Not following security protocol: CRPF writes to Rahul Gandhi, Kharge over visits abroad

New Delhi: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has written a letter to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over alleged violation of security protocols by the leader of Opposition during his visits abroad, sources said.

In his letter on Wednesday, CRPF VVIP security chief Sunil June alleged Gandhi was not taking his security cover "seriously" as he was mostly travelling abroad "without informing anyone". The CRPF referred to Gandhi's tours to countries such as Italy (December 30 to January 9), Vietnam (March 12 to 17), UAE (Dubai) (April 17 to 23), Qatar (June 11 to 18), UK (June 25 to July 6), and Malaysia (September 4 to 8).

The Rae Bareli MP is violating the protocols mentioned in the Yellow Book of CRPF, the letter said, adding that Gandhi enjoys Z+ ASL security and is required to inform the CRPF 15 days before the foreign visits. The former Congress president currently enjoys Z+ category security with Advanced Security Liaison (ASL).