Jaisalmer: The state govt Friday reduced the security cover of Independent MLA from Sheo, Ravindra Singh Bhati, withdrawing three of his four personal security officers (PSOs) and leaving him with only one gunman.The order, issued by the Barmer superintendent of police on April 13, cited intelligence inputs and state policy governing security for legislators. It stated that under govt rules, every MLA and MP is entitled to only one PSO, leading to the withdrawal of Bhati’s additional security personnel.The move came a day after Bhati joined the Oran Bachao protest in Jaipur, prompting political speculation. Bhati alleged the order was issued in back date and described it as a “side effect” of the protest, accusing the Bhajan Lal Sharma govt of adopting pressure tactics against him.Bhati, who has frequently attacked the Sharma govt in the state assembly over pasture land, Oran land, solar companies and an extortion case involving a Kishangarh trader, had been given enhanced security during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections after he received death threats.According to the SP’s order, all additional PSOs and guards deployed with Bhati, except constable Jalam Singh, were withdrawn immediately and ordered to report to the police line in Barmer Friday. The order referred to communications from the additional director general of police (Intelligence), Rajasthan, dated April 10, and a home department order dated April 7.
