Is SPG chief Durga Prasad's removal and RTI by Modi's wife Jashodaben linked?

New Delhi, Nov 27: In a surprising move, Special Protection Group (SPG) chief K. Durga Prasad has been unceremoniously removed from his post. Reports say that the decision has been taken by PMO after taking interviews of some of the suitable candidates for the same.

Probably, Prasad will be succeeded by S S Chaturvedi, who leads the rank in SPG, an elite commando forces. The step is being linked with the RTI controversy, filed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's estranged wife Jashodaben recently. On Monday, she (Jashodaben) had filed an RTI application seeking clarity on security cover given to her at present.

According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed the file, removing current SPG chief, while he was on his way to Nepal to attend the SAARC summit. Astonishingly, current SPG chief was also in the same plane, but he was clueless till the last moment.

Prasad whose term expired on November 2, is serving in extension period and got the information about his removal through media only.

On asking about his role in the RTI controversy, Prasad out-rightly denied and said that he had nothing to do with the controversy.

But experts say that as SPG handles the security detail of the Prime Minister and members of his immediate family, Prasad must be aware of the whole matter.

On Monday, through a RTI application, Jashodaben had expressed unhappiness about the current security set-up, where her guards travel in Government vehicles like car, while, despite being a PM's wife, she has to travel in public transport.

Jashodaben noted that late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was killed by her own bodyguards and that she felt scared of her guards. She asked the government to make it compulsory for each guard to produce copy of deployment order. She asked the government to explain the definition of protocol and sought details about what is included under it and what other benefits she is entitled for as per that protocol.

Mehsana superintendent of police (SP) JR Mothalia said that Jashodaben wants to know what are her rights as PM's wife as far as the security aspect is concerned.
"Today, she came to our office and filed an RTI to know about her rights as PM's wife with regard to security cover. We will give our written reply to her in stipulated time," said Mothalia.

Jashodaben lives with her brother Ashok Modi at Unjha town of Mehsana district. After Narendra Modi was sworn in as PM, she has been given security by Mehasana police.

"We have deployed ten of our policemen, including armed guards, for her security. They work in two shifts, five each in one shift." said police inspector of Mehsana Special Operations Group(SOG) JS Chavda.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from PTI)