Hyderabad, January 13: Intelligence inputs suggesting threat to the life of Kadapa MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, particularly from factionists, has led the State Police to enhance his security cover from Y to Z category.
The Security Review Committee (SRC), which will be holding its first meeting since the death of YS Rajasekhara Reddy, either on January 20 or 21, to review security of VVIPs, will decide whether Jagan’s security needs to be further beefed up.
Top sources told Express that security to YSR’s son was revised recently following intelligence reports of a possible threat to his life, especially after his father’s sudden death.
‘‘More than the Maoists,’’ sources said, ‘‘the threat comes from factionists who have been emboldened by YSR’s death.’’ The name of the young MP, who hails from the faction-ridden Kadapa district, was linked to the sensational assassination of
Telugu Desam legislator Paritala Ravi a few years ago and the Opposition party had demanded that he be probed in the case.
Y category means the VIP will have about 11 security personnel but in Z category, the number of gunmen almost doubles up.
‘‘Jagan has been provided with a guard (which comprises four personnel) at his residence, about four PSOs, an escort vehicle with components (read personnel) from the City Security and Traffic wings. Besides, a door-frame metal detector has also been put up at his place of stay,’’ the sources said.
Jagan is perhaps the only MP from the State to have this kind of security cover. He gets even more security during his visits to Kadapa.
At the SRC meet, security cover for Chief Minister K Rosaiah, Rajya Sabha member and YSR’s close aide KVP Ramachandra Rao, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and a host of other Rayalaseema politicians besides police officers will be reviewed. ‘‘Accordingly, security cover will be enhanced or cut down,’’ sources said.
One particular IPS officer, who is learnt to be having about 26 security personnel, may end up with lesser number after the review.
The SRC is also likely to decide whether to strip YSR’s trusted aide Suryanarayana Reddy alias Sureedu of his Additional PSO status, bestowed upon him by the late chief minister.
Since YSR’s death, Sureedu has been working for Jagan while drawing salary from the Government.
——Agencies