New Delhi: Nita Ambani, wife of Reliance Industries chairman and India's richest man Mukesh Ambani, has been accorded 'Y' category security cover by the Indian government.
The decision to provide the VVIP security to Mrs Ambani was taken by the Home ministry after a report by security agencies assessed a kidnapping threat to the 52-year-old, who travels extensively for her charity work. Now a team of 10 armed guards will protect her.
The development marks Nita Ambani’s entry into the list of India' s most protected, which is at an all-time high of 450.
Notably, her husband Mukesh Ambani was given a 'Z' category security in 2013. The Ambanis are possibly the only private corporate entity to be given VVIP security cover.
Under the 'Z' category security, Ambani has a pilot and escort vehicle with commandos armed with sophisticated weapons who give him proximate security every time he moves in Mumbai, where he is based, or any other part of country.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today targeted centre's move citing increasing rape cases in the capital and alleged that the Prime Minister is more concerned about security of his friends
"Women raped daily in Delhi. No security for them despite repeated requests. But PM providing security to his friends."he said in a tweet.
'Y' is a scaled down category but the commandos are similarly armed, they said.
The 'Z' category is the second highest VVIP security cover after the 'Z+' bracket which has about 40 commandos for the protectee. 55 people have the highest level of security or Z plus status, which entitles a person to 45 armed guards. In the previous Congress-led regime, around 20 had it. Some 60 people have been granted Z category protection, which means 20 personnel.
