Centre gives Y+ CRPF cover to rebel MLAS

ON SATURDAY, SHINDE ALLEGED THAT MAHA GOVT HAS WITHDRAWN THE SECURITY COVER PROVIDED AT THE RESIDENCES OF REBEL LEADERS

HT Correspondents

MUMBAI: The Centre on Sunday extended Y-plus security cover of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commandos to the rebel Shiv Sena MLAS and their families, officials said.

Among those provided the security cover are Sada Sarvankar, Mangesh Kudalkar, Prakash Surve and MLA Dilip Lande.

The development comes a day after dissident Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, who along with other Sena rebels are camping in Guwahati, alleged that the Maharashtra government has withdrawn the security cover provided at their residences and dubbed the action as “political vendetta”. Shinde’s allegations came amid violent protests by Sena workers in parts of the state against rebellion in the party. Maharashtra home minister Dilip Walse-patil, however, denied any such directives by the government.

Officials said the security has been sanctioned to the legislators following a recommendation made by central security agencies to the ministry of home affairs. About four to five CRPF commandos, in shifts, will be securing each MLA once they are in Maharashtra, they added.

The rebel MLAS also recently wrote to governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, alleging a threat to their lives. According to officials familiar with the matter, the

Union home ministry may seek a report from the governor on the situation in the state.

On June 25, the governor wrote a letter to Rajnish Seth, Director General of Police (DGP), directing him to provide adequate police protection to MLAS and their families on a priority basis, citing incidents of violence. In his letter, Koshyari mentioned that he has received a representation from 38 MLAS, stating that the police security of their families has been “illegally and unlawfully withdrawn”.

The same day, the governor sent another letter to Ajay Bhalla, Union home secretary, requesting him to arrange for adequate provision of central security forces. “I have already issued directions to the state police to provide adequate police protection to the MLAS, their families and homes on an immediate basis...,” it said.

However, the Maharashtra home department clarified that no major incident occurred in the state and they have provided adequate security to the rebel MLAS.