Chadha on ‘paid security’: Punjab cops

Jupinderjit Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, February 19

Asees Chadha (19), who was reportedly involved in a car accident in New Delhi on Monday, killing a Turkish tourist, has enjoyed “paid” security under the Punjab Police for the past three years at Rs 8 lakh per guard per annum. His father Rajinder Singh Chadha (chairman, Wave Malls) had in 2016 sought six gunmen for protecting his family.

Besides politicians and institutions, Punjab provides security to persons facing threat. The third category is that of “paid” protectees. RN Dhoke, ADGP (Security), said the “protectee” in this case had been provided “paid” security after due threat evaluation. 

Media reports claim Punjab Police personnel were escorting Asees at the time of the accident, who was driving a Bentley car at high speed. The car rammed into an autorickshaw. But Punjab Police officials say Asees was travelling with private guards. “The accident report and whereabouts of Punjab Police personnel are being ascertained,” ADGP Dhoke told The Tribune.

The Chadhas are relatives of the late liquor baron, Ponty Chadha, who was murdered by his brother. They say they face a threat owing to family feud and business rivalry.