KK Paul gets Z-category security

The former Delhi Police chief has been allocated Z-category security as he faces a threat not from a terrorist or criminal but from an "absconding" inspector.

Former Delhi Police chief KK Paul has been allocated Z-category security by the Union home ministry as he faces a threat not from a terrorist or criminal but from an inspector who has been "absconding" for the past nine months.

HT Image

The proposal to provide security to Paul, now a member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), was cleared by the ministry after the former, during his tenure as Del hi Police Commissioner, asked a deputy commissioner of police to write to the ministry to seek protection for him and his family because of a threat from Inspector Balbir Singh, official sources said.

Singh had openly opposed Paul's action of suspending Devendra Manchanda, another inspector.

Earlier, Delhi Police spokesman Rajan Bhagat had verbally denial that Paul had sought any security but had refrained from giving a statement in writing.

Paul, a 1970 batch IPS officer, informed the government through the DCP that Singh was planning to cause harm to him and his family. Z-category security is rarely given to former police commissioners, the sources said.

Under this category, Paul will be guarded by policemen round the clock and his car will be preceded by a pilot jeep and followed by an escort car. In addition, eight personnel will guard his residence throughout the day.

Manchanda committed suicide on October 12 last year and his family moved the Delhi High Court against Paul for allegedly harassing him and abetting his suicide.

At that time, some Delhi Police officials, including Singh, accused Paul of victimising junior officers for not following his orders, sources said.