NEW DELHI: Arvind Kejriwal may deny that he accepted ‘Z’ category security from Delhi Police, but cops doing duty outside his Tilak Lane flat tell a different story. Police sources said, in keeping with Kejriwal’s security category, 22 personnel have been deputed to protect him.

Contrary to the Aam Aadmi Party leader’s claims on VIP security culture, he has not protested against the security cover ever since an intelligence alert on January 19 said Indian Mujahideen may try to abduct him for securing the release of Yasin Bhatkal.

Delhi Police officers said there was a high threat perception on Kejriwal and the force “can’t take the risk of anything happening to him in the capital”.

TOI spoke to several officers to learn about Kejriwal's security cover since he became Delhi chief minister on December 28, 2013. Initially, officials say, Kejriwal was approached with several written and verbal requests by senior officers on accepting the security cover. Delhi cops also held meetings with Uttar Pradesh police regarding Kejriwal's security when he was staying in Kaushambi, Ghaziabad.

Since then, 22 personnel have been posted with Kejriwal. Although he doesn't allow the PSOs to sit in the car with him, four-five cops trail his WagonR in an escort vehicle. Four officers are posted around him round-the-clock in eight-hour shifts while the same number of officers do duty outside his residence. Not only that, traffic and local police are also informed whenever Kejriwal has a programme or when a crowd gathers at his residence.

For around two months, Inspector Dinesh Kumar from Delhi Police security wing, was seen alongside Kejriwal most of the time in TV visuals and newspaper pictures. Officials say that it was Kumar who forcibly took Kejriwal to a safe place when there was a stampede-like situation during the 'janta durbar' held outside Delhi secretariat when he was the CM. Kumar also secured Kejriwal through the night when the leader slept outside Rail Bhawan during his protest for control over Delhi Police.

If sources are to be believed, Kejriwal asked Kumar to stay away as the officer was being frequently seen in the media with the AAP leader. But the cop is believed to have told Kejriwal that he was only "doing his duty".

Delhi Police officials say it is difficult for them to secure Kejriwal because he doesn't share his programmes and timings with them but they have so far tried to ensure that no unknown element comes close to him. "He needs this security," said J K Sharma, special commissioner of police (security).

Terming as baseless claims that he was getting Z category security , Kejriwal recently tweeted, "I have always maintained that God is my biggest security."

AAP has also accused the Union home ministry and police of orchestrating a 'motivated campaign' on the matter ahead of elections. "The real intention behind this motivated campaign appears to be highly suspect. By giving credence to unsubstantiated news reports, MHA and Delhi Police only appear to be encouraging unwanted elements to take advantage of the situation at this delicate timing when the Lok Sabha election campaign is underway," said an AAP statement. AAP also accused the media of running a "mischievous campaign and false stories against Kejriwal to malign the party".