Officials tight-lipped on probe report of security lapse

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 3 (UNI) Top police officials in Kerala are tight-lipped over the findings of an inquiry into the security lapse during the Prime Minister's visit.

Director General of Police Raman Srivastava told UNI the report of Additional Deputy General of Police (Intelligence) Jacob Punnoose would be submitted to Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan tomorrow.

Asked about reports that communication error between the police officer and the driver caused the deviation of the Prime Minister's motorcade from the prescribed route on the way from Thiruvanthapuram airport to Raj Bhavan on October 31, the DGP said 'nothing about it can be revealed now. It can be said only after discussing the matter with the Minister.'' When Mr Punnoose was contacted, he said he had submitted a 'factual report on what happened' to the DGP yesterday. 'I was asked to give a report on what actually happened and I have identified who and what led to the incident,' he said.

The pilot vehicle in the Prime Minister's motorcade had deviated from the prescribed route, causing confusion among security agencies. The pilot car was driven by a tourist taxi driver engaged by police. After the security fiasco, both the driver and the police officer sitting next to him in the car blamed each other for the lapse.

The incident occurred despite clear instructions that no chances should be taken in security following last week's e-mail threat to the Prime Minister and President.

After criticism that the probe by a police officer would be eye-wash, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan yesterday asked Chief Secretary Lizzie Jacob to inquire into the whole episode.

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