Chennai: Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam was on Sunday provided with ‘Y’ category security by the Union home ministry. The move follows a delegation of leaders owing allegiance to the rebel AIADMK leader meeting the Union home minister Rajnath Singh demanding Central security cover for him.

Sources in the home ministry said Mr Panneerselvam will get ‘Y’ security cover, which will be provided by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The Y category entails 11 personnel standing guard and also includes two Personal Security Officers (PSOs).

The sources said the security cover was provided after an assessment by the agencies concerned on the threat to the Panneerselvam, who led the rebellion against Sasikala, currently has only one PSO from the Tamil Nadu police.

The move by the Home Ministry comes weeks after a delegation by AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP V.Maitreyan met Mr Singh and demanded that Panneerselvam be given security since he faces threats to his life after he rebelled against the ruling AIADMK leadership. Central security cover is provided depending on the level of threat to the person and they are classified into four main levels — X, Y, Z and Z+ category.