Patiala, February 21
Upset over his “outspoken attitude against the drug mafia and the political backing” it got, the Punjab Government has rendered senior IPS officer and DGP (Jails) Shashi Kant sans security cover.

The state government has withdrawn all three official vehicles assigned to him leaving him without any official vehicle for himself or his security officials.

Kant had created a flutter last week by announcing in the media that a drug mafia was operating inside Punjab jails and that it was backed by a strong lobby in the state. The DGP was criticised by the state government for airing his views openly. He also claimed that he was being threatened for his attempts to stop drug menace inside prisons.

Shashi Kant said that he would not succumb to such tactics and that having securitymen and official vehicles were his rights as head of a department involved in checking criminal activities.

“Maybe I was a little vocal about the drug menace, but my fight against this evil will continue. If retired officers and politicians can get security cover, why not me?” he said.

According to memo number 1818 (that is in the possession of The Tribune) dated February 16 sent by the DGP office, Punjab, to DGP Shashi Kant, three official vehicles - Toyota Innova, Gypsy and a motorcycle - have been withdrawn.

The decision has not gone down well with the Jail Department with a majority of officers feeling that the government hasn’t set the right example by withdrawing the vehicles of a senior officer.

“This is the price you pay for being an upright officer,” said a senior Jail Department officer. Punjab Jails Minister Hira Singh Gabria claimed ignorance on the issue. “You are the first one to bring it to my notice. I will be able to comment on the issue only after reading the memo,” Gabria said. The vehicles haven’t been withdrawn yet as the DGP (Jails) office received the letter in the afternoon today.