Chandigarh.The Punjab government has taken decisive action by suspending seven individuals, including an SP (Superintendent of Police) and two DSPs (Deputy Superintendents of Police), in connection with the security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Firozpur on January 5, 2022. The incident occurred when farmers obstructed the Prime Minister’s convoy with a tractor, forcing him to halt en route to a scheduled rally.
The suspended individuals are Gurvinder Singh Sanga, who was serving as the SP in Bathinda district at the time of suspension, DSPs Parson Singh and Jagdish Kumar, Inspector Tejinder Singh, as well as Balwinder Singh, Jaswant Singh, and ASI Rakesh Kumar.
The decision to suspend these officials was based on an order from the Punjab Home Department, citing a report submitted by the Director General of Police (DGP) on October 18, 2023. The report concluded that Gurvinder Singh Sanga failed to fulfill his duties adequately, leading to the security lapse during the Prime Minister’s visit.
On January 5, 2022, the Prime Minister’s convoy encountered a blockade by protesters on a flyover in Firozpur, resulting in the cancellation of his scheduled programs, including the rally. The security breach triggered a significant political controversy ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections. The suspensions aim to address accountability and maintain the integrity of security protocols in such high-profile events.