Aweful...Nothing will change !!!

OK, so the life of the VIP along with insignificant others like the hotel patrons, national hockey team or the creme de la creme of hockey world is all jeopardised because the security guards did not want to make the VVVVVVVVIP wait?
The guys had to know that they are jeopardizing their own lives too with it. I wonder if the VIP knew what had happended. Why so much of < jee hazoori > for the VIP's?
More importantly what would the VIP lose if he had proceeded alongwith the queue? Precious time? Is it more important than his own life?
What if a VIP vehicle itself will be made a target with a bomb in its boot? Its not impossible considering the general lethargy that follows after the initial alertness.
As our leaders have famously quoted, It would be a miracle if the Games are hosted successfully. That holds true for all the forthcoming sporting events as well as for our lives when the events eventually are over.

Is it possible for you to take such matters further than just a blog Mr Kalra ?

If the same thing happens again and again we need to pay the price for that security lapse. Need a bold officer to make clear and right decisions. Law and checking is common for everyone.

Who is to blame? The Security Officer on duty or the VIP? Easy to blame VIP but wish the Security Officer had stopped and if VIP had made hue n cry, then Media / Press had a cause to fight for. Every one has to take the responsibilities, just blaming system or someone will never work.

so this clarifies that easiest way for terrorists is to get a car with red light on top, rather then waiting in general queue .
what a shame for authorities that they allow enterance for cars with red lights without any check whatsoever.

Hi Mr. Kalra, no offense to raising the above alarming quality of security levels that we have for the people who visit our country and the people living in, but just a question out of curosity that wasnt it possible to stop the police / security guards asking them check the cars one by one and then allow others to move in or speak with the hotel management about this incident and find out what responsibility were they taking for any extreme activity to happen. I mean if God forbid any of the four cars had been allowed to move in contained any explosives...Who will be answerable?????

Did you speak with the security guards right at the same moment that what they are doing is wrong and they should nt allow anyone just like that(I know at the moment of time and the consquences you would have come across would have made you to remain silent and watch whats happening) Or I am sure you would have spoken with the Hotel Management about this.

My feel to the situation is that if we all act at such situations there and then the next time all these security guards will be alert that people are watchin every move and also the VIPs or VVIPs would understand the situation and the let the routine security drill go on and then enter. I mean our one step at the right time surely makes a difference to someones lives or life of the country, you never know whoose life you might save.
Like I said earlier, there is no offense to the lack of security issues that you are bringing in front of us through the above mentioned details in the blog, I know its utterly disgusting and shameful but we all as a citizen need to play the right role at the right time if know something that just happened was wrong, which shall stop the problems we normally face or even make a pinch of a difference.

The security guys need to be more empowered to be able to stop the VIPs who think they own this country and treat them in the same manner as the rest of us. The VIPs better stop thinking they rule the world and can get away with anything. This is most disgusting Raje. Can't anything be done about it?

Absolute disgrace but hardly surprising in this nation where sycophancy is the norm.

My question is that why every stuff is going in already "stuffed" Delhi? Is India is like Singapur that every event has to be in Singapur City, we are a vast nation we can easily shift the events like Commonwealth, Hockey World Cup in places like Hayderabad, Thiruanathpuram, Kochi, Vizag? Why we are organising every xyz event in Delhi and puttin ourselves in a position where our national pride is at stake. Whatever Mr. Kalra has seen,as a Delhites I also notice. I think the places like Delhi, Bombay & Kolkata are very togh to guard let us give the chance to our second tier metros.

That is so disgusting to see such matters of security breach occuring to allow a VIP to pass. The terrorists could even have a "VIP" who could assist them in such an act to cause widespread damage.

Indeed shame on the way security operates at such a high prestige event.

This issue has been brought several times,but nothing has happened yet. In parliament attack, terrorists used the red beacon cars to disastrous effect, but still many politicians flaunt the rules. Large part of blame goes to them but some part is ours as well. Just remember how much hue and cry media made on SRK's interrogation or Abdul Kalam's frisking. When British prime minister can use metro to reach parliament, why can't our MPs do the same. Why do they need a red beacon car ? I think we have made the VIP culture fashionable. Politicians think it is a show of power and we feel the same. We give respect to the guy with two security men in tow.Perception needs to be changed. Media has a job in hand. Its all about perception, change people's perception , everything else will follow.

When an Indian VIP moves, that is all that counts... :-)

Dear Mr. Karla, thanx for putting such a sensitive issue BUT u did this in half heartedly and (seems to be your intension is not to bring the said issue before higher brass)bcos you should put this in the front page of the national daily since u r already well positioned to do this.

