Karnataka’s top cop seeks Z plus security after retirement

Apprehending a threat to his life from terrorists, Karnataka’s Director General of Police B S Sial has urged the State Government to provide him Z plus security after his retirement, which falls due on December 31, 2006.

In a letter to the State Chief Secretary, Sial justified extension of Z plus security to him after his retirement, as he is likely to be targeted by terrorists. He said the threat to his life had increased in the wake of the recent arrest of two suspected terrorists belonging to the Al Badr terror outfit.

Sial is understood to have even pointed out that his photograph had been carried in newspapers published from the Gulf.

Sial, who is now provided with security by virtue of his position, contended that he would be exposed to terrorists if proper security cover not provided to him after his retirement.

Presently, five gun-toting commandoes escort Sial, who turned 60 on December 6 and is due for retirement on December 31.

In Karnataka, Z plus security cover is extended to Governor, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. Persons enjoying Z plus security would get a pilot vehicle and an escort vehicle with four to five armed personnel while travelling. Besides, a guard will be posted at the residence and a personal security officer will be provided round the clock.

But, Commissioner of Bangalore City Police N Achuta Rao has downplayed the threat to Sial.

Following Sial’s request to the Karnataka Chief Secretary for Z plus security, Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) Kishore Chandra, who heads the official committee to provide security to persons, whose lives are under a threat, sought the opinion of the Bangalore City Commissioner. Achuta Rao, who is also a member of the Committee, said he had no information about a threat to the life of Sial.

Achuta Rao was also of the opinion that many retired Director Generals of Police faced a threat on account of their tough stand against anti-social elements and terrorists. “But, there are no specific rules on extending security to them after their retirement” Achuta Rao is said to have told the Committee.

Sial’s request for Z plus security comes after he wrote twice to the Chief Secretary seeking an extension of his tenure till August 31, 2007. Sial, who had been promoted as Director General of Police in August 2005, has cited the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Prakash Singh case that Director Generals of Police should get a minimum term of two years.