Controversial BJP MLA Sangeet Som, an accused in Muzaffarnagar riots, has been accorded Z category security by the Centre, a move that came under scathing attack from Opposition which termed it as a "license for killing" and a cruel joke with the victims. Based on intelligence inputs that Som, MLA from Sardhana in western Uttar Pradesh, could be targeted by extremist elements, the Union Home Ministry decided to bring him under the security umbrella of the commandos of the central paramilitary force CRPF."We have received a letter from the Centre regarding upgradation of Som's security to Z category," Uttar Pradesh's IG (Law and Order) Amrendra Singh Sengar said in Lucknow. The letter has been forwarded to the agency concerned, Singh added. Sources in Delhi said Home Minister Rajnath Singh gave the nod to the proposal after he was convinced that Som faced serious threat to his life. The BJP defended the move, saying the decision to provide security is taken based on "sufficient evidence" from intelligence sources and not on "whims and fancies". Stressing that the decision is taken based on assessment of "threat" by intelligence agencies like IB, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said, "Many Congress leaders have also been accorded security. It is the duty of the government to protect those people who are indeed in danger." br br The ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh said the decision had once again proved the difference between what the BJP government preaches and what it practises. Som would be secured by armed CRPF commandos during his travel in the state of Uttar Pradesh, sources said. According to existing protocols, a 'Z' category protectee is guarded by a posse of 14 commandos at a given time. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), of late, has been asked to provide armed security cover to a number of VVIPs including the new BJP President Amit Shah.