Police withdraws extra security from Shahi Imam

Continuing their drive against VIPs enjoying security at public expense, Delhi Police has decided to withdraw the additional security provided to the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid.

Continuing their drive against VIPs enjoying security at public expense, Delhi Police has decided to withdraw the additional security provided to the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid.

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Two constables from the Jama Masjid police station who had been deployed with Shahi Imam Syed Ahmad Bukhari were recently withdrawn.

The Imam, who enjoys “Z” category security, had an additional eight policemen from the local police station attached with him for the past eight years.

“We withdrew two men from the local police who were attached with him and are in the process of removing the remaining six,” said Karnal Singh, joint commissioner of police (northern range).

Police said, in a violation of rules, the eight policemen had never been transferred out of Jama Masjid police station for the past eight years. Generally a policeman is supposed to serve a maximum of two years posting at a particular police station.

“I never asked for security, it was the government that provided me the security,” said Syed Ahmad Bukhari, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid. “I do not have any qualms if they withdraw it.”

Police said they have written a letter to the police headquarters to withdraw the remaining policemen.

“We reviewed the security threat and other perceptions and came to the conclusion that he does not require the local police staff,” said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity, as he is not authorised to speak to the media.