The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday told a trial court that it had not been able to arrest former Member of Parliament and an accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots Sajjan Kumar because the agency was unable to 'locate' him.

The trial court, which expected the CBI to produce Sajjan Kumar before it on Tuesday, berated the investigating agency for giving it 'lame excuses'.

On Wednesday, however, the Delhi Police confirmed to Newsline that Sajjan Kumar continues to be provided Z+ security by the government, which would mean he is under a 24-hour security blanket and is accompanied by seven to eight police personnel at any given time.

Special Commissioner of Delhi Police (Security) Ranjit Narayan said: "Sajjan Kumar is presently protected by the Delhi Police under the Z+ category."

Sources in the police force said the Z+ security cover for Kumar had not been suspended and that it was "very unlikely the police would not know where he was".

Despite non-bailable warrants against Kumar, the CBI has so far not been able to produce him and others in court in two separate cases of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The CBI told the court on Tuesday that it had raided Kumar's house but found he had absconded.

CBI spokesperson Harsh Bhal said, "The CBI tried to find him three or four times but he is untraceable."

The Z+ cover  the highest security given to a person  is recommended directly by the Home Ministry. The ministry decides the level of security after assessing inputs from the Intelligence Bureau and other security agencies on the danger to the person's life.

Sources said those under the Z+ security are constantly monitored by the police. An officer said: "We monitor the person round the clock and need to know what his movements are to ensure he is safe." He added: "The Delhi Police has to know where the protected person is going or coming from."

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