Sikkim Police on Thursday cleared all confusions and said the claims of Special Protection Group (SPG) security cover to former Sikkim chief minister and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) president Pawan Chamling was ‘not true’ and ‘fictitious’.
Following media reports and social media posts on SPG security cover being provided to the former CM of the state, Sikkim Police thoroughly enquired to verify the facts of the matter.
Also read: SPG security cover for ex-Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling?
It has to be mentioned here that a former minister and a leader of the opposition, Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), circulated a press statement in some local newspapers stating that SPG security cover was provided to former CM Chamling, even the party claimed the same on different occasions.
This claim of the opposition party has been condemned by the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) as this misled the people of the state.
Speaking to media persons on Thursday evening, DIG (Range), Sikkim, Sonam T Bhutia stated that there was lots of confusion among the people of Sikkim after the publication of the report in local newspapers and the social media.
He stated that primarily it was important to know that Special Protection Group (SPG) security is provided to only the current Prime Minister and former Prime Ministers of the country and their families. He added that no other is entitled to get the SPG security.
The DIG informed that Sikkim Police enquired the matter thoroughly following the statement by a senior political and confusion among people on SPG protection to the former CM.
He mentioned that during the enquiry, two persons were found with arms and were called for the questioning on Wednesday.
He added that during the questioning, it was found that the duo was from Palwal district in Haryana and was not members of any security service.
He informed that the duo was employed for the security of the former CM at Rs 35,000 per month.
The DIG informed that the duo had the licence of .32 Cal pistol for self protection and did not have the licence to protect others.
He mentioned that they were brought for questioning on Wednesday and it has been known that both have left the state early on Thursday morning.
Responding to a query on the security of the former CM, the DIG also informed that two Personal Security Officers (PSOs) and a section of IRB personnel have already been provided to former CM Chamling.