Hot under the collar: Summit cops told to be in suits

A large number of low-ranked policemen, part of the security cover for the BRICS summit in Delhi, found themselves in a tight spot on Thursday. The reason: their seniors had mandated them to be in formals, dark suit and tie, while on the job.

A large number of low-ranked policemen, part of the security cover for the BRICS summit in Delhi, found themselves in a tight spot on Thursday. The reason: their seniors had mandated them to be in formals, dark suit and tie, while on the job.

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The instruction, conveyed verbally, was for policemen who were deputed in the security of diplomats and guests, both foreign and national, who attended the summit on Thursday.

Around 11,000 personnel were engaged in providing security at the summit, but only those deployed at hotels, along the routes and the conference venue had to wear suits.

The department provided 125 dark blue suits to the security department officers for the summit. No arrangements, however, were made for the additional personnel, said a source.

“The officer had told us to come only in suits. He had said, ‘Naya kharido, bhade pur lao, yaa kisi se maang kar pehno, par pahenna to suit hi padega (Buy a new one or take it on rent or borrow it from somebody, but you have to wear suits only).’ This was for the first time in my life that I wore a suit,” said an assistant sub-inspector deployed at The Oberoi where Chinese President Hu Jintao stayed.