No lapse on part of cops, says IG

KOLLAM: K Padmakumar, Inspector General of Police (South Zone), who was in charge of the President’s security during her visit to the state, said that the President said that she would remain in the car until alternative arrangements were made when the helicopter she boarded developed a technical snag before takeoff on Wednesday.He was replying to reports telecast by a channel on Thursday that there was serious lapse on the part of the police in making the President wait in a car at the Ashramam Maidan for over 20 minutes.Padmakumar said that alternative arrangements were ready as per the demands from the President’s security agencies. “Rest rooms for the President’s entourage were ready at the Crime Branch Office, adjacent to Ashramam Helipad. Apart from that the Government Guest House and the City Police Commissioner’s bungalow were also ready as alternative rest rooms along the stretch between the Helipad and the Hotel in which the President stayed,” he said.Later the President proceeded in an escort helicopter, avoiding the risk of road journey.Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force launched a probe into the incident. Air Force sources said that the helicopter was part of Indian VVIP transport squadron called Air Headquarters Communication Squadron.