Telangana Police Review Security Cover, Reduce Protection for Former Top Officials
The Telangana Police have revised security arrangements for several former Directors General of Police (DGPs), retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officers and some serving senior officials, withdrawing bulletproof and escort vehicles as part of a broader security review. The changes also include a reduction in the number of security personnel assigned to several VIPs and former officials, following an assessment of the state's security environment.
According to official information, the decision follows a comprehensive review of security requirements based on intelligence assessments, the changing law and order situation in the state and measures aimed at rationalising government expenditure. The review is understood to have affected around 100 officials who had been receiving varying levels of security cover and official vehicle support.
The Telangana Police Department has issued orders withdrawing bulletproof vehicles and escort vehicles that had previously been provided to several retired senior police officers and former DGPs. In addition, security cover has been scaled back for a number of serving and retired officials after the review concluded that the existing arrangements could be revised.
Among those reported to be affected are former DGPs Swaranjit Sen, A.K. Khan, A.K. Mohanty, Dinesh Reddy, Jitender, Mahender Reddy and Anurag Sharma. Other former senior officials whose bulletproof vehicles have reportedly been withdrawn include Poornachandra Rao, Kothakota Srinivas Reddy, Naveen Chand, Daniel, Venkatrami Reddy, Stephen Ravindra, R.S. Praveen Kumar, D.T. Naik, Umesh Sharif and Ravi Gupta.
The revised security arrangements are also expected to apply to certain serving senior officials, including Intelligence Chief Vijay Kumar and the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, according to officials.
Security Cover Rationalised
As part of the revised policy, the Telangana Police have also decided to withdraw escort vehicles assigned to former DGPs. At the same time, the number of gunmen provided to several politicians and former senior officials has been reduced.
According to available information, many of those affected will now receive security under a 1+1 arrangement, comprising one personal security officer and one driver or assistant. The state government is reviewing the security cover provided to more than 100 VIPs to ensure that enhanced protection is retained only where it is considered necessary based on current threat assessments.
Government sources indicated that the decision was taken after considering multiple factors, including the significant decline in Left-wing extremism in Telangana, recent intelligence assessments and the need to optimise public expenditure without compromising essential security requirements.
Political Reaction and High Court Proceedings
The changes have drawn mixed reactions from political circles. Opposition leaders and some former senior police officers have criticised the move, alleging that the reduction in security disproportionately affects opposition figures and retired officials.
Former IPS officer and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader R.S. Praveen Kumar has challenged the withdrawal of his bulletproof vehicle before the Telangana High Court.
During the initial hearing, the High Court issued an interim order directing the state government not to withdraw the bulletproof vehicle for one week. The matter remains pending before the court, and further proceedings are expected.
The Telangana Police have not announced any change to the overall security review process, which continues to examine the protection provided to VIPs and senior officials across the state.