ACP to handle security at Thackeray’s residence

‘‘Bhujbal had a marathon meeting with Director General of Police S C Malhotra as well as Commissioner of Police M N Singh on stepping up the security cover for the Sena chief. Now as per the revised instructions, an official of the rank of Additional Commissioner of Police will personally supervise the security arrangements for Thackeray at his residence and submit a daily report to the Commissioner,’’ a senior official said.

Subsequently, on the advice of Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh as well as Bhujbal, M N Singh, accompanied by Joint Commissioner of Police S Sivanandan personally called on Thackeray to brief him on the revised security arrangements and precautions he should take.

Accordingly, Thackeray has been advised to curtail all his daily engagements as well as his daily visitors atleast for the next 20 days. ‘‘Thackeray has been specifically told that he should not grant audience to unknown persons, stop public felicitations and it will be better if he avoids travelling,’’ the official added.On the security cover, the official said, so far, if there were fresh threats, the department used to increase the number of police personnel deployed at his residence. ‘‘Now, following instructions from the Centre, quality of security has been changed. Along with additional manpower, the quality of security has been drastically improved to tackle any situation. Simultaneously, there will be restrictions on the number of visitors,’’ the official added.

Ever since Thackeray took a firm stand in favour of Hindutva, Thackeray, who had launched a blistering attack on Pakistan for supporting terrorism through the ISI, he is on the hit-list of the terrorists. In view of frequent threats to his life, he has been provided with Z-plus security cover. After the Congress-led Democratic Front government assumed power, the security manpower at his residence was reduced considerably, prompting the Sena leaders to lodge a strong protest against the decision.

Subsequently, following directives of the Centre, particularly Home Minister L K Advani, the security cover for him was restored. ‘‘Thackeray is undeterred by the threats from Pakistan-sponsored ISI. Despite fresh threats, he will continue for the cause of the Hindus,’’ a senior Sena leader said.