Date:10/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/06/10/stories/2005061013980300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Others

When Rosaiah gave anxious time to police

Staff Reporter

ADILABAD: The Finance Minister, K. Rosaiah, took the police by surprise early on Thursday as he arrived from Nizamabad without a proper police escort. Considering the incidence of naxalism in Adilabad district, this was a matter of concern. He was scheduled to inaugurate a private eye hospital at 10.41 a.m. by arriving directly at the venue. However, he arrived at the R&B guesthouse at about 8 a.m. only to find no important officials present there to receive him.

Mr. Rosaiah had started from Nizamabad after a night's halt there at 6.15 a.m. and reached Adilabad within two hours.

He was accompanied only by two gunmen and the car driver.

On coming to know about the Minister reaching the guesthouse instead of the programme venue, the policemen on duty went into a tizzy. They rushed to the guesthouse, which is about 4 km away from the venue.

The offer of a guard of honour was also rejected by Mr. Rosaiah.

The police felt that because he was scheduled to attend a private function, the Minister did not prefer the escort.