CRPF blames Priyanka for violating security protocols by riding scooter

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Monday (December 30) blamed Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for violating security protocols by riding pillion on a scooter during her recent trip to Lucknow and said there was no lapse on behalf of the officials.

Terming her Lucknow trip as “unscheduled movement without intimation”, a statement issued by CRPF’s Inspector General (Intelligence and VIP security) PK Singh said an advanced security liaison (ASL) could not be conducted for the visit. The CRPF provides armed commandos under the ‘Z+’ category of VIP security cover to her.

Priyanka Gandhi’s office had written to Singh’s office on December 28 with a complaint that a police circle officer (CO) in Lucknow had issued threats to her security personnel and warned of restricting her movements on the same day. The statement said “there was no breach in security by the official” who happens to be the CO of Hazratganj, Abhay Mishra.

It said the “only programme” of Priyanka Gandhi indicated to the CRPF team for that day was about her visit to the local Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) office for attending a party foundation day event. The CRPF said it had “conducted” an ASL for this event and had intimated it to state authorities.

यूपी पुलिस के सर्किल ऑफिसर ने प्रियंका जी की गाड़ी के आगे अपनी गाड़ी लगाई, जिसमें एक्सीडेंट होते-होते बचा है। उसके बाद उन्होंने प्रियंका जी को घेरकर आगे बढ़ने से रोकने की कोशिश की, जबकि धारा 144 के अनुसार 5 लोग से कम थे।#UPMeinGundaraj pic.twitter.com/ldSqCyPs5D

— UP East Congress (@INCUPEast) December 28, 2019

The CRPF alleged the Congress leader’s “personal staff did not communicate” the detailed programme of the day to the Uttar Pradesh Police CO when he came calling at Priyanka Gandhi’s place of stay in Lucknow at about 8 am.

The force said while there was no breach in Priyanka Gandhi’s security, at least three “security violations” took place when she chose to ride a two-wheeler while on her way to visit retired IPS officer SR Darapuri.

Also read | Congress worker who ferried Priyanka on scooter fined ₹6,100

“During travelling, the protectee used non-bullet resistant civil vehicle without a personal security officer. The protectee took a lift on scooty as a pillion rider,” it said, adding that as this movement was not planned, the CRPF team could not conduct an ASL which was a breach of security protocol mandated for Priyanka Gandhi.

“Despite the security constraints, appropriate security cover was provided by the CRPF during the visit,” it said. The force added that such security lapses are communicated to the protectee and “advised” for ensuring proper security arrangements.

Priyanka Gandhi, also the Congress general secretary in-charge of UP (East), was in Lucknow on December 27 and December 28 as part of her first visit to the state capital after violent protests against the amended citizenship law and a proposed countrywide implementation of the National Register of Citizens.

Also read | They grabbed me by my neck: Priyanka alleges manhandling by UP cops

Priyanka Gandhi, her brother Rahul Gandhi and mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi were recently accorded the CRPF cover after the Modi government withdrew their SPG protection.

The Gandhi family, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and his wife, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are the only people under its total 59 VIP protectees list who are accorded ASL which entails CRPF commandos sanitising the proposed route and venue that the dignitary will visit, in advance.

(With inputs from agencies)