Baba Ramdev shifted to Central Z-level security cover

NEW DELHI: The erstwhile BJP government in Uttarakhand had first given a Z-level cover from the state police to Baba Ramdev in 2011 and it continued till date even after Congress came to power in the state.

"Baba Ramdev has now been brought into the central list of protectees from the state list at the same Z-level category. There is no up-gradation," a Home Ministry spokesperson said. A senior ministry official said one of the reasons for shifting Ramdev from the state list to a central one could be because of his wide travel across the country and Uttarakhand Police not being able to cope up with the same. "A Central force, CRPF or CISF, hence will soon take over his security," the senior official said.

in 2010, Baba Ramdev has requested the Uttarakhand government to provide him with 'Z-plus' security considering his vulnerability to attacks from his opponents, saying he had exposed the intentions of MNCs in the field of health and beverages, launching a tirade against corruption and establishing Indian tradition and culture and said he had hence become a target. Another representation was received by the Centre that Ramdev was facing threats to him from several quarters following his crusade against corruption and recovery of black money stashed away in foreign banks by Indians. The state government hence enhanced his security in 2011 from Y to a Z-level cover.

A Z-level cover from the Centre comes with a total of 33 security personnel well-armed with sophisticated AK-47, INSAS rifles and Glock pistols. The men work in two shifts and, at any point of time, Ramdev will be guarded by at least 13 men. The security-men will travel in 2 vehicles - one in front of Ramdev's car as a pilot vehicle and the other one behind as an escort vehicle. One armed personnel will travel along with Ramdev in his car, acting as his personal security officer. "Ramdev also faces a terror threat," a senior Intelligence official said.

The BJP government has earlier granted central Z-plus cover to BJP President Amit Shah and a Z-level cover to Muzzafarnagar riots accused and BJP MLA Sangeet Som.