The Union Home Ministry has issued strict instructions to the Kerala state government to take all necessary measures to prevent any further leakages of VIP itineraries, Malayalam news channel Janam TV has reported. The channel stated that the leakage of the Prime Minister’s itinerary was first reported by Janam TV on 22 April 2023, and that the State Intelligence became aware of the breach only after their report.
Janam TV continues that the Prime Minister’s itinerary should be treated as top secret, yet it was leaked. The Union Home Ministry views this as a serious issue and has therefore issued a warning to the state government.
According to Janam TV, the Union Home Ministry continues to receive reports of such leakages. It states that the Prime Minister’s itinerary was leaked through WhatsApp groups. The significance and importance of maintaining secrecy regarding VIP itineraries has been neglected, resulting in this breach via WhatsApp.
Janam TV further notes that security protocols do not permit the sharing of VIP itineraries in WhatsApp groups. The leakage of such information poses a serious challenge to the VIP security apparatus. The issue gains added importance considering that Kerala has become a haven for extremist elements. It is in this context that the Union Ministry has issued another warning. The Union Government has reportedly initiated enquiries into the activities of certain WhatsApp groups consisting of police officers.
A serious concern was noted at Raj Bhavan, shortly before the Prime Minister’s convoy passed through on the night of 1 May, during his visit to inaugurate the Vizhinjam Seaport.
A similar security breach had occurred on 24 December 2021, when President Ram Nath Kovind visited Thiruvananthapuram. On that occasion, the vehicle of the Mayor (CPM) entered the President’s convoy. Allegations were also raised that no water connection was provided in the toilet arranged for the President during the Poojappura event, and that no seat was arranged for the First Lady at the inauguration venue.
When Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh visited Thrissur on 25 December 2010, a private vehicle from a by-lane reportedly nearly collided with the PM’s convoy on the main road.
In the past two to three years, there have been repeated allegations of information leakage—particularly concerning Hindu and nationalist leaders—to PFI, SDPI, and other Islamist extremist groups. P.K. Anas, a police officer from Karimannur Police Station in Idukki district, was dismissed for such activity.
There are also concerns about certain groups of police personnel reportedly supporting Islamic outfits.
According to retired police officers, Prime Ministerial security involves a five-layered system. The entire programme and route are known only to the 30–35 senior-most officers. Others are only informed of the arrival time and venue. Senior officers are strictly instructed not to share confidential information with subordinates.
Now, nationalist organisations believe that the inquiries into the itinerary leakages will lead to fruitful and necessary outcomes.
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