Sena leaders who protested Rahul's visit, lose security

Mumbai: The police security cover of three Shiv Sena leaders, who protested against the Congress General Secretary, Mr Rahul Gandhi's recent Mumbai visit, has been withdrawn without informing them.

Sena MLA and BMC Standing Committee Chairman Ravindra Waikar, MLA Bala Sawant (Bandra-East) and MLC Anil Parab were shocked yesterday on learning that their police security guards were suddenly called back to office.

Mr Waikar had protested at Mithibai College on the day of Mr Gandhi's visit, while Mr Parab was arrested from Bandra a day before the Congress leader's arrival.

Mr Sawant had visited police stations to talk to Sainiks who had been detained.

"I was not officially informed by the police as to why they have withdrawn my security. The guard said it was as per the order of the Commissioner," Mr Parab said.

The MLC had led the protest outside Shah Rukh Khan's residence on Sunday and was arrested.

"The guard was called back by the police yesterday afternoon without giving any reasons to me. I tried to contact the Commissioner but he was not available," Mr Sawant claimed.

Mr Waikar alleged that "withdrawing of our security cover indicates how Congress is misusing its power and threatening people who tried agitation against the party."

The state government is still considering on the matter, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Chandra Iyengar told reporters, without giving further details.