AHMEDABAD
Govt says former MP, 20 former MLAs & ministers, judges, police officers, among the 69
A day after former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's security was withdrawn, a senior police official said that security cover of 68 other protectees, including former MLAs and ex-ministers, had also been withdrawn, following a review of the threat perception to them.
Mayur Chavda, deputy commissioner in State Intelligence Bureau (IB), told reporters that security cover of 64 non-category protectees, and five others who were given X and Y category security cover, has been withdrawn, while that of two other protectees has been revised from Y to X category.
The 64 non-category individuals whose security cover has been withdrawn include 20 former BJP MLAs and ministers, one former Member of Parliament from the BJP, eight judges, five police officers, and 30 others, said Chavda. The former ministers, whose security cover has been withdrawn, were a part of the previous government.
Names of the other protectees whose security has been withdrawn were not immediately known. However, Bhatt had said on Wednesday that the threat perception to him remained high, and withdrawal of security cover jeopardised his safety.
Chavda dismissed the former's claim of high threat perception, saying the decision to retain or withdraw the security cover was taken by the review committee on the basis of inputs of security agencies.
Sanjiv Bhatt was provided security cover in April 2011 due to perceived threat to him as he appeared as a crucial witness in a case filed by Zakia Jafri, and was also examined as a witness by the Justice Nanavati-Shah Commission probing the 2002 riots.
Chavda, however, said that the court had given its verdict in the Zakia Jafri case, and the Commission too had already submitted its report.
"The decision to withdraw his security cover has been taken after detailed consideration as our review shows that he faces no threat from any individual or organisation," the official said. He added that Bhatt possesses three firearms, and has been granted arms license for the very purpose of self-defence.
Bhatt's security was withdrawn by city police on Wednesday. The former cop alleged that the move jeopardised his and his family's safety and security, and demanded the immediate restoration of security.
"You are requested to take all necessary measures to not only restore the existing security cover but to urgently review the arrangements with a view to providing adequate and fool-proof security cover to me and my immediate family members," he wrote in a letter to Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
This T20 World Cup winner set to replace Will Jacks in Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2025 playoffs
Viral video: Little girl's adorable dance to Yo Yo Honey Singh's 'Blue Eyes' takes over social media
What happens when you mix fruits with yogurt? Expert weigh in
Is Apple’s iPhone production in India more viable than China?
Amid India-Pakistan tension Jaya Kishori penned an emotional note: 'I felt his presence...'
'Ready to have peace talks with India', says Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif days after ceasefire deal
Kangana Ranaut deletes post on Donald Trump over..., know reason behind
EAM Jaishankar takes dig at Pakistan: 'It's clear who wanted cessation of firing'
Viral Video: JeM terrorist’s mother talk to him, pleads to surrender, he says, ‘let army...’
Kumar Sanu's daughter Shannon K looks radiant in bright red gown at Cannes 2025
Star all-rounder returns as BCCI announces India women's squad for England series
Why an enemy country can't attack pilot after he bails out of aircraft? Know THIS rule
Viral video: Dinosaur headbanging to Shah Rukh Khan's 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' breaks the internet
Internet voices concern over CBSE topper's claim of 20-hour studying: 'Isn't it too much'?
CPEC in Crisis: How Operation Sindoor shook Pakistan and China
Maharashtra boy celebrates CBSE Class 10 results, gets garlanded, but...
Viral video: Maharashtra man harasses woman for not speaking Marathi: ‘Marathi mein baat akrne ka’
RR star Vaibhav Suryavanshi fails CBSE board exams? Viral post sparks confusion; know the truth here
EAM S Jaishankar's BIG message to Pakistan: 'Indus Waters Treaty to remain in abeyance till...'
Madhuri Dixit swears by THIS healthy smoothie to stay fit and evergreen; check out the recipe
Former US Pentagon official mocks Pakistan over Indo-Pak ceasefire, says it 'ran like a...'
Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani reunite 10 years after PK, not for its sequel, but for...
Donald Trump claims India offered to charge 'no tariffs' on US goods
What could IAEA have done if India had attacked nuclear facility of Pakistan?
Video of lion skydiving with man goes viral, confused netizens ask if it's AI or real
HPBOSE 10th Result 2025: Himachal Pradesh board class 10th result DECLARED, direct link here
CJI BR Gavai rebukes Cabinet Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah because...
Pope Leo XIV: What salary and other perks will new Vatican leader get?
President Droupadi Murmu asks SC 14 questions on deadline ruling on state Bills, know what these are
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani meets US President Donald Trump and Emir of Qatar in Doha
Delhi-NCR covered in blanket of dust due to sudden weather change, IMD warns of more...
Three terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in J-K's Pulwama, operation underway
10 militants killed in gunfight with Assam Rifles soldiers in Manipur's Chandel
Valeria Marquez shot dead at beauty salon during Tik Tok live stream, who was she?
Meet man who quit Yahoo to join Google, now works closely with CEO Sundar Pichai, he is...
Viral video: Bengaluru college students' energetic dance to 'Ramta Jogi' wins hearts online