Jharkhand Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore on Thursday withdrew his entire security cover and returned all police personnel deployed for his protection along with the three vehicles assigned to the security convoy. The minister has since been travelling without any security escort. The decision followed the government's failure to provide an additional vehicle sought by the minister for the movement of his security staff. Earlier in the day, Kishore attended a programme at Khel Gaon Stadium and later travelled to the Project Bhawan Secretariat without security personnel.
According to official sources, the minister had earlier written to the Director General of Police (DGP) requesting an extra vehicle, stating that the existing arrangement was inadequate for transporting all 16 police personnel assigned to his security.
Despite repeated correspondence, including a reminder on June 29, no action was taken on the request.
In his letter, Kishore pointed out that accommodating 16 security personnel in only three government vehicles was neither practical nor safe. Stating that his concerns had gone unanswered, he informed the DGP that he was returning the police personnel and the vehicles provided for his security.
Clarifying his stand, the Finance Minister said his decision was not aimed at the state government but at drawing attention to administrative shortcomings. He maintained that Chief Minister Hemant Soren was likely unaware of the issue and said he had no personal demand for a vehicle.
Kishore asserted that his move was intended to expose the lack of coordination between the Police Department and the Finance Department rather than criticise the government.
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