5-member committee headed by ex-judge Indu Malhotra to probe PM Modi’s security breach

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jan 12, 2022: The Supreme Court has appointed a five-member committee to probe the alleged breach in the security of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Punjab earlier this month.

 

The Supreme Court announced the formation of the five-member committee after staying all existing inquiries into the matter.

It said Justice Indu Malhotra will head the committee which will investigate the alleged lapses in PM Modi’s security.

"A registrar general of the Punjab and Haryana High Court will form the committee which will look into PM Modi’s security breach. The committee will also recommend further action to prevent similar incidents," the Supreme Court bench said on Wednesday.

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said the committee needs to submit the report at the earliest.

"The terms of reference will be the cause of breach, what are the safeguards required for such safety of the Prime Minister. The committee will submit a report at the earliest," Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said.

The five-member panel will investigate what led to the lapses in the security of PM Modi during his visit to Punjab. An FIR was also filed in connection with the matter earlier.

The case pertains to the incident when PM Modi’s calvacade was stranded for around 20 minutes on a flyover last week due to farmers’ protest.

This triggered a political row with the Congress-led Punjab government, the state police and even the Special Protection Group (SPG) responsible for the prime minister’s security facing flak over the matter.

While the Centre dubbed the incident a "major lapses in security", Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi denied any breach. Charanjit Channi also welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to form a panel over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security breach.

Meanwhile, an investigation by India Today revealed that the Punjab Police knew about protesting farmers but didn’t act.

Courtesy:India Today