Karandlaje seeks NIA probe into gelatin sticks found along PM Modi convoy route in Bengaluru

Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje on Monday demanded a comprehensive probe by the NIA into the gelatin sticks that triggered a security scare along PM Narendra Modis convoy route in Bengaluru. Alleging that the state government was destabilising the police department, she said, Despite being aware of the prime ministers visit yesterday, why was a decision taken to transfer more than 100 inspectors and other officials

Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje on Monday demanded a comprehensive probe by the NIA into the gelatin sticks that triggered a security scare along PM Narendra Modi's convoy route in Bengaluru. She also targeted the Congress government in Karnataka over alleged ''security lapses''. A suspicious packet containing two gelatin sticks was found on the outskirts of the city, where Modi's convoy was scheduled to pass on Sunday, triggering a temporary security scare. According to official sources, the packet was found nearly a kilometre from the NICE Road junction near Thathaguni in Kaggalipura on Sunday morning, about an hour and a half before the PM's visit. ''It is said that the PM of India is among the most vulnerable world leaders. Whenever he travels abroad, those countries give utmost importance to his security. But the biggest question is whether the Karnataka government is concerned about the PM's security and protection,'' Karandlaje told reporters. Alleging that the state government was destabilising the police department, she said, ''Despite being aware of the prime minister's visit yesterday, why was a decision taken to transfer more than 100 inspectors and other officials? Naturally, such transfers will create confusion among police personnel and officials. What was the need for such urgent transfers? I do not know.'' ''The state government must explain why adequate caution was not exercised along the route through which the PM travelled. Information has emerged regarding the gelatin sticks and other materials found there. How did they get there? Who placed them there? Why was no attention paid to this? All these aspects need to be investigated,'' she added. According to officials, an investigation is underway, and special teams have been formed in this regard. Questioning whether the Congress and the state government were viewing the PM's post through a partisan political lens, the union minister demanded a comprehensive probe by the NIA. ''The PM's protection is of utmost importance. For every country, protecting its prime minister is important,'' she said. Referring to past attacks on PMs, she said such incidents were painful because the prime minister represents not just a political party, but the nation as a whole. ''Such reports concerning the PM's security might portray the country as weak at the global level,'' she further said, reiterating her demand for a comprehensive probe.