In a troubling development, questions are being raised regarding the absence of 'Y' security personnel during the fatal shooting of former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique in Bandra on Saturday night. Siddique, who was under the protection of 'Y' category security, was shot by two assailants believed to be members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Despite having a security detail, the personnel failed to intervene or respond when the attack took place.

The responsibility of capturing the two shooters fell to the Mumbai Police, who managed to apprehend them. The security personnel, assigned by the central government, were notably absent during the critical moment, raising concerns about their effectiveness and reliability in protecting high-profile individuals like Siddique.

This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in Bandra. In April, when members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang targeted Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence, his 'Y' category security was also missing. The attackers were chased off by the building's watchman, leaving many to wonder how the shooters were aware of the security personnel?s absence on both occasions.

What is 'Y' Category Security?

'Y' category security cover includes a team of 8 to 11 personnel, including commandos. Typically, five personnel, including one commander and four constables, are stationed at the protectee's residence, while three armed Personal Security Officers (PSOs) are assigned to accompany the individual on a rotation basis across three shifts. This security detail is meant to offer round-the-clock protection, but in these two high-profile cases, the absence of security during critical moments has sparked significant concern.

The absence of security raises pressing questions about the adequacy and reliability of 'Y' category protection, especially for those facing potential threats from organized crime networks like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.