Kolkata, 20 May (H.S.): The West Bengal government has begun a phased withdrawal of security cover provided to nearly 1,100 political leaders, former ministers, and influential individuals following a comprehensive review of security arrangements in the state.

According to sources in the state secretariat, the decision comes after directives to reassess the deployment of police personnel and examine potential misuse of security resources. The individuals affected were previously assigned different categories of protection, including ‘X’, ‘Y’, ‘Y+’, and ‘Z’ security cover.

Officials said that out of the total, around 175 leaders were receiving categorized security, while nearly 900 others were under non-categorized protection arrangements.

Among those affected, Trinamool Congress leader Shaukat Molla from South 24 Parganas was receiving ‘Z’ category security, while Jahangir Khan, a Trinamool candidate from Falta, was provided ‘Y+’ protection. Gautam Adhikari, president of the Diamond Harbour block youth wing of the party, also received ‘Y+’ security cover.

A police official explained that security allocation is based on “threat perception” and is divided into multiple categories.

Under ‘X’ category, one armed security personnel is assigned at all times, supported by a total deployment of around three personnel in shifts.

In ‘Y’ category, two armed guards are stationed continuously, requiring a total deployment of approximately six personnel.

‘Y+’ category includes two armed guards along with a mobile security unit, which consists of an escort vehicle and additional armed personnel.

‘Z’ category provides two armed guards, round-the-clock residential security, and a mobile escort unit, involving a deployment of around 14 personnel per protected individual.

The highest level, ‘Z+’, involves nearly 40 security personnel and is currently assigned to former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The state Security Review Committee is responsible for determining security allocations and withdrawals. The committee includes the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Director of Security, and senior intelligence officials, with inputs from the Home Department playing a key role.

Sources indicate that security cover has also been reduced for several former ministers, including Swapan Debnath, Malay Ghatak, and Udayan Guha. Security arrangements for certain senior officials previously granted additional protection are also under review.

Authorities said the move is aimed at optimizing police deployment, as a large number of personnel had been assigned to VIP security duties, affecting overall law and order management and public policing capacity.

Officials further indicated that in the future, enhanced security may be restricted to a limited set of high-ranking officials, including the Director General of Police, Kolkata Police Commissioner, Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and key advisors to the Chief Minister.

Police officials noted that the over-deployment of personnel for VIP protection had created significant strain on the force, and the restructuring is expected to improve resource allocation and strengthen general policing in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh