Poll-bound Bihar, bullet-proofing its SUVs in Meerut!

Bullets have often been the symbol of power in the eastern states of Bihar, Jharkand and Chattisgarh. Call it a show of power or switching on the safety mode before serving the people, Bihar’s politicians are busy getting special protections for them and their cars.

With assembly elections round the corner, SUVs from poll-bound Bihar are making a beeline for Meerut for bulletproofing, according to a news report by The Economic Times.

The automobile workshop in Meerut that does the work said they have received orders for more than 500 vehicles in the past one month while more than a thousand queries were made regarding the cost.
Balwinder Singh Sekho, director of Bulletproof Systems Ltd, told TOI, "Among the 500 vehicles that have come for the security cover that costs anything from Rs 16 to Rs 28 lakh, there are not only politicians but also businessmen. We have completed work on 200 vehicles so far."

He added, "Bihar has always been a volatile state with high crime rate. Even during normal circumstances, we get a lot of orders for bulletproofing of vehicles. Polls are a different game altogether. Be it politicians or businessmen everybody becomes extra cautious in matters of security."

HOW IS BULLETPROOFING DONE?
"First of all, tyres are made bulletproof by using ballistic fibre fixed inside the original tyre. Diesel tank is yet another vulnerable area which is coated with impenetrable steel. We make it explosion-proof as well by using the latest technology. Then comes the windows and windscreen which are a combination of four layers of glass and polycarbonate. Besides, provision of dual battery system is made in addition to complete protection of the radiator. The roof and floor are also covered by high grade steel," Sekho said.
COST
But armouring one's vehicle comes with a formidable price tag. While bullet-proofing Scorpio and Safari costs Rs 15 lakh, if one goes for a bombproof cover, the costs rise to Rs 22 lakh. Similarly, Fortuner and Pajero cost Rs 17 lakh (for bulletproofing) and 25 lakh (for bombproofing) respectively.

According to Sekho, Jharkhand, eastern UP and Chhattisgarh have a high demand for bombproof vehicles, since bombs are common in Naxalite-affected areas.

BJP MLA from Muzaffarpur, Suresh Sharma, said, "I am not surprised if bulletproofing of vehicles is happening. A resident of Bihar is a frightened man today and tries to find all means to protect himself from the worsening law and order situation in the state. Moreover, these are politically volatile times. Politicians have to move across the state for campaigning. Some areas are Naxalite-affected too. So getting vehicles bulletproofed is logical."

Leaders from the ruling party, however, dismissed the "poor law and order" charge. Senior Janata Dal (United) leader and current Rajya Sabha member, Ali Anwar, attributed the culture of bulletproofing to pomp and show by the powerful and mighty.

JD(U)'s Bihar president Bashishtha Narayan Singh said, "This is not a good sign at all. What if anti-social elements get access to bulletproof vehicles? It is a serious matter that needs to be examined."