A senior official of the home department confirmed this on Thursday. “We have received instructions from the Central government that the threat perception to the Union minister has increased. His security arrangements have already been reviewed and changes introduced,” the official told The Indian Express.
The new measures include increasing the number of policemen deployed at the districts when Mukherjee is on a visit and implementing the guidelines introduced by the director (security) of the Union Home Ministry.
Further, the Special Branch of the Kolkata police has been asked to tighten security around Mukherjee’s residence in south Kolkata.
State Congress leaders expressed concern over the matter. “We have heard that Pranab Mukherjee is on the hit list of some terrorist organisations. It is quite alarming. We have not received any official communication yet from the state government about this. But if we receive any, we will definitely implement that,” said Pradip Bhattacharya, West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) vice-president.
Congress leader Manas Bhuniya demanded that both the Central and state governments take steps to enhance security of the minister. “The matter is quite serious. If the Central government asks the state government to step up Pranab Mukherjee’s security, it has to be done. And if we are told to be on alert, we will follow that,” said Bhuniya.