Date:05/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/03/05/stories/2005030509880400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Naidu's security scaled down

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, MARCH 4. The former Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu's security cover has been reduced from 180 to 173 men.

A top police official said Mr. Naidu had at his disposal personnel from various wings of the police who were being continued by and large. Seven vehicles used by him as Chief Minister were continued. They included two bullet-proof cars, two escort cars, a pilot car, a patrolling car and a car to carry the jammer.

It was stated that the reduction of men was done at boom barriers placed at three locations en route his house. There used to be 24 men manning these barriers but their strength had now been reduced to 17 who work in three shifts round the clock.

The only changes that were carried out in Mr. Naidu's security were the withdrawal of the Advance Security Liaison (ASC) which is a protocol function extended to Prime Ministers, Presidents, Chief Ministers and Governors. The ASC involves the Superintendents of Police and Collectors visiting the site of his visit in advance and assessing the security concerns.

The Movement Monitoring to inform the police communications network about the movement of the VVIP and his destinations was also withdrawn, more as a security measure.

Police officers of the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police and Deputy Superintendent of Police would continue as his chief security officers, a facility which he enjoyed as Chief Minister. MP 5 weapons, the state-of-the art arms imported from Turkey, would also continue to be handled by his securitymen. Senior police officials said 85 APSP men, posted at his house at vantage positions, would continue. They said a unit of Greyhounds comprising 30 men was totally dedicated to him. Half of them would be on duty at any given time.