UP police to provide 'Z' category security to Kejriwal

Notwithstanding Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's opposition to security cover, Ghaziabad police have decided to provide 'Z' category protection to him from Monday.

As per the security plan outlined by the district police, 30 personnel would be deployed round-the-clock to provide security to Kejriwal.

Kejriwal presently resides with his family in a flat in Kaushambi area of Ghaziabad. He has earlier turned down Ghaziabad police’s offer for security cover.

"Despite the Delhi CM's refusal, we have decided to provide him with 24-hour 'Z' category security. Two head constables and eight constables will be deployed outside Kejriwal's house. Besides, two Personal Security Officers will also be posted as part of the Delhi CM's security detail," said Senior Superintendent of Police Dharmendra Singh.

He added that Kejriwal will now have two escort vehicles accompanying him when he is on the move in Ghaziabad. These vehicles would be carrying two head constables and six constables armed with sophisticated weapons.

"The two police vehicles will guard the Delhi CM when he is on the move in Ghaziabad," Singh said.

Upon being reminded that Kejriwal had recently rejected Ghaziabad police's request that he accept security cover and may do so once more, Singh said, "It doesn't matter if he rejects our request again. After the state government's directive, we have decided to give Kejriwal security from Monday."

The Uttar Pradesh government had on Sunday decided that security would be provided to Kejriwal. Earlier, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde had said that the Delhi CM was being covered by security personnel without his knowledge.

Activists of a right-wing group had on January 8 attacked and vandalised the Aam Aadmi Party headquarters in Kaushambi to protest against party leader Prashant Bhushan's remarks on Kashmir.

Nearly 40 activists of the Hindu Raksha Dal broke flower pots and tore party posters at the office while some glass doors were also smashed in the attack.