Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s security has been beefed up following a spurt in terrorist activities and recent encounter deaths in Nalgonda district of the state.
A new sparkling white Scorpio that is bulletproof-cum-firefighter vehicle customised by BDL has been added to his all white six-vehicle security convoy, which includes jammers, on Monday.
Sources said four armed cops can fire from inside the high security vehicle without getting down in times of emergency and attack vehicles.
The Chief Minister travels in bulletproof and mineproof Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with another identical vehicle costing Rs 90 lakh each, four white bulletproof Fortuners costing about Rs 25 lakh each and 1 ambulance in tow in his security convoy.
The new security vehicle will now be in tow whenever the Chief Minister visits his farm house near Gajwel, about 60 km from here and also during his visit to the districts.
Police is on high alert following the killing of two policemen by Simi activists in Nalgonda, and the subsequent encounter deaths of two Simi activists and five terrorists while they were being escorted by the police to court.
It is learnt that in view of the CM’s frequent visits outside the city and also high security threat faced by him, the new armed vehicle has been added.
After becoming the Chief Minister, Mr Rao discarded black coloured Scorpio used by former chief minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy in the undivided state and got all of them repainted white in tune with his astrological belief.
Security for ministers and those with equal Cabinet rank besides high officials have also been increased.
They have been asked to venture out with full security following recent shootouts and follow security guidelines, it is learnt.
