Katiyar seeks SPG cover, govt recommends NSG

Lucknow, May 15 (UNI) Following in the footsteps of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, BJP Rajya Sabha member Vinay Katiyar has sought SPG cover from the government.

Earlier, an official spokesperson, during a regular briefing said the state government will send recommendation to provide Mr Katiyar, one of the accussed in the Babri Masjid demolition case, SPG cover due to threat perception.

However, Home Secretary Mahesh Gupta has denied any such recommendation and said the government has sought National Security Guard (NSG) for the BJP leader and will send recommendation regarding the same to the Centre.

Presently, Mr Katiyar had been provided with Z-plus security cover.

Meanwhile, Mr Katiyar told UNI that his requirement for the SPG cover was genuine as several terrorist group had openly theatened him after the demolition of the disputed structure in 1992.

Intelligence Bureau (IB) had also issued advisory on threat perceptions from terrorists on the BJP leader.

On the other hand, UP DGP Vikram Singh had returned the Z plus security given to him by the state government.

UNI MB PDM AM BD2130