Mahendra Karma's family to get Z+ security in Chhattisgarh

The Centre has decided to provide 'Z plus' security to the family of Congress leader Mahendra Karma, who was killed by Maoists in an attack in Chhattisgarh last month.

Under Z-plus category, the VIP concerned is covered by at least 20 personnel at any given point of time besides guards at home.

The Home Ministry has asked the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to ensure security to the family by taking the services of two companies (around 200 personnel) of the force present in and around Faraspal village in Dantewada district where Karma's family stays.

The personnel would be used for carrying out "sanitisation duties" in the vicinity of their residence and places where they visit.

Separately, it has also asked the Chhattisgarh Police to deploy the manpower for the task "immediately" and ensure proximate security to the family members.

The local CRPF and state police commanders have also been directed by the Home Ministry to keep the security needs of the family on their top priority.

The family of the slain leader had met Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde last week to convey that they continued to receive threats from extremists who asked them to leave their ancestral place, and demanded adequate security.

Former Chhattisgarh Minister Mahendra Karma was killed along with 26 others when Maoists attacked a convoy of Congress leaders in Bastar on May 25.