NEW DELHI: A security review of former Delhi CM and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal has been undertaken in the wake of “specific intelligence inputs” about an imminent attack on him, sources have told TOI. Kejriwal has Z-Plus security. The move comes after intelligence inputs suggested that operatives of a pro-Khalistan outfit would try to assassinate Kejriwal.
According to the alert, a hit squad comprising two-three men, which was last spotted in Punjab and may be headed for Delhi, would make an attempt on Kejriwal’s life. “Pakistan’s ISI is behind the plot which, at the face of it, seems aimed at disrupting law and order and harmony in both states. It is a hum-int (human intelligence) and we are trying to corroborate further details,” said the source.
This is not the first time that a plot has been uncovered to target Kejriwal. In 2014, the intelligence establishment had warned of a plot being hatched by Indian Mujahideen to abduct Kejriwal in order to secure the release of its jailed chief Yasin Bhatkal. Delhi Police had then stepped up his security. Kejriwal has also been in the crosshairs of the Sikhs For Justice group. Under Z-Plus security from Delhi Police, Kejriwal has around 63 people assigned to guard him. His security apparatus comprises pilot, escort, close protection team, home guard and spotter besides search-and-frisking staff. There are around 47 people in this set-up. Apart from this, there are around 15 uniformed personnel from Central Armed Police Force (CAPF). The security rules are as per the “yellow book”, said sources.
Atishi, who took charge as CM after Kejriwal was sent to judicial custody, was accorded Z category security as per protocol. Kejriwal’s security briefly changed in Tihar where, too, he had a special security arrangement. At Jail no. 2 where he was lodged, four warders were assigned to him on a rotational basis with two stationed outside his cell and another two posted near a small garden enclosure leading to his cell. Special attention was given to ensure that Kejriwal was not attacked when he stepped outside his cell to meet his lawyers or go to the common area to make phone calls or meet his family members and relatives during mulaqats.
After he faced threats from Indian Mujahideen, there were some incidents of ink being thrown at him and even physical attacks, prompting a multi-layer ring of personnel around him. In April 2014, an autorickshaw driver slapped him in Sultanpuri. Two years later, in January 2016, a man threw ink on him. Just a few months later, in April 2016, another man hurled a shoe at Kejriwal. Most recently, in May 2019, Kejriwal was targeted once again during a roadshow in Moti Nagar. TOI reached out to AAP and its response was awaited.
