When Kerala Governor Arif Muhammad Khan walked down the city of Kozhikode the other day and tasted halwa, there is a lot of discussion, A. Hemachandran, who was then DCP, IPS (retd) opens up to ‘Manorama Online’ about the ‘disappearance’ of a governor who visited Kerala 28 years ago and the psychological stress that the police had to go through.
A. Hemachandran (File Photo: RINKU RAJ MATTANCHERIYIL / Manorama)
“Punjab Governor, who visited Kerala, Lt. General B.K.N.Chibber was missing for an hour along with his official vehicle. The incident took place in 1995. After visiting Kanyakumari, when he reached the capital city, he suddenly disappeared along with the vehicle. After the governor’s security personnel informed the police on the wireless set that Nem had been crossed, the wireless connection was cut off. The disappearance of Chibber, who is also an ex-army officer, has become a headache for the Kerala Police at a time when terror activities were intensifying in Punjab. The governor’s ‘disappearance’ kept the police on edge for hours.
When Punjab Governor Chibber visited Kerala, he stayed at the Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Kerala. From Raj Bhavan, Chibber went to see Kanyakumari along with the security forces. He had a strong security system in Punjab as terrorism was rampant. He came to Kerala for a holiday away from security. Kerala police also provided him with strong security. When Chibber was in Kanyakumari, a protest movement against the central government took place at the Raj Bhavan. Protests against the Center in front of the Raj Bhavan are common. Raj Bhavan protests do not go to the law and order issue. However, it was during the strike that the police were arrested. The strike that started in the morning dragged on.
Lt. General B. K. N. Chibber. (AFP PHOTO/NARINDER NANU / File)
When the Governor of Punjab returns from Kanyakumari, there will be a protest in front of the Raj Bhavan. The police assessed that it would be difficult to get the governor inside through the crowd. From the main gate of Raj Bhavan to Vellayambalam Junction there are people. The governor should arrive from Kanyakumari around 1 pm. At that time, it was not certain that the strike would end, so the police thought of other ways. While going from Vellayambalam to Kavadiyar, after the main gate of Raj Bhavan, there is another gate next to the Manmohan bungalow. Normally this gate is not opened. If he could not pass through the front gate, it was decided to let the Governor enter the Raj Bhavan through this gate. The Kerala Police informed the governor’s security personnel about this through wireless. It was also suggested that the Governor’s motorcade should be consulted with the Kerala Police when it reaches the city limits.
Lt. General B. K. N. Chibber. (PTI Photo/File)
There was a wireless message that the Punjab Governor’s vehicle crossed the Tamil Nadu border and entered Kerala. The officers on duty were informed about this from the police control room. As the strike did not end, it was decided to let the governor in through the second gate on the Sastamangalam-Jawaharnagar route. The police was also deployed for that. It was announced that Punjab Governor Neyyatinkara has passed away. After Nema, the information about the Governor’s travel was not available. Unable to speak with the governor’s security forces. The police were worried. If there is a security lapse in Kerala for the highly secured Punjab Governor, it will be discussed at the national level. Even if the Governor’s vehicle comes among the protesters in front of the Raj Bhavan, there may be problems. Despite several attempts, the officers accompanying the governor could not be reached on the wireless. Meanwhile, a message was received that the governor’s vehicle had entered the police headquarters. It was suspected that the vehicle was driven to the police headquarters due to security threats. Later it became clear that it was not the governor’s vehicle.
The police were under pressure with each passing moment. Kerala police started searching for the governor’s vehicle in many places. Meanwhile, an hour later, the Governor’s vehicle entered the Raj Bhavan through the Manmohan Bungalow side gate. There was no security problem for the Governor. The Raj Bhavan authorities informed the police that he was happy. Later it became clear that interesting things had happened. After finishing Karamana, the governor instructed to go to the shops on the east side. Went to know and buy Kerala products. The accompanying security personnel were instructed not to report this over the wireless to walk freely on the streets. The Governor reached the Raj Bhavan after purchasing handicrafts and betel nut without informing the Kerala Police. When I think about it now, it seems funny, but the mental tension felt at that time was great” – said A. Hemachandran.
English Summary:
A Hemachandran talking about the missing of Punjab Governor BKN Chhibber with the official vehicle in 1995
2023-12-20 09:01:09
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