Gujarat govt duty-bound to provide security to Sanjeev Bhatt: P Chidambaram

The Centre today said it is the duty of Gujarat government to provide security to IPS officer Sanjeev Bhatt, who recorded a statement before the Supreme Court against chief minister Narendra Modi.

"I think it is the duty of the state government to ensure his security and that no harm comes to him," Home Minister P Chidambaram told reporters reacting to reports that security cover of Bhatt has been removed.

In his affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, Bhatt had alleged that Modi instructed officers during a late night meeting held on February 27, 2002 to allow Hindus "to vent out their anger" during the clashes and he wanted Muslims to be "taught a lesson".

Earlier in the day, Bhatt claimed that the Gujarat DGP issued orders asking all the five constables deployed with him as a makeshift security arrangement for him and his family to report back to Junagadh.

He also said this is the second such order asking for withdrawal of security to him and his family, despite the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) recommending for him Y-category security, which comprises 11 personnel including two personal security officers (PSOs).

Chidambaram said during an interaction with journalists in Kolkata recently, he had said that anyone who came forward to speak the truth should be welcomed.

"But I added that the content of the statement cannot be verified by me. It has to be investigated by the investigating agency. Now that officer, I have seen in media, fears for his life. He is an IPS officer," he said.