The Union Home Minister became serious towards repeated breach of security during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to Andhra Pradesh. It became furious over the flying of drones during PM Modi’s road show in Vijayawada on May 8, as part of his election campaign.
The Union Home Department has written a letter to the Chief Secretary of the State Government to take action against those responsible. As part of the election campaign, Modi held a roadshow in Vijayawada on 8th along with NDA leaders Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan.
This road show started at 6.15 pm from Municipal Stadium to Benz Circle on Bandaru Road. 45 minutes before that, the National Security Group (NSG), which oversees the Prime Minister’s security responsibilities, noticed drones flying in the air, one near the start of the road show and another near the end.
NSG commandos brought down those drones. During the PM’s visit the police issued orders of ban on flying any drones within a distance of at least 2 kilometers from the area where the PM is visiting. Union Home Ministry wandered over this breach of security after getting information from the NSG about flying of these drones in Vijayawada.
Though it was made clear that no drone should be flyed during that period during discussions held on security regarding the Prime Minister’s visit on May 5, Home Ministry questioned why the AP police flew drones even though this matter was explained.
Apart from taking action against those responsible, it has been advised to take precautions to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. It may be recalled that earlier in February when the Prime Minister attended an NDA rally near Chilakaluripet also severe breach of security was found. It has resulted in the transfer of key IPS officers.
According to sources from AP Police, as part of security for VIPs, the police department flies drones for surveillance. However, Vijayawada Police Commissioner has given instructions declaring the PM’s Roadshow area as a no flying zone. Therefore, before flying the drones anyone should obtain prior permission from him.
However, the police had flown this drone from Prakasam district without the knowledge of the Vijayawada Police Commissioner. An internal investigation is underway.
