A report into security lapses during prime minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Punjab’s Ferozepur in January has said then district senior superintendent (SSP), Hardeep Bhans, ‘failed to discharge (his) duty and augment route though sufficient time and forces were available’, the Supreme Court said Thursday.
The top court also said the report – produced by the Justice Indu Malhotra committee – would be sent to both the central and Punjab governments.
The bench led by chief justice NV Ramana then declared the matter closed.
The prime minister was scheduled to visit Ferozepur on January 5 to lay the foundation stones for multiple development projects – worth over ₹42,750 crore – months before the Punjab assembly election.
The home ministry said that on the day Modi landed at Punjab’s Bathinda and was scheduled to travel to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter. However, poor weather and visibility meant the prime minister travelled by road instead.
The high-security convoy set off after confirming that required security arrangements had been made by Punjab Police
But, about 30 km before the memorial, the convoy was stuck on a flyover because the road had been blocked by protestors.
Modi was stuck on the flyover for 15-20 minutes.
Following this, he returned to Bathinda airport and his address had to be cancelled.
The incident led to a massive fight between the BJP and the Congress, with each side indulging in blame-games.