On Kerala trip, Advani’s security was in Muslim hands

The pullout of two Muslim drivers from BJP leader LK Advani’s security detail on his recent visit to Kerala sparked allegations of religious profiling. But by sheer coincidence, all key aspects of the trip were in the hands of Muslims, a fact that went unnoticed.

Kerala’s Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said Muslim officials manned four crucial areas of Advani’s visit to Kozhikode on October 14. This became known after officials were asked to launch a preliminary probe and go through duty rosters following allegations that the Muslims drivers had been swapped in a prejudicial way.

What emerged is that all of Advani’s security on the trip was in the hands of Muslims. Even the official doctor was a Muslim.

The helipad where Advani landed was manned by Superintendent of Police Abu Bakr. The podium put up for the BJP’s PM candidate to address the public was guarded by a Muslim officer, Inspector Mohd. Salim, before and after the arrival of the National Security Guards. Intelligence inputs were being given to the NSG by inspector-general of Kerala intelligence, Mohd. Yasin. Another SP, Jamaluddin, from the intelligence, was overseeing Advani’s movements.

Balakrishnan said that a Muslim fundamentalist newspaper could be behind the rumours that religious bias had resulted in removal of the Muslim drivers.