Suri: The security of Birbhum Trinamul Congress president Anubrata Mondal was upgraded from Y plus to Z category with effect from Sunday.
Sources have said the security upgrade is based on the recommendations of the directorate of security - a state committee of senior police officers - that assesses the perception of threats to those under protection.
Sources in the Birbhum district administration said the security status of Mondal had been elevated keeping in mind coming panchayat polls and history of clashes between BJP and Trinamul supporters ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
"Places like Parui, Illambazar, Nanoor and Labhpur in the district have a history of clashes which claimed many lives before and after the Lok Sabha polls. BJP cadres are now trying to organise themselves in several parts of the district. During panchayat polls, Mondal will have to visit various places, including remote areas, and so, the security upgrade was required," said a police officer in Birbhum.
Police sources said Mondal used to get a pilot car, along with four armed police personnel, under the Y plus category.
"Under the Z category, there will be a pilot car and a tail car and six armed security personnel will ring Mondal. A sub-inspector of police will be in charge of the security. Apart from this, a team from anti-sabotage squad will check the venues of Mondal's programmes for explosives or any security lapses before his arrival. The police will check the routes Mondal will take to attend programmes," a senior district police officer said.
However, BJP district president Ramkrishna Roy discounted the alleged threat posed to Mondal from his party. "Trinamul is facing factional feuds in every corner of the district and hence, the district chief of the party fears he might be targeted. The BJP is not a party which will attack anyone," said Roy.
Asked about the upgrade of his security, Mondal said: "I was being provided with security for many days. I can't say why security was enhanced."
Late last month, the security of Calcutta mayor and Bengal housing minister Sovan Chatterjee was downgraded from Z plus to Z.
