Kolkata, 20 May (H.S.): Following the change of government in West Bengal, the state administration has started a phased withdrawal of security cover provided to nearly 1,100 political leaders, former ministers and influential individuals after a comprehensive review of their threat perception.

According to sources at Nabanna, several of these individuals had been receiving security under categories such as ‘X’, ‘Y’, ‘Y Plus’ and ‘Z’.

Sources said that around 175 leaders associated with the All India Trinamool Congress were receiving categorised security, while nearly 900 others had been provided non-categorised protection arrangements. Among them, Trinamool leader Shaukat Molla from South 24 Parganas had been given ‘Z’ category security, while Falta candidate Jahangir Khan and Diamond Harbour block Youth Trinamool president Gautam Adhikari were receiving ‘Y Plus’ security cover.

Police officials said that security categories are determined on the basis of “threat perception.”

Under the ‘X’ category, one armed security personnel remains deployed at all times, requiring a rotation of around three personnel.

The ‘Y’ category includes two armed security personnel, involving approximately six officers in total deployment.

The ‘Y Plus’ category consists of two armed personnel along with a mobile escort team.

In the ‘Z’ category, security arrangements include two armed personnel, static security at the residence and a mobile security unit, involving nearly 14 personnel overall.

The highest level, ‘Z Plus’ security, involves deployment of nearly 40 police personnel. This category is currently assigned to former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Officials said the State Security Review Committee decides which individual receives or loses security cover. The committee includes the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Director of Security and the head of the Intelligence Branch, while recommendations from the Home Department also play a key role.

Sources added that security cover for several former ministers, including Swapan Debnath, Malay Ghatak and Udayan Guha, has also been reduced. Security arrangements for certain officials who had earlier received additional protection are likewise under review.

At the administrative level, officials indicated that in the future, special security arrangements may be limited primarily to top constitutional and administrative functionaries such as the Director General of Police, Kolkata Police Commissioner, Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and principal advisers to the Chief Minister.

Senior police officials stated that providing security to such a large number of political leaders for an extended period had placed significant pressure on the police force, affecting routine law-and-order duties and public safety management. Authorities believe the revised arrangement will allow better utilisation of police resources.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey