Sachin security downgraded

Aaditya Thackeray’s is upgraded

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar's security cover has been downgraded, while that of Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya

Thackeray has been upgraded to 'Z' category, an official said on Wednesday.

The changes were made after a review was undertaken by a Maharashtra government committee on threat perception.

Besides Tendulkar and Aaditya

Thackeray, the security needs of more than 90 prominent citizens were reviewed by the committee.

Tendulkar, a Bharat Ratna awardee, was until now enjoying X category security which has been withdrawn.

In this category, a policeman used to guard the 46-year-old cricketer round-the-clock.

However, the former Rajya Sabha member will be given a police escort whenever he steps out of his residence.

There were mixed reactions to Sachin’s withdrawal of security with one twitter user saying: The God does not need security. NCP president Sharad Pawar will continue to enjoy Z+ security, whereas his nephew and party leader Ajit Pawar retains Z category.

Social activist Anna Hazare’s security has been enhanced to Y+ from Z.

The security cover of two former BJP ministers, Eknath Khadse and Ram Shinde, has also been downgraded.

Another person on the downside is well-known lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, who represented the prosecution in several highprofile terror cases.

Several ministers in the erstwhile BJP-led government may also see security downgrades in the coming days.