Lok Sabha MP Hanuman Beniwal questioned the government about the removal of commandos from his security detail. He alleged that he was provided guards without modern weapons. The Nagaur SP stated that a final report (FR) has not been filed in a case against Beniwal.
Jaipur: A major controversy has erupted in Rajasthan's politics regarding security. Hanuman Beniwal, Lok Sabha MP from Nagaur and convener of the RLSP (Rashtriya Loktantrik Party), has accused the state government of gross negligence in his security. He stated that the state government removed the commandos from his security detail and the guards now provided lack modern weaponry. He questioned who would be responsible if an attack were to occur.
Beniwal Questions Security Reduction
Beniwal stated he has been without any personal weapon for the past 11 years. Following a case filed against him in 2014, he deposited his licensed pistol and rifle at the police station. He explained that a final report (FR) was filed in 2017, concluding the case, yet his weapons have not been returned.
He also mentioned that intelligence agencies have repeatedly warned of threats to his life and recommended security. However, since the Bhanwarlal Sharma government came to power, his security has been reduced.
Nagaur Police Response: Investigation Ongoing, Weapons Not Returned
Nagaur SP Narayan Togas clarified Beniwal's allegations. He stated that a final report (FR) has not yet been filed in the case where Beniwal deposited his weapons, meaning the case is not fully concluded. Therefore, his weapons have not been returned.
Togas further explained that when Beniwal applied to renew his weapons license, he concealed information about another case registered in Jaipur. This led to the license renewal process being halted.
Togas also clarified that Beniwal's security is limited to the Nagaur district, not the entire state or country. He stated that providing security is the government's prerogative; the police merely follow orders.
Political Motivation Behind Security Reduction?
Beniwal recently raised a crucial question: "If I am attacked, who will be responsible?" This followed the removal of his commando security and their replacement with guards lacking modern weapons.
This issue transcends mere security; it appears connected to the political climate, especially with Lok Sabha elections underway in Rajasthan and across the country. Beniwal claims that intelligence agencies previously assessed threats to his life, justifying his security detail. However, following the change in government, his security has been reduced.
He further alleges that the government is deliberately weakening him to hinder his effective participation in the elections. He directly questioned: "Why was my security reduced? Is this a political conspiracy?" This question is significant given his role as national convener of the RLSP and his growing influence in state politics.
Political analysts believe that reducing security can be a tactic to pressure leaders, particularly during elections, influencing public perception.
Beniwal's Weapons Held at Police Station for 11 Years – Still Unreturned
Beniwal recently revealed that he has been without personal weapons for 11 years due to his licensed firearms being deposited at the police station. He explained that following a case registered in 2014, he surrendered his pistol and rifle. A final report (FR) was filed in 2017, concluding the police investigation.
Despite this, Beniwal's weapons remain unreturned. He has repeatedly requested their return from the administration but received no concrete response. Now, lacking personal weapons and with his government-provided guards lacking modern weaponry, his concern is amplified. He questions how security is possible without weapons when threats to his life have been repeatedly reported.
Beniwal's Question – Who is Responsible?
Beniwal posed a critical question to the government: who will be held responsible if his life is threatened? He argues this isn't a personal matter but a question of democratic governance. If a public representative's security is neglected, what will become of the security of ordinary citizens?
Beniwal also noted that given intelligence agencies' warnings of threats to his life, the government should have increased his security, not reduced it. His question highlights the larger issue: if a leader's security is compromised, how can the safety of ordinary citizens be ensured?
