Too many cops for a handful of VIPs?

When 200 NSG commandos, especially flown in from Delhi, were fighting terrorists at three different places last week, more that 2,000 well-armed policemen were busy providing round-the-clock protection to 150 VIPs.

The Protection Branch of Mumbai police is entrusted with protecting people claiming threat to their lives. Ministers and select politicians are provided security cover depending. They fall under the Z+, Z, Y and X-categories.

Others enjoying protection under these categories include Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray and his son Uddhav. Actors Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Govinda and Shah Rukh Khan also get protection. The list also includes Several builders, diamond dealers and other individuals who complain of facing death threats
Officials at the branch told DNA that half of the 150 individuals do not necessarily need security, but continue to get protection by paying a monthly charge to the state.