Jharkhand FM Returns Security Cover Over Vehicle Dispute

Ranchi (IANS): Expressing sharp displeasure with the state police department, Jharkhand Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore has returned his entire official security cover after authorities denied his request for an additional escort vehicle.

The Congress leader surrendered all 16 assigned security personnel along with the three government vehicles designated for his convoy. Following the decision, onlookers spotted the minister traveling to various public engagements across Ranchi on Friday unescorted.

The Breaking Point: Overcrowded Security Convoys

The dispute began a few days ago when Kishore wrote to the Director General of Police (DGP) requesting an extra vehicle to transport his security detail.

• The Issue: The minister argued that his three existing government vehicles could not safely or practically accommodate 16 personnel.
• The Consequence: The lack of space forced guards to travel in highly overcrowded conditions, rendering the security setup ineffective during transit.

Instead of addressing the request, the police headquarters reportedly escalated the issue. Sources reveal that police top brass sent a communication to the Minister’s personal secretary seeking to withdraw another vehicle that was already part of his fleet.

“Embarrassing Situation”

In a follow-up letter to authorities, Kishore described the police department’s response as “embarrassing” and officially announced the return of his protection detail.

“Operating a convoy of three large vehicles solely for the movement of 16 security personnel is neither efficient nor justified from the standpoint of security and resource utilization. Any security arrangement must be both practical and effective.” — Radha Krishna Kishore, Jharkhand Finance Minister

On Friday morning, Kishore turned heads by arriving at an event at the Khelgaon Stadium and later the Project Bhawan Secretariat without security guards or convoy vehicles in sight.

While the high-profile move sends a clear message of defiance to the police headquarters, neither the state government nor the police top brass has issued an official statement regarding the standoff.