Sheila Dikshit may lose Z-category security soon

NEW DELHI: For the past 15 years, Sheila Dikshit enjoyed Z-category security—with a pilot vehicle, round-the-clock escort for her Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and special arrangements by Delhi Police for her programmes, including a cordon for her if she was in a hurry . The veteran ex-CM might start missing these privileges shortly.

Sources say while her Z-category security would stay for now owing to threat to her life, “the pilot and escort vehicles may no longer accompany her” wherever she goes. Delhi Police’s security unit would also review the ‘positional security’ provided to some of her cabinet ministers who were not elected this time.

A senior Delhi Police officer said, “The security of all protectees—Sheila Dikshit, MLAs and others—would be reviewed. Those still under threat would continue to enjoy security but if intelligence agencies confirm there is none anymore the positional security would be withdrawn.”

A person under official protection has a transition period of one month. “If in those 30 days, no threat is confirmed to him/her, then the security would be taken off,” said the officer . Dikshit would enjoy Z-category security for the moment because she received threats in past from some organizations and a PCR call was received a few years ago that claimed “her life was in danger”.

Those under Z-category security cover get 22 personnel. Officials say if BJP or AAP is unable to form government, there would no CM security till re-elections . Delhi Police would then have enough time to review security of previous Delhi protectees with help of the ministry of home affairs.