Odisha downgrades Naveen Patnaik security from Z to Y

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has downgraded the security of former chief minister Naveen Patnaik from Z to Y category, an official said on Thursday. Most of the security personnel assigned to Patnaik have been withdrawn after a high-level committee dealing with security issues of important persons recommended the downgrade of the BJD chief's security, he said.

Patnaik would be assigned two constables of havildar rank, the official said. "Former CMs are provided with two PSOs. Additional security is provided as and when required," he said. As the leader of opposition, Patnaik will be provided with required security by local police when he goes on a tour outside the state, he said.