Mumbai Police denies reports of reduced security for Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and other celebrities
Initial reports claimed that around 25 entertainment icons were downgraded on the squad's list in a move aimed at conserving manpower.
The Mumbai Police on Friday took to Twitter to refute claims that security for several Bollywood actors, including Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, had been reduced. The Indian Express had reported that the list of around 40 celebrities who had Mumbai Police security was reduced to around 15.
Shah Rukh Khan had received extra security since his 2010 film My Name Is Khan. Aamir Khan was given extra security after outrage against his film PK and again after his remarks on intolerance in the country in November.
However, Aamir Khan tweeted that he endorses the police's decision to reduce his security cover. He said, "If and when the Mumbai Police feel the need to increase my security, they will."
Other Bollywood personalities who have reportedly been removed from the list are Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani, Farah Khan and producers Ali and Karim Morani. Celebrities who will continue to receive additional police security are Akshay Kumar, Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar, according to the report.
A police official had told The Indian Express the move was aimed at conserving manpower, as many officers are deputed to celebrities and often the move was unwarranted.