Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has moved the state high court against the ruling YSRCP government's decision to scale down his security.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President filed a petition, challenging the YSRCP government's move to reduce his security cover in phases over the last one month and sought orders to the government to restore it, considering the threat perception. The court is expected to hear the case soon.
The government last week reduced the security cover of Naidu, now the Leader of Opposition, by withdrawing the team comprising an Additional Superintendent of Police, a Deputy Superintendent of Police and three reserve Inspectors. He was instead provided two constables in three shifts.
Earlier, the government withdrew the escort and police vehicle from Naidu's convoy. It also withdrew security of Naidu's family members.
The security of Naidu's son, Nara Lokesh, who earlier had 'Z' category cover, has been now scaled down to 'Y'. He will now get 2+2 security guards against 5+5 earlier, the TDP said.
The TDP, which lost power to the YSRCP in May, has termed the government's action as vindictive and alleged that it was done without informing them. The ruling party, however, denied the allegation.
Currently, Naidu is under 'Z Plus' category protection and his security detail includes members from the elite National Security Guard (NSG) apart from Andhra Pradesh police's Intelligence Security Wing, for which exemptions can be made at airports, either on the basis of protocol, or on grounds of security.
Naidu had survived a claymore mine attack by Maoists on October 1, 2003 in Tirupati. The Z+ category is considered only second to SPG cover; the highest in the country, and involves round-the-clock personal security with NSG commandos and an escort, a pilot and tailing vehicles.
IANS inputs