PM security breach in Punjab: SC panel holds Ferozepur SSP responsible for lapses
Darpan News Desk IANS, 25 Aug, 2022 10:51 AM
New Delhi, Aug 25 (IANS) Former Supreme Court judge Justice Indu Malhotra Committee, inquiring into the security lapses in the Prime Minister's convoy in Punjab in January, informed the top court that there should be an oversight committee for periodic revision of 'Blue Book' and indicted Ferozepur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for not taking steps in connection with the security to PM's convoy.
On January 12, the Supreme Court had appointed retired top court judge Justice Indu Malhotra to head the committee to investigate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security breach in Punjab.
Chief Justice N.V. Ramana then had said the panel would inquire into the causes of the security breach, persons responsible for the breach, and also measures to be taken in the future to prevent security breach of the Prime Minister and other constitutional functionaries. The other members of the panel include -- Director General of Police, Chandigarh; Inspector General, National Investigation Agency (NIA) or his nominee not below the rank of IG; Registrar General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court; and Additional DGP, Security, Punjab.
The top court order came on a petition by NGO Lawyer's Voice, which was represented by senior advocate Maninder Singh. The petitioner had emphasised on the importance of protection to the PM of the country and cited previous top court ruling that looked at the SPG Act.
Judge Ambalal R Patel announced a compensation of Rs one lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for those who suffered minor injuries.
The BJP claimed the Prime Minister hosting the prominent Sikhs will help the party by sending a message to the people of Punjab that he is deeply connected with the community and understands their concerns and issues. Another party leader aware of Punjab politics said that the interaction will help the BJP to dispel the anti-Sikh misconception built around it.
Continuing his attack on Punjab Chief Minister Charanjeet Singh Channi, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Friday said that Channi has no knowledge of Bihar. Nitish Kumar claimed that the Congress party gave a chance to a person who has no knowledge of Bihar and Bihari people.
Addressing the media here, he said all the parties were opposing the AAP because it is talking about building good schools and hospitals for the people of Punjab. The AAP is talking about providing good education and medical facilities to the people.
State party chief Navjot Singh Sidhu said the party's government would procure oilseed, pulses and corn from farmers. Sidhu said the party's 13-point agenda reflects Rahul Gandhi's vision.
Ahead of polling for the Assembly elections, five-time Punjab Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) patriarch Parkash Singh Badal on Friday said the party is poised for a triumphant return.
