, he was made to wait for 20 minutes as the weather remained unfavourable.

When the weather did not improve, it was decided that Modi would leave by car which would take more than two hours. His convoy then proceeded after the required confirmation of security arrangements was received from the local police.

But when his convoy was around 30 kilometres from the destination, it got stuck on a flyover as the road was blocked by some protesters.

Modi remained stranded on the flyover for 15-20 minutes.

“This was a major lapse in the security of the prime minister. The prime minister’s schedule and travel plan was communicated well in advance to the Punjab government. As per procedure, they have to make necessary arrangements for logistics, security as well as keep a contingency plan ready,” the home ministry’s statement said.

“Also in view of the contingency plan, the Punjab government has to deploy additional security to secure any movement by road, which were clearly not deployed. After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda Airport,” it added.

The ministry has taken cognizance of the “serious security lapse” and sought a detailed report from the state which is ruled by the Indian National Congress.

The state government has also been asked to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action.