Punjab Deputy Speaker claims security at residence withdrawn

Chandigarh, May 23 (UNI) Punjab Assembly, Deputy Speaker, Satpal Gosain today claimed that the ''entire security'' set up at his private residence in Ludhiana was withdrawn on May 21 and demanded an inquiry into this ''serious lapse''.

In separate letters to the Chief Minister, state DGP and ADGP (Security), the Deputy Speaker claimed that even guards at his Ludhiana residence and escort duty personnel were withdrawn.

''All the security personnel were withdrawn and an empty escort gypsy remained parked at my residence without even a single security personnel'', he stated in the letter.

''This is a very serious security lapse in view of the prevailing security situation due to the ongoing campaign in the Panchayat elections to be held on May 26'', he added while demanding an inquiry and appropriate action against those responsible for this lapse.

In the letter addressed to the DGP, the Deputy Speaker has also sought information whether the security cover of the Speaker or of ministers had been reduced. He has categorically told the DGP that the security at his Ludhiana residence should not be altered without his written consent.

ADGP (Security) Anil Kaushik when contacted said that he was not aware of such a letter by the Deputy Speaker. ''However when the letter reaches me I will proceed accordingly'', he added.

Ludhiana SSP R K Jaiswal denied the claims of the Deputy Speaker and stated that the security cover at his house was intact.

However Ludhiana range, DIG, Ishwar Singh who was intimated about the letter by the state police headquarters later in the day, said that an inquiry had been ordered into the matter.

UNI HS NC BST1820