SRK, Salman Khan's security should be downgraded: Crime branch

The Mumbai crime branch has recommended downgrading thesecurity of some of Bollywood's bigwigs, including actorsShah Rukh Khanand Salman Khan, director Raju Hirani and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who recently were on gangster Ravi Pujari's hitlist.

The crime branch's recommendation has come based on a recent audit it conducted on the security cover provided to various important personalities in the city.

Last year, the agency had provided security cover to SRK, Aamir Khan and director Farah Khan after three men, who allegedly were members of Pujari's gang, fired three rounds outside producer Ali Morani's residence in Bandra.

The suggestion of downgrading the security of these celebrities has been sent to Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria. Only after he okays it can the security be downgraded. "The police commissioner is the final authority, he has to approve the recommendation made by the crime branch. If he thinks that the security cover of these celebrities should not be disturbed, it will be kept as is," said the officer.

According to the police, SRK, Salman and Aamir are provided with two police escorts and a vehicle, while Hirani, Farah and Chopra are given vehicles.

Recently, a large number of personalities fromBollywood and other fields received threats from Pujari, who defected from Chhota Rajan's gang and made extorting celebrities one of his main businesses. Last year, he had called up at the office of SRK's production company Red Chillies and left a threat message for the actor to not collaborate with Morani.

The crime branch achieved a major victory when it arrested 13 members of the Pujari gang before the gangster could target the celebrities. Later, he had shifted focus to Thane and Navi Mumbai and made threat calls to builders and politicians.

https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-shah-rukh-khan-salman-khan-s-security-should-be-downgraded-crime-branch-2094107