"The `pay-for-your-security' formula is within the norms," a senior home ministry official told TOI. If a private individual approaches the Union home ministry with evidence of a terror threat to him, the latter can examine the veracity and seriousness of it through an independent threat analysis by agencies of the state concerned and the Central intelligence apparatus. If the threat is confirmed, the private individual can be extended proximate security by a posse of paramilitary personnel, though on a payment basis.
The CRPF has denied that it was unhappy with sparing its personnel for Ambani's security. "The CRPF follows the orders and directions of the government and the question about its alleged unhappiness over the matter of VIP duty does not arise," the PRO of the CRPF clarified. Ambani's security detail will be in place soon, a CRPF official told TOI.
The 'Z' security cover for Ambani follows the delivery of a letter, allegedly from banned Indian Mujahideen (IM), at his Mumbai office in February, threatening an attack at his Antilia residence on Altamount Road. The Mumbai Police examined the letter, followed by a threat assessment by the Intelligence Bureau (IB), which recommended round-the-clock security for the RIL chairman. The MHA approved the 'Z' category protection for Ambani on a "cost-reimbursement" basis, a fortnight ago.
A senior MHA official said that, as per the rules, all states using Central paramilitary forces to aid their police are required to pay the Centre for their deployment. In fact, the CISF is deployed in both public and private sector establishments strictly on a payment basis.
Though the political bigwigs enjoying state protection are not required to pay for their security as they face threats on account of actions and decisions taken while discharging their duties as public servant, there is a provision to charge private individuals, who seek the Centre's protection from threats they face due to their contribution to the nation, including its economic well-being, said an official of the Central security establishment.
As a 'Z'-level protected, Ambani will have to reimburse the nearly Rs 15 lakh-expenditure to be incurred per month on salaries of his CRPF contingent and other logistics of his security detail. He will be protected on a 24x7 basis by nearly two dozen armed CRPF personnel, to be deployed on a rotational basis, and will move with pilot and escort vehicles in Mumbai and elsewhere.
The Left parties have criticized the government for extending CRPF cover to Ambani. CPI leader A B Bardhan said, "This is a shameless act the government...at a time when the government is unable to protect the citizens, ensure the safety of women and children, it is providing round-the-clock security for the richest corporate and his residence. He has the resources to arrange for his security".
Calling it unprecedented, CPM Lok Sabha MP Basudeb Acharia said, "When ghastly and gruesome incidents of rape are taking place and people are demanding more security, Z-plus category of security is given to a top corporate leader like Ambani while the common man is left in the lurch."
(Times Of India)
