Z-class security for riot-tarred BJP MLA in Uttar Pradesh

Controversial Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Sangeet Som, an accused in the Muzaffarnagar riots, was accorded Z-category security by the Centre, a move that came under a scathing attack from the Opposition on Tuesday, which termed it as a "licence for killing" and "a cruel joke with the victims".

Based on intelligence inputs that Som, MLA from Sardhana in western Uttar Pradesh, could be targeted by extremist elements, the home ministry decided to bring him under the security umbrella of the commandos of the Central Reserve Police Force.

"We have received a letter from the Centre regarding upgradation of Som's security to Z category," Uttar Pradesh's Inspector-General (IG) (Law and Order) Amrendra Singh Sengar told PTI in Lucknow.

The letter has been forwarded to the agency concerned, Singh added. Sources in Delhi said Home Minister Rajnath Singh gave his nod to the proposal after he was convinced that Som faced a serious threat to his life.

"It's weird. It's a strange government. The riot victims are running from pillar to post and those accused are getting Z category security. "Nothing can be a bigger irony, a bigger joke with victims, whose houses were burnt and those who suffered huge losses," Congress leader Manish Tewari said. Senior Congress leader Rashid Alvi said the move was tantamount to providing security to murderers while the riot victims were left in a lurch.

"This security cover is not for the security of Som but a license for killing innocent people and fanning communal disharmony between two communities in a highly sensitive state," JD(U) general secretary K C Tyagi said.