The two new bulletproof SUVs soon to be added to Kerala Police fleet feature advanced security framework. The purpose of the vehicles would be to protect VVIPs and elites. The police force is required to use bulletproof vehicles for folks with z-plus category security.
These bullet proof vehicles will be pressed into service to provide security to the CM, and for travel arrangements mandatory for eminent visitors to the state approved for high security.
The purchase approval was confirmed last week. The request was made by Lokanath Behara, State Police Chief, and Director General of Police (DGP) of Kerala State Police in 2017. The government approval came through on January 5, 2019.
Both specially commissioned Mitsubishi Pajero Sport units boast of the latest security arrangements. The fleet addition has come through after it was sanctioned to buy the SUVs at a cost of Rs 1.10 crore each. 30 percent of the said amount was paid in advance to Hindustan Motors without a tender call. The approval of the recent two vehicle purchases is apart from the open tender.
As is logical, the police chief notified the government that the open tender could not be published keeping in mind security concerns and protocols. This means specs and features of the bulletproof vehicles remain well-guarded. The vehicles will be handed offer to the coppers at some point in 2019.
Ordinarily, a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport would be available at an ex-sh price range of Rs. 27.65 – 28.85 lakh. In its bulletproof avatar, the cars are resistant to a grenade attack. In all, the force currently have three bulletproof cars (Tata Safari). Two of the three bullet-proof vehicles are in Kochi, and one in Thiruvananthapuram. With the new order that number goes upto five. The two new vehicle when received will be stationed at Thiruvananthapuram.
There aren’t that many companies that manufacture bullet-proof vehicles in India, and Hindustan Motors’ may have been chosen for their ability, prowess, and cost effectiveness. It has previously been reported that Kerala police have had to rent bulletproof vehicles on occasion.
