Jharkhand to buy five bulletproof vehicles for VIPs

Apr 5, 2007, 10:15 GMT

Ranchi, April 5 (IANS) To beef up the security of VIPs, the Jharkhand government is planning to buy five more bulletproof vehicles fitted with jammers to help detect landmines.

Former chief minister Arjun Munda had returned his Z plus security two days ago protesting the government decision to withdraw the bulletproof and jammer-fitted Tata Safari he had.

The state government, however, later decided not to withdraw the vehicle, in view of the security threat to Munda.

'We are moving a proposal to buy five bulletproof vehicles with jammers. These vehicles are a must considering the high security threat posed by Maoist rebels,' a senior police official told IANS.

The price of each vehicle is estimated at Rs.6.5 million. The decision was taken after the killing of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Sunil Mahato by suspected Maoists last month.

Jammer-fitted vehicles are needed as Maoist rebels have planted landmines in both tarred and non-tarred roads across the state.

At present Jharkhand has five such bulletproof Tata Safari vehicles, bought last year, which are for the security of VIPs.

While one has been provided to Governor Syed Sibte Razi, another is used by Chief Minister Madhu Koda. Two are with former chief ministers Babulal Marandi and Arjun Munda, while the fifth is with former home minister Sudesh Mahto.

At present Jharkhand has two deputy chief ministers - Stephen Marandi and Sudhir Mahto - and they move in ordinary vehicles.

The vehicles will be purchased from the police modernisation fund.

The killing of Sunil Mahato had triggered fear among the state's politicians. They demanded foolproof security.

© 2007 Indo-Asian News Service