MYSORE: The family of Abdul Kareem, father of slain sub-inspector of police Shakeel Ahmed, has objected to the State Government's recent decision to withdraw security cover provided to him for the past five years.

The family perceives a threat to the life of Mr. Kareem owing to his anti-clemency campaign against the associates of Veerappan who have been sentenced to death.

"The threat perception to my father remains as real as ever, particularly in view of the anti-clemency campaign," Jameel Ahmed, son of Mr Kareem told The Hindu.

Mr. Kareem had been provided with security in view of the threat to his life after he started a legal battle against the release of TADA detenues when Veerappan abducted actor Rajkumar in 2000.

"My father was orally informed by the police recently that the security cover given to him will be withdrawn in the next few days. Apparently, the orders have come from the Vidhana Soudha," Mr. Ahmed said. "We will take up the matter at the appropriate forum and ensure that the security cover is restored," he added.

Even after Veerappan's killing in October 2004, Mr. Kareem opposed Presidential pardon to the associates of the bandit who are facing the gallows. "If the forces, who are opposed to my father's anti-clemency campaign, choose to retaliate, which is quite likely, the consequences of the withdrawal of security cover will be terrible," Mr. Ahmed said.

The family of Mr. Kareem is expected to request the authorities concerned to scale up security for the octogenarian. "Only one policeman, in plainclothes, armed with a pistol has been deployed for the security of my father," Mr. Ahmed said. Meanwhile, it is learnt that the State Government's decision to withdraw security to Mr. Kareem coincided with the withdrawal of security cover to Ministers in the Dharam Singh Government.

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