Reluctant Kejriwal gets Z-plus security cover

When the Aam Aadmi Party chief became Delhi’s chief minister in December 2013, he refused any security cover even as the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh police made security arrangements on their own. This time, too, he is being provided Z-plus security even though he has refused again.

When the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief became Delhi’s chief minister in December 2013, he refused any security cover even as the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh police made security arrangements on their own. This time, too, he is being provided Z-plus security even though he has refused again.

AAP leader Ashutosh has been quoted as saying that the CM-designate Arvind Kejriwal has again refused to take any security cover as the Z-plus security will cut him off from people. “He’s ‘janta ka CM’ and he wants to be accessible to them,” he said. “There will be, however, certain amount of security because he is in that position and we have to keep his safety in mind,” he said.

SBS Tyagi, additional CP (security), however, said that the security cover provided to Kejriwal is being continued as they have not received any formal confirmation about his security refusal.

A Z-plus category protectee gets security cover from National Security Guard (NSG) commandos, who are armed with sophisticated MP5 guns and modern communication gadgets.

“In the Z-plus security cover, Kejriwal will get an escort vehicle and a pilot vehicle that will protect his official vehicle. Each security vehicle will have 3-4 security personnel while three personal security officers (PSOs) will remain associated with him round the clock,” added Tyagi.

“Besides this, a special security arrangement is also provided at the official residence of the chief minister of Delhi. The security cover at the residence comprises either one head constable and four constables or two head constables and eight constables,” the officer explained.

Kejriwal, who lives in Ghaziabad, is protected by 12 police personnel at present.