State cuts security of VVIPs by 40%

The state on Wednesday decided to downsize police security given to VVIPs by 40%. Once the home department issues the order next week, many politicians, former police officers and film stars will lose their security cover.

The state on Wednesday decided to downsize police security given to VVIPs by 40%. Once the home department issues the order next week, many politicians, former police officers and film stars will lose their security cover.

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Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, who chaired a home department meeting to discuss this issue, was of the opinion that free security should be given only to those who face a serious threat to their lives.

For many VIPs, having police security is a status symbol.

Currently, 80 VVIPs enjoy free police security. Around 800 to 1,000 policemen are engaged in providing them security round-the-clock instead of carrying out policing duties.

An official who attended the meeting said that at the risk of offending politicians, henceforth, security will be provided only after objective assessment of the threat perception.

As of now, all former chief ministers and deputy chief ministers get security. Some of these former VIPs may lose their security soon.