MK Stalin Security Cover Downgraded from Z+ to Z Category in Chennai

The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday scaled down the security cover of former Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin from "Z+" to "Z" category, reducing the deployment at his Cenotaph Road residence in Alwarpet, Chennai.

The decision, taken by the Tamil Nadu Police's Core Cell Security Wing following a bi-annual security assessment, stripped Stalin of his round-the-clock "Core Cell" protection. The revision reduced his overall security strength from 54 to 34 personnel, cutting down the number of commandos and static guards stationed at his residence.

The periodic assessment was conducted during a high-level review meeting attended by Chief Secretary Sai Kumar, Home Secretary K Manivasan, Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, Inspector General of Police Asra Garg, and other senior officials. Security arrangements for VIPs and VVIPs are assessed during these routine reviews held once every six months.

Under the revised Z-category arrangement, Stalin will continue to receive a coordinated convoy system alongside his dedicated Personal Security Officer. The protection detail is structured into teams managing the convoy's front, core, and rear zones. The setup includes pilot and escort vehicles running ahead of the protectee, a main vehicle, a backup vehicle, and trailing vehicles carrying close-protection personnel and armed escorts.

Officials stated that the revision followed a thorough assessment of threat levels and protection requirements, maintaining that the change was based purely on standard reassessment procedures rather than political considerations.

However, the move has sparked political reactions across the state. Opposition leaders criticised the administration led by Chief Minister Vijay, alleging political vendetta behind the reduction. In response, supporters of the government maintained that security allocations must strictly reflect assessed threat perceptions rather than political stature.