Yoga exponent Ramdev has been provided with ‘Z’ category security by the central government taking into account his “vulnerability to attacks from his opponents”.
The decision has been taken by the home ministry after receiving inputs from security agencies and increased perception of threat to Ramdev, official sources said.
So far, Ramdev was entitled to ‘Z’ category security only within the jurisdiction of Uttarakhand as per a decision of the state government.
Close to saffron forces, Ramdev, founder of Haridwar-based Patanjali Yogpeeth, had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this month.
The sources said Ramdev will be given commandos of one of the paramilitary forces with immediate effect. As many as 40 security personnel will be guarding him round-the-clock.
Ramdev has been vocal for several years demanding action to bring back blackmoney stashed abroad and punishment to those found guilty.
As part of his anti-corruption movement, he had held a public rally for a few days at Ramlila Maidan here in 2011. Following a police crack down, he fled the site donning woman’s attire.
