Lapse or Gimmick? BJP, Cong cross swords

After Punjab high drama, Centre forms 3-member panel to probe security slip

New Delhi: The Centre on Thursday formed a three-member committee to enquire into “serious lapses” in security arrangements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab which led to the exposure of the VVIP to “grave risk”.

The panel was formed a day after Modi had to cut short his visit in Punjab after he was stuck on a flyover for 20 minutes due to a blockade by some protesters, an incident described by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as a “major lapse” in security.

The MHA has also sought an immediate report from the state government besides asking it to fix responsibility and take strict action against those responsible.

The three-member committee will be led by Sudhir Kumar Saxena, Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat, and would comprise Balbir Singh, Joint Director of the Intelligence Bureau, and S. Suresh, IG, Special Protection Group.

The committee has been directed to submit the report at the earliest.

After being stranded on the flyover due to a blockade by protesters, the prime minister had to return from poll-bound Punjab without attending any event, including a rally.

The incident triggered a major political row as the BJP alleged the ruling Congress in Punjab “tried to physically harm” the prime minister, while other parties too attacked the state government over the law and order issue.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will on Friday hear a plea seeking a thorough investigation into the breach in the prime minister’s security and ensuring there is no such lapse in the future. — (PTI)