Basu’s security gets a trimming

In the last meeting of the committee that reviews the threat perception to VVIPs — held last month — questions were raised on whether Basu’s security cover should be scaled down as he is no longer under the kind of threat that necessitates Z-Plus security.

The committee includes officials of the state Home Department,Union Ministry of Home Affairs and officials of state IB and the Special Branch of Kolkata police.

“It was decided that in view of his stature,he will remain in Z-Plus category,but since he does not move around these days,the mobile unit has been removed,” said a senior police officer,who is a member of the committee.

“Jyotibabu will continue to get the same security that he has been getting,” said PK Sengupta,Joint secretary,Home department.

The five VIPs who enjoy Z-Plus security apart from Basu,include Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee,Union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee,GNLF leader Subash Ghishing and Union railway minister Mamata Banerjee.

The government,meanwhile,has decided to set up a security directorate that will supervise the security affairs of the five Z-Plus category VIPs and six VIPs who enjoy Z category security. The proposal is likely to be placed in the October 29 cabinet meet for approval. The directorate,which will be headed by the present director of security A K Maliwal,will not only review the threat perception to all these VIPs,it will be also entitled to purchase new weapons and equipment for the force which will be taken from Kolkata Police and the state police on deputation. “We have decided to set it up because of the changed situation in the security environment,it will be a dynamic and efficient unit,” said Home Secretary Ardhendu Sen.