PANJIM: In a major security breach that could embarrass the State, BJP national president Amit Shah was left without security cover provided by Goa Police, albeit for a short duration during his visit here on May 28. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar came to the rescue when he quickly ordered shifting his guard force to Shah’s security.
The police department has initiated an inquiry into the lapse as the Goa Police personnel went missing during the lunch break at Hotel Mandovi even as Shah moves with Z plus security. DIG K K Vyas confirming this said the confusion was owing to a sudden change in the programme.
“He (Shah) was supposed to move to Azad Maidan to attend the public meeting after a meeting (of BJP ministers and legislators) at Hotel Mandovi. By then our personnel went upstairs for lunch oblivious that he (Shah) had decided to go his accommodation before addressing the gathering,” the officer told Herald.
Since the highly-equipped escort vehicle, parked below the hotel had no police driver and security guard, Parsekar promptly directed his security personnel to take over. “Nonetheless, I have directed the concerned officer to initiate an inquiry, and submit a final report soon,” he said.
There was, however, no complaint from the party’s senior national leader but the lapse was brought to the notice of the police higher-ups prompting inquiry.
Shah was accorded Z-plus category security in July 2014 following an order by the Union Home Ministry, after reviewing the threat perception. He is among around 250 people to get Z-plus security.
He is presently guarded by 25 commandos and during his travel – two cars – one in front and the other behind – with black cat commandos escort the vehicle. These commandos are drawn from the National Security Guards (NSG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the local police.
