"Punjab Police Not Followed the Blue Book," Says: MHA

MHA demands a report from intelligence agencies over the security lapse

New Delhi: In a major security lapse, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was stuck on a flyover for around 20 minutes on his way to Hussainiwala in Punjab due to a group of agitating farmers blocking the roads. Despite having intelligence inputs about protesters, Punjab Police did not follow the 'Blue Book' and had not prepared a contingency route for Prime Minister's visit, said a senior Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) official.

Special Protection Group's (SPG) Blue Book lays down security guidelines for the protection of the Prime Minister.

According to the officials of MHA said, "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."

He added that officials of the Intelligence Bureau were in contact with Punjab Police and have alerted those regarding protesters movement and Punjab Police officers assured them of complete protection to the VIP.

SPG personnel remain close to the PM while the rest of the security measures are taken care of by the state government. In case of any sudden developments, the state police update SPG and the movement of VIP are changed accordingly, added the official.

A team of MHA seeks details of the deployment, picket, rooftop deployment, barricades and other security measures taken by Punjab Police during the PM's visit. "A report has been demanded from intelligence agencies over the security lapse," he added.

The Home Ministry has taken cognizance of the "serious security lapse" and has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government. The state government has also been asked to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action.

A statement of Home Ministry said that PM Modi landed at Bathinda on Wednesday morning from where he was to go to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter. Due to rain and poor visibility, the Prime Minister waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear out.

The statement also added, when the weather did not improve, it was decided that he would visit the National Martyrs Memorial via road, which would take more than two hours. The Prime Minister proceeded to travel by road after necessary confirmation of necessary security arrangements by the DGP Punjab Police.

"This was a major lapse in the security of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister's schedule and travel plan were 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 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 not deployed. After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda Airport," it added.