Poll season slashes leaders security cover

With Assembly elections round the corner,the police have reduced or withdrawn the security of some ministers and public figures with a threat perception,apparently because they were not entitled to it.

With Assembly elections round the corner,the police have reduced or withdrawn the security of some ministers and public figures with a threat perception,apparently because they were not entitled to it.

Newsline has learnt that Director-General of Police (Elections) AN Roy had recently issued an order that no minister should be given police protection in excess of what they are entitled to. Further,it said,those who are not entitled to any police protection should be stripped of their cover instantly. A special committee of senior police officers had also prepared a report on the security provided to many high-profile individuals in the state,and recommended withdrawing security or a reduction in several cases.

Sources confirmed that the security cover for Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and Rural Development Minister Vijaysingh Mohite Patil has been reduced apart from that of several other ministers. The security of other persons,such as members of special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikams family,too has been withdrawn. Nikam himself,however,continues to enjoy police protection.

The cover for Minister of State for Home (Urban) Naseem Khan and Minister of State for Home (Rural) Nitin Raut has also been downgraded. Earlier this year,both these ministers are known to have asked Home Minister Jayant Patil,citing a terror threat to their lives and seeking a security upgrade from Y category to Z category.

Raut had said he needed additional protection as he was taking on Naxal forces in the state. Now,he said,the entire police protection assigned to him had been withdrawn at one go. Six or seven days ago,my police security was taken away completely. At present,I have no security at all. If something happens to me now,it will be the Police Commissioners responsibility, he told Newsline.

Khan did not complain,saying,Necessary security is being provided to everyone. There have been some measures regarding security. However,adequate security is being given.

Roy,who is in charge of the election duties for the police,said he sent out clear instructions recently and these have already been implemented.

(with inputs from Swatee Kher)

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Poll season slashes leaders security cover

With Assembly elections round the corner,the police have reduced or withdrawn the security of some ministers and public figures with a threat perception,apparently because they were not entitled to it.

Poll season slashes leaders security cover