DMK and BJP spar over ‘security lapse’ during Modi’s Chennai visit for Chess Olympiad

Annamalai alleged that several pieces of security equipment such as handheld metal detectors, door-frame metal detectors and bomb detectors were “not in order” and “overdue for maintenance and replacement”.

“By compromising on the security devices, the state government has not just goofed up in ensuring a vital area is sanitised before a VVIP’s visit, but has also missed providing the security personnel on the field with functional security devices, thus putting to risk our Honourable Prime Minister [sic],” the IPS officer-turned-politican alleged in the memorandum.

Annamalai also trained his guns once again on the state intelligence chief, S Davidson Devasirvatham, an officer against whom Annamalai, of late, has been levelling various allegations.

Today, along with other senior leaders of @BJP4TamilNadu, we met the Hon Governor of TN, to present a memorandum on a grave security lapse committed by the @arivalayam govt, during the visit of Hon PM Thiru @narendramodi avl to Chennai on 28 & 29th July 2022. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/uwqcF3qe4a

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) November 29, 2022

‘Central agencies alerted state’

Further, the BJP leader claimed central agencies had brought the security lapses to the notice of the state police. Subsequently, the police department issued a circular to all police stations directing them to conduct an audit of the security devices, he claimed.

Annamalai added in the memorandum: “After the Honourable Prime Minister’s visit and after the central agencies pointing out the lapses, a circular to all police stations demanding a status report of all security devices was sent out recently by the TN state police department. Unfortunately, this status report should have been called for before our PM visited the state [sic].”

Also read: Annamalai hoping to cruise through choppy waters

DGP denies security lapse

Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) C Sylendrababu denied the allegations of a security lapse during the prime minister’s visit and refuted Annamalai’s claims about the state police receiving communication from the central agencies regarding the same.

“We have not received any communication from the Special Protection Group (SPG) or any other central agency regarding the prime minister’s security. Orally, they told us that the event was held in a good manner,” he told reporters.

Regarding the circular issued to police stations, the DGP claimed that it was normal practice. The audit of security equipment was an annual affair to ascertain whether they should undergo maintenance or be replaced.

“We have the best equipment in Tamil Nadu. We have a good quantity of such devices too. We give our equipment to other states when they ask for it. Therefore, there are no shortcomings when it comes to our equipment,” he added.

Prime Minister Modi and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin at the inauguration of the Chess Olympiad. (PIB)

What the circular said

ADGP (Intelligence) had issued the now-leaked circular saying that the Security Branch CID, the unit responsible for the security of VVIPs, among others, has been coordinating and collecting monthly status reports from field units to ensure fool-proof security.

He then went on to say that during the Chess Olympiad bandobast, it was observed that the working condition of the equipment was not satisfactory and there were discrepancies in the monthly status reports provided by the units concerned.

“It appears that not many efforts were taken to repair the equipment or condemn them if required,” the circular further said.

In this regard, the zonal inspector generals of police/commissioners were instructed to conduct an inspection the equipment of the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS) in districts/cities and furnish details.

A list of BDDS equipment issued by the chief office was also collected for comparison. “It was observed that there is a variation in the quantity and details of the issued equipment,” the circular stated.

While assessing the details received from the field units, it was found that most pieces of equipment were past their expiry dates. It was also noted that the units had not made proposals for servicing or condemning the equipment.

In the same circular, the ADGP also gave a slew of recommendations, such as quarterly inspection of BDDS equipment in cities/districts.

“If the equipment is not working, effective steps may be taken to repair it; if the equipment has completed its life span/not working/ beyond scope of repair, initiate proposals for condemnation, etc,” he said.

‘SPG responsible for PM’s security’

Meanwhile, the DMK hit back at Annamalai. Senior leader TKS Elangovan pointed out that the SPG was responsible for the prime minister’s security and the state police had no role in it.

“The prime minister came here (Chennai), took part in the event and returned to Delhi. He visited the state again once afterwards. Now plans are on for his next visit. And Annamalai is now raising allegations about the security of the event that happened back in July. Wasn’t he a police officer,” Elangovan asked while interacting with reporters.

“The prime minister’s security is the responsibility of the SPG from Delhi. They visit the spot and monitor the security arrangements. If anything is lacking, it is immediately pointed out and rectified. They come a week ahead of the prime minister’s scheduled visit,” he explained.

“So when Annamalai is saying that there was a security lapse, is he trying to say that there was something wrong on the part of the SPG? Or does he have a problem with Union Home Minister Amit Shah,” the DMK leader sought to know.

Even as the war of words continued, according to reports, Governor Ravi sought a report from the chief secretary on the alleged security lapse.