PRAYAGRAJ, May 31 -- The Prayagraj police administration is preparing to crack down on 17 individuals who collectively owe over Rs.70 lakh in unpaid dues for government-provided security 'gunner' services. Authorities noted that many defaulters treat the protection as a status symbol rather than a necessity. Despite being issued four notices, these individuals who include prominent businessmen, doctors, former public representatives, ruling party leaders and individuals with criminal backgrounds, have failed to clear their payments. This has prompted authorities to initiate recovery proceedings and consider withdrawing the security cover entirely. The list of defaulters, accessed through a recent RTI query, revealed that the highest dues are pending against Dr Arpit Bansal (Rs.9.40 lakh) and his mother, Dr Vandana Bansal (Rs.8.77 lakh). Others with significant outstanding amounts include BJP leaders Nirmala Paswan, Ashok Bajpai, Jamuna Prasad Saroj, Jitendra Tiwari alias Jitendranand and Dr Usha Tandon. Also on the list is Mohammad Zaid Khalid, a close associate of mafia don Atiq Ahmed, who owes about Rs.1.79 lakh. Khalid was granted security in 2018 following a dispute linked to Ahmed, who was then lodged in Deoria Jail, and was later externed from the district over his alleged involvement in criminal activities. Police officials commented that many people seek government security personnel to project influence, even though such protection is meant only for those facing credible threats to their lives. The lack of action against defaulters had previously drawn scrutiny....