Big B had two additional police drivers in his security: Patil

Mumbai, Sep 26 (UNI) Denying that the security of Superstar Amitabh Bachchan had been scaled down, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil today said that the noted actor had two additional police drivers as part of his security.

''A probe would be conducted on who, when and why the two additional police constables were deployed there on drivers' duty.

The police drivers have been recalled and asked to join their regular posts. If Mr Bachchan really requires security, he shall be provided with adequate protection,'' Mr Patil said.

''Mr Bachchan's actor-son Abhishek has told the security review committee that whatever the government has provided as security was adequate,'' the Deputy Chief Minister said.

He also added that as Deputy Chief MInister he had no role to play in the decisions taken by the review committee headed by the Chief Secretary.

Speaking about Samajwadi party MP Abu Asim Azmi, Mr Patil said he will be given protection, which he is entitled to as a member of Parliament. ''Nothing more than that,'' he added.

Due to the scaling down of security personnel of VVIPs in Mumbai, 750 police constables will now join the regular force to maintain law and order. ''These constables have been asked to resume their normal duties in their respective police stations,'' he added.

Similarly, Mr Patil said that in rural areas the constables working as orderly or telephone operators with Supritendent of Police or officers of higher posts have been recalled. ''About 150 police constables have joined the force again,'' he added.

Mr Patil also said that five police constables have committed suicide in the last one month. ''We are working on how to reduce the stress levels in the police force,'' he said.

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