By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 18 Dec: A fresh instance of negligence in the security arrangements for Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami came to the fore again today, when the pilot and interceptor vehicles attached to his convoy broke down while he was leaving the Secretariat. The incident occurred as the CM was departing after a review meeting on revenue receipts, during which the pilot car assigned to the fleet malfunctioned, forcing the convoy to move without its designated lead vehicle. Adding to the lapse, the interceptor car positioned at the Secretariat gate to guide the convoy also broke down at the same time, compounding the security concern.
It may be noted here that, after the meeting, the CM was scheduled to proceed to the World Minority Rights Day programme at the Himalayan Cultural Centre in Garhi Cantt. As the convoy began to move, the pilot car suddenly stalled. Despite repeated attempts to restart it, the engine failed to respond, prompting the fleet to proceed without the pilot vehicle. Moments later, as the convoy reached the Secretariat gate, the traffic police interceptor car responsible for guiding the route also developed a mechanical fault, bringing the entire convoy to a halt at the gate.
The Police personnel and people present at the spot were compelled to push the interceptor manually to clear the exit, after which the convoy was able to move out. Following the CM’s departure, both the pilot car and the interceptor were reportedly started again by being pushed.
The incident has once again raised serious questions over recurring lapses in the CM’s security arrangements, particularly as vehicles deployed for VVIP protection are expected to be in sound mechanical condition at all times. Despite the state government allocating a substantial annual budget for the strengthening and modernisation of the police department, the use of poorly maintained vehicles in the CM’s convoy has placed the department under scrutiny.
It may be recalled that similar lapses in the CM’s security have been reported earlier as well.
In July this year, during a visit to the Corbett Tiger Reserve, the Gypsy used for the Chief Minister’s safari was found to be operating with an expired fitness certificate, following which the Forest Department conducted an inquiry and initiated action against the driver concerned and staff. On another occasion, the CM’s convoy had to wait at the Secretariat gate for nearly half an hour after a private vehicle was found parked in a manner that obstructed the exit.
It may be reminded here that, in a VVIP convoy, the pilot car, manned by police personnel, leads the fleet and uses the hooter to clear the route when required. Generally, two pilot vehicles are deployed, one at the front and another at the rear of the convoy. The interceptor car, operated by the traffic department, is tasked with leading the convoy for a designated stretch to indicate the route and ensure smooth traffic movement during the passage of the VVIP fleet.
