Centre grants VIP security cover for O Panneerselvam

Officials said the Union Home Ministry has sanctioned the lowest category of ‘Y’ security cover of Central paramilitary forces and has asked the CRPF to take charge of the security of the former Chief Minister. 

They said a recent incident of hurling of stones on the vehicle of Panneerselvam, who has revolted against the leadership of ruling AIADMK, in the Theni district of the state and few other similar developments prompted a security audit by central intelligence and security agencies. 

A delegation led by AIADMK MP and Panneerselvam loyalist V Maitreyan had also met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh sometime back and had demanded Central security for the ex-CM in view of his hectic travelling and movement due to the upcoming by-polls in the RK Nagar constituency. The bypolls here are scheduled for April 12 as the seat fell vacant after the death of sitting Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa last year.