PM Modi's Punjab security breach: Panel faults then Ferozepur SSP
Union home ministry had sought a detailed report into the lapses, which triggered a massive political row between the Congress (then in power in Punjab) and the BJP at the centre.
A report into security lapses during prime minister Narendra Modi's rally in Punjab's Ferozepur in January has said then district senior superintendent (SSP), Harmandeep Singh Hans, 'failed to discharge (his) duty and augment route though sufficient time and forces were available', the Supreme Court said.
The top court also said the report - produced by the Justice Indu Malhotra committee - would be sent to both the central and Punjab governments.
The bench led by chief justice NV Ramana then declared the matter closed.
On Wednesday - when the prime minister was in back in Punjab to inaugurate the 300-bed Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre - chief minister Bhagwant Mann called the Ferozepur incident 'unfortunate'. The Aam Aadmi Party leader also took a swipe at the Congress (then in power).
"Unfortunately, it is sad to say that when you came here on January 5, your programme had to be cancelled. But Punjab is welcoming you today. You are the country's prime minister and it is our responsibility to welcome you. Punjabis are known for their hospitality," Mann said during his address.
The prime minister was scheduled to visit Ferozepur on January 5 to lay the foundation stones for multiple development projects - worth over ₹42,750 crore - months before the Punjab assembly election.
The home ministry said that on the day Modi landed at Punjab's Bathinda and was scheduled to travel to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter. However, poor weather and visibility meant the prime minister travelled by road instead.
The high-security convoy set off after confirming that required security arrangements had been made by Punjab Police.
But, about 30 km before the memorial, the convoy was stuck on a flyover because the road had been blocked by protestors.
Modi was stuck on the flyover for 15-20 minutes.
Following this, he returned to Bathinda airport and his address had to be cancelled.
The incident led to a massive fight between the BJP and the Congress, with each side indulging in blame-games.