We have not learnt any lesson from parliament attack. Simple funda of our current system is just to harass common man and treat wealthy/healthy category with dignity!!!

Hardly surprising. In a culture where VIPs or any of the big bosses expect their juniors to be sycophants and fawn over them, what choice do they have? It's all fine for us to sit and pontificate on blogs and forums, but the guy has to keep his job and support his family. If the policeman had stopped the VIP's car and done a thorough check for say 5 minutes, the VIP would have taken it as a personal affront, and probably got the cop demoted or transfered. It's not fair to lay the blame squarely on the cops. It's the culture that is at fault. This entire culture needs to be overhauled if India is to gain respect (from both Indians and the world) as a nation. INDIANS may be individually respected for their intelligence and talent, but not INDIA as a nation. Times have changed. We can't afford to let this "bade saahab" culture continue anymore. As an Indian, I feel safer in the US than in my own country! And I think that's really shameful.

Why all this hullaballoo? So what happens if 30, 40 or even a 1000 rif raf among Indians are killed by a few Terrorists?There are more than a billion of us? Can they win? The government of India knows this sad truth, so everything is chalta hai.But the terrorists don't know that killing Indians or some foreighners wont concern anybody more than the family.They should know that killing a few out of these 545 maharajahs might make some difference.But they are happy with their soft targets.They too are going by number game.It takes more to kill these maharajahs.They surround themselves with the ordinary rifraf.

Mr Kalra, I thank you very much for highlighting this issue. To my opinion, this is a procedural failure from safety point of view. It is neither a mistake on the part of VIP, nor the police officer, nor the security guard. I suggest,Ministry of Internal Security to review & modify or add a few more lines in the procedures and ensure it flows down the lane on priority. This to be done IMMEDIATELY.

Not sure if anyother user has raised this point, so I will continue.

Do we have to blame complete system here? Lets say that, the VIP and his other 4 cars stand in the Queue/ can be a longer queue, and he/ his team members have been targeted while waiting, whom shall we blamed then? Cant we think/ speak/ suggest some precise solutions instead of hitting on the pot!

Solutions like -
1)Seperate entry for VIP/ VVIP's BUT WITH SECURITY CHECK POINT AFTER THE ENTRY
2) If seperate entry is not possible and other cars, like our author's have to be pushed ahead without a check, those vehicles should be moved to SEPERATE SECURITY CHECK POINT along with VIP's for a CHECK.

If the above situation(s) are not possible then stop holding any important events at such Venue's, Venue is not eligible.

We have problems in todays world, which need to be addressed with a plan but not by raising a blaming finger at others.

I believe the Pakistani coach has a point doubting the security cover provided, if this is how security is implemented. @Rajesh, you being empowered to bring this issue into limelight, what else can we do to highlight it. I agree you made a good start with a blog, but frankly, the no of people reading a blog on timesofindia website is far less than the no of poeple reading timesofindia delhi edition. So cant we get this news on to the frontpage of tomorrows newspaper just to highlight the real issues.

You are real the security threat describing loopholes to terrorists by going public.

I'm not at all surprised!

There is no value of human life in India. We will never learn. Unfortunately the british just left us and if they would have sat on our heads like they did in Austrlia and Newzealand and taught us and then left.We would be a different nation. Its like if you give your house to your servant to run it, he will dry his underwear on the TV... We will always be slaves as our mentality is such..Everyone in India thinks he is he king..no one is normal..VIPS move in other countries with threat as well but follow a protocol but in India everything is possible...we will have more attacts after attacks but nothing will change.. human life has no value..

Somehow WE shoud find out the routes of these STUPID VIPS and then hold rallies on those ROUTES and MAKE them WAIt for hours ..

Treat them as they treat others is the Only solution,, We should have committes made of Common people who will just get into there vehicles and go to road and Stop and just stay there for as long as it takes .. for these Stupid VIPS to stop the sirens and LEARN the way of the common people ..

Pick a son of one of these VVIPs for the team and hey presto the security will be improved to no end.

This is just another example of the Indian chalta hai attitude and ad hocism.
It is evident that terrorists with the intelligence to do the simple math question would be able to carry out
terrorism on Indian soil and Indian assurances of security are hollow boasts at best.

Terrorists should take a cue from this incident.
I honestly want some teror breach due to VIP security then may eb we will learn.. These terrorists are iditos dude kill some top notch politicians why kill poor defenceless people..

