According to news agency ANI, PM Modi upon his return Bathinda Airport Told the officials there, “Thank your CM that I returned alive till Bathinda airport (Say thank you to your CM that I can return alive till Bathinda airport).”
The Prime Minister, who was on his way to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by road, was forced to cancel his onward journey after the incident and returned to Bathinda.
The Union Home Ministry in a statement blamed the Punjab government for the major security lapse and sought a report from the Channi government.
Security lapse during PM’s visit to Punjab: Live Updates
It asked the state government to fix the responsibility for the lapse and take strict action.
According to government sources, the flyover incident was a scene of collusion between the Punjab Police and the so-called protesters who blocked the road.
Government sources said, “Only the Punjab Police knew the exact path of the PM.”
The MHA said the PM’s schedule and travel plan had been communicated to the Punjab government in advance, but as per the procedure no additional security was deployed to secure his movement by road.
The Prime Minister was originally supposed to fly by helicopter to visit the National Martyrs Memorial.
However, when he reached Bathinda in the morning, it was raining and visibility was poor.
PM Modi waited for the weather to clear for about 20 minutes and then decided to take a road trip.
The BJP blamed the Congress government in Punjab for the security lapse and accused Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi of not responding to the SOS call.
(with inputs from agencies)
,