Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cavalcade today encountered an unusual incident - his car was stuck on a flyover for 15 - 20 minutes in Punjab. The convoy, as a result, decided to return. The home ministry termed the incident as a "major security lapse". The centre has also sought a detailed report from the state government and fix accountability.
Here are some must-know facts on the big incident:
Where was PM Narendra Modi headed?
PM Narendra Modi was on his way to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala from Bathinda when the incident occurred.
Traveling by road wasn't planned earlier
Prime Minister Modi was earlier to go to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter. Due to rain and poor visibility, the Prime Minister waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear out, said a Home Ministry statement.
"When the weather did not improve, it was decided that he would visit the National Martyrs Memorial via road, which would take more than two hours," the statement said.
Convoy proceeded after clearance by state police
The Prime Minister's convoy proceeded to travel by road after confirmation of necessary security arrangements by the DGP Punjab Police, the home ministry statement said.
Where did the incident happen?
The statement said that the convoy had to stop "around 30 kms away from the National Martyrs Memorial" in Hussainiwala. It had to stop on a flyover due to roadblock by some protestors.
Centre blames Punjab for security lapse
The Home Ministry said the Prime Minister's schedule and travel plan was communicated well in advance to the Punjab government.
As per procedure, the Home Ministry said, they have to make necessary arrangements for logistics, security as well as keep a contingency plan ready. "Also in view of the contingency plan, the Punjab Government has to deploy additional security to secure any movement by road, which were clearly not deployed. After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda Airport."
Accusation of "lapse" baseless: Punjab government
Punjab minister Rajkumar Verka said that there were no shortcomings and the accusations of security breach during today's rally in Punjab are baseless. "There were no shortcomings in the security arrangements during the PM's visit to Punjab today. The accusations of a security breach are baseless. The truth is that BJP's rally was a flop show. When PM got to know this, he decided to return," Punjab minister Rajkumar Verka said.