Indian VIP's are the most trouble causers in the world.The VIP's cause more pain and hardship to the ordinary public. The house where I stayed in India the whole road was full of policemen with lathis clearing the roads from parked cars just because VIP was passing through the area. They were entering the houses and climbing on their roofs to see for any danger infact tresspassing. Hundreds of polce lined up for miles and for hours just to safeguard the stupid VIP's. The system has got to be changed and the VIP's should not be given any preferential treatment. It cost the tax payers hell a lot of money and it is time this policy of special treatment of VIP's must come to stop.

Right Mr. Gandhi, why not make priyanka's husband or president's son our hockey non playing captain

This happens in Pakistan, and all the third world countries,nothing will change

That is such a mess but any suggestions on how this can be avoided

Thank you, Rajesh Kalra, for bringing this up once again. We really do not seem to have the capacity to learn from our mistakes.

We all thump our chest and shout in unison, that India is a progressive, democratic country! Some go to the extent of claiming a super power status. The fact of the matter is we have a feudal mindset.

We are responsible for what is happening in this country today. By calling, some of the most undeserving individuals as LEADERS! These are no national assets on whom crores and crores of rupees are being spent. The GOI has no defined policy and guidelines that the VIP's should follow which would ensure, that their presence does not heighten the security threat for the common man. Each VIP is the PM or the President of this country in his/her assessment and demands that he/she have an uninterrupted passage, little realizing that he endangers himself by disrupting the functioning of the security personnel deployed for the safety of the common man.

It is fraught with danger to resist these so called VIP’s. Yet it will have to be done one of these days by the public. There will have to be insistence from the public that every one shall have to take their turn in a queue. Every life has to be invested with equal premium, there can not be differential value attached to life of an Indian. I do not agree with the sentiment expressed by a few people that these VIP’s will understand only if they are affect by terrorist acts directly.

Until and unless the public does not demand, it will not get equal treatment. RTI is the best way to start to find out what is the system that is to followed by these VIP’s, that is if it is there at all.

How can a journalist, whose job is to get news(probe,ask,do whatever) where and when it is happening feign helpnessness
and say, "I could not see which VIP..." That is absurd!! It is your job to find out, if not then this blog
is just a story!!

VVip's are our primary concern in a way of security concern ,so its ntng here to blame this a lack of security, what u doing is just advertising..nsg snippers were nearby you ,u can't see them..

Good governance starts from the top. I wonder how much is our Prime Minister involved in making sure that the common man is safeguarded even if it means limiting the security of the VIP's. Who is the Authority in India to take action against these buffoons. Mr. Kalra, India will always be in the doghouse unless we clip the wings of the politicians and high officials. There is no sense of PRIDE because the powers are wielded for personal gains. Yes it is disgusting.

i like the article. its correct that the politian's in out country is biggest stopover in country's growth. everybody is just roaming around them... the day when these politian will realize their duties ,reponsibilities and social awareness then we can make a better society to live for all. We are known as a coming super power and if the superpower is like this then this is the biggest joke of the decades i heard... it is really disgusting.

ha ha toi eds get idealistic on paperand yet campaign for congress and anti-bjp 24-7 bribed withs ads and etc by the creator of this vip culture the corrupt incomeptent sycophant dynastyic congres party and thuis kalra will write
sycophnatic sallams to rahul and soania every wek to compte with other corrupt media for favors.....no go and do ur job and bash sena bjp .....what hypocrites these 50 % cut off grads elmedia employees like kalra are and the guy willcenosr comments and lecture of freedoms of mfhusain to paint hindu goddesse nude.......shameless and disgusting

Mr Kalra, your anger over this blatant disregard for safety and security, and the double standards practised by, and for, VIPs, is justified.
In Dec'09, you highlighted an incident at a Haagen Daz (HD) outlet in Delhi that smacked of discrimination against Indians. Your blog set into motion a collective complaint that resulted in HD issuing a statement and suspending their so-called promotion. Perhaps it's time for readers to do the same again. You mentioned that you weren't able to identify the VIP involved in this current incident. Would a check with the hotel and their security personnel on which VIP was present at their premises on that day help? A collective complaint by readers (Indian citizens and taxpayers) may not result in the desired outcome that EVERYONE is required to undergo standard security checks regardless of stature, rank, venue or time. However, it could lead to VIPs/their staff not being arrogant and assume that they are above standard operating procedures (or the law) and deserve preferential treatment at all times, at all places, under any circumstances.
I realise not many would even read my comments, given that approx 45 others precede mine. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. Hopefully something good comes out of your blog today Mr Kalra, as was the case with the HD incident. There are several major sports events slated to take place in India this year. It would be tragic if India becomes synonymous with security lapses that result in loss of lives, rather than as a safe, gracious country that hosts world class competitions, promotes sports excellence and ensures the safety of athletes and spectators alike.

