BJP national president JP Nadda (File photo)

CHENNAI: A bullet-resistant vehicle carrying Union Health Minister and BJP National President J.P. Nadda was forced to halt on Saturday evening due to technical concerns while returning from Vellore to Chennai Airport, the Tamil Nadu police DGP office clarified in an official statement issued on Tuesday.
The incident occurred near Thirumudivakkam on the Vandalur-Minjur Outer Ring Road within Tambaram City limits, around 7.30 pm. No injuries were reported, and the minister was safely escorted to the airport in an alternative vehicle as per protocol.

J.P. Nadda, who is provided ‘Z+’ security with CRPF cover, was visiting Chennai on May 2 and attended the sixth Saiva Siddhanta Conference at SRM University before proceeding to the Golden Temple in Vellore. A security convoy comprising bullet-resistant vehicles, escort vehicles for CRPF and Tamil Nadu police personnel, a protocol vehicle, and an ambulance was arranged.
According to police sources, the bulletproof vehicle—manufactured in Union govt-approved workshops—began to emit unusual friction noise from its rear wheels while being driven at speeds exceeding 120 km/hr. This was reportedly due to pressure from the minister’s personal assistant who urged CRPF personnel to increase the convoy’s speed despite the technical limitations of such heavily armoured vehicles.
Noting the abnormal noise, the driver reduced speed and safely pulled the vehicle over to the roadside. The Union Minister was quickly transferred to another vehicle, and the journey to Chennai Airport resumed without further incident. Authorities confirmed that the bulletproof car was undamaged and there was no compromise to the Minister’s safety.
However, a minor collision occurred when a police escort vehicle in the tenth position collided with another vehicle in the eighth position, which was carrying the Minister’s belongings. The damage was minimal, and no injuries were reported.
Following the incident, Tamil Nadu Police issued instructions to all personnel and accompanying staff not to exceed the designated speed limits of bulletproof vehicles. Officials emphasised that the state’s bulletproof fleet is well-maintained and regularly deployed to neighbouring states during VVIP visits.
The incident did not affect the Union Minister’s scheduled departure to Delhi, and he boarded his flight as planned.