India Inc. beefs up security

Corporate India has decided to upgrade its security manifold. This was long overdue, especially after the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai where terrorists stormed two of the most prestigious hotels of the city — Taj and Oberoi.

As a result, many influential people and corporates — from the Mittals to the Ambani brothers to Mallya among others — are said to have doubled their security. An entourage of trained bodyguards always follow them. Most of these guards are trained in commando operations and possess the skills to counter terror attacks.

A source close to Vijay Mallya and his son Siddharth says on condition of anonymity, “The threat to life is huge now with terror operations getting more sophisticated. Entrepreneurs like Vijay Mallya and Siddharth are seen in public often, either at cricket matches or at events. So there is a lot of risk involved. An entourage over and above the provided security is always a boon.”

TV actor Ronit Roy, who runs a security agency, says, “After the 26/11 attacks, most people want their security to be doubled. They are also looking at specially trained people who are experts at terror operations.”

Chhaya Momaya, who is a very close friend of Nita Ambani, says, “Now the security guards are double the number of what they used to be earlier. From Nita to the Jindals and Mittals, everyone has hiked the numbers and they are specially trained to combat any sort of hostile situation including terror.”

Among the guards the South African and Iranian ones are a big hit among many society personalities.