The agencies responsible for Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s security have initiated an inquiry to ascertain the factors that led to his losing balance and tripping while climbing up to the dais during the inauguration of a mobile application for women’s security here on Friday last.
Patnaik stumbled over the stairs when his Personal Security Officer (PSO) intervened in time and prevented him from falling off. The story was carried by Odia daily Sambad which prompted the authorities to review the circumstances leading to the embarrassing situation.
The security personnel have sourced the CCTV footage to have a closer look at the incident and go into the minute details that caused near-mishap. In the recent past, several incidents have pointed fingers towards lax security arrangements for the Chief Minister.
The CM’s PSO had been found dozing off on duty behind the CM during a public meeting. Amid much brouhaha in the media, the officer was asked to explain. However, the matter was soon brushed under the carpet.
In another incident, the Commissionerate Police was subjected to criticism over the security breach of the CM’s cavalcade in which Youth Congress activists had broken the security cordon and pelted eggs at the motorcade. Several heads rolled before the matter was put to rest.