Jharkhand: Arjun Munda’s security convoy vehicle meets with accident on NH-33, ex-CM raises serious safety concerns
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, November 6: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and former Union Minister Arjun Munda escaped unharmed after a vehicle…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, November 6: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and former Union Minister Arjun Munda escaped unharmed after a vehicle in his security convoy met with an accident near Chowka on National Highway 33 on Friday.
The incident occurred while Munda was travelling from Khunti to Jamshedpur. All security personnel accompanying him were also reported safe, with no injuries.
Following the accident, Munda took to social media to express gratitude to God for everyone’s safety while raising serious concerns over the allegedly poor condition of vehicles provided by the Jharkhand government for his security.
He said the incident had once again highlighted a longstanding problem that his office had repeatedly brought to the attention of the authorities.
Arjun Munda Questions Safety of Government-Provided Vehicles
Munda expressed concern that vehicles deployed for his security were old, dilapidated and frequently developed technical problems, potentially endangering both the protected person and the security personnel accompanying him.
He emphasised that the issue was not confined to his personal safety but also involved the lives of security personnel who perform their duties under challenging circumstances.
According to Munda, the poor condition of security vehicles has been repeatedly communicated to the authorities, but no permanent solution has been provided.
He alleged that the authorities had largely confined their response to routine repairs, even though mechanical and technical problems continued to recur.
Six Letters Sent to Authorities Between July 2024 and June 2026
Providing details of earlier correspondence, Munda said his office had written to the concerned authorities on at least six occasions about the condition of the security vehicles and the need for corrective action.
The communications cited by him were:
- July 28, 2024: Letter No. 10453
- August 22, 2024: Letter No. 10476
- April 19, 2025: Letter No. 10740
- September 11, 2025: Letter No. 10905
- March 9, 2026: Letter No. 11133
- June 29, 2026: Letter No. 11298
Munda said these communications had specifically drawn attention to the deteriorating condition of vehicles, recurring technical defects and their implications for security arrangements.
Despite repeated correspondence over nearly two years, he alleged, the underlying problems remained unresolved.
Home Department Also Issued Letter in March 2026
Munda further referred to a communication issued by the Jharkhand government’s Home, Jail and Disaster Management Department on March 14, 2026.
He identified the communication as Letter No. 08/Security(II)-01/2025, Memo No. 1645.
According to him, even after this departmental communication, no effective or permanent measures were taken to address the condition of the vehicles deployed for his security.
He questioned why the authorities had failed to resolve a matter involving the safety of both a former Chief Minister and the personnel assigned to protect him.
Lack of Sirens and Flags Creates Additional Security Risks
Highlighting another aspect of the problem, Munda claimed that some vehicles in his security convoy lacked essential identification and warning equipment, including sirens and flags.
He said the absence of such equipment made it difficult for other motorists to recognise the movement of a security convoy.
As a result, according to Munda, vehicles travelling on the road sometimes entered the convoy, creating potentially dangerous situations and affecting security arrangements.
He also claimed that technical problems in the vehicles occurred almost daily, making their continued deployment a matter of serious concern.
Munda maintained that simply repairing vehicles whenever defects appeared could not be considered an adequate long-term solution.
No Security Review Conducted, Claims Former Chief Minister
Munda also questioned the absence of a security review by the department concerned.
He alleged that despite repeated complaints about the condition of vehicles and the risks arising from technical failures, the authorities had not conducted an appropriate review of his security arrangements.
The former Chief Minister said the recurring mechanical problems and the continued deployment of ageing vehicles indicated the need for a comprehensive assessment rather than temporary repairs.
He argued that security arrangements could not be considered effective unless the vehicles and equipment used by personnel met the required operational and safety standards.
Will Authorities Act Only After a Major Tragedy, Asks Munda
Expressing frustration over the alleged inaction, Munda questioned whether the authorities were waiting for a major accident or loss of life before taking the matter seriously.
He said Friday’s accident should serve as a warning about the potential consequences of continuing to deploy vehicles that frequently develop technical defects.
Munda urged the Jharkhand government to take immediate and concrete steps to provide safe, reliable and technically sound vehicles in accordance with prescribed security standards.
He stressed that the safety of security personnel must receive the same priority as that of the individual they are assigned to protect.
Although Friday’s accident resulted in no reported injuries, Munda maintained that the incident underscored the urgency of addressing the problems he had been highlighting through repeated official communications.
