Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Haryana Security Figures Renew Questions Over Punjab’s VIP Protection Costs
Haryana has shared new information about police officers protecting people who were threatened by gangsters.
Since January 2025, 691 officers have guarded 396 people.
The report says this security was provided because of threats.
The information has led to questions about police protection in neighbouring Punjab.
People want to know who receives protection there and why.
They also want to know how many officers are assigned to these duties.
Another question is how much this protection costs taxpayers each year.
Haryana’s chief minister said extortion cases rose by 17 percent, from 253 to 296 during the periods compared.
Haryana disclosed that 691 police personnel have provided security to 396 people since January 2025.
The protected individuals reportedly received threats from gangsters.
The figures have renewed questions about the number of high-profile people receiving publicly funded protection in Punjab.
The report also questions how many Punjab police personnel are diverted to security duties and the annual cost to the state exchequer.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said extortion cases increased 17 percent, reaching 296 by July 2026 compared with 253 during the same period in 2025.
- Who
- Haryana police personnel protected 396 people, while Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini reported the extortion figures.
- What
- Haryana disclosed the scale of police protection provided since January 2025, prompting questions about publicly funded VIP security in Punjab.
- When
- The security figures cover the period since January 2025; extortion figures compare periods through July 2026 and July 2025.
- Where
- The disclosure concerns Haryana and raises related questions about Punjab.
- Why
- The protected individuals reportedly faced threats from gangsters amid concern over organised crime and extortion.
- Police personnel involved
- 691
- People receiving protection
- 396
- Security period
- Since January 2025
- Reason for protection
- Threats from gangsters
- Extortion cases through July 2026
- 296
- Extortion cases during corresponding 2025 period
- 253
- Reported increase
- 17 percent