Kerala cops begin probe into security scheme leak

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid allegations that the intelligence report on providing security for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state has been leaked, police authorities have claimed that it was only the security scheme regarding the deployment of police personnel in the two districts where the VVIP visit has been scheduled that got leaked.
However, ADGP (intelligence) T K Vinod Kumar has initiated a probe into how this security scheme, sent to select officers in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, got leaked.
The security scheme contains details of the number of police officers at each point, name of the officer in charge of each strategic point, alternative arrangements to be taken in case of emergency, routes the VVIP convoy will be travelling, etc. The security scheme, prepared and issued as a circular by the ADGP intelligence, also mentions about the threat letter received by the BJP state president against the PM's visit.
Though police authorities claim that it was only a security scheme for the VVIP visit and not an intelligence report, the circular also points to the possible threats from outfits like the Popular Front of India, PDP, Welfare Party and Maoists.
"Subsequent to banning, PFI, which has a strong cadre strength, poses a serious security threat to the VVIP. Threat from other Muslim fundamentalist organizations such as PDP and Welfare Party is to be taken care of seriously. Other state labourers working in Kerala, especially from Maoist/insurgent affected states and northeastern states, are also posing a threat as Maoist cadres have migrated to Kerala in the garb of guest labourers," it says.
The 49-page circular also lists out names of police officers who will be in plain clothes while providing security for the VVIP.
It also details the anti-sabotage check teams deployed in the different routes where VVIP convoys will be travelling.
Union minister holds chief minister responsible
Union minister V Muraleedharan termed "highly serious" the leak of ADGP intelligence's report in connection with the visit of PM Modi and added that chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan who holds the home portfolio cannot evade responsibility for such a grievous lapse.
"It's a shame that the state is ruled by those who are not even able to maintain the secrecy of the PM's security. The report that should be dealt with utmost secrecy is now spreading as WhatsApp forward. It shows the incompetence of the state home department," Muraleedharan told reporters in Kollam.
"Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan cannot wash his hands off from this," he said.