A major goof-up at Banihal railway station on Wednesday created a piquant situation for the entire security grid responsible for the security of the PM as he completed his ‘joy ride’ onboard the special train in the company of schoolchildren.
According to official sources, “While the PM was about to step out of the train it suddenly started moving forward forcing him to retreat his steps.” The PM was later escorted out of the train by security personnel before heading towards the venue of the public rally. In between, he posed for official picture with senior railway officials attached with the prestigious project of constructing 11-km long Indias longest tunnel through Pir Panjal range.
According to official sources, “It was around 12.55 pm when the eight-coach long DMU halted at the Banihal railway station. It sent the SPG personnel into tizzy as the train stopped well short of its marked location on the platform.”
First of all Chief Minister Omar Abdullah deboarded the train. On the instructions of the SPG personnel, the driver of the train was directed to move the train forward to ensure the Prime Minister gets off at the marked position.
As the confusion prevailed, a few more passengers deboarded the train but not the PM. Once again, the driver was directed to move ahead and at the same time the PM tried to step out of the train but was prevented by the security personnel. Finally, the VVIPs including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and J&K Governor NN Vohra too deboarded the train well short of the marked-out location and were escorted out of the Banihal railway station.