Review Protection To VIPs, DG Security Tells Cops After TMC Leader’s Murder In Malda

Last Updated:January 04, 2025, 16:39 IST

Sources told News18 that given the rise in attacks on the ruling party, the government too was of the opinion that a review is necessary

Unknown miscreants seen shooting at Dulal Sarkar, popularly known as Babla, in this CCTV footage. (IMAGE: SOURCED)

Police in Bengal have been asked to review the security provided to VIPs in their areas after Trinamool Congress leader and chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s close aide Babla Sarkar was shot dead in broad daylight in Malda on Thursday.

Sarkar’s murder had rattled Banerjee, with the chief minister questioning the decision to withdraw his security. “He has been attacked before. He used to get security but it was later withdrawn," she said.

This is not the first time TMC leaders have been targeted. In mid-November 2024, TMC councillor Sushanto Ghosh had narrowly escaped a murder attempt when two men on a bike tried to shoot him but their pistol malfunctioned. Given the rise in such incidents, sources told News18, DG Security has instructed all officers to review the security being provided to all VIP personnel in their districts.

In a meeting of the top brass on Friday, it was also decided to review VIPs whose security was removed after 2019.

Usually, an MLA is given one or two security personnel as per their threat perception. Other than this, there is ‘Y’ category security and enhanced ‘Y’ category security. Under ‘Y’ category, about 20 policemen stay with the VIP, while under enhanced ‘Y’ category, an escort car is also added to the fleet.

In Bengal, Mamata Banerjee and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee get Z-plus security.

Sources told News18 that given the rise in attacks on the ruling party, the government too was of the opinion that a review is necessary.

Meanwhile, five people have been arrested in the Malda murder case, with sources in the police saying the men were contract killers. Two of the accused hail from Bihar.

Maldah, India

News politics Review Protection To VIPs, DG Security Tells Cops After TMC Leader’s Murder In Malda