In a shocking breach of protocol, a senior IPS officer was left stranded late at night after his official vehicle, along with his bodyguards and driver, drove off without realizing he hadn’t returned to the car. The incident has sparked concern over the state of VIP security in India.
Left Behind at a Gas Station
The officer, a Commandant with the Special Bihar Armed Force, was traveling from Patna to Gaya on the night of May 29, 2025. During a stop at a gas station in Tehta, Jehanabad district, he stepped out briefly to freshen up. However, before he could return, the driver and two bodyguards left the location, completely unaware that the officer was not in the vehicle.
Adding to the chaos, the officer’s phone and belongings were still inside the car, making it impossible for him to reach out for help immediately.
Forced to Walk 1.5 Kilometres in Darkness
Alone and without any means of communication, the officer had no choice but to walk 1.5 kilometres through the dark roadside until he reached the Tehta police station. There, he used the station in charge’s phone to report the situation.
Police from the Bodh Gaya Battalion were alerted, and a vehicle from the Jehanabad police was quickly dispatched to ensure his safe arrival in Gaya.
Security Team Suspended for Negligence
The driver and bodyguards only realized their mistake after being contacted by the officer’s aide. Believing they had already dropped him off, they had gone on to his residence without a second thought. All three, the driver and the two security personnel, have since been suspended and are facing departmental action for gross negligence.
Official Downplays the Incident
When reached for comment, the officer described the event as a “minor incident.” However, the situation raises serious concerns about the discipline, attentiveness, and training of personnel assigned to protect high-ranking officials.
A Bigger Problem in VIP Security?
While this incident may seem isolated, it points to larger systemic issues in the management of VIP security in India. Protocols require bodyguards and drivers to maintain constant visual confirmation of their principals. Any lapse, especially at night and in remote areas, can lead to dangerous consequences.
This isn’t the first time such an incident has occurred. Over the past few years, there have been similar cases where VIPs were left vulnerable due to negligence or miscommunication among their security detail.
Why These Protocols Matter
The role of bodyguards and drivers in VIP convoys goes beyond transportation as they are a critical part of a security ring designed to prevent harm or mishap. Situations like this not only put the principal at risk but also undermine public confidence in law enforcement’s ability to protect its own.
Experts have called for stricter enforcement of escort protocols and refresher training for personnel in charge of high-level security.
Conclusion
Although the Commandant downplayed the situation, the fact remains: an IPS officer left stranded means that a senior law enforcement officer was left vulnerable on a dark roadside due to carelessness by those assigned to protect him. The swift suspension of the security personnel involved is a start, but systemic improvements in VIP convoy management may be necessary to prevent such incidents from happening again.
