Pinarayi Vijayan loses Z Plus security, no more gunman or escort

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s Z Plus category security has been withdrawn following his transition to the role of Leader of the Opposition. He will now be provided Y category security based on his status as a former Chief Minister and current Opposition Leader. With the withdrawal of Z Plus security, Pinarayi Vijayan will no longer have a personal gunman accompanying him.

Gunman Sandeep, who is an accused in the case related to the alleged assault on Youth Congress leaders during the Nava Kerala Yatra, has also been removed from Pinarayi Vijayan’s security team. Following the withdrawal of high-level security, Sandeep has been sent back to regular police duty. However, another accused officer in the same case, security official Anilkumar, continues to remain with Pinarayi Vijayan’s team.

Instead of a gunman, two Personal Security Officers (PSOs) have now been assigned to him. While the escort vehicle has been removed, the pilot vehicle will continue. Police personnel will also remain deployed at his residence for security. The Internal Security Assessment Committee will decide whether additional police protection is required.

Meanwhile, reports say that action is being initiated against four gunmen involved in the alleged assault during the Nava Kerala Sadas programme. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) reportedly found that the assault was unlawful. SP Shoukath Ali is expected to submit the report to the DGP soon. The SIT also stated that the police action is clearly visible in the video footage.

MLA A D Thomas and Youth Congress General Secretary Ajay Jewel Kuriakose were assaulted by the gunmen. SP Shoukath Ali and his team had reviewed the investigation procedures and witness statements after obtaining the case files from the District Crime Branch DySP office.