THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — A severe security breach occurred in Kerala after a motorcycle intruded into the official motorcade of Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan near Kovalam, raising serious questions over the state police force's handling of VVIP security protocols.
The Incident and Arrests
The breach took place at Kovalam Junction while the Vice President was returning to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport following an official event in Balaramapuram.
According to reports, two men riding a motorcycle approached from the Thiruvallam area and forced their way dangerously close to the VIP fleet. Security personnel stationed at Kovalam Junction attempted to block the vehicle, but the riders managed to bypass the barricades. Alerted security officers immediately alerted the local police, who subsequently intercepted and arrested both individuals at Kanjiramkulam.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Shakkir and Nadirsha, both residents of Vallakkadavu. Police stated that both suspects were in an inebriated state at the time of the incident. A formal investigation into the security failure and the circumstances surrounding the intrusion is currently underway.
Growing Backlash Over Police Negligence
The incident has triggered widespread outrage and sharp criticism against the Kerala Police, with observers and political commentators calling it a stark demonstration of operational laxity.
Critics point to a recurring pattern of security missteps in the state, citing recent events such as the black flag protest staged against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, previous instances of local political figures interfering with presidential convoy routes, and security friction during operations by central investigative agencies.
In light of upcoming visits by high-profile leaders—including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath—there are mounting calls urging National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to reassess security management in Kerala and restrict reliance on state police forces for primary VVIP protection.
Echoes of Past Lapses: The 2006 Convoy Blunder
This latest lapse has drawn comparisons to a major security failure on October 31, 2006, during the visit of then-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Thiruvananthapuram.
During that visit, the pilot vehicle leading the Prime Minister’s convoy—which was being driven by a private tourist taxi driver—took a wrong turn near Asan Square in Palayam. Instead of taking the designated VVIP flyover, the convoy was driven directly into an underpass, forcing the entire fleet (which included then-Defense Minister A.K. Antony and then-Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan) to come to a sudden halt on the road for several minutes.
That incident resulted in a high-level inquiry led by then-ADGP Jacob Punnoose and temporary disciplinary action against the Sub-Inspector in charge of the convoy, though critics contend that systemic security accountability in the state remains unaddressed.
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