DGP reviews security in Paradip ahead of PM’s visit

Paradip: With PM Narendra Modi scheduled to inaugurate IOCL’s refinery in Paradip tomorrow, Director General of Police (DGP) KB Singh today reviewed the security arrangements at the venue. Singh, along with central region IG and other senior police personnel, took stock of the security arrangements ahead of the PM’s visit.

“I have been here since last evening and have reviewed the security arrangements in and around the venue. Two helipads have been prepared - one for the PM and one for the CM. A turnout of approximately 1 lakh is expected. In view of the security concerns, we have made elaborate arrangements. Additional DG Arun Ray has been camping here and central range IG, along with six SP rank officers, are also present. 20 deputy SPs, 50 inspectors, 100 sub-inspectors and 51 platoons of force will be deployed,” said Singh.

“Given the expected high turnout, we have divided the meeting place into various sectors with special arrangements for women and children. Metal detectors have been deployed and frisking of visitors will be done. Arrangements for patrolling in Paradip town have also been done,” added Singh.

Commenting on the vandalism, which has led to burning and tearing of campaign posters of BJP and BJD, Singh said “We acknowledge the concern over such incidents and have spoken to both the political parties. They have assured us full cooperation in preventing any untoward incident.”

Talking to OTV, principal secretary, Home, Asit Tripathy said the Prime Minister will arrive in the capital city tonight and will attend three events on Sunday.

“After inaugurating the NISER, the Prime Minister would leave for Puri for the darshan of Lord Jagannath. From there, he would leave for Paradip to inaugurate the IOCL oil refinery. Since the visit of the Prime Minister is significant, to oversee his itinerary, the state government has formed a state level nodal committee a meeting of which was presided over by the chief secretary recently. The meeting had a threadbare discussion on the security arrangements and other protocols for the visit of the prime minister,” Tripathy said.

He said the state Home department is monitoring the activities of all state and Central agencies like the police, intelligence, fire services, civil aviation etc which have been given different responsibilities.

“The Home department is constantly coordinating with agencies like the Special Protection Group (SPG) for crowd control, and other officials like the NISER and Paradip Refinery which are directly involved in the programmes of the Prime Minister,” the Home secretary added.

Talking about the reception of the Prime Minister after his arrival in the state capital, he said as per the letter from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Governor, Chief Minister and the chief secretary will receive him at the airport. Besides, other eminent personalities, mentioned in the list sent by the PMO, will also remain present during the arrival of the Prime Minister.

“As per the recommendation, the officials whose names have been recommended by the PMO and the state government, will receive and send off the prime minister at the time of his arrival at NISER and Paradip Refinery and his departure from these places. Security passes would be provided to these officials,” he pointed out.