Saturday’s incident was a reminder of several incidents in the recent past when attempts were made to either come close to the prime minister or obstruct his movement. Notably, PM Modi has the country's highest security cover.
A man jumped over the barricade and ran towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an attempt at security breach during the PM’s roadshow in Karnataka’s Davanagree this evening. A video of the incident went viral on social media platforms. The man was unsuccessful as the security on the ground quickly grabbed him and whisked him away just as the PM’s SUV was seen approaching.
Saturday’s incident was a reminder of several incidents in the recent past when attempts were made to either come close to the prime minister or obstruct his movement. Notably, PM Modi has the country's highest security cover.
The prime minister gets Z+ security, the highest level of protection provided to the most powerful citizens of the country. PM Modi’s security covers a 55-person workforce, including a team of Special Protection Group (SPG), National Security Guards (NSG) commandos, and police forces of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
1. PM’s Roadshow In Hubbali, Karnataka
On January 12, there was a major lapse in Prime Minister Modi’s security during a roadshow in Karnataka's Hubbali where a boy jumped onto the road and managed to reach within an arm's length of the PM. He was intercepted at the last minute and taken away by the SPG. The boy was carrying a garland and apparently wanted to felicitate the Prime Minister.
2. PM’s Rally In Mumbai, Maharashtra
Ahead of a rally in Mumbai on January 19, a man was arrested by Mumbai Police for entering Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and posing as an Army soldier, according to an ANI report. The accused was identified as Rameshwar Mishra, a science graduate who was stopped by the Mumbai Crime Branch officials on suspicion around 3 pm.
3. Ferozpur Security Breach, Punjab
In one of the most significant security breaches that led to a big tug-of-war between the Punjab government and the Centre, on 5 January 2022, the prime minister’s cavalcade was stranded for 15-20 minutes by protesting farmers who blocked his convoy when the PM was on his way to National Martyrs Memorial at the Hussainiwala border with Pakistan. A major accusation was levelled against the then newly-formed Bhagwant Mann government by BJP for “leaking information about the route taken by the Prime Minister”.
Earlier this week, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann ordered the initiation of "disciplinary proceedings for major penalty" against former DGP S Chattopadhyaya and two other police officers over the security breach.
4. PM’s Chopper in Andhra Pradesh
In an apparent security lapse, black balloons flew past the PM’s chopper in Andhra Pradesh in July last year. The black balloons were reportedly released by protesters close to his chopper as it was taking off from Vijayawada.
5. Banaskantha PM Modi Rally, Gujarat
At PM Modi’s rally in Banaskantha in Gujarat last year, a person was seen removing nut bolts from the stage set up, in a major attempt to breach security. The man was later identified by the police as Sendhabhai Rajgor from Idhata village.