There is a simple solution to this: leave Delhi to the politicains and the bureaucrats and move everything (and everybody else out). No events, no games, nothing. Let it be the sterile place that they want it to be and they can push each other around as much as they wish to. If that compromises their security, good for them!

The whole system is not only corrupt but sickening.
There are only a handful of bright spots in a country that is trying to be a leader on the world stage. Well I am sorry to say given the pathetic mindset of our power hungry leaders it will be a miracle to come out of the dreaded hole. We need stick to reign in these rascals. That's the only cure - unfortunately.

I wonder how much is our Prime Minister and sonia Gandhi Rahul baba involved in making sure that the common man is safeguarded even if it means limiting the security of the VIP's. Who is the Authority in India to take action against these buffoons.

Sir, well written. But I have my point here. Even after Mumbai’s attack see what we have in the name of security in 5 stars and other places? I don’t know much about Delhi, but in Mumbai’s 5 stars, all that we have in the name of tight security are private security guys (I doubt they ever held a gun in their life) manning the entrance. If any terrorist enters carrying AK 47.. 56’s, am sure the first one to run for cover will be these private security guys. Look at banks and other establishments….all we have is a sole guard with an outdated double barrel gun. Isn’t it ridiculous? And after every attack, we will see Police check post everywhere, they will stop all bikes and taxis. It means terrorist only travels by bikes and taxis. What about private cars and buses?

OVERALL THE SO CALLED VIP IS MORE OF A THREAT TO THE COUNTRY THAN THE WORST TERRORRIST>ANY ONE AGREES WITH ME???

Sir, well written. But I have my point here. Even after Mumbai’s attack see what we have in the name of security in 5 stars and other places? I don’t know much about Delhi, but in Mumbai’s 5 stars, all that we have in the name of tight security are private security guys (I doubt they ever held a gun in their life) manning the entrance. If any terrorist enters carrying AK 47.. 56’s, am sure the first one to run for cover will be these private security guys. Look at banks and other establishments….all we have is a sole guard with an outdated double barrel gun. Isn’t it ridiculous? And after every attack, we will see Police check post everywhere, they will stop all bikes and taxis. It means terrorist only travels by bikes and taxis. What about private cars and buses?

wonder...the day will come, only VIPs and there security gurds are alive...no common men is there.. how happy the world would be, wouldn't be?? Doesn't matter, many of the VIPs does not deserve life..
Sir, you wrote the truth. I want to tell u that you will get tired by writing someday, but nothing will change any day. This is the ugly truth. Because if something has to change, it would have at least started, we know that we have ample of reasons to take start. But sir, you keep writting,i hope by this one good thing will keep going,that people keep reading... HATS OFF TO EVERY HUMAN BEING... DO YOU KNOW THE SECRET OF WORDS " HUMAN BEING " ?? I WILL TELL U.... WE ALWAYS KEEP BEING HUMAN... WE WILL NEVER BE...

This article would have been effective if you had found out and mentioned who exactly was the VVIP in this case. These VVIPs must understnad that they cannot make rules and not follow them themselves!In this case the VVIP's duty was to allow the security personnel to do thier job efficiently instaed of flouting the rule themself

After reading this blog I recall an article in TOI the day after 15th August, 2008. There was a picture showing a personnel of the Special Protection Group (PM security) and it boasted of how menacing they looked and how they made heads turn around at the Independence Day celebration at Red Fort. Those are the kind of guys we need to provide security for the sports teams coming from different places because for them, that is NORMAL security for such an event. I am keeping fingers crossed for the upcoming sporting events in India not only in terms of security but everything else.

Given the situation the VIP should have restrained the escorting police from bypassing the security check and allowed himself and those accompanying him to go through the security check process. Alternatively he could have disembarked from the car and walked to the hotel front escorted by the uniformed policemen with the rest going through security check. He would have gained immense respect from the security men on the ground and those of the onlookers. But Indian political VIPs are strange creatures. It is below them to humble themselves to public servants surrounding and serving them.

Recently I saw two incidents over Indian TV news snippets. In one instance a Minister giving a press conference was about to suppress his cough that was coming and before he could do that one of his secretaries rushed forward to offer him a bottle of mineral water, which the Minister happily drank. In the other instance, another Minister was reading out a speech from prepared text in a seminar and as he finished with one page his secretary rushed forward to turn the next page for him. Servility – have you got no bounds? How disgusting!

Mr. Rajesh, TOI has resources to get the best brains in the country to advise how citizens should normally behave in a situation like this. Can you pls start a column where such a situation is analyzed by some eminent thinkers who give there opinion about what would have been right approach for a normal person in this situation. This is not a one time issue and will continue to reoccur. How can we react next time to make a difference? Lot of times a normal person is just not aware of the right approach. Pls. suggest. Thanks.

