Pune police withdraws security cover of 85 ‘non-categorised protectees’, freeing up 300 personnel before Lok Sabha elections

The other committee is at the individual police unit level like districts or police commissionerates for large cities. These committees are led by individual unit commanders like Police Commissioners or Police Superintendents. These unit level committees provide security to people in their jurisdictions either based on threat perception assessed by them or by reviewing applications of those who seek police protection, which is chargeable. The group of people recommended by this committee is referred to as ‘non-categorised protectees.’

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said, “Following a review taken by the unit level committee, the security provided to 85 non-categorised protectees has been withdrawn. The security of some installations has also been reviewed.”

Sources said that 85 people whose security cover has been withdrawn are from a total of 110 individuals who were being given security cover. The Indian Express has learnt that among those whose cover has been withdrawn are some political leaders and some form the business sector. Among those whose security has been retained are people who are witnesses or complainants in some cases, social activists and those whose threat perception has been assessed at the local unit level.

A senior officer said, “Following the meeting of the committee for the review, the security cover for 23 installations has been altered. The decision comes at a time when we are gearing up for the elections. This review frees up around 300 personnel who will be allocated for various essential duties including those related to the elections.”