Independence Day event: Rs 16 lakh bulletproof glass screen for CM Bhagwant Mann's address

Aparna Banerji

Jalandhar, August 15

It is for the first time ever that a special high security bulletproof glass shield was used for the protection of a Punjab Chief Minister for his Independence Day address.

Shielded by a bulletproof glass, CM Bhagwant Mann on Thursday delivered his Independence Day speech in Jalandhar. The bulletproof glass screen cost Rs 16 lakh and was specially bought by Punjab Police ahead of the event.

Over 1,000 cops were deputed at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav and CM’s wife Dr Gurpreet Kaur were also present on the occasion.

Days before the event, bomb disposal and anti-sabotage squads screened the entire stadium premises as well as surrounding buildings, for threats.

The checks continued until Wednesday evening and the traffic towards the event venue was also diverted since Wednesday evening.

ADGP Special Protection Unit, AK Pandey, said, “The CM is a special protectee and there is always a threat at such state-level events. The glass screen was installed as per demand. With Punjab being a high priority state from the point of view of both security and threats, due arrangements were made to ensure foolproof security for CM.”

“The screen was specially procured by the Punjab police ahead of the event. Days before the event, the premises were also checked meticulously by efficient teams,” he added.

The ADGP confirmed the protective glass screen installed at the event cost Rs 16 lakh.

Official sources in Punjab Police told The Tribune that the Punjab Chief Minister faces a high threat perception, as Punjab is a border state. “All necessary steps have to be taken keeping in view his security,” said a senior police officer.