Till several VIPs are killed because he/she got through without being checked and because others didnt get checked since the VIP was being held up we might have some change - India's problem is life has little value here, anyway the soul is immortal and we have so many souls !! Rajesh - you should have found out who that VIP was and taken a few pictures of police not checking the cars .... put it on the front page and get them to sweat a bit.

you are representing an media if you are unable to raise your voice against these kinds of loop then dont post such articles and dont expect a common man will raise their voices so.
set an example then you can raise your fingure on others

We often have to remind our own selves & people that we are the society (Certainly not vip's) and we are responsible for whatever happens. Its the fault of vip police & security they have not discharged their duties as expected and they should be punished. We only think and make the vip feel great. If we dont we could have changed india long ago. I am sure Mr.Karla could have written to home minister to seek his attention. If not Pls. do so, let us not forget our duty.

We often have to remind our own selves & people that we are the society (Certainly not vip's) and we are responsible for whatever happens. Its the fault of vip police & security they have not discharged their duties as expected and they should be punished. We only think and make the vip feel great. If we dont we could have changed india long ago. I am sure Mr.Karla could have written to home minister to seek his attention. If not Pls. do so, let us not forget our duty.

I think as a nation we still have to learn to take security procedures seriously and professionally. Had this been in any other country, the VIP vehicle would have been allowed entry from other gate/exit gate alongwith the key escort vehicles manned by guards/police, other vehiles in his entourage would have been given priority but they wouldn't have let four cars in front of the VIP car to pass without being inspected so that VIP's car could enter.There is no reason why a VIP should queue behind us (all you know he might be the General Secretary of UN) who are at the hotel for a social/business visit etc.

This is not the fault of the guards or the security manager but the head of hotel security and the heads of Delhi police. this situation could have been avoided if both would have proactively laid down a procedure for express passage of VIP vehicles.

it happens only in India !!! Nothing is gonna change & we are dreaming for becoming a superpower..!!

India will always be the same, always a conquered country, never a conquerer, always a laughing stock, never a shining example, always meek, never bold. Its in the Indian genes.

Its so ridiculous and then you give it a jargon such as z+++ security (WHATEVER!!!). Good observation by the author but nevertheless this was no foolproof security. At least I hope they clean their acts soon. If they dont want VVIP's to go through normal gates at least have a special gate with quick procedures, so that security protocols at the normal gate are not compromised.

Really awful and shameful, The person who so ever was in the car should fell some shame on himself who is compromising national security for his own sake. THERE IS NOTHING ABOVE NATIONAL SECURITY.

There will be change only if some VVIP or there relatives(Wife, Son etc...) will die due to either Terrorist/Moist attack, then they would realize. Only the person who has(or his relatives) bear the burden of this sort of terrorist attack can understand how it affects when you loose some one special in your life....these politician will never understand...I hope day will come soon and when one more Afjal wil try to hit the Parliament and I pray to god that he must succeed this time.............I would be grateful then if the security personal allow them to hit the target.....the person who lost his life while fighting with Parliament attackers last time his widow still waiting for compensation...thats really shame.....on these politicians...

how these congress sycophants never balme the congressis but the police who r dominated by congress culture of 55 years and have no choice to save their jobs..........kamalnath some years ago wnated to avoid customs check........and these toi congress agents kept mum......and this kalra will forget that congress govt wrote to usa recently to stop frisking at airport for indian vips....same on thse toi hypocrites and congress agents ,even criminals dont act pious and fool their customers who give them business...but elmedia r dominated by these 50 % cutoff college graduates with no skills except unscrupulousness and duplicity...guys will talk about mfh free speech and srk free speech to call their frend pakistan frendly and blam eit equally for kiling us.........i am ashamed to be an indian because it creates such guys with hindu nmaes in soldout elmedia..see how they cenosr this and cheat my time and effort after asking fr comments...because i am not sharukh or nfh who shuld be allowed to paint hindu god s nude.....

I got novel suggestion for the security of VVIP and VIP which will not be cost effective and no more traffic problem will occur.The best way for VVIP security is to put them in solid war tank when they go out for attending functions,matches,rallies etc.This will doubly serve as no security personnel will be needed like Z security etc which is very costly and traffic problem will be also solved.

Mr Kaira, salute to you. I am sure some responsible person from VIP security might have seen your blog.
I am sure there are clear protocols given to the location commanders. It is important to identify if they violate the procedure or working in a pulse of the moment.

No improvement unless we raise our sound.

Jai Hind

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Whitny Swift
paper towel holder

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