Based on intelligence inputs that Som, MLA from Sardhana in western Uttar Pradesh, could be targeted by extremist elements, the Union Home Ministry decided to bring him under the security umbrella of the commandos of the central paramilitary force CRPF.
"We have received a letter from the Centre regarding upgradation of Som's security to Z category," Uttar Pradesh's IG (Law and Order) Amrendra Singh Sengar told PTI in Lucknow.
Sources in Delhi said Home Minister Rajnath Singh gave the nod to the proposal after he was convinced that Som faced serious threat to his life.
"It's a weird thing. It's a strange government. Those who are victims of riots are running from pillar to post and those who are riot accused are getting Z category security.
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"Nothing can be a bigger irony, a bigger joke with those, whose houses were burnt and those who suffered huge losses," Congress leader Manish Tewari said.
Another Congress leader Rashid Alvi said that the move tantamount to providing security to those engaged in killings while the victims of riots were being left in the lurch.
In a statement, he said his party "strongly condemns" this action and demanded withdrawal of the Z security to Som noting "this will encourage such people involved in instigating hatred among the society and will create a sense of insecurity and further alienation among the minorities".
The BJP defended the move, saying the decision to provide security is taken based on "sufficient evidence" from intelligence sources and not on "whims and fancies".