A day after AIADMK MPs met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh complaining about ruling DMK’s “lackadaisical approach” towards security of their leader Ms. Jayalalithaa, the Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday said she was being given “adequate security” following death threats to her.
“Sometimes, threats by way of letters are issued even to the Chief Minister, Union Home Minister and other leaders. Probe is undertaken in such issues and proper action taken,” the government said in media advertisements as the AIADMK stepped up pressure on the issue of Ms. Jayalalithaa’s security.
Cases had been filed in connection with the recent threats issued to her and investigation was on, it said.
AIADMK MPs had on Tuesday called on Dr. Singh and Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram complaining of DMK government’s “lackadaisical approach” in providing security to Ms. Jayalalithaa and had urged them to prevail over the state government.
Ms. Jayalalithaa, a former chief minister, was enjoying Z Plus security, and had 75 personnel including two DSPs on her security duty.
“Besides, 12 persons of the National Security Guard (NSG) accompany her convoy and she has been provided with a bullet-proof car with a driver from state police department,” the government said, adding anti-sabotage checks were also being carried out in her residential locality in the mornings.
“Similar security is provided when she visits Kodanadu or Siruthavur (for vacationing) which is more than the prescribed provisions of the Z plus and NSG security category,” it said.
The district authorities were instructed to ensure law and order during her visits, the government said. “Therefore, she is being provided with adequate security,” it asserted.
VIPs in Z plus category get six personal security officers, two guards at house and screening staff and two escorts.
Recently, a letter was sent to AIADMK-backed Jaya TV, warning of a bomb attack on Ms. Jayalalithaa if she went ahead with a proposed rally in Madurai, considered the bastion of Union Minister and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s son M.K. Alagiri.
Another letter warned the television channel against airing programmes pertaining to the murder of a former DMK minister.
The police had registered two cases and said the letters appeared to be deliberate attempt to create a controversy.
Earlier, the AIADMK had made representations to the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary demanding adequate security for Ms. Jayalalithaa.
