The execution of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf in full view of the public and in the presence of a police escort has renewed concerns about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s security cover. According to News18’s sources, the Chief Minister canceled his Sunday and Monday public appearances and remained in Lucknow.
With the murder of Atiq Ahmed being given a communal tint, there are growing concerns about Yogi Adityanath’s security detail, especially in light of the Karnataka elections, where he is in high demand to campaign for the ruling BJP.
A National Security Guard (NSG) team is in Karnataka to cooperate with local police ahead of Yogi Adityanath’s visit.
According to sources, a National Security Guard (NSG) team has been dispatched to Karnataka to coordinate with local police in advance of Yogi Adityanath’s planned visit. The UP CM has Z+ protection and NSG coverage.
“The security concerns are comparable to those encountered by the CRPF during Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. But the incidents in UP have increased the difficulty,” an official from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which administers the NSG.
A proposal to increase the total number of personnel deployed in the inner cordon to protect Yogi Adityanath during public appearances is reportedly under consideration. The NSG provides the interior cordon while the state police are responsible for perimeter security. Additionally, intelligence agencies closely monitor and coordinate with police and central agencies.
“PFI sleeper cadre” is the biggest threat.
According to officials, the “sleeper cadre of PFI” poses the greatest threat. The Popular Front of India is a banned organization, but an ongoing investigation by the National Investigation Agency has revealed that Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are the PFI’s cadre base.
A security grid officer stated, “Roadshows may pose a greater risk to the protected party.” A draft SOP to regulate security during election road displays is also being considered by the MHA, according to officials.
In the meantime, the Chief Minister’s office denied any increase in the CM’s security. “This is to inform you that the daily schedules of the honorable CM and honorable Dy CMs have not changed. “It is also brought to your attention that reports of an increase in CM’s security are false,” the communiqué said.
“UP guarantees security and investments.”
Yogi Adityanath also addressed concerns regarding the state of law and order in UP. Tuesday, at the signing of the MOU at Textile Park in Lucknow, he reassured investors by saying, “UP guarantees your security as well as your investments.” There is no longer any reason to fear any name in any district.”
Atiq Ahmed and his sibling Ashraf were fatally shot at point-blank range by three men masquerading as journalists during a media interaction on Saturday night as they were being escorted to a medical college in Prayagraj.
The last ceremonies of Ahmed’s son Asad, who along with one of his associates was gunned down by police in Jhansi on April 13, were performed just hours before the murder.
