Thiruvananthapuram, 30 Sept (H.S.): Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan expressed displeasure over an additional police vehicle accompanying his convoy and instructed officers against deploying more vehicles during his official journeys.

The incident occurred when Satheesan arrived at Kowdiar for a programme organised in connection with Senior Citizens’ Day. A police jeep was travelling ahead of the pilot vehicle, prompting the Chief Minister to question the additional deployment.

Immediately after stepping out of his car, Satheesan called the Deputy Commissioner of Police present at the venue and conveyed his dissatisfaction. He directed that additional vehicles should not be deployed for his official travel.

The Chief Minister maintained that the designated escort and pilot vehicles were sufficient during journeys. His objection came amid police efforts to strengthen security following a series of protests targeting him and other ministers.

Police, however, clarified that the jeep travelling ahead of the pilot vehicle was not part of the Chief Minister’s official convoy.

The security arrangements had been tightened against the backdrop of continuing black flag demonstrations by Yuva Morcha activists across Kerala over the past two days. The protests have targeted both the Chief Minister and members of his Cabinet.

Following the escalation in protests, the intelligence chief issued instructions to district police chiefs to enhance the Chief Minister’s security. Officers were also directed to deploy additional personnel at venues hosting his official programmes and in surrounding areas.

The incident highlighted a difference between the police approach to strengthening security and the Chief Minister’s stated preference regarding vehicles accompanying him during travel.

While police sought increased protection amid the demonstrations, Satheesan specifically opposed adding vehicles to his travel arrangements. His instruction concerned the convoy, while the intelligence directive also called for greater police presence at programme venues and nearby locations as protests continued against the state government.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman