JOIN USKejri sticks to his guns, turns down Z-security
Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday again turned down Z-category security cover provided by Delhi Police to the city’s Chief Minister, but he stayed in the capital on Saturday night. Rather than returning to his home in Kaushambi, the 45-year-old stayed at his office in central Delhi and will do so until a house is allocated to him by the government.
Kejriwal’s security was a major cause of concern for security officials throughout the day. Though he has refused security cover, at least three police officers were seen acting as personal security officers. “As soon as Kejriwal left Delhi Secretariat, we offered him security cover. But he again refused our proposal,” said J K Sharma, Special Commissioner of Police (Security).
He told police that he has no need for security. “What should we do if he is not ready to accept it?” Sharma added.
He also met Delhi Police chief B S Bassi and discussed ways of improving law and order situation, especially women’s security.
“I briefed him about Delhi Police while he told me about his concerns and his vision. We will work together to create a safe environment for Delhiites in the city. Focus will be on the vulnerable sections of the society, especially women,” Bassi said. Around 120 personnel were deployed at Barakhamba Road Metro Station and Ranjit Singh flyover to administer the crowd as people gathered over there to see Kejriwal.
After Kejriwal and his party members left Barakhamba Metro Station, they took Ranjit Singh flyover to reach the ground where around 2,000 police personnel were managing the crowd. All the gates were manned by around 20 police personnel. “Many were also deployed outside the ground to handle any untoward incident,” added Alok Kumar, DCP (Central).
Kumar also said the personnel were deployed from 7 am onwards as they had to conduct anti-sabotage checks inside and outside the ground. Over 30 CCTV cameras were temporarily installed inside and outside the ground.
Elaborate security and traffic arrangements were also in place to ensure traffic circulation and pedestrians’ movement. Traffic between 10 am to 2 pm was diverted at Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Rajghat, Delhi Gate, Asaf Ali Marg, Netaji Subash Marg and Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg.
Buses including chartered buses were not allowed on Ranjit Singh Marg towards Gurunanak Chowk and commercial vehicles were also not allowed on Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg from Rajghat.
“However, traffic leading to Lok Nayak Hospital was normal and traffic police were deployed to help out patients and their relatives,” said Kumar.