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Josy Joseph in New Delhi
Tehelka managing editor Tarun Tejpal has been given Z-category security.
The Union home ministry provided the security cover to Tejpal after intelligence agencies reported serious threats to his life in the wake of the defence scandal exposed by his Web site.
Intelligence agency officers whom rediff.com contacted were unaware of any specific threat to Tejpal. But they pointed out that the immediate need to put him under the highest category of security was the coming assembly elections in five states. The government would not like to take a risk as any attempt on him would have an adverse impact on the ruling party, a senior official said.
Tejpal said the security had been provided "unilaterally" and he had not asked for it. He also said he had not received any threats.
"It is a little disconcerting," he admitted, when asked if the security cover was becoming an intrusion on his personal life.
Ever since the Tehelka expose, there have been several speculative intelligence reports about the possible links of the Web site's management and journalists with dubious people, possible threats to them, and numerous investigations into the site. In fact, intelligence sleuths have been trying to dig up dirt on the Tehelka journalists and establish their links with some vested interests, including the Hinduja brothers.
So far, however, the government and its agents have not been able to unearth any concrete proof of Tehelka's alleged dubious links.
The same intelligence agencies have now alerted the Union government that Tejpal could be the target of some anti-national elements out to gain political mileage from the episode and create instability.
Z is the highest category of security and is usually provided to the prime minister, leader of the Opposition and a few other individuals.
"They told me I have been placed under a specific security category and sent the men over," Tejpal said. He was reluctant to discuss other aspects of the cover.
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