Highest level of security cover to Modi during Vadodara road show


Vadodara, 8 April 2014

Around a fortnight ago India’s Intelligence Bureau had issued a specific alert of a possible “human bomb” targeting BJP prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi. Main takeaways from the Indian Express story on this alert were(we have added remarks in brackets):

Intelligence inputs:

-The attack on Modi may be on the lines of assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi by the LTTE in 1991.
(Rajiv Gandhi was killed by a suicide woman bomber at rally venue. The bomber acted as Rajiv’s supporter.)

-The “highly specific” input states that while Modi won’t be shot at, a suicide bomber may target him disguised as a supporter.
(Modi generally doesn’t mix with supporters in rallies, but the events other than rally are not well-organized when it comes to security)

-The alert does not specify the gender of the likely bomber.

-The agencies suspect any assassination attempt would be most likely in Modi’s own constituencies of Varanasi and Vadodara.
(That’s likely because he may do a road show, or door to door visit, the mode of campaign here could be other than just a rally, in that case vulnerability could be high)

-The agencies have instructed at least two states to press in “maximum manpower” during Modi’s rallies.
(Not just rallies, it should be for all kinds of events he attends)

-The IB has issued inputs regarding the security protocol to several states, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

It should be mentioned that Pakistan leader Benazir Bhutto was killed by gun shots during her road show ahead of the general elections in Pakistan. Benazir was frontrunner for PM post. Road shows are considered most risky from security point of view. The Vadodara road show on 9th of April will be the first road show of Modi during the Lok Sabha general election season this year. Unprecedented security arrangements are already in place ahead of Shri Modi’s road show. As many as 1400 police men are deployed at nook and corners to keep eye on activities.

Security arrangements:

In reference to this intelligence input, Modi is going to get highest possible level of security during his Vadodara visit tomorrow. Modi will be surrounded by police jawans like an iron wall during his road show here. Journalists are issues special passes on individual basis to cover the event:

4 SP, 10 DySP, 50 inspectors, 150 sub inspectors, 800 other cops, 3 companies of SRP – in total over 1100 police men will be on road during Narendra Modi’s road show.

Police has started noting down the names of the shops, residents located on the route of Modi’s road show. Police is making a list of those living/working on this road. Even mobile numbers of employees, shop owners and those living on this route are being noted. Police ask whether anyone new has come to live here recently.

7 jeeps and motor cars lying idle in collector office are removed from the campus. Parking will not be allowed at Collector office compound and Kuber Bhuwan campus on Wednesday.

Police Commissioner has banned entry of vehicles and parking on Modi’s route on 9th of April during 7.00 – 13.00 hours. The route is Kirti stambh circle – market char rasta – Veer Bhagatsinh chowk – Lal court – Gandhinagar Gruh – Jubilee garden – tower cross roads – Raopura road – Kothi char rasta – Collector office. Police has declared six alternate routes.

Modi will arrive at Vadodara airport at 9.15 am. He will be welcomed by local BJP unit. With very high security Modi will move to exhibition ground. He will stand up in open jeep and move to collector office with procession permitted as per the election commission rules. Modi is not likely to deliver any address. He will move to airport due to busy schedule.

Final route of rally is: Exhibition ground – Kirtistambh – Rajmahel road – Nyay mandir – Padmavati shopping center – Gandhinagar gruh – Amdavadi pol – Raopura tower – Machhipeeth – Collector office.