New Delhi: The recent visit of the Director General (DG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to Leh has sparked debate within the force. Questions have been raised regarding the use of government resources, deployment of security personnel, and tourism arrangements linked to the tour.
Official Tour or Personal Visit?
According to CRPF headquarters, the DG was accompanied by family members and relatives, with the group exceeding a dozen people. The tour, initially scheduled for August 21–25 but postponed due to weather, later went ahead with extensive security arrangements. Allegations surfaced that force resources were diverted and soldiers’ security compromised during the visit.
Sources claim officers and jawans posted in the field worked extensively to facilitate the tour. Pictures of the Leh trip were also shared by the DG on social media, further fueling discussions.
Scale of Deployment Raises Concerns
Reports suggest four companies of the force (E/25, G/25, A/115, and G/115) were moved from Srinagar and Ganderbal to Leh via Kargil for the visit. Three trucks, a minibus, and multiple vehicles, including Boleros and Tata Safaris from different battalions, were deployed. The stay arrangements were reportedly handled by the 79th battalion.
The officer’s family also visited Pangong Lake and other tourist destinations during the trip. Sources added that the hotel suite used by the DG cost around ₹30,000–35,000 per day, with additional rooms priced at ₹15,000 per day.
Clarifications from Headquarters
Senior officials clarified that this was an official tour of the DG. They emphasized that the four companies sent to Leh will now remain stationed there permanently. Further, they stated that the DG personally bore hotel expenses, arranged Innovas for guests, and that his wife covered her own costs. Relatives who joined the visit had also booked their tickets independently.
Despite these clarifications, questions persist within sections of the force regarding the scale of arrangements and whether proper protocol was followed.
