In a dramatic turn of events that could only be described as providential, former US president and current Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump narrowly escaped a brush with death when a bullet whizzed past his right ear during a public rally in Pennsylvania. This close call has cast an intense spotlight on the US Secret Service, which is now under immense scrutiny for its inability to thwart the attack. In stark contrast, the stellar reputation of India’s Special Protection Group, charged with safeguarding the prime minister, shines even brighter.
US Secret Service: Mandate and responsibilities
The US Secret Service was founded in 1865, initially to combat counterfeiting. Over time, it took on the dual role of protection and investigation. It is now part of the Department of Homeland Security, having previously been under the Department of the Treasury. The Secret Service protects the President, Vice President, their families, former presidents, visiting foreign dignitaries and oversees major national events. It also investigates financial crimes including counterfeiting, financial fraud and cybercrimes.
Agents undergo rigorous training at the James J Rowley Training Center in Maryland where they develop skills in physical security, advanced driving, marksmanship and investigative techniques. The Secret Service uses a range of weapons including semi-automatic pistols, submachine guns and sniper rifles and employs cutting-edge technology for both protection and investigation.
India’s SPG: Roles and challenges
In contrast, the SPG which was raised in 1985 and was accorded a statutory status after a law was passed in Parliament in 1988, primarily focusses on protecting the Prime Minister of India and their immediate family. This narrow but crucial responsibility involves ensuring personal security, residence security and travel security. India’s internal security challenges including terrorism, insurgency and other forms of violence heighten the risk levels for the prime minister making the SPG’s job particularly complex.
The political environment in India can be highly volatile with frequent large-scale political rallies and events requiring tight security measures. The SPG operates across India’s diverse geography from dense urban areas to remote regions posing significant logistical and operational challenges. Furthermore, the SPG must adapt to various climates and terrains while ensuring the prime minister’s security often with fewer resources and technological advantages compared to the US Secret Service.
There is no doubt that protecting the Prime Minister of India during numerous election rallies poses a formidable challenge for the SPG requiring meticulous planning and steadfast execution. Election rallies draw large crowds creating difficulties in monitoring every individual for potential threats. These events occur in diverse locations, many a time remote, each presenting unique security concerns and logistical challenges. The accessibility of these rallies further increases the risk of unauthorised individuals approaching the prime minister. The prime minister is a high-value target for various threats including terrorism, political rivals and extremist groups. The dynamic nature of election campaigns means threats can emerge unpredictably necessitating constant vigilance.
Security Challenges and incidents
During Prime Minister Modi’s tenure, the SPG encountered its share of high-stakes drama. January 2022 saw a particularly nerve-wracking episode when the prime minister’s cavalcade found itself stranded in Punjab’s Ferozepur enveloped solely by his immediate inner security detail and bereft of the crucial outer security ring. Another heart-stopping moment came in November 2015, when the sudden crack of gunfire near the prime minister’s residence in New Delhi sent the SPG into a frenzy, only to discover that the shots were accidentally discharged from a police officer’s firearm.
A. Punjab security scare
On January 5, 2022, a significant security lapse occurred when protesters in Ferozepur, Punjab, blocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s convoy on a flyover. This incident raised numerous concerns about the operational guidelines outlined in the SPG’s “Blue Book”, which exclusively safeguards India’s highest leader.
The prime minister’s security protocol during state visits adheres strictly to the SPG’s Blue Book, detailing procedures for protection. Comprehensive plans are shared with state authorities including the chief minister, home minister, and police chief well in advance.
Preparations begin at least a month prior with an advanced liaison team, followed by a rigorous 48-hour security drill.
Subsequent to the incident, Prime Minister Modi briefed then-President Ram Nath Kovind on the breach. The Supreme Court took note of the incident prompting the Punjab government to establish a two-member committee to investigate. The Union home ministry had earlier directed the state to submit an immediate report citing inadequate deployment during the incident.
Accidental shots
On November 19, 2015, a series of gunshots resounded near 7 Race Course Road, now 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the Prime Minister in New Delhi.
According to police reports, the shots were inadvertently fired from the service weapon of a police officer stationed at a PCR van near the Prime Minister’s residence. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The incident occurred around 8:30 pm during a routine staff changeover.
Why SPG deserves a word of praise
The contrasting experiences of the US Secret Service and India’s SPG highlight the exemplary dedication and adaptability of the latter in safeguarding political leaders. While the Secret Service benefits from extensive resources and advanced technology, the SPG’s ability to operate effectively under challenging conditions is commendable. As incidents like these demonstrate, the SPG’s commitment to protecting the Prime Minister amidst diverse and dynamic threats stands as a testament to its pivotal role in India’s security landscape.
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Trump attack: Why SPG’s role protecting India’s PMs deserves a praise
