Punjab cuts security cover of Rajinder Bhattal, OP Soni, Sunil Jakhar among others
Chandigarh, May 11: In a major crackdown against VIP culture on roads, the AAP-led Punjab Government on Wednesday issued orders to reduce the security cover of senior political leaders, including, former Punjab CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, former Deputy Chief Minister OP Soni, and Congress leader Sunil Jakhar.
The security cover of several other ministers has also been reduced. As per information, the Punjab Police have recalled 127 policemen and nine vehicles. Police personnel will now be deployed for public safety.
Also Read | Supreme Court puts sedition law on hold, those in jail can apply for relief
Earlier, the Punjab Government had withdrawn the security cover of around 184 more police protectees, including former ministers, ex-MLAs, and SGPC members.
In a letter, dated April 20, the Additional Director General of Police Security said, "Consequent to a security review based on current threat assessment, the competent authority has approved the withdrawal of security from... Former Ministers, Former MLAs and private protectees."
Among the 184 VIPs to lose their security are the families of-- former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Gurdarshan Brar, IPS Gurdarshan Singh, and Udaybir Singh (son of former Cabinet minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa).
These protectees, who were assigned up to four gunmen, included former Akali ministers Surjit Singh Rakhra, Sucha Singh Chhotepur, Bibi Jagir Kaur and Tota Singh, former Congress in-charge for Himachal Pradesh Rajiv Shukla and former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh. More than 500 Punjab policemen were freed from VIP duty by this order.
Also Read | Pro-Khalistan flags: Himachal Police arrest Punjab resident
According to the order, personnel deployed on specific orders of the Supreme Court or High Court will not be withdrawn. Earlier on March 12, the security cover of 122 Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) was withdrawn.
-PTC News
