The Gujarat government has withdrawn security cover of 64 persons, including former BJP MLAs and one former BJP MP. Mayur Chavda, deputy commissioner – state intelligence, said in Gandhinagar on Thursday that former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt was not the only person whose security has been withdrawn.
Bhatt’s security was removed on Wednesday morning. Bhatt had shot into limelight after he took on the Gujarat government over 2002 post-Godhra riots. Chavda said that the decision to withdraw the security of 64 persons, including Bhatt, was taken following a periodic review. Chavda categorically said that Bhatt has no threat perception and that the verdict on Meghaninagar case, in which Bhatt was a witness, has already been delivered he does not have to attend the court proceedings.
Among the 64 persons include, 20 former BJP MLAs and former ministers, one former BJP MP, eight judges and five police officers. Thirty other VIPs are also included in the list. Security categories for individuals have also been changed following the review. Chavda said that Bhatt has three arms and the license is given for self-defence. Miffed over withdrawal of security, Bhatt had shot off a letter to Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani requesting to reinstate security to him.
