The Ambanis are possibly the only private corporate entity to be given VVIP security cover.
Highlights
- Mrs Ambani, a philanthropist, has been given Y category security
- A team of about 10 CRPF commandos with be provided for her security
- The Ambanis are the only private individuals to be given VVIP security
Nita Ambani, the wife of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, has joined the list of India' s most protected, which has swelled to 450.
Mrs Ambani, a philanthropist, has been given Y category security, which means that a team of around eight armed guards will protect her.
Officials say the home ministry sanctioned it after a report by security agencies assessed a kidnapping threat to the 52-year-old, who travels extensively for her charity work.
"The security cover will be fully paid for, like in the case of her husband," the Press Trust of India quoted officials as saying.
Mukesh Ambani was given Z category security - one of the highest - in 2013. The government had said that India's richest man is under 'potential' threat and private security guards cannot do the job properly as they are not allowed to carry weapons of higher calibre and sophistication.
Arvind Kejriwal's criticism of the government came in the form of a tweet this morning.
Home ministry sources say at present, 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.
Sources say P Chidambaram, who was home minister in the Congress-led government, tried to bring the number of VIP protectees down to tackle criticism over massive funds and resources invested in providing security to a few.
Mr Chidambaram removed many from the list and brought it down to 350.