With attacks on politicians and their kin increasing by the day, the Uttar Pradesh police now plans to set up a separate force for the security of prominent politicians and elected representatives.
“The plan for this force was mooted several months ago but after the attack on UP minister Nand Gopal Nandi, the idea if taking shape. This new force will be properly trained to provide security cover to VIPs in the state and will also be adequately sensitised. There is a shortage of cops in the existing police force and we cannot possibly spare personnel for VIP security, hence the idea for a new force,” said a senior police official.
The state government, in its initiative to beef up security of politicians, has also decided to restrict public movement in areas and buildings where politicians reside.
“Bungalows, buildings and flats where politicians reside will now be subjected to security checks. People visiting these areas will be frisked and their identities will be recorded. Cars and vehicles will also be checked,” the official added.
At present, there is no system to check the identities of visitors — mostly people from various constituencies — who frequent the residences of politicians.
The movement of vehicles in such areas has also been unrestricted so far.
The state government further plans to remove encroachments and makeshift eateries located in these residential areas. “These kiosks and eateries attract unidentified customers in such places and by removing them, we can ensure better policing of the area,” the official stated.
The estate department that looks after maintenance of these buildings is also being asked to increase the heights of boundary walls and provide strong grills on the outer windows and doors of the buildings.