State chief secretary Amit Kiran Deb admitted that the security arrangements at the CM’s residence leaves much to be desired. “We may ask him now, but I think he will still refuse. It is up to him to accept. It is due to personal reasons that he wants to stay at his present residence,” Deb added. His attachment to his small apartment, say party insiders, is the reason behind his refusal.

Sunday’s shooting on Broad Street, near Bhattacharjee’s house, has once again underlined the fragile security of this high-profile zone. Four people sustained bullet injuries as a man fired indiscriminately in broad daylight to fend off policemen and residents, who were chasing him after he stole a mobile phone. Currently, Bhattacharjee gets Z-Plus security with additional forces of Kolkata police posted at Palm Avenue. His neighbourhood is one of the most violent areas in Kolkata with recurring incidents of snatchings, hurling bombs and gang rivalry taking place. In 2005, cash and jewellery were looted from a trader’s house in Karaya, which is also close to Palm Avenue. The same year, local goons tried to hijack a taxi. In February 2006, local Congress leader Bappa Ghosh was targeted by miscreants, who hurled bombs at him. One person was later arrested.

In March, bombs were hurled once again in a clash between local gangs. This year, three youths were arrested in front of the CM’s residence for suspicious movements.