Majithia’s security scaled down, not withdrawn: Govt

The state government today claimed that senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia’s security had only been pruned and not withdrawn. Majithia, however, countered it saying that all security guards posted with him had been withdrawn.

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In a statement on Wednesday evening, Majithia said his entire security cover was withdrawn on Saturday and that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s statement today that a few personnel were still posted with him was an about-turn after being cornered by political parties and Punjabis alike.

Earlier in the day, the Punjab Police had issued a statement denying complete withdrawal of Majithia’s security cover. It maintained that his security cover had only been scaled down, based on a reassessment of threat perception.

An official spokesperson said the adjustment was made following the latest recommendations of the Security Review Committee. “Security for any prominent individual is reviewed periodically, based on threat assessment. Accordingly, it is either increased or decreased,” the spokesperson said. “Bikram Majithia still retains sufficient security, including an escort vehicle and adequate number of gunmen, ensuring his safety as per protocol,” he added.

In a counter-reaction, Majithia asked why Z-plus security cover had been given to Arvind Kejriwal’s personal assistant Bibhav Kumar, especially when he was charged with molesting a party MP. He said similarly security covers had been extended to Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia who were residents of Delhi and had even been jailed in a multi-crore liquor scam.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema said, “I am surprised how this issue has united the Opposition. It proves the Akali-BJP government shielded the drug mafia.” AAP state president Aman Arora said supporting Majithia proved the Congress, SAD and BJP did not want the drug menace to end.