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Now Daler demands protection, but police dither

Onkar Singh in New Delhi

Pop star Daler Mehndi and the Delhi police are virtually locked in a battle of wits. The singer wants the police to provide him security, but the force is not inclined to oblige.

Following a shootout in front of the singer's office in Ladoo Sarai by two motorcycle-borne youths two weeks ago, Daler Mehndi has been pressing the police to provide him security.

Though no one was hurt in the shootout, the South Delhi police have registered a case and launched a hunt for the miscreants.

"We have asked the Delhi police to give us at least a couple of guards for our office if they cannot provide security to the singer, but they are unwilling to even consider our request. In fact, the way they are investigating the case is absurd. The investigating officer came here just once or twice and asked us a few questions. That was almost 10 days ago. Since then we have not heard anything from him. If our guard had not ducked in time he would have been killed from point-blank range," said a senior staff member at Daler's office.

Joint Commissioner of Police (southern range) Amod Kanth told rediff.com that they had received a request from the singer to provide him security cover and the matter was under consideration.

But another top Delhi police officer said, "There is something wrong with this man. When we were telling him there is a threat to his life, he told reporters there was no such threat, making us look like fools. Even though we had posted guards at his Vikaspuri home, he denied it vehemently. The media was laughing at us for saying he is under threat from Dawood Ibrahim. We had even taped Daler's conversation with Dawood's henchmen, yet he denied the threat. So why does he want security now? It would be nice if someone bashes him up with shoes for all we care."

Told about this, a close aide of the singer literally shouted: "What do they mean they will not provide us security? Do they want someone or Daler to be shot before they move in?"

Though Daler's friends deny that the singer is scared and is planning to leave the country, those who have been keeping a watch on him feel that things are becoming too hot for him. "Daler feels his competitors are behind some incidents that have taken place in the last few months. They have been spreading stories about the alleged threat to the singer from Dawood and company so that his shows are affected. Already, Daler has already feeling the pinch and is upset. Hence it would be nice if he could find a property in some other country where where he can work in peace," said a friend.

But has he already started looking for such property abroad? Neither his friends nor his office staff would even discuss it.

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