Ex-DGP Sreekumar’s security cover lifted

Incidentally,Sreekumar’s security was withdrawn on September 24,although he was officially informed only on September 26.

Sreekumar’s security detail comprised four policemen and a commando,who acted as his personal security officer. He has had this security cover since 2007. However,the commando would still accompany him to courts,investigating agencies,commissions and other bodies wherever he is required to appear/visit one.

In the letter,Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) secretary Teesta Setalvad said,“Sreekumar had taken a principal stand in Zakia Jafri’s case against the state government and he is a key witness in the case. The inexplicable and insensitive attitude of the state police authorities in withdrawing this protection granted to him. We urge that this protection is restored with immediate effect.”

Setalvad also attached the previous letters she had written to the NHRC and the state government in 2007,seeking security for Sreekumar. According to her,Sreekumar’s security comes under the witness security programme under the instructions of the Supreme Court that had ordered for security of all witnesses of 2002 Godhra riots.

The state government had recently made an assessment of the security cover of a few government officials,who enjoyed the security of four to five policemen.

ACS Home S K Nanda said,“In their recent meeting,the review committee analysed the threat perception of some of the officers and the security cover they enjoyed. The committee decided to withdraw the additional security of some of them,who the committee felt do not require that level of security cover.”