Anchor Arnab Goswami gets ‘Y’ category security

NEW DELHI: Arnab Goswami, editor-in-chief of news channel Times Now, will be provided ‘Y’ category security cover by the government over a threat from “Pakistan-based

NEW DELHI: Arnab Goswami, editor-in-chief of news channel Times Now, will be provided ‘Y’ category security cover by the government over a threat from “Pakistan-based terrorist groups”.

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Under the ‘Y’ category cover, Goswami will get round-the-clock protection with nearly 20 guards, including two personal security officers for close proximity security.

“Goswami is being given security on the basis of a threat-perception analysis by the Intelligence Bureau. We will go by the IB recommendation. He faces threats from Pakistan-based terrorist groups due to his comments against them on Times Now,” said a home ministry official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Goswami was not available for comment despite phone calls and messages from Hindustan Times.

The government provides security under four categories — ‘Z Plus’ (around 40 guards with two escort vehicles), ‘Z’ (around 30 guards with one escort vehicle), ‘Y’ (around 20 guards) and ‘X’ (four guards).

Goswami is not the first journalist to get security cover from the Centre. Before him, journalists such as Zee News’ Sudhir Chaudhary (‘X’ category), Samachar Plus’ Umesh Kumar (‘w’ category) and Ashwini Kumar Chopra (‘Z Plus’ category) have been provided security by the government.