The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has flagged alleged violations of security protocols by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, official sources said on Thursday. The CRPF provides Gandhi with the highest category ‘Z-plus (ASL)’ VIP protection, involving a team of around 10–12 armed commandos who maintain proximate security during his movements.
According to sources, the CRPF’s VIP security wing sent a letter on Wednesday to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, citing instances of “unscheduled movements without intimation” by Gandhi during his domestic visits and before he left for abroad. A copy of the letter was also sent to Gandhi’s office.
The force emphasised that unannounced movements pose a risk to the protectee and that stipulated guidelines must be followed mandatorily by Gandhi and his staff. The CRPF also reiterated that the protectee must keep its security wing in the loop at all times, as per the central ‘yellow book’ guidelines for VIP security.
Sources said such communications are “routine” and have been sent in the past regarding Gandhi’s movements.
Congress Raises Questions Over Timing
The Congress party, however, questioned the timing of the communication, suggesting it could be an attempt to intimidate Gandhi after his remarks on alleged election irregularities.
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Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera wrote on X, “The timing of the CRPF’s letter and its instant public release raises disturbing questions. It comes just as Shri Rahul Gandhi is leading the charge against the BJP’s Vote Chori carried out with the Election Commission’s complicity. Is this a veiled attempt to intimidate the Leader of Opposition, who has already announced another imminent disclosure? Is the government rattled by the truth he is about to reveal?” Gandhi has reiterated his allegations of “vote theft” by the ruling BJP and said that he has already provided evidence of it and will present more “explosive proof” in the future.
The VIP security cover under the central protection system begins with Z-plus (ASL), followed by Z-plus, Z, Y, Y-plus, and X categories.
