Cops for outer cover, Secret Service up close

The United States Secret Service has categorically told the Mumbai police that they will handle the personal security of US President Barrack Obama and the police will only help in providing the peripheral ring of protection around him.

The United States Secret Service has categorically told the Mumbai police that they will handle the personal security of US President Barrack Obama and the police will only help in providing the peripheral ring of protection around him.

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According to sources, the US Secret Service agents will not allow anyone to come close to Obama. The Mumbai police will handle his outer ring of security in co-ordination with the secret service. “The initial screening of people meeting him and frisking them would be taken care of by the police,” said an officer.

He added that the police have agreed to the proposed security tier. Usually, even in case of the Indian Prime Minister or President, the role of police is to provide the outer security cover as there are special security forces to guard them.

According to sources, US first lady Michelle Obama’s proposed visit to Kamathipura has been scrapped as the police raised objections citing security reasons.

However, a state official has confirmed that Obama will visit Mani Bhavan and will also meet industry captains at a summit of CEOs to be held at Hotel Trident.

Also, a source revealed that both carriages of the Western Express Highway would be shut when Obama’s cavalcade travels from the airport to Hotel Taj.