Punjab panel to probe PM's security lapses, SC to hear petition

The Punjab Government has constituted a high-level committee to thoroughly investigate the lapses that occurred during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ferozepur on Wednesday. A spokesperson said that the committee would comprise Justice (Retd) Mehtab Singh Gill and Principal Secretary, Home Affairs, and Justice Anurag Verma. The Committee shall submit its report within three days. A team from the Home Ministry is now seeking details of police deployment, picket lines, officers stationed on rooftops, barricades, and other security measures taken by the state police force for the Prime Minister's visit.

Meanwhile, a senior advocate, Maninder Singh, filed a plea in the Supreme Court on Thursday morning, saying "serious lapses on the part of the Punjab government" needed a thorough probe. "It has to be ensured this doesn't happen again," he said, to which Chief Justice NV Ramana asked him to file a copy of the petition with the state. The court will likely hear this issue on Friday. Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi expressed regret over the incident but rejected the BJP’s allegations. At a press conference, Channi said that his government had no information about the PM’s motorcade taking the road route. Channi has maintained that all necessary security arrangements had been made and there was no threat to the prime minister.