Published Sep 30, 2026 | 1:12 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 30, 2026 | 1:12 PM
CM D Satheesan during a programme at Kowdiar organized by Senior Citizens Welfare Department on Wednesday
Synopsis: The issue surfaced on Wednesday, 30 September morning when Satheesan arrived at a function in Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuam and noticed a police vehicle travelling ahead of the designated pilot vehicle. Suspecting that an additional vehicle had been added to his convoy, he summoned the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) after stepping out of his car and expressed his displeasure.
The police are caught in a bind over security arrangements for Chief Minister VD Satheesan, who has made it clear that he does not want a large convoy even as growing protests by Yuva Morcha and BJP activists are prompting the police to strengthen his protection.
The issue surfaced on Wednesday, 30 September morning when Satheesan arrived at a function in Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuam and noticed a police vehicle travelling ahead of the designated pilot vehicle.
Suspecting that an additional vehicle had been added to his convoy, he summoned the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) after stepping out of his car and expressed his displeasure.
The DCP, however, clarified that the vehicle was not part of the Chief Minister’s escort.
It belonged to the Museum station SHO, who was also scheduled to attend the function.
Earlier, Satheesan had instructed the police after assuming office that no additional vehicles should be deployed for his official journeys.
He had also conveyed that he did not want the elaborate escort arrangements associated with his predecessor. The police, meanwhile, face increasing security challenges amid intensified protests.
Yuva Morcha and BJP activists have on several occasions attempted to approach ministers’ vehicles, with ministers even being blocked on the road on Tuesday.
The police have consequently decided to increase personnel at programmes attended by the Chief Minister and other ministers.
Adding to the concern is a confidential alert issued by the ADGP (Intelligence) on September 26.
The State Special Branch headquarters directed District Police Chiefs to strengthen security at the Chief Minister’s programmes and along his travel routes.
The alert cited instances of uncontrolled crowds, including media personnel, approaching Satheesan and coming into physical contact with him, warning that such situations could result in serious security lapses given his high security category.
The DPCs were instructed to deploy adequate uniformed personnel as well as plainclothes officers at venues and along routes to ensure the Chief Minister’s security.
Thus, the police face a delicate task: tightening protection without adding to the convoy that the Chief Minister himself wants kept lean.
Also Read: Kerala Assembly ruckus case: Trial set to begin in November, 11 years after the incident
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
