SC Panel Finds Ferozepur SSP Responsible For PM's Security Breach

The Ferozepur SSP (Punjab Police) has been found responsible for the breach in the Prime Minister’s security, earlier this year, by a Supreme Court-appointed panel.

The committee was set up to probe the security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Punjab in January 2022.

According to its report, the officer failed to maintain law and order and discharge his duty.

The five-member panel told the Supreme Court that there was sufficient time with the SSP after the then Punjab ADGP G Nageshwar Rao informed him about the contingency route the prime minister’s convoy would be taking.

As per the panel report, Ferozepur SSP Avneet Hans failed to deploy forces to secure the route despite having knowledge about the presence of a large hostile group on the route, two hours before the PM’s convoy was to arrive.

The top court said it will send the report of the committee headed by former apex court judge Indu Malhotra to the government for appropriate action.

The committee also told the top court that there should be an oversight committee for periodic revision and update of 'Blue Book' and sensitisation courses for police officers engaged in the security of the prime minister.

The Blue Book contains an unambiguous and detailed procedure to be observed by the state authorities and the special protection to ensure the full safety and security of the prime minister while he is touring a state.

The committee has also identified some remedial measures to strengthen the safety and security of the prime minister while on tour.

On January 5, PM Modi's convoy was stranded on a flyover in western Punjab due to a blockade by protesters in Ferozepur after which he returned from the state without attending any event, including a rally.

Reacting to the observations, BJP held the then Congress CM responsible for the security breach, who the BJP said was working at Congress leaders’ behest.

(with inputs from PTI)