Chief Election Commissioner Gets ‘Z’ Category Security Amidst Rising Threats
Chief Election Commissioner Gets 'Z' Category Security Amidst Rising Threats
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has been granted ‘Z’ category security in response to a report highlighting potential threats to his safety, reports India Today citing sources within the Union Home Ministry.
The decision to elevate Kumar’s security level was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs following an assessment from the Intelligence Bureau (IB), although the specifics of the threat assessment were not disclosed.
Under the ‘Z’ category security protocol, a comprehensive security detail comprising 33 personnel, including CRPF commandos, has been deployed to safeguard Kumar.
The security arrangements include 10 armed guards stationed at Kumar’s residence, along with six personal security officers providing round-the-clock protection. Furthermore, 12 armed commandos will accompany him during his travels, with additional standby personnel and trained drivers to ensure his safety.
This move comes amidst heightened political tensions, particularly with opposition parties such as the Trinamool Congress voicing dissent against the Election Commission. The decision also coincides with preparations for the forthcoming seven-phase Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to commence on April 19.
Rajiv Kumar, a retired IAS officer from the 1984 batch, assumed office as the 25th Chief Election Commissioner on May 15, 2022, following his appointment as an election commissioner on September 1, 2020.
