Breach in Rahul Gandhi's security in Kanpur

Kanpur, Oct 24 (UNI) There was a breach in the security of Congress MP from Amethi Rahul Gandhi as the Uttar Pradesh government failed to provide him adequate security for over an hour during his day-long visit to this industrial city today.

It was second such lapse in quick succession as the same had happened with Mr Gandhi during his Uttarakhand visit earlier this week.

The breach in Special Protection Group (SPG) protectee was witnessed here when Mr Gandhi remained without the state government security for more than an hour. The SPG men had a tough time ensuring the security as the Congress General Secretary was surrounded by students of Chandrashekhar Azad Agriculture University.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) president Reeta Bahuguna Joshi alleged that the lapse in the security was deliberate on the part of Kanpur district administration on the behest of Chief Minister Mayawati.

District Magistrate of Kanpur Anil Sagar, meanwhile, denied any lapse in Mr Gandhi's security. ''There could be some other reasons to complain about the security,'' he remarked when pointed out that the Congress was sore on lack of state government's security which is mandatory for a person with SPG cover.

A senior police officer, however, said the security was adequate, but he admitted that he was without a pilot car for few minutes.

Meanwhile, the SPG has also registered its protest, according to some highly placed sources.

UNI MB/SB JAS ARB SB BST1607