Security to 100 VIPs to be downgraded

Security to nearly 100 VIPs, including former Union Ministers Shivraj Patil and Natwar Singh, is likely to be downgraded when the Home Ministry carries out a review of threats to them.

Both Patil and Singh enjoy Z-plus security.

Ahead of a review meeting, which will be held soon, Home Ministry officials have carried out an exercise and made recommendations for reduction of their security cover.

The recommendations could affect a large number of VIPs enjoying state security, regarded in most cases as a status symbol. Nearly 350 people have such security in the national capital.

During a meeting between Home Ministry officials and security agencies the threat assessment of all politicians came under the scanner and it was suggested that security of several politicians and retired bureaucrats be scaled down.

The names of former Delhi police commissioner K K Paul, retired bureaucrats V K Duggal and Ashok Chaturvedi, besides former CBI director Vijay Shankar figure in the list, official sources said.

The review meeting will by chaired by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, who will begin his second innings in the ministry from Monday.

Chidambaram, who was reluctant to have enhanced protection as Home minister during his previous tenure, is unlikely to accept more security this time too.