Lalit Modi and family live under threat

Lalit Modi, chairperson of the Indian Premier League, and his family face a threat to their lives. Following an intelligence input, a round-the-clock security cover has been provided to Modi and his family. Modi, who is in South Africa with wife Minal and son Ruchir, however, is unaware of any such development. WHERE? No security outside the bungalow where Modi and his family stay. PIC/NIMESH DAVEI have no idea about the security cover you are talking about, Modi told MiD DAY. Speaking to MiD DAY from South Africa, Modi said, I came to South Africa 10 days ago and will remain here till the IPL matches get over. But Zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police Niket Kaushik confirmed that Modi and his family have been provided with security cover. Modi will have a 'non-category' security, which includes round-the-clock armed policeman with 9mm pistols and an armed policeman each guarding his wife and son for 12 hours during the day. This was confirmed by a senior IPS official. Armed cops will also be deployed at Modi's bungalow in Juhu. However, on Wednesday, when MiD DAY visited the bungalow in Juhu, no policemen were seen at the spot. It was guarded by private security guards. ReasonsSources from the protection branch said this is the first time they have received a request to provide security for Modi. He was never under any security cover before nor complained of any threat.The IPL was shifted from India to South Africa. According to sources, those who were likely to benefit from the IPL in India may now be gunning for Modi's blood. The tournament was rescheduled and moved out of India because the dates of the upcoming general elections were clashing with that of the tournament. The organisers failed to get any assurance from the government on security cover for the IPL in India, after the attack on Sri Lankan cricket team outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 3. According to Kaushik, Modi, being the u00a0face of the IPL, may be a target. Hence, it was u00a0decided to provide him with security.