Naidu moves HC against scaling down of security

Amaravati, July 1 (IANS) Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has moved the state high court against the state government scaling down his security.The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President filed a petition, challenging the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government's move to reduce his security cover in phases over the last one month and sought orders to the government to restore it, considering the threat perception. The government last week reduced the security cover of Naidu, now the Leader of Opposition, by withdrawing the team comprising an Additional Superintendent of Police, a Deputy Superintendent of Police and three reserve Inspectors. He was instead provided two constables in three shifts.Earlier, the government withdrew the escort and police vehicle from Naidu's convoy.It also withdrew security of Naidu's family members.The TDP, which lost power to the YSRCP in May, has termed the government's action as vindictive. The ruling party, however, denied the allegation.Naidu, who had survived an assassination attempt by Maoists in 2003, enjoys Z plus category security, comprising commandos of the elite National Security Guards (NSG).
--IANS ms/vd