Security lapse: MHA notices to Bathinda SSP & 5 officers
PM had to cut short his Punjab visit after he was stuck on a flyover for 20 mins
New Delhi, Jan. 7: The Union home ministry has issued showcause notices to six senior officers, including the Bathinda police chief, over the “major lapses in security” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Punjab, officials said here on Friday. Bathinda SSP Ajay Maluja and the five other officers were responsible for the prime minister's security during his visit to the state on January 5 and they have been asked to reply to the notices, officials told PTI here. The home ministry is the cadre controlling authority for the Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. PM Modi had to cut short his visit to Punjab on Wednesday after he was stuck on a flyover for 20 minutes due to a blockade by some protesters, an incident described by the home ministry as a “major lapse” in security.
“Yes, we have served a showcause notice to the SSP of Bathinda and asked him to submit a reply on the serious security
lapses during the PM’s visit,” a senior officer privy to the development said.
Ajay Maluja is currently serving as SSP Bathinda.
Another official said that showcause notices were served to at least five other senior officers of the Punjab Police who were on duty during the Prime Minister’s visit.
The identity of the other officers were not disclosed immediately, but sources said they are police officers on the rank of SSP, DIG and above.
The home ministry, through its showcause notices, has asked the officers as to why action should not be initiated against them under the law including disciplinary proceedings as prescribed in the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal), Rules, 1969, for the acts of omission and commission.