Chandigarh, May 14: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday raised inquiries regarding the deployment of 23 Punjab Police personnel for the protection of Rajya Sabha member Harbhajan Singh. The scrutiny follows a rapid series of changes to the former cricketer’s security detail, which saw his coverage upgraded from Y to Z category before being completely withdrawn by the state government within 24 hours of his departure from the Aam Aadmi Party.
Singh, who joined the BJP alongside six other Rajya Sabha members on April 24, has challenged the withdrawal of his security in court. He maintained that the decision was arbitrary and lacked a fresh threat assessment. According to department records, Singh was officially entitled to eight personnel; however, sources indicated that additional guards were provided through the discretion of local officials and senior politicians. “This action was vindictive and taken without any prior notice,” Singh stated in his petition to the High Court.
The petitioner further stated that his residence was targeted by a mob shortly after his political defection. He declared that protesters vandalized his property and labeled him a traitor, creating a safety crisis that necessitated federal intervention. Following the state’s withdrawal of personnel, the Union Home Ministry deployed the Central Reserve Police Force to provide a security cover for the legislator.
Legal counsel for the state noted that strict protocols are in place regarding the disclosure of security details to protect the lives of high-profile individuals. However, the court questioned the unofficial provision of 15 additional personnel beyond the sanctioned limit. Singh affirmed that the removal of his protection in both Delhi and Punjab coincided directly with his move to the BJP, suggesting a political motive behind the administrative change.
