Security cover for MP Rajan Vichare reduced after review of threat perception: Maharashtra government to Bombay High Court

The State of Maharashtra has informed Bombay High Court that the security cover for Rajan Vichare, Member of Parliament (MP) from Thane, was reduced after due consideration at all levels including review of threat perception [Rajan Baburao Vichare vs The State of Maharashtra & Ors.]..The submission was made through an affidavit filed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Thane City, Dr Shrikant Paropkari, in response to a plea by Vichare seeking the restoration of his security cover of two personnel..The Thane DCP told the High Court that an inquiry was conducted to determine the extent of threats faced by Vichare, after which the extent of police protection and its duration was decided..The affidavit further stated that the decision to reduce Vichare's cover was taken after consideration by various authorities including the Senior Police Inspector, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, the Additional Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (SB), the Joint Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Thane..Dr. Paropkari also denied Vichare's claim that his security cover was reduced arbitrarily and without reason. The DCP termed such contentions as baseless and incorrect. ."The said [protection] was on the basis of review about threat perception. Hence, whenever there is any threat perception, after considering the overall view only thereafter Police Protection is given to the said person either on-payment or non payment. Therefore, the contention of the petitioner that his Police Protection has been deliberately reduced in order to cause harm to his life and property including his family members to be put in danger is absolutely incorrect and without any basis," the affidavit stated..He, therefore, urged the Court to dismiss Vichare's petition..On October 15, 2022, Rajan Vichare's security cover was reduced from 2+2 (two personnel during the day; two during the night) to 1+1.Vichare, who belongs to the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena, alleged that he was facing threats to his life and claimed that the government machinery was being misused to intimidate him.He claimed his “life had been endangered to extract political upmanship in the State by the government." The petition had arraigned Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Maharashtra police as party-respondents.