Hardik Patel fears impending attack after security withdrawn

With his 'Y' category security cover being withdrawn by the Union Home Affairs Ministry, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel, on Thursday, expressed apprehension of an attack on him or being jailed. "Let's see whether this is a plan to kill me or send me to jail. I continue to do my work and shall bear the fruits of my work, good or bad," Hardik said in a tweet.

The Home Ministry has asked the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to withdraw security cover provided to Hardik Patel during the run-up to the 2017 Gujarat elections when he had addressed over 100 public meetings across the state. Apprehending an attack on him, the central intelligence agencies had accorded him security.

Suspecting snooping being done on him in the guise of providing security, Hardik initially had declined to take the cover. He, however, agreed to have security after persuasion by senior administrative and police personnel in the state. He was provided with escort of eight security personnel.

According to news reports, the home ministry said there was “no threat” to Patel’s life.

The Central government is now seeking inputs from the Gujarat Police on whether Hardik requires any local-level security instead.