Probe into security lapse during Governor's visit

Ramanathapuram, Feb 1 (UNI) Tamil Nadu police began a probe into the alleged security lapse during the recent visit of Governor Surjit Singh Barnala to Rameswaram as reported in a section of the media.

Mr Barnala had a miraculous escape in the moving Sethu Express train, while attempting to get off the air-conditioned coach. He slipped missing his step at Rameswaram railway station on January 14.

However, a security person acted swiftly by pushing the Governor inside the train and he escaped unhurt in the incident.

The Southern Railway had ordered a departmental inquiry into the incident and the state government had ordered a police probe into the incident to find out whether there was any security lapse during Mr Barnala's visit.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (Intelligence), Chennai A K Viswanathan conducted a detailed inquiry with the railway officials and others about the incident.

Ramanathapuram district collector R Kirlosh Kumar, Deputy Inspector-General Rajiv Kumar, Superintendent of Police R Thirugnanam and other officials met him and gave their version.

Mr Viswanathan also visited the Rameswaram railway station, inspected the spot and made enquiries with railway staff.

The investigation would also focus on vulnerable areas in trains and on railway premises during VVIP visits.

The investigating officer was expected to submit his report to the Government after his return to Chennai.

UNI GSM GKT SP RAI1947