Punjab police did not follow 'Blue Book' prepared for Modi's visit: MHA

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.

"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.

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

Special Protection Group (SPG) personnel remain in close proximity 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.

In 2021, around 150 drone sightings were recorded on the Punjab border from Pakistan and many such sightings remained uncounted. Many of the drones were also loaded with tiffin bombs, hand grenades, pistols and cash.

A team of MHA is seeking details of deployment, picket, rooftop deployment, barricades and other security measures taken by Punjab Police during the Prime Minister's visit.

"A report has been demanded from intelligence agencies over the security lapse," he added.

On November 4, Punjab Police recovered an explosive-filled tiffin box hidden in an agricultural field near the Indo-Pak border in the Ferozepur district.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to visit Ferozepur on Wednesday to lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 42,750 crore.

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.