CRPF to review Rahul Gandhi's security cover if he shifts to new location

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will hold a security review for disqualified Member of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, if he shifts to a new location. On Monday, the Lok Sabha housing committee gave a notice to the former Congress MP to vacate the government allotted bungalow. Gandhi enjoys Z-plus with ASL category security cover by the CRPF, which is deployed at his bungalow as well. The security review for VIPs to decide on the category of security, based on threat perception, is conducted by a panel headed by the Union home secretary at North Block.

According to officials, the government is not likely to downgrade the security cover but will be required to undertake the security review of the premises where the Congress MP will be shifting. CRPF provides static and mobile security to VIP protectees. Z-plus advanced security liaison (ASL) is the second highest level of protection after Special Protection Group (SPG) cover, only provided to prime ministers and their immediate family members and former prime ministers based on threat perception. It comprises as many as 50 security personnel, including NSG commandos.

In 2019, the government withdrew the SPG protection given to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, almost after three decades. The security cover was replaced by CRPF and amendments were brought to the SPG Act, which now allows the PM and members of his immediate family, and any former PM or to the members of his immediate family for a period of one year from the date on which the incumbent ceases to hold office, and beyond one year based on the level of threat.


Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is not an MP but still enjoys Z-plus category security cover. After the Bharat Jodo Yatra in December last year, CRPF has claimed that Rahul "violated" security protocols 113 times since 2020.