NEW DELHI: Punjab Police personnel assigned for the security of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal have been withdrawn, Punjab’s director general of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed on Thursday. Kejriwal continues to retain Z-Plus security cover.
DGP Yadav, announcing the decision, said, “From time to time, we receive reports of threats to chief minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, and we share these with the concerned agencies. Following directions from the Delhi Police and the Election Commission today, we withdrew the Punjab Police component from Kejriwal’s security detail.”
He added, “We have expressed our concerns to them and will remain in close contact. Our inputs will continue to be shared with the Delhi Police.”
This development comes ahead of Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, with results to be declared on February 8.
This comes after intelligence agencies recently warned of an imminent attack on the former Delhi chief minister, allegedly orchestrated by operatives of a pro-Khalistan outfit.
The security concerns have been compounded by a recent incident involving Kejriwal’s campaign. On Saturday, AAP shared a video purportedly showing a stone being thrown at Kejriwal’s car. The party accused supporters of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma, who was campaigning nearby, of orchestrating the attack.
