Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has been provided with a Z-category VIP security cover by the government due to potential threats against him, especially in light of the upcoming seven-phase general elections starting on April 19. This decision follows a threat perception report prepared by central security agencies, recommending a strong security cover for CEC Kumar.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has tasked the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) with deploying a contingent of around 40-45 armed commandos to ensure Kumar’s security. Currently, the CEC and two Election Commissioners are protected by a small armed security team from the Delhi Police, making this Z-category security cover a significant and rare development.
Former CECs have also had central security covers in the past, with this move aiming to provide Kumar with protection during his movements across the country, at his office in Delhi’s ‘Nirvachan Sadan,’ and at his residence. The categorization of VIP security covers ranges from Z+ being the highest to X.
CEC Rajiv Kumar, a retired IAS officer of the 1984 batch, assumed the role of the 25th CEC on May 15, 2022, after serving as an election commissioner since September 1, 2020.
Sources By Agencies
