Pune police withdraw security of over 25 people; absconding Rana Suryavanshi's cover stays

The Pune Police Commissionerate has taken a major decision on security cover. Police protection given to more than 25 people in the city has been withdrawn. The decision was taken at a meeting of the police protection committee held on October 23. The security was withdrawn on the orders of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Prashant Amritkar.

The decision came to light through a letter issued on October 24. The letter also showed that while the list of those whose security was withdrawn includes prominent names, the cover of two people has been left as it was. They are Rana Suryavanshi and Laxman Hake.

Rana Suryavanshi is an industrialist from Baramati and is currently absconding. He was attacked near Baramati airport and was then taken to Ruby Hospital. Despite this, the Y-plus escort category security given to him has been retained as it was. The most surprising aspect of the entire matter, it is being said, is that the security of a man who is absconding remains in place.

The security of OBC leader Laxman Hake has also been kept as it was. He has been given cover with 1+1 armed gunmen and an escort vehicle.

Among those whose security has been withdrawn is Vidyanand Bapat, who came into the spotlight over the issue of noise pollution. Also losing security are Sanjay Nahar of the Sarhad organisation, Gau Seva Aayog chairman Shekhar Mundada and Ashish Satpute, a lawyer in the Koregaon Bhima case. Cyrus Poonawalla of the Serum Institute, Punit Balan, political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla and film producer Mihir Kulkarni are also on the list.

The security of Ajinkya D.Y. Patil, businessman Michelle Yohan Poonawalla and Yohan Zaveri Poonawalla has also been withdrawn. Some construction businessmen, or builders, of Pune are also on the list. Thus the security of big industrialists, a political analyst, a film producer and some prominent builders of the city has now been reduced.

It has been stated that the Special Branch of the Pune city Deputy Commissioner of Police reviews security in the city every one or two months. At the meeting held for this review, it is decided whose security is to be retained, whose is to be increased and whose is to be withdrawn. The meeting on the 23rd was a review meeting of this kind. The names of about 19 of those whose security was withdrawn have emerged, and key documents in the matter have also come to light.