Ambani security: Govt says it will bear expenses

A controversy erupted on Monday over business tycoon Mukesh Ambani being provided Z category security with Left parties condemning it as "unprecedented" while the Centre sought to defuse the row saying he will bear the expenses.

The Maharashtra government justified the Centre's decision with a reasoning it was necessary to create conducive atmosphere for attracting investments in the state.

Demanding that the government rescind its decision to provide state security to the RIL Chairman, the Left parties said the common people have been left in the lurch as gruesome incidents of rape keep happening.

"It is unprecedented that at a time when such ghastly and gruesome incidents of rape are taking place and people are demanding more security, Z category of security is given to a top corporate leader like Ambani and the commoners left in the lurch," senior CPM leader Basudeb Acharia told reporters in Delhi.

Veteran CPI leader A B Bardhan regretted that the decision came at a time when the police is unable to provide security to its citizens, ensure safety for women, and even 4 or 5-year-old girl children are raped under its very nose.

"Our party demands that the government order be rescinded and the CRPF be sent back for their primary task," Bardhan said, adding, "This is the first time a private person, because he happens to be an Ambani, is being provided with such security for his person and his residence by the government."

A highly-placed government source said in New Delhi that Ambani will bear the expenses for the Z category security being provided to him.

The order issued by the Union home ministry, also states the CRPF deployment for the protectee (Ambani) will be on a "cost-reimbursement" basis and the commandos will also be provided barracks by him.

"It is important to protect businessmen in the state. Considering the seriousness of threat to the RIL chairman, the Central government felt it necessary to provide him security," Rural Development Minister Jayant Patil told reporters in Mumbai.

Union Minister Manish Tewari said security for Ambani was enhanced after a threat assessment RPT assessment and that every issue can't be made into a "political football" and criticised.