Thiruvananthapuram, 02 October (H.S.): An intelligence report has flagged serious lapses in police security arrangements during protests targeting Chief Minister V D Satheesan and ministers, saying advance warnings about black flag demonstrations and road blockades were not acted upon adequately.

The Director General of Police has sought a report from the City Police Commissioner following the incidents, which raised questions about the handling of intelligence inputs and the deployment of personnel at sensitive locations.

On Wednesday, Yuva Morcha activists staged a black flag protest against Satheesan at Chacka in Thiruvananthapuram. According to the report, no police personnel were present at the spot when the protesters gathered.

The report said information about possible protests had been available since morning. Despite this, adequate arrangements were not made to ensure the security and movement of the Chief Minister and other ministers. A specific warning about a planned Yuva Morcha protest was also not given sufficient importance.

In a separate incident, Yuva Morcha workers blocked Minister K M Shaji for nearly 20 minutes. The minister attempted to leave in an autorickshaw, but protesters prevented his movement, forcing him to proceed on foot.

The delay in police intervention drew criticism, with personnel reportedly failing to reach the location despite the minister remaining stranded for a considerable period.

The intelligence report also highlighted the absence of police personnel at the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee and District Congress Committee offices, where deployment had been recommended because of security concerns.

Meanwhile, an attack was reported at Mararji Bhavan, the BJP’s state headquarters, despite two policemen being stationed there.

The DGP has separately sought explanations from the Cantonment Circle Inspector and Sub Inspector over a lathi charge conducted under their supervision.

The police response to the warnings, delays in intervention and security arrangements at party offices have come under scrutiny following the incidents.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman