Why Did the Bombay HC Question the Maharashtra Government’s Decision to Reduce Zeeshan Siddique’s Security?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bombay High Court questions Maharashtra government’s security reduction decision.
- Security for Zeeshan Siddique slashed without a review.
- Y-Category security typically includes 8-11 guards.
- Zeeshan's father was murdered under similar security circumstances.
- Public safety concerns raised by the Siddique family.
Mumbai, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Bombay High Court voiced its astonishment regarding the Maharashtra government's action to reduce the security of former NCP MLA Zeeshan Siddique, the son of the slain ex-Minister Baba Siddique, without convening a review meeting of the threat perception committee, as reported by a lawyer on Thursday.
The Court noted that, on the surface, the decision to lower Zeeshan’s security seemed inappropriate, questioning the government, 'What criteria justified this reduction? Who bears the responsibility if harm comes to him?'
The court instructed the state government to submit detailed information on the matter and scheduled the next hearing for December 16.
Previously, the court posed numerous inquiries to the counsel representing the state and demanded a copy of the minutes from the committee meeting that recommended reducing Zeeshan’s security.
During this discussion, it was revealed that no meeting had occurred prior to the decision to diminish Zeeshan's high-level Y-Category security.
Typically, individuals with Y-Category security are protected by between eight to eleven commandos or police personnel. However, currently, Zeeshan is under the watch of only two police constables.
His father, former minister Baba Siddique, was tragically shot in Bandra East on October 12, 2024, by three attackers. At that time, he was also guarded by merely two constables.
Zeeshan's security was downgraded shortly after his mother, Shehzeen Siddique, approached the High Court last month, requesting a fresh investigation into the murder by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Following the reduction in security, Zeeshan submitted a formal letter to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, expressing grave concerns about his family's safety.
In his letter, he outlined the nature of threats faced by his family and articulated reasons why he believes they require ongoing, robust protection.
On Thursday, Shehzeen Siddique addressed the media, stating there is a risk to her son's life. 'I have already lost my husband and do not wish to lose my son,' she remarked.
She further indicated that her husband had previously requested additional security due to fearing for his life, but his request was not granted.