Azam Khan gets Y-category security back

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh government Saturday restored Y-category security cover for Samajwadi Party veteran and former cabinet minister Azam Khan, who walked out of Sitapur district jail on September 23 on bail after spending nearly two years behind bars in connection with multiple criminal cases lodged against him.Khan’s Y-category security had been withdrawn after his conviction by a court and subsequent disqualification from the state assembly. Although the protection was briefly reinstated later, it was again removed when he was sent to Sitapur jail. With a steady flow of visitors thronging his residence after his recent release, authorities reviewed and restored his security cover yet again in view of potential law and order concerns, considering Khan’s political influence and high-profile status in Rampur, said sources.Following formal orders to reinstate his protection detail, security personnel and gunners assigned to Khan resumed duty Saturday, official sources said. Khan’s security was enhanced with a Gypsy vehicle and seven armed personnel deployed for his protection. Four guards were assigned to safeguard his residence, while three personnel will always stay with him.