CHANDIGARH: Caught in a controversy over Punjab's free of cost security to the slain liquor baron Ponty Chadha and his brother Hardeep, Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal on Tuesday said that his government will further prune the security cover provided to VIPs.
"No one, irrespective of party affiliations and stature, will get security unless there was a real threat perception. The security moving with these VIPs outside the state is a concern. I've already had a long discussion with the state police head and security cover to VIPs will be reduced to 1,000-1,500 from 1,900," said Badal Jr, who holds the home portfolio, at a press meet.
He was replying to a query on BJP MP ( Himachal Pradesh) Anurag Thakur and INLD chief Om Prakash Chautala - both of whom are close to the Badal family - enjoying the security patronage of Punjab police personnel outside the state. Anurag, who is HP chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal's son and looks after the family business in Jalandhar, has two PSOs (personal security officers). Chautala has three PSOs for the family.
Badal Jr's comments came a day after state police chief DGP Sumedh Singh Saini had said that only those who have Punjab domiciles would be entitled for security cover from the state. In May, the Punjab government had overhauled its policy when Sukhbir made a public announcement to prune the security cover of self-styled VIPs. By June 14, nearly 2,000 personnel deployed across the state were pulled back and 109 vehicles used for protection duties withdrawn.
However, TOI learnt that around this time the security cover for the slain Chadha brothers was renewed and given the permission to use it indiscriminately outside Punjab. The shootout had revealed that the duo had been enjoying a free security cover - six PSOs with Hardeep and one with Ponty.
According to Punjab police's own admission, 1,900 personnel are guarding 740 political leaders and top businessmen like Chadhas, depleting the already limited resources of the force.
OUTSIDE SECURITY
INLD chief Om Prakash Chautala: 3
BJP MP Anurag Thakur: 2
SAD(B) Delhi president Manjeet Singh GK: 2
Will prune security further to VIPS: Sukhbir Badal
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Will prune security further to VIPS: Sukhbir Badal
