Model code in force, police scale down security cover for VIPs

The move comes after the EC issued instructions that no politician should have security in excess.

The city police on Monday initiated the process of scaling down security provided to politicians in order to bring it down to the level of security prescribed to them.

According to police sources, the move comes after the Election Commission of India issued instructions that no politician should have security in excess of the level of security permitted to them as per their assigned security grades.

“There have been several instances where VIPs have been provided additional security due to threat perception or other such reasons. After receiving instructions from the Election Commission, we have started recalling all the extra personnel posted for their security so that their security is on par with the security levels assigned to them. This way, even the VIPs will not be in violation of the code of conduct,” said Additional Commissioner of Police (Protection and Security) Kiran Shelar.

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Shelar added that security of around 15 VIPs was scaled down on Monday, and that the process would continue.

A senior officer said the process was taking some time as some of the politicians had started arguing with the police when their additional security was recalled. “We are trying to convince them and will have to discuss further course of action if they keep trying to impede us,” said the officer.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com

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