Kerala DGP objected to PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi's visit hours after tragedy

Since the force was already involved in rescue and relief efforts, the DGP had recommended his visit a day after the tragedy, The Indian Express reports

Many politicians in India have a habit of descending on disaster-hit places, which invariably affects rescue operations and forces the authorities to dedicate a part of the force in managing the security of the visiting VIPs. The same happened in Kollam when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Vice-President decided to visit the Puttingal temple, hours after a fire had killed 109 people and injured over 350. 

The Kerala Police had raised objections to the high-profile visits Modi and Gandhi. In fact, the Director General of Police T P Senkumar had suggested that the PM visit the site a day after the disaster, The Indian Express reported on Friday. 

Senkumar added that the suggestion was given as the visits meant providing safety and security to them in the midst of rescue and relief efforts that they were involved in. 

“I did object to the idea of the Prime Minister visiting the region within 12 hours of the accident. I told them it would be better for the PM to visit the spot a day after the disaster. But the PM wanted to visit that day itself. Our entire force had been working from early morning, engaged in rescue and relief work. So much work was still left and all of them were tired because there was no provision of even drinking water. We had to make arrangements for the safety and security of Prime Minister Modi and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi too,” Senkumar told the newspaper. 

The Special Protection Group (SPG) had spoken to Senkumar regarding the Prime Minister’s visit as it was an emergency situation.  “I was also there at the spot. It was a day when we were all totally held up in the massive rescue and relief work. So, I explained the situation and suggested that he visit on Monday (April 11). Anyway, once the Prime Minister decides to visit, we have no choice other than make arrangements for his security,” he told The Indian Express. 

The DGP also criticised the lack of support of the district administration.

 “When our men were on the verge of collapse, no arrangement had been made to supply them even drinking water. The district administration was absent during these stages,” he said.