After his release from Central Jail, Patiala, Navjot Singh Sidhu, the former Punjab Congress chief, expressed concerns about his security. However, the state government has decided to reduce his security by half.
According to police sources, Sidhu's security team now consists of 11 personnel and a pilot escort, down from the previous 25 when he was jailed. His protection level has also been downgraded from "Z+" to "Y+", reports The Tribune.
Sidhu surrendered in court on 20 May 2019, and was jailed in connection with a 1988 road rage death case. Despite not being an MP, MLA or the PPCC chief, he requested for security. However, a senior AAP leader stated that security will only be provided based on the threat perception and not according to Sidhu's preferences.
Sidhu's security has been reduced by half, from 25 officials before he went to jail to only 12 now, which includes two house guards. The current team is composed of men from the district police and the Indian Reserve Battalion.
Sidhu, released from jail recently, raised concerns over the government's intention to withdraw his security. “They want to take my security back. Ikk Sidhu (Moosewala) marwa ditta (one Sidhu has been killed)… I am not fearful and will continue to raise issues of Punjab,” said Sidhu.
According to a senior police official, Sidhu's security is not compromised, and there are enough officials to protect him based on the threat perception, which is regularly reviewed. The IPS officer also confirmed that Sidhu has a pilot escort and adequate security for now.
Back in January 2019, the state government had boosted Navjot Singh Sidhu's security by assigning him a bulletproof vehicle from the official fleet of then-Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. Additionally, the number of security personnel deployed to protect Sidhu was raised from 12 to 25.
On Monday, Sidhu is scheduled to visit Musa village in Mansa to pay his respects to the late singer Sidhu Moosewala. It is anticipated that he will also criticise the AAP government's handling of the law and order situation in Punjab.
Also follow Punjab Dashboard for all the latest developments in the state: Navjot Singh Sidhu Walks Out Of Jail, Cites Conspiracy In Punjab To Bring President's Rule
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