Shivraj Patil's kin taken off Z category security

The Z category security list has been slightly pruned to exclude six people that included family members of ex-home minister Shivraj Patil.

Interestingly, former external affairs minister K Natwar Singh, who fell out of favour from the government after his name surfaced in the oil-for-food scam in Iraq, continues to enjoy the Z cover security, home ministry officials said today.

RJD strongman Lalu Prasad and LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan also continued to figure in the Z category which also covered Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati and Shivraj Patil. 

Former deputy chairman of Planning Commission KC Pant as well as Shivraj Patil's daughter-in-law, grand-children and his daughter's father-in-law have been removed from the 110-strong Z and Z-Plus category.

The list has not been pruned much despite Union home minister P Chidambaram, who has refused to take any security, taking the view that security should be provided only to those who either face credible threats or those holding Constitutional posts.

The home ministry bureaucrats had recommended withdrawal of security provided by the elite NSG for some VIPs including ayawati and downgrading the cover for several dignitaries.

NSG cover for Lalu, his wife Rabri Devi and SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav was also recommended to be withdrawn.

VIPs in Z plus category get six PSOs, two guards at house and screening staff and two escorts while VIPs in Z category do not get screening staff.