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Bulletproof clothing brand gets 30 orders in two weeks, 40 per cent hike in demand for armoured cars too

Our netas are running scared.

Illustration: Sameer Pawar

With the threat of terrorist attacks looming large over the upcoming General Elections, most political candidates are shopping for bulletproof clothes and cars. And for companies in this trade, business has never been so good.

Miguel Caballero, the Colombian company that had dressed Barack Obama and Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez in bulletproof clothing, launched its India operations barely two weeks ago. It has already received over 30 orders for bullet-resistant clothing, including white kurtas preferred by our leaders.

"Since we set up shop in India about two weeks ago, 30 orders have been placed. The clothes are being marketed to individuals who place orders. We expect even more business in the next couple of months," said Shivani Nath, the owner of Discrete Inners that is working in partnership with Miguel Caballero.

Caballero's lightweight bulletproof garments can cost anything between Rs 30,000 and 3 lakh, depending upon their styling and level of protection. "The first level of bulletproofing will protect the wearer against shots fired from a handgun. The most advanced bullet-resistant clothing can deflect AK 47 fire as well," said Nath, who admits to have received orders from several political leaders, including a Union Cabinet minister. "We have received orders from Bollywood stars, police officials as well. But most of our clients are political leaders. We can not disclose their names, though, as it is against our company policy," she said. However, sources said that Salman Khan was one of her first clients.

The collection includes bullet-resistant kurta-pyjamas, jackets, T-shirts and collared shirts. Though the clothes are lightweight, a kurta can still weigh up to 7 kg. While Caballero sells jackets, shirts and vests all over the world, the kurta-pyjama has been introduced specially for Indian clients. "The kurta is made of comfortable natural fabrics like linen and silk. While the outer layering is linen, the inner material is silk," said Nath.

Style: A bulletproof Nehru vest by Miguel Caballero.  Representative photo

Safe wheels

On the other hand, there has been an increase of over 40 per cent in the business of bullet-proofing high-end cars, with netas wanting to protect themselves from attacks by terrorists, Naxals and political rivals.

"During the elections in 2004 we used to modify five to seven vehicles per month. However, this year the demand has gone up to 12-15 vehicles each month," said Sunchit Sobti, director of Sobti Group, Jalandhar, a prominent name in the bullet-proof car business.

Shreyas Parekh, manager, Parikh Coach Builder from Mumbai, another car bullet-proofing company, agreed. "The armoured business is growing by 30 to 40 per cent this year. And we are getting queries from all across the country," said Sobti.

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, who escaped a landmine explosion in 2003, uses bulletproofed vehicles for traveling across the country. And so does former Punjab Director-General of Police KPS Gill.

Most of the demand, however, is from leaders of states that face heightened threat from terrorists and Naxals. The demand is highest in Uttar Pradesh followed by Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Modifying a car into a bulletproof haven costs from Rs 6 lakh to 60 lakh, depending upon the vehicle type and the level of protection the client requires. But our netas are willing to spend!

Hit but safe

Bulletproof clothes adapt to different weather conditions Garments have an adjustment system for perfect fit Bulletproof vehicle With each advanced version of a bulletproof vehicle, the rates increase. A car that can keep away AK-47 and SLR fire, will cost up to Rs 9 lakh. Blast-resistant cars can cost up to Rs 15 lakh. Modifications may go upto Rs 60 lakh.