Punjab Panel on PM Security Lapse (Mehtab Singh Gill Committee)

January 6, 2022

On January 6, 2022, the Punjab Government created a high level team to investigate the security breach of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

What happened?

On January 5, 2022, Prime Minister landed at Bathinda. He was to visit National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainwala by helicopter. Because of rain air transport couldn’t be arranged. Therefore, the Prime Minister decided to visit the memorial via road. On his way, his convoy was blocked by protestors. And he was stuck for 15 to 20 minutes in a fly over. This was the security breach.

Mehtab Singh Gill Committee

Following the security breach, the Punjab Government has formed the Mehtab Singh Gill Committee. Mr Gill is a retired judge. The committee also comprises of Home secretary of Punjab. The committee is to produce a report within three days.

Why was the PM visiting the memorial?

To inaugurate Rs 43,000 crore development projects. This included construction of roads and hospitals as well. Also, he was to address a gathering. The visit was cancelled.

Who protects the Prime Minister of India?

Special Protection Group. It was formed in 1988 and the sole responsibility of the group is to protect the PM. SPG protects the PM in India and also in abroad. It also protects the immediate family members of the PM.

Special Protection Group (Amendment) Act, 2019

The SPG protects the PM, PM’s spouse, children and parents. The protection is provided to the family members only in the PM residence. Same goes for former PMs as well. The former PMs and their family members are protected only in his or her allotted residence. The protection is provided for five years during PM’s term and for five years after he leaves the office.

The “Blue Book” of SPG

The Blue Book is the rule book of SPG. It has all the guidelines for the protection of the PM. According to the Blue Book, the state police has to prepare the route in case of adverse situations, like the one that has happened now. The Intelligence Bureau had alerted the state police about the protests. The security breach has occurred in spite of all these measures.

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