Punjab to probe if any lapses, police lodge FIR over protest that blocked PM

Retd HC judge to inquire as state moves to preempt Centre acting, Vadra calls up Channi

The Prime Minister’s convoy held up in Punjab’s Ferozepur district on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)

A day after Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi denied there was a lapse in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security during his visit to Ferozepur, after which he cancelled his address at a rally, the state government Thursday ordered a two-member committee headed by retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Mehtab Singh Gill to inquire into any gaps.

The Punjab Police also registered an FIR against unknown protesters over the blockade caused on the route the PM was taking, holding up his convoy for more than 15 minutes.

The committee, which includes Home Secretary Anurag Verma, has been asked to submit its report within three days.

Sources said AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had called up Channi and had a discussion with him over the issue for about 20 minutes. The call reportedly came minutes after Modi met President Ram Nath Kovind on the matter, while Channi was on his way to address a rally.

The Channi government decided to set up the inquiry, after denying a lapse on Wednesday, to preempt the Centre ordering a probe into the incident, sources said. It was also feared that the Supreme Court, which is set to hear the matter on Friday, might intervene.

At the same time, the view within the state administration is that police should not have agreed to the proposal by central security agencies that the PM travel over 100 km to the rally spot by road, after he couldn’t fly there due to bad weather.

Read | Centre may use SPG Act against Punjab Police officers, summon them to Delhi

“The inquiry will establish the facts. They will go through the SPG blue book (laying down broad guidelines regarding the PM’s protection) and the communication sent by the police headquarters to the field officers. Then we will see who is at fault. But what the SPG did cannot be ignored,” said a senior government functionary. “We were asked to keep our force ready at three helipads. The PM’s itinerary didn’t mention anywhere that an alternative route of over 100 km would be required. We posted heavy police force there… Everybody knew the weather forecast was not good… Still the rally was not cancelled… The central security agencies too cannot be exonerated. When the security was informed that there was a blockade, why was the PM’s vehicle kept waiting for 20 minutes? Who is to be blamed? Why did his vehicle not take a U-turn? Is that not the reaction expected from anyone’s security?” the official said.

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Following the incident, the BJP as well as other Opposition parties have criticised the Channi government over the security breach, with the BJP alleging a conspiracy to cause harm to the PM.

Also read | Home ministry sets up panel to probe PM Modi’s security breach in Punjab

Sources said Vadra also discussed the political situation arising out of the breach with Channi, including talk of President’s rule being imposed in the poll-bound state. “They also discussed how the narrative was being built by the BJP, with its supporters holding ‘peace marches’ as well as prayers ‘for the long life of the PM’,” said a leader.

Justice Gill has started the probe process by sending a questionnaire to police officers concerned, on how the PM’s routes were decided and who was manning them. A source said he would also go through the SPG blue book.

Asked about the probe, Justice Gill told The Indian Express: “I will first inquire into the matter and will say anything later.”

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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