Bhubaneswar, Feb. 20: The state government today suspended the inspector in charge (IIC) and an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of Kharavela Nagar police station on charges of dereliction of duty.

The decision was taken when director-general of police Sanjeev Marik furnished a report to the state government about the incident, in which about 40 Youth Congress members had hurled eggs at the convoy of chief minister Naveen Patnaik yesterday in the city. The IIC, Sk Sarifuddin, and the ASI, P.K. Sahu, were suspended for the security lapse.

The incident happened when Naveen had been on his way to Utkal University to attend the annual function of the students' union. About 40 youths, carrying black flags, had managed to stop the convoy near Keshari Talkies for two minutes. Earlier yesterday, a meeting among senior police officials was held to take a stock of the security of the VVIPs in the city.

Marik admitted the security lapse on part of the police regarding yesterday's incident. "We had received a intelligence input at 2pm that some goons were planning to hurl eggs and show black flags at the chief minister's convoy. Clearly, there was negligence on part of some police personnel on duty - which led to the incident," Marik told The Telegraph.

"I have sought a detailed report from the police commissioner and director of the state intelligence wing for the security lapse. I reviewed the report and have sent a recommendation to the home department, suggesting disciplinary actions against those responsible for the incident," said Marik.<>

The police today produced seven Youth Congress members in a local court.

In December 2013, the state government had transferred the head of state intelligence wing few hours after a group of farmers had blocked the convoy of Naveen near AG Square while he was on his way to his office.